Former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed Vice President Kamala Harris recently stated X CEO Elon Musk has lost his “privileges” and X should be taken down. Kamala Harris: “He [Musk] has lost his privileges.” Can someone please explain to her that freedom of speech is a RIGHT, not a “privilege”? Kamala Harris: “There has to […]

'A bit of a break'

'She actually did pretty well'

Polling guru Nate Silver now puts the odds squarely in Donald Trump's favor.

The man was seen writhing and screaming in pain

The series has no official release date yet

'Walz has longstanding connections to CCP-connected entities'

Movies & TV The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power The Rings of Power Introduces Someone Who Is Fond of Parties in “Eldest” By Sylas K Barrett | Published on September 6, 2024 Credit: Amazon Studios Comment 0 Share New Share Credit: Amazon Studios Recap Elrond leads a party of five elves, including Galadriel, to Eregion. Sauron has destroyed a bridge they need to cross, and although Galadriel advises against it, Elrond decides to travel south into a dark wood. In Rhûn, the Stranger searches for Nori and Poppy. He meets Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear) and attempts to ask for directions. Encountering an old tree, he tries to take a branch for a staff and the tree absorbs him. Nori and Poppy wake somewhere in the wasteland. Running from their strange pursuers, they encounter Merimac (Gavi Singh Chera), a halfling called a Stoor who lives in the area. When Nori tells his village about her friend, the leader of the Stoor, Gundabe (Tanya Moodie) tells them that the only wizard in the area is the Dark Wizard. Bombadil rescues the Stranger from the tree. He says that the Stranger has proven that he is not yet worthy to wield a wizard’s staff. The Stranger realizes that he was meant to find Bombadil, and Bombadil tells him that it is the Stranger’s duty to face the Dark Wizard and Sauron, before the two can combine forces. Elrond’s party finds two dead messengers and realize that the warning from Gil-Galad never reached Celebrimbor. They are attacked by barrow-wights. Elrond discovers that only the weapons the wights were buried with can destroy them. Galadriel explains that Sauron is awakening evil across Middle-earth. The people of Theo’s village want to go to war against the Wild Men, but Arondir does not believe Theo was taken by men. Arondir realizes that Estrid is one of the Wild Men, sworn to Adar. Isildur and Arondir force Estrid to lead them to the other Wild Men.  They travel along a muddy swath of damaged forest. When Isildur and Arondir are sucked down under the mud, Estrid fetches a stick to try to help them, and then is attacked by a monster. Arondir cuts his way out of the creature’s belly, freeing himself and Isildur. Theo awakens in a cage, with other humans, located on the top of a tree. Gundabe and Nori discover that the harfoots were once part of Gundabe’s clan. Saddoc Burrow’s ancestor left with some followers to look for a green place for their people to live. But they never found it, and Nori tells Gundabe that they are still wandering, without a home. Gundabe hides Nori and Poppy from the Dark Wizard’s masked riders. Elrond’s party buries a fallen comrade. Galadriel tries to convince Elrond that her ring is guiding her, not deceiving her, and they discuss the duty of the elves to protect the fragile things of the world from evil. She asks him to promise to put the defeat of Sauron before all other things, and he agrees. Isildur forgives Estrid for her deception, but she fears that the villagers will cast her out. Their standoff is interrupted by the arrival of two ents, who came to help save the trees destroyed by the orc army, but were too late. Arondir promises to seek their forgiveness for the damage done, and to protect the trees of the wood. The trees set Theo and the other prisoners free. One of them is Estrid’s betrothed. Theo thanks Arondir for coming for him. Arondir declares his intention to find the orc army and confront Adar.  Elrond and his party discover the orcs marching on Eregion. Camnir (Calam Lynch) is hit by a stray arrow, and Galadriel uses her ring to heal him. She gives her ring to Elrond and leaves to distract the orc party. Elrond tells the others that she didn’t do it to protect them, but to protect the ring. Galadriel fights the orcs, but is defeated and captured when Adar arrives. He greets her in her own tongue. Commentary Credit: Amazon Studios Is it just me, or do the opening credits of Rings of Power look a lot like those sped-up videos of ants you get in nature documentaries?  I mentioned this in a review last season, but it continues to be disappointing that the opening credits also look (and sound) so much like the opening of The Wheel of Time, except that The Wheel of Time’s opening is much more beautiful and better executed, not to mention being thematically more connected to the show itself. This comparison is indicative of the main problem with Rings of Power as a whole—it fails to be anything original, but also fails to live up to the source material, or to the films that came before it. I was very interested in the scene with the barrow-wights for this reason. It’s not certain that these wights are the same ones that are encountered by Frodo and his friends when they flee Hobbiton, but they are in the right area of the world so they certainly could be. Watching, I at first found myself feeling very hypocritical since I didn’t like how they were different from the way they were in The Fellowship of the Ring. But eventually I realized that it wasn’t the fact that the barrow-wights were changed that was the problem, but how they were changed. In the books, the wights are more creepy, unseen, and seductive. What is terrifying about them is in the power they have over the hobbits’ minds, the power to bewitch and draw them in and bury them alive under the earth. And I think that kind of atmosphere would have been equally effective if encountered by Elrond and Galadriel in their travels to Lindon. The zombie-like nature of the wights in this episode doesn’t add anything to the story. Not everything should be horror-movie jumpscares and shrieking, and making everything the same that way just means that the tone of the show becomes flat. After orcs and giant spiders (which I am already accustomed to from the films) these flying-zombies didn’t really make an impression, although I did think the visuals were pretty good.  The barrow-wights were a neat concept to bring into the show, something that wasn’t used in the films and which had a lot of potential to be unique and different. In the books, the barrow-wights were one of the first threats Frodo and the other hobbits encountered when they left home. Though a formidable threat, they were a lesser one than the dangers they would face in time to come—the danger scaled up as the story progressed, and as our heroes grew stronger and more capable of facing them. As both Galadriel and Arondir point out, the monsters that we have been encountering in this season—the giant spiders, the mud-creature that eats Isildur, and the wights—show that Sauron’s growing power is awakening evil that was dead or slumbering until recently. What we are learning in this season, what we are supposed to be learning, anyway, is that the elves are emerging into a world that is different from the peaceful one they have known since Morgoth’s defeat. The wights could have served the same thematic purpose here as they did in The Fellowship of the Ring, but the show misses the chance to offer a building sense of tone and scale. The Stranger’s encounter with the man-eating tree also runs parallel to the early adventures of Frodo and friends, and although it might come off as a little too wink-nudge to fans of the books, for those who have never read The Lord of the Rings it is tonally very different from the perils the Stranger has faced thus far, and adds nice little bit of mystery and suspense.   Unsurprisingly, the clumsy dialogue continues to be a problem in this episode, with the same kind of cliché lines and cyclical conversations we’ve come to expect. This is particularly frustrating in the scenes between Elrond and Galadriel, and you can see Clark and Aramayo struggling to act through them. The conflict between Elrond and Galadriel has already been well-established in the previous episodes, but they still have several conversations in episode four, rehashing the same argument without making any progress, as though the writers are afraid the viewers will forget what their conflict is? But what is interesting—perhaps perplexing is a better word—about episode four in comparison to the three that came before it is that this time, it feels as though the show intends for the viewer to trust Galadriel’s instincts over Elrond’s. The scenes between them are framed to bring our focus onto Galadriel’s expressions and to center her words, while in the previous episodes the reverse was true. Of course the story should center different characters’ point-of-view at different times, but this particular switch lacked clarity. Which is incredibly frustrating because this conflict, this question, is a fascinating one to explore. In season one we had Elrond and Durin IV’s conflict over the mining of the mithril and whether or not the dwarves will help the elves, and it was by far the most interesting and well-executed part of the show. Elrond and Galadriel’s conflicting instincts towards the Elven rings, the fact that the fate of Middle-earth may hang on the answer to the question of who is right, is a great place to take the story. It also allows for their personal journey as friends to be as important to the story as whether or not they can defeat Sauron—just as Elrond and Durin IV’s friendship was in season one. All the potential is there and Aramayo and Clark could do something really beautiful, if given the chance. Embarrassingly, I have to acknowledge a silly mistake I made in last week’s review, when I predicted that the Stranger would heal the Halfling’s ancestral land and it would become Hobbiton. The land Rhûn is, of course, north of Mordor and east of everything else, and very far from the area where Hobbiton and the Shire are/will be. I’m not sure why I forgot this, but on the other hand, the actual reveal about why the harfoots are wanderers is about as cliché as the one I predicted. Although Kavenagh’s performance did make me feel it in the moment. There are some other really good acting moments in this episode, and some details and scenes I really enjoyed. I was very happy to see Arondir back to fighting form, and for Córdova to be given real acting to do. The conversation with the ents was a bit clumsily written, but still enjoyable, and connected nicely with Arondir’s past both as a Greenwood elf and as a former prisoner of Adar’s. The fact that fate seems to be directing him Galadriel’s way again feels right, like how fate or chance or the Valar should work in this universe. Córdova’s delivery of his comedic line after Arondir defeats the mud monster was absolute perfection, and my favorite moment of the episode.The character of Merimac is very charming, and Poppy and Nori have some very good bits as well. Poppy’s crush on Merimac is incredibly cute, as was the way she threatened him to make him take them to his village. I especially enjoyed Nori and Poppy’s little exchange after being given the rules for talking to Gundabel, in which they admitted to each other that they weren’t really listening. Bombadil’s conversation with the Stranger about hearing a woman’s voice was also very funny, and the best part of Bombadil’s scenes. I really like Rory Kinnear as an actor, and he does a good job with what the script gives him, but I think most of the choices made around the character weren’t good ones; despite his explanation of who he is, Bombadil doesn’t feel any different than the wizards, nor does he look any different, nor does he behave very differently. Bombadil should feel strange, otherworldly, alien, to both the Stranger and to the viewers. This also might have been a great place to cast an actor of color. Despite having a good deal of diversity in the extras, few of the principal characters are played by people of color. Both the Dark Wizard and the Stranger are white, bearded men, and so is Bombadil. Gil-Galad is white, as are Elrond, and Galdriel and Durin III—all the most powerful people in this world are white, and most are male. It is impossible not to compare the casting of Rings of Power to The Wheel of Time, which does better in this respect, and to note the missed opportunity for Rings of Power to do better than the film trilogies did. Disa and Arondir are two of the best characters in the series, but although the stakes around Míriel’s story should be riveting, the script doesn’t know how to center it, and although Addai-Robinson’s performance itself is very powerful, the moments are too disconnected for it to be effective overall. I will say, however, that I am curious to see if Addai-Robinson might have more interesting things to do if her throne is indeed usurped, and I would enjoy it if both she and Lloyd Owen had something more complex to do. I’m also intrigued to see if and how Elrond and Arondir meet up, and to see more of how Hazeldine embodies Adar.Favorite Line: “There are nameless things in the deep places of this world. This one, we shall call supper.” —Arondir of the Greenwood Least favorite line: Tom Bombadil introducing himself like he’s James Bond?? We’ll return next week![end-mark] The post <i>The Rings of Power</i> Introduces Someone Who Is Fond of Parties in “Eldest” appeared first on Reactor.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has sided with major publishers in a case revolving around the Internet Archive’s e-book lending program, branded as a form of “piracy.” The National Emergency Library, NEL, started in March 2020 and was supposed to help those cut off from libraries just as the pandemic restrictions were starting to descend upon society. NEL was born out of an existing, similar program called the Open Library. The difference is that the Open Library treated ebooks like their physical counterparts, and limited the lending of scanned books to one person at a time, while NEL sought to be more “generous” and did away with this restriction. Now, the court’s decision is seen by some as a major blow to the non-profit that could also affect the internet as a whole. We obtained a copy of the opinion for you here. The copyright lawsuit was originally filed and won by Hatchet (along with HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, and Wiley), but here Internet Archive was hoping to overturn a previous district court ruling on appeal. However, the Circuit Court upheld that decision which declared book digitization a violation of copyright. The Internet Archive attempted to argue that the fair use rule from relevant law was applicable to the lending scheme it had in place. The district court judge, John G. Koeltl, saw no merit to this, saying the Internet Archive merely created derivative, rather than transformative works – the latter of which would have been covered by fair use. And the appellate court was not convinced. Other than publishers, some authors were also vocally opposed to NEL – pandemic or no pandemic. By May, the Internet Archive recognized “the error of its ways” and went back to the Open Library model. But it was too late, as the lawsuit came in June 2020. The Circuit Court’s decision has been predictably welcomed by the plaintiffs while causing disappointment among the supporters of the kind of practices carried out by the Internet Archive, and of course, the non-profit itself. “We are disappointed in today’s opinion about the Internet Archive’s digital lending of books that are available electronically elsewhere. We are reviewing the court’s opinion and will continue to defend the rights of libraries to own, lend, and preserve books,” the Internet Archive announced, at the same time urging supporters to sign an open letter to publishers, “asking them to restore access to the 500,000 books removed from our library.” If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Internet Archive Loses Appeal in Copyright Dispute Over Ebook Lending appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

As summer ends, it’s time to enjoy the few remaining warm days. Special traditions can help you celebrate the season's close. Whether you’re saying goodbye to sunny days or welcoming the new school season, these summer-ending traditions offer delightful ways to create lasting memories. Below are 18 fun-filled activities to mark the close of summer. A vibrant pool party at dusk, with children splashing in the water and friends lounging by the poolside. The scene is filled with laughter, colorful floats, and a sky transitioning from bright blue to shades of pink and orange as the sun sets, symbolizing the final days of summer. Ready to enjoy these final summer days? Let’s dive into some unforgettable ways to celebrate! 1. Family Dinner on a Patio One of the simplest summer-ending traditions is a family dinner at a restaurant patio. The outdoor setting adds a summery vibe, making it a perfect way to bid farewell to the season. Additionally, the casual atmosphere allows everyone to relax and enjoy each other's company. 2. Final Pool Party Hosting the summer’s final pool party with friends is a popular choice. Whether it’s a private pool or a community one, this is a wonderful way to enjoy one last splash before cooler weather sets in. For tips on summer safety, check out the EPA's guide. Plus, a pool party is a great way to cool off before saying goodbye to the heat of summer. 3. Late-Night Pool Swim with Pizza Take the pool party up a notch with a late-night swim and pizza. There’s something magical about a warm summer evening, especially when it’s one of the last of the season. This tradition combines relaxation and fun. Furthermore, enjoying pizza by the pool under the stars feels both indulgent and festive. 4. Outdoor Movie Night An outdoor movie night is another excellent summer-ending tradition, as you can enjoy the warm weather outdoors. Set up a projector in the backyard and watch a family favorite under the stars. As the evenings grow shorter, this activity perfectly captures the essence of a summer night. Moreover, watching a movie outdoors with friends and family can evoke a feeling of nostalgia as you grow older. Looking for more ways to make your summer picnics unforgettable? 5. Last Day of Summer Picnic Nothing says summer like a picnic. Pack a basket with your favorite snacks and drinks and head to a local park for a relaxing end-of-summer picnic. It’s an easy way to celebrate the season with your loved ones. As such, a simple picnic becomes one of the simplest summer-ending traditions to enjoy. A picnic also lets you enjoy the outdoors one last time before fall arrives, so gather your friends and relatives and relish the fresh air with them as summer ends. 6. Beach Bonfire For those living near the beach, a bonfire is a fun tradition. Gather around the fire with family and friends, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the sound of lapping waves. For inspiration, learn how to make s'mores and try some creative combinations during your bonfire session. Undoubtedly, you’ll create lasting memories filled with warmth and laughter. 7. Final Summer Camping Trip Take a final camping trip before the weather gets too cold. Camping is an excellent way to soak in the last of the summer’s warmth. It’s a classic summer-ending tradition. Always follow the National Park Service's camping guidelines to make the most of your trip. Many families make it a group event with matching shirts and planned activities. Camping provides an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and unwind before Fall sets in. Moreover, it’s a great way to bond with family and friends in a peaceful, natural setting. 8. Evening Splash Pad Visit Many splash pads turn off in September, so sneak in one last evening visit before they close. It’s a fun way to keep cool and extend the summer fun a little bit. Plus, it’s a great activity for families with young children who love to splash around. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy this refreshing experience one more time before the summer ends. 9. Summer Bucket List Week If you have a summer bucket list, dedicate the last week to completing unfinished items. It’s a great way to ensure you’ve productively spent the summer. Besides, there’s no better feeling than checking off the last item on your list. Doing this ensures that you close the summer on a high note. It also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you reflect on all the fun you’ve had all summer. 10. Visit the Water Park Once school starts, water parks become less crowded, making it the perfect time for a final visit. You can enjoy the slides and pools with shorter lines and more space. The cooler weather also makes the day more comfortable. So, you can enjoy the attractions without the usual summer crowds. 11. Host a S’mores Night Gather friends and family for a s’mores night. There’s nothing more summery than toasting marshmallows and creating delicious s’more combinations. It’s a sweet way to end the season. Moreover, it’s a favorite summer-ending tradition that’s easy to organize and requires minimal preparation. The simplicity of this tradition makes it accessible to everyone. So, gather around the fire and enjoy this treat together. 12. State or County Fair Visit Many state and county fairs take place towards the end of summer. As a fun summer-ending tradition, look for local events and enjoy rides, games, and fair food. Even better, supporting your local community is a wonderful way to end the summer. The vibrant atmosphere of a summer fair is the perfect setting to celebrate with loved ones. Take advantage of this opportunity to make the most of the season's final days. 13. Big Water Balloon Fight Organize a big water balloon fight with friends. It’s a fun and active way to cool down and say goodbye to summer with a splash. This energetic activity is a summer-ending tradition that kids and adults alike will love. Besides, it’s a great way to burn off excess energy before the new school year begins. The competitive spirit of a water balloon fight adds excitement to this tradition. Gather your friends and family for an epic water battle. 14. Slip ‘n Slide on a Hill Set up a slip-and-slide on a big hill for a thrilling summer-ending activity that’ll be a hit with kids. It’s also an exciting, memorable way to maximize the remaining warm days. Additionally, it’s an affordable and easy way to bring joy to any outdoor gathering. The natural slope of the hill adds speed and fun to the sliding experience. Furthermore, it’s a great way to keep cool and active during the last days of summer. 15. Ice Cream Outing Take a trip to your favorite ice cream shop. Some families bookend the summer with an ice cream run at the beginning and end of the season. It’s a sweet tradition that everyone looks forward to, as who doesn’t love a cool treat on a warm day? This tradition is a simple yet effective way to create happy memories. So, indulge in your favorite flavors and enjoy this way to close out the season. 16. Host a Read-a-Thon , aA read-a-thon is an interesting summer-ending activity with family members and neighbors. Find a comfortable outdoor spot and invite everyone to spend the day immersed in books. This quiet and reflective activity is a perfect summer-ending tradition for book lovers. It’s a great way to encourage a love of reading in children. A read-a-thon also provides a peaceful break from the hustle of summer. Grab your favorite books and settle in for a day of literary enjoyment. 17. End of Summer Tea Party An end-of-summer tea party is a charming way to celebrate the season’s end. Set it up outdoors and enjoy tea and treats. This elegant gathering is a delightful summer-ending tradition that’s also a great excuse to dress up and enjoy time together. The gentle ambiance of a tea party provides a perfect setting for meaningful conversations. So, gather your loved ones for a relaxing and refined celebration. 18. Reflect and Plan Finally, take a moment to reflect on the summer's highlights and plan for the upcoming seasons. This tradition helps you cherish memories and look forward to new experiences. It’s also an important summer-ending tradition for personal growth and reflection. Additionally, it provides a sense of closure and anticipation for what’s to come. As you reflect, consider what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. Use these insights to set goals for the next season. Finally, take this opportunity to appreciate the past and prepare for the future with a positive outlook. Enjoy Summer-Ending Traditions As the season comes to a close, embracing summer-ending traditions allows you to savor every last moment of warmth and sunshine. These activities help you create lasting memories with loved ones and provide an excellent way to transition into the cooler months. Whether you’re enjoying a final splash in the pool, roasting marshmallows by a beach bonfire, or simply reflecting on the season’s highlights, these end-of-summer traditions will leave you with a heart full of gratitude and joy for the memories made. Make the most of these final days of summer to celebrate meaningfully with friends and family. Ultimately, these traditions will help you bid farewell to the season with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for Autumn’s arrival. PS: We’d love to hear how you’re celebrating the end of summer! Share your favorite traditions, stories, and photos with us—we can’t wait to see how you’re making the most of these last warm days!