News Star Wars X-Men: Dark Phoenix Writer Simon Kinberg Is Developing a Trilogy of Star Wars Films Somehow, the Skywalkers might return By Molly Templeton | Published on November 7, 2024 Comment 0 Share New Share Yes, that’s right: It’s time to add a new name to the long list of writers and directors who are developing Star Wars movies. But this one stands a pretty good chance of getting out of the Star Wars limbo that seems to have swallowed the likes of Rian Johnson and Taika Waititi: Deadline reports that Simon Kinberg is developing a trilogy for Lucasfilm. He will write the films, and produce them alongside Kathleen Kennedy. This is decidedly mixed news. Kinberg is one of the people behind one of the very best Star Wars projects: Star Wars Rebels, which he created with Carrie Beck and Dave Filoni. But he is also the man who wrote not one but two unfortunate Dark Phoenix movies (not to mention xXx: State of the Union). He’s also produced a whole string of SFF hits, from Logan to The Martian. And then there’s the usual big Star Wars question: What, and who, will these movies be about? The answer is unclear; Deadline’s Mike Fleming Jr. writes, “I heard this will comprise episodes 10-12 of The Skywalker Saga that began with George Lucas’s 1977 first film that along with Steven Spielberg’s Jaws reshaped the global blockbuster game. Insiders disputed my intel that Kinberg will continue that storyline, saying this will instead begin a new saga.” Do you feel like we’ve heard this before? I feel like we’ve heard this before—the perpetual “new Star Wars story!” promise that then turns into the return of the Skywalkers, who have done a lot for the galaxy and really ought to be allowed to rest. Kingberg is a busy man, as Deadline notes; he is also producing Edgar Wright’s The Running Man and is set to produce the Toby Haynes/Seth Grahame-Smith Star Trek movie. No timeline has been announced for his Star Wars trilogy; as usual, neither Lucasfilm nor Disney would tell Deadline anything.[end-mark] The post <i>X-Men: Dark Phoenix</i> Writer Simon Kinberg Is Developing a Trilogy of Star Wars Films appeared first on Reactor.

Books short fiction Five SFF Stories Featuring Mother-Daughter Relationships Stories of conflict and sacrifice, but also love, healing, and unbreakable bonds. By Ratika Deshpande | Published on November 7, 2024 “Nurse Reading to a Little Girl” by Mary Cassatt (1895) Comment 0 Share New Share “Nurse Reading to a Little Girl” by Mary Cassatt (1895) Out of all people in the world, I’m most attached to my mother. Yet it can sometimes be hard to find stories where mothers and daughters are on good terms. Fairy tales often do away with parents altogether or make them—especially mothers—evil. When both mother and daughter do come together, there’s generally something wrong, or some distance between them. But recently, to my delight, I’m seeing writers portraying healthier, more wholesome interactions between mothers and daughters. Conflicts still take place, but not everything is doomed. Here are some of my favorites… “The Staircase to the Moon” by M.K. Hutchins Earth goddesses are destined to die so that their daughters can take their place and serve their people, until their daughters can take up the role. Their death is a form of service too, for their bodies turn to clay and stray, which the priests make into bricks to build walls, roads, and aqueducts. It is a daughter’s responsibility to make good use of her mother’s sacrifice, and in turn sacrifice herself when the time comes. But what if there are other ways of serving? What if one can break this cycle and still be useful? “Benni and Shiya Are Leaving” by Jerri Jerreat The school where Shiya’s been working as a teacher no longer requires a big staff, so Shiya has to look for work elsewhere, away from the family-like community where she’s been building a life as a single mother with her child Benni. How will the two navigate another community, located not in a city but in a small town, where things work quite differently and everyone already knows everyone else?  “Only Kings and Doves” by M.S. Dean When our narrator was savagely bitten by a dog and her refugee mother went to the apothecarist, the latter refused to help, instead trying to sell her medicines at an inflated price. So the mother, who had been a surgeon-scholar in Oxos, their homeland, took matters into her own hands. It took her several days, but by the end of it, our narrator could walk again. When they went to the apothecarist for medicines to help rebuild her strength, he wasn’t pleased to see that the refugee had performed a surgery, disgusted by the “filth” and “barbarity” of the people of Oxos and their ways. Eventually, the knights come for the mother, taking her to the King’s Turrets. The king had destroyed Oxos to find the knowledge that would make him godlike, just like past rulers. He could make use of our narrator’s mother, who sends her daughter a letter, giving her instructions. Except that the letter is written in the language of the Oxos, which she never taught her daughter. How will she make sense of the message and do what is asked, especially now that the surgery’s after-effects are transforming the narrator into something strange and dangerous and out of her control? “Eat Cosmic Jello” by Emily C. Skaftun A shapeshifter experiments with several forms. When she becomes human, she adopts a daughter and tells her all about her home planet. On her deathbed, too, she insists that her daughter remember an old jingle about jello. The daughter is curious to know why the mother kept telling her the “lie” that she was a shapeshifter and what the truth really is. Skaftun presents a wonderful story about finally believing, understanding, and acceptance. “The World Away From the Rain” by Ella Menzies Where Keza lives, the world has already ended. The planet heated up, taking many lives with it. The rain fell, full of acid, scarring people like her mother, who still fears the littlest showers. And so Keza hasn’t been near the sea or out in the rain because her mother doesn’t want her to put herself at risk. But there are other people out in the rain. The turtles are out looking for plastic to eat because there’s none of it left in the ocean. Things are better than they were back when the rain scarred and the heat killed. Can Keza help her mother understand that? Can they both finally venture out into the natural world again, enjoying its rain and its beaches once again? [end-mark] The post Five SFF Stories Featuring Mother-Daughter Relationships appeared first on Reactor.

Want to create your own beautiful, natural holiday decorations? Come learn how to make a DIY dried orange garland in this step-by-step guide. They’re easy to make using either the oven or a dehydrator and only a handful of supplies. This sustainable craft project is one of my favorite winter holiday season traditions! Catching light like candied stained glass, dried orange garlands look absolutely stunning strung across a sunny window, glowing on a Christmas tree with lights, and more. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make one – along with several ideas for how to hang and decorate with them, tips for storage, and how to make them last. RELATED: Looking for more natural holiday decor ideas? Come learn how to make a fall leaf garland or DIY grapevine wreath! Our guide on how to dry orange slices also highlights other ways to use them: as Christmas ornaments, in stovetop potpourri, table centerpieces, wreaths, and more.Disclosure: Homestead and Chill is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Drying oranges in the oven vs dehydratorTo make a DIY dried orange garland, you can dry fresh orange slices in either an oven or a food dehydrator. Both options work great! The most notable difference is the final color, shown below. Or, you could buy already-dried orange slices to make a garland.Drying oranges in the oven is faster, but is easier to accidentally overcook or burn your oranges, resulting in a darker color. Even on the lowest temperature setting and with a very watchful eye, oven-dried orange slices will always turn out slightly more brown than those dried in a dehydrator – but still look beautiful and rustic!On the other hand, using a dehydrator to slowly dry the fruit at a lower temperature will result in lighter, brighter colored dried orange slices, nearly preserving their raw natural color. Starting light means the garland will look better and last longer over time (up to a few years) since it will gradually darken and turn more brown. While it takes a little longer, a dehydrator requires less oversight than the oven. Just set it and forget it!SuppliesFresh oranges (or pre-dried orange slices). You can use other types of dried citrus in your garland too, such as mandarins, lemons, limes, or blood oranges. I personally love to use grapefruit for a beautiful pop of pink! Sharp knife and cutting board Jute twine, string or ribbon of choice Lint-free cloth towels or paper towels for blotting Oven method: baking sheets lined with parchment paper or a wire baking rack OR a food dehydrator Optional: mini clothespins to clip the oranges to the twine, or even to a strand of petite twinkle lightsInstructionsIf you’re making your garland using already-dried oranges, skip straight to step 3.1) Prep OrangesFirst cut the oranges into thin even slices, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Try your best to cut them all the same thickness so they’ll dry evenly. Your dried orange garland will look the best if the oranges are cut across the middle “equator” instead of top-to-bottom, revealing the perfect cross-section. Lay the orange slices out in a single layer on a cloth towel or paper towels. Then use another towel on top to gently blot them and remove excess moisture. Don’t smash them though! Finally, transfer the oranges to either food dehydrator trays, a wire baking rack, or baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Spread them out in a single layer, not overlapping. 2) Dry the Orange SlicesIn the oven:Dry the orange slices in the oven on 200 to 225°F for several hours, until they’re fully dry*. (See notes below). I found 215°F is the sweet spot for my oven! 200 was taking forever, but 225 made them more brown. It should take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to dry, depending on your oven and thickness of the orange slices. Carefully flip the oranges every hour or so to promote even drying (unless using a wire baking rack).  Once they’re done, transfer the oranges to a cooling rack.In a dehydrator:To dry orange slices in a dehydrator, set the thermostat to 130-135°F (a “fruit” setting or medium heat).  If your machine doesn’t have a precise temperature control, check them after an hour or two to ensure they’re not turning brown and adjust as needed.  Allow them to dry until no moisture remains. (See notes below.) In my machine, most orange slices dry within about 8 hours, but if there are a few damp pieces left I turn it down to 125F for a few more hours to finish off. Depending on your dehydrator (e.g. if it has a top or bottom fan), you may also want to rotate the trays after several hours to promote even drying. I don’t find the need to do this with our Excalibur since the fan is located in the back with even airflow.With either method, the orange slices are considered “fully dry” once they appear dry, and the thickest parts of the fruit are no longer gooey or soft to the touch. It is okay if they feel ever-so-slightly sticky still, since they will continue to dry and harden once they’re removed from the heat. If you plan to keep your garland for many years, make sure the oranges are extra dry so they won’t mold in storage!3) Add TwineNow it’s time to string the dried oranges onto twine to create a garland. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, so I’ve shared my favorite simple method and tips here, along with a few alternative styles in the section to follow! Begin by cutting a piece of twine as long as you’d like your garland to be, plus some extra length – just in case. Use the tip of a pen, chopstick, a thick nail, wood skewer, or other slender pointed object to make two small holes in each orange. (I used a kitchen probe thermometer.) Creating two holes instead of one helps the orange slices hang in a nice straight line along the garland. Poke the holes through the orange slices near the rind (the strongest part) and about an inch or so apart. Thread one end of the twine through each hole in the orange slice, and then gently pull to the end of your garland. Repeat the process and continue to add more dried oranges to the garland, spacing them however far apart you prefer. Keep them close together for a very full look.I recommend poking holes in two separate “sections” of the orange flesh (separated by white membrane) which offers strength and prevents tearing.Alternative MethodsThere are plenty of other clever and creative ways to make a DIY dried orange garland. You can attach the orange slices to twine using mini clothespins, connect the oranges end-to-end using smaller sections of string (shown below), or even hang the garland vertically – such as several sections hanging vertically in a window like a dried orange curtain or mobile!5) Enjoy!Now it’s time to find a special place to hang and admire your beautiful new DIY dried orange garland! I always hang a couple in our living room windows near the Christmas tree, which is also adorned with matching orange slices and blown egg ornaments. Here are some other pretty ideas:Where to hang a dried orange garlandWrapped around a Christmas tree On a fireplace mantle Strung across a sunny window, or hung vertically Down a stairwell banister or other railing Hung on the front door Draped across the front of a bookcase, cabinet or other shelving Wrapped around a wreath Across an open doorway or nook From a chandelier Thoughtfully laid out as a part of a tablescape centerpiece Use several strands to create a dried orange mobileOur tree, adorned with dried orange ornaments and a garland in the window. Storage and Shelf LifeTo keep your dried orange garland for next year, store it in a cool, dry, dark location where it won’t get crushed. You can carefully fold and stack the garland into a bag, or lay it out to store flat. Either way, I recommend protecting the fragile oranges with tissue paper or other cushioning. FAQ: How long do dried orange garlands last? Dried orange garlands can last for many years! With proper drying and storage, they should not mold. However, the oranges will gradually turn more brown and darken over time – so it’s a personal decision as to how long you enjoy yours. Some folks love the look of more aged, rustic brown dried oranges! Easy peasy. I hope you enjoy your beautiful natural homemade garlands as much as I do. Please spread the holiday joy and leave a review, or ask any questions you may have below! Don’t miss these related posts:How to Make a DIY Fall Leaf Garland  Holiday Stovetop Potpourri Mason Jar Recipes (Free Printable Gift Tag) How to Make Dried Flower Candle Jar Lanterns (Pressed Flower Crafts) DIY Bath Salts Recipe: Beautiful Natural Herbal Bath Salts How to Make Pressed Flower Pumpkins: No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Idea Print DIY Dried Orange Garland (Oven or Dehydrator) Come learn how to make a beautiful DIY dried orange garland using the oven or a dehydrator, plus tips how to hang and store them. This is an easy and sustainable natural holiday craft idea! Keyword diy christmas decor, diy dried orange garland, diy holiday decorations, dried orange garland, dried orange slices, natural holiday decorations Cook Time 1 hour hourDrying Time 5 hours hours EquipmentSharp knife and cutting boardBaking sheet lined with parchment paper (for oven method) OR a food dehydratorLint-free cloth towel or paper towels for blotting Twine, string, or ribbon of choiceMini clothespins (optional) IngredientsFresh oranges (or lemons, grapefruit, limes, blood oranges, etc) InstructionsPrepCut the oranges into thin slices, ⅛” to ¼” thick. Try to cut each slice the same thickness for even drying. Cutting across the “equator” or center of the orange (as opposed to top stem to bottom) to reveal the perfect cross-section. Gently blot them with paper towels or a cloth towel to remove excess juices and expedite the drying process.Spread the orange slices in a single layer on either a parchment-paper lined baking sheet or food dehydrator trays. Drying Oranges in a DehydratorSet the thermostat to 130-135°F (a “fruit” setting or medium heat). When in doubt, check them after an hour or two to ensure they’re not turning brown and adjust as needed. Allow them to dry until no moisture remains** (See notes below.) In our machine, the orange slices were mostly dry within about 8 hours, though a few damp pieces remained, so I turned the temp down to 125F and let it continue to run overnight to finish off.Depending on your dehydrator, you may want to rotate the trays after several hours to promote even drying. Drying Oranges in the OvenDry the orange slices in the oven on 200 to 225°F for several hours, until they’re fully dry* (see notes below). It should take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on your oven and size of orange slices. I found the sweet spot in our oven to be 215F, where 200 was going too slow but 225 was turning them brown.Carefully flip the slices every hour or so to promote even drying, then transfer to a cooling rack once complete.Create a Garland on Twine or StringCut piece of twine as long as you’d like your garland to be, plus some extra length – just in case.Use the tip of a pen, chopstick, a thick nail, wood skewer, or other slender pointed object to make two small holes in each orange. Creating two holes instead of one helps the orange slices hang in a nice straight line along the garland.Poke the holes through the orange slices near the rind (the strongest part) and about an inch or so apart.Thread one end of the twine through each hole in the dried orange slice, and then gently pull to the end of your garland.Repeat the process and continue to add more dried oranges to the garland, spacing them however far apart you prefer. Keep them close together for a very full look.Hang and EnjoyHang your dried orange garland across a sunny window, on the Christmas tree, down a stair railing, on the fireplace mantle, on the front door, across a bookshelf, as part of a tablescape, and more. You can also hang your garland (or several strands) vertically!Storage and Shelf LifeStore flat in a cool, dry, dark location. Use tissue paper or other cushioning as needed to protect the dried oranges. If dried and stored properly, a dried orange garland can last many years. However, they will all naturally turn a darker brown color over time. Notes**For either method** The orange slices are considered “fully dry” once they appear dry, and thickest parts of the fruit are no longer gooey or soft to the touch. It is okay if they feel ever-so-slightly sticky still, since they will continue to dry and harden once they’re removed from the heat. The post How to Make a Dried Orange Garland (Oven or Dehydrator) appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Canada’s authorities are keeping up with the “AI/disinformation panic” being relentlessly spread by their current counterparts south of the border. The chief electoral officer in Ontario, Greg Essensa, now wants greater powers, and more tools, to fight whatever is deemed to be “misinformation” as well as the ability to more effectively remove content branded as “false and misleading.” Essensa’s recommendations, found in a report he recently submitted to the Canadian state’s Legislative Assembly, seek those extra “tools” as a way to protect against “rapid spread of misinformation” thanks to supposedly rapidly advancing AI, as the “unwanted” content is “amplified” thanks to algorithms. Essensa is out to persuade legislators that the current powers the office of the electoral chief has – laboring constrained by the Election Act and the Election Finances Act – are “insufficient.” In his recommendations, Essensa goes through the usual list of examples of why the recent developments around AI, as it pertains to electoral processes, are supposedly more dangerous than ever: somebody was sending “convincing text messages” apparently coming from candidates, there have been unspecified “false announcements” in different languages, etc. Spam, and even fraud during a campaign – that’s been around in one form or another as long as campaigns. But the point here is to reinforce the (unproven) narrative that AI is “mightier and more dangerous than ever.” Meta and X are mentioned as social media companies that have rules meant to curb misleading content – but once again, Essensa finds these insufficient in the face of the alleged significant increase in the speed at which this information spreads. In particular, this “outpaces fact checking or content moderation,” he wrote. With this statement we finally arrive at the heart of the matter: a call for more efficient censorship. To deal with that, Essensa wants “automated election ads” to be labeled, along with “swift” removal of content, and other proposed more stringent measures. For those found not in compliance regarding political ads, the electoral chief wants fines ranging from up to $20,000 (Canadian) for an individual and up to $100,000 for a company. As for “misleading content” concerning elections, the recommendation is to penalize individuals and companies with up to $20,000 per day, and up to $50,000 per day, respectively. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Ontario’s Chief Electoral Officer Seeks Powers to Tackle “Misinformation” appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

Perhaps the most undervalued addition to any successful homestead, the right type of fence can not only provide security from unwelcome predators, but it can also add value and security to your land, ensuring that your homestead thrives and survives as long as possible. Choosing the Right Fence For Your Homestead Selecting what type of fence your homestead needs can be quite a challenge. There’s much to consider; what type of livestock you’re cultivating, how wide your space is, and the terrain of your land are all factors to take into consideration when selecting a type of fence for your property. Here, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of various types of fencing approaches, and this will help you in making a selection for the perfect fencing option for your home. Woven-wire fence: This approach alternates between metal posts and wooden T-posts spaced 12 to 16 feet apart. It should be noted that this type of fencing will cost approximately $1,500 per quarter mile. This set-up also demands usually about 40 hours of labor to execute the entire installation. | Some positive contributions that this type of fencing will provide are that it is a strong and sturdy source of security. It is a relatively attractive option and quite commonly seen on homesteads; additionally, it confines almost all types of livestock, even bigger animals such as sheep and goats. However, it is worthy considering that this type of fencing is the highest in cost, and it also requires the most maintenance upkeep and installation. Perhaps the most time-consuming part of the installation process involves digging up the postholes, which is the majority of time spent in the estimated 40 hours of labor. However, T-posts do not resist the pull of a tight fence wire, and can hold upright without compromising the strength of your fence. Barbed-wire fence: Just shy of the estimate price of the woven-wire, barbed-wire fence installation averages at approximately $1,100 per quarter mile, also alternating between metal posts and wooden T-posts. As noted, it is obviously less expensive (and lighter!) to install than a woven-wire fence, and it provides the greatest deterrent to cattle who will not attempt to push down a barbed wire fence. The downsides to this type of fencing is that it often produces an aggressive appearance which can come off as making your homestead appear unwelcoming, and it can be dangerous for young children and less assuming animals such as sheep and goats. It does employ the same type of post arrangement as a woven-wire fence, but requires far less maintenance and upkeep after installation, as you are note required to handle large rolls of woven wire. Additionally, barbed wire is much easier to install over rolling terrain, as the wire follows the land’s contour. High-Tensile Electric Fence: This type of fencing costs approximately $700 per quarter mile, and requires about 20 hours of labor. A high-tensile approach is clearly the least expensive and requires the shortest amount of time dedicated to installation, as well as a low annual cost of ownership. Additionally, this type of fence typically generates good containment performance for almost all livestock breeds. As a downside, this fence is the most technically complex and requires regular monitoring; also, if it is not properly protected it can be ruined by a lightning strike, which is another potential danger for animals and people alike. Most homesteaders, however, consider high-tensile an ideal choice. Its installation process is similar to non-electric fences, and it is easily the cheapest option that requires the lowest amount of upkeep and maintenance. This type of fence will require an energizer, which typically costs around $200, and will also require ground rods that will work to complete the circuit, giving the fence its effective electric shock. Lightweight Poly Wire Fence: This installation process will estimate at about $200 per quarter mile and requires no more than two hours of labor. Although it is an easy and inexpensive approach, as well as flexible with movement, it is not an ideal solution to containing large livestock, so this fencing type will be more suitable for vegetation and gardens. This type of fencing is generally positioned too low to the ground to ensure that cattle and larger animals are kept enclosed in the area; however, they might suit for internal grazing purposes, as they can be lifted and easily moved for temporary fencing needs, such as feeding. If a poly fencing system is combined with a high-tensile system, a second energizer will not need to be purchased as the first will suffice. Additional information that you will need to consider is the durability and sustainability of wooden versus plastic posts. Read on to learn more about the benefits of each type, and which material is suitable for the types of fences listed. Wooden posts – These are inexpensive and easy to find in forested regions. They’re also lightweight and allow for the homesteader to practice drilling, nailing, and stapling. However, wooden posts are susceptible to rot and locust infestations which will eventually lead to the demise and necessary replacement of wooden posts. Plastic posts – These can be cut and worked the same way as wood. As a downside, they are generally more expensive than wooden posts and are also not as strong or rigid. Unfortunately, many homesteaders have been disappointed with their plastic posts failing to remain straight upright. There can be lots to consider when choosing the right type of fence for your unique homestead, such as material, approximate cost, and mobility of the fencing approach. The pros and cons of these various fencing types will surely help you narrow your selection, and most importantly ensure that both your crops and your cattle are kept safe and secure. Up Next: 12 Food Storage Ideas for Small Homes Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!

Hispanic Voters Shifted Dramatically to the Right

"Without advances in DNA, this murder might have gone unprosecuted.”

"It is a bit like Schrödinger's cat, which is both alive and dead, a supersolid is both rigid and liquid."

Non-human animals have culture, and that culture can accumulate and grow even in animals we consider simple, so there has to be something else that sets our culture apart.

Is it the shape? The shallowness of the cut? The feelings of embarrassment that come from being injured by paper?