Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience Review-Philadelphia 2/26/17 (Minor Spoilers)

I knew the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience featuring Ramin Djawadi was going to be good but also feared it might be a little gimmicky since die-hard Thrones fans are known to throw their money at anything that provides a fix during the dark days without new Westeros material. After all, we are still months away from the Season 7 premiere and who knows how long until the 6th book, Winds of Winter, is released.  While the live concert did provide a fresh fix, it was not gimmicky at all. The stage set was beautiful and the musicians were so very talented. I read that a few of the instruments played during the concert were invented specifically for the live show. Some other types of instruments played (ones I can name anyway) included: piano, violin, cello, dulcimer, organ, percussion, horns, didgeridoo, etc.  It was an astounding performance and well worth going to see.

The show opens with the white raven of winter's coming flying across the 3 screens followed by a visual of the Doom of Valyria, swords clanking around in the vortex-like storm. This leads us into the Game of Thrones theme song where a large screen with two 3-tiered screens on either side proudly displays the sigils of the great (and feuding) houses of Westeros. Cheers explode as the audience cheers for their favorite houses. Targaryen and Stark gets the loudest support. I wasn't alone when I hooted ascent for the Lannister's but I definitely lacked support in my section. This part of the concert felt like being at a Medieval Times dinner show. In a good way. While the sigils are being displayed, the center screen lifts to reveal an Iron Throne on the main stage. The orchestra is revealed beneath one of the tiered screens and the show officially begins with a bang.

The first House theme played is Goodbye Brother-House Stark. The center screen displays a montage of the Starks in various stages leading to their downfall. A Weirwood tree takes the circular stage using the 3-tiered screen for the tree canopy and a gossamer fabric for the trunk. The violin soloist is at the *heart* of the tree, playing the haunting song from the inside as winter comes, and red leaves and snow begin to fall.

The next House theme played is What is Dead May Never Die-House Greyjoy. A solo cellist plays the Kraken's song on a wet stage as *waves* come up around her. Scenes highlighting the Greyjoy family are played but I'm a bit distracted by a woman who is talking loudly about how different the Greyjoy plotline is in the books. It annoys me, as we paid good money to hear a concert and not her opinion about book to show differences. I get it, Lady...I've read the books too but truthfully, no storyline was more butchered by the show than the poor Martells and I'm not complaining, so let me listen to the beautiful cellist do her thing and save your gripes for a more appropriate setting.

Next is Rains of Castamere, the song about how Tywin Lannister extinguished House Reyne of Castamere for testing and disrespecting House Lannister following the death of Tywin's father. It is often played in Westeros in admiration (and fear) of Tywin and the Lannister family's strength and guile. A soloist in a Lannister crimson gown sang the lyrics beautifully. The piano was the perfect accompaniment and as the song built around the chorus, the rest of the symphony joined in while the soloist belted out the climax of the song. The effect was captivating.

Rains of Castamere by George R.R. Martin

The next couple of songs, Reign and Sons of the Harpy, showcase Daenerys' rise to becoming the Mother of Dragons, Queen of Meereen, and hopeful conquerer of the Seven Kingdoms. This is followed by a song titled Needle which highlights Arya's journey from Westeros to Braavos. I couldn't help thinking I wished the show had consolidated Arya's Braavos story arc as efficiently as the song did but I digress.

I forget exactly where it was on the set list, but Jon Snow's theme, Now My Watch Has Ended, played to scenes of his resurrection.  After Sansa makes her way to the Wall to seek help from her *brother* Jon Snow (R+L=J), we are reminded that the Starks are still in the fight. Iconic scenes from the Battle of the Bastards episode play with the music as Sansa and Jon rally the North (and the Vale) to take Winterfell back from Ramsay Bolton. This transitions into Bran Stark scenes where, through his visions, he learns the part his warging (taking temporary possession of Hodor)  had in Hodor's death. The violin during Hold the Door was tear-jerking as we watched Hodor 'hold the door' to the Weirwood entrance (dying as a result of his sacrifice) so crippled Bran and Meera could escape the tree which had been infiltrated by White Walkers (aka The Others) and Wights (the army of the dead raised by the Others). 

The Light of the Seven score was a perfect lead up to the Winds of Winter finale. The execution of Cersei's scheme to blow up the Great Sept of Baelor with wildfire while all of her enemies are inside of it, left me on the edge of my seat despite the fact I knew it was coming.  Ramin Djawadi himself was on piano for this song. I loved how, as the music began to build, Queen Margaery realizes something is gravely wrong. She notes Cersei's (and King Tommen's) absence from her own trial despite the consequences and pleads with the High Septon to evacuate the Sept. The chaos unfolds over an ominous organ and when the Sept goes up in green flames, so does the stage around the piano. Just. Wow.

The show closes with Winds of Winter and reminds us that war and political power are distractions to the real threat unfolding north of the Wall...the war between the living and the dead (White Walkers and their dead army). The music here feels victorious and foreboding at the same time. Like the show, the concert ties in scenes to remind us where all of the characters leave off in Season 6.

Ramin Djawadi comes out to center stage to thank the audience for coming, shows a GOT Season 7 teaser, and concludes the concert with a Memorandum to the characters we lost on the show to the upbeat Westeros tune, The Bear and the Maiden Fair. I was grateful that I had rightly figured the concert experience would be PG since we had already decided it would be suitable for my 7 year old to attend. It was a totally kid-friendly intro to Game of Thrones!  I was excited about his enthusiasm during the show and loved answering his questions about the series (he favors the Starks/Direwolves) that the concert inspired. It was a great time for all of us and I was glad I could experience the story in a whole new way through the music with the people I love most. My one complaint, 2+ hours went by entirely too fast.

Some cool facts about the production of Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience

The Loaded Couch Podcast-Episode 100 2.0-Special Nintendo Switch Episode

So, as anyone who reads my blog may know, my husband Jeremiah hosts a podcast with a couple of his friends and it's great. It is consistent, sounds great, and is released on a weekly basis. Sometimes I'm a special guest on their shows and the Nintendo Switch episode is one of those times.  If you are looking for more insight on how great the Nintendo Switch is and/or how incredible Breath of the Wild is, check it out. The Loaded Couch podcast is on iTunes and Soundcloud but they have recently started uploading their shows to YouTube so I have included it hear for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

In the Presence of Perfection-Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has done it again! The Switch console redeems and improves upon everything that was wrong with the WiiU, while enhancing what gamers loved about the original Wii (motion controllers) and the 3ds (portable handheld). The result, a new versatility to the way we play games at home and on the go. The $299 price point is standard Nintendo and while additional accessories such as Amiibos, additional joy cons, memory card, etc. are fun for Nintendo enthusiasts, they are not required.

The Switch is playable right out of the box using the tablet style gamepad with removable joy cons, which are smaller but similar to the original Wiimotes that made the Wii console so popular. By removing the joy cons, putting them in each hand (or the provided grip), then inserting the Switch tablet onto the docking station, you can enjoy games on your TV in the traditional fashion. Since my family and I are often on the go we love that the Switch is portable like a 3ds but with all the features and perks of a full console. The Switch is pretty amazing even with the lack of games available on Day One. While lack of games might be a big deal to some, it wasn't for me. Why? Because one of the games that happens to be available is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. You may have heard of it. 😉

Everyone knows that my husband and I are generally pretty frugal but we are frivolous when it comes to things like games and books. So the fact that we were picking up the Nintendo Switch on release day is probably no surprise to anyone who knows us. We also picked up two games: Zelda and 1-2 Switch (more on this game in another post). The console only has 32 gigs so I knew digital downloads wouldn't give me much room for games without inserting a memory card so I was glad the games were on cartridges (smaller than a 3ds game cartridge) and not disks which scratch too easily. 

After making our purchase I noticed the store associate taking out a larger box for another customer that I originally mistook as a game promotion poster for Breath of the Wild. It was in fact a Special Edition of the game.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Special Edition with game, Sheikah Slate Switch case, coin, 24 song soundtrack, and Hyrule map

I left the store and began having serious remorse about not picking it up when I had the chance. Yes, it was $99 but as a Zelda fan since 1986 I knew I had to have it for the Sheikah Slate case alone, not to mention the perks of getting a Hyrule map, coin, and Breath of the Wild soundtrack. I waited a couple of days so by the time I talked myself into buying it, the Special Edition was sold out just about everywhere. After some perseverance we were finally able to find one and my awesome husband bought it for me.

I won't get into tech talk like Cel shading, controls, graphics, and all that stuff because I would reveal myself as a phony to all the tech people who actually understand what that means to the design of a game.  While I appreciate the technical aspects of the game, I'll leave writing about it to the ones who know how. I just want to talk about the way Breath of the Wild makes me feel and it makes me feel wonderful. It is gorgeous and nostalgic but totally new and in a league of its own.

It starts out with Link waking up in blue liquid where he has been asleep for 100 years. He does not remember who he is but finds a mysterious tablet called a Sheikah Slate. He hears a voice(Princess Zelda?) telling him the Sheikah Slate will guide him after his long slumber. The Sheikah Slate reminds me of an ancient relic from Egypt (or some other ancient advanced civilization) and we don't know where it comes from, why it is important, or what it actually does...YET. We soon learn it is a key, a map, a source of instant travel, and likely much more. The first quest of the game is to collect the Spirit Orbs from 4 Shrines and bring them to the Old Man (every Zelda game has one) in exchange for a parasail. With the high cliffs and deep valleys of Hyrule, it is obvious this will be a valuable item as the journey and travel gets more intense. That is the beauty of the Zelda series, the game unravels. As Link learns his purpose and how to survive the long quest ahead, we learn along with him, discovering all the dangers and treasures Hyrule has to offer on our own terms and at our own pace. I'm planning on taking my time with the BOTW so my completion review might be months away but I promise it will include the heroic story about how I saved Hyrule and defeated Calamity Ganon. 😉

In conclusion, Breath of the Wild appeals to everything I love about the Zelda series while giving our hero, Link, more abilities than ever. He climbs trees and cliffs, hunts and forages, and cooks up new recipes and elixirs to help him on his way. It is an immersive and beautiful game with all of the joys and frustrations of a tried and true RPG and no two gaming experience is exactly alike. It is hard for me in general to give a 10/10 score but honestly, I don't know what else I could give this game...Breath of the Wild is perfect and it was well worth the wait.

Parenting the Imaginary Friend of Goofus and Gallant

I remember an old comic strip called Goofus and Gallant from the Highlights magazine I used to read as a kid. It always featured Goofus making some kind of bad or selfish choice and polarizing him against Gallant's stellar example. Gallant NEVER made bad choices. I always tend to route for the underdog and I found Goofus to be much more interesting than that goody-two-shoes, Gallant. I remember thinking at a young age, that there should have been another example, a person to neutralize the two boys since most people typically fall somewhere in between 'good' and 'bad' by the laws of human nature.

 
This got me thinking about Jonas and the challenges parents face when their children are coming into their own...not the parental version of a child where our interests spark curiosity in them that sometimes sticks and sometimes doesn't, but in the true essence of who they are becoming. We are proud when Jonas makes good decisions, assess the necessary parent invasion (if it is needed) for any bad decisions, but mostly hover in between letting him live and learn by his choices one way or the other.  I always say Jonas is the best of me and the best of Jeremiah but the best part of Jonas is entirely his own and the older he gets the more sure footed he becomes in his decisions. Real childhood isn't black and white. It's not like Goofus and Gallant...it's more like their balanced imaginary friend I always thought was missing.

 Jonas is our only child but sometimes there are 3 different versions of him living in our house at any given time.

The first Jonas is the thoughtful, studious, kind, and helpful version. The child who does his homework when he gets home, puts a blanket over me if I doze off on the couch, helps clear the dinner table, and is sensitive to the feelings of others. First Jonas gets straight A's, is in the Gifted and Talented program at school, volunteers and is involved in our community through Cub Scouts and church.  This is the version of Jonas that is most like Gallant and I give myself a gold star for parenting.

The second Jonas still holds the qualities of the first Jonas but has a slightly more petulant attitude. His normally inquisitive nature gets into a sort of snarky mood and during these times he can seem a bit condescending and sulky. I never met a 7 year old with such a stamina for argument. In most cases, if we simply have different opinions, I let him articulate himself in order to allow him to develop his own points-of-view. Other times, I have to be sure that he understands that a phoenix and a dragon are indeed different creatures. After all, I can't let him out into society confusing that kind of important fact now could I? This is the version of Jonas I feel would be more like the neutral character in the comic strip I always felt was lacking...aka the normal human that varies in decisions and responses. I give myself a silver star for parenting this version of Jonas and hope he remembers to say please and thank you when he is visiting a friend..

The third Jonas has no idea the first Jonas even exists. He is self-absorbed, irrational, defiant, and completely 7 yo. The third Jonas is hostile towards even the most benign requests. Asking him to brush his teeth becomes a platform for debate whereas if he is okay with having rotten teeth, than I should be okay with it too...after all, they are HIS teeth. Jonas showers every other day, and while parents who bathe their children daily might find that gross, Jonas' *off day* is a joy to my husband and me as it means not having to argue over why he has bathe or why he needs to put on clean underwear when he gets out of the shower. The third Jonas is combative about anything that doesn't fit into his exact expectations and any reasonable request has the potential to become a REALLY BIG DEAL. This version of Jonas is comparable to Goofus and my worst parenting moments hover around in this territory. I should get a gold star for simply not going full throttle, bat shit crazy when dealing with third Jonas.

Third Jonas likes to throw all of his stuff on the floor all at once and has a temper tantrum when he's asked to pick up.    Second Jonas understands that being organized is good and all but enjoys having his 'mad-scientist' messy place. First Jonas enjoys his tidy desk and knows just where all his favorite Legos are when he wants to play with them.

Since many days, Jonas is all three versions of himself finding a parenting balance is the key to my sanity. Sometimes that means reconciling my frustrations with the third Jonas and making peace with that layered, beautiful, and willful little heart of his. I enjoy being Jonas' mom more than anything else...it is my treasured responsibility and I'm grateful to share the privilege with his amazing Dad.  I can only hope that someday Jonas' passionate resistance to hygiene will be redirected and harnessed to change the world...but for now, I will just settle for him changing his underwear. 

Inauguration Day

I almost decided to stay silent. I didn't see a point in expressing my feelings when so many others spoke them much better than I ever could.

Alas, it's Inauguration Day. Today, I am heartbroken.

Many Trump supporters call people like me *snowflakes*. They tell us to go kill our selves. They tell us they will drink cups of liberal tears as they take back their nation from the liberals (as though the amazing country we all live in somehow belongs to them and their ideals alone). They believe God answered their prayers and gave our country Trump and I wonder if they really understand Christianity at all since this is a man who has lied, cheated, adulterated, and rose high at the expense of so many others (just look what he did to honest Americans with his Trump University scam). He is now an American President who refuses to show his tax returns and says avoiding paying taxes makes him smart. He has made a career out of finding every loophole imaginable to benefit himself. He goes into office with more than 50 lawsuits against him (including ones where he is accused of sexual assault). His narcissistic ego consumes him to the core and his thin-skinned petulance becomes clear in his all night Twitter tirades (because God forbid you don't agree with him). While not shocked that he was elected, I am no less horrified.  It has nothing to do with Donald Trump the Republican and everything to do with Donald Trump the terrible human being...his supporters can call me what they want, but I can never respect a man as small as Trump, office of the President or not. I have disagreed with Republicans on many social issues but respected their positions on fiscal responsibility and often admired them as people.

Donald Trump is so much different.  People should be afraid...so much is at stake.

• People should care that their President can't even rise high enough to let an insult roll off of him.
• People should care that their President wants to overturn Executive Orders that keep women, minorities, and LGBTQ safer.
• People should care that their President, who claims he is going to *drain the swamp*, yet appoints some of the most wealthy, corporate cronies with more special interests than experience. And those he appointed with experience have an oppressive voting history.
• People should care about the rights of others...a woman's right to choose, a gay couples right to marry who they love, a Muslims right to wear a burqa or hijab, and an immigrants path to citizenship, etc.
• People should care that their President has no respect for women, has bragged about assaulting them, and has insulted anyone who doesn't meet his standards for beauty.
• People should care that their President has mocked people with disabilities, insulted Gold Star families, and Civil Rights Activists.
• People should care that their President lies constantly and even when he is fact checked, sees no reason to retract (which reveals exactly what he thinks about the intelligence of his supporters). 
• People should care that their President is quick to repeal the Affordable Care Act without another option in place. The ACA is flawed and needs work but has many great moving parts to build off and improve upon. It seems the move to repeal with no alternative suggestion is more about dismantling Obama's legacy than  it is about the millions of Americans who count on the ACA for their healthcare.
• People should care that their President is making us a worldwide laughing stock but that the joke is now no laughing matter and the global economy is at stake.
• People should care that their President isn't diplomatic and that already his Tweets and statements have the potential to put our Nation in danger.
• People should care that their President defends Putin, a war criminal and oppressor, and undermines the US Intelligence when they reveal that Russia interfered with the US election in favor of a Trump presidency. 

Because I care about these things, many Trump supporters  will think I'm not patriotic. They will forget the terrible way they spoke about President Obama and his family...many times these attacks were personal and had nothing to do with disagreeing with Obama's policies. I am not sorry to say that I have no respect at all for President Trump. I believe him to be an illegitimate President that Russia helped elect, who didn't win the popular vote, and who refuses to sever himself from his business (giving the business to his sons is a bunch of crap) in order to devote himself to the best interests of Americans.

I can't be silent. I have to lend my voice to those in need of solidarity. I need to give a hand to anyone else feeling down right now. We have four years left.  Let's make them count by checking Trump at every turn. Let's get out and vote in 2 years to replace stagnant members in government. Most importantly, let us never forget that LOVE TRUMPS HATE.

Cool Things to Get Into: 2017 Update

I have posted before about cool things I'm into but since my curiosity  is never satiated I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to enrich my life and imagination.  Depending on the day and the climate of my particular attitude, a long commute can be a great space of time to fill with stories, news, theories, and more. Because my commute is what it is, it allows me the time to devote myself to my favorite podcasts without getting in the way of my other interests and obligations.

So here it goes...some of my favorite suggestions for making your 2017 a little bit more fun.

What I'm listening to:

Podcasts:
The Loaded Couch: Fantastic variety show about beer, video games, TV, movies, and general hilarity with a great host dynamic. They have a consistent show format with regular weekly releases.

Limetown: There isn't enough I can say about this awesome series. It is a continuous mystery so you will have to start at the beginning but it is such a cool format. It takes shape through the perspective of a
journalist who will stop at nothing to find out where 300 people from a testing/research site called Limetown, have disappeared to. The closer she gets to the truth, the stranger and more dangerous the episodes become.

Forever Fallen-Doctor Who Short Trips: Besides the story being written by my good friend Josh Wanisko, it is also a great insight into the power and conflicts of our choices. It helps to be familiar with the Doctor Who universe but to listen to Josh's story, it certainly isn't necessary. I'm extremely proud of my friend's story and the positive acclaim it has received and am so happy to recommend it.

Myths and Legends: Folklore and myths from around the world are featured on this podcast. Obscure figures from Greek mythology, sinister origins of familiar fairy tales, and strange superstitions, make this a well
rounded and enjoyable show to listen to. Episodes tend to be in the 30-40 minute range so are perfect for the commute to and from work.

The NoSleep Podcast: Scary fiction at it's finest! This podcast is in the same vein as Wicked Library and Tales to Terrify which I have reviewed in a previous post. There are definitely stories that will make your heart race and your stomach flip. Leave the lights on!

YouTube: A Song of Ice and Fire Channels
My obsession with Westeros is only surpassed by my hunger to sink my teeth into any good analysis on the moving parts that drive the series. Some channels are devoted to the story and shedding light on the mysteries and unanswered questions the series leaves in it's wake.

Preston Jacobs: Great theory-crafter with intelligent reviews and insight into all things ASOIAF. My favorite videos include: Deeper Dorne, Prepping for Winter (analyzes released sample chapters by George R.R. Martin), and Littlefinger's Mistake.

The Last Harpy: Short dynamic analysis on all the theories that keep us obsessed fans awake at night. Great channel!

What I'm reading:

The Witcher Series: My amazing husband bought me the books that inspired one of his favorite games, The Witcher 3. We both tend to share similar interests so it's pretty easy and refreshing for us to recommend new things to each other. We never run out of things to talk about. The story is filled with all of the usual traits of the Fantasy Genre and yet stands alone in it's uniqueness and beauty.

What I'm playing: 

A Game of Thrones Living Card Game-Second Edition: This is a deckbuilding, faction based, strategic card game highlighting the military tactics, intrigue, and power struggles of the great Houses of Westeros (in the vein of Magic but VERY different). I got into the game during the First Edition and fell in love with it. It has a very competitive environment for play and I have been lucky enough to play against some of the best players in the Meta and attend some store championships and draft tournaments in the NYC area. I'm not very good and don't have the time to devote to improving that I wish I did, but I do love to play when I can.  It is a great time to get into the game for new players because to catch up with the current card pool you wouldn't have to back track too much. The core set and two House expansion sets are released and the monthly chapter packs are only in their second cycle. (Each cycle is themed and is defined by 6 chapter packs of 20 new cards @ 3x each.)

Happy New Year...Without Resolutions

I don't really believe in New Year Resolutions. I tend to be capricious, which may seem whimsical to some, but it is a major component in the war I wage with myself.  I can be so hard on myself regarding all the things I should be doing, about not living up to my potential. As a woman who lives with high functioning depression, sometimes I feel the pressure of needing to "do it all", and struggle with the weight of it when I take too much on.  I don't focus on the things that I have overcome, I focus on all the things I have yet to overcome. Self improvement is a process, not a resolution. Resolutions don't leave much room for failure which is kinda why I have never been good at them.

I'm going to try to be less hard on myself. I'm going to try to devote more time to complimenting myself for hurdles I have clumsily cleared (like having social anxiety and still taking the Committee Chair position in my son's Cub Scout Pack, despite how harrowing it felt at first). I'm going to try to be less distracted and more submersed in the things I enjoy. I'm going to try to give myself more free time.

The process of self improvement is to kind of imagine who you want to be while knowing you are meant to be who you are right now...and being okay with it enough to enjoy the ride.

Amanda Palmer wrote the anthem to my life and I listen to it at least twice a week.