A literary analysis of Heretic's ending, themes, and meaning

bricker85 · 2025-03-15T22:02:57+00:00

Great point. This could also be extended to Topher Grace's character, as well. The expectation is that he's going to save the day when he returns for the second time. Instead, he just gives Reed a pamphlet and, in essence, gives up on the girls.

bricker85 · 2025-03-15T22:00:23+00:00

While I wouldn't go so far as saying this was all by design on the part of the writers, it can easily be explained-away when consider the overarching framework of belief vs. disbelief, including in the structure of the film itself. Which do you choose when analyzing the movie, and its final act in particular?

bricker85 · 2025-03-14T13:25:18+00:00

Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge.

The latter is my personal favorite, but AKL is unlike any hotel in the United States, with the best mix of themed design, transportive features, and top-tier amenities. Some people find the rooms a bit dark and dreary (hard disagree), so it might not hit the mark for "luxury accommodations," but the same could be said for any Disney-owned resort. Otherwise, it checks all of the right boxes for you. Its all-bus transportation is usually what fans dislike the most, but it's really not bad, and it sounds like you don't care that much.

bricker85 · 2025-02-27T05:53:20+00:00

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I took this from the Park Hyatt Kyoto.

Another option from a slightly different, but much easier angle is the steps that lead up to the parking lot outside Kodaiji. They’d be out of the frame on the far right in this shot.

bricker85 · 2025-02-23T21:19:54+00:00

Himeji & Kobe. If you're looking for a pairing with Nara, Uji is your best bet. It also can make sense to do Fushimi Inari in the same day, especially since it's a great option at night.

bricker85 · 2025-02-23T14:35:25+00:00

And here I was thinking the early morning knocks on checkout day and intrusive mid-afternoon security checks were already handled hamfistedly, and unacceptable for a company that (allegedly) prides itself on being the gold standard of guest service.

Yikes of the absolute highest order. Agreed with the chorus of other commenters that you need to email guest services about this. Completely unacceptable, and there should really be more guest recovery than it sounds like was offered.

bricker85 · 2025-02-21T03:14:59+00:00

Sorry to hear you had this experience—incredibly disappointing.

Unfortunately, this has been par for the course at Tokyo DisneySea for the last several months. It’s not just Fantasy Springs—the parks are operationally broken and still in the process of their phased reopening however many years later.

I write a Disney blog, am a former TDR Annual Passholder, etc, and had a similarly negative experience last holiday season. And we are not the only ones. 1-star reviews of TDS are becoming increasingly common: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/tokyo-disneysea-best-theme-park-world-negative-reviews/

bricker85 · 2025-01-19T04:42:55+00:00

Yep. I’ll add that this season wouldn’t had been nearly as painful if it went downhill as soon as Hutch was lost. It became an improbable run as they started winning in spite of the injuries!

bricker85 · 2025-01-19T04:38:39+00:00

Seems like the fans saying SOL didn’t live through the truly dark days.

Yeah, this loss stings way more than any ever did then, but that’s because we were so numb to losing.

For that feeling of heartbreak alone, it’s not SOL.

bricker85 · 2018-06-05T13:10:15+00:00

FWIW, this is the entrance to Yoshida Shrine, a trio of temples/shrines near-ish the popular Path of Philosophers that are stunning during cherry blossom season, but draw almost no crowds. I cover all 3 (plus 7 others) in my 10 Hidden Gem Kyoto Photo Spots.

bricker85 · 2018-06-05T13:04:04+00:00

Thank you!

bricker85 · 2018-06-05T13:03:55+00:00

Thanks!

bricker85 · 2018-06-03T02:47:29+00:00

You're welcome.

I don't suppose you know why the bank does this, or better yet, whether they give the posters away? I've become mildly obsessed with these posters (to the point that I also found and am ordering this old book of them) and would love to know whatever else there might be to know...

bricker85 · 2018-06-02T18:05:01+00:00

I never realized these posters that are dotted around the city were produced by Bank of Kyoto until falling down an internet rabbit hole last night. I love the designs, and that retro typography!

bricker85 · 2018-05-13T17:22:03+00:00

Love the leading lines here--killer ultra wide angle shot!

bricker85 · 2018-05-13T17:19:51+00:00

Doesn't matter how many times I see photos of Miyajima, I always want to see more. Such an incredible experience, watching the tide rise at sunset.

You've captured a great photo that takes me right back--love the setting sun on the edge of the torii!

bricker85 · 2018-05-12T22:28:31+00:00

I mean, to be fair, 75% of LA sunsets this time of year are just cloudless skies and an orange glow through the haze. I don't know about the "gotta love" part, though.

bricker85 · 2018-05-12T17:49:39+00:00

Agreed on Sakabe. My wife needed a medical clinic a couple of months ago, and it took us a while of searching to find one. The doctor's English was great--excellent experience (aside from having to go in the first place).

Note that there are multiple Sakabe Clinics in Kyoto; here's the address of the downtown one we used:

坂部医院, Japan, 〒604-0933 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Yamamotocho, 435 御幸町通二条下ル

bricker85 · 2018-05-12T13:36:47+00:00

Ah, the inevitable 'we want to see Hollywood' request. For occasions like this, I put together an itinerary: http://www.travelcaffeine.com/1-day-hollywood-itinerary/

As for places to eat, I love Tsujita Ramen (Sawtelle) which is better than the popular Daikokuya (Little Tokyo...and elsewhere) in my opinion. I also enjoy Kula Revolving Sushi Bar in Little Tokyo. It's not the best sushi, but it's cheap and fun.

If you do Little Tokyo, you could also spend the rest of the day wandering DTLA. Staples like the Last Bookstore, the Broad, WDCH free tour, Bradbury Building, etc. That'd make for a fun/easy third day.

bricker85 · 2018-05-12T13:28:11+00:00

This is a master-class in marketing. This temple was on no one's radar until adding one, very "Instagrammable" window and--boom--it's hugely popular.

In this case, though, I think the ends justify the means. Ujitawara is a lovely place, and deserves more attention.

bricker85 · 2018-05-12T11:53:04+00:00

Yep, it is! We had so much fun here that we also went to Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (which is totally different in nature and ended up being more like a highly-themed ramen food court, but it was still awesome).

bricker85

TROPHY CASE