HDarkMaterials

PARALLEL UNIVERSES

2009-04-22T00:54:51Z

I few months ago I saw an amazing program about parallel universes on the History Channel which would probably be especially interesting to HDM fans. Some one put it on YouTube, so for however long it lasts we might as well make use of it.

To summarize quickly, they are four types of parallel universes scientists believe may exist;

Type 1 Parallel Universes:

If our universe of space and time is infinite, then mathematically in the infinite reaches of space there must exist an infinite number of near exact replicas of Earth with very slight differences. The immense distances between these replica earths prevent them from interacting.

Type 2 Parallel Universes:

These also exist in our space and time, and are giant "bubbles" floating in a sea amongst countless other universes in hyperspace. Each Type 2 universe can contain in infinite number of Type 1 universes. These are constantly branching out into new universes and also vanishing randomly

Type 3 Parallel Universes:

Type 3 universes occupy the exact same space in time, overlapping each other, but invisible and unreachable to each other due to them existing in different dimensions. Every possible outcome of everything from subatomic molecule collisions to wars being won and lost by different factions, or different forms of technology emerging. There are in infinite number of Type 3 universes in every Type 1 and Type 2 universe. Essentially anything a human being can imagine is a valid possibility within the infinite range of Type 3 parallel universes.

The universes of His Dark Materials may most closely resemble Type 3 parallel universes.

Type 4 Parallel Universes:

Universes where the most fundamental laws of physics and nature are radically different. The very ideas of matter, time, and energy in our universe may not apply, (gravity for example, may not exist) and life emerging from these universes may bear no similarity whatsoever to our universe. The Chariot may be a Type 4 parallel universe.

Parallel Universes - Part 1

Parallel Universes - Part 2

Parallel Universes - Part 3

Parallel Universes - Part 4

Parallel Universes - Part 5

it seems to me that the universes Will travels between with the Subtle Knife are Type 3 because the worlds are essentially overlapping and don't seem to involve traveling over distances to get between, and it is understood that there is no distance between the worlds HDM deals with, so odds are these are Type 3 worlds.

Perhaps Lyra's universe is a Type 3 universe in which some very minor quirk in the laws of physics and nature causes the component of human brain activity that constitutes the daemon to be translated outside the body and take a physical form emulating an animal. I could imagine this working sort of like the demonstration in the show of a man shining a laser through glass apple and the light is translated into two places at once, only instead of a refraction of light, a physical daemon would be sort of a refraction of the human's emotions and thought processes.

Some HDM related stuff i've been up to

2009-04-11T19:57:32Z

I've been doing a thing on my site recently where I read one chapter of The Golden Compass at a time and writing my opinions, theories, criticisms and comments as I go along.

I've been adding a chapter a week on most Saturdays since I started this in January, and my eventual goal is to cover every chapter in the trilogy.

I just added Chapter 9, which means I've finally completed the Part 1 section.

Here's a link if anyone's interested.

The Golden Compass Page by Page

I also wrote an editorial about intercision that's currently featured on Hisdarkmaterials.org.

The editorial is also on my own site HERE.

Last but not least, I did an updated version of that Intercision sign I posted a while back. It turns out that the old one was too liberal and allowed too many opportunities for unsevered subhuman heathens to corrupt the peaceful lifestyle of the upright, Authority fearing British citizens.

hdarkmaterials @ 2009-04-04T03:59:00

2009-04-04T08:02:05Z

[ xx ] Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
[ xx ] The Golden Compass
[ xx ] The Fifth Element
[ xx ] Blue Submarine No. 6
[ xx ] Sar Trek TOS
[ xx ] Star Wars
[ xx ] The City of Ember

HERE @ polar_sea

His Dark Materials is actually...pretty dark.

2009-03-20T19:22:40Z

I'm in the middle of the last book of the His Dark Materials series, The Amber Spyglass. I thought I would post my review of sorts, in which I give my opinion on why I don't really consider the series to be too "young adult" friendly, what my daemon would be, how daemons work, and just generally discussing the books. There are a few spoilers, so you've been warned :)

My review can be found here at rebeccasilver

Golden Compass Icons

2009-03-13T02:10:05Z

So I did a batch of 33 icons and I included a couple of Mrs. Coulter, shown here:

The rest are here at rebeccasilver
Enjoy!

STARFUCKERS _ brought to you by MINING FOR LIFE

2009-03-10T03:34:22Z

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Noble Collection Replica Alethiometer (pics and video review

2008-12-25T17:33:59Z

Yeah, I got the Noble Collection replica alethiometer, and since I hadn't seen any in depth customer reviews or pictures online, I figured I'd make my own and have some pics and vids to share with yall.

The "instruction" sheet...

In it's box...

open

close up of the dial

the back

beside a silver dollar for scale

The alethiometer prop replica from The Noble Collection may be the closest you'll ever get to owning a real alethiometer unless you're a huge pimp like Philip Pullman and can hire a jeweler and watch maker to have one custom made for you.

This is heavy, great looking, and great feeling copy of the prop used in New Line's ill fated "The Golden Compass" film, which is totally awesome, but unfortunately the blue needle mechanism works just like the one seen in the 20 dollar toy alethiometer and just spins limply like a board game spinner when a button is pressed.

For 200 bucks, I'd hope for a mechanism like the actual film prop that deliberately pointed to a few symbols at random, but perhaps this may have been a bit much to ask considering the level of quality already present in this item.

The Noble Collection alethiometer replica is a solid, heavy, satisfying object to own. For a serious, heirloom quality souvenir of your nerdy, fanboyish/girlish affection for His Dark Materials, you can't go wrong with this product.

Incidentally, the symbols I pointed to, the Lute, the Crucible, and the Cornucopia intend to frame the question "Will my work in writing become profitable."

Warner brothers

2008-12-22T21:09:40Z

This says that warner brothers has the subtle knife in production. I hope they don't animate if its true.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3i8cb71d29182efee64edd7054be2ce22f

But then again if they don't, the company is pretty good at making 'dark' movies. So maybe there would be some hope for it.

His Dark Materials Rejected Merchandise

2008-12-22T15:19:16Z

You thought the Iorek Byrnison Slashing Paws from The Golden Compass flick were ridiculous?

Trust me, It could have been much worse.

The Golden Compass Rejected Merchandise:

Daemon plushies, because your child’s own soul isn’t good enough and they’d clearly be much happier with a representation of a fictional character’s soul to cuddle with instead. Oh, wait, they did make daemon plushies didn’t they?

Lemur Man action figure with Cup of (spiked?) Coffee

The Noble Collection replica of Grumman’s head in vacuum jar.

Lyra and Roger Find a Rook playset - includes BBQ spit and cutlery

Decanter of Tokay soft drinks with envelopes of "special sugar" included

Electronic Bolvangar Operating Theatre playset with screaming children sound effects.

Severed Daemon plush toy, is gray, mildly translucent, and moans "oh...darling...where are you...I’m all alone…why have you left me...I’m so cold...please come back to me..." when you squeeze it's paw.

Ragnar action figure with detachable jaw and hinged chest compartment revealing removable heart.

Tony Markarios fish scented Fireplace Starter Log

"Bible Stories with Uncle Asriel" illustrated storybook with accompanying narration CD recorded by Daniel Craig

“Race To Save Roger” board game with rules that make it impossible to win and electronic sound effects of Roger pleading for his life.

Note: Turns out New Line actually DID MAKE A GOLDEN COMPASS BOARD GAME It's really troubling having read the book and felt for the characters and stuff and felt like you were really a part of this world and then to see all of that turned into the most cheesy, "COMMERCIAL!!!!!!!! :D:D" looking board game I've ever seen that literally appears to have been put together in a couple of hours with Photoshop and some screenshots of the movie.

And with the filmstrip motif it doesn't even look like they cared enough to even slightly make the game look like anything more than a merchandising cash in for the movie.

This single product really highlights everything wrong about the way New Line approached this adaptation, which is a shame because despite their best efforts they got several things right.

They also made this bizarre Daemon themed Golden Compass Yahtzee clone.

Here is a quote from the packaging:

"Live the excitement of The Golden Compass with this Daemon Dice Game. Choose your daemon, mark it on the scorecard, roll the dice and get the highest number of points to win. If your daemon shows up, you get double the points! Contains 1 Daemon Die, 2 Standard Dice, Game Score pad, Game Instructions, Collectible Tin. Ages 8 and up. Fierce Ice Bears, flying witch queens, and 'daemons' - talking animals that are the physical manifestation of a person's deepest essence - populate the amazing parallel world that is the setting for The Golden Compass. At the center of it all is Lyra, a 12- year old girl in a desperate race to save her friend from a terrible fate."

I love how they say "live the excitement of The Golden Compass with this dice game" Yeah, I'm sure traveling across the globe going on dangerous missions including nearly having your soul ripped out, falling from a hot air balloon and watching your best friend die before your eyes is EXACTLY like playing Yhatzee. I'm know Pullman must be proud that New Line had this much respect for his work.

Rant over.

Stelmaria plush doll. Because every parent will want their children cuddling with the soul of a child murderer. Oh wait, they actually made this one too didn’t they? I suppose the merchandising team never read Northern Lights.

Intercision Chamber bed tent (sort of like this one), with “anbaric blade” sound effects when the tent is closed.

“All About Your Daemon” educational coloring book for children at Bolvangar - Magisterium Approved!

Mrs. Coulter Hot Chocolate set, for the longest, deepest nap you’ve ever had. Also available in Lemur Man version.

Roger and Salcilia battery charger.

Roger and Salcilia light switch plate.

Talking Lord Asriel in the Arctic action figure, says “Poor people don’t belong in my Heaven.”, and “I don’t care if it’s not in the book, I’m Daniel Craig and I demand a fight scene!”

Talking Mrs. Coulter action figures that says, “You look cold dear, have some hot chocolatl.”, “The blade looks a bit scary but this wont hurt at all.”, “See, you feel happier already!”, and “Sigh, looks like another one for the incinerator boys.”

Stelmaria plush doll with Salcilia in her jaws. Pleading Roger doll sold separately.

Aurora Borealis bedroom curtains.

“Bridge to the Stars” electronic curtain opener. Curtains open automatically when included Roger and Salcilia dolls are separated, the curtains close again when the dolls are reunited.

The Subtle Knife Rejected Merchandise:

Electronic Subtle Knife with universe slicing sound effects

John Parry Skin Ointment (for use with above in case of mishaps)

“Never Trust Strangers” educational coloring book starring Mrs. Coulter, Charles Latrom, and the Lemur Man

John Parry Trepanation Kit - Adult supervision recommended

“Look Both Ways!” A traffic safety coloring book featuring Lyra and Will

“Dusting for Shadows with Mary Malone” interactive computer software for IMing with angels.

Lyra Silvertongue automatic omelette maker.

Lyra action figure with tire-marked clothes.

The Amber Spyglass Rejected Merchandise:

The Authority action figure with Crystal Coffin.

Whining Balthamos action figure.

Knife Wielding Will with authentic God Killing Action

“The Amber Spyglass” for Nintendo DS with interactive Lyra/Will makeout level complete with touch-screen daemon stroking and microphone enabled kiss blowing.

Will Tries Some Vodka playset.

His Dark Materials Talking Exercise Machine featuring Lyra and Pantalaimon handle grips. The more you stretch the handles apart, the louder Lyra and Pan scream to be together again. Rejected because it encouraged children NOT to do their stretches.

Harpy dolls. Nuff said.

Pathetic Puppy Pantalaimon doll, says “Why have you forsaken me Lyra?”, “How could you do this to me Lyra?” and “I thought you loved me Lyra.”

Power Wheels style Intention Craft. Not recommended for children without physical daemons.

Mary Malone Marzipan (made in China)

Philip Pullman Saves Jericho playset.

Nuclear-Daemon-Hair-Intercision-Bomb-Thingie Firecrackers.

Escape From the Underworld board game. First one to reach the surface dies!

Father Gomez leaf textured toilet paper

Talking Throes of Passion Pan & Kirjava dolls. When held, they purr, moan, and tell you how much they approve of you touching them. Perfect for re-enacting Chapter 37 of The Amber Spyglass. Each doll sold separately.

TGC Music Video

2008-12-21T22:15:52Z

I made a "Golden Compass" Music Video :)

Name/Song: "Teardrops on my Guitar" - Taylor Swift
Plot: Mrs. Coulter/Lord Asriel/Serafina

( download link )

hdarkmaterials @ 2008-12-21T15:52:00

2008-12-21T20:55:35Z

I just observed that they actually updated (recently - dec 4th) some info on "The Subtle Knife" IMDB page... they have someone listed as the writer of the screenplay for it (and it's not Weitz) Maybe there actually writing out the screenplay?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0934963/

Just thought I'd share if anyone wanted to check it out :)

His Dark Materials audiobooks assaulted in iTunes reviews

2008-12-14T02:24:45Z

If you're an iTunes user and enjoyed the His Dark Materials audiobooks, perhaps consider leaving a user review for them on the iTunes Store.

A number of people who have never even read His Dark Materials appear to have organized a concerted effort to sabotage the His Dark Materials audiobooks by flooding their iTunes pages with bad reviews claiming that the books promote underage sex and "demon" worship, neither of which appear anywhere in the series.

Claims in these reviews that "these books are all about killing God", while arguably not untrue in themselves, don't demonstrate a knowledgeable understanding by the "reviewer" of the material they are criticizing.

Other reviews attacking Pullman for "hating C.S. Lewis and The Chronicles of Narnia" characterize the reviewers not as people who have a reasonable objection to His Dark Materials based on their personal beliefs, but rather religious zealots intent on silencing critics. They seem to want to defend The Chronicles of Narnia as though it were the foundation of their religious conviction.

People who spread misinformation in an attempt to scare people out of reading books represent the very aspects of religious organizations which are criticized in His Dark Materials.

While they are many thoughtful, positive reviews as well, the sheer volume of "THESE BOOKS ARE FROM SATAN DONT READ THEM - ONE STAR" types of reviews appear to have made their mark on the overall ratings.

People who have read the books and decided independently that they deserve a poor review have every right to express their opinions, but the concerted effort to sabotage His Dark Materials by people who have never read the books themselves is truly pathetic.

specters

2008-12-11T13:16:40Z

Those things are creepy. They didn't scare me that much through most of the book, until one of them came into the tent with John and Lee. Lee was dreaming about it (or seeing as Hester put it), while John started controlling it in the waking world to destroy the Zepplins.

Do you think it was originally after Lee and Hester. Cause in the previous dream he 'wakes up.' seeing that she is still sleeping, while he is awake bothers him. He moves closer to her, afraid for her. Seeing that she is still sleeping while he thinks he is awake. When actually he moved closer to her in his sleep. It kind of struck me that they being used as bait to lure it in.

Then in the next he's inside the Zepplin, watching the thing kill the pilots Daemon. While leaving the pilot looking like a living vegetable.

The dreams combined with the Specter showing up scared me.

Severed Persons Only

2008-12-10T20:21:31Z

Made in Photoshop with clip art and some standard street sign stencils.

I could imagine the Oblation Board planning something like this had things gone their way and their power over society had expanded uncontested.

I would personally love to have actual signs or posters of this made and put them in public places just to see what ordinary people made of them.

New to the community

2008-12-10T14:40:13Z

I just recently picked up the HDM books due to watching the movie. I thought the movie was awesome. And bought the books when I found out they may not be making the sequals. That and I read some spoilers over the net, and wanted to know what happened with Hester and Lee after they died. They are my favorite chars of the movie, and from the books. Even though it was really sad, I am glad they got to reunite in a way in the end 9even though that was sad too!). Too bad Hester couldn't go with him to the land of the dead. Would have been nice if she had a bigger part in the last book. I loved her tell it like it is attitude from the second book. I raise and show bunnies. So that's another reason why I liked her.

I plan on buying and reading Once upon a time in the north soon too. I hope the author continues to write more stories about those two. Personally I'd like to see one of where they go after they die and reunite. Or something like that.

Anyhow the books are awesome. I also liked Lyra and the other Daemon characters too. Probably the best animal/human related books I have read in a long time.

Even though I didn't like Lord Asriel at the end of GC, I did get a kick out of him reading out of 'their' version of the bible.

Its too bad about the sequals to the movie. I'd pay to go see them. I hate that the first one leaves you hanging. The people that protested them need to learn the difference between real religion, and fantasy.

The Subtle Knife

2008-10-26T23:19:43Z

Some of the articles about a possible movie sequel are pretty disheartening....

Google News has some interesting results.

Seems like the economic crisis is putting it on hold indefinitely.
If TSK isn't made, then at least we have an idea of why. Still, let's put a good face on and hope it is made sometime.

hdarkmaterials @ 2008-09-23T18:43:00

2008-09-23T22:44:01Z

Seems like "The Subtle Knife" Movie may be in production since there is an IMDB page up ...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0934963/

Nothing is listed yet, so we'll have to watch =)

Somnio RPG - Multifandom

2008-08-30T17:57:47Z

Welcomethought [thawt]
–noun
1. the product of mental activity; that which one thinks: a body of thought.
2. the capacity or faculty of thinking, reasoning, imagining, etc.: All her thought went into her work.
3. perhaps the simplest and yet the most complicated aspect of humanity: control the world’s thoughts, and you control the world.

Humans cannot be trusted enough to think and act on their own. Emotion and instinct block out rational thought far too often, and people become dangerous – to themselves, to others and to the very world itself.

And that is why research facilities – such as this one – are located across the nation; to monitor, research, and learn to control human thought.

The best lead discovered so far is, in fact, one’s dreams – the rawest, deepest and most natural form of thought. This facility in particular has become quite dedicated to researching the dreams of its ‘guests’ – despite what they may know or think they know.

Controlling their thoughts, after all, is what we strive to do.

Opening Soon!

Further Reading
More Information ✮ Facility Information
Rules and How to Play ✮ Taken Characters and Reservations ✮ Applying
Player Contact ✮ Mod Contact ✮ Advertising Code
somnio_rpg ✮ somniexcharactr ✮ somnio_mens

hdarkmaterials @ 2008-08-20T22:06:00

2008-08-21T02:07:13Z

Recent interesting article on TGC sequel...

http://www.oxfordmail.net/display.var.2410519.0.high_hopes_for_pullman_film_sequel.php

hdarkmaterials @ 2008-05-28T19:12:00

2008-05-29T02:13:16Z

It's an age of piracy like you've never seen it before.

On the floating continent of Reial, tensions run high as two opposing countries stand on the verge of war. To the west, there's Vohemar, a land that supports so few laws that it's made a nation of cutthroats and scoundrels. To the east, there's Ivona, a refined country that remains a leader in production and technology, yet the corruption here reaches deeper than most can imagine. Some choose not to pick a side at all, and either help or hinder either side depending on their whims.

Choose a ship, declare your loyalty, and fight alongside your crew to make your dreams a reality.

theskytides: A multifandom AU game focused around airships, with a steampunk setting. Completely remade from its previous version. Apply now and join us for the game's start on June 4th!

Game Information

GETTING STARTED
Rules ¤ Taken/Wanted ¤ Reservations ¤ Application

FACTIONS & SHIPS
Faction Information ¤ Ship Crew List

INFORMATION
FAQ ¤ Geography ¤ Glossary

CONTACT
Friends Add ¤ Pimping Code ¤ Hiatus/Mod Contact Post

hdarkmaterials @ 2008-05-02T19:49:00

2008-05-02T23:49:50Z

9 The Golden Compass
19 Stock
10 Lord of the Rings
15 Twilight
6 The Other Boleyn Girl
6 Tamora Pierce - Keladry and Shinkokami
8 Harry Potter
7 A Great and Terrible Beauty - Gemma (minor TSFT spoilers, there's a couple quotes from the book)
2 Helena Bonham-Carter

Example:

Over here!

Hi!

2008-05-01T00:13:23Z

Hi, I just joined and wanted to say hi... I just watched "The Golden Compass" for the first time yesterday and was drawn in by it. The special effects were simply stunning. I love making fan vids so I will definitely be making some for the movie and post them for everyone if you'd like to see them! =)

Podfic: Aurora Borealis by glass_icarus

2008-04-23T00:53:58Z

The wonderful glass_icarus let me make a podfic version of her lovely story "Aurora Borealis". The story provides a glimpse at scenes from the lives of Marisa Coulter and Serafina Pekkala.

You can read the original story and comment to glass_icarus here.

My podfic version is available for download here.

In case you're unfamiliar with podfics, they're just recorded versions of fanfics. Great for listening to at work or on a walk or wherever you carry your mp3 player. :)

[10] will/lyra icons - yay!

2008-04-18T02:47:10Z

CREDIT: hermonthis
TOTAL: 38 icons

[10] His Dark Materials: older!Lyra/Will icons
[08] Storm Hawks :animated icons
[20] Annie Lennox (Why music video)

click me!

Once Upon a Time in the North, anyone?

2008-04-10T17:38:27Z

I pre-ordered the book and finished it in a few hours on Tuesday. It's not surprising considering it is a very compact book (I haven't read Lyra's Oxford yet so I didn't expect the book to be the size it was) but it was so engrossing I probably would have stayed up to finish it. I had planned to write about it Wednesday but I got sick. I'm proud Once Upon a Time in the North was manufactured in Malaysia. :D It's a beautifully made book and I do think if I had a choice between a paperback version or the hardcover version, I would still choose the hardcover one, though it would be more expensive. There's also a boardgame included, where aeronauts compete to be the last remaining one in the sky. I haven't played it yet (they say the minimum is four players) as I and my friends have been too busy, but some of the "Hazards" are pretty amusing.

The political intrigue was interesting to consider, as Lee landed on Novy Odense which just discovered oil. A candidate for mayor - Ivan Dimitrovich Poliakov - campaigns on anti-bear sentiment, but it's really just a front for a big oil company. Ah, what makes the world turns round.

As part of Iorek's background is related in His Dark Materials trilogy, I do like how this focuses more on Lee and parts of his life prior to Novy Odense and Lyra. It has been a while since I read the second and third book of HDM, but I think Once Upon a Time in the North has a lot more fabrications made by Lee in order to get out of things, and humor between him and Hester. (We find out Iorek tells them Hester is an arctic hare while she thought she was a "damn jackrabbit!" I laughed out loud at that part.)

Since HDM was set on the blooming of puberty and sexual feelings for Lyra and Will, whereas Lee's already in full blossom, so this book seemed a little more geared towards readers who know what sex is and how casual it can be between humans. There are no actual sex scenes in this book, but Lee's yearning when he meets some women is pretty obvious. There are also a lot more guns in book (I personally don't like them) so the climax is a bit violent, depending on people's tolerance.

I really adored this book and I'm glad Pullman wrote it. I hope he writes one for Serafina one day.

Cross-posted to hisdarkmatter, jordancollege and personal LJ.