The April 8 Solar Eclipse – America comes to the astrological crossroads of Destiny

 

 

 

The April 8, 2024, solar eclipse is a total solar eclipse that will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The moon will move in front of the sun for approximately 4 minutes. The duration of the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse is indeed quite long, with a maximum duration of totality of 4 minutes and 28.2 seconds in north central Mexico. Sky-gazers across North America are in for a treat. The path of totality can be widely viewed on available solar eclipse maps. The duration of an eclipse can vary depending on your location within the path of totality. For instance, most places along the center-line for the 2024 eclipse will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Comparatively, the August 21, 2017, solar eclipse, dubbed the “Great American Eclipse,” was also a total solar eclipse. It was visible within a band that spanned the contiguous United States from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts. This was the first total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States in 38 years. The path of totality touched 14 states, and the rest of the U.S. had a partial eclipse.

Both eclipses are similar in that they are total solar eclipses visible from North America. However, the paths of totality for the two eclipses are different, with the 2024 eclipse visible from Mexico to Canada, and the 2017 eclipse visible from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts of the United States.

Correlation between solar eclipse and earthquakes

There is a common belief that solar eclipses might trigger earthquakes due to the alignment of the Earth, Sun, and Moon and the associated gravitational pull. However, scientific studies have shown that while there is a slight increase in seismic activity during full or new moons (which is when solar eclipses occur), there is no significant increase in seismic activity during solar eclipses compared to any other new or full moon.

The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) has indicated a correlation between high ocean tides and earth tides (which occur during full and new moons) and earthquakes on shallow thrust faults and undersea subduction zones.

Recent news reports also confirm that the 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3, 2024, and the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the New York area just days later, only days before the 2024 total solar eclipse, are unrelated to the solar eclipse. So, while it’s an interesting topic of discussion, the consensus in the scientific community is that solar eclipses do not have a significant impact on the occurrence of earthquakes.

Earthquakes before or after the August 21, 2017, solar eclipse

There were several significant earthquakes before or after the August 21, 2017, solar eclipse. Here are some notable ones:

•          Sichuan, China, (Magnitude: 6.5, Death toll: 25) on August 8.
•          Chiapas offshore, Mexico, (Magnitude: 8.2, Death toll: 98) on September 8.
•          Puebla, Mexico, (Magnitude: 7.1, Death toll: 370) on September 19.

 

The gravitational pull of the Sun and the Moon can slightly increase seismic activity during full or new moons (which is when solar eclipses occur). And The U.S Geological Survey (USGS) has indicated a correlation between high ocean tides and earth tides (which occur during full and new moons) and earthquakes. It’s important to note that earthquakes are complex phenomena influenced by a variety of geological factors, and predicting them accurately remains a challenge for scientists.

 

What astrologers say about the April 8, 2024 solar eclipse

Astrologers have a fascinating perspective on the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse. They believe that this celestial event, which falls in the sign of Aries, will bring about significant changes and transformations.

The eclipse is said to occur on the lunar nodes of destiny, which are currently in Aries and Libra. This is believed to be a time of healing from the past and embracing new beginnings. The constellation Chiron, known as the cosmos’ healer, is expected to connect with the eclipse degree, bringing closure to the past. Astrologers suggest that this eclipse will be a time of goodbyes and hellos, a magical journey of sorts. It’s like the universe is hitting the reset button, offering us a chance to start afresh.

For Aries, the eclipse is going to be eye-opening, giving a new window to the past. Taurus might confront their fears and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. Gemini might undergo a personal metamorphosis, bringing in relationships with those who share their values and goals.

Astrologers also believe that the eclipse is ruled by Mars, the planet of warrior energy, and it will affect the U.S. for months to come. It’s as if the cosmos is stirring up a celestial cocktail of change and transformation, and we’re all invited to the party.

So, whether you’re an Aries ready to make amends, a Taurus confronting your fears, or a Gemini meeting new people, the April 8 solar eclipse is set to be a memorable event. Remember to look up at the sky and make a wish. Who knows? The stars might just align in your favor. The next total solar eclipse that will be visible from the United States after the one on April 8, 2024, will occur on August 23, 2044.

 

 

Do We Need To Wait 15 Years For Black Panther's T'Challa To Be Recast?

 

Winston Duke, star of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”, believes Marvel Studios will choose another actor to play the original T’Challa character in the MCU, in spite of the character passing away in “Wakanda Forever”, after the actual untimely death of actor Chadwick Boseman. Indeed, Duke, who played M’Baku in both Black Panther films, revealed in an interview with Esquire that he thinks the character of T’Challa is too iconic, and will be recast in a future Marvel film.

"There's no way they'll never recast Black Panther in the future,” Duke said. “There's no way that the saga and interpretation of T'Challa, King of Wakanda, will end. He is Marvel canon. So trust that it'll come.”

However, now the question is, will it take Marvel 15 years to recast T’Challa? In “Wakanda Forever”, we learn that T’Challa became a dad before he died. Nakia (T’Challa’s love interest, played by Lupita Nyong’o) gave birth to Toussaint, the couple’s son in Haiti. And a 5 year-old Toussaint is introduced in a “Wakanda Forever” post-credits scene.

When did the Black Panther first appear in Marvel Comics?

The Black Panther character first appeared in Marvel Comics in "Fantastic Four" #52, which was published in July 1966. The character, also known as T'Challa, was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. The Black Panther is the first black superhero in mainstream American comics, and he has become a fan favorite, and an important character in the Marvel Universe.

And since the Black Panther first appeared in Marvel Comics in "Fantastic Four" #52, it would be fitting to introduce the recast T'Challa in Marvels upcoming "Fantastic Four" movie. Disney has made changes to the release schedule of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and one of those films being delay is Matt Shakman's Fantastic Four film, which will be now debut in theaters on February 14, 2025, instead of its previously announced November 8, 2024. So, Kevin Feige, can we get a recast T'Challa/Black Panther in the "Fantastic Four" movie?

Black Panther film

"Black Panther" the 2018 Marvel Cinematic Universe film that follows T'Challa, the prince of the African nation of Wakanda, as he becomes the king of Wakanda, and the superhero Black Panther, after the death of his father.

After T'Challa assumes the role of king, he is challenged by his cousin Erik Killmonger, who was born in America, and wants to overthrow T'Challa. And Killmonger also wants to use Wakanda's advanced technology to conquer the world. T'Challa is forced to defend his throne, and defeat Killmonger to protect his people and maintain peace.

Throughout the film, T'Challa grapples with the responsibilities of leadership and the weight of his own identity as a superhero. He is aided by his friends and allies, including Nakia (spy and girlfriend), Okoye (female general), and Shuri (sister and scientist), as well as the spirit of his ancestors.

In the end, T'Challa emerges victorious and decides to use Wakanda's resources to help people around the world, rather than keep them hidden.

"Black Panther" was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office. It was the highest-grossing film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the time of its release and remains one of the highest-grossing superhero films of all time. The film received praise for its performances, direction, action, and production design, and it won three Academy Awards, including Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.

Here is a list of some of the key personnel who worked on the "Black Panther" movie:

Producers: Kevin Feige, Victoria Alonso, Nate Moore, and Jeffrey Chernov

Director: Ryan Coogler

Screenwriters: Ryan Coogler and Joe Robert Cole

Lead actors:

Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa / Black Panther

Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger

Angela Bassett as Ramonda

Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia

Letitia Wright as Shuri 

Danai Gurira as Okoye

Martin Freeman as Everett K. Ross

Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi

Winston Duke as M'Baku

Forest Whitaker as Zuri

***

Black Panther VS The Fantastic Four - Complete Story

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDt8-szMF7A

 

 

 

Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. Tour Hits D.C.

   

On a hot and steamy night outside, Kendrick Lamar‘s DAMN. Tour Kung Fu kicked its way into the Verizon Center on Friday July 21st. Aided by his alter ego Kung Fu Kenny, Lamar put on a virtuoso performance that emphatically confirmed his newly minted “Stadium Status” in the Hip-Hop world. Lamar last visited the Verizon Center in 2013 as the warm-up act for Kanye West’s Yeezus tour. Back then he was merely the undercard to the main event, and half the crowd was still in the lobby buying food and beer and socializing when he hit the stage. But not this time, a surprisingly large crowd anxiously waited for him to take the stage, and this time around the brilliance of his star power was on display for all to see.

After what seemed an interminable wait, the arena lights dimmed and the gigantic black curtain, emblazoned with the Top Dog Entertainment logo, that hid the stage finally lifted. The crowd roared when the stage was revealed, then a video began to play on the four gigantic video monitors, behind, above and to the left and right of the stage. The video was a Kung Fu feature film staring Kendrick Lamar‘s alter ego Kung Fu Kenny. This was clever and clear homage to the Wu-Tang Clan, whose name actually came from the Kung Fu film “Shaolin and Wu Tang.” In the feature, Kung Fu Kenny’s elderly Asian master urges him to go out into the world and do great things. This mildly comical Kung Fu feature continues to play episodically throughout the entire show.

Then the video monitors begin to flash one of the recurring themes from Lamar‘s new chart-topping DAMN album: 

“Ain’t nobody prayin’ for me.”

Wearing a yellow tracksuit with black strips, homage, this time to Bruce Lee’s “Game of Death” costume, Lamar elevates up onto the stage from below. Armed only with a microphone, Lamar has the entire stage to himself as he dives into his first song "DNA." The near capacity crowd rises to its feet cheering full-throated as the Compton, CA Hip-Hop star rocks the mic.

“I got, I got, I got, I got

Loyalty, got royalty inside my DNA”

After the first song, Lamar is joined on stage by a sword wielding ninja. Lamar’s Kung Fu is clearly greater as he vanquished his sword wielding foe and smoothly flows into “King Kunta."

“Now I run the game got the whole world talkin', King Kunta

Everybody wanna cut the legs off him, Kunta”

By the time Lamar gets to his feature verse from "Collard Greens," a top 30 Hip-Hop hit by his TDE label mate ScHoolboy Q, he has the entire audience standing, and waving their arms and cellphones in the air like they just don’t care.

“Chidi-ching-ching could buy anything, cop that

Oh collard greens"

Then Lamar Kung Fu kicks the crowd into an even higher frenzy with "Swimming Pools (Drank)," his platinum single from his major-label debut studio album “good kid, m.A.A.d city.”

 “Why you babysittin' only 2 or 3 shots?

I'm a show you how to turn it up a notch

First you get a swimming pool full of liquor, then you dive in it”

And the crowd goes wild! Lamar’s mastery of this large arena crowd is amazing to witness. He takes a mid-set break, as his two solitary dancers, one male and one female, take the stage and engage in a mock Kung Fu fight, to deft beats from the DJ. After the dancers leave the stage, the lights dim. Then out of nowhere, a spotlight blazes in the middle of the people sitting on the floor level, and suddenly and shockingly there was Kendrick, crouching like a hidden tiger on a tiny little stage in the midst of the crowd. How the heck did he do that? Was he now trying his hand at being a magician too?

Lamar does a brief set in the middle of the cheering crowd. Homage, this time goes to Kanye West and his fabulous floating stage from The Life Of Pablo Tour. His mid-crowd set was definitely a welcomed surprise for those sitting around that small stage. Moreover, his entire show came across as a very intimate affair. For 95 percent of the show he was the only one on the stage. Even his DJ had been vanquished to near obscurity off stage, near the back right corner of the stage. So for the most part it was just Kendrick and the audience, one on one. Also, he engaged the audience not only with song, but with direct conversation.

“It’s been a minute since I’ve been in DC. Ya’ll been riding with me for a while too. I remember the first time I came to DC. I played at a club, and there were only about 200 people there. But that was the livest 200 people I have ever seen.” He said in short break from the music.

Then it was back to the music as he began to build for the big close. And by that time Kung Fu Kenny had been through trial and tribulation and had defeated his arch nemesis, the Queen of snake style Kung Fu.

Kung Fu Kenny even metaphorically found paradise in the form of a beautiful girl, who emitted sunshine from between her thighs.

The energy of the crowd revved up again when Lamar rapped "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe." Then came the largest and by far the loudest ovation when he flowed into “Alright," his platinum and Grammy Award winning single from his album To Pimp a Butterfly. And the crowd really goes wild!

“We gon' be alright

Do you hear me, do you feel me? We gon' be alright”

The DAMN. Tour is Lamar’s first arena tour as a headliner, but it clearly won’t be his last. A superstar is born…

 

Notes: The undercard for the DAMN. Tour was Virginia native D.R.A.M. and Travis Scott. While D.R.A.M did perform his set, Travis Scott did not. Travis didn’t perform at the D.C. stop of the tour at the Verizon Center on Friday night. When it was announced that he was a no-show, fans clearly weren’t pleased. However, Scott did have had a legitimate reason not to be there. His body guard and friend, Big Tony, reportedly passed away on the night of the concert.