The Techniques and Artistry of Swordmaking

Swords and magic have long been intertwined in literature, folklore, and popular culture. These two elements often go hand in hand, creating a distinctive and captivating world filled with adventure and danger. Swords, as weapons, have a deep-rooted history that spans across various cultures and time periods. They were not only tools of warfare but symbols of power, honor, and chivalry. The craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating these weapons were remarkable, with each sword possessing its own unique design and characteristics. From the legendary Excalibur to the katana of the samurai, swords hold a special place in our imagination.

From the legendary Excalibur to the katana of the samurai, swords hold a special place in our imagination. Magic, on the other hand, is a concept that has fascinated humans for centuries. While it may not have a tangible existence in our world, it has captured our collective imagination through myths, legends, and fantastical tales.

Sesame Street Special "The Magical Wand Chase"

This Saturday don't miss an all-new one hour Sesame Street special on HBO. "The Magical Wand Chase" will premiere on Saturday November 11 at 7 pm eastern, 6 pm central.

It's up, up and away as Elmo, Abby and friends take to the skies above Sesame Street in colorful hot air balloons. When a playful bird snatches Abby's magic wand, the pleasant ride instantly becomes a high-stakes adventure. The chase is on as Grover, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, Rosita and the rest race through new neighborhoods, meet new friends, and discover new and different cultures that lie just around the corner. Will our heroes find the wand and still make it home in time for dinner?

"The Magical Wand Chase" features guest star Elizabeth Banks.

ConsummateVs

Well-Known Member

I'm glad everyone is out of the house right now so I was able to watch this special in peace without any interruptions.

So, what were my thoughts on it? Well, I liked it. It wasn't quite as great as I thought it would be (while I wasn't expecting some big cinematic feature film, I was kinda hoping it would be more like Follow That Bird), but I still enjoyed it. I liked the bits with Grover and Cookie Monster the most. I would have liked to have seen more characters in it (like Ernie and Bert), but it was nice to see Rosita in a major role. I also really liked how we got to explore more of the other areas around Sesame Street. So overall, it wasn't amazing, but it was still good.

Also, on a side note, I'm starting to like Abby Cadabby more and more now. I used to not care for her that much, but she's grown on me now.

antsamthompson9

Well-Known Member

This special was alright. I was kinda hoping for characters besides the core seven though. This is the very first Sesame Street special with Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson voicing Big Bird and Oscar.

MikaelaMuppet

Well-Known Member

This special was alright. I was kinda hoping for characters besides the core seven though. This is the very first Sesame Street special with Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson voicing Big Bird and Oscar.

antsamthompson9

Well-Known Member

I wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. If his voice isn't heard in the season 48 premiere next week, then I'd say he's retired. Which is for the best, Caroll's Big Bird and Oscar voices haven't sounded very good lately.

MikaelaMuppet

Well-Known Member

I wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. If his voice isn't heard in the season 48 premiere next week, then I'd say he's retired. Which is for the best, Caroll's Big Bird and Oscar voices haven't sounded very good lately.

somethingofafan

Well-Known Member

I seem to recall one of the Below the Frame videos stating that he is involved in Season 48. Haven't heard about 49 yet.

D'Snowth

Well-Known Member

Oops. I thought the special was next week instead of this week. Welp, that's one on me.

As for Caroll, I don't know how far in advance this special was made, but he's clearly not in too good of shape right now. As I said, when I met him last month at the Knoxville Fanboy Expo, his voice was really soft and weak, and more often than not, his wife Debi, or one of his chaperones would finish his sentences for him whenever he'd lose his train of thought. Even during the Q&A panel when the cast was speaking about how they got onto SST, Debi had to remind him of specific little details about how Jim came to hire him for Big Bird and Oscar. Someone had mentioned he had a pretty nasty fall a while back, and I noticed he had a number of scrapes and bruises across his face (and some of his teeth even look chipped). I think we can assume that age is catching up to him at this point.

The only thing I remember hearing was that he was going to try to keep going until at least Season 50, but I'm not so sure if he can even make that far.

Oscarfan

Well-Known Member

Kinda felt a little rushed. The 43 minute runtime contributed to that. A little more music would've been nice too. I liked the opening song though and yeah, Muppets look great in the real world. And the credits sequence was nice, with all the main characters who weren't in the special getting a little cameo.

HiHo3892

Active Member

I wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. If his voice isn't heard in the season 48 premiere next week, then I'd say he's retired. Which is for the best, Caroll's Big Bird and Oscar voices haven't sounded very good lately.

Oops. I thought the special was next week instead of this week. Welp, that's one on me.

As for Caroll, I don't know how far in advance this special was made, but he's clearly not in too good of shape right now. As I said, when I met him last month at the Knoxville Fanboy Expo, his voice was really soft and weak, and more often than not, his wife Debi, or one of his chaperones would finish his sentences for him whenever he'd lose his train of thought. Even during the Q&A panel when the cast was speaking about how they got onto SST, Debi had to remind him of specific little details about how Jim came to hire him for Big Bird and Oscar. Someone had mentioned he had a pretty nasty fall a while back, and I noticed he had a number of scrapes and bruises across his face (and some of his teeth even look chipped). I think we can assume that age is catching up to him at this point.

The only thing I remember hearing was that he was going to try to keep going until at least Season 50, but I'm not so sure if he can even make that far.

Caroll was on set with his fellow muppeteers a few weeks ago, so I would assume he's still involved in some capacity or perhaps just visiting the set. As for the voices, I would still take Caroll's over Vogel. I don't think Vogel is right for Big Bird anymore. Caroll needs a new understudy. Vogel's BB is too deep and nasally to the point that it's essentially an entirely different character. Even Vogel has acknowledged the fact that the two sound very different and has stated that his Big Bird is not Caroll's Big Bird. When Matt Vogel was younger he could do the voice, but now it just sounds too rubbery, deep, nasally and cartoonish (if that makes sense.)

I think Jacobsen does a good Oscar, but I'm sorry, I don't buy Vogel as Big Bird. It doesn't feel like the character should feel. Feels more like Barney and less like a 6 year old.

Perhaps Noel Macneal or Peter Linz? (who have both performed Big Bird when Spinney and Vogel were not available.)

Sesame Street Muppet Performers

Magic adds an enchanting and otherworldly element to stories, allowing characters to possess extraordinary abilities and create spells that defy the laws of nature. It is often seen as a source of power, a means to achieve one's desires, or a tool to protect against evil forces. When swords and magic are combined, they create a rich and vibrant tapestry of storytelling. In fantasy literature, for example, the hero or heroine wields a powerful sword and commands magical abilities to fight against formidable foes. This combination adds an element of excitement and suspense, as the protagonists must rely on their physical prowess and metaphysical talents to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. The interplay between swords and magic is not limited to literature; it permeates various forms of media, such as movies, video games, and tabletop role-playing games. These mediums allow audiences to immerse themselves in fantastical worlds where swords swing through the air and magic is harnessed to cast devastating spells. The clash of steel and the crackling of mystical energy create an atmosphere of awe and wonder, drawing us further into the narrative. In conclusion, the fusion of swords and magic is a captivating combination that has captivated audiences for centuries. Essential components of fantasy storytelling, they transport us to extraordinary worlds where heroes and heroines battle against darkness and harness supernatural powers. Whether through literature, films, or games, the marriage of swords and magic continues to inspire and entertain, fueling our imagination and allowing us to escape into realms of adventure and enchantment..

Reviews for "From Bronze to Steel: The Materials of Ancient Swords"

1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Swords n magic and stuff". The graphics and gameplay were underwhelming, and the storyline was lacking in depth. The game felt repetitive and lacked any real excitement or challenge. I expected more from a game that was marketed as an adventure RPG. Overall, I found it to be a dull and uninspiring experience.

2. Jake - 1 star - "Swords n magic and stuff" was a complete letdown. The controls were clunky and unresponsive, which made it frustrating to navigate the game world. The quests and objectives felt meaningless, with no real sense of purpose or accomplishment. The combat system was lackluster, and the overall gameplay lacked innovation. I would not recommend this game to anyone looking for a truly immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.

3. Sophia - 2.5 stars - I didn't have high expectations for "Swords n magic and stuff", but I still found it to be a disappointing experience. The game felt rushed and unfinished, with numerous bugs and glitches that hindered gameplay. The character customization options were limited, and the lack of variety in enemies and environments made the game repetitive and monotonous. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat and left me feeling unsatisfied.

4. Max - 2 stars - As a fan of RPGs, "Swords n magic and stuff" did not meet my expectations. The character progression and leveling system felt tedious and unbalanced, requiring an excessive amount of grinding. The storyline was weak and unengaging, with cliché characters and predictable plot twists. The game lacked depth and failed to offer a truly immersive world. Overall, it was a forgettable experience that I would not recommend to other RPG enthusiasts.

The Legendary Swords of King Arthur's Knights