Making the decision to build a home from scratch is a brave one, and can be a sensible one, especially if you're somewhat picky as to the architecture you like, or have very specific requirements for what you want. However, once you've made that decision to build, you then have another important decision to make: where to actually build it! Usually it will come down to two options: an established community or a new community, and although you may have your preference, there are advantages and disadvantages to both that you may not have already considered.
The biggest advantage with building in an established community is that everything is there already, it's 'established' with all the community services you would expect in any town or suburb. Schools, shopping, medical services, parks, roads, transport, recreation and more, are all in place already, so you can start making use of all those services immediately and become a part of the community. Life goes on in these communities without an awful lot changing, so you can quickly get used to routines and enjoy life!
The way I see it there is really only one disadvantage to building in an established community; and that's the fact that there will be minimal choice when it comes to a lot. If all the streets are full of houses already where is yours going to fit in? Vacant lots can be few and far between, so you may have to settle for a lot that's not perfect, and you're likely to have to pay more for that lot too.
So if finding a lot is difficult in an established community, this is the biggest advantage in a new one, especially if you get in right at the early stages of development. There will be many lots for you to choose from, including desirable corner lots, view lots, and lots backing onto crown or federal land, and the earlier you decide to buy, the better deal you can usually get. Lots typically would be cheaper than in an established community, though of course there are always factors that can affect this, such as the overall desirability of the new community, and the type and size of lot you're purchasing.
Building in a new community can actually make financial sense in more ways than one. Again, the earlier you buy the lot the more room there is to make money, because as the community grows the price of land and homes will rise. This makes the new community a good investment, and could enable you to afford a better lot and larger home than you might otherwise be able to afford in an established community.
Well, this is going to vary from state to state and province to province, but in some places the builders are allowed to start construction as early as 7am, and will often work on the weekends too. So that lie-in you wanted won't be so appealing when they start hammering and digging at 7am. And forget about peaceful summer evenings as well, because they're likely to be at it until the sun sets and sometimes even later.
In addition to the noise there's the constant dust and dirt blowing your way, not only from the construction itself but from the roads, which, by the way, are unlikely to be surfaced for some time yet. So every time a vehicle drives past they're going to create dust and you're going to have to live with a dirty car for months as you drive in and out of the neighborhood.
That's the big problem as well… timing… a new community can't be built in just a few weeks. At the least it will be a couple of months, but larger communities can take years to build, and just when you think it's over, another phase begins!
And then there are the community amenities… Homes will be the first thing to be built, but how long will it be before you have a local store, a large grocery store, medical center, school, community center, recreation and all those other things you probably take for granted right now?
So how do you make the ultimate decision? Well, deciding on building a house in a new community versus an established one will come down to personal preference, and availability will play a large part in your decision making process too. If there's a great lot in an established community, at the right price, then maybe this is the one, but if you've been searching for years with no luck, maybe it's time to buy in that new community they're just starting to build, provided of course that you can put up with all those disadvantages. Just think though, at the end of it you get the home of your dreams so maybe the dust, dirt and noise are a small price to pay!
How Big a House Do You Really Need?


GCE provides estimating and project controls consultancy for short and long term assignments both domestically and overseas.
Estimating experience includes preparing Independent Government Estimates (IGE), conceptual, parametric as well as competitive estimates using labor and equipment resources.
We provide consulting services as well as staff augmentation.


Our mission is to provide culturally competent behavioral health services. We focus on risk reduction, evidence-based practices and life skills development with a person-centered approach. We believe in respecting the cultural needs of all individuals and families; treating all individuals with integrity, dignity and respect; promoting general wellness and health in the community; and focusing on individual strengths and potential.
Our team promotes honesty and authenticity to create a safe and accepting environment for everyone. Our team includes licensed mental health professionals, alcohol and drug counselors, nurses and psychiatrists. We recruit and hire professionals that are bilingual and reflect the communities we serve.
Our team promotes honesty and authenticity to create a safe and accepting environment for everyone. Our team includes licensed mental health professionals that are bilingual and reflect the communities we serve.
and adults age 18 and over.
private pay. We offer payment plans.


text:
Promoted | 5 reasons why it makes sense to go electric todayElectric cars get green numberplatesPromoted | Your electric fleet and company car questions answeredPromoted | Why an electric company car is perfect for long journeysPromoted | Why an electric company car is perfect for city driving
Will electric vehicles suffer serious loss of range in the winter?
The ban on new petrol and diesel cars gives a reader cause for concern about electric vehicle range, traffic problems and the environment...
Following the news that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has been brought forward to 2030, I am worried about the cost and consequences of a large proportion of the population switching to electric vehicles, and wonder if you can answer the following questions:
When most cars are electric, how will the national grid cope at peak times in the winter?
In cold weather, will a reduction in the range of electric cars result in them stopping on motorways because they have run out of power?
When traffic is heavy, will there be traffic queues for public chargers? This could be exacerbated in shopping centres or cities if people are allowed to use charging bays as cheap parking spaces, or if they forget to return to their car straight away once it's charged up.
What is the cost and environmental impact of disposing of exhausted electric car batteries?
Prof Les Trustrum
What Car? says…
With regard to electric vehicles draining the national grid at peak times, this is unlikely because cars are generally charged up at night when electricity demand is low, and they're most likely to be parked up when people are using electricity at home and work.
We believe that a smarter national grid and vehicle charging systems could also help to ensure there is enough electricity for everyone to use at peak times. There are a number of trials of smart charging systems taking place at present that use electric vehicles as storage facilities for excess electricity at quieter times and push electricity back into the grid at peak times.
The systems can be set by car owners so that their car is charged up and ready for them to use at a certain time, but they can also feed electricity back to the grid in the meantime. So a car could be plugged in during the evening, supplying power to the grid while everyone is using heating and electric devices, and then replenish the car's batteries after midnight when demand for electricity is far lower.
Electric cars shouldn't run out of charge and break down on motorways for a number of reasons. First, the latest EV batteries are less susceptible to cold weather and the use of in-car electrical systems and we would expect the loss in range to be 10-15 miles for a car with an overall range of around 160 miles. All EVs display the remaining range while you're driving, so it's easy for a driver to know when they need to charge their car up. Additionally, many of the latest cars also have an onboard concierge service that will show you the nearest charge points and provide sat-nav directions to them to ensure you can get to a charger without running out of juice.
Queues for public EV charge points could become a problem if demand for them ramps up. However, public car charging operators are already aware of this becoming an issue and have introduced some steep fines for EV owners who leave their cars in charge bays longer than they should. Genie Point has a £10 overstay fee for cars left in its charge bays for more than 65 minutes and Tesla charges up to 70p per minute for anyone outstaying the 60 minute time limit on its Supercharger bays.
The environmental impact of disposing of old EV batteries should not be a big issue because batteries can be reconditioned when they stop working as efficiently as they should and this is likely to be cheaper for owners than replacing them. We've also seen pioneering schemes from Nissan and Tesla that use old EV batteries to create charging walls for homes and commercial buildings, so this is another potentially good use for them.
Next: Revealed - the true cost of public electric vehicle chargers >>

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The dual best ways to make money are by outsourcing your work and formulating pacifist income, according to self-made millionaire Grant Sabatier, who runs a blog Millennial Money.
Outsourcing allows we to supplement value to your business and concentration on flourishing your career.
Passive income from sources like real-estate investments and blogging can assistance we say financial independence, Sabatier said.
There are copiousness of ways to make money and build wealth, though some need reduction bid than others.
According to Grant Sabatier, who retired early during age 30 with $1.25 million, a best ways to build resources don't call for monitoring a batch marketplace or operative overtime.
Passive income "is because many of a world's richest people are entrepreneurs who started and grew their possess companies. Instead of operative for money on their own, they have others operative for them. Why reap lawns when we can sinecure someone else to do it and still make a infancy of a money?" Sabatier wrote.
These employees don't have to be full-time possibly — it can be anyone we compensate to do a work, Sabatier said.
Outsourcing is a good pierce even if we don't have your possess business. To retire as a millionaire, Alicia Butera, CFP at Planning Within Reach, recommends outsourcing things that mount in a approach of your earning, from employing a financial planner to conduct your finances to an accountant to do your taxes to someone to reap a grass or grocery shop.
"In your mid-career, you're substantially origination a tip tier of your income, so start carrying people do things for we so we can concentration on your career and fluctuating your income and benefits," Butera previously told Business Insider.
Outsourcing can also assistance produce pacifist income — it's even improved if your business generates unchanging arguable pacifist income to equivalent or cover your monthly expenses, Sabatier said. "Once we have arguable monthly pacifist income that we can live on, you've effectively reached financial independence, " he wrote.
Building online courses for people to buy or formulating a drop-ship company, in that we emanate a product and outsource a origination and shipping — for example, regulating Amazon to sell your product — are both ways to emanate pacifist income, Sabatier wrote.
You can also settle pacifist income by blogging. JP Livingston, who late early during age 28 with a nest egg of some-more than $2 million, earned some-more than $60,000 in one year from her blog. With a use of associate commissions and online advertisements, a good apportionment of these gain were pacifist income — she spent reduction than 5 hours a week blogging.
But pacifist income can also be warranted by investments like batch dividends, Sabatier said. "I've found stock, bond, and real-estate investing to be a many docile and constant investments," he wrote.
The latter is a adored investment source among millionaires, according to self-made millionaire John of ESI Money, who spent a few years interviewing millionaires. Many seasoned investors build resources by genuine estate.
"Investing income is a ultimate pacifist income, and this is a categorical plan a abounding use to both get abounding and stay rich," Sabatier said.


text:
» Fr. Robert Morel – Archdiocese of Newark
Fr. Robert Morel – Archdiocese of Newark
Horowitz Law | May 13, 2019 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church
Father Robert Morel
Archdiocese of Newark
Elevated to Monsignor: 1993
Removed: 1993
Our Lady Of the Visitation, (Paramus, NJ)
Catholic Community Services, (Newark, NJ)
St. Joseph, (Jersey City, NJ)
St. Peter the Apostle, (River Edge, NJ)
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, (Roseland, NJ)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Robert Morel:
Father Robert Morel was ordained a priest in 1969 and served in the Archdiocese of Newark. He served in multiple parishes throughout his career. According to media reports, in 1993, he was charged with touching an 18-year-old boy's genitals after a party to celebrate the priest's promotion to monsignor. Initially, Morel vehemently denied the charges, but later gave a voluntary statement admitting to the abuse when interviewed by the Bergen County Prosecutor. He reportedly told investigators the incident was "a lapse of judgment," and agreed to undergo counseling. Cardinal Theodore McCarrick placed Father Morel on administrative leave.
In 1994, Father Morel pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six months probation. Later, he also faced a second allegation of abuse from a Massachusetts man in a federal lawsuit. That man claimed that the priest molested him over an eight-year period, beginning when he was 9 years old and ending about 1981. Father Morel allegedly "continually and repeatedly sexually molested, battered, fondled and masturbated" the victim using "subterfuge, duress and force." He was assigned to the Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church in Roseland at the time of the alleged abuse.
Father Morel lived for several years at St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests in Rutherford until his death in 1999.
In February 2019, his name appeared on the Archdiocese of Newark's list of credibly accused priests. No information about the allegations, such as the age/gender of the victims or his assignments at the time of the abuse were disclosed.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Newark in New Jersey. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused in the Archdiocese of Newark, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Newark now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New Jersey and nationwide. We can help.


The basic target of most IVF medicines is the enhancement in the IVF achievement rates in low ovarian save ladies or something else. Inside the past numerous years, beginning of best convention for lessened ovarian save have had an influence in the accomplishments of helped multiplication procedures, in vitro treatment (IVF) together with fetus exchange (ET). The viability of such strategies relies on a modified system of controlled ovarian hyper incitement (COH) and furthermore palatable oocyte or egg enrollment".
The response of various patients to improvement conventions utilized each time for reduced ovarian hold isn't consistently of course. Failure to respond successfully to conventional conventions additionally to choose enough follicles is known as 'poor reaction' and afterward end up in decreasing oocyte or egg age, cycle scratch-off and furthermore all round, diminished pregnancy rates. Poor reaction to ovarian improvement presentation has turned into an example of a poor foreseen result. It is essential to be set up to discover the patients who can get a poor response and afterward prescribe her effectively, so the patients alongside the doctor settle on the right choices and furthermore modify the incitement convention.
The translation of women with poor ovarian save relies on the specific IVF focuses.
. The oocytes got at egg recovery will in general be imperfect.
For the patient bearing poor ovarian reaction achieves a lot of enthusiastic pressure, upgrades cost due to the enhanced of the attempts just as some IVF designs can decay to take such patients, inspiring these individuals into oocyte gift or even selection.
Unfortunately, women with extensively bring down ovarian save vary significantly. The various created follicles alongside the assortment of oocytes recovered after an ordinary upgrade convention are the essential necessities. The proposed sum contrasts among specialists and afterward differs from less than 3 to lower than 5 transcendent follicles upon the arrival of hCG use or potentially lower than 3 to under 5 recovered oocytes.
A more seasoned patient's age gathering (≥40 years), at least one dropped IVF process, a higher amount of hMG or maybe FSH ampoules used (>44) or upgraded portions (>300 IU/day) gonadotropin used.
Reduced serum dimensions of the antimullerian hormone are interlinked with the quantity of antral follicles just as age. Different sonographic research center tests additionally have been proposed like prescient therapeutic tests for a poor ovarian reaction. Lessened ovarian amount, decreased antral follicle number, impressively reduced ovarian stromal blood dissemination are some of them that offer much better data for the ovarian dimension. No helpful research facility tests are available for estimating a great outcome.
The passing of a predictable depiction for women with the poor ovarian reaction is among the issues to inspect boost conventions and furthermore look into results. One other issue in surveying the scholarly works is the examination structure. Women with poor ovarian stores are not a uniform set and after that each individual may have another purpose behind low ovarian save.
Some IVF conventions for low ovarian save ladies are used to improve their response. Despite the fact that the ideal convention has not yet been depicted, regenerative experts have various options available to them. Amid this exploration, we show every one of the techniques which are utilized as a solution for ladies with a poor ovarian reaction just as the productivity of various controlled hyperstimulation (COH) programs, moving in the advertising.
Without a doubt, a discerning technique to address patients having poor ovarian hold who can't respond to standard gonadotropin portions will be to raise the day by day and full dose of gonadotropins.
Be that as it may, despite the fact that IVF conventions for low ovarian hold ladies use higher gonadotropin measurements (normally 300– 450 IU/day), succeeding logical examinations neglected to take into account an explicit gain from this procedure.
Various logical investigations favored the use of rFSH about oocyte development, different created oocytes recovered, numerous great quality incipient organisms just as maternity rates.
Research of Drakakis together with partners uncovered that a gonadotropin with a decreased sum, as hMG, can be utilized in intracytoplasmic sperm infusion (ICSI) without irritating the outcome negatively.
One progressively interchange technique is the beginning of FSH use in the deferred luteal stage for enhancing follicular enrollment in ladies having a poor ovarian reaction in their past.
It is well known that solid, little antral follicles can be found in the deferred follicular stage and furthermore their extra development occurs under the activity of the premenstrual FSH increment. Earlier admission of FSH may improve the quantity of chose follicles by opening up the enlistment window in the deferred luteal phase of the primer cycle.
The essential and ideal measurement of LH to accomplish origination in helped propagation has not been distinguished up until this point. Measures of <1.5 IU/L are deficient to support the aromatase procedure just as E2 age.
Additionally, bring down ovulatory amounts (<3 IU/L) in patients experiencing ivf treatment cost in kerala are associated with diminished preparation notwithstanding intensified untimely origination misfortune.
Littler dosages of LH whenever connected at an opportune time in ovarian boost in IVF-ET cycles get a great outcome on nature of oocytes, an obvious truth basic, especially in circumstances wherein a few incipient organisms are found for exchange.
A substitute plan to the utilization of gonadotropins is enhancing it with development hormone (GH) or even development hormone-discharging hormone (GH-RH).
GH seems to incite ovarian steroidogenesis, follicular development and furthermore expands the ovarian response to FSH. GH balances the movement of FSH on granulose cell material by up-directing the neighborhood amalgamation of insulin-like development factor (IGF-I).
The IGF-I works in cooperative energy with FSH, developing their impact on granulose just as theca cells. The standard GH dose used in different logical examinations was 4 to 12 IU sc, starting upon the arrival of ovarian upgrade with gonadotropins.
Primer outcomes were spurring for littler gatherings of ladies with the poor ovarian reaction, appearing expanded number of oocytes got and furthermore upgraded origination rates.
Another infertility treatment in kerala convention for low ovarian hold ladies is distinguished utilizing lower portions of Gn RH agonists (0.1– 1 μg) beginning in the mid-luteal phase of the example and after that subsequent amid the season of menses or maybe not long after from that point onward, couple with higher dosages of gonadotropins. By doing this, the diminished effect of the Gn RH agonists on their ovarian receptors prompts brought down ovarian concealment likewise in enhanced ovarian response. The utilization of GnRH– an all through the mid-luteal stage to accomplish fundamental pituitary gonadotropin down-control has been used in ladies with poor ovarian hold. Upgraded oocyte yields, just as origination rates, were available in sizable nonrandomized grouping.
Some IVF convention for low ovarian save ladies is halting Gn RH-a when pituitary concealment has occurred and beginning of ovarian improvement with hMG or rFSH. About these two potential randomized directed tests, no measurable advancement in origination rates or in end rates was found.
The usage of GnRH enemies gave new plan to the taking care of frail responders.
The utilization of Gn RH rivals objectives to keep the early LH ascend to utilize the most elevated of the ovarian oocyte partner by limiting the controlling consequences of the GnRH-an on the ovarian receptors, expelling ovarian concealment at the period of follicle enrollment.
Early luteinization is considerably brought down at the season of the length of treatment with the enemy as contrasted and the period before the start of their utilization.
The medicinal utilization of Gn RH-subterranean insect offers various advantages for the patient, as a shorter time of improvement, bring down dosages of gonadotropins, no intensified danger of blister advancement with no hormonal going without signs and indications.
The results of 2 potential logical investigations help the introduce that the typically developed follicles of poor ovarian save may produce less oocytes however yet oocytes of increasingly extraordinary quality when contrasted and their hyperstimulated ovaries. It is particular that, in ladies with poor ovarian save, common cycle is remarkable when an oocyte is recovered and after that treatment, just as implantation rates, is parcel better. All things considered, ladies with poor ovarian hold produce a similar scope of fetuses perfect for exchange, with or even without exogenous gonadotropins.


When will Arsene Wenger finally leave Arsenal? It's a question no one has the answer to at the moment – although we're expected to hear more on his future in the coming weeks.
But that hasn't stopped our traders from pricing up his replacement.
It's a market which has been headed by Juventus boss Max Allegri for months now, with the prospect of the Italian taking over at the Emirates sure to excite Gooners. He's still favourite for the position at 9/2, but the rest of the pack are closing in on him.
Eddie Howe's name has also been mentioned by plenty of fans and pundits alike, although the general view is that this is perhaps too big a step for the young manager so early in his career. And the latest odds suggest that's the case, with 10/1 on offer for the Bournemouth manager to replace Wenger.
But more interestingly, we've seen Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim's odds cut substantially in recent weeks.
Having been a 12/1 shot back in April, the Venezuelan is now as short as 5/1, following reports that the Gunners have made him their top target.
They'd be right to do just that, too. He's worked wonders with the French outfit this year, who are now just four points away from lifting the Ligue 1 table for the first time in 17 years. In fact, 5/1 is the shortest he's been in this market, but could we see those odds fall even further in the coming months?
More excitingly for Arsenal though is the contacts Jardim has, and the potential arrivals who could follow him to North London.
We reported yesterday that the Gunners were second-favourites at 5/2 to land wonderkid Kylian Mbappe in the summer. And it doesn't take a genius to figure out that those odds would fall substantially were Jardim to take the hot seat.
Allegri and Jardim are joined at the head of the market by Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone (6/1) and former Arsenal skipper,Patrick Vieira (13/2). The latter has spent over a year as head coach of New York City, and is expected to take a step into management in England in the near future.
But will that be with the Gunners?
Who do fans want to see in charge? Let us know in the comments section below!


text:
Clemson Swimming and Diving Defeats FAU In Dual Meet
BOCA RATON, FL – The Clemson Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving teams competed against Florida Atlantic on Friday afternoon at FAU Pool, with the women picking up a 155-83 win and the men defeating FAU 176.5-64.5. The women improved their record to 3-3 (1-2 ACC) with the victory, while the men are now 2-4 (0-3 ACC) in dual-meet action.
Clemson improved to 15-0 all-time against the Owls in both men's and women's swimming and diving.
The Tigers got a strong effort from senior captain Rachel Regone, who won the 50 free, 100 free, and 400 medley relay. Katrina Obas was on the winning relay as well, and also had the fastest time in the 200 IM and 100 breast of all the competitors. Michelle Parkhurst won the 200 free and 100 back for the Tigers as well.
Cassy LaRussa led a strong Tiger charge in the distance events, as she won both the 500 and 1000 free. Clemson finished first through fourth in the 1000 free and held five of the top six spots in the 500 free. Lauren Sindall provided points in the 50 free and 100 free, finishing just behind Regone in each.
On the diving events, Ali Zacker third and Cassie Self fourth. On the three-meter, which was abbreviated to due to the diving team's need to catch a flight to Knoxville, George, Self, and Zacker took second, third, and fifth, respectively.
On the men's side, David Giambra led the team with wins in the one and three meter events. Additionally, Ryan McDaniel chipped in with a pair of second-placed finishes, as the Tigers swept both diving events.
Freshman Seth Broster took second in the 100 fly on the men's side with a 51.87, and Will Clark took second in the 1000 free. Myles Oliver chipped in with a third-place finish in the 50 free.
Matt Angelini and Chris Reinke finished second and third in the 100 free to help the Tigers cause, while Tome Recko and Chris Dart held the same places in the 100 back. Brian Possee teamed up to take second in the 400 free relay, coming in just behind LSU.
The diving team will now head to Knoxville to compete in the Tennessee Diving Invite, which will last from Jan. 3-5. The swimming team will be off until an ACC dual-meet against NC State on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 11:00 am in McHugh Natatorium.
Gameday Guide: Clemson vs. Wake Forest (January 17, 2023)
Second-Half Surge Leads Clemson to Road Win at Pitt, 72-57
Clemson Rallies to Take Down No. 24 Duke 72-64 on Saturday


At Local First Arizona, we love local, farm-to-table restaurants. As you plan your evening and outfit, we are highlighting the perfect Valentine's date spots around Arizona. Here are some of our favorite local farmer & chef relationships that will bring your date night to life.
Phoenix City Grille sits in the heart of Phoenix, offering a warm ambience and locally sourced ingredients. Chef Micah Wyzlic expresses how important it is to him to support farmers by "purchasing and featuring their local, organic, nutrient dense foods." Wyzlic has spent years cultivating "long-lasting and ever-evolving" partnerships.
"I appreciate the camaraderie between chefs and I," says Mark Rhine of RhibaFarms, a partner to Phoenix City Grille. When asked about maintaining these relationships, he explained that without dedicated time, many of these relationships wouldn't survive.
For your Valentine's date, call or make reservations online here.
Quiessence is located yards away from the Soil & Seed Garden at the Farm at South Mountain where "we harvest seasonal greens, vegetables, herbs, eggs, and edible flowers," says Chef Dustin Christofolo. Christofolo has always placed a high priority on sourcing locally, "Arizona's amazing growing season is one of the reasons I became a chef. When I got started in the kitchen, I was ordering from local purveyors like McClendon's Select, Maya's Farm, and Queen Creek Olive Mill." Now at Quiessence, Christofolo works with farmer Billy Anthony to plan the menu three months in advance. The pair meet every week to review harvest and planting schedules.
Stop by the Farm at South Mountain all week long to experience the Valentine's Chef Tasting (Feb 12-16). Tickets here.
Find additional information and make reservations here.
Learn more about Augustin Kitchen and make reservations online here.
More information and reservations available here.


text:
2019-04Editorial
December 31, 2019 / Przemysław Bursztyka
Culture is the relentless, never-ending process of symbolic formations, transformations and reconfigurations. This statement, as trivial as it is, means that culture is a certain ontological excess whose nature lies in its arti- and trans-factuality, in the modes of its self-differentiation, in the inherent indeterminacy of its meanings, as well as in its historicality. Culture arises out of the creative act of distance toward pure factuality, out of negation of "purely" empirical data, of pure immediacy, of what "simply happens." It lays structural and functional foundations for what is given. It arranges the environment we live in into a meaningful functional unity, into the dynamic structure of significant relations which provides us with basic coordinates for our existential orientation as well as for our practical and theoretical endeavors. In this sense it is a certain apriorical horizon for all possible meanings. Each phenomenon, each fact always appears within this horizon, that is, it is its articulation, and its actualization. They do so not as something separate or isolated, but rather as something expressive of – to use the Heideggerian idiom – the totality of signification implied by that very horizon.
How to cite:
Bursztyka, Przemysław. "Culture and Its Irreducible Pluralities." Eidos. A Journal for Philosophy of Culture 3, no. 4(10) (2019): 1-4. https://doi.org/10.14394/eidos.jpc.2019.0037.
Institute of Philosophy, University of Warsaw
Open Access Statement:
This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author, as long as the author and original source are properly cited. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Submitting a text to Eidos. A Journal for Philosophy of Culture means that the author agrees with the general conditions of this license. The author does and will maintain copyrights and publishing rights for his/her article without any restrictions.
Music and Philosophy: Contemporary Challenges


text:
D. Watkins and Yahdon Israel
Tuesday April 23: 7:30PM – 8:30PM
This event is free to attend. You can reserve a copy of We Speak for Ourselves HERE. Space will be available on a first come, first served basis.
Doors open 30 minutes before the start of the event.
Join us as writer and Salon columnist D. Watkins sits down with fellow writer and host Yahdon Israel to share his new book!
While author D. Watkins is pleased about the number of books exploring issues of race that are being published, there's one crucial aspect of contemporary black life that doesn't get enough attention: the hood. The Baltimore native knows firsthand what it means to live in poverty, where violence and drugs are inescapable. As he sees it, the perspective of people who live in poor black communities is largely absent from the work of many of the top intellectuals who speak and write about race.
Now, D. Watkins is here to tell his truth. Built upon Watkins's own experiences, We Speak for Ourselves eases us into the bigger conversation about race and the various issues affecting poor black neighborhoods in America. Unapologetic and eye-opening, We Speak for Ourselves identifies and addresses a range of issues affecting these low-income communities—such as the trouble with misrepresentation and why we need more than one black voice—and sheds light on the harsh realities of daily life. Additionally, Watkins examines various crucial activist movements, including the Civil Rights Movement, and asks what it means to be a model activist in today's world.
Through the personal retelling of his journey, Watkins aims to illuminate the lessons he's learned navigating through two very distinct worlds—the hood and the elite sanctums of the prominent black thinkers and public figures—in hopes of providing actionable solutions.
Unable to make the event?
Pre-Order A Signed Copy.


FOREIGN POLICY: MYTHS AND REALITIES.
Auda has a pretty much isolationist policy in place against other cities, however this is not necessarily the case with the other city states in the reigon. What follows is a concise summation of Auda's policies/myths/realities/proaganda/ regarding these cities, and those city's views of Auda... you get the picture.
SInk Pump is run by a terrorist organisation that titles themselves as the Anonymous. One of the main purpouses that the Anon and SInk Pump exists is because they simply could not tolerate Mr.Face as a dictator, and his policies regarding the Internet, taxes and a whole ton of other things.
The Anonymous are responsible for many fires in Auda, and have in several instances attempted launch their own shrinebox station with little success.
SInk Pump is 3 days away walking from Auda... or 6 hours by monorail. Immigration is not regulated from the Audian side of things, though it probably should be. SInk Pump monitors all those who cross the city limits by way of verbally accosting any visitors at the gates.
There has not been a mass exodus from Auda via monorail yet, for several reasons. Firstly, monorail tickets are pricey. Secondly, People do not want to leave whatever modicum of stability they have carved out for themselves in order to survive in Auda. If you spend your whole existence getting something that feels at least marginally safe... why get on a scary transportation device for 6 hours and go somewhere foreign?
People do however tend to leave Auda as soon as they have committed a crime... Especially something that could get them condemned to the lower cellblocks. In these instances they often walk, or try to walk to SInk Pump.. because often they lack the money to spend on a ticket.
Any suspected Anon members of Anon supporters are sent immediately to cellblock 4. Upon confirmation that the prisoner in question is indeed an Anon member, they are immediately sent to cellblock 5.
No attempt at negotiation for terms has ever been made. Mr.Face tends to ignore all incidents of fire or explosions in the city, because he does not care about the people who reside within it.
If you happen to reside within a house that has been burned down by the Anon, you can actually file an error report and get partially reimbursed by the government for your loss.
The Audian Government does not acknowledge the existence of the Anon on a public scale. No warnings are posted regarding their existence, no statements made about damages caused by the terrorists... nothing However, the government does go to great lengths to make it quite clear that the Anon are a myth, and tend to hide most of the larger damages behind... flagrant lies... sometimes outright accusing the residents themselves of creating some of the fires and explosions that are caused by the group.
At least a day longer than to SInk Pump.
The city is understood in Auda to be completely mythological. The place is known to be heavily industrial and the sole outsource of canned unicorn meat. There are a few people who have decided to actively believe in the place, and have inevitably come to the conclusion that unicorn murder for commercial gain is a bad thing, and as such become petitioners for the rights of unicorns... but this sort of set of ideals is more common in SInk Pump than it is in Auda. Audians typically have more to worry about than what some other city is doing to it's GDP by way of meatpacking.
Minimal. The place is pretty much a non issue.
WATCH THIS POST FOR MORE INFORMATION AS I CAN GUARANTEE THAT IT WILL EXPAND.


Let's first preface this part of the series by taking a quick look at what we've already covered. The past couple of weeks, The Overwhelmed Bride has looked at the role of a professional DJ and more specifically, how my team and I approach different angles of producing a fabulous wedding celebration. In those entries, we've discussed several points and matters which are equally important during the wedding planning process. If you haven't done so just yet, you should take a moment to read our previous entries.
In the hours prior to the wedding celebration, Paula Panasiewicz (our in-house wedding expert) and I review the timeline/itinerary. By this time, Paula has loaded the day's timeline into an iPad, sent it to me via e-mail and has print copies available for me and for venue personnel to have on-hand. We have a "dress rehearsal" for the wedding, whereby my script, all of my cues, song selections and special instructions are executed in an abbreviated format. All name pronunciations are rehearsed, and cues are confirmed. The day's music program is identically arranged in both laptops via our music program "Virtual DJ." Our Road Crew then picks up the laptop system I'll be working with that day (consisting of two Macbook Pro laptops, two external hard drives, connecting cables and so forth). They are required to be neatly dressed and professional as they are the first impression that the event venue will have of The Kurtis Cross Team. Once they arrive to the event location, the Road Crew will check in with me... and the countdown continues.
Appearance plays a part in our professionalism. Therefore, I prep for today's celebration by shining my shoes, picking out the suit or tuxedo (client's choice) that I will wear. Where possible, I'll match my tie and pocket square to the dominant color that the couple has chosen for the wedding. Very few things speak to a wedding vendor's attitude and readiness better than a professional appearance. A pressed suit, laundered shirt, crisp tie, sparkling cufflinks and let's not forget the shiny shoes, are all a part of my professional appearance. From our team, a Reception Coordinator always accompanies me and this person is also expected to have a similar, professional appearance. Now, it's time for a meal!
By this time, I am en route to the performance location. Typically the Reception Coordinator and I will ride together and during that time, we discuss the wedding and what role they will play in building the perfect wedding and/or reception. Each of our Reception Coordinators understands the importance of each couple's day and will work tirelessly to fill the role of support person to the couple and to my performance. The mood is professional yet lighthearted. For me, the anticipation builds as we are now inside of two hours until show time.
We arrive to the event venue. The Road Crew briefs us and I then introduce myself to the venue personnel. Key people to meet are the front desk staff, the maintenance staff, banquet captain and on-site wedding coordinator. Once I've met the key venue staff, I check in on the couple... first the bride. Our early arrival to the venue is something that each couple appreciates, knowing that our part in their day is underway without a hitch. With 45 minutes to go, we conduct a sound check with our Road Crew. Both laptops are tested, the wireless mic scans for an open frequency, and I conduct a mic check. I scroll through the iPad and then match our timeline to what the banquet captain has. More often than not, our timelines match. If for any reason they do not, we work together to sharpen up any inconsistencies, in the best interest of our couple. With 30 minutes to go, I am now in the ballroom, waiting for our first guests to arrive. I begin the music program with time to spare as I would like music to welcome even our earliest guests. It's time to kick-off this celebration!
Am I nervous? Slightly. After all these years, I find that my nervousness serves as a reminder to me, that each wedding celebration is unique and deserving of our best effort. This evening, we will deliver exactly that. Beginning with organizing the bridal party for their grand entrance and ending with the couple's final dance, it's game time.
To see where we go from here and what guides us, click here, for a sample of an itinerary used at a recent wedding celebration!
There's nothing like the day of a couple's wedding. For me, each "game day" is equally thrilling and exciting. At the same time, I am the slightest bit nervous, on each wedding day. Forget the number of years I've been in business (28 to be exact!). This is a couple's WEDDING DAY! All must be perfect... this must be their dream day and I am responsible for completing their day with a huge celebration. A celebration that they will remember for the rest of their lives. And just for good measure, a couple hundred of their friends and family will be in attendance as well. With each vendor playing an important role in the success of a couple's wedding day, some vendors are more on "display" than others. As a professional wedding DJ, each announcement I make and every song selection I choose is public. I do not look at this as pressure, but rather an opportunity to make this celebration distinctly different than last week's wedding. I must take the personality of the couple, their ages, each interaction I've had with them and their wishes into my "game plan."


text:
Opinion>
Hamba Kahle, Nelson Mandela: With Our Deepest Gratitude
Kumi Naidoo
Dec 06, 2013Greenpeace
"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." -Nelson Mandela speaking at the 90th birthday celebration of Walter Sisulu, Walter Sisulu Hall, Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, 18 May 2002.
Nelson Mandela was never really a prisoner, but a free man always, and now, forever. As a South African, a comrade in the struggle to liberate my homeland from the evil of apartheid and a citizen of the world, my heart is heavy today. The loss was to be expected, but remains hard to bear.
The world has lost a true leader, a true father and a true inspiration. To say he lived a life of significance barely does it justice, and it is not over -- he leaves a profound legacy of hope in a world still wracked by injustice and inequity. His inspiration will live on in my heart and in the hearts' of people everywhere.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during these hard times. The world has collectively drawn a breath and is mourning. This is a time for reflection and quiet contemplation of a life well lived, for a man well loved.
I was 15 years old when I first heard the name Mandela, or Madiba, as he is fondly known in Africa. In apartheid South Africa he was public enemy number one. Shrouded in secrecy, myth and rumour, the media called him 'The Black Pimpernel'. He was able to avoid the police, using several disguises -- a favorite of which was that of a chauffeur -- until the CIA colluded with the apartheid regime to ensure his capture. In Durban, where I was born and grew up, and all over Africa, he was a hero! Now he is a hero to the world.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world," he told the University of the Witwatersrand in 2003.
Thinking back to how he shaped my early life as an activist; during the apartheid regime I first stood up to in protest against inequality in education -- I fought apartheid education -- I remember when my friends and I first heard of the "Free Mandela" campaign. Madiba, as we fondly refer to him, was censored from the media. Such was the official fear the state held for his ideas. From then on, Madiba became a major source of inspiration for me, and when he said, "the struggle is my life," I realised how powerful and true his words really were. Those words inspired many of my fellow activists fighting the brutality of the apartheid regime. For me too, like many of my former comrades, it has become my life, a joyous life, but sometimes a hard life.
I have had the privilege to meet Madiba several times, and for that I consider myself extremely lucky. I first met him when I was in my late 20s, in 1993. I was helping facilitate an African National Congress (ANC) workshop to plan its media strategy. For someone who is rarely lost for words, I was choked, I was humbled, I could barely utter a sentence when Madiba shook my hand: "It's an honour to meet you, Madiba" -- and I couldn't get a word out after that. He was an enormous presence, yet remained simple, without pretension. After lunch he asked the manager of the hotel we were meeting in if he could thank the workers who provided the food. He went to the kitchen and greeted each and everyone. I followed and saw him shake everyone's hands -- a simple honest gesture of appreciation that meant so much to all of them.
In 1995 I met him again when I was heading the Adult Literacy Campaign in South Africa. On International Literacy Day I took kids and adult learners to the Parliament to meet Madiba. They were excited to have their picture taken with him -- the image was to become a poster for our campaign to promote adult basic education -- but everyone was anxious; they where asking me what they should say and how they should approach meeting the President! Taking no chances most had prepared sentences, planning to thank him for making the time to see us. But when Madiba emerged from his Cabinet meeting he turned the tables. He walked in and thanked everyone for taking the time to see him. "I know how busy you all are and I thank you for taking time to meet me," he said. In that moment he closed the gap. He was just a human being, a person like them, and everyone relaxed.
He was larger than life but never lost sight of his humanity and 'ordinariness'. His tenacity, resolution and willingness to forgive were superhuman and have given me strength and taught me important lessons about determination and perseverance.
Madiba once said that the struggle for justice is not a popularity contest. The truth is not always popular, and his example helped me and thousands of others become more resilient. Madiba believed that injustice will carry on unless decent men and women say, "enough is enough and no more."
He declared:
"I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons will live together in harmony with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to see realised. But my Lord, if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." -- Defence statement during the Rivonia Trial, 1964
There will be a little more colour and joy in heaven today, he will be there in one of his 'trademark' shirts, still burning with the passion and wisdom that was forged in the furnace of injustice and adversity and honed in victory. He will be looking down on us -- people everywhere, willing us to go on, knowing that the impossible is possible if we stay true to ourselves.
Rest in peace Madiba, with our never-ending gratitude, you have more than earned it! Hamba Kahle (Go well/Rest in Peace), Madiba. Ngiyabonga kakhulu (thank you very much).
© 2023 Greenpeace
Kumi Naidoo is the Founding Chair of Africans Rising for Justice, Peace and Dignity. From 2009 to 2015 he was the Executive Director of Greenpeace International and from 2017 to 2019 he was Secretary-General of Amnesty International.


text:
Study Destinations
Bank Statement / Living Cost
Australian Embassy Fees
Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Australia is a developed country and one of the wealthiest in the world, with the world's 12th-largest economy. Canberra is capital of Australia. It has six states—New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC) and Western Australia (WA)—and two major mainland territories—the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory (NT).
While overseas study is expensive, Australia is more affordable than most other destinations and offers a high standard of quality education, excellent living condition and a tolerant multicultural society. Australia's Higher Education Institutions rank among the world's best and the quality of education they offer is correspondingly high. Higher education in Australia provides value for money by offering shorter and more intensive courses, they quickly incorporate latest innovations in science & technology, modern trends in marketing & management in their diploma/degree programs, hence Australian education is more practical and responsive to the needs of Trade & Industry.
There are 39 universities ranging in size from around 3,000 students to 50,000 students – 37 of these are government run.
Duration for the master's courses is between 1, 1.5 to 2 years.
Competitive costs for tuitions and living in comparison to other developed countries. Like UK etc.
Australian education is recognized worldwide.
High Standard of education in international terms, good research facilities available with state of the art equipment.
Visa process is straightforward and fair.
Australian universities are members of an International Academic community and academic staff are frequently recruited on an international basis.
Australian academics and graduates are keenly recruited into institutions overseas, indicating a measure of Quality Education.
ESOS Act to protect the interest of overseas students.
Safe country with pleasant climate and a stable democracy.
University application Form.
Copy of Valid Passport.
Recognised qualification certificate(s) / Transcript(s). Please note that all academic documents should be attested from concerned bodies(e.g HEC, IBCC etc).
Attestation of certificate(s) / Transcript(s) from concerned bodies (i.e. HEC, IBCC etc).
One Picture.
2 Reference/Recommendation letters.
English Language Test: IELTS, TOEFL, GMAT or university preferred Test.
Statement of Purpose(SOP), at least 500 words.
Experience Letter(if applicable)
Resume(if applicable)
AUD$ 18,610 (of 3 months)
AUD$ 550
Alternative Entry Pathways(Certificates/Diplomas)
Postgraduate Degrees / Diplomas / Certificates
PhD. Programmes
Study Abroad International Gateway - SAIG is the fastest growing student recruitment company having its Head office based in Bahrain
Get In Touch Seef Mall (Isa Town), Bldg 3324, Office 20, Road 1012, Block 810, Isa Town, Bahrain. info@saigedu.com +973-17689960 +973-33259090
Copyright © 2018 Study Abroad International Gateway | Powered by Study Abroad International Gateway


text:
Where Science Meets Science Fiction
Science Fiction Sci-Fi
Sci-Fi TV Shows
Comic Book TV Shows
©2015 - 2020 OUTER PLACES.
Fox News Bashes Star Wars and Its Fans, Because of Course They Did
Oh Fox news. Not content with inciting rage within their normal realms, they've gone and aimed their angry crosshairs at Star Wars...
Kieran Dickson
LucasFilm Unveils Star Wars: The Force Awakens Character Posters
We might not be getting any new trailers for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to get excited about...
Wednesday, 04 November 2015 - 12:33PM
There's Already a 'Force Awakens' Honest Trailer
Even though we haven't even seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens yet, the folks over at Screen Junkies have already created an Honest...
Johnny Brayson
Tuesday, 03 November 2015 - 6:34PM
Is Another Classic Character Returning For The Force Awakens?
We already know that Star Wars: The Force Awakens will see the return of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and even...
Monday, 02 November 2015 - 6:59PM
Duracell's Star Wars: The Force Awakens Commercial Did Not Just Drop a Major Spoiler, Did it?
Love it or hate it, merchandising is almost as big a part of the Star Wars universe as the characters that live within it. Ever since...
Friday, 30 October 2015 - 5:05PM
Harrison Ford Says Star Wars: The Force Awakens Is "Really, Really Good" While Dressed as a Giant Hotdog
Last night, Harrison Ford stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! to discuss Star Wars: The Force Awakens. But where Jimmy cosplayed as Leia,...
Janey Tracey
Friday, 30 October 2015 - 9:50AM
Watch: George Lucas Asks J.J. Abrams What Happened to Vader's Grandchildren
J.J. Abrams has been besieged with questions about Star Wars: The Force Awakens for many months now, and he's learned to deflect them...
Thursday, 29 October 2015 - 12:58PM
Stephen Colbert Thinks He's Figured Out the Entire Plot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Everyone who watches Stephen Colbert knows he's a massive sci-fi and fantasy nerd with an almost encyclopedic knowledge of various...
Thursday, 29 October 2015 - 11:32AM
5 Star Wars: The Force Awakens Fan Theories That Don't Involve Luke Being Kylo Ren
December 18 can't come fast enough, but it is coming up, and there's an elephant in the room. Through all of the trailers, posters,...
Tuesday, 27 October 2015 - 3:11PM
You May Not Be Able to Dress Like Kylo Ren at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Premiere
Cosplay is a regular staple of nerdy movie openings, and under normal circumstances, this year's Star Wars: The Force Awakens premiere...
Fan Creates Force Awakens Style Trailer For Original Star Wars Trilogy
We've all seen the latest Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer so many times by now that we know it by heart, to the point where our...
Box Office Analysts Predict Star Wars: The Force Awakens Will Score Biggest Opening of All Time
Experts are predicting that JJ Abrams and Star Wars: The Force Awakens will break the record for the largest box office opening of...
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer Smashes Record for Views With 112 million in 24 Hours
It helped break dozens of movie ticketing sites around the world and gave ESPN's Monday Night Football some of its highest ratings of...
Friday, 23 October 2015 - 12:28PM
The Internet Finally Cut Jar Jar Binks into the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer
Welp, that didn't take long at all. Just a few days after the release of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer was released, the...
BB-8 Takes Home the Award for Best Reaction to the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer
The final Star Wars trailer elicited ecstatic reactions from fans, but the most heartfelt reactions probably came from the stars of...
Watch: Mark Hamill Pitches Evil Luke Skywalker to J.J. Abrams Back in 2005
After three epic trailers, we've seen everyone we expected to see, from new protagonists Finn, Rey, and Poe Dameron, to villains Kylo...
This Music-Only Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer Is Even More Epic, If That's Possible
I haven't heard any complaints about the third Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer that aired on Monday night, but a fan/genius...
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Opening Screening Tickets are Being Sold on Ebay for $10,000!
Since they went on sale, tickets for Star Wars: The Force Awakens have been coming closer to breaking the internet than a Kim...
Wednesday, 21 October 2015 - 11:45AM
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is Destroying Box Office Records Already
It's not even out for another 2 months, but already Star Wars: The Force Awakens has started breaking records at the box office. After...
The Best Sci-Fi Movie Trailers of All Time
Thanks to JJ Abrams and his gang, everyone has gone slightly trailer crazy over the last 24 hours. The latest trailer for Star Wars:...
Get More Star Wars: The Force Awakens!
©2015 - 2020 Outer Places. All Rights Reserved.


Today, the body massage takes vital role for overcoming stressful life of everyone. Therefore, the Body massage services Begampur 8860862421 is here and make a call to them. You will get risk free services from them.
Call at 8860862421 to Know the current charges.


text:
Archive for The Bottle Imp
The Bottle Imp
Posted in FILM, literature with tags First Reels, Robert Louis Stevenson, The Bottle Imp on March 14, 2019 by dcairns
It seems I don't own a single image from my second short film as director, THE BOTTLE IMP. (And yet I'm sure I have a postcard SOMEWHERE.) And I never uploaded it to YouTube. I guess that probably means it's the black sheep in my filmography, or one of them. It's the one where the flaws are entirely down to my inexperience, even those brought about by my collaborators, because I *chose* the collaborators. And some of them did great, which makes it all the more disappointing that the film isn't better.
I've just spent a dusty ten minutes guddling about under various beds and I can't even find the prop bottle I modified for the film (with electrical help from my dad), which I *know* is here somewhere. And so this is to be probably the first UN-illustrated blog post in the history of Shadowplay, and that feels apt in a way.
The ancient short film (1992 or so) only comes because the nice people at Glasgow Short Film Festival are screening it, as part of a retrospective on the short film scheme that gave birth to it. So, with trepidation, it looks like I'm venturing forth to the city of Glasgow on Sunday to see the damn thing for the first time in decade. I'm expecting a bit of a reunion feeling, combined with a bit of embarrassment. Honestly, the film can't be as bad as my memories of it. Robert Louis Stevenson gave us a good story, anyway.
They asked some of the participants to write about our memories of taking part in "First Reels," so I did. Here.
"We're gonna need a bigger goat."
Posted in FILM with tags Alison Lohman, Bojana Novakovic, Bruce Campbell, Charles Bennett, David Solomons, Dileep Rao, Drag Me To Hell, Jacques Tourneur, Jonathan Miller, Lost Highway, MR James, Night of the Demon, Peter Deeming, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sam Raimi, Spiderman, The Bottle Imp, The Casting of the Runes, The Evil Dead, Whistle and I'll Come to You on June 8, 2009 by dcairns
The above line is copyright a guy called David Solomons. So please forgive him for writing FIVE CHILDREN AND IT.
But our subject today is a different fairy tale, one by Sam Raimi. It's about a magic button that can transport you to an enchanted kingdom. Called Hell.
But should Sam's movie, DRAG ME TO HELL, be called DON'T DRAG ME TO HELL? Anyhow, as everyone will tell you, it's a more-funny-than-scary thrill-ride full of bodily fluids and things that go bump. It's also rather ethnically insensitive in its stereotyping of gypsies as curse-giving harpies and drunken revelers. One sympathetic gypsy, that's all I'm asking.
Since nobody seems to be shouting about the film's borrowing from Jacques Tourneur and Charles Bennett's NIGHT OF THE DEMON, by way of MR James's source story The Casting of the Runes, Fiona wants me to point this out, particularly how the film's climax shows a character caught between a pursuing demon and an oncoming train. The idea of the object that dooms its owner to hell and must be passed on to some other poor victim also appears in Robert Louis Stevenson's tale The Bottle Imp (filmed by me, not too skillfully, some years ago).
If there was something missing here, and I felt there was, it was a lead character in tune with the hyperkinetic 'toon slam-bang of Raimi's action sequences. Bruce Campbell in the EVIL DEAD films is popular precisely because he makes everything funnier. Alison Lohman's casting here is supposed to evoke sympathy, which seems at odds with the film's gleeful splattering and battering of the poor protag. The film's second act is basically a serious of savage beatings and facials. It's in keeping with the kitten-slaughtering gimmick, admittedly, since Lohman's chief attribute on display is perkiness and wide-eyed naivety. But torturing a cutie-pie may be entertaining to some people on some level but I don't know how funny it is. Bruce Campbell always engaged the audience in a strange way so that they shared his sense of the ridiculousness of his ordeals. Maybe Lohman could have done some of that, but she certainly hasn't been required to.
Lorna Raver (!) is suitably vile as the Romany hell-hag, Bojana Novakovic is striking as her grand-daughter, and Dileep Rao underplays nicely as a mystic who keeps saying "Yes," in a calm voice. But the trouble with underplaying in a Raimi movie is that he kind of lets the air out of every scene that isn't a ghost-train/abattoir action set-piece. The performances don't seem to quite connect with each other, the words dying in the sound stage vacuum between the actors: a thin murmur of post-dubbed atmos is piped in to fill the gaps, but blank spaces seem to yawn between each shot, Peter Deeming's photography seems overlit, especially compared to what he achieved on LOST HIGHWAY, and CG shadows are a poor substitute for the real thing.
Borrowing from his SPIDERMAN franchise a little, Raimi fills the screen with CGI (another MR James adaptation, Jonathan Miller's TV play Whistle and I'll Come to You shows that a mere piece of floating fabric can be truly terrifying, but it must be real fabric) and gets the heroine wet. Because that's the way to a fanboy's heart.
Still, Fiona and I somewhat enjoyed the film, possibly because the central romance between a cute girl and a nerdy guy sort of resonated with us for some reason.
Now I'm off to shoot my low-budget remake, DRAG ME OVER THERE. It'll be quite short.
The Intimate Finger