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Esporte Espetacular é uma revista eletrônica semanal de esportes, apresentada nas manhãs de domingo pela TV Globo desde 8 de dezembro de 1973, sendo um dos mais antigos programas ainda em exibição da televisão brasileira. Estreou com a apresentação de Léo Batista e atualmente é apresentado por Lucas Gutierrez e Bárbara Coelho. O programa é produzido por Mariane Granado, Maurício Oliveira e Rafael Freitas.

O programa apresenta entrevistas, reportagens sobre ciência esportiva, personagens históricos e a relação social do esporte. Também apresenta o que foi notícia na semana esportiva, além de mostrar os gols da rodada e a preparação dos times de olho nos jogos do dia, além de jogos, quando acontecem na manhã de domingo, de vôlei, futebol de praia, futsal, etc., e ainda torneios de natação, entre outros. O tradicional tema do programa, é Dr. Jeckle and Hyde Park, da Carnaby Street Pop Orchestra And Choir.

História

Década de 2010
Em 5 de junho de 2011, o ex-jogador de de vôlei Tande passou a fazer dupla com Glenda Kozlowski na apresentação do programa. O apresentador Luís Ernesto Lacombe, que estava no programa desde 2004, passou a apresentar a coluna de esportes do Bom Dia Brasil. Já Luciana Ávila, que apresentava o Esporte Espetacular desde 2009, deixou a apresentação, mas continuou no EE fazendo reportagens. Em 27 de janeiro de 2013, o jornalista Ivan Moré passou a apresentar o programa ao lado de Glenda Kozlowski. Até então ele substituiria o titular Tande, que estava de férias e deveria voltar a apresentar o esportivo em 17 de fevereiro. No entanto, Ivan Moré acabou efetivado, confirmando as especulações de um desejo da nova direção de esportes da Rede Globo de fazer mudanças na apresentação do EE.  Com a mudança dos apresentadores, Tande passou a fazer reportagens especiais para o programa. Em julho de 2015, Moré deixa o comando da atração para apresentar o Globo Esporte de São Paulo, e em seu lugar entra Alex Escobar, que passa a apresentar ao lado de Glenda Kozlowski.

Em agosto de 2016 foi anunciada uma nova troca dos apresentadores do EE. Fernanda Gentil e Flávio Canto passam a apresentar o programa a partir de 5 de setembro, Alex Escobar voltaria para o Globo Esporte do Rio de Janeiro e Glenda Kozlowski iria fazer reportagens e narrar eventos. Em 28 de novembro do mesmo ano, o principal produtor do programa, Guilherme van der Laars, e outros dois funcionários da TV Globo, o repórter Guilherme Marques e o cinegrafista Ari Júnior, faleceram na tragédia com o Voo LaMia 2933, que transportava a delegação da equipe da Associação Chapecoense de Futebol. Na tragédia, também faleceram outras 68 pessoas. Os três estavam no voo para produzir uma matéria especial para o próprio Esporte Espetacular, sobre a campanha da Chapecoense na Copa Sul-Americana de 2016, e foram homenageados pela emissora.

O jornalista Felipe Andreoli, que já havia trabalhado no SporTV apresentando o programa esportivo Extra Ordinários, com passagem também pela Band, estreou no EE em março de 2017, substituindo Flávio Canto, que passaria a fazer reportagens. Em dezembro de 2018 Fernanda Gentil foi transferida da área de esportes da emissora para a área do entretenimento. Sua última apresentação foi em 9 de dezembro, quando o programa completou 45 anos de exibição. No domingo seguinte estreou Bárbara Coelho, que já vinha cobrindo as suas férias.

Em 9 de junho de 2019, Lucas Gutierrez estreou na apresentação do programa, substituindo Felipe Andreoli, que foi para o Globo Esporte SP.

Década de 2020
Em 13 de setembro de 2020, o programa não foi levado ao ar devido à transmissão do Grande Prêmio da Toscana de Fórmula 1, que teve duas bandeiras vermelhas e três largadas. No domingo seguinte, em 20 de setembro, o programa exibiu uma reportagem especial sobre os setenta anos da televisão no Brasil. Em 14 de março de 2021, passou a ter blocos locais de São Paulo e Minas Gerais, apresentados por Thiago Oliveira e Marcelo Lages, respectivamente.Thiago ficou até 31 de outubro de 2021, quando foi substituido por Karine Alves.

Em 6 de março de 2022, o programa ganhou um novo cenário com mais espaços para entrevistas e até café da manhã com convidados. A atração também passou a ser produzida nos Estúdios Globo, sendo a primeira produção do esporte da emissora a ser feita no complexo de estúdios. Em 13 de novembro, o programa foi exibido pela última vez no cenário dos Estúdios Globo, já que durante a Copa do Mundo, a atração seria feita do estúdio especial montado pela emissora pra cobertura do evento. No dia 25 de dezembro, o programa voltou a ser apresentado da sede do Jardim Botânico, onde fica o Jornalismo/Esporte da Globo.

Em janeiro de 2023, Magno Navarro passou a integrar a equipe esportiva. Navarro foi promovido depois de ter se destacado na apresentação do programa Tá na Área, do SporTV.

Mascote
O João Sorrisão, um joão-bobo, foi o mascote adotado pelo programa Esporte Espetacular da TV Globo em 2011. Uma série de variações do mascote foi desenvolvida pela Globomarcas. e a Globo chegou a criar um game com o personagem. João ganhou uma companheira em 2 de junho de 2013. O nome foi escolhido por enquete popular no site do programa Globo Esporte.

Músicas
Os Havaianos compuseram "O funk do João Sorrisão". Posteriormente o grupo Exaltasamba compôs uma música homônima que incentivava as comemorações e citava o jogador Neymar na letra.

Repercussão
Jogadores passaram a fazer coreografias que imitavam os movimentos do boneco. O mascote foi promovido a cabo nas Olimpíadas do Exército em Dourados, MS. o que foi alvo de críticas por parte da imprensa.

Quadros

Tecnologia em 360º
Com a ajuda de um analisador tático, reapresenta as grandes jogadas do mundo do futebol no presente e no passado.

Jogos do Mundo
Jogos do Mundo foi uma série exibida no início de 2016, que teve oito episódios. Produzida em conjunto com a Pindorama Filmes, a série mostrou modalidades esportivas tradicionais ao redor do mundo. Os episódios foram narrados por Patricia Pillar e Marcos Palmeira.

Talento: Como Surgem os Campeões
Série sobre 5 países que são dominantes nos esportes olímpicos.

Zero1

Quadro sobre os e-sports, com Tiago Leifert.

Outros
Em 26 de agosto e 2 de setembro de 2012, o programa, juntamente com a empresa de artigos esportivos Adidas, produziram uma campanha para a escolha do nome da bola da Copa do Mundo FIFA 2014.

Ligações externas

Programas da TV Globo
Revistas eletrônicas televisivas esportivas do Brasil
Programas de televisão do Brasil que estrearam em 1973
Programas de televisão em língua portuguesa
Impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 na televisão

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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New Podcast: Franchises and Filmogs
Check out my new podcast, Franchises and Filmogs (formerly known as Zach's Spooktacularathon)!
Join me as I deep-dive into film franchises and director filmographies.
Now streaming wherever you listen to podcasts!
Togo, The Real Hero (Togo)
It's not often that we see Disney correct it's mistakes, but Togo seems to be made just to do that. Personally I've never seen Balto so I cannot attest to its inaccuracies, but Togo certainly pushes the fact that it is a correction of a mistold story. Disney's new live-action film is a grand retelling of the 1925 Serum Run, with vast mountain landscapes and well-trained dogs to lead the cast. If the dogs don't sell you on this movie, Willem Dafoe's (Spider-Man, The Florida Project, The Grand Budapest Hotel) performance is just another outstanding display of his epic career in acting. Dafoe transforms into Leonhard Seppala, a musher trying to save his townspeople from a disease.
The story of the event is pretty simple, but Ericson Core's (Point Break) direction along with Tom Flynn's (Gifted) screenplay make it intricate. Core delicately travels around in time with flashbacks that keep the viewer engaged. We get to see the lead sled dog's upbringing and I cannot imagine anyone complaining that the dog gets a large amount of screentime. Most of the story revolves around Togo's upbringing and Seppala's relationship to the dog. There are heartwarming moments, but also moments that really make the viewer think about how we treat and understand pets.
The most praiseworthy aspect of this film is the cinematography. Vast mountainscapes and blizzard-like conditions add an element of risk to the story. Core is no stranger to cinematography and that is apparent as this movie is very well done. I found myself gasping amidst the clear power of nature, with scenes of the dog sled team crossing an ice-capped lake that was sure to break. Nature is an extremely valuable asset in filmmaking and Togo proves that from the start. The adventure is daring and the film flies by without a moment for the filmgoer to ever feel relaxed.
The Bottom Line: With Disney's correction to Balto, Togo brings out the best of nature's connection with humans and expands on the discussion of human relations with animals in a dramatic retelling of a true story.
Image credit: By User:Wynford Morris - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33449859
Tough Love (Marriage Story)
Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale, Frances Ha) returns to Netflix with this heart-wrenching drama revolving around a couple going through the process of a divorce. This film is a horror romance, not because it is scary or creepy, but merely because it shows the real-life consequences of marriage. Marriage Story displays the fragility of love and the effects it can have on even the happiest couple. Adam Driver (Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, Paterson, Inside Llewyn Davis) and Scarlett Johansson (Her, Lost in Translation, The Avengers) lead the cast as a seemingly happy couple, but divorce leads the couple to make choices that they did not foresee happening in their relationship.
At times, the film is hard to watch and tears at the moviegoer's heartstrings. When the project was first announced, I was a bit concerned that Johansson and Driver were an odd choice to play the lead roles. Yet, their chemistry cannot be denied and it is hard to picture any other actors playing these roles after viewing the film. Baumbach clearly knows how to cast a film and this may be his best project to date. Definitely look out for the multiple Oscar nominations that this film will get. I'm not one to cry often during a film, but it was sure hard to hold back the tears during this one. The film has the best scene between two characters that I have seen in quite a while. Leaving out too much detail, there is a major climax in the film between the married couple, that builds more and more with intensity leading to a payoff that will leave the viewer heartbroken.
The film is subtle to create a realistic story, but the implications are nonetheless concerning. Randy Newman's (Toy Story, Meet the Parents) original soundtrack creates a nice background for the onscreen dialogue. The soundtrack has nice piano melodies that play off of the subtle environment and act as a more classical soundtrack.
Baumbach's script is so real. He is able to create slight comedy in a script riddled with wrenching emotion. He can take a cast of well-known actors without giving any of them a sense of entitlement. This film is NOT a blockbuster, but has the intensity of one. As one of the best films of the year, I am quite excited to see how it will perform at the awards ceremonies. Baumbach is no stranger to nominations, but this year has a very bloated field of great films so it will be tough to pick which actors and films will win it all.
The Bottom Line: Marriage Story is subtle, but heartbreaking nonetheless with a professional cast that carries the film to the next level.
Image Credit: By Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=59740186
A Cold-hearted Sequel (Frozen 2)
After rewatching Frozen, I realized that the film as a whole was far from perfect. With endless plot holes, a basic pop soundtrack, and a familiar story, it was hard to appreciate the original film. I recall liking it the first time, but maybe it was just catchy and really stuck in my head for the months following. While Frozen 2 still has a lack of needed explanation for certain plot lines, it is a definite step up from the first film. This is already a contested opinion between fans young and old, but I stand by it for the following reason...
To start, the music in the sequel holds more weight. Children may not like every song as much as they did for the original film since none of the tunes have stuck as much as "Let It Go". The break-out song of this film was marketed to be "Into the Unknown", which is not the most creative song on the soundtrack, but still seems craftier than "Let It Go". Kids might struggle to catch on to the melody, but the lyrics are more fulfilling and Idina Menzel's (Enchanted) voice carries it quite well. Her voice truly defies gravity and is such a treasure to the listener. Along with the new hit, audiences can enjoy a cheesier song from Olaf and a hard-hitting love ballad from Kristoff. Olaf's song is similar to his debut in Frozen, but Kristoff brings older viewers the nostalgia of artists like Meatloaf or REO Speedwagon. It's a fun and intentionally ridiculous 80s tribute. These songs are a treat for adults and kids alike.
Furthermore, the voice work and script for this follow-up are more exciting and creative. While Olaf did not have too many lines in the original film and still annoyed me, it appears he has more lines in the sequel but never comes off as overly annoying. Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Jonathan Groff (Mindhunter), and Josh Gad (Beauty and the Beast, 21) round out the cast again with a few extra voice actors in minor roles. Menzel and Bell voice the young sisters so fittingly. Gad plays a slightly more matured Olaf, but still sounds like a curious snowchild. The big breakout for me with this film was Groff's ability to sing. I'm a big fan of Mindhunter and Groff's character in the Netflix show is so different from Kristoff; it took me a while to realize they are played by the same person. I can see this ensemble making a few more films together if everyone stays aboard the wintery franchise.
While I do like the sequel more than the original, there are a few choices that are flawed and leave the viewer pondering. A couple of the things that were left unexplained in the first film are brought back and explained in this film, but this film has characters choose certain paths that are unnatural. At one point, a main character (trying to avoid spoilers still) makes a choice that contradicts everything the film sets up. It left me scratching my head and wondering if they just couldn't figure out a better way to progress the plot. I still give praise to this plot for being more original than the first film, with no real villain for the sisters to face off with. This is more about character development than it is about a battle at the end, creating a refreshing story for Disney.
I would go amiss without mentioning the visual effects. I saw the film in Laser IMAX and it was totally worth the big screen experience. The ice shimmers across the screen and while there is not a lot of real action sequences, there are quite a few moments where the beautiful landscape shines bright with the reflecting snowy overlay. There was one point where the pine trees looked so realistic that I had to do a double-take and look away from the screen for a minute. It truly is amazing what modern technology has done for artists and animation studios.
The Bottom Line: This darker sequel progresses the characters that kids and adults already love, but has flaws that are left unexplained and contradictory.
The Mob is Back (The Irishman)
It's hard to keep an audience captivated for 3.5 hours, but Martin Scorsese (Taxi Driver) does just that! Not only is The Irishman captivating, but it is also full of content that is necessary to tell the story of Frank Sheeran, a mobster who had ties to the organized crime scene in the 1950s, orchestrated largely by Russell Bufalino and Jimmy Hoffa. Going into the theater, I knew basically nothing about these characters. Sure, I've heard of Jimmy Hoffa but I've never really done any research on him or the 1950s mob scene. This story is so rich in history, that it is only fitting for the very knowledgeable Scorsese to direct.
2019 has been a great year for movies and The Irishman keeps up the streak. Scorsese's direction is organized and every piece of information given to the viewer is valuable from start to finish. Steven Zaillian (Schindler's List) writes another superb screenplay for the audience to fully familiarize themselves with the many characters in this story. I would encourage anyone who gets the chance to see the film on the big screen to run to the closest cinema and get a seat before the movie is solely on Netflix. There is value in sitting through the whole plot without distraction, although this is probably the lengthiest film I have seen in a theater to date. The direction never dwells for too long in one spot, but also never feels too rushed.
The characters are all rich with background and it is easy to get lost in the world of organized crime within the first thirty minutes of the film. Robert De Niro (Taxi Driver), Joe Pesci (My Cousin Vinny), and Al Pacino (The Godfather) are the trifecta of mob actors. The de-aging process used for each of them never really shows and it's likely because the acting is so good. The facial expressions of the characters are never exaggerated, and at times I wondered if De Niro truly is a gangster in hiding. The big story here was that De Niro and Scorsese were somehow able to convince Pesci to come out of retirement for this film, and we are given a lot to thank them for that. It would be hard for any other actors to portray such a story with the smooth dynamic between the three leads. Rounding out the cast, there are also notable performances by Anna Paquin (X-Men), Stephen Graham (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), Bobby Canavale (Ant-Man, Blue Jasmine), Harvey Keitel (Reservoir Dogs, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Pulp Fiction), Jesse Plemons (Game Night, The Master), and Ray Romano (The Big Sick, Ice Age). With all of these actors and characters hitting the screen, it is already clear why the film had to be more than three hours in length.
The writing for the film also deserves a lot of praise. The script is clever, dramatic, and occasionally even funny. This is the mob universe that Scorsese has built and is highly acclaimed for. At times you feel sympathetic for the characters, but then you sit back for a moment and realize that these are criminals. The film is an emotional ride, that constantly makes you think about what each character stands for. From the premise, I never thought that I would be sympathetic to Frank Sheeran, but by the end I found myself in that exact position. Therefore credit is due to the screenplay, setting up a movie that can be discussed for more than it's lengthy runtime.
The Bottom Line: Everyone should see this film on the biggest screen they can and sit through the whole thing without distraction. This is only fair for such an accomplishment by the partnership of Scorsese, Zaillan, and the many actors that can keep an audience engaged for 3.5 hours.
Image Credits:
By che(Please credit as "Petr Novák, Wikipedia" in case you use this outside Wikimedia projects.) - che, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4443635
By David Shankbone - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2000640
A Murder Most Fun (Knives Out)
Thanks to AMC, I got the chance to see this film a week before it's wide release date. This was certainly one of my most anticipated films of the year, and the anticipation was absolutely worth the wait. Fresh off of his controversial Star Wars film (which I admittedly saw three times in theaters), Rian Johnson (Looper, Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi) is back with an original murder mystery. When family patriarch, Harlan Thrombey, leaves behind a large fortune in his mysterious death, his large family is left behind to solve the cause of his death and what will happen to the fortune. Johnson hits the genre right on the head, but adds an entertainingy comedic twist to keep the audience fully engaged throughout the whole film.
Johnson's writing is so strong that it is only fitting his cast is full of top-tier names. Toni Collette (Little Miss Sunshine, Hereditary), Jamie Lee Curtis (True Lies, Freaky Friday), Michael Shannon (The Shape of Water), Don Johnson (Django Unchained), and Chris Evans (The Avengers) create a dysfunctional family dynamic that is believable and yet shocking to watch. If those names aren't enough to keep you interested in this film, the cast also includes Christopher Plummer (Beginners), Daniel Craig (Casino Royale), Ana de Armas (Blade Runner 2049), LaKeith Stanfield (Sorry to Bother You, Short Term 12, Selma), Katherine Langford (Love, Simon), and Jaeden Martell (It, Midnight Special). Every member of the cast is nothing short of amazing. No one is given too much time on screen or too little time on screen. To me, Daniel Craig really stands out in his role, with an accent that I would have never expected to hear from him. With a southern drawl, it takes a good ear to stay focused on what his character is saying. Furthermore, I have seen very few movies with Ana de Armas and this film really makes me want to become more familiar with her acting. Certainly, everyone will find a character that is most enjoyable or most relatable to them in the film.
This cast works so well because the script and story is consistent throughout the whole movie. This is a suspenseful and yet comedic murder mystery. There are constantly new revelations in the story, but with so many twists and turns one might expect the film to grow tiring. Contrary to this expectation, the twists and turns are perfectly timed and keep the viewer on the edge of their seat. Within the plot we get a lot of family banter, especially with Chris Evans's character. Evans plays Ransom Drysdale, a rebellious grandson of Harlan, who constantly bickers with the family. Ransom provides most of the comic relief in the film, being crude and clever with his banter.
Once all of the pieces are put together for the mystery, the audience is left craving more still. Similarly to a Soderbergh (Traffic) heist film, Knives Out, releases the audience's tension at the end of the film. The payoff is worth the nearly 2 hour wait, just as it was worth the wait for Rian Johnson's first original film in 7 years.
The Bottom Line: Rian Johnson is back with one of his best films yet. This is a wholly original murder mystery with a crazy cast that portrays Johnson's writing skills with gravitas.
Score: 9.7/10
Image Credit: By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America - Rian JohnsonUploaded by maybeMaybeMaybe, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22894471
Youth at its Finest and its Worst (The Cat and The Moon)
As the first feature length film under the direction of rising star, Alex Wolff (Hereditary, Patriots Day, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), The Cat and The Moon is quite an impressive debut. Wolff captures the beauty and madness of high school in a way that only someone under the age of 25 can truly understand. Sure, this was not everyone's high school experience (definitely not mine), but the characters are relatable and constantly evolving.
The whole movie is extremely well acted. Skyler Gisondo (The Amazing Spider-Man), Stefania LaVie Owen (Krampus), Camrus Johnson (The Sun Is Also a Star), Tommy Nelson (Moonrise Kingdom), and Olivia Boreham-Wing (A Rainy Day in New York) all show promise as young actors and I look forward to seeing their careers grow over time. Throughout the film, there are characters that we like at times and then at a later time may end up hating. I found myself surprised with the characters thought I understood at first, but then ended up realizing they were much different once you get to know them. As a father figure, Mike Epps (The Hangover) acts superbly and has one of the best scenes in the entire film. Every character in the film is relatable at times, as they all have human emotions that change over time. I really liked how this film captured the fact that people change with the crowd around them.
This film is not a Hollywood blockbuster, nor is it meant to be. After all, we are watching the life of a high schooler with family struggles. For reasons that are further developed in the film, Nick (played by Alex Wolff) is relocated to live with a family in New York and starts attending a new high school where he makes new friends. Some of these friends are good, and some are bad. This is the experience that Wolff captures so boldly behind the camera. We've all been in friend groups that didn't suit us, but over time we learn what is good from bad. We learn who we can trust and who we can rely on. Another great performance comes from Mike Epps, who acts as Nick's fatherly figure. He reminds the viewer of the rebelliousness of being a teen and how this affects their parents. Overall, every performance in the film is near flawless and creates a sense of belonging for the viewer.
The Bottom Line: High school is a rough time, and Alex Wolff captures the good moments along with the bad that viewers can reminisce upon.
The End of an Era (Avengers: Endgame)
After a decade, this film is exactly what audiences need to move forward.
Grandiose character performances from the lead cast, an emotional plotline, the harshest purple villain of all time, and of course CGI action-shots galore bring us straight to a satisfying ending of a chapter. Surely this is not the last film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it definitely feels like the end of an era.
The heroes that we have grown to love are stuck in a final showdown with the heavy-handed Thanos. While the film stands out as a blockbuster action flick, there is a lot of emotion involved and tears will fall. For a three-hour-long superhero movie, the run time feels shy of two hours, leaving me wanting more action and more time with these characters. There is just enough time for the film to solve the situation that they are left with at the conclusion of Avengers: Infinity War. It's not an easy task to move forward after half of the cast is turned to dust, but Anthony (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America: Civil War) and Joe Russo (Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War) direct the film towards a proper resolution.
At the end of Infinity War, we are left with a cast of MCU founders including Robert Downey Jr. (Iron Man, Sherlock Holmes, The Avengers), Chris Evans (The Avengers, Captain America: The First Avenger), Chris Hemsworth (The Avengers, Thor: Ragnarok, Snow White and the Huntsman), Scarlett Johansson (Her, Lost in Translation, The Avengers), Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers, Spotlight, Foxcatcher), and Jeremy Renner (The Town, The Avengers, Wind River). While everyone in this cast has been a dud in one of the previous films of the MCU, they are all perfect in this film. After witnessing their friends and families die, they wear their emotions on their sleeves. This is not something we often get in superhero films. Usually, our fictional superheroes are emotionless robots. Luckily, Marvel has finally fixed this lack of character.
The dynamic between Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans leads this film to victory and emotional payoff. Without going too far into spoilers, the ending is clearly a tool that Marvel can use to move on from the franchise that has been built thus far. The end is worth the ride that fans have been on for the past 11 years. Of course, Thanos leaves his mark on the universe and everything is not left perfectly normal.
It will be interesting to see where the MCU progresses from here. With a Spider-Man movie just months away, Endgame will forever impact the future of the franchise. Sacrifices are made, battles are fought, relationships are broken, and overall this is the most meaningful film for the franchise.
The Bottom Line: If you are a die-hard Marvel fan, bring tissues and get ready for the longest and most rewarding end of an era.
Top Albums of 2018 (A Ranked List From Firstflix Contributor, Stephen Ficek)
1. Against All Logic – 2012-2017
Early in the year electronic producer Nicolas Jaar released a surprise album under the moniker Against All Logic. Like its title suggests, the album consists of a collection of songs Jaar created between the period of 2012 to 2017. Despite appearing to be a compilation with over five years of material, the sound Jaar creates is consistent, unique, and experimental. The tracks are crafted around old samples from various music sources, all backed by solid house grooves and beats. The finished product is something I've never heard in electronic music before; and besides a few lengthier tracks near the end, the album contains no filler and flows smoothly without feeling boring.
Best Tracks: Some Kind of Game, Cityfade, Now U Got Me Hooked
2. KIDS SEE GHOSTS – KIDS SEE GHOSTS
A collaborative project between Kanye West and Kid Cudi, KIDS SEE GHOSTS is a moment of complete artistic freedom for the two musicians. This freedom comes through the music in spades right from the opening track, with Kanye's ridiculous vocal adlibs appearing halfway into the song. While both artists have been suffering from mental disorders recently, they sound the healthiest they've been in years. Even though we can't know if these new-found messages of positivity and mental clarity are here to stay, the musical genius on this album can't be denied. The production mixes the sounds of psychedelic, rock, and hip-hop into a tight and unique package. At just 23 minutes, the album has no room for filler and delivers on that promise. The short run time easily lends itself to multiple listens without getting tiring. I only wish the project was more lyrically conceptual given the intriguing name of the group.
Best Tracks: Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2), Reborn, Cudi Montage
3. Parquet Courts – Wide Awake!
Parquet Courts came through with the best rock album of 2018 with their art punk spectacle Wide Awake!. The songs are fun, lively, and smart. Despite being punk in nature, Parquet Courts delivers some of the best grooves of the whole year, from the funky title track to the ballad Freebird II. The song-writing and lyrics perfectly balance important political messages and a catchy sound. And fuck Tom Brady.
Best Tracks: Freebird II, Wide Awake, Tenderness
4. Armand Hammer – Paraffin
Armand Hammer is a New York underground hip-hop duo consisting of emcees Billy Woods and Elucid. After releasing one of the best hip-hop albums of 2017, Known Unknowns, Billy Woods teams up once again with long-time collaborator Elucid. Delivering another standout in the world of hip-hop. Paraffin embodies the complete sounds of the east coast. From grimy, lo-fi production to dark and politically-driven lyrics. What makes this project stand out are the abstractions added into the production and song-writing that separates it from their genre contemporaries. Its sample-based with flares of industrial and jazz sounds looped in. The songs progress dynamically and avoid feeling repetitive. The performances from both rappers are outstanding and the vibe created is one of the darkest you will hear this year.
Best Tracks: No Days Off, Fuhrman Tapes, VX
5. IDLES – Joy as an Act of Resistance.
British punk band, IDLES, returns with a quick follow-up to their great 2017 album Brutalism. The instrumentals are as violent and angry as ever, and front-man Joe Talbot's vocals are just as intense. What's changed for the group are their lyrics and message. IDLES uses their brash sound to bring forth words of positivity, self-worth, and unity. The band is actively shedding its façade of a bunch of angry men and showing a smart and progressive side. Its such a wonderful change of pace to the punk genre.
Best Tracks: Colossus, Never Fight A Man With A Perm, Great
6. Jack White – Boarding House Reach
Longtime musician Jack White finally reached his experimental peak with his 2018 album. He took the familiar sounds of blues rock that's been in his repertoire for years and completed shifted it on its head. Expertly working in electronics and other instrumentation into the classic blues sound made Boarding House Reach a fun, progressive, and intriguing listen from front to back.
Best Tracks: Connected by Love, Corporation, Over and Over
7. ROSALÍA – El Mal Querer
With last year's album Los Angeles, Spanish singer Rosalia broke onto the scene with her fantastic take on contemporary flamenco music. This time around, Rosalia is boasting new original material, and an alteration to her sound. Moving on from the acoustic and minimalist sound of classic flamenco, she has updated the genre for the modern age. El Mal Querer combines the classic Spanish sound with excellent pop sensibility and experimental production. Her vocals are terrific and are certainly some of the best in pop music now. This is the kind of music anybody can listen to; language barrier be damned.
Best Tracks: MALAMENTE, PIENSO EN TU MIRA, BAGDAD
8. Julia Holter – Aviary
The American singer-songwriter has been dominating the art/baroque pop genre the past five years with continuously great albums. There are no other musical acts that rival her ability to create incredibly beautiful and luscious soundscapes. Her last album, 2015's Have You In My Wilderness, was her best yet. Combining strong jazz themes on top of her art pop creations. This time around on Aviary, Holter takes a much more avant-garde approach. Favoring more heavily the use of strings and orchestral instrumentation. At one hour and 30 minutes, it's a behemoth of a record. It certainly requires patience. But all you need to do is let yourself fall into the immersive, and overwhelming beauty of the record.
Best Tracks: I Shall Love II, Underneath the Moon, Les Jeux to You
9. Daughters – You Won't Get What You Want
This record is tough to describe. The best words I can use are: harsh, demented, and tortured. It's a difficult listen. The instruments are abrasive and violent, while the lyrics are dark and unhinged. The repetition from the bass and drums becomes almost hypnotic. Daughters effectively creates their own unique sound, immersing you into this deprived musical world. The complete commitment to this tone and concept is impressive. It's an album worth listening to multiple times. Please don't discard it on first reaction.
Best Tracks: City Song, Satan in the Wait, Less Sex
10. Denzel Curry – TA13OO
The Florida-based rapper showed a lot of potential on his 2015 mixtape Imperial, and 2018's TA13OO confirms that talent. The album consists of three separate acts: Light, Gray, and Dark. It's a light concept that sets the rapper up to musically explore societies taboos. As the album progresses further down the track list, the songs get darker and darker. It culminates into a ferocious finish for Act 3, featuring some of heaviest songs of the year. Curry shows off his rapping prowess on every track with great lyrics and a variety of flows. The production does well to match his skillset. Curry also did an excellent job picking his featured artist. My main complaint is Curry does not fully commit to the album's concept. Some of the songs seem out of place to their respective acts.
Best Tracks: Cash Maniac, Switch It Up, Percs
11. Haru Nemuri – Haru to Shura
Haru Nemuri is a relatively unknown Japanese rock artist. Her vocals are loud, powerful, and fun. Nemuri experiments heavily in the rock genre, mixing elements of noise, electronics, and hip-hop. On multiple occasions Nemuri will go from screaming to basically rapping on her tracks. It's a fast-paced record and one of the more fun and exciting listens all year.
Best Tracks: Harutosyura, Sekaiwotorikaeshiteokure, Yumewomiyou
12. JPEGMAFIA – Veteran
Rapper/Producer JPEGMAFIA came through with one of hip-hops most creative albums in years. His production is insane and glitchy, and his lyrics are violent, smart, and funny. What separates him from other experimental or abstract hip-hop acts are his vocals. JPEGMAFIA combines intense flows with pop rap singing you would hear in a Drake song. It's hard to imagine but sounds so smooth and seamless.
Best Tracks: 1539 N. Calvert, Thug Tears, Baby I'm Bleading
13. U.S. Girls – In a Poem Unlimited
U.S. Girls is a musical project from musician Meghan Remy. It is without a doubt the years funkiest record. The album features excellent instrumentation, lyrics, and catchy writing.
Best Tracks: Velvet 4 Sale, Rage of Plastics, Incidental Boogie
14. Natalia Lafourcade – Musas Vol. 2
Mexican singer-songwriter, Natalia Lafourcade delivered the year's best folk album with Musas Vol. 2. The record has beautiful composition and great vocals. It's an incredibly consistent track list that maybe could have been trimmed by a song or two. Once again you can completely ignore the language barrier. Give this a listen.
Best Tracks: Danza de Gardenias, Duerme Negrito, Derecho de Nacimiento
15. twenty one pilots – Trench
The alt-rock/pop duo is back in 2018 with a pretty divisive album. It seems the bands existing fans are less thrilled with Trench, while listeners who were never fans before (like myself) are really enjoying the project. Either way it's a fun album that combines genres well and has a lot of catchy songwriting. It's cool to see the band take more experimental strides with their music.
Best Tracks: My Blood, Chlorine, Nico and The Niners
16. Hermit and the Recluse – Orpheus vs. the Sirens
Hermit and the Recluse is a new alias and musical project for New York emcee Ka. He is consistently one of the best lyrical minds in rap currently working. His last two projects have all been heavily conceptual with Honor Killed the Samurai and The Night's Gambit. This trend doesn't end with Orpheus vs. the Siren. Ka takes his numerous experiences in life growing up in tough neighborhoods and relates them to the story of the fabled Greek hero. The production backing him is relatively the same as in past projects but with some new twists worked in.
Best Tracks: Sirens, Golden Fleece, The Punishment of Sisyphus
17. Current 93 – The Light is Leaving Us All
The long-running experimental folk band delivered one of the weirdest albums of the year. Its yet another conceptual album on this list that effectively transports you into the ghastly underbelly of 19th century England. The lyrics are poetic and esoteric, and the delivery of front-man David Tibet is theatrical. I love the kind of music that can immerse you into a different world. The vocal repetition of the phrase "the light is leaving us all" and the dark production culminates into quite a terrifying experience.
Best Tracks: The Policeman is Dead, A Thousand Witches, The Kettle's On
18. MGMT – Little Dark Age
The famed pop duo rebounded in 2018 with an exercise in 80's synth pop revival. It's a tight and consistent listen at 10 tracks and features a lot of catchy tunes. There are some great highlights throughout. However, the album doesn't sound completely original, giving off some very strong Ariel Pink vibes.
Best Tracks: She Works Out Too Much, When You Die, James
19. Clarence Clarity – THINK: PEACE
Clarity's first album No Now, released in 2015, was one of the best of the year and completely flew under the radar. With THINK: PEACE, Clarity confirms that he is still one of the most exciting producers working now. He experiments with electronic production and modern R&B songwriting, creating a sound that is completely his.
Best Tracks: Adam and The Evil*, W€ Chang£, Naysayer Magick Obeyer
20. Polyphia – New Levels New Devils
New Levels New Devils is an instrumental, math rock album from the Texas-based band Polyphia. The guitar and bass playing are impressive, and the drums are punchy. An interesting addition to nearly every track is a short trap-produced interlude that will finish off the song and lead it into the next. Overall, it's a fun listen that remains sonically consistent.
Best Tracks: Nasty, Death Note, G.O.A.T
21. BROCKHAMPTON – Iridescence
After releasing what I thought was the best album of 2017 with SATURATION, the boyband's breakout success hit a myriad of drama in 2018. Despite the loss of a core member, BROCKHAMPTON still managed to return with their most mature release yet. While their fourth studio album doesn't live up to the surprise and experimentation of their first, they came through with a noticeably more serious effort on Iridescence. The album features a lot of musical progression and some great hip-hop ballads. I'm sure they will continue to define their new sound in the future
Best Tracks: WEIGHT, SAN MARCOS, TONYA
22. Zeal & Ardor – Stranger Fruit
Stranger Fruit is one of the wackiest albums you'll come across this year, blending black metal with slave spirituals. It's the invention of Swiss musician Manuel Gagneux and comes together a lot better than you would initially think. The track list of this album can feel a little bloated at times and the story/concept could use some further fleshing out, but it's an exciting project I'm looking forward to hearing more form.
Best Tracks: Don't You Dare, You Ain't Coming Back, Built on Ashes
23. Andrew W.K. – You're Not Alone
After nine years of musical silence, singer-songwriter and self-help/motivational speaker Andrew W.K. released the most inspiring and uplifting album of the year. You're Not Alone is a happy light in a world with a lot of bad news. The music is blaring arena rock that can sound corny to some, but truly has a wonderful message and charm.
Best Tracks: Music Is Worth Living For, Give Up On You, Total Freedom
24. Earl Sweatshirt – Some Rap Songs
Like its name suggests, Some Rap Songs is a collection of abstract hip-hop tracks that Earl uses to communicate what his mental state has been at for the last few years. For a large portion of his life and career, Earl has dealt with many obstacles like depression and anxiety. He's an incredibly talented emcee and lyricist, and it comes through in spades as he describes the mental decay he's experienced. The production is disjointed and trippy, matching the subject matter well.
Best Tracks: Nowhere2go, December 24, Azucar
25. Ghost – Prequelle
The magnificent Swedish heavy metal band returns with a worthy successor to their 2015 magnum-opus Meliora. This time around they took a noticeable pop direction with their sound. It's a lot lighter in tone but embraces catchy songwriting and enhanced theatrics.
Best Tracks: Rats, See The Light, Life Eternal
SOPHIE – Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides
Car Seat Headrest – Twin Fantasy
Sons of Kemet – My Queen is a Reptile
serpentwithfeet – soil
Kali Uchis – Isolation
Sleep – The Sciences
Kero Kero Bontio – Time 'n' Place
Superorganism – Superorganism
Tropical Fuck Storm – A Laughing Death in Meatspace
The Voidz – Virtue
JID – DiCaprio 2
Screaming Females – All At Once
George Clanton – Slide
Young Fathers – Cocoa Sugar
Image Credit: By Various (cropped and combined together by CoughingCookieHeart) - File:Kidcudi (300dpi).jpg, [Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/pjayofficial/7389658206], CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72319078

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This was published today on Katzenworld, one of my favorite Cat Sites!!!
So honored they posted it and though I still miss my cat every day, it helps to have others read about him, and comment!
Here's Part One, in case you missed it.


The Horizon 2020 MSCA joint doctoral project MoGglyNet ("Modulation of glycolytic flux as a new approach for treatment of atherosclerosis and plaque stabilization: a multidisciplinary study") is running by a Consortium of Universities in cooperation with Pharma Industries and Associations. The programme was established with the aim of providing 12 Early Stage Researchers with innovative PhD trainings in Drug Discovery and Development.
The MOGLYNET PhD programme aims to define a new joint PhD educational model in Drug Discovery and Development and to promote institutional cooperation and mobility.
An active contribution of Industry in training activities is an important feature of the programme. The research methodologies and approaches proposed by the MOGLYNET consortium are strongly multidisciplinary and will involve a number of different state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies. These includes computational chemistry, chemical synthesis, bioanalytics, biophysics, in vitro biological evaluations, in vivo studies, imaging, metabolomics, proteomics, and oxidative stress studies.
The non-academic contribution provides the way forward to help academia in meeting the educational needs of pharmaceutical industry.
The exposure of recruited researchers to different environments is specifically designed to integrate and complement the sectorial knowledge of the fellow allowing the creation of a common knowledge and language for ESRs.
Synergy between all the participants is fundamental to reach the goals planned by MOGLYNET programme.
MOGLYNET EJD stems from six Doctoral Courses/Schools at the five beneficiary institutions providing research and training in the field of drug discovery and health. A double degree in Drug Discovery and Development will be delivered by two Accademic beneficiaries.
The research methodologies and approaches proposed by the MOGLYNET consortium are strongly multidisciplinary (from molecular modelling to in vivo studies) and will involve a number of different state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies.
We are a consortium of excellence in the atherosclerosis field. The research strategy proposed by MOGLYNET to takle atherosclerosis, which is a major unmet medical need, is higly original and innovative.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a disease of aging and is the major cause of death in the western world and for this reason there is a strong high need for additional pharmacological interventions.
The European Commission has identified active and healthy aging as a major societal challenge common to all European countries, and an area which presents considerable potential for Europe to lead the world in providing innovative responses to this challenge.
The transfer of "what" a researcher know in "how" to realize this in a complex system related to the drug is not trivial and requires a wide overall view of the problem. The mission of MOGLYNET is to define a joint doctorate educational training model where Academia and Industry Join their forces to reach this target.


The Hardships of Monday Morning, starring Rilakkuma & Kiiroitori. This scrumptious breakfast consists of bread, peanut-butter, yogurt, dried blueberry, pancake (yay), apricot and plum.
Eating the Lion's Share with peach, apple and dried blueberries.
Rising With the Early Birds with bread, cream cheese, strawberry, orange and blueberry.
Snailed It! A healthy breakfast with pancake, banana, kiwi, dried blueberry and almond flakes, You can find the (Norsk) recipe on Godt.no.
Ida says it takes her about 5 to 15 minutes on average to finish her art pieces, which is far quicker than the more complicated food art of Samantha Lee.
Occasionally Ida posts recipes on her website, but you can also follow her food art through Instagram. Or you can get Ida's cookbook to create some cute breakfasts yourself, it's available on Amazon and Bol.com.


text:
Hit-and-run driver crashes into Upstate school bus, troopers say
Crash happened on Hillside Drive at about 4 p.m.
WYFF News 4
SOURCE: WYFF News 4
Highway Patrol troopers say a hit-and-run driver crashed into a school bus Wednesday afternoon in Spartanburg County.The crash happened at 4 p.m. on Hillside Drive near Chesnee Highway, troopers said. Beth Lancaster, chief communications officer for the school district, said the bus was carrying students from Spartanburg High School and Carver Middle School. Eight students chose to go to the hospital to be checked out, but none of them had apparent injuries, Lancaster said.She said the other students were transferred to another bus and continued home.Troopers reported the crash as a hit-and-run. Lancaster said a car ran a stop sign on Hawes Drive, hit the back of the bus and kept going.Troopers described the car as an unknown dark vehicle. She said all the students' parents were notified about the accident.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. —
Highway Patrol troopers say a hit-and-run driver crashed into a school bus Wednesday afternoon in Spartanburg County.
The crash happened at 4 p.m. on Hillside Drive near Chesnee Highway, troopers said.
Beth Lancaster, chief communications officer for the school district, said the bus was carrying students from Spartanburg High School and Carver Middle School.
Eight students chose to go to the hospital to be checked out, but none of them had apparent injuries, Lancaster said.
She said the other students were transferred to another bus and continued home.
Troopers reported the crash as a hit-and-run.
Lancaster said a car ran a stop sign on Hawes Drive, hit the back of the bus and kept going.
Troopers described the car as an unknown dark vehicle.
She said all the students' parents were notified about the accident.


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This entry was posted on Domingo, septiembre 11th, 2011 at 19:39	and is filed under Cuatro Venezolano, E, Tuna. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.


March/April WoE rotation The WoE rotation for March and April will be 1 castle Bamboo Grove Hill (payg_cas05), with access to Payon and Aldebaran guild dungeons. We will continue with the 1 hour WoE duration for March and April. Teleporting in Clock Tower fix You can no longer land in an OnTouch NPC area when using Teleport skill. This is most notable when teleporting around Clock Tower basement, you'll no longer land on an exit portal and need to use more keys to get back in.
Navigation System Update Today's maintenance updates the navigation system to include the new content areas such as Thor Volcano and Veins. This update also fixes a long-standing issue with our navigation system, which now includes boss type monsters in the navigation. Bounty Board Fixes Clock tower dungeon bounty board now correctly lists Clock tower monsters instead of Kiel Dungeon monsters. Added a Kiel Dungeon bounty board. Snowier bounty can now be turned in at the Bounty Hunter.
Bounty Board Updates The Bounty Hunter will now tell you if the daily bounty bonus is available, and if not, how much time is left until it resets: The Bounty board monsters are now in alphabetical order. You can now turn in old, completed bounties from before the bounty board expansion update. Some examples of removed bounties that you may have completed and can now turn in are Harpy, Skeleton, or Chonchon.


text:
NEXT STROP MODEL
Head judge Abbey Clancy is furious at Britain's Next Top Model divas who can't even SMILE as we expose TV hit's tears and tantrums
The inside scoop on backstage tears, tantrums and fights behind new explosive series of Britain's Top Model
By Laura Armstrong, Sunday Showbiz Reporter
IT HAS been branded the bitchiest show on TV – now it could be crowned the most explosive one too.
Britain's Next Top Model, now in its 11th season, has the feistiest line-up of wannabes in the show's history.
Normally sympathetic Abbey Clancy grew frustrated with this season's fiery contestants
In an exclusive interview with The Sun on Sunday, the judges lifted the lid on the fireworks sparked by a series of stroppy clashes between the 12 finalists.
Among their shock revelations are:
- SABOTAGE after one girl stole another's shoes;
- FURY with contestants so useless they struggled to smile, and;
- BITCHINESS as the girls viciously lashed out at each other.
On the panel are head judge Abbey Clancy, who found fame as a contestant on the show in 2006, top male model Paul Sculfor, fashion writer Hilary Alexander and fashion photographer Nicky Johnston.
Britain's Top Judges? (L-R Nicky Johnston, Abbey Clancy, Paul Scuffor and Hilary AlexanderCredit: Getty Images
Nicky tells how all of them were driven to despair — and booze — by the scheming contestants.
And even sweet-natured Abbey, 31, lost her rag with them.
Nicky says: "Last year Abbey was sympathetic, but this year she got really frustrated with the girls.
"We all got bloody frustrated with them at times.
"They are all sweet and lovely when filming starts but it doesn't take long for their personalities to come out, then they start fighting back.
"There were a lot of tears, a lot of feistiness and a lot of rage.
"I shouted so loudly at one girl that they heard me on the other side of the hotel, but I was just utterly sick of her ignoring what I had said.
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BRAVE VIN BACK
Vinnie Jones returns to work on X Factor days after death of wife Tanya
BREAK ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO
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"And I told another girl that she sucked all the oxygen out of a room with her blandness.
"But you have to say these things publicly because if you tell them quietly they'll lie to the other girls that they are getting special praise from you.
"It's all mind games and drama created from nothing.
"We never saw any sabotage on camera . . . but there were small things that seemed a bit suspicious — like a pair of shoes mysteriously going missing."
Abbey Clancy at the launch of Britain's Next Top Model series 11Credit: PA:Press Association
This year's batch of hopefuls includes a tattooed waitress and an admin worker who describes herself as an "English rose with great boobs".
A Gigi Hadid lookalike, a self-confessed "geeky gamer" and a zoo worker are also among the new diva dozen.
Hilary, 71, reckons she has singled out the troublemakers most likely to rock the boat.
She reveals: "The Gigi lookalike, Alannah Beirne, is pretty outspoken.
Feisty... Alannah BeirneCredit: Instagram/ bntmalannah
"And so are the two 'Tallulahs' — Talulah-Eve Brown and Tallulah Bluebell. One of them is the feistiest.
"I'll leave you to guess which one as the series goes on.
"The girls this year are much sparkier than in other years.
"While those three top the list, the girls are all quite outspoken and fiercely competitive.
"If you told them a photo didn't work, they'd stand there saying: 'Why don't you like my nose?'
"But they struggled with simple things, like smiling and walking.
"For one challenge we were shooting for a Colgate campaign and some girls found it hard to smile.
"The first catwalk challenge was a train crash because the walking wasn't great, the choreography was tough and there was a revolving stage.
"Luckily, no one was hurt and they all survived."
Britain's Next Top Model judge Paul ScufforCredit: Getty Images
Paul, 46, adds with a laugh: "The walking was horrendous that day. The drama backstage on the show is unbelievable at times.
"And you can tell there's a real undertone of bitchiness between the girls.
"They aren't stupid and they try to hide their bad behaviour from us, but tantrums happen and we've had meltdowns on set over the eliminations.
"That's when the personalities really come out.
"Some girls even tried to improve their chances of getting to the next round by turning up in really bizarre outfits, like suspenders over a skirt.
"They obviously thought dressing like Madonna or Rihanna would help. But all we really care about is their attitude and how good they are.
"I didn't dislike any of the contestants but I do dislike the way some of them behave, when they have catty moments or are being silly.
"If a girl is moaning that she doesn't like a dress she has to wear, for example. Something like that would definitely affect her chances.
"The big picture is that these girls are getting a fantastic opportunity to start their careers in modelling, whether they appreciate it or not."
Contestant Anastasia Ellis gets ready
Hilary chips in: "I can be quite brutal at times but during filming it was Abbey who was the one taking the girls aside and saying, 'Look, you have to give it 120 per cent.
"This is not a rehearsal. Listen to what people are saying to you'.
"She had to tell them to practise walking, to look in the mirror and try different expressions, because no one was going to do their work for them.
"Because she's been there, she knows what they are throwing away when they mess up.
"And she is, of course, exactly right.
Abbey Clancy's experience as a model helps her relate to the girls despite their difficult personalitiesCredit: PA:Press Association
"We tell the girls we don't like a picture, but we can't make them produce a better one.
"That's down to them. We did also give them some really tough challenges, like a nude shoot and an underwater shoot."
The current series, which started on Lifetime on Thursday, has already courted controversy by casting its first transgender contestant.
Talulah-Eve Brown, 22, from Birmingham, was known as Aaron before transitioning in 2015.
Talulah-Eve, who thinks her legs are her best feature, firmly believes she can win the show because "there is no one like me".
The judges fully support the decision to include her among the 12 finalists.
Paul says: "Talulah-Eve won a place on the show on her own merit, like all of the other girls we chose.
"We all sat around a table at Nicky's house, like we usually do, and decided she should be among the finalists.
"There was no special treatment given to her whatsoever."
Talulah-Eve Brown is the first transgender contestant on Britain's Next Top ModelCredit: Fabulous
Hilary adds: "I think this is a sign of the show catching up with the reality of the fashion world.
"You can already see transgender models on catwalks all over the world, so why not on our show?"
Talulah won Miss Transgender Birmingham in 2015Credit: Fabulous
During filming the cast and crew decamped to Cape Verde off the north coast of Africa, for a fortnight on an island shoot.
There was so much aggravation in those two weeks abroad that the judges turned to drink.
And Nicky admits: "It was a real feast of emotions and there was a lot of drama.
"In the evenings we all met up in Abbey and Hilary's villa and got p****d."
Hilary adds: "We did have some boozy nights in Cape Verde.
"But the wine wasn't the best I've come across, so not as much was drunk as it might have been otherwise. It didn't help that we had to be up early filming each day."
Over the coming weeks, the 12 aspiring catwalk queens will be seen battling it out for the crown of Britain's Next Top Model.
Battling to win... Britain's Top Model contestants
The winner will land a lucrative modelling contract with Models 1.
And despite the backstage bitching, Paul insists that the girl who wins will have a model attitude.
He says: "What we are trying to teach these girls is that you need a good attitude to succeed, because modelling is genuinely hard work.
"If I had a girl who was ten times better looking than the girls around her, but with a nasty attitude, that's it — she would be out straight away.
"At the end of the day, people need to be able to work with you.
"Being a model is about turning up, being professional and doing the job."
Britain's Next Top Model


text:
Movement Strengthens Your Entire Life
By Andrew Daniels |	 December 3, 2018
Fitness cures and opens doors, says SilverSneakers member Regan Lamia. But you have to be willing to step away from your comfort zone.
These days, it's hard to find a free space on Regan Lamia's calendar. While the 68-year-old Texan technically retired from a long teaching career three years ago, it was kind of like how Cher announced her "farewell" tour in 2002 and is still selling out arenas today. Some people just don't know how to quit, and Regan is one of them.
On any given day, you can find Regan reading to elementary-aged children at Education Connection, a program that promotes literacy in the Greater Austin area, or volunteering at the Allen R. Baca Center for Senior and Community Activities, where she helps with paperwork and chips in on initiatives like Meals on Wheels.
Science supports Regan's hustle. Seniors who volunteer at least once per week are happier than those who don't, according to research in BMJ Open. Lending a hand can make you feel more accomplished and boost the size of your social network, which can help fend off isolation, say the researchers.
But aside from being a Good Samaritan, Regan also stuffs her schedule with plenty of athletic pursuits. You can catch her at either the YMCA in Round Rock or Hutto several days per week, where she crushes every yoga class on the schedule. Lately, she's been itching to find time to join her fit friends in a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday volleyball match, "but I just have too much going on!" she says. No kidding.
Miraculously, we did manage to steal enough time from this busy SilverSneakers member to learn how she stays more active than ever as a senior. Here are three of her secrets.
Fitness Secret #1: Don't Overthink Your Routine—Just Keep Moving
When both of your parents play varsity sports in college, as Regan's folks did, it's a good bet you'll always stay moving. Sure enough, as a kid, Regan's life in Louisiana was anything but lazy. Mom swam at Louisiana State University and dad played tennis at Georgia Tech, which meant every house came with a swimming pool out back and the kids learned to master their backhands in middle school.
"My family was always very involved and interested in good health and fitness," she says.
Regan has stuck with both swimming and tennis—and picked up new heart-pumping hobbies along the way. As she made her way from Louisiana, where she taught grade school for 10 years, to Johnson City, Texas, where she spent the next two decades leading classrooms full of kids, she added walking and cycling to her daily routine. There's nothing fancy about either mode of exercise, and that's exactly how Regan likes it.
"I love walking outside in beautiful neighborhoods," she says. "That's much more motivating to me than walking on a machine."
Embrace Your Age
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As for her set of wheels, she keeps it simple. "I have an old-timey Schwinn bike that I'll ride for a half-hour at a time. I just like to ride for fun."
Though Regan occasionally hit the gym when she had some spare time, it wasn't until three years ago, when she retired, remarried, and settled in Georgetown—25 miles north of Austin—that she began to see all her local fitness centers had to offer.
"I learned I could join SilverSneakers for free through my health plan," she says. The program opened up a world of possibilities.
Fitness Secret #2: Whatever's Holding You Back, Find an Exercise or Class to Fix It
The same year Regan moved to Georgetown, she fell on concrete several times, including during a doubles tennis match.
Even though she considered herself to be in good shape, the falls were concerning, especially on top of her preexisting conditions: mild scoliosis and osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis. Her doctor recommended boosting her balance, flexibility, and strength to further stave off the side effects of aging.
Regan immediately linked up with a personal trainer and learned moves to improve every problem that ailed her, from lunges to planks to resistance band exercises. After one-on-one sessions, she moved on to yoga classes through SilverSneakers, including chair and mat yoga, and never looked back.
"I love yoga because to me, it doesn't seem like exercise at all," Regan says. "It's more like stretching. And I always leave each class feeling better."
Regan has made tangible changes from head to toe, thanks to the knowledge she's gained through her classes.
"Not only is my balance much better, but I'm getting stronger in terms of being able to raise my arms and lift weights," she says. "Plus, I feel a lot more flexible, which is very encouraging, because I want to age gracefully. I don't feel like I'm over the hill."
Fitness Secret #3: Say Yes to New Friends and Experiences
Regan didn't just build a better body through SilverSneakers—she also built a new support system.
"It's really nice to meet new people at the gym who I can be friends with, because when you get out of teaching, you lose some of that camaraderie," she says. "The ladies at SilverSneakers all have common interests and enjoy one another's company."
She knew when she started taking classes that she'd meet like-minded fitness fanatics, but she was still surprised at the range of women all united by a similar goal.
"Everyone there wants to feel better," Regan says. "There are ladies in their 80s who work out. There are some younger women who do chair yoga with us. There's one lady that knows all of the moves, and she's 97! Age just doesn't matter so much."
But the women don't just exercise together—they eat, play, and travel with each other too. Regan never misses monthly luncheons, bingo contests, and game nights with her gal pals. The ladies even take day trips to historic houses, theaters, and bee farms.
Each unique activity takes up yet another page in Regan's packed planner, but also represents a new opportunity for her to grow. It's a mindset everyone in her shoes should adopt, she says.
"Sometimes when we get older, we don't want to change—it's too hard," Regan says. "So that's what I'd like all seniors to do: Get out of your comfort zone and just try something new."
SilverSneakers gives you free, unlimited access to more than 15,000 gyms and fitness centers across the nation, plus classes and tools designed to keep older adults strong and independent. Check your eligibility instantly here.
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text:
import pygtk; pygtk.require('2.0')
import gtk, cairo
import Veer
import time

# Defines the Clock Class we'll be using.
class Clock:
    def __init__(self):
        Frame = gtk.Frame()
        self.label = gtk.Label()
        Frame.add(self.label)
        Frame.set_border_width(10)

        # Size and attach the Plugin to the sidebar view
        Veer.sidebar.size_plugin(Frame)
        Veer.sidebar.view.attach(Frame, 0, 1, Veer.TOP_ATTACH, Veer.BOTTOM_ATTACH, gtk.EXPAND, gtk.FILL, 1, 1)

    def update(self):
        hour = int(time.strftime("%H"))
        if hour > 12:
            hour = str(hour - 12)
        self.label.set_text(time.strftime(hour + " : %M"))
        return True

clock = Clock()

# This keeps the updating, or 'ticking', of the clock in-sync with the Gtk loop
gtk.timeout_add(200, clock.update)

# Update the view, as always.
Veer.sidebar.update()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


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Enter your email address to receive alerts when we have new listings available for Opel mpv.


2. Fireworks Fun: One year, I thought it would be such a sweet idea to take my dog to the fireworks display in Philadelphia – a "mother & son" holiday outing! We bundled up and walked twenty blocks to the waterfront, got ourselves a funnel cake and settled in right up front waiting for the fireworks to start. It was the most perfect moment. But after that first "pop!", chaos ensued and I knew that I had made a terrible mistake. Noah frantically clawed at the ground trying to escape from those evil fireworks. I tried reasoning with him that fireworks were so fun and beautiful – he didn't agree. We ended up walking (ok, he pulled me) the twenty blocks back to our apartment where he continued to cower and tremble until all the fireworks had stopped. So, please learn from my mistake. Although we consider our dogs and cats to be our children, this is one time when many pets would prefer to be left at home in their "safe zone"!
3. Party Pooper: If your pet is excessively scared of fireworks (I'm talking profuse drooling, shaking, refusal of all food or toys, trying to bust out of the doors or windows), you may want to talk to your vet about having some medication on hand to help get her through the evening. These medications are not miracle pills, and are meant to be used in conjunction with puzzle toys and positive encouragement. There are many different combinations of drugs that can be used in this situation – in my experience with dogs, anxiolytic drugs like trazodone are more effective than tranquilizers like acepromazine. It can take trial and error to find the perfect dose and combination of medications for your dog, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time for adjustments before the main event.
4. Raise the Glass: Believe it or not, your pet may try to participate in ALL of the New Year's festivities! From counter-surfing the finger foods to sneaking a sip of booze, parties are the perfect time for pets to get into things that they shouldn't. Let your guests know to keep the human treats away from the pups and kitties, despite those adorable begging eyes. We understand that accidents happen, so keep the number for the ASPCA Poison Control on hand in case you need it. If you don't want to leave your pet out of the celebration as the ball drops, try some doggie beer like Spaniel Adams from Austin's own YoDog Snackery.
We hope that your New Year's is tons of fun for you and your pets, and we're thrilled to be bringing pet care right to you throughout 2017 and beyond! If you have any questions about vet care, or want to schedule an appointment to keep your pet's health on track this year, please contact us. We'd love to meet you!
What is your pet's New Year's Resolution for 2017? Send a photo to drjenna@vetaroundtown.com, and we'll post them on our Facebook page!


text:
No. 6 Arizona shuts down Oregon State; Ashley leads way with 12
Arizona's Brandon Ashley goes to the hoop against Oregon State's Daniel Gomis.
J and L Photography/Getty Images
T.J. McConnell jumped into passing lanes for steals and reached in to strip unsuspecting players of the ball.
When he wasn't doing that, Arizona's gritty point guard was deflecting passes, hounding every dribble and, of course, diving on the floor for loose balls any chance he had.
With a leader like that, it's no wonder the Wildcats turned their rematch with Oregon State into a rout.
Sparked by McConnell's career-high steals, No. 6 Arizona ran its smothering defense to near perfection in a 57-34 win over Oregon State on Friday night.
"You can make the argument that no player we've recruited in our seven or eight recruiting classes has had more of an impact on winning games than T.J.," Arizona coach Sean Miller said. "And he does it an all facets."
Arizona (20-2, 8-1) has been in good defensive groove since losing to Oregon State earlier this month and held Oregon, the Pac-12's top-scoring team, to 56 points on Wednesday.
The Wildcats were even better against the methodical Beavers.
Arizona played its usual aggressive man-to-man and was better with help defense after struggling against the Beavers in the earlier meeting.
McConnell was the catalyst, helping the Wildcats force Oregon State in 17 turnovers — 12 of those on steals.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Brandon Ashley helped protect the rim, and the Wildcats got out to the Beavers' shooters, holding them to 28 percent from the floor. Arizona also shut down Beavers leading scorer Gary Payton II, holding him to six points on 3-of-13 shooting.
Ashley finished with 12 points and Hollis-Jefferson had 11 for the Wildcats, who have won 34 straight home games.
"Our defense was great tonight," said McConnell, who also had seven points and six assists.
Oregon State (14-7, 5-4) handed Arizona its only conference loss earlier this month by attacking Arizona's defense. The Beavers were the ones on their heels in the rematch, unable to get anything to fall inside or out against the Wildcats' pressure.
Oregon State went 3 for 15 from 3-point range and Payton, who averages 13.2 points, never seemed comfortable against Arizona's attacking defense.
Olaf Schaftenaar led the Beavers with eight points.
"They had a lot of possessions and they got a lot of deflections," Oregon State coach Wayne Tinkle said. "I think that caused a lot of frustration for some of our guys."
The Beavers pulled off the upset of the Pac-12 season so far, knocking off Arizona 58-56 on Jan. 11 for their first win over a top-10 team in 15 years.
Oregon State gave the Wildcats fits with its zone in that game, holding Arizona to 37 percent shooting, including 4 for 17 from 3-point range, and a season-low in points.
But that game was in Corvallis. This one was at McKale Center, one of the toughest road venues in college basketball.
The Wildcats also were coming off one of their best games of the season, a 90-56 rout over Oregon, and Oregon State just had one of its worst, a 73-55 loss at Arizona State.
The patient Beavers managed to keep the game at their pace in the first half, working the shot clock down to keep it close.
The Wildcats shifted the tide late in the half behind their defense, holding Oregon State scoreless over the final 7:45.
The Beavers hit 6 of 20 shots in the first half, including 1 for 8 from 3-point range. The Beavers also had 11 turnovers, five of those on steals by McConnell.
Arizona scored the final 11 points of the half to lead 24-13.
The second half was even more defensively dominated.
Arizona missed its first nine shots, while Oregon State opened 1 of 8.
Pitts gave the Wildcats a quick lift, scoring on a three-point play and 3-pointer in transition, and Arizona stretched the lead to 34-21.
The Beavers struggle against Arizona's pressure, finishing 8 of 29 in the second half to spoil any chance of a comeback.
"Arizona is really aggressive, which pushed us into taking shots we're not comfortable with," Oregon State guard Malcolm Duvivier said. "We couldn't get the ball in the rim tonight even though we were getting people in positions to score.
Oregon State: The Beavers played without suspended forward Victor Robbins for the sixth straight game. … Oregon has not swept Arizona since 1983.
Arizona: The Wildcats played without backup point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright due to a concussion sustained Wednesday against Oregon. … Arizona has won 17 straight home conference games.
Oregon State: hosts Washington State on Thursday.
Arizona: plays at Arizona State on Feb. 7.


text:
Views and Thoughts on Bad Anime – Is Anime Getting Worse?
June 8, 2013 by chikorita157 12 Comments
Last week, Yumeka and Froggykun discussed of about liking bad anime, which got me thinking: What makes a bad show? Last year, I shared my thoughts on what makes a good Anime. However, the other side of the quality scale is a bit more controversial. (Image Source)
To me, I usually view everything in a lenient manner. I believe that every show has its flaws that doesn't make it any less enjoyable As a result, I don't rate things harshly compared to other people who give out mostly bad scores and grades unless I didn't like it.
People have different views on what makes a bad show because people have different tastes and reviews are highly subjective. However, there are different kinds of "bad" in my opinion than just "bad." Here are the various kinds of bad that I recognize:
Flawed – Flawed Anime in my opinion is a show, which one or more areas have problems. This can consist of story, setting, the animation, characters, etc. that had the potential, but never got realized. A good example of this is Angel Beats, which I rated a C because off it's pacing issues and the questionable singing from Girls Dead Monster. However, it's not bad enough to deter my enjoyment, as the melodrama was good. In comparison, the Second Season of Nogizaka Haruka and the specials had a lot of flaws that made the show boring and annoying to watch. From this, flawed shows aren't necessarily good or bad, but depend mostly on how the viewer conveys it. Because of this, I feel that it's rare to view a show completely flawless.
Not my Taste – I admit that not everyone has the same tastes, thus they view a show in a certain genre bad. One of the well-known and controversial examples of this is a shouen and mecha fan hating moe shows because they think that it's killing Mecha/Action anime. Ironically, this is a narrow view considering that these types of shows still exist, However, disliking a show because it doesn't fit their taste is understandable considering that people enjoy things that they like
So Bad it's Good – This is a weird spectrum of bad where the show has a terribly executed story, terrible acting, horrible special effects, etc., but somehow becomes an enjoyable experience for the wrong reasons. Some shows that have this quality is the infamous Mars of Destruction and Boku no Pico. Both shows have a bad score, but somehow people still like. Another example of this is the first episode of Haruhi, which parodied a terribly made film, but still enjoyable mainly because of Mikuru.
So Bad it's Horrible – This is the highest spectrum of badness which a show doesn't have any redeeming qualities whatsoever. I haven't watch any show that is absolutely terrible, so I won't list any.
Liking Bad Anime
In my opinion, I don't see why liking bad Anime should bother anyone considering that opinions are subjective. Sure, there will always be people criticizing a person about their bad taste for Anime because they like X show, which he/she doesn't like. However, berating people who are talking about a particular show they like is bad for the fandom in my opinion. I have seen this with Sword Art Online and Guilty Crown, which are considered the most controversial shows in the fandom because of its polarity factor. Because of this reason, people are afraid to discuss about these shows in a serious manner without facing harsh criticism. Because of this, I feel that people should respect others' opinions rather than berating fans of a particular show.
The Big Question: Is Anime Getting Worse?
This question has been asked numerous times and I think answering it here will be perfect. In an editorial written by Marow from Anime Viking, he argues that Anime is not getting worse and people just lack perspective. I agree with him because trends change over time. Sure, most fans in the west seem to enjoy older shows because it matched the tastes of western audience such as action and violence. On the other hand, people have to realize that Anime is made for a Japanese audience and you can't necessarily judge a show properly until it finishes. If one says that today's Anime sucks and refuse to watch any, they will be missing out shows like Madoka, Steins;Gate, Bakamonogatari, etc, which have interesting plot and drama.
The bottom line is that people need to have an open mind when watching Anime. Sure, there will be a good number of very flawed Anime in a given season, but it doesn't mean that there won't be any good ones. If one has that mindset, they will miss out on the good stuff.
So here are some questions to discuss about: Do you think it's okay to like flawed Anime? Also, do you belive that Anime is getting worse or they just lack perspective? Feel free to share your thoughts about bad Anime and some that you may like. ¶
Tagged With: analysis, essay, fandom, opinion
Hogart says:
June 8, 2013 at 7:45 pm • Magical Level: 4
Anime may not be getting "worse" overall but it's certainly changing for a modern audience. When people grow up from a childish hobby then often struggle to realize that a new wave of children will be catered-to and they will be left behind.
That said, anime is wonderful because it still does cater to the adults among us. It always has, you just have to be willing to slog through the repetitive stuff that's cheaply made for a younger audience, and be willing to accept the reality that a lot of what appealed to you WAS that repetitive stuff (you were just too young and inexperienced to realize it at the time, and now nostalgia blinds you).
What some people are worried about is that anime geared towards adults may not be made as frequently (or be of the same caliber) as previous generations. Whether that's true is up to you to find out for yourself, though. I'm living in a bubble precisely so I don't shatter any illusions that they're just as good as it once seemed, because I want to believe.
Finally, there is a case to be made here (much like video games and movies) that with the advent of cheaper techniques to animate nicer-looking anime, and the pressure to deliver it more frequently, anime are becoming a bit more superficial and repetitive overall. It's impossible to dismiss either side of the argument, that "anime look better now!" and "anime had better stories then!" because both have a kernel of truth as anime have become more commercialized than ever before.
June 9, 2013 at 7:45 pm • Magical Level: 2507
I admit that most Anime I watch has a good amount of similarities such as characters having the same archetype and taking place at school. Maybe it's an advancement in technology as Anime is now more reliant on computer generated graphics, although concept art is still drawn. As a result, it's easier to pump shows out quickly, which in turn quality suffers. I feel that Video Games are like this too, especially with mobile gaming as anyone can download developer tools and build their own game. Of course, this means that mobile games don't have much quality compared to console games like Idolmaster 2 which require a bigger budget to get in the songs, motion capturing, programmers, etc. But at the end of the day, we should take value in Sturgeon's Law that 90% of stuff isn't good and have an open mind. While Anime is easier to make and target a certain audience doesn't mean that there aren't any deep Anime. As some of the examples I mention, there are still some Anime that has a deep story. However, certain genres targeted to the young audience will overshadow it.
Mikoto says:
June 8, 2013 at 8:35 pm • Magical Level: 55
As I said in my comment on Yumeka's post, I have no problems with people liking anime that I deem "bad." Really, we all should have the freedom to choose our favorites. However, what gets on my nerves personally is when people start labeling these shows as masterpieces without taking a solid, critical stance on them, and silencing anyone that challenges that opinion. There's a fine line between being subjective and just plain ignorant.
As for the question, "is anime getting getting worse?", I'd say that yes, it is , in a sense. I believe that the main negative aspect about the modern anime industry is that, like how the Western gaming industry thinks that everything has to be like Call of Duty and that it's the perfect formula for a video game, anime is suffering from Japan's view of everything having ride on the moe train. I love cuteness, anime filled with cute girls, but even I can see that such things in recent times have kept shows which try to stand out with their own style and do something unique at a minimum. Variety in style, in my opinion, is a very good thing, and bandwagoning in media is always something I'm going to scoff at because it prevents progression and variety of options in what you watch/read/play.
I agree that it's silly to deem a show a masterpiece and then berate people for not liking it without a stance. It's just as bad as people who hate it berate people who likes it…
On the other hand, the reason I don't think Anime is getting worse is for the fact that I believe that not everything is necessarily good. Of course, pumping a lot of First Person Shooters just because you can make a lot of money from it because that genre is popular doesn't mean its good. People will eventually get tired of it. Of course, making shows with cute girls is the same thing like making First Person Shooters too and eventually, its going to get old. It's like fast food of Anime. While I enjoy shows with cute girls, it needs some kind of substance in the end such as an interesting premise, drama or something special. While K-ON was okay, shows like Clannad, Nanoha, Madoka is more groundbreaking as they don't rely completely on cuteness, but the underlining plot. Since I watched so many shows with a weak minded male lead and a bunch of cute girls in high school, I think any kind of variety is good.
June 9, 2013 at 3:50 am • Magical Level: 28
Looks like this has been a popular topic lately!
Yeah, I think a lot of it comes down to perception and whether you're an optimistic or a pessimistic person. I tend to be more lenient when I'm judging things, so I don't get caught up in thinking that anime is getting worse or this particular anime I'm watching is terrible. But I can fully accept if someone else thinks that way and if I were a more critical person, I'd probably think anime is getting worse too. To each his own.
June 9, 2013 at 5:59 am • Magical Level: 8
"To each his own" has to be one of the worst ways to end a view or argument with. It's like saying "it's this but whatever I don't care."
Haha I actually didn't mean it like that but I'll keep in mind how that phrase comes across for next time.
It's more like the saying, "How I learn to stop worrying and love Anime." But overall, complaining about the state of Anime isn't going to make things better. This is why I don't complain about it and move on, unless the horribleness is worth mentioning.
June 11, 2013 at 10:03 am • Magical Level: 135
Anime had indeed changed over the years. You listed down Madoka, Steins;Gate and Bakamonogatari, which are definitely in my opinion, one of the newer masterpieces. Compared that to the older anime which fans regarded as masterpieces, and you can easily notice the obvious difference between them, especially the vibe they give off. Even though a majority of fans love the new masterpieces, there's no avoiding it that there are definitely a few among the many who dislike them. But as said in the post, I too, think it's important to have an open mind when watching anime, be mindful and accept any kinds of genre, and only comment or criticize it after finishing them.
June 13, 2013 at 10:17 pm • Magical Level: 2507
It's obvious that people will have different opinions on what is a masterpiece. The point being is that Anime today is not the same to ones in the 90s or 80s as trends changed along with technological advancements, which made animation easier. But on the other hand, I agree that one has to complete a show in order to see if it's actually good or not. It's silly how people rate the show badly when it's still airing on MyAnimeList. Then again, it's a good idea to accept different kinds of genres since eventually, one is pretty much seeing the same thing over and over again. I'm steeping out of the box little by little, but eventually it will be worth it in the end.
Anime Like Kiss x Sis says:
June 21, 2013 at 3:22 am • Magical Level: 1
I wouldn't say it has gotten worst.
I guess the society has changed a little, so the anime kinda drifts towards what is popular.
If you watched the older anime and watched the new ones, you might have the tendency of comparing them, and hence the good or bad.
I would say it hasn't change much in terms of quality, just the view of what is "good" has changed.
What makes a "So Bad It's Good?" and Ridiculous Anime Enjoyable to watch? - Chikorita157's Anime Blog
Previous Post: Summer 2013 Anime Season Preview
Next Post: Anime Weekly Digest – Spring 2013 – Week 10 – Stay Calm and Keep Blogging (OreImouto 2 and Photo Kano Episode 10)


text:
Shi'ites throng Iraq shrine city for Arbaeen
Jan 3, 2013, 10:11 am SGT
http://str.sg/Zi9Q
KARBALA, Iraq (AFP) - Shi'ite pilgrims from Iraq and around the world are to throng Iraq's shrine city of Karbala on Thursday for the climax of Arbaeen mourning rituals amid tight security for fear of militant attacks.
Over the past 10 days, the annual commemoration ceremonies are expected to have drawn up to 15 million pilgrims braving the threat of deadly violence by Sunni insurgents targeting the Shi'ite community in recent weeks.
Arbaeen marks 40 days after the Ashura anniversary commemorating the slaying of Imam Hussein, one of Shi'ite Islam's most revered figures, by the armies of the caliph Yazid in 680 AD.
Sad songs blared from loudspeakers throughout the city and black flags fluttered alongside pictures of Hussein and his half-brother Imam Abbas, both of whom are buried in the city.
"We are defying terrorism, and we are following the example of Karbala in sacrifice and redemption," said 40-year-old Mohammed Swadi, who noted that he had walked for 12 days from the southern port city of Basra for the occasion.
"This is not much when it comes to expressing our love for Imam Hussein."
Officials expect some 15 million worshippers to have passed through the city, which lies 110 km south of Baghdad, by the end of the commemorations.
Among them will be around 600,000 pilgrims from 30 different countries, leaving all of the city's 700 hotels packed to the brim.
The threat of insurgent attacks has spurred authorities to deploy 35,000 soldiers and policemen to Karbala, including 2,500 policewomen at checkpoints across the city, with aerial surveillance also watching over pilgrims.
Attacks on Shi'ite in just the past week have left at least 12 people dead, including an explosion along the route from Baghdad to Karbala on Wednesday that killed two pilgrims who were on the traditional walk to the shrine city.
Shi'ite make up around 15 per cent of Muslims worldwide. They represent the majority populations in Iraq, Iran and Bahrain and form significant communities in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Pakistan, India and Saudi Arabia.


It's time for another Goals check in. 6 months in, meaning half way done. How am I faring?
The Lost Symbol - Like DaVinci Code, entertaining and kept me reading, but a whole lotta explanations make up the story.
The Girl Who Played with Fire - loved more than the first one, I think because I'm more invested in the characters.
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - a little slow in the middle (they sure are all about procedure in Sweden!) but love the trial scenes at the end!
Kindred - Time Travel to Slave Days for a Modern African-American Woman? Sounds crazy, but really holds your interest and is a good twist on sci-fi. My book club pick for September!
The Plantation - another about slavery - I've stumbled onto a genre without realizing it! Unfortunately, the dialogue leaves much to be desired, but I did want to keep reading to see what happened so I guess he hooked me there. . .
72 since March 17 - I'd say I'm on track to exceed the target. Although the impending new fall TV line up could put a damper on a few of those movie nights. . .
Advice - see Inception in the theater while you still can, rent In the Loop and put the subtitles on to catch all the funny.
Dedication - going to the movies in between the ceremony and reception in full sari-garb.
New Love - Instant Netflix via the Wii. Was life ever this good?
The plane tickets are not yet in hand, but a trip to Egypt next spring seems to be taking shape!
With a certain wedding in October and a certain bundle of joy arriving soon enough I think the need to spend time with close friends is even more apparent!
August - a weekend world tour of Colorado let me cross Vail, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction off the list.
A la this coffee table or this nightstand or this bathroom shelf turned wine cabinet. Number one contender? A hallway table to replace a ginormous file cabinet we can't seem to sell on craigslist.
Our console table is still in the planning stages - although we did just buy some of the materials. In the meantime, a very recent update to the house included these revamped dining room chairs!
56 since the goal post (ha - "goal post"). Pretty good for the halfway mark!
Along with the goal of "Web Design Certificate" some new HTML and Photoshop skills should allow me to give Next Step a boost in both look, search options and organization. Stay tuned!
Blogger is upping the ante by allowing me to add pages, play with the template design and columns and even improving the photo upload/posting section. Good on'ya!
With summer almost over, our crisper has been chock full of tomatoes, granted they are all the size of a dime, but they are mighty in number. We also got a month's worth of salad back in June/July and lots of basil for all our recipes. Even the flowers eventually sprang up - though I don't think I would do those from seed again!
We held an almost-impromptu Memorial Day cookout (meaning we planned it in one day). We've been trying to schedule a Seinfeld Trivia Party but summer weekend craziness has been thwarting our plans. . .Our summer cook-out became a Sunday Funday over Labor Day weekend (appetizer recipes here!). Maybe our new thing will be Memorial Day/Labor Day parties. "Begin and end summer with us!"
On Course #3 and really enjoying Illustrator. My newfound HTML skills have already been coming in handy for a work project!
Also having fun making dinners at the Ronald McDonald House in Lincoln Park!
Good luck with the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, Katie!
I thought maybe yoga, a water aerobics class or maybe busting out the old ab roller, but I surprised myself by diving into. . .running! Based around a challenge for Bob to complete a triathlon and to get my family to stop hounding me to do a 5K with them I have begun training - check out the latest: me buying my first pair of sneakers since 2003!
Can you say nerd alert? I started a second Google Calendar to track lunches and am pleased to see my spending going way down vs. how often I used to buy! Instead of $20 a week I'm down to $20 a month.
Some challenges along the way might cause me to tweak this goal. We have started a joint savings specifically for our planned trip to Egypt! By putting automatic payments on the money will add up without us even realizing it. And after the trip is done we can focus on the next big thing to save for - whatver that might end up being!
We've named September "Research Month" so we'll see what nuggets of info we have to share after the close of the month.
Thank you Craigslist: giant file cabinet, check! Old TV, check! Now we just need to get rid of our old computer desk chair thanks to the new one we picked up at an estate sale!
2 bags of clothes gone to Salvation Army = 2 new dresses for weddings/summer fun, embellished tank tops for summer, a couple work shirts and - most exciting - a new suit! An ill-placed "pen in pants pocket" caused a dryer accident that inked a few of my work shirts beyond repair. The question is, why did my replacement trip to Benneton result in me buying no tops and more pants?


My name is Irene Doyle and I wish to welcome you to the Restigouche GenWeb site.
Mine is to get as much information for Restigouche county, as possible. so if you have any information related to Restigouche county,. which you would be willing to share with us. please contact me so that appropriate links can be set or information added to this page.
There are still a few counties which do not have a host so if you are interested in volunteering please contact Adopt a Site Todd Gilbert is the co-ordinator of the NB GenWeb project.
Where can you find Restigouche ?
Restigouche County as it stands today, is bordered on the north by Bonaventure county the Province of Quebec, on the south by Madawaska and Victoria Counties to the Southeast by Northumberland and Gloucester Counties.
that it was once called Gloucester County, between the years of 1827 to 1838 Between the years of 1786 and 1826 it was called Northumberland County.
Please also do not confuse Restigouche County with Restigouche or Ristigouche Province of Quebec which is a MicMac Indian Reserve just across the River from Campbellton. This parish of "Ste Anne de Ristigouche" is very closely related to Restigouche County and a very good place to look for your ancestors as it is one of the oldest parishes in the area with records dating back as far as 1759, and Campbellton use to be served by the capucins of Ristigouche.
Also, once again, keep in mind the year you are looking for.
If you have any please e-mail me !!!
Grandpa tell me about the olden days ??
The Academy are having a reunion this year in Campbellton.
of some of the people you are looking for maybe ?
Under "My side of the bed"
It's a long gruesome piece of work with little time on my hands.
People who have volunteered to help with either Restigouche, Gloucester Or Bonaventure counties.