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Guilty Pleasures Blogathon
The lovely ladies over at Flick Chicks are hosting a new blogathon! They ask us to name some of our favorite guilty pleasures. Here are the rules:
1 - You can choose and discuss as many or as few movies as you like. We both did a Top 10, but you can just choose 1 movie if you like. Just tell us a bit about the movie and why you like it so much.
2 - Please create a new post for our Blogathon, rather than linking an old post you may have already done.
3 - Please include our Blogathon Banner anywhere in your post
4 - The deadline for entries is Sunday, 31st August, so there's plenty of time!
I used to post Guilty Pleasure reviews occasionally, but it's been over a year since I've done one. I decided to post a top 5 here, even though I'm sure I have many more.
1) Drop Dead Gorgeous
This 1999 comedy features some awfully over the top Minnesota accents, Kirsten Dunst and a blonde Amy Adams. It's one of my favorite chick flicks, yet most people that have seen it seem to hate it.
2) White Chicks
There are so many things that are politically incorrect with this movie, but it doesn't change the fact that it's fucking hilarious.
3) BASEketball
Critics hated this film from the creators of South Park. Sure it was random, obscene, and made little sense, but it was funny and had a ton of great one liners. To me, it just proved that Trey Parker and Matt Stone are two of the funniest guys around.
4) Normal Adolescent Behavior
When this movie got released on DVD, it got re-named "Havoc 2" despite it having absolutely nothing to do with the original movie, or even a similar story for that matter. I think that automatically made most people hate it. The film has a lot of problems, but I still find it fascinating.
5) Georgia Rule
This is the only film on this list that I don't really have a reason for liking. I think Lindsay Lohan was essentially playing herself in it, but for some reason whenever this film is on and I have nothing else to do, I'll watch it.
Thanks for hosting, ladies!
at August 31, 2014 22 comments:
Labels: blogathon
Indie Gems: Summer in February
"I've made a huge mistake"
There's a point in this film where our lead, Florence (Emily Browning) has a total Arrested Development moment and realizes that she's just made an awful decision. I legitimately felt bad for her.
Florence is an aspiring artist who goes to live with her brother, Joey (Max Deacon) in Cornwall. I don't know a lot about British arts, but apparently this was the place to be in the early 1900's. She meets two men. There's Gilbert Evans (Dan Stevens) the man in charge of the prestigious Lamorna Esate. He's kind, gentle, and has an obvious crush on Florence. Then there's AJ Munnings (Dominic Cooper) a brilliant artist on the verge of being famous. Florence is drawn to him, even thought he is the 1900's version of a DudeBro.
Admittedly, love triangles aren't really my thing, but Emily Browning is, so that's why I watched this one. I was pleasantly surprised. The movie was shot beautifully. They really found some lovely places in England to use, and the costumes were top notch. (How did The Invisible Women get an Oscar nomination and not this?) Browning and Cooper were the standouts in this film. She's always been good, but her last few movies have not been worthy of her. Cooper was great at playing an asshole. This is one of the better period pieces I've seen recently and is definitely worth checking out.
Memorable Quote: "I've made my bed, now I must lay in it." - Florence (Emily Browning)
at August 29, 2014 8 comments:
FTS Presents: Quentin Augustino
The lovely bloggers over at French Toast Sunday are spotlighting director Quentin Tarantino this month! He's easily one of my favorite directors. I've decided to rank the films of his I've seen. (Jackie Brown and My Best Friend's Birthday are the only two films of his I've missed.) This was A LOT harder than I thought it would be, especially with my top three. I'm sure someone could ask me to do this again in a few months, and I'd rank them differently. I'm almost positive I've talked about this on my blog before and had picked a different favorite. It's hard when you love a director this much!
Honorable Mention: Sin City
He was only a "guest director" in this film, so I didn't put it on my list, but I love this movie and I thought the scene he DID direct (Dwight and Jackie Boy's head in the car) was brilliant.
7) Kill Bill vol 2
I went back and forth between this and Death Proof as my least favorite. I ultimately stuck with this because it was the least memorable for me. Kill Bill vol 1 was amazing, and this one just didn't feel up to par.
6) Death Proof
I always preferred Planet Terror of the two Grindhouse films. This film just felt a little too long. Normally, I love Tarantino's scenes of characters talking, but I didn't really feel like any of the people in this film were talking about anything interesting.
5) Reservoir Dogs
One of his first features and definitely one of his most brutal. I love this little indie, and I think it's a great starting place for all his work.
4) Django Unchained
His most recent feature was risky, but it all paid off due to the great performances and the funniest shoot out in cinema history.
This is one of those films that's almost universally highly recommended. It lives up to all those expectations. It also ages gracefully and it's one I can always go back to and find something new to like about it.
Visually, I think this one is my favorite. I love a strong female lead and Kill Bill was an awesome cinema experience for me. The fight scenes in this film were brilliant, and that last scene with the falling snow: stunning.
1) Inglorious Basterds
Even though Kill Bill is a close 2nd, I think Inglorious Basterds is my favorite Tarantino film. (today anyways) I just found it so rich and interesting. It introduced me to Christoph Waltz, showed me that Brad Pitt could put on one of my favorite movie accents in history, mixed two languages I love listening to (German and French) and gave me Shoshanna. The opening scene really sets the tone for how haunting this film is, it's a masterpiece, plain and simple.
Thanks for hosting, French Toast Sunday!
Labels: blogathon, Lists
Review: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
Anything can happen in Sin City
Following the formula of the first film. A Dame to Kill For shows four different stories all out of chronological order. Nancy (Jessica Alba) is still trying to cope after Hartigan's (Bruce Willis) suicide. She's turned into a hard drinker, and is hell bent on killing Senator Roark. (Powers Boothe) Marv (Mickey Rourke) is still beating people's asses whenever he feels like it. Dwight (Josh Brolin) is pulled back into trouble when a mysterious former lover Ava Lorde (Eva Green) reappears in his life. Johnny (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a hot gambler that challenges Senator Roark and pays the price.
I said going in that I wasn't going to be one of those people who said "they waited too long" to make this sequel. My interest in Sin City never waned. The first film is still among my favorite movies of all time. But the reality is they DID wait too long. Clive Owen had a scheduling conflict, so he couldn't cameo as Dwight with his new face. Michael Clarke Duncan, who played Manute passed away, so he was sadly re-cast. Not that the guy that played him was bad, it just made me sad not seeing Duncan. Brittany Murphy also passed away, so no Shellie. Devon Aoki, who played Miho was pregnant during filming, so she was replaced with Jaime Chung, who was horrible. How can a character with no dialogue be horrible you say? Just look at her face. Aoki's Miho was unreadable and a force to be reckoned with. Chung's looked permanently confused.
It's not to say this film is all bad. I enjoyed the addition of JGL and Eva Green. Juno Temple popped up for a second, and I did like seeing a lot of the original cast. The film was still very stylish and the cinematography and art direction were great, but a few gimmicks they used just flat out didn't work and looked too cartoony, even for a comic adaptation.
I guess they did wait too long, and the film suffered. It's a shame, because Sin City was always full of good stories.
Recommended: On DVD, perhaps, if you liked the original. Just know it isn't as good.
Memorable Quote: "You were the only man I ever loved, and you left me alone." - Nancy (Jessica Alba)
2014 Emmy Winners + my thoughts
After last year's Emmys made their theme about death, this year's was way funnier. Seth Meyers hosted, and I thought he was wonderful. There were a ton of great jokes and segments. Weird Al performed an awkward melody of some of the nominated show's theme songs. The only funny one was Game of Thrones when he told GRRM to "write them faster, write them faster" and proceeded to have someone hand him a type writer in the audience. There was also a touching tribute to Robin Williams. There were a few surprises with the winners too. The Normal Heart got shut out in the acting categories, and Sherlock won instead. Breaking Bad went out big just like it should've. Here's a list of the winners in bold, my thoughts as always follow in green.
Best Drama Series
I pretty much jumped for joy when this was announced. Breaking Bad deserved to go out on top. I bet HBO regrets submitting True Detective in the drama category now.
Best Comedy Series
I was really hoping Veep would take this, but the Emmys are still very much on the Modern Family train. This is their 5th consecutive win in this category.
Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Woody Harrelson, "True Detective"
Matthew McConaughey, "True Detective"
I was so nervous about this one because I thought McConaughey would win, but they gave it to Cranston one last time. In his speech he said even he almost voted for McConaughey, and that he enjoyed his scenes with Anna Gunn in bed. Cranston was on fire tonight.
Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Lizzy Caplan, "Masters of Sex"
Lead Actor, Comedy
Ricky Gervais, "Derek"
Another repeat. I'm happy for Parsons, but I was hoping Louis CK would take it.
Lead Actress, Comedy
Julia Louis Dreyfus, "Veep"
Melissa McCarthy, "Mike & Molly"
Amy Poehler, "Parks & Recreation"
Julia Louis-Dreyfus looked SO HOT at the Emmys. When she was presenting with Bryan Cranston earlier, she told him she reminded him of a character she dated on Seinfeld. When Cranston said that was him, she looked all embarrassed. "We even had a kissing scene." Cranston pointed out. So when she run here, Cranston ran up to her and made out with her for what felt like minutes. I think it was the best part of the night.
Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Benedict Cumberbatch, "Sherlock: His Last Vow"
Martin Freeman, "Fargo"
Billy Bob Thorton, "Fargo"
Mark Ruffalo, "The Normal Heart"
I did not see this coming. I thought Ruffalo had it. I would've been happy with any of these men winning, but I'm glad Cumberbatch finally got some recognition for Sherlock. I just wish he was there to accept it.
Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Minnie Driver, "Return to Zero"
Sarah Paulson, "American Horror Story: Coven"
Cicely Tyson, "The Trip to Beautiful"
Kristen Wiig, "The Spoils of Babylon"
Supporting Actor, Drama
Jim Carter, "Downton Abbey"
Yeah, bitch! He even plugged his wife's charity she runs. What a guy. (and seriously, Kind Campaign is legit. Lauren Paul seems like such a doll.)
Supporting Actress, Drama
Joanne Froggatt, "Downton Abbey"
Christine Baranski, "The Good Wife"
Christina Hendricks, "Mad Men"
Her speech was so sweet, and I'm glad she won. Still a little miffed at Melissa McBride not being nominated. I do have to point out Lena Headey, when she was presenting earlier Andy Samburg came out dressed as Joffrey and was trying to get her attention. "Not now, Joffrey." she said. Perfection.
Supporting Actor, Comedy
Andre Braugher, "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Adam Driver, "Girls"
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, "Modern Family"
Fred Armisen, "Portlandia"
Tony Hale "Veep"
I was hoping for Tony Hale to win, but this was Ty's first time. His acceptance speech was long and stupid.
Supporting Actress, Comedy
Kate Mulgrew, "Orange Is the New Black"
Reality-Competition Series
Variety Series
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"
"Real Time with Bill Maher"
I'm happy Fargo took home the big price. It was deserved.
Television Movie
"Sherlock: His Last Vow"
"The Trip to Bountiful"
This was the Normal Heart's big win. The speech was very moving.
Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie
Martin Freeman, "Sherlock: His Last Vow"
Colin Hanks, "Fargo"
Jim Parsons, "The Normal Heart"
Joe Mantello, "The Normal Heart"
Alfred Molina, "The Normal Heart"
Matt Bomer, "The Normal Heart"
This was another one that surprised me, but I'm happy for Freeman. I wish he would've been there.
Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie
Kathy Bates, "American Horror Story: Coven"
Frances Conroy, "American Horror Story: Coven"
Angela Bassett, "American Horror Story: Coven"
Allison Tolman, "Fargo"
Ellen Burstyn, "Flowers in the Attic"
Julia Roberts, "The Normal Heart"
Allison Tolman was robbed! I love how the Emmys made this huge deal over Julia Roberts being there, then she lost. Even Kathy Bates looked surprised she won.
Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
"Breaking Bad" - Ozymandias
"Breaking Bad" - Felina
"Game of Thrones" - The Children
"House Of Cards" - Chapter 14
"True Detective" -
I'm so happy Ozymandias won here. It's the best hour of television I've ever seen.
Directing for a Drama Series
True Detective - Who Goes There - Cary Joji Fukunaga
Boardwalk Empire - Farewell Daddy Blues - Tim Van Patten
Breaking Bad - Felina - Vince Gilligan
Downton Abbey - Episode 1 - David Evans
Game of Thrones - The Watchers On The Wall - Neil Marshall
House of Cards - Chapter 14 - Carl Franklin
I was really rooting for Gilligan or Marshall here, but Fukunaga directed a fine episode of True Detective. (And he's seriously hot..)
Directing for a Comedy Series
Modern Family - Vegas - Gail Mancuso
Episodes - Episode 309
Glee - 100
Louie - Elevator
Orange Is The New Black - Lesbian Request Denied
Silicon Valley - Minimum Viable Product
Another Modern Family Win. I saw the Louie and Silicon Valley episodes, and they were both hysterical.
Writing for a Comedy Series
Louie -• So Did The Fat Lady
Orange Is the New Black - I Wasn't Ready
Silicon Valley - Optimal Tip-To-Tip Efficiency
Veep - Special Relationship
Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
American Horror Story: Coven - Bitchcraft
Fargo - The Crocodile's Dilemma
Treme -…To Miss New Orleans
Bitchcraft is the best episode title I've ever heard.
Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Fargo - Buridan's Ass
Fargo - The Crocodile's Dilemma
Writing in a Variety Special
"Sarah Silverman: We Are Miracles"
"67th Annual Tony Awards"
"Billy Crystal: 700 Sundays"
"The 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards"
"The Beatles: The Night That Changed America"
I love that Sarah Silverman won here. That was a good stand up special.
Directing in a Variety Special
"Six By Sondheim"
"The Sound Of Music Live!"
Labels: Awards Coverage
1984-a-thon: Twist and Shout
Forgotten Filmz had a wonderful idea at the beginning of the summer to host a blogathon centered around the year 1984, his favorite year of movie making. I can't argue, a lot of great things came from 1984. Of course by the time my lazy ass got around to checking her email, all my favorite films were taken, so I had to do a little searching.
I landed on a Danish film called Twist and Shout. (Tro, håb og kærlighed) I've loved every film I've seen out of Denmark, so these seemed right up my alley. I had an interesting viewing experience ahead of me.
The film follows two teens, Bjorn (Adam Tonsberg) and Eric (Lars Simonsen) as they come of age and fall in love in the 1960's. Of course, nothing is that simple. The women they chase coudn't be more complicated, and they've already had some rough life experiences.
What I didn't realize when I picked this film out of obscurity was that it was actually a sequel to another film called Zappa that was released the year before. Netflix sent me Zappa in Twist and Shout's DVD sleeve in error, so that worked out for me in a way. I got to know Bjorn a little better. (And thank God Todd gave us all so much time to prepare for this since I had to send my DVD back and wait for a new one)
Twist and Shout didn't really bring anything new to the "coming of age" genre. Maybe it did back then, there's truly some hard scenes to watch, but it just didn't stick with me. Maybe I got my expectations too high. I was excited at the prospect of finding another foreign gem, then I got saddled with it's mediocre precursor first. That's not to say the film is bad. It isn't. The music was infectious and I enjoyed the two leads. I got Stand By Me vibes here and there, but ultimately this film was just okay.
Thanks for hosting, Todd! This was a very interesting journey to find a film I had never heard of before.
Rambling TV: True Blood series finale recap.
True to the end? Well..not so much. I'm glad this show is finally over, and this finale, despite offering a happy ending was cheesy and disappointing. Click those gifs to be redirected to their makers.
So Eric and Pam decide now, only now, do they want to kill the Yakuza, they set Sarah free (but not before feeding her some of Pam's blood so she can always locate her) and then they kill them all in about 2 minutes. Eric even flew to Sookie's to off the ones on his way to her house before she even knew they were there. Later, Sarah asks Pam to turn her into a Vampire, which Pam laughs at, and drinks her for immunity.
So that showdown we thought we were going to get at her house? Nonexistent. We just got Bill telling Sookie that he loves her, he knows she wants a family and kids and he cannot give that to her. He wants her to use her fairy light to kill him and rid herself of being Fae. Because Bill Compton is SO FUCKING IMPORTANT that Sookie CANNOT function properly without him around. She can't be fae either, because vampires love that. Bill's superiority complex is annoying.
Back at Bills, Jessica and Hoyt show up, and Bill tells Jessica about how he never got to give her daughter away at her wedding, and he wants Jess and Hoyt to marry so he can give her away. They have a shotgun wedding officiated by Andy, with Sookie and Jason as maid of honor and best man. During the ceremony, Sookie actually hears Bill's thoughts. I briefly panicked because I read a theory where instead of Sookie's fae blood killing Bill with Hep V, it turns him back into a human (ala Beauty and the Beast or some shit) and for a second I thought they were actually going to go there. Bill's thinking about how much he loves Sookie and how he wants this for her. This felt forced. Bill hasn't loved Sookie for the past 2-3 seasons, yet now he's all head over heels for her again?
Sookie confides in Jason about hearing Bill's thoughts, and gives Jason her blessing with Brigitte, who sucked up more valuable screen time this week while Lafayette got NO lines. None. Then she decides she'll kill Bill.
She meets him at the cemetery, but at the very last second, she says being Fae is a part of her, and she doesn't want to give that part up. She asks if he still wants to die, and he says yes. She tells him she loves him, then stakes him. That was the best part of the episode there. Bill is dead, but that actually ended up not mattering to me because...
We get multiple flash forwards. The first is a year later, Eric and Pam are filming an infomercial about New Blood.
Then we jump 3 years after that. Eric and Pam are millionaires because of New Blood, and are running Fangtasia again. Sarah is chained up in the basement and Pam is selling her for $100,000 per for 1 minutes to have vamps drink from her. She's also cursed with seeing Steve over and over. Compared to the overall happy tone of this episode, seeing Sarah like that felt kind of cruel, even if her character was bad. Eric sits at his thrown looking miserable.
Then we go to Sookie's, it's Thanksgiving. She's pregnant, but we never see the man she married's face. Jason is with Brigitte, and they have 3 kids. Sam and Girl I Don't Give A Fuck About are there, and they have 2 kids. All the other couples are still together as well. Lafayette and James, Jess and Hoyt, The Reverend and Lettie Mae, Holly and Andy, Adilyn and Wade, Arlene and Keith. Willa's there. They're all happy. Show ends.
I knew the show wasn't going to give me Eric and Sookie, and I know I shouldn't base my contentment with the finale over one relationship, but I can't help it. It sucks they didn't end up together. It sucks that Eric and Sookie apparently never spoke again after he dropped her off in the last episode. I was really hoping True Blood would give the readers of the Sookie Stackhouse novels the ending they really wanted, but got faked out on at the last minute. I also never thought I'd say this, but if Sookie wasn't going to end up with a vampire, what was the point of killing Alcide? Because she needed to fawn over Bill again?
There was not enough Eric, Pam, and Lafayette in this finale. I can't even be happy that most of the characters I've grown to care about had a happy ending, because True Blood has been that big of a letdown. The best part of the finale (aside from Bill dying) is that I don't have to waste my time with this show any longer.
Labels: Rambling TV
2014 Blind Spot Series: 12 Angry Men
What I knew going in: That this film spends the majority of the time in one room.
I had a really strange experience while watching this film. There was the fact that I couldn't take my eyes off my computer screen while I was watching this. (It's on Netflix Instant right now) but at one point in the film, it starts raining, and I felt like I could actually smell it. Apparently it's possible to get TOO into a movie. Has that ever happened to anyone else?
12 Angry Men follows a jury as they deliberate over a murder charge. A young man from a troubled home as killed his father, and everyone except Juror #8 (Henry Fonda) thinks he's guilty. Now they must go over the facts and debate on whether or not that is the case.
Like I said, this film was fascinating. I imagine it's hard to make a feature length film in one location and have it work every step of the way. I've seen films like this before, but none as good as this one. I can see why so many people speak so highly of this.
Grade: A+
Memorable Quote: "You don't really mean you'll kill me, do you?" - Juror #8 (Henry Fonda)
Labels: 2014 Blind Spot Series
2014 Emmys: Who will win, who should win.
It's Emmy weekend! Here are my predictions. Normally, I find the Emmys to be fairly easy to predict, but last year they had so many surprises that I don't even know what to expect this year. I'm probably going to be wrong. I didn't include all of the categories in this post. Just acting ones.
Outstanding Drama Series
"Breaking Bad"
"Downton Abbey"
"Game of Thrones"
"House of Cards"
"Mad Men"
"True Detective"
Who will and should win: Breaking Bad. This game changing series deserves to go out on top, and I think it will do just that.
Outstanding Comedy Series
"The Big Bang Theory"
"Louie"
"Modern Family"
"Orange is the New Black"
"Silicon Valley"
"Veep"
Who will win: Modern Family. Unless Emmy voters decide to change and give it to OTTNB.
Who should win: Veep. It's the funniest show on TV right now, IMO.
Outstanding Miniseries
"American Horror Story Coven"
"Bonnie & Clyde"
"Fargo"
"Luther"
"Treme"
"The White Queen"
Who will and should win: Fargo
Outstanding TV Movie
"Killing Kennedy"
"Muhammed Ali's Greatest Fight"
"The Normal Heart"
"Sherlock: His Last Vow"
"The Trip to Bountiful"
Who will and should win: The Normal Heart
Best Actor - Drama
Bryan Cranston - "Breaking Bad"
Jeff Daniels - "The Newsroom"
Jon Hamm - "Mad Men"
Woody Harrelson - "True Detective"
Matthew McConaughey - "True Detective"
Kevin Spacey - "House of Cards"
Who will win: Matthew McConaughey. It really is his year.
Who should win: Bryan Cranston, because Walter White deserves another Emmy, damn it!
Best Actress - Drama
Lizzy Caplan - "Masters of Sex"
Claire Danes - "Homeland"
Michelle Dockery - "Downton Abbey"
Julianna Marguilles - "The Good Wife"
Kerry Washington - "Scandal"
Robin Wright - "House of Cards"
Who will win: Robin Wright
I don't watch any of these shows so I have no idea who actually should win. Lizzy Caplan because she's Janis Ian?
Best Supporting Actor - Drama
Aaron Paul - "Breaking Bad"
Jim Carter - "Downton Abbey"
Peter Dinklage - "Game of Thrones"
Josh Charles - "The Good Wife"
Mandy Patinkin - "Homeland"
Jon Voight - "Ray Donovan"
Who will and should win: Aaron Paul, bitch!
Best Supporting Actress - Drama
Anna Gunn - "Breaking Bad"
Maggie Smith - "Downton Abbey"
Joanne Forggatt - "Downton Abbey"
Lena Headey - "Game of Thrones"
Christine Baranksi - "The Good Wife"
Christina Hendricks - "Mad Men"
Who will and should win: Anyone who watched Ozymandias knows that Anna Gunn is already walking away with this.
Best Actor - Comedy
Louis CK - "Louie"
Don Cheadle - "House of Lies"
Ricky Gervais - "Derek"
Matt LeBlanc - "Episodes"
William H. Macy - "Shameless"
Jim Parsons - "The Big Bang Theory"
Who will win: Jim Parsons
Who should win: Louis C.K
Best Actress - Comedy
Lena Dunham - "Girls"
Edie Falco - "Nurse Jackie"
Julie Louis-Dreyfus - "Veep"
Melissa McCarthy - "Mike and Molly"
Amy Poehler - "Parks and Recreation"
Taylor Schilling - "Orange is the New Black"
Who will and should win: Julie Louis-Dreyfus. Taylor Schilling is a dark horse though. I'm not sure if the Emmys love OITNB as much as the general public does.
Best Supporting Actor - Comedy
Andre Braugher - "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"
Adam Driver - "Girls"
Jesse Tyler Ferguson - "Modern Family"
Ty Burrell - "Modern Family"
Fred Armisen - "Portlandia"
Tony Hale - "Veep"
Who will and should win: Tony Hale. I don't see another Modern Family win in this category, I think he'll nab it.
Best Supporting Actress - Comedy
Mayim Bialik - "The Big Bang Theory"
Julie Bowen - "Modern Family"
Allison Janney - "Mom"
Kate Mulgrew - "Orange is the New Black"
Kate McKinnon - "Saturday Night Live"
Anna Chlumsky - "Veep"
Who will win: Kate Mulgrew, this category feels like a OITNB win.
Who should win: Anna Chlumsky, or Kate McKinnon, really.
Best Actor - TV Movie/Miniseries
Benedict Cumberbatch - "Sherlock: His Last Vow"
Chiwetel Ejiofior - "Dancing on the Edge"
Idris Elba - "Luther"
Martin Freeman - "Fargo"
Mark Ruffalo - "The Normal Heart"
Billy Bob Thornton - "Fargo"
Who will win: Mark Ruffalo
Who should win. I think ALL of these men are deserving. I wish they could all tie.
Best Actress - TV Movie/Miniseries
Minnie Driver - "Return to Zero"
Jessica Lange - "American Horror Story: Coven"
Sarah Paulson - "American Horror Story: Coven"
Cicely Tyson - "The Trip to Bountiful"
Kristen Wiig - "The Spoils of Babylon"
Helena Bonham Carter - "Burton and Taylor"
Who will win: Jessica Lange
Who should win: Sarah Paulson. Give her some love for once.
Best Supporting Actor - TV Movie/Miniseries
Colin Hanks - "Fargo"
Jim Parsons - "The Normal Heart"
Joe Mantello - "The Normal Heart"
Alfred Molina - "The Normal Heart"
Matt Bomer - "The Normal Heart"
Martin Freeman - "Sherlock: His Last Vow"
Who should win: Either Hanks or Freeman.
Best Supporting Actress - TV Movie/Miniseries
Frances Conroy - "American Horror Story: Coven"
Kathy Bates - "American Horror Story: Coven"
Angela Basset - "American Horror Story: Coven"
Allison Tolman - "Fargo"
Ellen Burstyn - "Flowers in the Attic"
Julia Roberts - "The Normal Heart"
Who will and should win: Allison Tolman. Please!
Outstanding Variety Series
"The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"
"Jimmy Kimmel Live"
"Real Time with Bill Maher"
"Saturday Night Live"
"The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon"
Who will win: The Colbert Report
Who should win: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
DVD Review: The People vs George Lucas
Star Wars fans are a passionate bunch.
I love Star Wars. I was born in 1987, so obviously I missed those films when they were originally released. I only had The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi on VHS, so when the Star Wars films were re-released in theaters in 1997, that's when I finally got to see A New Hope, and really started to fall in love with them. I remember being excited for A Phantom Menace when it came out. The theater was so packed I didn't even get to sit with my dad. I had to sit with a bunch of randoms. My initial reaction to that film, aside from Jar Jar and "Yipee!" being awful was that it wasn't so bad. Then I met up with my dad in the back of the theater. He fucking HATED it. And so my weird relationship with Lucas' films began..
This entire doc is about Fanboys/girls and their relationships with George Lucas. Most of which are pissed. Star Wars was their favorite, and they're not pleased with George Lucas essentially trying to "re-write history" by going back and making tweaks to his original movies.
We've all heard the complaints,(Jar Jar, Han shooting first, medicholrians, "Noooo!") but there were a few brought up that I never really thought about until now. Lucas re-touched a lot of the special effects in the original trilogy once more CGI technology became available, but how would you feel if you were the one that did that work back then? The visual effects team got Oscar nominations, and now their hard work is being re-done. That's really shitty.
It's not all Lucas bashing, there's a few people that admit that some are too hard on him. Like the ones saying he "raped" their childhood. They brought up the episode South Park did right after Indiana Jones 4 came out. That's the only episode of that show I've ever felt uncomfortable watching. They also give him credit for encouraging fan made contributions on his website.
This is on Netflix Instant right now, and I thought it was a good watch. Since Star Wars is the subject, it's not going to be for everyone. But the contributors are funny and come on, you know you heard "The Phantom Menace" for the first time and was like "wtf is that?"
Memorable quote: "This is a crucial scene, and you fucked it up! How are you going to un-fuck this?"
Review: What If
Men and women cannot be friends.
According to rom coms that is. Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) is a Brit transplant living in Toronto who's finally just getting back into the social scene after a nasty breakup. His obnoxious roommate, Allan (Adam Driver) introduces him to his cousin, Chantry (Zoe Kazan) at a party, and they hit it off. The only problem is, she has a boyfriend. She proposes friendship, but can they really just be friends when Wallace as feelings for her?
Rom coms are NOT my thing. In fact, the only reason I went to see this was because I'm a fan of Radcliffe and Kazan. Had any other actor I was impartial to been in this, I never would've went. I didn't hate it, but I did get annoyed with the rom com cliches that it checked off.
1) Boys cannot be friends with girls. Check
2) Friendzone boy is painfully awkward. Check
3) Boyfriend is a douchebag. Check
4) Friendzone flies cross country to win back girl. Check
5) Girl has a slutty friend/sister. Check
6) Jobs always complicate things. Check
It did manage to do a few things right. There were a lot of legitimate laughs, and some of the conversations Chantry and Wallace had were amusing and felt like the actors ad-libbed it all. The cast was good. Some decent advice was given, and we had convincing leads. The ending was incredibly predictable, even though I still held out hope that it would've been different. If you're into rom coms, this is probably one of the better ones out there. If you're not, well, there's still something there. A little something, anyways.
Recommended: Yes.
Memorable Quote: "One thing I like about getting married is that you get to stand up in front of everyone you care about and state for the record that you believe in the best case scenario." - Nicole (Mackenzie Davis)
Rambling TV: True Blood recap
Robb Stark is gorgeous and yes I'm aware this has nothing to do with True Blood.
There's only one episode left! One more and True Blood will be completed for good, and judging by the previews, I'm probably going to hate it. Tonight's episode felt like it spent most of its time fucking around, but they did manage to have a few heartfelt moments, and one hilarious one.
We'll start in Fangtasia. Jess and Sookie are pissed about Bill's decision, but he refuses to back down from it. Sookie slaps him a few times and Jess demands to be released. After Bill leaves, Sookie holds on to Eric and cries, and Pam actually gives Jessica a hug to comfort her for being released. Then tells her she's paying for her shirt if she bleeds on it.
Later, Eric visits Bill again to try to talk him out of this (ugh) Bill tells Eric that he needs to do this FOR Sookie. That's she's drawn to vampire's darkness the same way they are drawn to her light. Bill says Eric knows this is true (but something in Eric's face tells me he DOES care for Sookie beyond that.) He asks Eric to talk to Sookie for him and to let him call on her. Eric will do this, but he's not a fucking marriage counselor.
Sookie for some reason takes Jess to Sam's trailer, only to find out he's moved out with Girl I Don't Give A Fuck About. Apparently we WILL see Sam again judging from the preview, but this was a let down. I've always loved Sam, and this entire arc was beneath him. He leaves Sookie a heartfelt letter, and leaves Andy a short one saying he resigns.
Arlene is hosting a dinner at the restaurant, Sookie breaks the news that Sam is gone, Jessica apologizes to James for being a shitty girlfriend, and Arlene gives Sookie a much needed pep talk about starting over. She knows if Sookie gives her heart to someone else again, she'll give it her all.
A good 30 minutes of this episode was spent with Jessica/Hoyt/Jason/Brigette, and it was too much. Hoyt and Bridgette fight some more, Jessica confesses their past to Hoyt. Hoyt punches Jason, who takes Brigette home with him. The only redeeming part of all this was Jason telling Brigette about Hoyt and Jessica's romance while it was being intertwined with scenes of Hoyt and Jess having sex. (In true Deborah Ann Wohl has a no nudity claus fashion) The rest of it felt too long, and I much rather would've spent it with Eric and Sookie.
accurate gif of the True Blood writers when they know they waste an entire episode on unnecessary bullshit.
Eric takes Sookie home after meeting her outside of Arlene's party. She invites him inside, but he declines and says Bill will be there soon. (ugh) He goes back to Fangtasia and finds Ginger who yells at him for not telling her she was cured. He's in such a bad mood that he wants to have angry sex, and agrees to make Ginger's dreams come true. They go to his throne, she says she's hep V positive, but he mentions he's now immune. (So that's how that is going to work. Eric CAN be with Sookie) He rips her panties off, and she orgasms before he can even get inside her, then she falls off the chair and falls asleep. That is some of the funniest shit I have seen on this show in a LONG time. Honestly, it almost made the whole episode worth it. This was the look on Eric's face afterwards:
Earlier, Pam was dying Sarah's hair back blonde and telling her she's going to sell her like a trollop to the highest bidder since she is a full on cure, but when Eric goes to find Pam, Mr. Gus has her chained in the basement. He demands to know where Eric went. When Eric admits he saw Sookie, and she knows about Sarah, he ominously asks where Sookie lives. Cut to Bill arriving at her house, and the episode ending.
The previews for next week's episode (which is running against the Emmys) look like Bill and Sookie will indeed be endgame, and that there won't be a lot of room for Eric and her. I hope that's misleading like most previews are.
What are your predictions for the series finale?
Indie Gems: Before The Devil Knows You're Dead
It's a victimless crime.
Andy (Philip Seymour Hoffman) has been embezzling money from his employer to cover his drug habit. When an upcoming audit is going to expose all that, he convinces his also hard up for cash younger brother, Hank (Ethan Hawke) to help him rob their parent's jewelry store. They will use fake guns, do this when neither of their parents are working, and insurance will cover them. It's a win all around. Hank decides to act first without Andy's consent, and things go horribly wrong.
It's taken me a long time to finally see this movie in one sitting, and I don't know why because it was so fascinating. Admittedly now after Hoffman's death, watching him play a drug addict is really hard. That thought pulled me out of the film a few times.
Hoffman and Hawke give great performances, along with Marisa Tomei and Albert Finney in supporting roles. The film has a quick pace and never drags.
Memorable Quote: "I feel like less of a fuck up when I'm here." - Gina (Marisa Tomei)
Rambling TV: True Blood recap + thoughts on Jonah From Tonga
So I'm super late with this recap. I was out of town for work over the weekend, and didn't get to watch this until last night. I'm torn about the dumb fuckery in this episode. Some things I found really sweet, others were so fucking stupid I can't even believe True Blood wasted 8 episodes getting to that conclusion.
Oh wait, yes I can.
Eric drinks from Sarah's blood to cure himself from Hep V. He was about to just kill her, when Pam threatened to kill herself if he does. That gif above is when she's watching him get cured. That's also the face I'm going to make when Eric and Sookie finally have sex again.
They're informed by Mr. Gus that he doesn't want to distribute 'New Blood' as a total cure. He wants it to be something vamps need to take over and over so he can make more money. Pam and Eric are fine with this because it's more money for them too, but there's one little problem. Bill.
Earlier Bill and Sookie are talking about what Sophie Anne actually wanted to do with Sookie once Bill found her. Apparently she wanted to breed her. Sookie is understandably disgusted. Bill also says he didn't give her up because she made him feel his human heart again. Eric wanted Sookie to know he was cured, so he pays her a visit at Bill's, Sookie drops the bomb that Bill is sick, and Eric is now in a hell of a predicament because New Blood isn't going to be a flat out cure anymore.
Violet has Adilynn, Wade, Jessica and now Jason tied up in her dungeon and she's going on about the various ways she's going to torture them...only to be shot by Hoyt. This entire scene was about 2 minutes. Nice fucking build up there. I didn't care about Violet enough so I'm glad she's gone and won't waste anymore screen time, but now what are these people going to do?
In the midst of all this, Jessica and Hoyt meet again, and he's obviously smitten for her. Mind you, earlier in the episode his girlfriend and him get in a fight over not wanting kids, so she sticks to Jason for the rest of the episode. (He wants kids) I liked seeing Jessica and Hoyt together again. That was really sweet, but how is Jessica going to keep what happened in her past to herself?
Lafayette and Lettie Mae are still digging around in the yard of her old house. The Reverend shows up, and James convinces them all to go on a V trip to see Tara. They do, and we're "treated" to a flashback of Tara's dad being a total a-hole, and Tara actually considered killing him as a child with his own gun, but she buried it instead. She wants Lettie Mae to let her go.
What a fucking waste of time. I was hoping Lettie Mae had actually staked her, and this was Tara's way of letting Lafayette (the medium who apparently now needs V to see the undead) but no, we get some soap opera shit instead. Who did Rutina Wesley piss off exactly?
Sookie shows up at Fangtasia to talk to Eric, but the Yakuza question her. Eric pretends to glamour Sookie to get her to leave (that scene was actually pretty funny) but instead she sneaks in through Fangtasia's tunnel to find out Sarah Newlin is the cure. "Even when you're the cure, you're still the fucking problem." she tells her. Later, she brings Bill and Jessica to the basement to meet Eric and Pam, who are pissed she came and want this to be done quickly so they all don't get killed.
Bill decides he doesn't want the cure.
Now I'm convinced Bill will die. I figured he would live and he and Sookie would be together, but now I'm not so sure. Ausiello over at EW said "the most anticipated sex scene ever" is coming up. Is that Sookie and Eric with his memory intact? Pam and Eric? Sookie and Sam? Who knows. Another theory a friend on another forum threw out is: What if Sookie's blood ends up turning Bill back into a human instead of killing him? I will fucking rage if this happens, but it's True Blood so that is honestly a possibility.
Last Year when Ja'mie: Private School Girl premiered on HBO, I was introduced to Australian national treasure Chris Lilley. This guy is fucking hilarious, and Jonah from Tonga so far is living up to the high bar Ja'mie set.
God I hope my own kids don't end up like Jonah when they're older. So many awful dick jokes.
Here's a picture of Melissa McBride as Carol on The Walking Dead. She's absolutely stunning. How many women in their 40's in film rock their grey hair? And some people within TWD fandom have the nerve to call her things like "sea hag," "lunch lady arms," "old bitch" etc. Fuck them. Team Carol.
Rambling TV: True Blood recap + thoughts on Jonah ...
Review: A Most Wanted Man
Top 5 Robin Williams Films
Review: I Origins
Indie Gems: I Killed My Mother
DVD Review: Under The Skin
Review: Guardians of the Galaxy
Indie Gems: The Extra Man


Once again, higher education and K-12 officials try to align standards.
WASHINGTON — A group of 18 higher education leaders, most of whom are university system chancellors and presidents, joined with 10 state school superintendents last month to pledge that they will each do their part to ensure that all high school students are prepared for college-level work.
n All high school graduates must meet high standards.
n School systems will hire only teachers who can bring all students to high standards.
n Colleges and universities will accept only students who meet high standards.
n Colleges and universities will ensure that all teacher candidates are prepared to bring student performance to high standards.
Among other things, the signatories call for all students to be placed in a competitive curriculum aligned with the standards for admission and placement in college.
Some of the signatories represent states that are fairly far along in aligning those standards. In Maryland, for example, Dr. Donald Langenberg, chancellor of the University of Maryland System, and Dr. Nancy Grasmick, state school superintendent, have said that within a few years the standards for high school graduation and university admission and placement will match. They have already aligned the course descriptions and requirements of community college and four-year courses in the core academic areas, for example.
However, the high school/college requirements remain misaligned. For example, Algebra II is not required for high school graduation, and many K-12 leaders publicly dispute that it should be. Yet, the covered material in that course is required before students qualify to take college-level mathematics in almost all public colleges. The result of this mismatch is that as many as half the students who go on to Maryland public colleges need remediation in mathematics.
The assessments Langenberg refers to are the 10 tests that Maryland is planning to administer to every high school student throughout their high school career to ensure that all students learn at high levels and graduate prepared to go on to post-secondary education.
Other states are pursuing the same kind of linkages but in different ways. For example, New York abruptly did away with its general high school diploma and made all high school courses conform to the curriculum of the Regents courses, which had previously been reserved for students identified as college-bound. As a result of the change, the number of African American and Latino students passing Regents exams more than doubled in one year.
The City University of New York has agreed to use the Regents exam as an entrance and placement exam, and the State University of New York is considering doing the same thing.
In Illinois, the state board of education is beginning to develop tests, to be known as the Prairie Tests. These tests will be administered to Illinois students in the second semester of the junior year.
The recent call for better K-16 cooperation came as part of a larger report by The Education Trust documenting the general lack of alignment between high school standards and college preparedness. One statistic cited by that report, Ticket to Nowhere: The Gap Between Leaving High School and Entering College and High-Performance Jobs, was that of the students graduating from high school in 1992, 72 percent enrolled in college within two years, whereas only 47 percent had completed a college preparatory curriculum. African American and Latino students and students from low-income families were less likely to be enrolled in the college-preparatory track than White, middle-class students. For many students, not being in the college-preparatory track meant that they were more likely to require remedial courses in college. And, although taking one or two remedial courses often does not significantly delay earning a college degree, requiring three or more can mean the difference between earning a bachelor's degree and not earning one.
"As long as we allow the two-track system, with some kids being prepared for college and others not, African American kids will be at a disadvantage," says Kati Haycock, director of the Education Trust.
To order Thinking K-16, go to <www.edtrust.org> on the Web or phone The Education Trust at (202) 293-1217.


text:
Home » About Us! Parish History
St. Zachary Parish was officially formed on January 18, 1962 when the founding pastor Rev. William Cunningham took the oath of office and the name St. Zachary was chosen. The parish property consisted at first of two barns and a farmhouse. One of the barns served as the first church. In September of 1962, ground was broken for St. Zachary Catholic School. On September 4, 1963, the school opened to serve Grades 1 through 5. The present church was originally built as a gym/auditorium, and the first Mass was held on November 7, 1965. The convent, which is now our Parish Ministry Center, was built in 1967.
The early years were very active, as the whole area was being built up. There were cornfields everywhere and much work to be done. With a young community who had come mostly from Chicago, the church was both their spiritual and social life. The parish remains active as a worshipping, praying, serving, sharing, healing and loving community.
Today the parish welcomes a diversity of cultures. We are handicapped accessible. We offer an interpreted mass for the hearing impaired, and masses in Polish for the strong Polish community in the area. Our choirs offer both traditional and contemporary music. We welcome all to worship with us and to take part in our many ministries. Whether you are looking for a parish, or just visiting the O'Hare Airport area, you are welcome and invited to St. Zachary Parish. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact the Parish Ministry Center at 847- 956-7020.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


This is for Aisyah who asked about my eyeliner in this post.
For those of you who are too lazy to click lol Here's the pic..
I really like winging my eyeliner actually. Adding that lil curve at the end just like a bird's wing when it's flying. It changes the way my eye looks.
'm only using 2 'tools' here. My Elf Studio Cream Eyeliner in Midnight and my favourite brush to wing eyeliners, the slanted eyeliner brush. I'm going to mix the Elf cream liner with a cream (my unused wrinkle cream lol) as it's too dry to be used.
With my eye open, I mark a point above my eye to indicate the thickness I want. This is necessary as I have kinda hooded monolids and a portion of the eyeliner disappears when I open my eye. Drawing it with my eyes closed may not produce the result I want when my eyes are open. Then I just join that point to the tear duct.
Then, I close my eye and extend the line until it joins with the wing outline earlier.
Open your eye to see if she shape is okay. If not, just adjust it until you're happy. If you're not sure how the shape should be, use eyeshadow instead of eyeliner for the outline so it's easier to rub off or remove.
Fill in the space! My blue eyeliner was done using MUFE's Aqua Eyes which can get lumpy and flake if you keep going over it. Hence, it is better to fill in one portion at a time. I use the flat side of the eyeliner brush so it covers a bigger surface area. Then the tip for the wing.
I didn't really like the dark colour (too bold? =/) so I patted some eyeshadow on. This can only be done if your eyeliner doesn't dry all the way. I have pink (which turned purple) above and blue below from the L.A. Colours Tease Palette. Since I didn't use eye primer, the excess was simply brushed away.
Fill in your brows, curl your lashes, apply mascara and you're done ^_^ Usually when I use the bright blue MUFE eyeliner, I do line my eyes with black eyeliner to make it wearable.
You don't actually need many different eyeliner colours (they dry out so fast too!). You can do it like me, pat on the eyeshadow or mix your eyeshadow with a mixing medium (water works too but not so good). I have not tried these but I've heard of people mixing eyeshadow with lotions or creams. I don't do this as I have oily skin and I'm afraid it'll smudge.
For the mixing medium, you're supposed to wet your brush in it then pick up the eyeshadow. It'll go on like a liquid liner =) You can do this for longer lasting and more pigmented eyeshadow/pigments too! This method is calling foiling.
I'm going to try putting eyeshadow on my liners next time. thanks for sharing, isabel.
Hum. I always have a hard time winging my eyeliner but the way that you've done it makes it seem a lot simpler. I will have to give it a try.


text:
ActiveRecordBatteries::Engine.routes.draw do
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Lori Stratton in Albums, Artists, Songs April 9, 2021 April 10, 2021 867 Words
Return on Investment – LovelyOcean Relishes Artistic Focus on 'No Down Payment'
LovelyOcean celebrates pursuing her artistic endeavors on "No Down Payment." Illustration courtesy of artist
For LovelyOcean, a full-time focus on music will pay dividends for years to come.
The Los Angeles hip-hop singer-songwriter relishes the freedom and gratification of pursuing her emerging creative endeavors on "No Down Payment," now available on all streaming platforms.
"I like to think of 'No Down Payment' as a form of background motivation. It's like, 'Yeah, this music isn't paying any of the bills yet, but that doesn't mean it won't someday.' I think it's important that we continue to work on things we love as to not get worn down by work, life and other bullshit," said LovelyOcean.
"Up until this point, I had been working in the social work field, and it was killing my spirit. But it served as the biggest motivation to work on music so I could get out. I quit my job back in March, and I've never felt better."
LovelyOcean celebrates her "No Down Payment" independence as shiny, cyclical synths, jumpy bass and gentle percussion smoothly glide alongside hypnotic, '90s-esque beats.
She reflects, "Just trying to break the mold/They warned me as a youth/Back when I played with dough/Things come natural/Need it off top/The world is gonna feel my flow/No static/We live from the radio/Tryna make it through/Ima shine like I was radial/And have a packed house/Up at SoFi Stadium."
"Somedays I'm like, 'Damn, I really wish this shit would pay off soon.' It can be really discouraging to put your all into music, but no one is really fucking with it. I don't like to have to ask people I'm close with if they've listened to the song. I don't like begging for support," LovelyOcean said.
"I've been using this time to recover and refocus so I can work on an album, but at this moment my songwriting waterfall is kinda dry. I'm glad I don't feel stressed by work anymore, but I do feel more pressure to be artistic."
LovelyOcean started co-writing her creative autonomy anthem with Chuck Chill in January. They recorded the track together in their magical closet studio and watched it quickly flourish over several days.
"It took about two days for the song to be written and probably two days to record it. I'll spend one day recording it so I can get comfortable with it, and then I'll record it another day so I can really solidify the vibes. Chuck Chill came up with the concept for the song and the majority of the lyrics," she said.
"This is the first time I have ever let someone else take over the writing, but I knew he would do the song justice because he's an excellent artist. Chuck Chill and I have collaborated on multiple tracks so far. He was featured on 'Theta Waves' on my last EP, and I've been featured on a few of his mixtapes."
Forever to Future
LovelyOcean will release a new video for "No Down Payment" later this month. Photo courtesy of artist
"No Down Payment" serves as LovelyOcean's first new material since dropping her vintage-inspired debut album, LovelyOcean Forever, last August. The eight-track reflective project functions as a modern underground mixtape to inspire emerging and established hip-hop artists looking for a new musical shoreline.
LovelyOcean discovered her musical vessel while growing up in Monrovia, California and listening to her father's expansive vinyl collection. Led Zeppelin, Lil' Kim, The Fugees and a smattering of Death Row artists captivated her as she developed an interest in the guitar and started penning poetry as an accidental precursor to songwriting.
With a penchant for writing rhyme and verse, LovelyOcean started taking singing lessons in 2017 and purchased her first audio recording set on eBay. A year later, she recorded her first mixtape, Her Way, in her bedroom and adopted her husband's former Instagram handle, lovelyoceanwaters, as her artist moniker.
In 2019, she dropped another mixtape, Universal Energy, which sought inspiration from "Star Trek" and intergalactic life. The two-track release features the buzzy, space-age anthem, "Fly Introvert," and the jazzy aspirational ode to LA life on "The Hills."
After releasing two mixtapes, a debut album and her latest single, LovelyOcean plans to ride her creative wave throughout 2021. She will make a guest appearance on Chuck Chill's upcoming new album, My Friends Are Too Famous, and release a new video for "No Down Payment" later this month.
"I really want to produce and release an album this year. I'm still learning how to produce so I'm not exactly sure about the direction I want to go in. I already have the title and the album artwork done for it; I just need everything else," LovelyOcean said.
"As for releasing singles, I might release one or two when the album is done, but part of me just wants to release the whole thing at once because I want this album to truly be an experience."
Chuck Chill
Fly Introvert
Her Way
LovelyOcean
LovelyOcean Forever
lovelyoceanwaters
My Friends Are Too Famous
Theta Waves
Universal Energy
New Chapter – Blank Tape Tax Shares Mental Health Struggles on 'My Book' Single
Days of Future Past – Major Murphy Reaches Personal Crossroads on New 'Access' Album
3 thoughts on "Return on Investment – LovelyOcean Relishes Artistic Focus on 'No Down Payment'"
Brandi says:
She's really a talented artist who deserves the spotlight! A true talent.
Shorty Talley says:
The HighEnd Breeds HighEnd Talent… do ya thang Lovely ocean
Can't wait for that album to drop!


An anonymous senior Trump administration official assailed President Donald Trump's "amorality" and reckless decision-making in a New York Times op-ed published on September 5th and said he or she is part of a "resistance" working to thwart Trump's worst impulses.
The Times said disclosing the name of the official, who is known to the publication, would jeopardize the official's job, and that publishing the piece anonymously was the only way to deliver an important perspective to readers. Major newspapers almost never publish unnamed op-ed pieces. At The New York Times, it is very rare, but not entirely unprecedented.
The op-ed amplified the sense of paranoia inside the West Wing and resurrected the feeling that the White House is under assault from within, as per reports. Trump administration officials, struggling to mount a defense to Woodward's tell-all book, were stunned when the op-ed was published Wednesday afternoon, left guessing and quietly pointing fingers at other officials as they tried to figure out who wrote it, even texting reporters possible guesses.
Speculation rose that it could be someone in the vice president's office given the op-ed's inclusion of the word "lodestar" and several speeches Mike Pence gave using the unusual term.
Pence's deputy chief of staff and communications director Jarrod Agen denied that Pence or anyone from their office authored the New York Times op-ed.
The op-ed came on the heels of reports based on a damning book about Trump's presidency by veteran journalist Bob Woodward and amplified the sense that top advisers to the President have serious concerns about his conduct in office and leadership abilities. And it is likely to compound Trump's sense of paranoia that he is surrounded by advisers who may be duplicitous and untrustworthy.
The op-ed offers a firsthand account that corroborates key themes of Woodward's book: that some of the President's top advisers have a dim view of the commander in chief and are quietly working to thwart Trump's most reckless and impulsive decisions from becoming a reality.
The official alleges there were "early whispers within" Trump's Cabinet of invoking the 25th Amendment, which would require a majority of Cabinet officials to declare to Congress they believe the President is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office." Explaining the "resistance" effort, the senior administration official offers a damning portrait of Trump's character and leadership ability.
The author argues the "root of the problem is the President's amorality" and assails Trump's "reckless decisions," "erratic behavior" and what the official describes as the President's "impetuous, adversarial, petty and ineffective" leadership style.
It's impossible to know in the moment when a presidency begins to dissolve. But after a devastating 48 hours, it's already clear that Donald Trump's will never be the same. These statements and those behind this "resistance movement" warn that the President of the United States is not only unfit to be the most powerful man in the world, but is a venal mix of ignorance and ego, pettiness, malignancy and recklessness that is putting the republic and the world itself at risk.


text:
package com.daeliin.components.cms.credentials.permission;

import com.daeliin.components.persistence.resource.PersistentResource;
import org.junit.Test;

import java.time.Instant;

import static org.assertj.core.api.Assertions.assertThat;

public final class PermissionTest {

    @Test
    public void shouldExtendPersistentResource() {
        assertThat(Permission.class.getSuperclass().getClass()).isEqualTo(PersistentResource.class.getClass());
    }

    @Test(expected = Exception.class)
    public void shouldThrowException_whenNameIsNull() {
        new Permission("id", Instant.now(), null);
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldAssignAName() {
        assertThat(new Permission("id", Instant.now(), "ADMIN").name).isEqualTo("ADMIN");
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldPrintsItsName() {
        assertThat(new Permission("id", Instant.now(), "ADMIN").toString()).contains("ADMIN");
    }

    @Test
    public void shouldBeComparedOnNames() {
        Permission adminPermission = new Permission("id1", Instant.now(), "ADMIN");
        Permission userPermission = new Permission("id2", Instant.now(), "USER");

        assertThat(adminPermission.compareTo(userPermission)).isNegative();
        assertThat(userPermission.compareTo(adminPermission)).isPositive();
    }
}


text:
Courtyard of the Casa Sorolla
Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida
View Gigapixel image
In 1909 Sorolla invested most of the money he had earned at his New York exhibition in building a house that he himself had designed. Following the advice of his friend, the painter Aureliano de Beruete, he bought a plot of land in the highest part of Madrid – between the Chamberí district and the Paseo de la Castellana or Paseo del Obelisco, as it was then known.
The house was built to plans by the architect Enrique María Repullés. Sorolla himself designed the surrounding garden, greatly in the Valencian and Sevillian styles. He decorated it with fountains and statues, arranged with a great sense of harmony, and with a beautiful collection of Valencian tiles of blue on a white background. The house was finished in 1911.
This painting belongs to a series of studies which Sorolla did of the garden and patios of his house in Madrid. Although most are neither dated nor signed, it is known that they were painted between 1914 and 1920, at different times of the day and in all seasons. However, the garden was mainly depicted in the spring, when the flowers were in full bloom. Bernardino de Pantorba catalogued the twenty-eight views which belong to the Museo Sorolla in Madrid. The others belong to private collections.
In 1917, Sorolla worked intensively on his major series The Regions of Spain, commissioned by Archer Milton Huntington for the Hispanic Society of America Library in New York. However, between February and October of that year, he interrupted his travels through Spain and returned to Madrid, one reason being the birth of his first grandchild. He also took the opportunity to spend the summer in San Sebastián. Courtyard of the Casa Sorolla was no doubt painted in the spring of that year, during his stay in Madrid.
Most striking when one sees this painting for the first time is the colour. The artist displayed his skill in rendering the effect of light with broad brushstrokes. The colours he chose for this picture were those he used in his landscapes and seascapes: yellows, reds and violets. The brushstrokes are uneven, but never unsteady. This is how, a few months after completing this painting, Sorolla explained his particular technique to a French newspaper reporter: "I do not have a recipe, because in my opinion painting is a mental disposition. My brushstrokes are short or long depending on the subject and the occasion."
The composition is centred on the polygonal blue-tiled fountain covered in flowers and surrounded by abundant vegetation, with part of the house visible in the background. However, the play of colours is so dominant that the spectator pays little attention to the objects represented. Sorolla did not use an iconographic message whose language would be made up of the fountain, the flowerpots, the flowers or the building; his sole interest lay in the surfaces of all of these objects and the way they reflected the prevailing light. Thus, the painting struck a balance between the solidity of the objects, the brightness of the light and the coloured environment in which these are immersed. The vibrant image conveys such an impression of movement within the composition that the light effect on the objects is perceived more clearly than their actual physical solidity.
That year (1917) a number of Catalan critics commented on the connection between Sorolla's studies and research carried out by Catalan artists such as Anglada-Camarasa, Santiago Rusiñol and Eliseu Meifrèn. But for Sorolla the thorough approach to the study of nature that he undertook in that period was more than a mere visual exercise. Indeed, it often involved strong, and sometimes exhausting, emotions. In 1916 he wrote to his wife: "I don't know whether it's due to weakness or to an excess of sensitivity, but today the contemplation of nature has affected me more than any other day." And again in 1918, in another letter to his wife, he wrote: "I wish I was not so overcome by emotion because, after a few hours like today's, I feel devastated, exhausted; I cannot take so much pleasure, I cannot bear it as I used to [...]. This is because painting, when one feels it, is superior to anything else. No, I meant to say it's nature which is so beautiful."7 When we gaze at this picture, we are captivated by the painter's emotional response to nature and charmed by his skill at conveying this emotion through light and colour.
Carmen Gracia
Other works by the artist
Sorolla y Bastida
Selling Melons
Rocks at Jávea and the White Boat
Garrochista. Seville
The modern tradition in the Carmen Thyssen: Monet, Picasso, Matisse and Miró


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China in 2020
A New Type of Superpower
By Angang Hu; Foreword by John L. Thornton; Introduction by Cheng Li April 18, 2011
The rapid pace and grand scale of China's rise have produced a heady mixture of wonder and consternation in the West. Is China on track to become a superpower? What would that mean for the rest of the world? Economist Hu Angang approaches these questions through analysis of three major dimensions of China's rise: its overall economic and social development; advances in education, science, and technology (including alternative energy); and the likely complications posed by resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and climate change.
After three decades of unprecedented economic growth, China is now home to the world's second-largest economy. It is the world's largest exporter and its second-largest consumer of energy (as well as number one in carbon emissions). Extrapolating from these seismic changes, Hu forecasts that by 2020 China will become a "mature, responsible, and attractive superpower" that will contribute, alongside the European Union, to the "end of the unipolar era dominated by the United States."
China in 2020 presents a native Chinese perspective on the challenges and opportunities that Beijing will face as its global footprint expands. Through a meticulous examination of China's development trajectory, Hu Angang explains how his nation—as the world's largest emerging market—will impact global economic growth, foreign direct investment flows, energy consumption, and carbon dioxide emissions. He proposes a comprehensive strategic framework to guide the next stage of China's rise, seeking to maximize the country's positive impact on the world and minimize the negative externalities of its meteoric development.
Brookings Institution Press, April 18, 2011
Hu Angang, one of China's most influential public intellectuals, is a professor at the School of Public Policy and Management and director of the Center for China Studies at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Cheng Li, a senior fellow and director of research in the John L. Thornton China Center at Brookings, is editor of China's Emerging Middle Class (Brookings, 2010).
John L. Thornton is chairman of the board of trustees at the Brookings Institution and professor and director of global leadership at Tsinghua University.


Trials Rising releases later this month, so Ubisoft has detailed its post-launch content included in its season pass. They'll also be free events and content available for those that don't pick up the season pass for the game.
The Trials Rising season pass will include two full expansions, as well as two customisation DLC packs. All the content, whether it's in the season pass or free content, will be spread over four seasons of events.
To give us further details on what all the Trials Rising content includes, you can check out the post-launch content trailer below, which also gives us a glimpse at the track editor as well as a new sticker feature, giving players even freedom of creativity. I'll also include the added press release details on all the related content coming to the game.
Trials Rising will release for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch on February 26th.


Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. (January 15, 2011)-Lamar Trice scored a career high 22 points and Danny Thompson added a career-best 16 points to lead Mount St. Mary's past St. Francis (N.Y.), 70-61, in Northeast Conference action on Saturday afternoon.
Mount St. Mary's (5-14, 3-3 NEC) scored the first five points of the second half to open up a 17-point advantage and held on from there for the victory.
Trice hit 7-of-12 from the field and was 6-for-7 at the line to post his career-high 22 points, the second time he has reached the 20-point mark in his career. Thompson was 6-for-8 from the field and 4-of-5 at the line for his career-high 16 points. The junior forward chipped in a game-high eight rebounds as well.
Sophomore Raven Barber hit all five of his field goal attempts in the game and scored 11 points for the Mount in the win. Atupem finished with eight points and five rebounds in the win.
Dre Calloway had 15 points while Ricky Cadell and Akeem Bennett each added 14 in the loss for the Terriers, who lost their first home game of the year in eight tries.
The Mountaineers saw the 17-point second-half lead cut to five, 56-51, with 5:43 remaining, but Shawn Atupem scored on a drive from the left baseline and Trice added a bucket on the next possession for a 60-51 advantage.
The Mountaineers came out strong in the opening half, hitting their first five shots to grab a 12-4 advantage. St. Francis (N.Y.) (8-9, 3-3 NEC) answered with eight consecutive points to even the score at 12-12, but the Mount responded with an 18-to-2 spurt to take the lead.
Thompson was a key figure in the start of the run, scoring seven consecutive points to give the Mount a 21-14 lead. Barber continued the run with dunks on back-to-back possessions and Julian Norfleet's three-pointer stretched the lead to 28-14. The run was capped by a Tayvon Jackson jumper for a 16-point lead with 7:10 left in the half.
The Mount shot 58.3 percent from the floor (121-14 lead. Barber continued the run with dunks on back-to-back possessions and Julian Norfleet's three-pointer stretched the lead to 28-14. The run was capped by a Tayvon Jackson jumper for a 16-point lead with 7:10 left in the half.
The Mount shot 58.3 percent from the floor (14-of-24) in the opening half while holding a 16-10 rebound advantage. St. Francis (N.Y.) was 10-for-25 (40.0 percent) from the field in the opening half.
The Mount returns to action on Thursday, January 20, when Sacred Heart visits Knott Arena for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.
Game Notes: Mount St. Mary's has seven of its next 10 games at home after starting the year by playing 13 of the first 19 on the road...Mount St. Mary's holds a 28-25 lead in the all-time series that dates.


text:
Q: How can I use TransactionScope with SQL Compact 4.0 and NHibernate I am trying to use NHibernate in combination with .NET's TransactionScope object.  So far I have successfully used Oracle 11g and SQL Server 2008R2 with no issues.  However, SQL Compact seems to fall on its face.
using (var scope = new TransactionScope(TranactionScopeOption.Required))
{
    using (var session = _sessionFactory.OpenSession())
    {
        // The line below throws.  I also tried passing in System.Data.IsolationLevel.ReadCommitted to no avail
        using (var txn = session.BeginTransaction())
        {
            // Perform insert
            txn.Commit();
        }
    }
    scope.Complete();
}

This results in the following exception.  I understand what this means, but I don't understand why it is attempting to create a nested transaction.
NHibernate.TransactionException: Begin failed with SQL exception ---> System.InvalidOperationException: SqlCeConnection does not support nested transactions.
   at System.Data.SqlServerCe.SqlCeConnection.BeginTransaction(IsolationLevel isolationLevel)
   at System.Data.SqlServerCe.SqlCeConnection.BeginDbTransaction(IsolationLevel isolationLevel)
   at System.Data.Common.DbConnection.System.Data.IDbConnection.BeginTransaction(IsolationLevel isolationLevel)
   at NHibernate.Transaction.AdoTransaction.Begin(IsolationLevel isolationLevel)
       at NHibernate.Transaction.AdoTransaction.Begin(IsolationLevel isolationLevel)

A: Your code potentially produces 2 transactions:
1)new TransactionScope(TranactionScopeOption.Required)
2)session.BeginTransaction()

TransactionScope.Required "uses an ambient transaction if one already exists. Otherwise, it creates a new transaction before entering the scope. This is the default value". Your are guaranteed to have an ambient transaction by time session.BeginTransaction() gets hit, hence, making it a nested transaction.
If the transaction scope is not completed everything within its scope will be rolled back.

A: I think the answer lies in this question: The connection object can not be enlisted in transaction scope
"At a guess, TransactionScope needs to escalate to a distributed or nested transaction, neither of which is supported by CE."

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Various Causes And Concerns Of Ovulation Linked Lower Back Pain | GilsCosmo.com - Shopping made easy!
Painful ovulation is commonly experienced symptom in many women, with an annoying pain at the lower back, referred as 'Mittelschmerz' (German word for middle pain). Around 20 percent of women do experience this ovulation associated lower back pain that occurs during ovulation and may last from a minute to 24 hours.
Mittelschmerz is experienced as very sharp twinging pain at one side of the abdomen, lower back or/and pelvis. This is experienced in the middle of menstrual cycle, when a woman ovulates. Though, the lower back pain is not that severe, but serves as an annoying signal of ovulation. This is a very normal pain and women should not be much bothered by it as long as it does not exceed beyond 24 hours.
Though, menstruation has been extensively studied, but the exact underlying reason of ovulation pain is still not clearly understood, and there are a few probable known causes leading to it.
This is the most predominant reason associated with ovulation linked lower back pain. During the egg release from one of the ovaries, the blood and fluid are also released alongside that can irritate the abdominal lining, generating a twinging pain at the lower back.
The simple process of ovulation, releasing egg from one of the ovaries in each cycle can cause pain. The ovary releases egg by bursting it through the wall of ovary, due to lack of any opening for an egg to pass gently through. This egg bursting may be the cause of pain at that abdominal side, where the ovary has released the egg. That is why ovulation pain is felt only at one of the abdominal ends.
Usually, ovulation pain is only one side as only one egg is released at one time by one of the two ovaries, during every ovulation cycle.
But, at times, double sided ovulation pain may also be experienced when the ovary follicles, in which eggs mature and develop, get swollen just prior to ovulation.
Reproductive organs are squeezed between the muscles of lower back and abdomen. During inflammation of reproductive organs through the ovulation cycles, these adjacent muscles may get little tensed, generating pain that can appear as ovulation pain.
Endometriosis could also be one of the possible causes of lower back pain during ovulation. In endometriosis, the uterine tissue grows around the various internal organs and structures.
During ovulation, when ovaries swell, the uterine tissue gets stretched causing spasms of uterus and fallopian tubes, resulting in lower back pain.
Though, Mittelschmerz is normally harmless and a usual part of menstrual cycle. But, in case, the pain becomes severe and lasts for more than 24 hours and is accompanied by painful urination, bleeding, vomiting or fever, one ought to seek immediate medical attention as it could be the sign of some serious underlying disease.
Lower back pain observed during ovulation is not a health concern, but by knowing the mechanism of the body and its processes, one can easily differentiate it from other possible causes of back pain that could be the signs of concern.


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What Continent Is Russia In?
Spanning the eastern portion of Europe as well as the northern portion of the continent of Asia, by area Russia is the largest country in the world.
The streets of Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Russia is the largest country on the planet as far as landmass is concerned. It spans through the eastern portion of Europe together with the northern parts of the continent of Asia. In terms of population, it is the ninth biggest country in the world. It is located in Eurasia and covers about 13% of the entire area of the globe. The capital city of the country, Moscow, is a tourist hotspot and many people flock to the city annually. It has a number of urban centers and is a hub of tourism, finance, and trade.
The Russian population is largely made up of Ethnic Russians. Almost 80% of the population of Russia are ethnic Russians. Within its population of 144 million, there are many minorities as well. These include a number of immigrants who have flocked to the country recently. Almost 75% of the Russian population is urbanized, with only 25% living in the agrarian rural areas. The first demographic growth in the Russian Federation since the fall of the Soviet Union was shown in 2012.
Russia is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. A number of tourists travel to the country every year only to marvel at the biodiversity of the nation. It has been estimated by the UN that Russia is home to more than 250 mammal species, many of which are indigenous. Bird species in the country are even more, with almost eight hundred bird species calling the country their home. Many species found in the country are under protection as they are threatened by extinction. Recent estimates put around 415 species on the protected list.
As far as the flora is concerned, Russia is home to many majestic forests. Apart from Brazil, Russia is the only country In the globe to have such dense forests. Just as the Brazilian rainforest is called the lungs of the earth, they are called the lungs of Europe. There are large coniferous forests in Russia, interspaced with broad-leaf species and a number of herbs.
Russia has a very diverse culture. There are around 150 ethnic groups in the country. Tourists have long traveled to Russia for the authentic cultural experience that the country can provide. All of these ethnic groups have their own traditions and lifestyles. Some of the most intricate handicrafts in the world are made by these people. Local crafts like the Dymkovo toy are renowned the world over.
Russia has seen an exponential rise in tourism since the fall of the Soviet Union. Tourists generally visit Russia to stay at Moscow or Saint Petersburg. Both of these cities include some of the greatest monuments and landmarks of the nation. Tourists also visit the forests and Siberian Tundra for more adventurous tours. Important tourist destinations in the country that contain wildlife have now been protected by the government and game reserves have been created to make sure that the wildlife is protected and the tourists have the best experience that they can.
Russia is mainly a subarctic country. Intense cold weather with a record low of -71 has been recorded in the northern parts. The coastal climate is much more bearable, with dry winters and humid summers. Winter precipitation is always in the form of snow.
Russia is the largest country in the world and spans the eastern portion of the continent of Europe as well as the northern portion of the continent of Asia.
This page was last updated on December 30, 2017.
By Zainab Reza
20 Biggest Cities In Russia
Animals Native to Russia
How Far is Russia From Alaska?
Is Russia in Europe or Asia?
Why Did Russia Sell Alaska To The US?


She's a Golden Globe winning, three time Emmy nominated, gorgeous, kind soul. Jenna Elfman has come full circle since her days of comedy starting from Grosse Point Blank and Dharma and Greg, to the post apocalyptic horror of Fear The Walking Dead. Next you may find her star shining on a Broadway stage, knowing this rad babe. She's all about evolving, experiencing and adventuring. Just one of the many things to love about her. And not to mention, she enjoys a good teal eyeliner, blue jeans and the blues! Don't miss our q/a & pics below - and catch her in the season 4 finale of #FEARTWD Sunday night.
FB: What is your favorite shade of blue?
JE: A good dusty teal. It makes me feel safe and content.
FB: What film/song do you love with "Blue" in the title?
JE: "I Cry And Sing the Blues" by Buddy Guy.
FB: When you're filming Fear The Walking Dead are there times when you feel blue? What do you do to lift your spirits?
JE: I get homesick for my family. I find going out for a long walk really helps.
FB: Do you have a favorite product or cosmetic that is blue?
JE: When I was in 9th grade, I had this amazing teal eye liner and I kept it well into my 30's. Loved it that much!
FB: What's your most treasured blue possession?
JE: My denim Levis. Classics.
Makeup and photography - Tina Turnbow.


30 min from Toronto Airport and 30 min from Barrie.
When our Mom and Dad were faced with vacations or business trips, being left in a kennel was unthinkable and sleeping in a large barn on straw was too traumatic to think about. So we came up with the concept of a small "boutique doggie hotel".
Let your family go on vacation or a business trip secure in the knowledge that you are having a fantastic time in a safe and well-monitored environment. Come and play in our securely fenced-in paddocks, enjoy homemade treats, try our agility equipment, or lounge on plush cushions, sprawl on comfy sofas, relax on chairs, and sleep in one of our cozy well-furnished suites.
-Staff on premises at all times.
-Special accommodations for puppies, senior or special need dogs.
-Suites may be shared with a sibling or new friend, or if you prefer sleeping in your crate you are more than welcome to do so.
All our suites are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every day with hospital grade Bleach Tabs (proven to kill 99.9% of germs and bacteria, including Kennel Cough and Giardia). All the bedding is changed upon each checkout.
-Premises are monitored by security cameras 24 hours a day.
-Indoor: security cameras, smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors.
-All staff certified in Pet First Aid.


text:
Is multi-oak barrel the future of winemaking and the end of blending?
ByMark Whalen September 6, 2016
Oak is the cilantro of winemaking: it's divisive. Delicious and paramount to wine's longevity for some; overused and a mask of terroir for others. Few winemaking topics create as much dissent as "proper" oak use. Opinions aside, not all oak is created equal, and a new type of barrel is emerging in wine, and it's pretty awesome.
Enter the multi-oak barrel, a vessel that combines of the world's three main types of oak: American, French, and Hungarian. Normally, winemakers use a single type of oak or several separate barrels to add layers of complexity to finished wines, but multi-oak barrels take a step out of the process, and let winemakers age their wares in a whole new way.
At first glance, these fusion barrels don't look any different than their classic counterparts, but a closer look reveals differences in the size and shape of the wood grains, indicating different breeds of oak. By combining oak types in a single barrel–interspersing varieties in the staves, heads, or both–winemakers create a flavor cocktail for their wines without any blending.
Like herbs from the same family, all oak shares some characteristics, but the aromas, flavors, and tannins contributed by each breed can vary widely. Some, like French oak, have a tight grain that imparts fine tannins and the baking spice aromas often associated with oaky wines. American oak, on the other hand, has a looser grain that contributes big, bold tannins and tropical, herbal aromas. Differences in the grain also allow wines to integrate their unique attributes–flavors as varied as coconut, dill, vanilla, cinnamon, and nuts–into wines at different speeds. With fusion vessels, each barrel is like an herb sachet tossed into soup, adding multilayered complexity instead of the singular flavors of rosemary or sage, for example.
Generally, oak barrels act like a porous shield, protecting wine from bugs and bacteria while letting in tiny amounts of oxygen. Small amounts of air gradually and gently coax new flavors, aromas, and tannins from the wood into harsh and fruity new wines. Over the course of months or years, this coaxing transforms the flavors and aromas of wine from fruity and tannic to elegant, adding notes of spice and earthiness along the way.
"A winemaker's oak selection is like a chef's spice collection," explains winemaker Amy Ludovissy of Viansa Sonoma. "Each winemaker prefers some 'spices' over others. Some varieties work better with bigger, bolder American oak tannins, like Zinfandel, while others are best complemented by other oak."
Traditionally, winemakers who wanted a blend of oak–like those in Rioja and Ribera del Duero–would simply age some of their wines in American oak others in French oak. Once aged, the wines would be blended in precise proportions. Now, mixed barrels can evenly and simultaneously impart a specific ratio of qualities from each type of oak. Bodegas Beronia, for example, uses barrels with American oak staves and French oak heads to get the perfect ratio of bold flavors for its Tempranillo-based wines.
Not only does this make the eventual blending process simpler by removing the math, it lets winemakers experiment more easily. "You only need one barrel to achieve the impact rather than using three," says Ludovissy, "And the rate of extraction is achieved at exactly the same rate."
Ludovissy's barrels combine all three oak types, a combination she thinks is excellent for Zinfandel."I think the blend of French, American, and Hungarian works very well with Zinfandel in particular because the tannins from the oak complement the natural tannins in the fruit," she says.
Together, the oaks in Ludovissy's fusion barrels contribute a Christmas spice quality that adds incredible complexity to wines, especially Viansa's 2015 Moon Mountain Zinfandel in which red fruit, herbs, and smoke combine with these spices in a delicious and complex wine.
While most coopers aren't mass-producing multi-oak barrels (yet) it's easy to taste the complexity these vessels add, and it's delicious. Adding more versatility to winemaking is a win-win, since it lets winemakers experiment more. That means more and different wines, and more tasty vino for all drinkers. Who knows? Maybe the cilantro of wine will soon be more like basil — adored by all.
By: Laura Burgess
Laura Burgess is a wine enthusiast, and recent West Coast transplant who now lives nestled in the foothills of California's Sierra Nevada, surrounded by baby grapevines. Find her at Laura Uncorked.
***Grabbed from: http://vinepair.com/articles/is-multi-oak-barrel-the-future-of-winemaking-and-the-end-of-blending/
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For the seventh time Filmhuis Lumen will be the beating heart of the annual water film festival Let's Talk About Water during the last two weeks of February 2019. As usual we provide the screening of ground-breaking documentaries and classics of great cinematographic beauty and significance around the theme of water. Moreover, during the festival, we welcome illustrious guests from home and abroad and we will enable some unexpected encounters.
The various program elements of the festival will circle around the concept of water as a carrier of materials and energy, the crucial elements in a circular economy. The versatile instrument 'cinema' can help initiating the changes that are needed, because the beauty of film is that it can open our eyes, touch our souls, elevate our spirits and influence our behaviour.
The opening film of the festival on Monday evening 18 February is WOMAN IN THE DUNES, a Japanese new wave cult film from 1964 about a Sisyphus torture on a sand excavation. On Tuesday evening, February 19, we will screen RiverBlue, a pioneering documentary about perhaps the most polluting industry in the world: the clothing industry. The next day (Wednesday afternoon, February 20) everybody is welcome in the TU Library for the event Detox Your Fashion; 'guilt free fashion' on the catwalk. The pieces are designed by about 100 students from the Zadkine college in Rotterdam. A show will start at 12h30 and at 17h00. Admission is free.
Woman and the glacier is an award-winning documentary that will illuminate the festival on Friday evening 22 February. The film makes us part of the loneliness that a female scientist chooses to reconnect with the world. On Wednesday, February 20th it is time for the neo-noir sci-fi film Blade Runner (1982). Replicant Roy Batty, played by Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, seems more human than man when he makes his legendary 'Tears in the rain' speech.
Japanese new wave cult film from 1964 about a sandy Sisyphus task, which symbolizes finding our authenticity in an apparently senseless, absurd world. With debate and guest speakers Gilles Erkens (geologist) and Fedor Baart (hydrologist), both working at Deltares. // Japanse new wave cultfilm uit 1964 over een zanderige Sisyphus-taak, die symbool staat voor het vinden van onze authenticiteit in een schijnbaar zinloze, absurde wereld. Met debat en gastsprekers Gilles Erkens (geoloog) en Fedor Baart (hydroloog), beiden werkzaam bij Deltares.


Notes from Sabbath School on the Larger Catechism, WLC #187 — How is the Lord's Prayer to be used?
WLC #187 — Q. How is the Lord's Prayer to be used?
In what ways may the Lord's Prayer serve as a model for our prayers?
A model of requests for material and spiritual needs with forgiveness of sins.
How may it be used as a prayer.
With conscious guarding against formalism.
Not for the New Covenant?
Not a prayer in the name of Christ?
As this prayer is to "Our Father" it is necessarily offered in and through Christ, for it is only in Christ that we may have God as our Father.
Posted: 10|25|08 at 5:01 pm. Filed under: Sabbath School.


What activities do we offer schools?
Climbing and abseiling in the morning followed by gorge walking in the afternoon. A great fun filled day and suitable for both primary and secondary schools. Many of our year 6 and year 9 groups come back year after year.
A mixture of canoeing, rafting, gorge walking, orienteering, climbing, abseiling. Each child picks two half day activities to make a full day session. A real winner and one of our best sellers.
A full day mountain scrambling up Crinkle Ghyll followed by a walk around the Crinkles and back for ice creams at the Dungeon ghyll hotel. Suitable for year 9 upwards.
A full day on Striding and Swirral edge. More ice creams at Glenridding.
A mass ascent of Snowdon.
Learning to lead climb in Borrowdale. Suitable for year 9 upwards.
The Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge.
Treking in Norway for 3 weeks.
Weaseling and abseiling in the Peak district.
Why should I bring my school with climb365?
We have been working with schools for over 20 years and work hard to make our sessions fun and interesting for the pupils. Many of our schools repeat book with us and come back again and again. Both Stuart and Anna hold the MIC qualification which is the highest UK mountain qualification so we really know what we are talking about and can offer a wide range of activities safely. We try to be as flexible as possible and offer you the day that will suit your pupils. Please ring or email to discuss. We are Aala licensed.
Where will the day take place?
There are many different venues and it depends on what type of adventure activity you want. Full day sessions made up from half days often take place in Langdale.
Ages suitable and other requirements?
We are Aala licensed to work with under 18′s. Please discuss any special requirments your pupils may have and we will do our best to accommodate you.
We provide all technical kit for the activities.
All pupils will need a packed lunch for full day activities.
Pupils doing climbing and abseiling will need to wear trainers, long trousers and clothing appropriate to the weather.
Pupils doing the half days sessions for ghyll scrambling, canoeing and rafting will need to wear jogging bottoms, long sleeved top and fleece jumper as well as waterproof trousers and tops and old trainers. They will need a full change of clothes and a towel.
Pupils doing mountain scrambling will need to wear trainers, have a spare jumper and waterproofs in a rucksack, bring a drink and packed lunch.
Please have a look at the other adventure activities.


text:
Some passing clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable..
Some passing clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 73F. Winds light and variable.
Oklahoma State's Zach Bauchou, teeing off here during the 2018 NCAA Division I men's golf championships in Stillwater, Oklahoma, was named an honorable mention on the 2019 PING All-America team on Friday, June 21, 2019. The Forest native helped the Cowboys to the national semifinals in his senior season in 2019 and has since turned pro.
Mitch Alcala/The Associated Press
Three local men's golfers named to All-America team
Oklahoma State graduate Zach Bauchou and a pair of Liberty golfers were named honorable mentions on the PING All-America team, announced Friday by the Golf Coaches Association of America.
Bauchou, a Forest native who has turned pro since graduation, helped lead the Cowboys to the NCAA national semifinals. He was also an honorable-mention selection for Golfweek's All-America team. He had one win, 11 top fives and 18 top-10 finishes in his career at OSU.
Liberty graduate Gabe Lench and rising senior Ervin Chang became the second and third All-Americans in program history.
Lench was the first player in program history to advance to the final day of stroke play at the national championships and finished in a tie for 24th. Chang was named the Atlantic Sun Conference men's golf scholar-athlete of the year and male student-athlete of the year.
Scott Zaring no longer JF boys soccer coach
Rustburg hires former Altavista boys basketball coach Troy Harris
All-Area Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year: Evie Budzyn, E.C. Glass
All-Area Girls Tennis Player of the Year: Megan Knight, E.C. Glass
All-Area Boys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Matthew Gallagher, E.C. Glass
Athletic Awards 2018-2019
Find It Business Directory
Discover Central Virginia
G.W. Services
G.W. Services Tin Roof Painting Make your old metal roofs look new again Interior & Exterior Painting. Shingle Roofs & Vinyl Siding - All Types of Repairs. 1-434-270-6239 ~ Greg Walton **MOST CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED**


Dawson, Elsa. 2005. "Strategic Gender Mainstreaming in Oxfam GB." Gender & Development 13 (2): 80–89.
This article describes and assesses a strategy to mainstream gender issues in the South America region of Oxfam GB, both in its programme and in the organisation's internal systems and procedures. The experience shows that relating gender equality to strategic thinking is key to its effective incorporation into a programme. If staff do not see gender equality as a central part of what they are meant to be working on, they are unlikely to dedicate time to it. This depends both on managerial clarity and written plans.


When her weight kept this adventure-seeker from riding a zipline, she vowed to change. Now, nothing stands in her way.
*People following the WW program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds/week. Nichole lost weight on a prior program and is continuing on WW FreestyleTM. Watch how Nichole high-kicks to all her goals in the video below.
I'm a cooking teacher by day and adventure seeker by night (weekends, too!). But my weight used to hold me back. At 34, I was too heavy to ride a zip line, and it was frustrating. To cope, I turned to food — and I needed to change that.
Weight was always an issue for me, but it really started getting bad during middle school. I figured that was the way I was supposed to be. I'd lose a little weight and then gain it back. The pregnancies made it more difficult. It felt like the older I got, the more difficult it was to lose. The zipline incident was the critical point, though — my weight had become too much.
I started attending WW Workshops and using the WW app. I liked the combination of the two. I have a super busy schedule so I love being able to track and quickly access all of the recipes on my phone. But I also go to Workshops because I need that support group. At first, I was nervous — I was facing a new environment, new people, and a weekly Wellness Check-in. But after about a month, I felt completely comfortable.
I started taking tae kwon do classes years ago, but I wasn't really enjoying it. It was really hard on my limbs and knees; when I'd perform the moves, it felt like I was carrying a first grader on my back. Since losing the weight, I'm able to move around much more and my strength has increased. The area where I notice the most improvement is my cardiovascular strength. Before losing the weight, I used to get out of breath very quickly. I can do a whole round of sparring now. My flexibility is also better — I can do a full split!
I teach cooking classes for 11-18 year olds. Now, I show them how to make meals like turkey sausage tortellini soup instead of mac 'n' cheese. I also talk about portion control — it's important that the students learn those types of lessons at this age. I always tell them it's not about being skinny, it's about being healthy. Instead of going out to eat, you can cook a delicious meal for yourself at home. I've always wanted to be a role model for kids and now I feel like I am!
Running is brand new to me. I always said, "Running? No way, not for me." But here I am running! I did a 10k trail-run this March. My heart feels so much stronger. I feel like now there isn't anything on the list that I can't do.