text:
Moleculin Announces Additional Positive Interim Results in First Cohort of Phase 1/2 Clinical Studies of Annamycin in Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Europe
MBRX News
2 of 3 patients qualify to proceed to a potentially curative bone marrow transplant; trial advances to next higher dose level
Houston, TX – May 7, 2019 – Moleculin Biotech, Inc., (Nasdaq: MBRX) ("Moleculin" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company with a broad portfolio of drug candidates targeting highly resistant tumors, today announced additional positive interim safety and efficacy data from its ongoing open label, single arm Phase 1/2 study of Annamycin in Poland. After receiving a single starting dose of 120 mg/m2 in the first cohort of the dose escalation phase of the trial, 2 of 3 patients treated responded sufficiently to qualify for a potentially curative bone marrow transplant. The results for all 3 patients were reviewed by the Safety Review Committee, which determined that no drug-related adverse events were observed that would prevent advancing the trial to the next higher dose level of 150 mg/m2. To date in the European trial, one patient experienced grade 2 mucositis (which resolved to grade 1 within 2 days) and no other adverse events related to Annamycin have been reported. No additional patient data have been developed in the Company's parallel US clinical trial, which is currently recruiting its second cohort to be given a dose level of 120 mg/m2 (the US trial started at a lower initial dose of 100 mg/m2).
"The progress in Europe, specifically Poland, continues to be encouraging," commented Walter Klemp, Moleculin's Chairman and CEO. "In just a few months, we have completed the first cohort and we've seen a partial response from 2 out of 3 patients sufficient to qualify them for a potentially curative bone marrow transplant. It's important to remember that these are relapsed or refractory patients for whom the standard of care failed. So, to see this kind of response at the starting dose level in the dose-ranging phase, we believe is quite remarkable. And, although this data is still preliminary and may not be indicative of the ultimate outcome of the trial, the improvement in activity at 120 mg/m2 in Poland as compared with the 100 mg/m2 cohort in the US is consistent with our expectations for Annamycin."
Mr. Klemp continued: "Recognizing that cardiotoxicity is a significant limitation of existing therapies, we are pleased that we continue to see no evidence of cardiotoxicity in any of the patients treated thus far. Specifically, there was no observed reduction in left ventricle ejection fraction, which is the standard metric for acute cardiotoxicity, nor any change in biomarkers that would indicate the potential for long-term cardiovascular impairment. This is an important step in the ongoing clinical study of Annamycin and toward our goal of ultimately demonstrating the drug's safety and effectiveness to support regulatory approval in both the US and European Union."
Dr. Robert Shepard, Moleculin's Chief Medical Officer for Annamycin added: "With the Polish trial now progressing to 150 mg/m2, we expect to see even better results. And, although 150 mg/m2 was the maximum tolerable dose established by the prior developer of Annamycin due to the incidence of mucositis in patients above that dose level, now that the cryotherapy protocol is well understood to mitigate the potential for dose-limiting mucositis, there is a good opportunity for dose levels to progress even beyond 150 mg/m2, so the potential to help patients is very exciting."
The Company is studying Annamycin in both the US and Poland in open label, single arm clinical trials to assess the safety and efficacy of Annamycin for the treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia. The US and Polish trials have the same study design, consisting of a Phase 1 intended to establish a "Recommended Phase 2 Dose" ("RP2D"), to which the studies will then proceed. The Phase 1 studies provide for escalating doses in cohorts of 3 patients each, with each successive cohort receiving the next higher dose level until "dose limiting toxicities" prevent further increases. Cohort 1 in Poland received a dose of 120 mg/m2, and the results permit moving to 150 mg/m2. Cohort 1 in the US started at 100 mg/m2, and the results support moving to 120 mg/m2, and the Company is now seeking patients for the second cohort in both studies. (Because one patient in US cohort 1 did not complete the evaluation protocol, a fourth patient was added to complete that cohort.) Once the Company establishes an RP2D, the intent is for each trial to advance to a Phase 2 arm planned to assess the safety and efficacy of Annamycin in 21 additional patients.
We plan to report top-line results by cohort in each trial, with each announcement also including an update on the other trial. Top-line results will include reporting of any drug-related adverse events ("AEs") and assessment of cardiotoxicity, including Echo or MUGA scans measuring change in ejection fraction and measuring blood troponin level, which is considered a biomarker for potential long-term cardiovascular impairment. To date, one patient experienced grade 2 mucositis (which resolved to grade 1 within 2 days) and no other drug-related AEs have been reported. Also, no loss of ejection fraction or reduction in Troponin levels has been reported. Top-line results will also include the number of partial responses ("PRs"), complete responses ("CRs") and patients deemed capable of progressing to a potentially curative bone marrow transplant, which we term "bridge to transplant" ("BTs"), each of which is essentially a function of the magnitude of reduction in a patient's bone marrow blasts. For purposes of these clinical trials, a CR means, primarily, that the patient's bone marrow blasts reduced to 5% or less, a PR means the patient's bone marrow blasts reduced, but not to the level of a CR, and a BT means patients are deemed capable of progressing to a potentially curative bone marrow transplant. To date, there have been no PRs, CRs or BTs in the US trial, which has treated 4 patients at 100 mg/m2, and 2 PRs and BTs out of 3 patients treated in the Polish trial at 120 mg/m2.
The US trial also differs from the Polish trial in that the FDA would like to review safety data relating to cardiotoxicity from patients treated prior to advancing beyond 120 mg/m2. The Company believes that the additional patient safety data gained from the Polish trial may also assist in the FDA's review of cardiac safety.
About Moleculin Biotech, Inc.
Moleculin Biotech, Inc. is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of a broad portfolio of oncology drug candidates for the treatment of highly resistant tumors. The Company's clinical stage drugs are: Annamycin, a Next Generation Anthracycline, designed to avoid multidrug resistance mechanisms with little to no cardiotoxicity being studied for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia, more commonly referred to as AML, WP1066, an Immune/Transcription Modulator capable of inhibiting p-STAT3 and other oncogenic transcription factors while also stimulating a natural immune response, targeting brain tumors, pancreatic cancer and hematologic malignancies, and WP1220, an analog to WP1066, for the topical treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Moleculin is also engaged in preclinical development of additional drug candidates, including additional Immune/Transcription Modulators, as well as compounds capable of Metabolism/Glycosylation Inhibition.
For more information about the Company, please visit http://www.moleculin.com.
Some of the statements in this release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to successfully recruit patients to complete its clinical trials and the ability of Annamycin to show safety and efficacy in patients. Although Moleculin believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, expectations may prove to have been materially different from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Moleculin Biotech has attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "believes," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "projects," "intends," "potential," "may," "could," "might," "will," "should," "approximately" or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, including those discussed under Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our most recently filed Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and updated from time to time in our Form 10-Q filings and in our other public filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this release speak only as of its date. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after its date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. The Company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the interim results announced today.
Joe Dorame, Robert Blum or Joe Diaz
Lytham Partners, LLC
mbrx@lythampartners.com
Source: Moleculin Biotech, Inc.


Ewald's Venus Ford in Cudahy WI is all you need when it comes down to new and used Ford SUV models for sale, as Ewald's Venus Ford has a large inventory filled with new and used Ford vehicles for sale that drivers everywhere love. Ewald's Venus Ford in Cudahy WI has plenty of new and used Ford vehicles for sale, from new Ford SUV models for sale to used Ford truck models for sale and even more. On top of our great selection of new Ford vehicles for sale, are our many incredible prices and offers that make it much easier to afford the vehicle you desire. So come on in to Ewald's Venus Ford in Cudahy WI today and check out our wide assortment of new Ford SUV models for sale and more, such as this new Ford Explorer for lease and sale, the 2017 Ford Explorer XLT.
This new Ford Explorer for lease and sale is a wonderful and powerful vehicle that drivers everywhere enjoy driving around, and is supplied with many incredible features to enjoy and more. Inside this new 2017 Ford Explorer for lease and sale you will find a powerful and strong 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 Engine that includes Flexible Fuel Vehicle capability, which helps provide drivers like you with a speed of up to 280 horse power, and an impressive towing capacity of around 2000 pounds, as well as a surprisingly efficient fuel economy of up to 19 City mpg and 27 highway mpg. This New Ford Explorer for lease and sale is also equipped with many awesome features to enjoy and more, such as the Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors, and the MP3 Compatible Radio, and the Onboard Hands-Free Communications System and even more. Stop on in to Ewald's Venus Ford in Cudahy WI today if you want to see what else this new Ford Explorer for lease and sale has to offer you.


text:
Blood-C - Eps. 5-12
Watching the first few episodes of Blood-C was a bit like having a conversation with a particularly dull celebrity - lots of meaningless small talk punctuated by occasional reminders of why you're even talking to them in the first place, that being that they're actually exceedingly good at doing what is required of them when push comes to shove.
Along those lines, Blood-C's early efforts were filled almost to the brim with the minutiae of its world, having us following its protagonist Saya as she went to school, hung out with her friends, drank coffee, ate snacks, drank some more coffee, ate lunch... you get the point. These countless scenes of a dull, listless nature were only made bearable by the show's action portions, which saw Saya slicing and dicing with various monsters going by the collective name of the Elder Bairns. Thankfully, by the end of its fourth episode the show's more than subtle hints were pointing towards this being more than simply a monster of the week affair - something altogether more nefarious is at work within this otherwise sleepy town. But what?
Despite those hints, and regardless of the increasing questions which begin to swim around Saya about her true nature and exactly why she's been tasked with fighting the Elder Bairns, it isn't until the show's penultimate episode that we finally see our questions answered, via a revelation that requires substantial suspension of disbelief but one that is an excellent punch to the gut considering all that's come before. This in turn leads to a brutal finale which paves the way towards next year's theatrical Blood-C movie, while still drawing a line under the content of this TV series in a relatively satisfactory manner.
We are, however, getting ahead of ourselves here - what of the rest of the series until this final denouement? In truth, it's very much a mixed bag. Saya's battles against the Elder Bairns only become more bloody, fascinating and visceral as the series progresses, even more so as her friends and classmates are thrown into the midst of the fray with no holds barred and no attempt to spare the viewer from its sickening, bone-crunching violence - aside from the inevitable TV broadcast censorship which deprives (or perhaps saves) us from "the juicy bits". These scenes are clearly where the real effort of Blood-C has been focused, containing lots of visual brilliance (albeit tempered by NicoNico's horrible low-quality streams) to shock and enthral the viewer, and they are often both uncomfortable yet fascinating to watch as a result.
Despite these moments of wide-eyed wonder mixed with revulsion, Blood-C continues to have some rather large problems which it fails to deal with. Until its final episodes we still find ourselves having to suffer dull, long-winded scenes of Saya drinking coffee which are still not justified by their final pay-off, while other scenes of dialogue are either laughably stupid or simply not very interesting or revealing.
Equally damaging to the series is that Saya is... how do I put this... rubbish at protecting her supposed friends and fellow townsfolk. Episode after episode sees Saya watching in shock until after someone has been devoured before leaping into action, then breaking down in shock at the death and carnage she's just witnessed. Perhaps if she's been a little more expedient, none of this would have even happened? This is simply one example of a wider problem within Blood-C as it occasionally bumps unexpectedly upon the edges of unintentional hilarity - a ridiculously mistimed confession of love takes the edge off of a great episode (even if the reason for said confession soon becomes clear), while the level of violence in the final instalment is frequently tear-jerking - tears of cruel laughter that is, as humans are stuffed into a bag and then literally blended by a monster. One shouldn't laugh at such things, but they're presented in such a way that you simply can't help yourself.
These misunderstandings as to how such moments will be interpreted by viewers is a real shame, as it detracts from a series that can be powerful and provide some smart twists and turns as it progresses - you can't watch the first half of episode nine with anything other than horrified fascination as the highlight of numerous similar moments throughout the show. Arguably Blood-C's biggest flaw is that ultimately it's set out to be controversial and blood-soaked only to swing too far in that direction towards accidental comedy, but regardless it has the feeling of a brave series that looks the part but never quite adds up to the sum of some of its component parts. Perhaps Production IG can learn from this experience and provide the blood and guts without the sniggers and giggles when Blood-C hits the silver screen.
Premium Members of its service can currently watch Blood-C in streaming form on NicoNico.
Japanese audio with English subtitles, 360p streaming resolution.
The most fantastically blood-soaked violence you're likely to find in modern anime is coupled with some great ideas - just try not to giggle when things get a little over the top.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Chris Jericho body slams himself at CBC.ca/watch
By Bill Brioux December 7, 2017
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email
Got to meet six-time WWE champion-turned-rocker-turned actor Chris Jericho last week at the CBC Winter launch.
Born in New York but raised in Winnipeg, the friendly 47-year-old was there to promote his new comedy But I'm Chris Jericho, who premieres today, Thursday, Dec. 7 on CBC.ca/watch.
Actually, premiere is the wrong word. A first season was made and ran five years ago. It's taken a long time, but CBC stepped up and decided they wanted to do a second season. Episode 201, "Space Crusaders, Ahoy!" premieres Thursday, with Stephanie Haliner (Terrific Woman) guest starring.
Me and Chris at the CBC Winter launch
The series is a part Episodes — the Showtime series where Matt LeBlanc makes fun of his TV star self– and part Curb Your Enthusiasm. Jericho is third or fourth banana on a third-rate Canadian sci-fi series but thinks he's the star. He's vain and braggy and everything a WWE wrestler-turned-actor should be.
In real life, Jericho is much more down to earth. I told him one of my favourite interviews ever was speaking to the late, great Gene Kiniski 15 or so years ago when I was at the Toronto Sun. Kiniski was old then but still seething; just a big wall of crabby. Kiniski was well into his sixties but not long retired from the ring; in fact, Jerchio says he fought against him in one of his first tag team matches.
One of the co-stars from the first season is Colin Mochrie. Jericho says he was thrilled when Mochrie was quick to say yes to more shenanigans together. On the third new episode, "Peace Out," Mochrie guests after Jericho unwittingly lands in hot water after rejecting a Canadian peacemonger's invitation to a dance. Kevin McDonald (Kids in the Hall) also guests in an episode or two.
Watch the new season here at ButImChrisJericho.com.
But I'm Chris JerichoCBC.caChris JerichoColin MochrieWWE
Q&A: Sherman-Paladino on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
November 28, 2017 6 Mins Read
F-bombs hit targets at annual Air Farce taping
HBO Max to debut in May — but not in Canada
Gervais lets Hollywood have it right between the Golden Globes


text:
+++
Talk_date = "2019-06-03"
Talk_start_time = "12:30"
Talk_end_time = "13:00"
Title = "Scaling Silos: Distributed Knowledge"
Type = "talk"
Speakers = ["grace-chang"]
+++

In a distributed cloud world, we are frequently talking about how to scale our systems so that they are reliable, resilient, and fault-tolerant. But these concepts don't just apply to the computational aspect. A somewhat unconventional experiment of trying to work for a month without using StackOverflow showed that we can actually reuse the concepts we are already familiar with and apply them to the way we share knowledge within our teams.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Red Morgan remembered: A 92nd Bombardment Group Medal of Honor recipient
2nd Lt. John C. "Red" Morgan is presented the Medal of Honor by Gen. Ira C. Eaker after returning an unbelievably damaged B-17 Flying Fortress and crew home following a bombing mission with fatal ramifications over Germany during World War II, Dec. 18, 1943. (U.S. Air Force photo)
By Dan Simmons
92nd Air Refueling Wing Historian (Retired)
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- As we approach the end of July, I am reminded of a truly remarkable event in the heritage of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing that occurred on July 26, 1943. The lineage and honors of the 92nd ARW dates back to the 92nd Bombardment Group of World War II, a B-17 Flying Fortress unit that displayed extraordinary heroism over the skies of Nazi-occupied Europe.
One of the heroes of that legendary group, 2nd Lt. John C. "Red" Morgan, earned the Medal of Honor as a B-17 copilot during a bombing mission over Germany. As is normally the case with Medal of Honor recipients, the story of how Morgan earned the medal is unbelievable, sounding more like a Hollywood script than an actual mission. In fact, the story of the fictional Lt. Jesse Bishop in the movie "Twelve O'clock High" was based on Morgan's mission in the "Ruthie II." I could try to recount the story, but I feel it is best if you just read the citation printed below.
Citation: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, while participating on a bombing mission over enemy-occupied continental Europe. Prior to reaching the German coast on the way to the target, the B-17 airplane in which 2nd Lt. "Red" Morgan was serving as a copilot was attacked by a large force of enemy fighters, during which the oxygen system to the tail, waist and radio gun positions was knocked out. A frontal attack placed a cannon shell through the windshield, totally shattering it, and the pilot's skull was split open by a .303-caliber shell, leaving him in a crazed condition. The pilot fell over the steering wheel, tightly clamping his arm around it. Morgan at once grasped the controls from his side and, by sheer strength, pulled the airplane back into formation despite the frantic struggles of the semiconscious pilot. The interphone had been destroyed, rendering it impossible to call for help. At this time the top turret gunner fell to the floor and down through the hatch with his arm shot off at the shoulder and a gaping wound in his side. The waist, tail and radio gunners had lost consciousness from lack of oxygen and, hearing no fire from other guns, the copilot believed they had bailed out. The wounded pilot still offered desperate resistance in his crazed attempts to fly the airplane. There remained the prospect of flying to and over the target and back to a friendly base wholly unassisted. In the face of this desperate situation, Morgan made his decision to continue the flight and protect any members of the crew who might still be in the ship and for two hours he flew in formation with one hand at the controls and the other holding off the struggling pilot before the navigator entered the steering compartment and relieved the situation. The miraculous and heroic performance of Morgan on this occasion resulted in the successful completion of a vital bombing mission and the safe return of his airplane and crew."
The pilot died shortly after the landing in England, but every other crew member survived. Morgan was presented the Medal of Honor by Lt. Gen. Ira Eaker on Dec. 18, 1943, and was directed to fly no more combat. But Morgan did not heed this guidance and volunteered for several more missions, including the first raid over Berlin on March 6, 1944. On that day his B-17 was shot down and he became a prisoner of war until May 1, 1945. Morgan died in Papillion, Nebraska, on Jan. 17, 1991, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Fairchild News
Fairchild Airmen rescue injured person near Schweitzer Mountain
CMSAF JoAnne S. Bass visits Team Fairchild
Rescue Squadron UH-1N reaches 20,000 flight hours, becomes DOD's longest active 'Huey'
Airman 1st Class Samy Tcheuffa
Wreaths Across America at Fort Wright Cemetery
AMC News
Mobility Warriors re-familiarize themselves with M-4 rifle
ROTC cadets work with AMC, AFWERX to conduct suicide prevention research
Dover AFB Airman applies the ART of initiative
Air Force News
AEDC team members assist with bat research
Department of the Air Force review to improve domestic violence support to victims
DoD releases Small Business Strategy
AF Week in Photos
Find Us on the AF Connect App


text:
Thanksgiving in Tilden Park: A Kind of Homecoming
After living the unfamiliar for so long, the idea of home becomes powerfully linked with an oversimplified image of American life.
Alissa Greenberg
On Thanksgiving last year, my friends arrived for dinner just past 9 p.m. They filed into my cramped apartment carrying bottles of wine, braised green beans, mashed potatoes made with olive oil, and tapas of jamón iberico and manchego cheese. I had made an apple crisp masquerading as pie and cranberry sauce from re-invigorated Craisins; a rotisserie chicken stood in for a turkey. Two large tortilla de patatas (a quiche-like dish thick with eggs, potatoes, and olive oil) stood in for nothing but were there nonetheless, staples of nearly every Castilian meal. Before we ate, I told a simplified version of the Thanksgiving story in my halting, uneven Spanish, and we went around the little table and each said something we were thankful for.
My list of things to be thankful for was long, and my life in Spain was at the top. I lived in various small towns around the country from 2011 to 2014, three years out of a nomadic period that lasted most of my twenties. I was wildly grateful to be living abroad: I relished the constant newness and loved the challenges and little puzzles that every day brought. I ate lunch at 2:30 p.m., got in the habit of taking a mid-day siesta, and became addicted to tiny cups of café con leche. Mondays and Thursdays I took flamenco lessons at a local studio. The plaza where I lived faced the ruins of an 8th-century palace.
But Thanksgiving remained a tether connecting me to my life in America. My memories of the holiday each year—whether they included elaborate cooking, family squabbles, beer and football, or quiet time on the couch—were something I used as a marker, to bring me back to who and where I had been before. Celebrating the holiday in Spain meant it was possible to fool my taste buds into believing I was back on my own turf, if only for a day. It meant an opportunity to say to my friends and co-workers: Here, you've taught me so much about new music, new traditions, new tastes. Let me show you a little about where I'm from. Let me remind myself.
After those three happy years, I followed a long-incubating dream and moved back to the United States to go to journalism school at the University of California-Berkeley. While I mourned my last tapas and destined-to-turn-rusty Spanish, I had to admit I was looking forward to a return to the familiar: living as the proverbial fish out of water takes a great deal of extra energy and effort. I had traveled to more than 40 countries during my nomadic years, and in my mind the places I had visited, including Spain, were grouped into a distinct, foreign category known as "far." Conversely, anywhere in the U.S. was "near." I hoped that re-immersing myself in that nearness, returning to my "native habitat," would mean that daily life that would come more naturally. Just by virtue of coming back to my own country, I thought, I would feel at ease and at home.
I arrived in the U.S. in time for autumn. As a New England native, fall was always my favorite times of year, but the temperature in Spain had rarely dipped below 50 degrees. I was looking forward to a return to the beloved fall activities of my childhood: watching my breath pool in the air early in the morning, rubbing the condensation from frost-covered windows, exploring pick-your-own back country apple orchards. So it was that, despite California's sun-kissed reputation, some part of me was still disheartened and disoriented by the lack of frosted panes in Berkeley's brightly colored cottages. Instead, flowers bloomed everywhere, their heavy scent blanketing the sidewalks. It mingled with the fog that hung on the eaves and lampposts, along with purple King's Mantle and fuchsia bougainvillea that bloomed ferociously even as fall wore on.
October–the Bay Area's famous Indian summer—was beautiful but no less strange. Just when I expected the darkness of winter to begin its advance, I would come outside in 80-degree weather to find a flaming red tree or bush losing its leaves exactly as if it were a crisp fall day. As an East Coast native, I had believed that trees lost their leaves as a result of the cold weather, not biological habit. The effect was disorienting and, in upending my assumptions about the rhythms of the natural world, made everything feel deeply off balance.
What might have normally helped me find my bearings—food or language, compasses of "hereness" and home—gave me little comfort. The produce was dizzyingly diverse; Bay Area pizza often featured olive oil instead of tomato sauce and, perplexingly, corn. Instead of my beloved Bostonian "wicked," my classmates exclaimed that it was "hella" hot outside and had a confusing tendency to flip the ends of their sentences up like questions. I hadn't imagined I'd feel culture shock at home, but that's exactly what it was.
In another country, all of these departures would have been new and fascinating, even welcome. Instead, I felt adrift. I had expected to slide easily into my new life. I wasn't supposed to mix up bus stops and get utterly lost; I wasn't supposed to be overwhelmed by the chaos of the supermarket. I wasn't supposed to sit in my apartment missing Spain so much that my chest ached and the room swam.
Looking northeast from "Inspiration Point" in Tilden Regional Park.
(Photo: Wesman83/Wikimedia Commons)
It was in one of those moments, trying to make sense of my conflicting sense of loss, loneliness, and frustration under an improbably hot Halloween sun, that I understood my overseas obsession with celebrating Thanksgiving. My nomadic life had been possible entirely because I was anchored by that idea of home, a constant in an existence filled with newness and change that I could both look back at and forward to. Having an anchor back home meant never having to drop one wherever I was. Strictly speaking, my new West Coast escapade looked an awful lot like the adventures I had enjoyed in the past, but I wasn't prepared to be so adaptable now that California was blurring the definition of "home" that had kept me steady. Where, or what, was my anchor now?
It seems only right, then, that my first Thanksgiving back in the U.S. was the moment that compelled me toward a more flexible attitude. Looking forward to a day of stability in a season of newness and uncertainty, I imagined beloved holiday traditions: blearily watching the Macy's Parade over cereal and coffee, snitching apples coated in butter and brown sugar from the bowl as my father prepared his famous apple pie, and watching my aunt mix her signature stuffing with spring onions and raisins. But instead my parents flew west from Boston to celebrate in Berkeley with longtime family friends. It was time for new traditions, they said.
We planned a buffet Thanksgiving picnic in Tilden Park, a tangle of old-growth greenery spread out over Berkeley's hills. My father's childhood best friend and his children came, along with their partners and friends. Under a 70-degree sun we ate butter-smothered mashed potatoes, classic candied sweet potatoes with molasses, and the requisite turkey with gravy—all on picnic tables under the shade of pine trees. The weather was uncannily gorgeous, the setting stunning. It felt bizarre.
Someone had prepared two kinds of quinoa; another guest had brought a massaged kale salad; and on a separate table a flotilla of pumpkin pies waited, creamy golden and beautiful. Three separate guests had made the pies, and throughout the meal everyone exclaimed over them, remarking on their extraordinary hues and scents of nutmeg and cinnamon. My father had even made an extra pumpkin instead of his usual apple. No one else had made an apple pie, either. Instead, along with our pumpkin pie we ate Meyer lemon bars, glazed and shining; Meyer lemon cake topped with chocolate frosting and pomegranate seeds; and fresh figs from someone's front yard. It made sense, I told myself, my chest constricting. After all, I knew at least five people with lemon or fig trees on their property.
In spite of everything I knew I was lucky to have; in spite of the love surrounding me and the rich opportunities that continued to present themselves, Thanksgiving didn't feel right without apple pie. In the days that followed, the profusion of Meyer lemon everything became an apple-pie-shaped hole, somehow symbolizing the things I didn't yet have on the West Coast: the friends I hadn't made, the ease I couldn't grasp, a cure for my constant cravings for café con leche.
I didn't want to feel like this, so focused on my frustration and loneliness. I wanted to understand what was keeping me stuck. In this beautiful new world, why could I only see what I didn't have? To try to get some perspective, I called Hannah, a friend who had also recently moved back to Ohio from Spain. The advice she gave me was illuminating. After living the unfamiliar for so long, my idea of home had become powerfully linked with an oversimplified image of American life. If "home" meant "America" and "America" meant "near," in my mind that meant I would arrive in the U.S. and fall back into old routines, feeling settled and grounded right away.
But I realized dividing the world into "near" and "far" erased some of its beautiful complexity. It didn't do justice to the diverse shades of home or to the subtleties of homesickness, what Spaniards call morriña, the nuances of which meant that you could ache for a crowded Spanish street at twilight or an absent apple pie and actually be missing the same thing. Such a divide didn't acknowledge that I wasn't the same person who had left to travel and live abroad. And it didn't honor the fact that, as unfamiliar as it had been, I had made a kind of home in Spain.
In fact, it was that stable certainty of the U.S. as home that had fostered my personal growth there. The rhythm of Spanish late-night dinners and afternoon naps hadn't come easily to me; greeting friends with two kisses and shopping for produce at the grocería were habits that had initially felt alien and uncomfortable. But in reminding me of who I was and where I had come from, that sense of home had afforded me the confidence to domesticate what had at first been wild.
"Home is a process," Hannah told me on the phone. I was alone in my bedroom but batted tears away, frustrated that I couldn't jump ahead a few steps to feeling settled and at ease. Still, she was right: Moving to a familiar country instead of a new one doesn't mean a free pass excusing you from that slow domestication, the work that making a home requires. New friendships deepen slowly. Routines grow up like vines around our days. A new home takes a while to get under your skin.
As Hannah and I hung up, I thought back to Thanksgiving afternoon in Tilden Park. After our meal, a few of us wandered along a path through the redwoods and evergreens to Lake Anza. After Thanksgivings on the East Coast, we would sometimes take a walk in the darkness and freezing temperatures to settle our stomachs. That afternoon, nobody had shivered; I had even taken off my sweatshirt walking up the hill. My father and a few others invited me to walk around the lake with them, but an old ankle injury kept me from joining in. As they disappeared down the sun-dappled path, I had sat for a moment watching the ripples on the water and regretting the missed chance for a little more beauty, a little more time with loved ones.
I thought about the Tilden celebrations that stretched into the future. I wanted to be thankful not just for the homes I had had but for the new home I was still creating. I made a mental note for next Thanksgiving: "bring ankle brace" and "make apple pie."
University Of California-BerkeleyAutumnCaliforniaFallHolidaysThanksgivingSpain
The Weekend Essay
Alissa Greenberg is an independent journalist based in Berkeley, California, who covers stories at the intersection of science, business, history, and culture.


text:
Pop Star Goddesses: And How to Tap Into Their Energies to Invoke Your Best Self (Hardcover)
By Jennifer Keishin Armstrong
Not available for on-line purchase
A compendium of thirty-five incredible female pop stars whose energies, virtues, and vices make them the ideal role models for our age—powerful women who can teach us all how to discover our own inner goddess.
We are living in the age of the music goddess: Beyoncé. Lady Gaga. Taylor Swift. Katy Perry. Britney. Nicki Minaj. Cardi B. Pink. Madonna. Rihanna. Gwen Stefani. Alicia Keys. Kelly Clarkson.
Never before have so many women dominated their industry and pop culture itself with such creativity, passion, and force. Visionary and ferociously talented, these women are reshaping our society and our lives. In this stunningly designed compendium, Jennifer Armstrong offers an intimate, up-close look at thirty-five of pop music's most revered goddesses, analyzing their performances, songs, videos, interviews, social media, activism, and personal lives to illuminate their significance for both critics and fans.
These divas post astounding album sales, enjoy millions of radio plays, YouTube views, and social media followings, and sell out stadiums. While we are awed and inspired by their success, we worship them for so much more. Beyoncé's work ethic. Nicki Minaj's no-bullshit attitude. Taylor Swift's relatability. Pink's sense of social justice. Jennifer Lopez's transformation from "Jenny from the block" to fashion icon. Each of these goddesses speaks to us in her own unique way. Beyoncé is our superhuman alter ego; Britney is our survival instinct.
Armstrong pairs each pop star goddess with a corresponding goddess from ancient cultures, and offers advice on how to invoke the pop star goddess's energy in your own life, providing journal prompts and a Power Song List that allows you harness the power of a particular pop goddess's energy when you need it.
Filled with information, advice, insights, playlists, and forty gorgeous color illustrations, Pop Star Goddess will help you tune in and turn on your own divine energy.
The Pop Star Goddesses are: Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Taylor Swift, M.I.A., Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Carla Bruni, Pink, JLo, Kesha, Rihanna, Janelle Monae, Gwen Stephani, Alicia Keys, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Adele, Missy Elliott, Shakira, Solange, Miranda Lambert, Celine Dion, Sia, Queen Latifah, SZA, Kacey Musgraves, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Laura Jane Grace, Ariana Grande, Carly Rae Jepsen.
Jennifer Keishin Armstrong is the New York Times bestselling author of Seinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything; Mary and Lou and Rhoda and Ted; and Sex and the City and Us: How Four Single Women Changed the Way We Think, Live, and Love. She worked at Entertainment Weekly for a decade, and has written for many publications, including BBC Culture, the New York Times Book Review, Vice, New York magazine, and Billboard. She also speaks about pop culture history and creativity. Armstrong lives in New York City.
Publisher: Morrow Gift
Publication Date: April 7th, 2020
Humor / Topic / Celebrity & Popular Culture
Music / Genres & Styles / Pop Vocal
Humor / Topic / Religion
Kobo eBook (April 6th, 2020): $10.99


text:
45th National Society of Film Critics Awards - winners
The National Society of Film Critics held its annual meeting at Sardi's restaurant in New York City and 46 of the society's 61 members voted for their 2010 awards. As with many other critics' groups, they threw their support behind The Social Network, awarding it Best Picture, Best Director (David Fincher), Best Actor (Jesse Eisenberg) and Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin).
The surprising choice for Best Actress was Giovanna Mezzogiorno from the Italian film Vincere. The Supporting acting awards went to Geoffrey Rush (The King's Speech) and Olivia Williams (The Ghost Writer).
Although ineligible for the Academy Awards because it aired on French television as a mini-series, Carlos took the award for Best Foreign Language Film. The Best Nonfiction Film prize went to Inside Job.
The NSFC also issued two statements. One praised the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) for overturning their dubious NC-17 rating of Blue Valentine, but urged it to re-evaluate and overhaul the system. The other statement declared support for directors Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof who were jailed in Iran and banned from filmmaking for "colluding in gatherings and making propaganda against the regime."
The NSFC also designated six film heritage awards as follows: The Film Foundation, now celebrating its 20th anniversary; Chaplin at Keystone, a DVD collection of 34 silent films; The Elia Kazan Collection, a DVD collection of 15 films; Upstream, a rediscovered silent film by John Ford; On the Bowery, a 1955 film by Lionel Rogosin; the restoration of the early gay documentary Word Is Out.
The society dedicated the meeting to the memory of the late film scholar and Hollywood Reporter critic Peter Brunette.
Complete list of winners for the 45th National Society of Film Critics Awards
David Fincher, The Social Network
Jesse Eisenberg, The Social Network
Giovanna Mezzogiorno, Vincere
Geoffrey Rush, The King's Speech
Olivia Williams, The Ghost Writer
Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network
Roger Deakins, True Grit
Best Nonfiction Film
Film Most in Need of Distribution
Film Socialisme
STATEMENT ON THE MPAA RATINGS SYSTEM
The members of the National Society of Film Critics applaud the recent decision by the Classification & Ratings Administration of the Motion Picture Association of America to change the rating of "Blue Valentine" from NC-17 to R. But several other recent decisions by CARA have been allowed to stand, and these call into question the integrity and legitimacy of that office as it is presently constituted.
"The King's Speech," the drama about King George VI's attempt to overcome his speech impediment, was rated R for "language," specifically, several moments where the King is instructed by his speech therapist to swear to relieve the pressure of his stammer.
"The Tillman Story," the documentary about the military cover-up of the death of Corporal Pat Tillman in Afghanistan, was similarly rated R for "language." In the case of that film the offending content is the agitated language of soldiers in combat fearing for their lives.
"A Film Unfinished," which contains footage taken by the Nazis inside the Warsaw Ghetto, was given an R for "disturbing images of Holocaust atrocities, including graphic nudity."
In the case of the documentaries "The Tillman Story" and "A Film Unfinished," this amounts to CARA assigning a rating to reality.
In an editorial on the MPAA's web site, Joan Graves, the head of CARA, claims, "These ratings are purely informational."
This is simply untrue.
An R rating restricts who can get in to see a film and thus its potential earnings. An NC-17 rating, such as was originally assigned to "Blue Valentine," will keep a film out of many theater chains and can deny its being advertised on most television networks and in many newspapers.
This can have an especially damaging effect on the earning potential of independently made films, such as those mentioned above, which do not have access to the large advertising budgets at the disposal of the major studios — studios, which, as CARA's record indicates, have received much more lenient ratings for similar content.
Another damaging inconsistency is CARA's record of judging sexual content more harshly than it does violence. We by no means advocate condemning violence in movies, and we do not believe we are doing so by pointing out that there is no equivalence between an R given to the most explicit horror images and the same rating given to a drama in which King George VI utters a four letter word. And certainly no equivalence to a historical document showing the emaciated bodies of dead Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto.
Despite Ms. Graves' contention that CARA decisions are "purely informational," it's clear that the board has become an agency of de facto censorship. There is a difference between giving parents the information they need to make a decision as to which films they want their children to see, and a system whose decisions make it harder for adults — and their children — to see films clearly meant for them.
The National Society of Film Critics believes that CARA has for too long demonstrated these inconsistencies and has refused to explain itself. We would like to believe that the major studios who constitute the membership of the MPAA care enough about the availability of movies to recognize that the ratings system should be open and consistent, not arbitrary and unfair, and that films from independent distributors should be judged by the same criteria as their own releases. It has become a system that enforces the kind of moral policing that, when it was founded in 1968, it was intended to prevent.
STATEMENT ON JAILED IRANIAN DIRECTORS
On December 18, 2010, an Iranian court sentenced Jafar Panahi and Mohammad Rasoulof to six years in prison and banned both from filmmaking for 20 years for "colluding in gatherings and making propaganda against the regime."
The members of the National Society of Film Critics add their voices to those of the many other individuals and organizations who have protested this injustice. We strongly urge the Iranian government to release both artists, whose work can only further the advancement of such values as justice, compassion, tolerance, and human dignity. Jafar Panahi's films in particular have won international awards, earned the accolades of critics all over the world, and delighted and inspired audiences everywhere they are shown.
Not only does the court's decision impose an outrageous penalty on artists whose sole crime is telling the truth, but it deprives Iran and the world of future works by filmmakers of outstanding talent and vision.
We intend our protest to affirm the value of artistic expression and the power of cinema to transcend political differences and unite people in their common humanity. We hope that the Iranian government will recognize the wisdom of releasing Mr. Panahi and Mr. Rasoulof immediately in the name of these universal principles.
Labels: awards, best of, film, press


text:
Mariah Carey Admits She Is Pregnant
mariah carey pregnant
Billy Bush
Unsolicited uterus update
Access Hollywood
Ingrid Newkirk
matt bellamy
Caridee English
Portia De Rossi
Portia DeGeneres
In a segment that aired this morning on Today, but was taped while sitting in a dark, candlelit room, Mariah Carey confessed that she is pregnant and expecting in the spring.
Mariah broke this exclusive news with Access Hollywood's Billy Bush, and also says that she suffered a miscarriage two years ago when she and Nick Cannon first got together. Bush claims that Mariah did not do in vitro, but conceived naturally. More to come, surely.
Lindsay Lohan has claimed she can't afford the three-month stay in rehab the court has ordered. PETA's Ingrid Newkirk is willing to pay, but there is, of course, a catch. If Lindsay goes vegan for the entirety of her remaining rehab stint, PETA will chip in $10,000. The organization will donate another $10,000 if LL remains a vegan for a year afterward. Newkirk says: Lindsay Lohan is the most visible example of a real addict, and if she can conquer her addiction to meat and cheese, absolutely anyone can. If she does, she'll not only save animals but save her own health, and she'll be an example to the millions of people who watch her every step." [LA Times]
Kate Hudson and her boyfriend, Muse's Matt Bellamy, are ring shopping. Allegedly! [The Sun]
Everything you never wanted to know about Capri Anderson, the porn star (not hooker) found naked and locked in a bathroom of Charlie Sheen's hotel room, at the links. [NYDN, The Superficial, Yeeeah]
Dr. Drew Pinsky, who does not treat Charlie Sheen, says: "I'm afraid Charlie is going to die. This is just the tip of the iceberg with him." [Radar Online]
According to this report, Charlie Sheen went nuts and started throwing furniture around because he couldn't find one of his very expensive watches — and thought his porn star date had stolen it. When he started turning over tables, Capri Anderson locked herself in the bathroom. She tells friends she absolutely did not steal Charlie's watch. [TMZ]
Heidi Klum — who loves Halloween — is going to be a sexy robot superhero thing this year. She sort of looks like Iron Man, but with boobs. [StyleList]
"Penelope Cruz Bares Her Baby Bump!" [Just Jared]
A fan recently asked Rihanna if she would consider going fur-free. Rihanna said, "I will." [Radar Online]
America's Next Top Model cycle 7 winner CariDee English is dating Marilyn Manson. She says: "Marilyn Manson inspires and supports me in my music… He has made me feel comfortable and beautiful with who I am as an artist and as a woman." Just wait til he's killing a model who looks like you in a video! [Life & Style]
Taylor Momsen got pissed at the audience during the Pretty Reckless show earlier this week, saying: "I know this is the modern age and everyone's got cameras and cell phones and video cameras… But I'd really appreciate it if you'd put that f–king s–t down. I know it's very cool to videotape and put it on YouTube the next day… But, frankly, it completely takes away from the show. I'd thoroughly appreciate it if you'd put that s–t down and put your hands in the air…I want everyone's hands in the f–king air." [The Superficial]
Guess who wouldn't mind if Mel Gibson appeared in The Hangover 2? Mike Tyson. He says: "I'm not going to ever in my life point my finger at anyone. I don't live in a glass house. None of us do. I work with anybody, as long as they're respectful." And: We all have that guy — a Mel Gibson — in us. We just don't want people to be exposed to it. Maybe he needs to go get help. We all need help, and need someone to talk to. I'm not against him, but I'm not for him." [Page Six]
Kim Kardashian avoided being photographed with Chris Brown at Ciara's birthday party on Tuesday. [Gatecrasher]
"Actress Portia DeGeneres says the shame of being a lesbian drove her to anorexia." [News.com.au]
Here is video of Audrina Patridge's mom in a foul-mouthed drunken rant after Audrina was eliminated from Dancing With The Stars. Highlights: "We're going to fucking smoke, especially Lauren Conrad's pissy ass little fashion shit… My baby's a star! She's the only one that has some class and I don't give a fuck about it." [Us Magazine]
Randy and Evi Quaid have been released after being arrested last week in Vancouver. [The Star, TMZ]
Charlize Theron will play the evil queen in the new Snow White movie. [Just Jared]
George Clooney has secured funding for a film he is directing and starring in, and Ryan "Hey Girl" Gosling with also star, making a vortex of hotness. [Deadline New York]
"We've had the talk with Brooklyn. It was more Victoria than me. I had to walk out of the room because Brooklyn was sort of looking at me through the corner of his eye and laughing. I was thinking, 'I need to get out of here because this is a serious talk.' I was very uncomfortable. It's something that just hits you at some point when you have children. You have to have that talk." — David Beckham on discussing the birds and the bees with his 11-year-old son. [Daily Mail]
Recent from Dodai Stewart
The Best Stories Splinter Published in 2017
A Closer Look at Puerto Rico in Crisis
BAN ALL THIS SHIT


We support fans, friends, artists, musicians and venues.
Great Northwest Productions is all about creating fans and friends for life. People that become part of your family! We do that by producing and promoting special shows and events, in unique locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. We also support independent artists and musicians behind the scenes by offering assistance with booking, promotion, marketing and social media content.
We believe that life is better because of intimate, amazing venues and incredible experiences around art and music. It's about connecting with friends and family, making memories and finding brand new artistic favorites that will last a lifetime. As a 501(c)3 non-profit company, we donate hundreds of hours to producing art and music events in unique locations and providing promotional services to artists and musicians on a sliding scale, donation basis.
We appreciate your support by purchasing tickets and sponsoring events, buying merchandise from the artists and musicians we showcase and by sharing content with your friends and family.
We enjoy working with independent artists and musicians to create shareable content like images, videos, email and social media posts, so you can connect with your fans in the most relevant ways possible. We also offer business services, including booking, promotion, social media and email management and even merchandise and website development.
Our goal is to continue producing incredible events and providing valuable services to fans, artists, musicians and venues, far into the future. Our volunteers work tirelessly, year round to support our mission, but we cannot achieve our goals alone.


Coaching Retreats near St Ives, Cornwall.
An idyllic, unique holiday location convenient to St Ives, Marazion & Penzance.
You had someone to help you along that journey of self discovery? What if you booked a Coaching Focused Holiday at The Old Primary School. Ludgvan, near St Ives Cornwall. I am Stacey Halfyard, an accredited Life Coach and professional trainer. I can offer coaching sessions one-to-one, or run workshops for groups whilst you have a fantastic holiday here!
Other services can be arranged for example, massage, beautician, meditation.
The building is a peaceful rural location, nestled between two fields and enjoying superb views of the sea (including St Michael's Mount) and the beautiful countryside.
Why not invest in yourself, in your future life?
One of the prettiest, unspoilt villages in West Penwith and is conveniently situated, being close to Marazion and roughly halfway between St. Ives and Penzance. It allows easy access to all the popular facilities of the area whilst still enjoying peace and tranquillity. The local pub, The White Hart, dates from the 14th century and serves excellent beers, wines and superb food. One other real ale pub nearby. Both the pub and church are 100m from the accommodation. For the more energetic, there is a local riding stables and excellent coastal and inland walks.