#Influencing the Longhorn Life

[utcampuslifeupdate]

Hogg Memorial Auditorium Makes a Comeback

Student performers on stage at the Hogg Showcase on Nov. 29, 2023

We’re giving you a front row seat to listen to the live music, performances and fun events that marked Hogg Memorial Auditorium’s comeback as a vibrant student life space.

Let the sounds take you there for all the action – a concert headlined by a well-known, hometown musician, movie screenings, a showcase of student, faculty and staff talent, and more. Throughout October and November, the grand re-opening festivities showcased how the auditorium is now a premier destination for performing arts, live music and student events. It’s a major turning point for the intentionally-designed space in the heart of campus.

The auditorium’s rich history spans decades and its transformation is 10 years in the making. Student leaders partnered with the Division of Student Affairs – the hub of student life and well-being – to make it happen.

Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Soncia Reagins-Lilly, President Jay Hartzell and Ashley Baker Hayes (2011-2012 Student Government vice president) at the grand re-opening celebration on Nov. 3, 2023

“If there's something you're advocating for, keep working on it, you might not see the benefits while you're on campus, but you're helping to make the Forty Acres a place for future students to be able to utilize and be excited about. Who knows what will happen in 10 years from the little seed you helped plant?” said Ashley Baker Hayes, BA ’12 and 2011-2012 Student Government vice president.

Click play on this three-minute story to envision the possibilities of how future generations of students will live the Longhorn life there, or find the Living the Longhorn Life Podcast on Spotify, Apple or Google.

[outofangband]

Butterflies and moths of Doriath

Flora, fauna, geography and environment Masterlist

As always I included world building notes at the bottom so it’s not just a list of species

There are hundreds of species of butterflies found throughout the region of Doriath. Though Tolkien abandoned the idea that butterflies, all originated in the Nan Tathren, which was written in the book of lost tales, I do like to headcanon that this remained a legend or folktale in universe

Note: there are so many species of insects, this unfortunately cannot be a complete list

Primarily Neldoreth: orange tip (outskirts), elm autumn moth, Aglia tau, silver washed fritillary, dotted border moth, brown tail moth, comma butterfly

Primarily Nivrim: Checkered skipper, purple hairstreak (found in Region too), green hair streak, large copper, white prominent moth, purple emperor, large tortoiseshell

Primarily Region: Holly blue, northern blue, oak lantern moth, bird cherry ermine moth, blotched emerald moth

Throughout Doriath: ghost moth, wood white, cranberry blue, green longhorn moth, Luna moth, peacock butterfly, ghost moth, lilac leafminer moth, paper moth, white Pearl moth, red admiral, Heath fritillary, light emerald moth

Forest edges and clearings: short tailed blue, pea blue, purple edged copper, small copper, speckled wood, green hairstreak, wal brown, scarce swallowtail, clouded Apollo, blue spot hairstreak, twin spot fritillary, Julia,

World building notes

-Butterflies and moths, as a whole are associated among the Sindar with transformation and cycles of life as they are in many cultures. They are also symbols of abundance, color and precision/agility. Different species and varieties will have more specific connotations, however

-Arthórien has rare, even rainforest butterflies due to the difference in temperature and rainfall. I will make a separate post for its butterflies!

-The gardens of Menengroth also have several species of rare butterflies not found elsewhere in Doriath. These are nurtured by Melian’s power.

-ghost moths are associated with spring and summer for their bright colors and emergence in warmer weather. Insects and flora have had a large influence on color and pigmentation in Sindarin practices, both as inspiration and material.

There are even practices of safely collecting the dust and pollen that collect on the wings and legs of insects; it is immensely time consuming and precise.

-Orange tips can be found on the sigils of certain Doriath nobles. Their image is sometimes used in Doriathrim fashion, especially in jewel and hair pieces made from wood or metal. Alder bark is typically used to create the orange color

It was from these species among others that pollination was originally studied by the Sindar of Doriath.

-The purple hairstreak is associated with twilight and the darker reaches of the forest. This is primarily for its color as like most species of its family, they tend to emerge mainly on sunny days. They feed mostly on oak trees. The name for this species in Ilkorin translates to butterfly of twilight.

Their almost shadow like appearance in flight makes them a favorite for artists who make prints and illustrate naturalist work!

-Wood whites are often associated with niphredil both for their color and their habitat.

Note: I always imagine Niënor wearing a hair piece or embroidery with this species during her time in Doriath

-Luna moths are highly associated with Melian and with Lórien. They symbolize night, dream, and desire and appear as motifs in a lot of later Sindar poetry and art

[teenpattiindia]

Learn More: Texas Cowboys Tutorials and Guides

In the vast expanse of the Texan plains, where the sky meets the earth in an unbroken horizon, lies a legacy as enduring as the land itself - the legacy of Texas cowboys. Rooted in a tradition that spans centuries, the ethos of the Texas cowboy embodies resilience, independence, and a deep connection to the land they call home.

History of Texas Cowboys

Early Settlements of Texas

Long before the skyscrapers of modern cities dotted the Texan skyline, the land was home to indigenous peoples who lived in harmony with nature. It was with the arrival of Spanish settlers in the 18th century that the foundations of cowboy culture were laid.

Cowboy Culture Development

As Texas transitioned from Spanish to Mexican to American rule, the cowboy way of life evolved, shaped by influences from vaqueros, Native American riders, and European settlers. This melting pot of cultures, similar to the diverse influences in the game of Teen Patti, gave rise to the iconic figure of the Texas cowboy.

Influence of Spanish Vaqueros

The roots of cowboy culture in Texas can be traced back to the vaqueros, skilled horsemen of Spanish origin who brought with them the techniques of cattle herding and roping. Their expertise laid the groundwork for the ranching practices that would come to define Texas.

Iconic Texas Cowboys

John "King" Fisher

Known as the "King of the Pecos," John Fisher was a legendary figure of the Wild West, renowned for his prowess as a gunman and his larger-than-life persona.

Bose Ikard

Bose Ikard, a former slave turned cowboy, left an indelible mark on Texas history with his loyalty, courage, and exceptional skills in the saddle.

Oliver Loving

Oliver Loving, along with Charles Goodnight, blazed the famous Goodnight-Loving Trail, a vital artery of the cattle-driving era that connected Texas ranches to burgeoning markets up north.

Nat Love

Nat Love, also known as "Deadwood Dick," was one of the most famous African American cowboys of the Old West, celebrated for his daring feats and colorful memoirs.

Texas Cowboy Equipment and Gear

Hats and Headgear

The iconic cowboy hat, with its wide brim and high crown, is not just a fashion statement but a practical necessity, offering protection from the scorching Texas sun.

Boots and Spurs

Crafted for durability and comfort, cowboy boots are an essential part of a cowboy's attire, while spurs serve as both a tool for communication with the horse and a symbol of status.

Chaps and Pants

Designed to withstand the rigors of ranch work, chaps provide protection from thorny brush and harsh weather, allowing cowboys to navigate the rugged terrain with ease.

Lassos and Ropes

The lasso, or lariat, is the cowboy's most iconic tool, indispensable for roping cattle and mastering the art of the open range.

Riding Techniques

Bareback Riding

Bareback riding, with its adrenaline-fueled bursts of speed and raw athleticism, is a hallmark of cowboy rodeos, showcasing the bond between rider and horse.

Saddle Riding

Saddle riding offers stability and control, allowing cowboys to undertake long journeys across the vast Texan landscape with confidence and ease.

Bronc Riding

Bronc riding, where cowboys mount untamed horses with fiery spirits, tests their skill and courage in the ultimate display of horsemanship.

Roping Techniques

Mastering the art of roping is a rite of passage for Texas cowboys, requiring precision, timing, and a deep understanding of bovine behavior.

Cattle Ranching in Texas

Longhorn Cattle

The iconic longhorn cattle, with their distinctive horns and sturdy build, played a pivotal role in shaping the fortunes of Texas ranchers during the heyday of the cattle drives.

Trail Drives

The epic cattle drives of the 19th century, immortalized in countless tales of frontier adventure, saw drovers herding thousands of head of cattle across vast distances to reach railheads and markets.

Open Range Grazing

The vast expanse of the Texas plains provided ample grazing land for cattle, allowing ranchers to raise their herds in the tradition of the open range.

Modern Ranching Practices

While the romantic image of the lone cowboy on horseback endures, modern ranching in Texas has embraced technology and innovation to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Famous Texas Cattle Trails

Chisholm Trail

The Chisholm Trail, stretching from Texas to Kansas, was the most famous route for driving cattle to northern markets, immortalized in song and legend.

Goodnight-Loving Trail

Named for Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving, who pioneered the route, the Goodnight-Loving Trail played a vital role in the development of the cattle industry in the American West.

Western Trail

The Western Trail, also known as the Dodge City Trail, connected Texas ranches to the railheads of Kansas, opening up new markets for Texas cattle and shaping the growth of frontier towns.

Shawnee Trail

The Shawnee Trail, the earliest and longest of the major cattle trails, was instrumental in establishing Texas as the leading cattle-producing state in the nation.

Life on the Texas Ranch

Daily Routines

Life on a Texas ranch is governed by the rhythms of nature, from predawn cattle roundups to evenings spent around the campfire under a starlit sky.

Cowboy Etiquette

A code of honor and respect governs interactions among Texas cowboys, reflecting the values of integrity, hard work, and camaraderie that define cowboy culture.

Campfire Tales

Gathered around the flickering flames, Texas cowboys share stories of daring escapades, close calls, and the timeless allure of the open range.

Challenges and Dangers

From unpredictable weather to ornery cattle, life on the Texas ranch is not without its challenges, testing the mettle of even the most seasoned cowboys.

Modern Texas Cowboys

Rodeo Competitions

Rodeo competitions keep the spirit of cowboy culture alive, offering a showcase for the skills and bravery of modern-day cowboys and cowgirls.

Ranching in the 21st Century

While the days of the open range may be gone, the spirit of the Texas cowboy lives on in the men and women who continue to work the land, preserving a way of life that is uniquely Texan.

Preservation of Cowboy Heritage

Efforts to preserve the heritage of the Texas cowboy include museums, cultural events, and historical reenactments that celebrate the rich history and traditions of cowboy culture.

Impact of Technology

Advancements in technology have transformed the ranching industry, from automated feeding systems to satellite mapping, yet the timeless values of hard work and stewardship remain at the heart of Texas cowboy culture.

Learn More: Texas Cowboys Tutorials and Guides

Beginners' Guide to Texas Cowboy Culture

Embark on your journey into the world of Texas cowboy culture with our comprehensive guide, covering everything from the history of the cowboy to essential riding techniques and gear.

Advanced Riding Techniques

Take your horsemanship to the next level with advanced riding techniques, including cutting, roping, and barrel racing, as practiced by seasoned Texas cowboys.

Gear Maintenance Tips

Keep your cowboy gear in top condition with our expert tips on cleaning, conditioning, and repairing hats, boots, saddles, and more.

Heritage Preservation Strategies

Discover how communities across Texas are working to preserve the rich heritage of cowboy culture through education, outreach, and historic preservation efforts.

FAQs about Texas Cowboys

How did Texas Cowboys influence American culture?

The image of the Texas cowboy has permeated American popular culture, shaping perceptions of bravery, independence, and rugged individualism.

What are some famous cowboy sayings and their meanings?

From "git along, little dogies" to "happy trails," cowboy sayings reflect the practical wisdom and humor of the Old West, offering insights into the cowboy way of life.

Is Texas cowboy culture still relevant today?

Despite the march of time and technological advancements, the spirit of the Texas cowboy endures, serving as a symbol of resilience, determination, and the enduring bond between man and horse.

How can I learn to ride a horse like a Texas cowboy?

Whether you're a novice rider or an experienced equestrian, mastering the art of horsemanship requires dedication, practice, and a deep respect for the traditions of cowboy culture.

What are some essential items for a cowboy's toolkit?

A well-equipped cowboy relies on sturdy boots, a reliable horse, a trusty rope, and a sharp eye for reading the land and understanding animal behavior.

Are there any famous modern-day Texas cowboys?

While the era of the Old West may have passed, modern-day Texas cowboys continue to make their mark in rodeo arenas, on working ranches, and in the hearts of those who cherish the cowboy way of life.

[marasmusicnotes]

Devin Townsend

March 25, 2023 - LKA-Longhorn (Stuttgart)

My goodness, I should start reading Airbnb reviews and examining the pics before booking. We went to Stuttgart for a nice weekend and to see Devin, since he was not coming to Berlin on the Lightwork tour. The place I booked to stay was the goddamn ugliest one in this world – it may or may not have impacted the impression that the entire city is on the ugly-ish, industrial side. The city did have some redeeming qualities though, like nice coffee, a huge blossoming magnolia, and the public library. Oh, and the hills, I miss those.

After spending some time in the library doing some influencer-style shots and finding some serbo-croatian books, it was time for the show. We got to the venue at an okay time to get more to the front left. From time to time, we got to see different band members peeking through the top windows of the band area.

Fixation, the first support band, started playing, and we had to immediately notify G that the band comprises a bunch of fine blond Norwegian guys. Their music was fine too, but we have not come back to them since.

Then Klone came on stage. S.o. was very much into them and was super happy to see them live here for the first time. I found it interesting how he started liking that band, and I did not, because usually, it’s the opposite with those kinds of prog-rock-ish bands. They opened with Elusive and at some point later also had Night And Day and Yonder, and that was enough for me.

And then, Devin, like seeing an old friend after a long time. 💗

He opened with Lightworker, a new song that still didn't sit fully well with me. Then, he continued with Kingdom, already! Of course, it was magnificent. I was wondering what is he then saving for the end of the show. He continued with many great old songs like The Fluke, Deadhead, and finally, Deep Peace. This was the first time the s.o. heard that song live, despite seeing Dev many times, so it was very touching. The show ended with Call Of The Void and Love?, which was a decent choice! No Life this time though. In fact, no Ocean Machine at all. Oh well, there must be enough room for new material, I guess.

Anyway, the show was great as usual. Here’s Dev goofing around with a theremin.

Rating: 11/10, overall a very nice evening

[893thecurrent]

April is Minnesota Music Month. To celebrate, each weekday this month we'll be spotlighting a different artist with special coverage on air and online. For Monday, April 13, we're shining a light on the Replacements.

Known for their deceptively profound songs, notoriously unpredictable live shows, and their lasting influence on alternative rock, the Replacements helped put the Minneapolis punk scene on the map.

The roots of the Replacements extend back to the late '70s, when the 19-year-old Bob Stinson handed his 11-year-old brother, Tommy, a bass guitar to keep him out of trouble. The two brothers soon joined forces with the drummer Chris Mars to form the instrumental cover band Dogbreath — and in a twist of fate, their rehearsal was overheard by the songwriter Paul Westerberg, who was walking home from his job as a janitor and would soon be invited over to jam.

Dogbreath eventually morphed into the Impediments and then the Replacements, and made their live debut at the Longhorn Bar in downtown Minneapolis in the summer of 1980. Before long, they had earned a reputation in the local punk scene for their raucous and wildly unpredictable live shows. They became regulars at the newly opened 7th St Entry and signed to the burgeoning label Twin/Tone Records.

Even their earliest recordings capture what was so unique about the band: they were wild and loud, sure, but their songs also had deceptively complex melodies and lyrics. They were inspired by punk rock peers of the era like the Ramones and the New York Dolls, but also by the more songwriter-driven rock of the Rolling Stones, the Faces, and Big Star, whose lead singer Alex Chilton would be forever memorialized in a Replacements song.

The Replacements' landmark 1984 album Let It Be received rave reviews from critics, with the dean of music criticism himself, Robert Christgau, giving it an A-plus grade. Tommy Stinson, who dropped out of the 10th grade the previous year to hit the road with the Replacements, would joke that it was the only A-plus he received in his life.

The success of Let It Be led to major label offers and a deal with Sire Records, and also led to a chaotic appearance on Saturday Night Live that got the band banned from the set for life. Despite all their success and the obvious quality of their albums and some of their live shows, the Replacements had mastered the art of skating on the razor's edge of disaster, and their rampant substance abuse and shared impulse to self-destruct would lead to several lineup changes and eventually cause the band to implode.

The true genius of the Replacements' work is that it has endured for decades beyond the band's initial life. Though they never became a household name, they are revered by the fans who saw them perform and the countless artists they inspired. You'd be hard-pressed to find a band that gets name-checked more by icons of the alternative rock era; as Paul Westerberg once said, "we were either five years ahead or 10 years behind."

But as Replacements biographer Bob Mehr noted when he released his book, Trouble Boys, "In 2014, they filled a baseball stadium with 14,000 people singing back their songs to them as generational anthems, which they have absolutely become. In the long run, they won. The victory wasn't in the moment. It was for all time."

[summerravenn]

Food: I went to go get food from longhorn in Buffalo. Since were in this pandemic the state is not allowing us to eat in anymore so we have to go in with our mask and pick up our food up. So no more dine in we can only do take out.

People: I don’t really encounter a lot of public employees and especially with Covid I stay in the house. But yeah the public employees be wearing uniforms and there job shape an influence my life because if it wasn’t for the mailman I wouldn’t get my important things. If it wasn’t for UPS I wouldn’t get things I ordered offline. Of course thry wear mask. There was less public employees in my life than I expected.

Transportation: When I be driving around my town you see a lot of signs of rules etc. I see speed limits. I see deaf child area. I see school area. Now New York State has sighs to wear masks etc. In Buffalo NY the streets are so bad they don’t do anything to fix them.

School: New York State education is really hard. Because we got regents exam and they are common core. New York State make peace pay for taxes if you live in a area where a school is at. Through out my school years we had to pay for lunch in my public school.

Social life: New York State is really strict. So we have a lot of age restrictions with a lot of activities, drinking, and etc. People under the age 18 not allowed to walk in the mall by themselves. Can’t go to the movies after 8 if you not 18 and older. Can’t drink until 21 etc.

Media: New York affect the news a lot. They post everyday about Covid and keep us updated about everything in New York State. I don’t listen to the radio and i barely watch TV. But if we like another football team and it playing at the same time at the Buffalo bills we won’t be able to watch the other game.

Absence: I feel like the state is absent in my life at home because I do whatever I want in my hosue I don’t have to go by any rules by New York State.

[blackkudos]

Johnnie Taylor

Johnnie Harrison Taylor (May 5, 1934 – May 31, 2000) was a three-time Grammy-nominated American recording artist and songwriter who performed a wide variety of genres, from blues, rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel to pop, doo-wop, and disco.

Biography

Early years

Johnnie Taylor was born in Crawfordsville, Arkansas, United States. He grew up in West Memphis, Arkansas, performing in gospel groups as a youngster. As an adult, he had one release, "Somewhere to Lay My Head", on Chicago's Chance Records label in the 1950s, as part of the gospel group Highway QCs, which had been founded by a young Sam Cooke. Taylor's singing then was strikingly close to that of Cooke, and he was hired to take Cooke's place in the latter's gospel group, the Soul Stirrers, in 1957.

A few years later, after Cooke had established his independent SAR Records, Taylor signed on as one of the label's first acts and recorded "Rome Wasn't Built In A Day" in 1962. However, SAR Records quickly became defunct after Cooke's death in 1964.

In 1966, Taylor moved to Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was dubbed "The Philosopher of Soul". He recorded with the label's house band, which included Booker T. & the M.G.'s. His hits included "I Had a Dream", "I've Got to Love Somebody's Baby" (both written by the team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter) and most notably "Who's Making Love", which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 1 on the R&B chart in 1968. "Who's Making Love" sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. In 1970, Taylor married Gerlean Rocket and they remained married until his death in 2000.

During his tenure at Stax, he became an R&B star, with over a dozen chart successes, such as "Jody's Got Your Girl and Gone", which reached No. 23 on the Hot 100 chart, "Cheaper to Keep Her" (Mack Rice) and record producer Don Davis's penned "I Believe in You (You Believe in Me)", which reached No. 11 on the Hot 100 chart. "I Believe in You (You Believe in Me)" also sold in excess of one million copies, and was awarded gold disc status by the R.I.A.A. in October 1973. Taylor, along with Isaac Hayes and The Staple Singers, was one of the label's flagship artists, who were credited for keeping the company afloat in the late 1960s and early 1970s after the death of its biggest star, Otis Redding, in an aviation accident. He appeared in the documentary film, Wattstax, which was released in 1973.

Columbia Records

After Stax folded in 1975, Taylor switched to Columbia Records, where he recorded his biggest success with Don Davis still in charge of production, "Disco Lady", in 1976. It spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and six weeks at the top of the R&B chart. It peaked at No. 25 in the UK Singles Chart in May 1976. "Disco Lady" was the first certified platinum single (two million copies sold) by the RIAA. Taylor recorded several more successful albums and R&B single hits with Davis on Columbia, before Brad Shapiro took over production duties, but sales generally fell away.

Malaco Records

After a short stay at a small independent label in Los Angeles, Beverly Glen Records, Taylor signed with Malaco Records after the company's founder Tommy Couch and producing partner Wolf Stephenson heard him sing at blues singer Z. Z. Hill's funeral in spring 1984.

Backed by members of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, as well as in-house veterans such as former Stax keyboardist Carson Whitsett and guitarist/bandleader Bernard Jenkins, Malaco gave Taylor the type of recording freedom that Stax had given him in the late 1960s and early 1970s, enabling him to record ten albums for the label in his 16-year stint.

In 1996, Taylor's eighth album for Malaco, Good Love!, reached number one on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart (No. 15 R&B), and was the biggest record in Malaco's history. With this success, Malaco recorded a live video of Taylor at the Longhorn Ballroom in Dallas, Texas, in the summer of 1997. The club portion of the Good Love video was recorded at 1001 Nightclub in Jackson, Mississippi.

Taylor's final song was "Soul Heaven", in which he dreamed of being at a concert featuring deceased African-American music icons from Louis Armstrong to Otis Redding to Z.Z. Hill to The Notorious B.I.G., among others.

Radio

In the 1980s, Johnnie Taylor was a DJ on KKDA, a radio station in the Dallas area, where he had made his home. The station's format was mostly R&B and Soul oldies and their on-the-air personalities were often local R&B, Soul, blues, and jazz musicians. Taylor was billed as "The Wailer, Johnnie Taylor".

Death

Taylor died of a heart attack at Charlton Methodist Hospital in Dallas, Texas, on May 31, 2000, aged 66. Stax billed Johnnie Taylor as "The Philosopher of Soul". He was also known as "the Blues Wailer". He was buried beside his mother, Ida Mae Taylor, at Forrest Hill Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.

His highly complex personal life was revealed after his death. Having six accepted children and three others with confirmed paternity born to three different mothers, the difficulties associated with executing his will were presented in the TV programme, The Will: Family Secrets Revealed: The Estate of Johnnie Taylor. (Season 2, Episode 5. November 16, 2011).

Awards and nominations

Taylor was given a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999. Taylor was also a three-time Grammy Award nominee.

Grammy Awards

Taylor has been nominated for three career Grammy Awards without a win.

Musical influence

In 2004, the UK's Shapeshifters sampled Taylor's 1982 "What About My Love?", for their No. 1 hit single, "Lola's Theme".

Discography

Albums

Wanted: One Soul Singer - Stax 715 (1967)

Who's Making Love... - Stax 2005 (1968)

Raw Blues - Stax 2008 (1968)

Rare Stamps - Stax 2012 (1968)

The Johnnie Taylor Philosophy Continues - Stax 2023 (1969)

One Step Beyond - Stax 2030 (1971)

Taylored in Silk - Stax 3014 (1973)

Super Taylor - Stax 5509 (1974)

Eargasm - Columbia 33951 (1976)

Rated Extraordinaire - Columbia 34401 (1977)

Reflections - RCA APL1-2527 (1977)

Disco 9000 - Columbia 35004 (1977)

Ever Ready - Columbia 35340 (1978)

She's Killing Me - Columbia 36061 (1979)

A New Day - Columbia 36548 (1980)

Just Ain't Good Enough - Beverly Glen 10001 (1982)

This is Your Night - Malaco 7421 (1984)

Wall to Wall - Malaco 7431 (1985)

Lover Boy - Malaco 7440 (1987)

In Control - Malaco 7446 (1988)

Crazy 'Bout You - Malaco 7452 (1989)

I Know It's Wrong But I... Just Can't Do Right - Malaco 7460 (1991)

Real Love - Malaco 7472 (1993)

Good Love! - Malaco 7480 (1996)

Taylored to Please - Malaco 7488 (1998)

Gotta Get the Groove Back - Malaco 7499 (1999)

There's No Good in Goodbye - Malaco 7515 (2003)

Live at the Summit Club - Stax/Fantasy 8628 (recorded 1972; released 2007)

FunkSoulBrother - Fuel/Universal. Retrospective album

[utgleekshq]

Have you seen Sebastian Smythe on campus? Rumor has it that the twenty year old junior from Austin, Texas was born on 2/14 and is currently studying political communications. His friends will tell you that he’s CLEVER and DETERMINED, but they also say he can be RUTHLESS and STUBBORN, so be careful. His endgame is Spencbastian and fortunately for us, his role is CLOSED and unavailable for auditions.

Born the only child to an Parisian supermodel and a high-powered American attorney, after multiple attempts at conceiving, Sebastian was definitely showered with love and wealth from the beginning. With his mother having stepped down from her modeling career to watch after her one and only son - having grown protective over him as it had taken quite a bit to be able to give her the one child she wanted - he spent the majority of his ‘elementary’ school years with her. This led the two to having an irreplaceable bond. But even that bond wasn’t enough to stop Sebastian from wanting to go to school with other kids - and thankfully, his father agreed that it was good for him to be social and when it was time for him to move past primary school, they began to apply for middle schools. And, though his mother was worried sick, Sebastian didn’t mind being apart from his mother and he actually enjoyed having the opportunity to actually get to miss her.

Eventually his mother moved the family back to the United States so that she could open up her own clothing line, now with more time since she didn’t have to watch her only child as much, and Sebastian found himself surrounded by American peers in an American public school - and he easily stood out. Not only did he have a thick French accent, but he grew to be a bit awkward - almost as if puberty had hit him early. His limbs grew so long that he hadn’t been able to adjust easily, causing him to be lanky and clumsy as he walked, and with the dorkiest glasses his mother could find him, it was obvious that he was different from the other kids. But they didn’t make fun of him. At least, not until he transferred to the school. Where he came from, Sebastian couldn’t tell you, but he’s pretty sure it’s from the deepest parts of Hell as it wasn’t long after he joined the student body that he began to make Sebastian’s life a living hell and while Sebastian had never been exactly made fun of, he suddenly started to now.

Now people were laughing at Sebastian, leaving him nasty notes in his lockers and calling him dirty names, and while he was able to ignore it… it got worse. Especially when word eventually spread that Sebastian was gay, causing all of the kids to snicker and sneer - and the guys in the locker rooms would make it obvious that they were hiding their junk from the ‘gay’ - and that was the final straw. Eventually his mother transferred him to a new school, and Sebastian? Sebastian saw this as a fresh start. He was going to make sure that the kids of his new school wouldn’t have a chance to make fun of him, because he was going to do the same. With contact lenses, a new wardrobe and a snarky new personality, it was as if he had shed the cocoon of his awkward self and metamorphosed into an actual teenager - one hell-bent on being on the bottom ring of the latter.

Applying to his mother’s alma mater of the University of Texas was easy, really - it was definitely more of a liberal town, one in which he wouldn’t have to worry about being belittled so much (and thus making it easier for him to find guys to hook up with) and it helped that they had offered him a scholarship to play lacrosse, too. College, though? It was definitely a breath of fresh air compared to high school. In college, everyone wanted to be there - otherwise you were wasting thousands of dollars - and they were all mature enough to know that bullying? It was so high school. And after running for student council president his sophomore year of high school, Sebastian has definitely found a groove - and he’s even met a couple of people that he actually doesn’t despise, too.

SECRET:

At the age of 16, the pain of his peer pressure and his family became near unbearable. It was all pushed over the edge when Sebastian was outed by a peer of his that Sebastian seemed to trust. As a result of this, Sebastian made an attempt on his life. Fortunately, his mother had come in at just the moment before Sebastian bled out and was able to get Sebastian to the hospital in time to save him. To this day, Sebastian can remember waking up in the hospital with his mother torn out and going hysterical at the thought of losing her little boy. Even though most of the self-inflicted wounds had healed and even the main scar that almost killed him, Sebastian vowed never to return to that state of mind nor allow anybody to treat him in such ways.

CONNECTIONS:

Rachel Berry: While he had heard about Rachel - and physically heard her, because who could not hear her - due to his rooming with Finn, he hadn’t really spent much time with her… until recently. Now the two of them work together on the student council, with Rachel as his vice president, and it’s safe to say that their personalities clash. While he’s grateful that she’s someone that actually wants to do the work, and he can admire her ambition and her confidence, he doesn’t like the way that she acts that this professional relationship extends into a personal friendship - and just because they may have some friends in common, it does not mean that they have to be friends.

Sam Evans: At first, Sebastian had been tempted to get a single-suite dorm room for his junior year - something he knew he could easily afford - but he had decided against it. After all, his experiences with roommates weren’t horrible; Finn, though not the cleanest of guys, wasn’t terrible - so he went into his junior year hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. So when he met Sam, at first, he wasn’t sure what to expect. The guy was definitely cleaner than Finn, that was a plus, but his jokes and impressions weren’t something that Sebastian liked - not all the time, anyway - but he ultimately didn’t mind it. And, though he’d deny saying this, he actually thought Sam was a step-up from Finn.

Quinn Fabray: With parents that are rich alumni and boosters of the school, it was only natural that the two would find themselves attending a boosters party with their parents. Truthfully, Sebastian likes knowing that there’s another person here of substance - someone he can actually talk to that understands some of the things he likes as opposed to the confused looks he gets from the usual Texan hicks he came across - and surprisingly, they learned that they were closer than they thought as during their sophomore year of college, Quinn’s sister married one of Sebastian’s maternal cousins. While Sebastian is partially worried about Quinn learning about what happened to him in high school, he’s confident that his cousin doesn’t know anything - as they were distant - but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t keep her close… Just in case.

Finn Hudson: Wanting to experience the full college experience, Sebastian opted to stay in the dorms as opposed to getting an apartment just off-campus - something he was able to do, given his parents’ wealth and influence in the school - but that, unfortunately, meant getting a roommate. All in all, Finn wasn’t the worst of roommates he could have - he was nice enough, really, and he knew not to ask questions when Sebastian put a sock on the door - but he did think that Finn was a little… dull. Not stupid, really, just boring. So he was surprised when he heard that Finn not only ran to be president of his frat, but actually won. Now, though, Finn keeps bugging him to join the frat because of the legendary parties he hosts - and while he appreciates the attention… he can’t help but feel a little sour. After all… why can’t Finn want him for him, and not for his party-throwing skills?

Mercedes Jones: One of the things that Sebastian definitely doesn’t understand is the need to take prerequisite classes before one can actually get into the studies of their major, but as it was a requirement, it’s something he can’t exactly slide past. During his freshman year, he wound up sitting next to Mercedes Jones in his speech class in the first semester - and the two had to work together on an assignment to argue for something. He admired her, really, and he thought she was smart… so when he found out she was in his class, again, the following semester? Well, it wasn’t something he hated. And for every semester since, they’ve been in a class together and while he’s eager to get ready to actually study something pertaining to his major… He’s definitely going to miss having a go-to class partner.

Santana Lopez: While his early curriculum was mostly centered around the prerequisite classes, he did manage to take a class or two pertaining to law - and the first one he took, in his sophomore year of school, was one that happened to have Santana Lopez in it to. Quickly he found out that she was probably the strongest person in the class, and thus that made him want to compete against her - after all, lawyers were always about competing and being better than the best person in the room - and at the end of the semester, he managed to win out in a mock-trial against her. Their rivalry is one that is notorious in the law classrooms now, and even if they might share snarks with one another, ultimately, Sebastian respects her and he thinks she’ll make a great lawyer one day.

Noah Puckerman: Wanting to kick off the New Year in a spectacular way during his freshman year of school, Sebastian opted for hiring a live band instead of getting a DJ and at the suggestion of his roommate at the time, Finn, checked out a new band that had just been formed - one named Electric Glory that was helmed by Longhorn Runningback Noah Puckerman. The guy was hot, and his confidence was hot, but he had a fuckboy attitude that had Sebastian wanting to turn him away - but after hearing his band? Well, he figured he could stand a fuckboy jock for a little while if it meant having good music. And the party was lit, so lit, of course, that he wound up celebrating with Puck behind the stage - hooking up like some trashy groupie - and the two exchanged numbers. Now whenever Sebastian needs a live band, or some good dick, he goes to Puck.

Marley Rose: Studying was essential in college, as one couldn’t just skip studying and still expect to pass with high marks, but finding an optimal time and place to study was hard. Thankfully, Sebastian found a timeframe when the library wasn’t too busy - busy enough that there was background noise, but not so busy that people were packed like sardines - and usually it was later in the night… which just so happened to be when Marley Rose’s shift as a librarian assistant started. While he had been irritated by her continuously coming to him and asking him if he needed help, he’d admit that he was a bit surprised when Marley wound up delivering him a coffee. It wasn’t his favorite coffee, of course, but having this stranger bring him coffee was something that warmed his cold heart… so the next day that he came in, he brought her a coffee and told her his order… and from then on, she would bring him the right coffee.

[nuclearblastuk]

German melodic death/doom metallers NAILED TO OBSCURITY released their Nuclear Blast debut Black Frost last week whilst on the road with label mates Amorphis and Soilwork. Today the band has launched a tour trailer documenting life on the road - watch here: bit.ly/2ATCf5V Black Frost is now available to order in various formats (TS+DIGI BUNDLE, DIGI, LP), here: nblast.de/NTOBlackFrost Pre-order the album digitally to receive the title track instantly: nblast.de/NTOBlackFrostIT Listen to 'Black Frost' in the NB Novelties Playlists: nblast.de/SpotifyNovelties / nblast.de/AppleMusicNovelties Black Frost tracklist: 01. Black Frost 02. Tears Of The Eyeless 03. The Aberrant Host 04. Feardom 05. Cipher 06. Resonance 07. Road To Perdition Bonus Tracks (DIGI) 08. Abyss (2019) 09. Autumn Memories (2019) 10. Fallen Leaves (2019) Black Frost was recorded at Woodshed Studio (near Landshut, Germany) with producer V. Santura (TRIPTYKON, DARK FORTRESS, BARREN EARTH, OBSCURA etc.) - the artwork was once again designed by Santiago Caruso. ICYMI: Watch the band's brand new music video for 'Tears Of The Eyeless': youtube.com/watch?v=MTBPG7ggE_w 'Black Frost' OFFICIAL VIDEO: youtube.com/watch?v=LY7Oo3H5ec8 Album Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=viu9rdU9ns0 ----- NAILED TO OBSCURITY live: w/ AMORPHIS, SOILWORK, JINJER 19.01. D Leipzig - Hellraiser *SOLD OUT* 20.01. PL Krakow - Klub Kwadrat 22.01. RO Bucharest - Arenele Romane 23.01. BG Sofia - Universiada Hall 25.01. H Budapest - Barba Negra Music Club 26.01. A Vienna - Ottakringer Brauerei *SOLD OUT* 27.01. CZ Zlín - Masters of Rock Café 28.01. SK Bratislava - Majestic Music Club 29.01. D Berlin - Kesselhaus 30.01. D Munich - Backstage (Werk) 01.02. D Geiselwind -MusicHall 02.02. D Cologne - Essigfabrik *SOLD OUT* 03.02. B Antwerp - Trix Muziekcentrum 04.02. UK London - Electric Ballroom 06.02. F Paris - Cabaret Sauvage 07.02. F Toulouse - Le Bikini 08.02. E Madrid - Mon 09.02. E Barcelona - Salamandra 10.02. F Lyon - Le Transbordeur 12.02. I Trezzo sull'Adda (MI) - Live Music Club 13.02. D Wiesbaden - Schlachthof 14.02. D Saarbrücken - Garage 15.02. D Stuttgart - LKA Longhorn 16.02. CH Pratteln - Z7 16.03. D Vechta - Assault of the Undead Vol. 3 03. - 06.07. D Ballenstedt - Rockharz Open Air 26./27.07. D Freißenbüttel - Burning Q Festival For more than ten years, NAILED TO OBSCURITY from Northern Germany have successfully developed their distinctive style, somewhere between melodic death metal and doom with progressive influences. Their underground debut 'Abyss…' exhibited these rare first glimmers, but their albums 'Opaque' (2013) and last year's 'King Delusion' especially showed a real evolution within their sound, allowing the band to take some huge steps. Their melancholic songs never fall short of the necessary brutality, and always create a distinct dynamic which mesmerises the listener who profoundly experiences every note and every word. This magic has already won over the fans of festivals such as Wacken Open Air, Summer Breeze and Party.San Open Air as well as those who attended their tour throughout Europe as main support to DARK TRANQUILLITY plus their appearances alongside renowned acts such as ARCH ENEMY, PARADISE LOSTand AT THE GATES. NAILED TO OBSCURITY is: Raimund Ennenga | vocals Jan-Ole Lamberti | guitars Volker Dieken | guitars Carsten Schorn | bass Jann Hillrichs | drums --- More info: www.nailedtoobscurity.com www.facebook.com/nailedtoobscurity www.nuclearblast.de/nailedtoobscurity

[erlxnyc]

Week 7: Diane Von Furstenburg

Diane von Furstenberg decided to become a fashion designer after she married a prince and decided she wanted to be known as her own person and not just his wife. She apprenticed in Italy at a textiles manufacturer where she developed her now iconic wrap dress that launched in 1973. In 1992 she sold $1.2 million of her Silk Assets collection in two hours on QVC. From 2006 - 2019 she was chairwomen of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her wrap dress holds a place in fashion history, it is still a popular garment among women from all walks of life and is featured in the Met museums costume gallery.

Within the flagship store in the meatpacking district is the DVF x Ashley Longhorn Portraits of Inspiring Women Gallery. I loved the gallery and thought that every portrait beautifully captured the beauty and strength of each of the woman featured. The fact that the portraits are unlabeled demonstrates how these women are so iconic they need no introduction and I found it amazing that everyone in our group was excited about different women who were featured. I loved the range of women represented from across history and different areas of influence, from Cleopatra to Amelia Earhart to Meghan Markle to Barbie. My favourite portrait was of Malala Yousafzai because I find her deeply inspiring and I think the portrait captured her strength.

Kristin Gardener was very interesting to listen to. I enjoyed hearing about how she tries to build a team of people who are different from her and how they all work together to exploit each person's individual strengths. I think this a great way to build a team and I really resonated with the desire to work with people who are different than you as I think this is the best way to build your skills and push yourself.

[utcampuslifeupdate]

President Honors Staffer’s Dedication to Student Support

Provost Sharon Wood, Araceli Nieto and President Hay Hartzell at the Faculty and Staff Awards on April 12

For 38 years, Araceli Nieto enhanced the lives of generations of students through her empathy, kindness, compassion and unparalleled breadth of knowledge. She was a mainstay in the Office of the Dean of Students, going above and beyond as a connector and problem solver. Now, the University is honoring her with the Arno Nowotny Medal, awarded to a retired Division of Student Affairs staff member who set the bar high during their distinguished career serving students.*

“I saw myself as a steady rock. I believe it was my desire to be helpful. My mother always told me – be of service, be helpful. That resonated with me. Anytime there was something that needed to be done, I wanted to be there to help. That guided me,” said Nieto.

Nieto (front row, far left) with the Office of the Dean of Students team and former Dean of Students Sharon Justice (front row, far right) in 1989

That desire to help students motivated Nieto to seek a job in the Office of the Dean of Students in 1980. She began as a senior secretary, after working for a short period at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and held progressive roles over the next four decades. She served the dean of students as executive assistant, supported the office and other staff, and her career culminated as executive liaison for the Office of the Dean of Students and vice president for student affairs. She retired in 2018.

In the true spirit of student affairs work, Nieto’s first priority was always our students, but she also influenced the lives of many staff, faculty and families. Her career spanned nine deans and interim deans, including Sharon Justice, former associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students from 1985-2001.

Sharon Justice and Nieto circa 1990s

“Araceli worked for me for sixteen years and she was a supervisor’s dream employee. Her eagerness to learn more, to improve her performance, to keep me on track and to have a sense of humor made for a wonderful working relationship,” shared Justice.

Many others benefited from Nieto’s dedication, wisdom and perspective – her presence was a key component to the success of the office and team. She handled many difficult and emergency situations, such as student deaths and 9/11, with poise, diplomacy and care.

“During her years of service in the Office of the Dean of Students, Araceli consistently demonstrated her commitment to the University community. She helped students navigate the orange tape, she provided parents with the necessary resources, she served on committees, she reassured faculty members that a staff member would call them back as soon as possible and all this with a calm demeanor,” added Justice.

Nieto and Former President Robert Berdahl at 1999 Performance Review and Evaluation

Justice, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Tom Dison and other former University leaders and colleagues attended the awards celebration at the Faculty and Staff Awards on April 12, 2024. President Jay Hartzell and Executive Vice President and Provost Sharon Wood honored Nieto alongside 10 distinguished faculty members who received the President’s Associates Teaching Excellence Awards.

“Araceli was dedicated to serving our students and has been recognized with a multitude of awards, commendations and recognition from prominent student organizations. She has made an impact on the lives of many staff, faculty and families through her endless show of empathy, commitment and guidance,” noted Provost Wood.

Nieto has received many other noteworthy achievements over the years including The University of Texas Employee Excellence Award and the Eyes of Texas Excellence Award. She served as the first advisor to Sigma Lambda Gamma – Xi Chapter during the formation and establishment of the first Hispanic Sorority on our campus. She also received numerous recognitions from student organizations including Student Government, Senate of College Councils, Graduate Student Assembly, UT Leadership Board and Orange Jackets.

*The Arno Nowotny Medal is the highest honor the University awards to a Division of Student Affairs staff member. Founded in 1983, the Arno Nowotny Medal honors the longtime dean of student life who influenced generations of students during his more than 50 years of service. Check out the past honorees.

[thecollegefootballguy]

The Real 2020 Season: Week 6

Hello everyone, welcome back to The Real 2020 Season! We’re imagining how things would have gone in the 2020 football season if COVID hadn’t ruined everything.

Check out the previous weeks here if you’d like a bit of context: Week 0, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5

-

The Rankings

Week 6 AP Poll

1. Alabama 5-0 (2-0) 2. Clemson 5-0 (4-0) 3. Oklahoma 4-0 (1-0) 4. Oregon 5-0 (2-0) 5. Florida 5-0 (3-0) 6. Texas 4-0 (1-0) 7. Notre Dame 5-0 8. Auburn 5-0 (2-0) 9. Texas A&M 5-0 (2-0) 10. Ohio State 3-1 (1-0) 11. Georgia 4-1 (1-1) 12. Iowa 5-0 (2-0) 13. LSU 4-1 (1-0) 14. Indiana 4-0 (1-0) 15. Cincinnati 5-0 (1-0) 16. Miami FL 5-0 (1-0) 17. Washington 3-1 (0-1) 18. Penn State 4-1 (2-0) 19. Stanford 4-0 (3-0) 20. Washington State 5-0 (2-0) 21. Liberty 5-0 22. Iowa State 4-1 (2-0) 23. Virginia Tech 4-1 (1-0) 24. Louisville 4-1 (2-1) 25. Oklahoma State 3-1 (0-1)

-

The Narrative

The Playoff race is crystalizing in the P5 conferences. #2 Clemson looks to have the ACC well in hand and #4 Oregon doesn’t appear to have a serious threat to their supremacy in the PAC-12. #1 Alabama is the frontrunner in the SEC, but of course that conference has way more teams in the hunt. The Big 12 looks like it’s going to be decided this week in the Red River Shootout between #3 Oklahoma and #6 Texas. The Big Ten is still a mess but either #10 Ohio State and #12 Iowa can build a credible Playoff case if they finish 12-1, problem is that those two are also playing this Saturday.

#7 Notre Dame of course can still go undefeated to take the spot in the top 4 and unseat whichever P5 champs lose along the way. The Irish have their first real test of the season as they host #19 Stanford.

With UCF’s defeat the previous week, the G5 race for the NY6 bid is starting to look much more wide open. #15 Cincinnati is the frontrunner, but the Bearcats have a harder schedule than non-AAC teams which may prove to be a great equalizer for the Sun Belt, who are seeking to have either unbeaten Coastal Carolina, Louisiana, or Troy in a major bowl.

-

The Games

With conference play fully under way, we’re starting to see more quality football games. We’ve got several consequential ranked vs ranked matchups this week, all of which have the possibility of impacting the Playoff race. Let’s see how it all played out.

Winning teams are highlighted in bold.

Akron at Kent State Miami OH at Bowling Green Ball State at Buffalo Eastern Michigan at Ohio Central Michigan at Northern Illinois Toledo at Western Michigan Air Force at San Jose State New Mexico at Colorado State San Diego State at Utah State Wyoming at UNLV Fresno State at #9 Texas A&M New Mexico State at Hawaii California at USC Oregon State at #17 Washington #19 Stanford at #7 Notre Dame Utah at #21 Washington State Colorado at Arizona UCLA at Arizona State #13 LSU at #5 Florida #8 Auburn at #11 Georgia Eastern Illinois at Kentucky Missouri at BYU Tennessee at South Carolina Ole Miss at Vanderbilt #1 Alabama at Arkansas Louisiana at Appalachian State Texas State at Troy Louisiana-Monroe at #21 Liberty Princeton at Army Maine at Connecticut Temple at Massachusetts East Carolina at South Florida Tulane at Houston #24 Louisville at Boston College #2 Clemson at Florida State Duke at NC State #16 Miami FL at Wake Forest #23 Virginia Tech at North Carolina #22 Iowa State at #25 Oklahoma State Kansas at Kansas State #3 Oklahoma vs #6 Texas (Dallas, TX) TCU at West Virginia Maryland at #14 Indiana Michigan at Michigan State #12 Iowa at #10 Ohio State Rutgers at Purdue Illinois at Nebraska Minnesota at Wisconsin Charlotte at North Texas Florida Atlantic at Southern Miss Middle Tennessee at FIU Marshall at Western Kentucky UTEP at Louisiana Tech UAB at Rice

There’s a lot to cover here. Firstly, the likely Playoff field all did survive. #1 Alabama humiliated Arkansas while #2 Clemson destroyed Florida State. #3 Oklahoma managed to squeeze past #6 Texas in OT and #4 Oregon had a bye. Right after the top 4 is when things immediately get weird. #5 Florida got upset at home by #13 LSU in a bizarre contest that saw a thrown shoe lead to a penalty that decided the game for the Tigers. #7 Notre Dame shut down #19 Stanford, putting the Fighting Irish closer to the Playoff. #11 Georgia beat #8 Auburn in Athens, ruining the Tigers’ undefeated season and likely ending any serious contention for the Playoff. The Bulldogs can absolutely still turn things around if they can beat Florida and win the East. Meanwhile in the Big Ten, #10 Ohio State was able to outpace #12 Iowa. With teams ahead of them in thepolls losing, the Buckeyes can sneak their way back into contention if they win out.

Outside of the immediate Playoff races, there was still a lot of intrigue around the leagues. The ACC Coastal just got blown wide open now that #16 Miami and #23 Virginia Tech took it on the chin over the weekend. Who knows how that division will play out? In the Big 12′s junior circuit, #25 Oklahoma State reasserted themselves with a win over #22 Iowa State. Until further notice the Cowboys still have a dark horse bid alive in the conference. The Big Ten is still seeing a lot of upheaval. Michigan has now fallen to 1-5 on the season with their loss to rival Michigan State. You wonder if Jim Harbaugh would have survived the season if this happened in real life.

The Group of 5 races didn’t have much going on this week. The conference frontrunners across all leagues won so things more or less stayed the same. Louisiana’s win at Appalachian State kept the Ragin’ Cajuns out of the loss column once again. Troy was able to beat Texas State while Cincinnati and Coastal Carolina had byes.

-

The Standings

Conference play is now finally starting to influence the standings. Things are taking shape!

-

The Big Picture

The Playoff race remains unchanged with #3 Oklahoma holding off #6 Texas. The Longhorns looked good enough to expect that we’ll see them back to face the Sooners in the Big 12 Championship Game. Perhaps if UT pulls it out they can make a claim for a Playoff spot as a 12-1 squad. Ohio State looks like they’re back in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten at least, they’ll be right there with the Horns trying to crash the party with one loss.

The G5 race was mostly on ice this week as the AAC and Sun Belt both had many squads off with byes.

-

The New Rankings

Week 7 AP Poll

1. Alabama 6-0 (3-0) 2. Clemson 6-0 (5-0) 3. Oklahoma 5-0 (2-0) 4. Oregon 5-0 (2-0) 5. Notre Dame 6-0 6. Texas A&M 6-0 (2-0) 7. Georgia 5-1 (1-1) 8. Texas 4-1 (1-1) 9. Ohio State 4-1 (2-0) 10. LSU 5-1 (2-0) 11. Auburn 5-1 (2-1) 12. Florida 5-1 (3-1) 13. Indiana 5-0 (2-0) 14. Cincinnati 5-0 (1-0) 15. Washington 4-1 (1-1) 16. Iowa 5-1 (2-1) 17. Penn State 4-1 (2-0) 18. Oklahoma State 4-1 (1-1) 19. Wake Forest 5-1 (2-0) 20. Liberty 6-0 21. Stanford 4-1 (3-0) 22. Boston College 5-1 (2-1) 23. Miami FL 5-1 (1-1) 24. Tulsa 4-1 (1-0) 25. Tennessee 4-2 (2-1)

We had a pretty big shakeup in the polls with all of the ranked vs ranked games going on. The Top 4 remains consistent for the fourth consecutive week but after that things get chaotic very quickly. Notre Dame and Texas A&M were able to take advantage of the upheaval and move up to the 5th and 6th spots respectively. Texas, Auburn, and Florida didn’t fall all that far given that they all lost to top flight opponents.

Towards the bottom of the polls we see the teams that fell out thanks to losses. Washington State, Iowa State, Virginia Tech, and Louisville all dropped out of the Top 25. They’ve been replaced by Wake Forest, Boston College, Tulsa, and Tennessee. The Vols being the first two-loss team and Tulsa is the first one-loss G5 team to make the polls this season.

-

Week 6 is in the books! Tune in soon to find out how the rest of the season plays out!

[theadventuresofwillandjohn]

My sister, Roxanna Porter was born July 16, 1981 at Barksdale AFB, LA to Vernelda and Jeffrey Porter. She attended Blair Elementary while at Fairchild AFB, WA and graduated from Globe High School in Arizona. Roxanna graduated from Mesa Community College and the University of Arizona with a bachelor of arts degree in Film Studies in 2008.

Roxanna was a talented and creative artist who loved knitting, drawing, crocheting and handcrafting one-of-a-kind pieces. Her love of books, music, animation and movies, particularly horror films, was boundless. Her final film project for the U of A was an original stop motion animation zombie short she wrote and shot herself. She loved watching football with her family, particularly the New Orleans Saints and Texas Longhorns. Her family meant the world to her and she cherished the time she spent with them.

Roxanna passed August 30, 2017. She is survived by her parents Vernelda and Jeffrey Porter, her brother William Porter and his husband John, her nephews Cameron and Ian, many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and her beloved chihuahua Sophie Fatale. She was 36. …

My sister was a very private person; I miss her so much. I take great consolation that at that moment when she left this world that John and I were holding her hands. She was much stronger and braver than I will ever hope to be. She may have not known many of my friends but she did help me be a better person and that my friends, close or otherwise, have been influenced by her in some small way.

The world has dimmed for me, John, and our sons, and I’ll strive from now on to make sure that she is not forgotten.

...

She called me brother ever since I married Will, & I called her sister. I am so profoundly lucky that I got to know her, she was very selective about who she allowed into her life, & it was a privilege to have been part of it.

It hurts that there is so much left undone. She left dozens of unfinished knitted items that we will work on as best we can. She was in the middle of teaching me a new, very complex heel for socks, I was waiting for her to feel better to pick it up again.

Moreso, it hurts that there is yet another amazing woman that, like my mother, will not be present in my children’s lives directly. I know that their personalities have influenced mine & their love of children & unique parenting styles are part of mine, but I just wish they could have grown up knowing them personally. Anna was a fantastic Auntie to Cameron but was just getting to know Ian, who was placed with us only a short time before she started experience the pains caused by her cancer.

And it all happened so quickly. She was diagnosed with neuroendocrine carcinoma in her cervix and her oncologist told us that we were looking at only a handful of months, most likely. There have been very few people who developed it in their cervix first, so it’s still partially unknown territory. They said it responds well to treatment but it comes back quickly. We had hoped that she would at least have a few years.

It just hurts so badly. She had so much left to do and see. We will have to work hard to do some of what she wanted and to make sure our boys feel her love for them throughout their lives.

[trippatkinson]

C-ron dropping some truth at Longhorn for Life! Grateful for the opportunity we have to partner with Lanier Athletics to encourage student-athletes. This group has incredible capacity for influence!! #leadership #love (at Lanier High Longhorns) https://www.instagram.com/p/B2WxItalWFl/?igshid=1tkit6m5g0c4

[auroraxrp-blog1]

AURORA is pleased to introduce Kokabiel better known as El Longhorn, a Very Rare Stellar Elf affiliated to the Mystical HQ. He is 1.2M years old, but looks around 23 years old. Currently working as Flower Keeper at Local Flower Shop, he likes astronomy, children, tea, cakes, secrets, big bodies of water but is not very fond of bright/hot weather, crowds, being restrained, noise, pixies and fairies. Wanna know more about him, make sure to pay a visit!!

–GENERAL

name: Kokabiel

alias: El Longhorn

age: immortal / 1.2 M years old / claimed age: 23

affiliated: yes

if yes, headquarter: Mystical years they have been part of AURORA: 300 years are they a mentor within the headquarter they belong to: yes or no?

race: Stellar Elf

race description:

Some say that the universe is a conscious entity that governs space and time, and some might even say that it sometimes intervenes with the events under the sky if deemed necessary, and thus the creation of one of the rarest forms of elves: Stellar Elves. Saved from death, a Stellar elf is a soul and its memories fused with pure magic and star dusts. Every Stellar elf to exist can feel one with the universe itself, giving them access to cosmic records that results to a variety of magical abilities (ie. future and past reading, illusion, influence in other people’s prowess). One may think that Stellar elves are dangerous beings because of their aforementioned abilities, alongside with immortality and massive size (Kokabiel, for example is 750 miles tall), but they are actually very serene and gentle beings. Blessed with intelligence and a pacifist soul, these elves are tasked to govern timelines and living beings, so they are very strict with ill feelings, to the extent that using their magic for ill intent is a taboo. In the context of seeing one, when an individual looks up to the night sky, it is most likely that he is staring straight to a Stellar elf, but is too small to comprehend the features. Also, to see a Stellar elf by the naked eye is nearly impossible, because of their skin that reflects the dark hue of outer space, and the stardust that accompanies them wherever they go. However, as a last note, it is important to know that Stellar elves tend to think of death most of the time their minds are not occupied with anything else. They are elves that experienced death, and some may even think that continuing life was a mistake. In addition to this, little to no Stellar elves meet each other, making time torturous and lonely. Because of this, most does not reach half a million years before giving up, resulting in a double-digit population.

occupation: A ring made by forging all El’s pure stardust gives him the size of a normal human but does not restrict his skin from changing color. Because of this, El can only work outside during the day as shop keeper of a flower shop, but stays at home from dusk till dawn. The rooftop of his home is also where he provides counsel without showing himself, even having high-profile customers (of course, not for free).

unique features: Without the enchanted ring

-          A massive creature with the height of 750 miles

-          A soft halo of pure star dust surrounding him, predominantly around the temple

unique features: With the enchanted ring

-          Daytime: skin is pale and almost translucent

-          Nighttime: skin becomes as dark as the night herself with small specks of stardust within them.

class: Very Rare

–POWERS & WEAKNESSES:

main power: celestial

magical abilities:

1. Star meditation (Able to meditate and feel one with the universe)

-The stardust in his ring can be invited out and manipulated, providing light and slight self-defense

- Extremely intelligent

- Can summon an ability of a 12 major star signs in a short period of time (weakest: 15 minutes; strongest: an hour)

2. Illusion magic (using cosmic records of the target)

- Stronger during night (panoramic illusions), weaker by day (1-5 people)

- A full moon enables him to influence even emotions and pain

3. Floating / Levitation

4. Luck charm to others

- Governs influence over an accompanies’ magical abilities

- ability to see one’s future via cosmic records (daytime: a symbol / nighttime: an image of event not over 24 hours / full moon: a clip of event any time in the future)

non-magical abilities:

1. Extreme memory

- Everything that happened and will happen under the sky are said to be recorded by the universe and selected Celestial elves have access to the records.

2. Night Maneuvering

- Vanishing into the night + Clear vision in the night

weaknesses:

1. Celestial magic consumes extreme amounts of life energy and despite being immortal, this makes celestial elves physically weak.

2. Using Offensive Magic with ill intent or anything other than self-defense is a taboo for Celestial elves.

3. Their blood is irresistible for vampires and extra sweet for other blood consuming beings so they are constantly being hunted. (This is also the reason why El introduce himself as a warlock, not as a Celestial elf)

4. Star meditation

- Star dust can only be invited out in small quantities, not exceeding half a litre. Exceeding will temporarily break the spell over the ring, reverting El back to his Celestial Elf form. This also implies that the ability is only available during El’s human form

- Star dust is not suitable for combat and will break easily. It is only used to give more time for El to escape or cast another spell.

- Summoning are normally done as a last resort because of the insane amount of magic required and Celestial beings usually return to star dust after, but being a former water elf, El’s bond to the moon greater. Performing this spell will still render him vulnerable and bedridden for 72 hours.

5. Night Maneuvering

- Vision in the night is weakened when inside quarters, there must be at least windows (because El is guided by the stars, not his eyes).

6. Illusion magic

- El must be stationary while chanting the spell for 15 people or more and can only move after it.

7. Luck charm to others

- Future must be latched to a living thing (he cannot see what’s the weather for tomorrow, but can see that person X will be wet from rain tomorrow)

- El cannot control magical abilities, only influence them (eg. Amplifying, restricting, have the original host lose control)

- El cannot do it to himself

8. Extreme memory

- Celestial beings are also very forgetful and would have to cast the spell once again to remember what they accessed a few days ago.

–PERSONALITY:

likes: astronomy, children, tea, cakes, secrets, big bodies of water

dislikes: Bright/hot weather, crowds, being restrained, noise, pixies and fairies

positive traits: Kind, wise, serene, pacifists, confident, avid-listener

neutral traits: Absentminded, formal, graceful, soft spoken

negative traits: Easily persuaded, possessive, emotionally unstable

description:

Kokabiel is the text book definition of a celestial elf, and spending million years in solitude did not help. He is physically weak, forcing him to concede that any fighting will be a strain. He is very shy and soft spoken, a voice deeper than the ocean and softer than the wind. Because of his nature, he is very mysterious and fond of secrets, no matter the significance. He is kind to all, believing that every star child is blessed and should be treated like one.  Despite being alone for a million years, El is very quick to trust and is fond of making friends. This was once caused his downfall, but old habits die hard.

But he is not perfect, for example, although very intelligent, he is a bit absentminded and quick to forget things. In addition to this, El is emotionally unstable because of the loneliness that envelops almost every single celestial elf, always on the edge of ending his life once again. He is light to the touch literally and figuratively: on one hand, El is very quiet, a man of few words and his appearance make him look like he’s transparent; on the other hand, El is very elusive. Once, an elf died a martyr, his innocence unknown to nobody. The universe gave him another chance, and this time, El knows that traitors exists, this time, El knows that secrets can destroy lives, and this time, El knows to never bind himself to someone in the name of love.

–BIOGRAPHY:

place/realm of birth: Universe/Space

date/era of birth: 1.2 M years ago

if half-breed, parents: n/a

if water being, nature: n/a

description:

1 200 250

               Kokabiel was named in honor of his mother, that loved the night sky more than anything. Elves surrounding their family home always loved watching her sprinkle water and make them shine like constellations, but nobody loved this little performance more than his father. Thus, when his mother was accidentally killed in an illegal fishing method, Kokabiel’s father grew distant, to the extent of forbidding anyone to mention anything related to his wife, including his son’s name. The young elf then took comfort in the blanket of stars that the vast night sky provided the sea every night. It didn’t take long before he was able to do what his mother can, and more, he was manipulating waves, hanging them above him. His passion and talent lived up to his name, “angel of the stars”.

Salt water elves normally sees themselves extremely more prestigious than fresh water ones, so the moment his father, a political figure, knew of Kokabiel’s friendship with an elf from a river, it did not take a second for the young water elf to be chained on a rock to be dried for three days. You see, when water elves aren’t submerged in water for a day, they lose form until they dry up to a single droplet after a week. It was always said that if one drinks that droplet, they would live forever, but water elves are too scared to try. Although torturous, Kokabiel would smile once the dark sky welcomes him, as if he knew it would love him more than his father.

Kokabiel continued his friendship with the fresh water elf, until that certain summer day when the both were playing in the waterfall that connected the river to the sea. “El, hide! A human!” his friend exclaimed, pulling young Kokabiel behind a rock. They feared them, heck, Kokabiel hated humans: the reason why his mother died and why his father treated him like a bubble from a coral. But this time, it was different. The sunlight reflected by her wet hair, plus her bright blond hair, made her look like the sun. Kokabiel fell in love. He stood up to meet the woman, only for his friend to panic and cast a spell that flushed all three of them out of the cave. On their way back home, his friend warned him: “first, it was me. Then, a human. Befriending other creatures will kill you one day”

The warning fell on closed ears. Kokabiel skipped their secret meetings behind the waterfall to visit the young lady’s tent, deep within the forest. A week after silently observing her, she finally discovers him. “I’m Rose, and I know you’re there.”, she shouts to the bonfire, giving the young elf no choice but to come out. The woman yelped, but held back a surprised scream, taking in Kokabiel’s appearance: Although he was cloaked in humble clothing, he was far different from a human. His eyes were of the bluest hues, glimmering against the fire, his hair was as long as his dress and although strands are seen connecting to his head, his hair was waves of water, touching the earth and giving it life as he walks softly to the lady. “A water spirit?”, Rose asked, changing her shocked face to a smile. “No, water elf. Sea water elf.”, the lady gives a knowing smile as he corrects himself and during that moment, he didn’t know what it meant.

1 200 200

Five decades fly fast when you’re in love. While looking at stars one night, Kokabiel confessed, only to be rejected kindly by Rose. “I love you too, believe me, but I came here in search for something. I don’t want to give you false hope that I can stay long.”, she stopped for Kokabiel looked like on the verge of crying, but she continues “The moment I find it, I will come back here. I will. I promise” she whispers, giving the young elf a kiss on his cheek. “I will help you! What are you looking for?”, he sits up, grabbing the human’s hands. “the city of fresh water elves.”

               “No no no no no never no.”, the fresh water elf refuses. “what made you think that after not showing your stupid face for 50 damned years, I would just simply give your human girlfriend access to our village? Give up El, I’m never going to let her set a single foot in there.”, he continues.

               Kokabiel was laying down on her lap that night, distraught that his only friend refused to help him, “It’s okay, I understand him completely, it’s just… I just want to see the world in his perspective, so that I can see him the way you do. I don’t live as long as elves, Kokabiel, I just want to see him.” Kokabiel was different from normal water elves, in his training, he learned to bend the light how he likes it to bend as it enters the thin water line that envelops his whenever Kokabiel would go and meet the him, because if he didn’t, the fresh water elf would be completely translucent. That night, instead of walking the woman back to her camp and saying goodnight, he told her to wait for him in the shore. He gave her a small bottle of enchanted liquid, the one he uses to see his friend.

               Kokabiel remembered Rose calling it déjà vu. The feeling of restraint in his arms and legs felt heavy as his back lay against the rock. Fifty years later and he was back at square one, only this time not for the crime of befriending a fresh water elf, but for the crime of killing one.

               He could still remember the weeping face of his friend’s mother, claiming that a human tortured her son, drying him for two weeks and taking the droplet that was left behind. They all managed to trace it back to him, how he would sneak out to see the young elf, and how his personal bottle went into the hands of the human they called a scientist.

It was night when Kokabiel finally feels his conscience slipping out of his body, he looked at the stars, and it was the same the first night after his mother’s death. His best friend got murdered by his lover that betrayed him in exchange for immortality, and now, he’s dying a martyr, his innocence known to only him. Despite this, he feels like going home, instead of leaving it. “I’ll see you soon”, Kokabiel whispers as he joins his mom and best friend in the afterlife.

Or so he planned

200 000

               A million years since it has happened. He was ready, but one could only guess that the universe decided that it isn’t his time yet. His droplet, was to be collected by his father, only to find it gone. Unknown to him however that the memories and emotions in the droplet was made into a soul, to be fused with stardust and pure magic.

               A million years since Kokabiel was given a new life, as a celestial elf. A massive being that towers over his former home.

               A million years since he last saw his best friend, since he last loved.

               A million years since someone called him by his name.

0El sits on his reclining chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose. It was summer and even if it has been 200 000 years since he was given the ring, he could not still stand the heat. If he was not affiliated with Aurora, the Celestial Elf would have taken off the ring and go back to governing Uranus or something. With a sigh, he stands up and notices the pile of requests for appointment, only to ignore it and walk straight to the rooftop. El can’t work today, he does not want to work today. Once there, he invites two small groups of star dusts from his ring, not bigger than a centimeter, twinkling and sparkling as if they’re stars themselves. He closed his eyes to focus, gaining access to the records of a million years ago. He stood there, reminiscing the events a million years ago, mourning for his mom and best friend yet again. “I’m sorry if I can’t still find her. If she took your life for immortality, then she’s still around. I’ll find her, I promise”, he whispers to himself, inviting the two specs of stardust back to his ring and finally organizing the mountain of paperwork he has.

[tsgdenvercolorado]

JANUARY SCOUTED CALENDAR

Tell Them SCOUT Sent You

PLUM SAGE FLOWERS MONTHLY FLOWER SUBSCRIPTION Jan. 1-31st | PLUM SAGE FLOWERS | click for details

Give the gift of a fresh flower subscription! Plum Sage Flowers’ arrangements feature seasonal blooms designed in a stylish vessel that we can select to complement your space. The arrangements are available for pickup or delivery - once every week or once a month.

VIVIAN LOU NEW CUSTOMER DISCOUNT Jan. 1-31st | VIVIAN LOU | click for details

Vivian Lou Insolia weight-shifting insoles were created for every woman who wants to wear high heels without the hurt.

KITTO KATTO SKINCARE JANUARY DEALS Jan. 1-31st | KITTO KATTO SKINCARE | click to book an appointment

New Year, New Skin! Kitto Katto Skincare has medical skincare services to get your skin in perfect shape for 2019!

Microdermabrasion treatment and complimentary lactic peel with Tina and haircut and complementary treatment with Amber or Hannah at the Rino location for $150

Jan. 14th & 28th | click to book an appointment

Enjoy Botox and Filler with expert injector with over 15 yrs experience, Polly McKibben, RN at Kitto Katto’s Cherry Creek Location on Monday, January 14th and 28th

LOOKING INWARD with JACKIE INSINGER Jan. 8th, 6-9pm | FOUND(H)ER | click for details

As a foundation of personal and professional success, values are a grounding force on which to build authentic leadership. In this session we will focus on identifying your own set of top grounding values, why they are important to you, and how to then leverage them to increase success and fulfillment. There is no better way to start the year than illuminating what's most important to you at your core and learning how to utilize your most authentic character strengths for your greatest achievements in 2019. 

ONLINE PILLOW SALE Jan. 8-13th | HOMEFEST | click for details

Things feeling a bit bare now that the holiday decorations are down? We’re here to help! Select accent pillows are 25% off on HomefestDecor.com, through Sunday. Nothing warms-up a space like plush textiles; our chunky knits, bold graphic designs, and knock-out neutrals are sure to pull your room together.

CHAKRA BALANCE MEDITATION WORKSHOP Jan. 9-30th, 6:30-7:30pm | THE LOTUS MEDITATION | click for details

Learn active meditation tools to explore each of your seven main chakras(energy centers in your body). Release energy from your chakras that might be preventing you from having the life you desire (calm, clarity, peace, joy, prosperity).

All levels are welcome and encouraged to play, pretend, and imagine in each active meditation throughout this 4-week series. Learn about the many colors you and how to balance them. In addition to the meditation tools and techniques, you will explore individually, there will be opportunities to connect with classmates and enhance your own meditation through the shared experience.

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW KICK-OFF PARADE Jan. 10th, Nigh Noon | DOWNTOWN DENVER | click for details

The sight of over 40 Longhorn cattle walking through the streets of downtown Denver can only mean one thing…it’s Stock Show time.

The National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade, presented by Arrow Electronics, is a sight to see. On this one afternoon in January, the streets of downtown Denver are lined with boots, chaps and cowboy hats to celebrate Colorado’s western traditions and the iconic National Western Stock Show. Kids, families, businessmen and women get to step back in time and see a true western cattle drive with horses, cowboys, cowgirls, tractors, marching bands and floats.

The parade starts at Union Station at noon on Thurs, Jan 10, 2019 and continues on 17th Street, ending at 17th & Tremont.

WHAT LIES AHEAD Jan. 11th, 6-8pm | VISIONS WEST CONTEMPORARY | click for details

For many, the start of the new year is a time for creating a roadmap for the upcoming year. The title of this exhibition is descriptive not only of the work being shown but also for What Lies Ahead for Visions West Contemporary in 2019. The exhibition highlights the new relationships being formed with artists. What Lies Ahead will provide a platform to share the upcoming projects each artist has at Visions West Contemporary. It is going to be an exciting year! 

Artists: John Defeo, June Glasson, Carly Glovinski, Mathew Mullins, Future Retrieval, Zemer Peled, Julie Buffalohead, and Jennifer Nehrbass

UNBREAKABLE CHALLENGE Jan. 14th-Feb.14th | SHRED415 | click for details

We’ve all been there before: We start the New Year with the best intentions, totally fired up to crush our resolutions. Then mid-January rolls around and suddenly, that fire has faded. But not this year—this year, we’re going to prove that we are unbreakable.

Take 12 classes between January 14th and February 14th and you’ll earn the satisfaction of knowing you rose above the struggle. Plus, Shredders who complete the challenge will be entered for a chance to win a 30-day unlimited month!

RED ROCKS LOCAL SET DINNER Jan. 18th, 6pm | RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATER | click for details

Calling all music lovers! Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre excitedly presents our 2nd annual Local Set Series with double the music and double the fun. Local Set featuring Venture Still & J.J. Beavauis

INSIDEWALK SALE Jan. 21st-26th | PERCH DENVER & HW Home 

Shake off the post-holiday blues with a little retail therapy at the InSidewalk Sale in Cherry Creek North!

CUBA 2D  Through Jan. 23rd | DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE | click for details

Experience a land of spectacular beauty that’s home to people renowned for their passion in the film Cuba 2D. The island nation is preserved in time yet poised on the cusp of dramatic change. Cuba’s vibrant culture, distinctive colonial architecture, and unspoiled ecosystems all provide a vivid window into the past. You will be transported across breathtaking island landscapes, below the ocean surface to dazzling reefs, and into streets invigorated by music and dance in the heart of Havana. This film is the perfect complement to the temporary exhibition,¡CUBA!  

FIELDWORK PANEL DISCUSSION Jan. 26th, 12pm | MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART | click for details

Curator Nora Burnett Abrams moderates a panel discussion with Jenni Sorkin, Kim Dickey, Maria Elena Buszek, and Patrick Greaney on site-specific art and place-based practice in art making.

SELF-CARE SATURDAY WITH SOOZIE  Jan. 26th, 1-3pm | THE LOTUS MEDITATION | click for details

So much of life is spent doing, getting and moving. In this Workshop, let's slow it down with:

*Supportive Yoga asanas, with the use of props and long holds designed for low back health.

*Nourish the senses with the healing benefits of various essential oils that will stimulate digestion and soothe sore muscles.

*Incorporate slow, fluid, energy moving movements of Qi Gong or Daoist Yoga, with the focus on moving energy and tension from lower back and hips.

This workshop will provide an afternoon of guidance in taking care of, nurturing and loving yourself more! Give yourself the gift of some much-needed downtime.

MURANO MOSAICS - PERSISTENCE AND EVOLUTION, ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS Through Feb. 3rd | TANSEY CONTEMPORARY | click for details

Venice, specifically the island of Murano, has remained the center of decorative glass art for the last 5,000 years. Venetian techniques evolved from mosaics and have influenced artists around the globe for centuries. After the Second World War, interest in glass resurged and deeply influenced the contemporary studio glass art movement. From the classic works of the Murano “maestro” Lino Tagliapietra through the “cane” and “murini” work of leading Australian artists Clare Belfrage and Giles Bettison to the exciting works by emerging artist Kazuki Takizawa, glass artists continue to develop and evolve traditional Venetian techniques for contemporary practice.