#excel training 2018

[tinylongwing]

Music recs list for my fellow Vide Noir-heads

(And everyone else too)

I've often seen, and even echoed the sentiment, that Lord Huron's album Vide Noir is completely unique. Nobody else is putting out big concept indie rock albums about existential dread in an uncaring and horrifying cosmos when you're just trying to look for the girlfriend who ghosted you and you wind up deep in a Los Angeles neo-noir involving eldritch space drugs and hallucinations from across time and space, okay? That's fair.

BUT.

While none of the below are the same, I do think they're likely to scratch some of that itch while you wait for more. Please check them out! You might find something you like. All of the below are bands that release concept albums meant to be listened to from start to finish, so I'll be recommending whole albums, not singles. Also these are youtube links because that's what I use but you can for sure find all of these everywhere you get music.

Typhoon

Criminally underrated for way too long. Huge sweeping orchestral indie rock sounds that would be right at home if a movie was made of one of their albums (what a dream that would be). Most of their music is inspired by a combination of the works of David Lynch and the frontman/writer's personal battles with Lyme disease and his subsequent near death. Listen to EVERYTHING they have put out ever, but especially:

Offerings (2018): According to the band, "It's a record from the perspective of a mind losing its memory at precisely the same time the world is willfully forgetting its history. The urgent question becomes: without causality, without structures of meaning, without essential features of rational thought, is there anything that can save us from violence/oblivion?

With no past and no future, there is only suffocating, annihilating, present, looping on and on ad infinitum (to me, one plausible definition of hell) and the best you can hope for is that somewhere in the void there exists some small, irreducible certainty—a fragment, a kernel, something—that you may have the good fortune to stumble upon before it's all over.

You know, a boy/girl-meets-girl/boy-everyone-dies-in-botched-attempt-at-neo-pagan-sacrificial-ritual-on-global-scale kind of thing."

White Lighter (2013): More directly inspired by Morton's survival of Lyme disease and organ failure, about finding hope when things feel utterly hopeless, and his gratitude toward his father for saving his life via kidney donation. (There is a 10th anniversary version of this album that includes some unrelated singles that were never released on albums, fyi - I find they interrupt the flow of the original intended release).

Arcade Fire

Oscillating between dance pop and indie orchestral folk-rock-baroque pop, these guys are pretty well known (The Suburbs won the Grammy for best album of 2010, after all). But! If you haven't heard them, or if you forgot they existed, this is a really really excellent time to listen to their work.

The Suburbs (2010): If you're going to start anywhere with this band, start here. Stay here a while. Inspired by some of the band members' upbringings in suburbian Texas, the album is an apocalyptic journey through end-stage capitalism and it's fucking jawdropping.

mewithoutYou

Post-hardcore/art rock band that incorporates spirituality and religion-as-myth and history from viewpoints around the world in order to write incredibly moving music about the human condition.

Ten Stories (2012): Inspired by multiple similar real world events from the 19th and early 20th centuries, this album is about a traveling circus on a train that crashes in 19th-century Montana, and the journeys of the circus animals as they flee the wreckage, or try to rebuid their own societies. Gorgeous, desolate, heartbreaking.

Pale Horses (2015): Visions of the apocalypse from the perspectives of multiple world mythologies as well as from the personal perspective of the narrator observing the ruin in his own life and the city around him.

Freelance Whales

The greatest tragedy here is these folks no longer make music - one member left the band, another has passed away. Thankfully, they put out two gorgeous indie folk-pop concept albums first that I think any Lord Huron fan should listen to. Read the descriptions, you'll see why.

Weathervanes (2010): While not all songs on this album are directly linked, many of them are, and those songs follow the narrative of a boy whose family moves into an old house that turns out to be haunted. He falls in love with the ghost who lives there, and winds up killing himself to be with her - and finds he has no regrets, for life is short anyway.

Diluvia (2012): Heavily inspired by Battlestar Galactica and stories of ancient aliens, this is the tale of a distant civilization which collapses from a combination of natural disasters and perhaps their own hubris. A few of them manage to escape on a starship, and eventually discover Earth and its ancient pre-humans. The dying aliens seed the Earth with their own DNA in order to preserve the genetic traces of their once-existence.

[scotianostra]

Happy Birthday another quality Scottish Actor, James McAvoy.

Born April 21st 1979 in Glasgow, McAvoy is one of the hottest properties in Hollywood, the charismatic Glaswegian had actually intended joining the navy or the priesthood before he stumbled upon acting as a career. James was 16 when the actor and director David Hayman visited St Thomas Aquinas school in Drumchapel to give a talk on Shakespeare and ended up being heckled by some class troublemakers. "I felt bad for him," recalls James. "So I went up at the end and said, 'Thanks very much. That was very interesting,' and asked him if I could make the tea, do some work experience, if he was ever doing another film." McAvoy was taken by surprise when Hayman called back four months later asking him to audition. He tried out and won a role in the feature film The Near Room.

McAvoy hadn't planned on becoming an actor, even when he got the part in the movie, but admitted later he changed his mind when he got a crush on co-star Alana Brady. A small role in the TV movie An Angel Passes By followed, and soon after, McAvoy decided to train at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. To pay his way, for two years he did the early shift at a bakery as a trainee confectioner before heading off to school each morning. In 2000, at the age of 20, he moved to London and soon after, landed a plum role in Steven Spielberg's acclaimed mini-series, Band of Brothers.

Since then he has appeared in the brilliant Shameless which he starred opposite Anne-Marie Duff, whom he later married, the couple divorced in 2016.

Other roles, before and after Shameless include, Foyle's War, Frank Herbert's Children of Dune, State of Play and Shakespea Re-Told.

On the big screen he was excellent dodgy cop, Bruce Robertson in Irvine Welsh's Filth, which I watched again the other night night, before that he was in The Last King of Scotland as Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, over the pond is more well known as the young Charles Xavier / Professor X in several X-Men flicks.

James voiced Hazel a new TV series adaptation of Watership down in 2018, He also appeared in Glass, the third in a series of films, the others being, Unbreakable and Split. He ended 2018 on the small screen featuring in His Dark Materials as well as finding time to star in National Theatre Live: Cyrano de Bergerac in the title role.

James was in the Psychological Horror moie Speak No Evil last year, he has a couple of projects on the go, according to IMDb media page, James stars and directs Speak No Evil, the story of how two Dundee , who as Silibil N' Brains, a rap duo pretended to be American in order to be taken seriously by the record industry and ended up touring with Eminem. He is also in the thriller Common with Julanne Moore and the third film is called Turn up the sun, a thriller set in the UK.

McAvoy earned praise last week in Glasgow for taking time to chat to fans and pose for selfie whilst filming the first of the three films, on described him as a "pure gem of a guy."

[wanderinginksplot]

What to watch during the writer's strike:

Don't pay attention to companies who blame writers for delayed movies and television shows! The WGA strike comes from people who are trying to make things better - not only for themselves and other writers, but the films and tv shows we all love.

While we wait for a resolution, I thought I would share some existing television shows that I enjoy. I didn't bother with too much well-known stuff. Instead, I focused on shows I feel many people missed because of the glut of content that all premiered at once over the last few years. (I may make another one of these for movies later on, but this one is about tv.)

[Update: Movie version here]

Feel free to add on! Just try to give a quick, spoiler-free synopsis for the show and the streaming service where it can be found.

List under the cut!

Netflix:

The Good Place (2016-2020) - A 'bad' woman is accidentally sent to heaven. She and her moral philosophy professor of a soulmate try to save her soul by making her a better person. Genre: Comedy with deeper implications and one of the best endings in television history.

Russian Doll (2019-2022) - When Nadia dies at her birthday party, she's more than a little confused to come back. Especially when it keeps happening. Genre: Time loop drama with a wicked sense of humor and a dash of theoretical physics. Potentially not ended?

Narcos (2015-2017) - The fight of the American DEA and the Colombian army against cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar and his reign of terror. Genre: Drama with thrilling elements. Lots of violence, some sex and language. Lots of subtitles. Features Pedro Pascal and Boyd Holbrook, if you need some extra incentive.

Derry Girls (2018-2022) - Five teens grow up in Derry, Ireland in the 1990s, amid the final years of the Troubles, a low-level war that lasted roughly 30 years. Genre: Comedy. Some sexual content, some religious content, less violence than you would expect, and the best nun ever to appear on film.

Arcane (2021-?) - Two sisters are alienated when one accidentally kills their adoptive father. Their different paths threaten the fragile peace of a city already on the breaking point. Genre: Drama with elements of action-adventure. Though it's animated, Arcane's animation is beautifully done with tantalizing steampunk elements that will keep you invested.

Disney+:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2020) - If you haven't seen any of the Star Wars animated series, this is a good place to start. Set in the time gap between Episode II and Episode III, this series helps flesh out Anakin Skywalker and the Jedi. It is also a great introduction to some of the characters and plots of The Mandalorian. (Star Wars: Rebels is another good choice.) Genre: Adventure with some drama. Violence and death are a large part of The Clone Wars, but it's usually appropriate for children. The clone troopers will steal your heart!

Gravity Falls (2012-2016) - Dipper Pines and his sister Mabel are sent to Gravity Falls, Oregon to live with their great-uncle for their summer break. But when Dipper finds a mysterious book in the woods, the pair find that Gravity Falls is far more mysterious than it seems... Genre: Adventure with a lot of comedy. Though it's billed as a children's cartoon, Gravity Falls is an intriguing watch with mystery subplots that will keep anyone guessing. It also features a famously strong and cohesive series ending. I was in my late 20s when I first watched this and I was still invested!

Daredevil (2015-2018) - After being blinded as a young boy, Matthew Murdock trained his other senses to replace the sight that he lost. He uses his skills to protect the helpless in the New York City neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen. Genre: Action and superhero. Features a lot of incredibly choreographed violence. (Jessica Jones is also an excellent show to watch, especially if you think of David Tennant as the consummate 'good guy'. He's got range!)

HBO Max (Just 'Max' now, I guess):

Ghosts (2019-2023) - Petty roommate squabbles don't stop just because you're dead! Alison and her husband Mike inherit a house, then a near-death experience allows Alison to see its ghostly inhabitants. Chaos and humor ensue as the ghosts try to adjust to the house's new owners. Genre: Humor. Ghosts is a British sitcom, but since the writers are comedians (writing and performing in Horrible Histories), the show is done in a style that feels more natural to American viewers. Hint: watch the BBC version, not the American one. They're fairly similar, but definitely not the same!

Pushing Daisies (2007-2009) - A pie-maker with the ability to bring back the dead helps to solve murders. He's helped by his once-dead childhood sweetheart. Genre: Comedy with some dramatic elements. Some of the CGI-heavy moments haven't aged particularly well, but the show has a unique premise and an incredibly talented cast!

Hulu:

Abbott Elementary (2021-?) - This mockumentary series showcases an inner-city elementary school in Philadelphia. The teachers and administration do their best for the kids, but they're constrained by budgets and the limitations of the educational system itself. Genre: Comedy mockumentary. Though Abbott Elementary is fictional, some of the issues brought up are all too real. This is a funny and incisive look at the American public school system.

Amazon Prime:

Fleabag (2016-2019) - The unnamed protagonist of the show struggles through life on her own with limited support from her alienated family and the memories of her recently deceased best friend. Genre: Comedy with lots of dramatic elements. Lots of sexual content and references, some language, breaking the fourth-wall, and several characters you just long to hit. I watched the second season in a single day, that's how good this was.

Unknown Streaming Service:

Black Sails (2014-2017) - This prequel to Treasure Island features elements from the book, original characters, and real pirates from history in a setting that emphasizes realism. Captain Flint and his crew search for a legendary prize... one that might allow them to claim Nassau for their own. Genre: Action and adventure. Think Game of Thrones, but with pirates. Incredibly well-written and well-acted with gorgeous scenery, LGBTQ representation, and just enough historical accuracy to keep things grounded. Black Sails also boasts one of the best endings ever given for a television show.

Like I said, please feel free to reblog and add your own television show recommendations onto this list! There are plenty of things to watch and plenty of ways to support the WGA strike that don't involve giving in to big studios.

[pedripics]

Summer 2018 at UD Las Palmas: "President, we have signed a 15-year-old phenomenon"

(via Canarias7 - February 18, 2025)

In July 2018, UD managed to close a signing that it had been pursuing for months. And it was not for the first team. It was a 15-year-old boy who had excelled to a superlative degree in the cadet team of Juventud Laguna de Tenerife, who had also called up by the Canary Islands National Team in that category, and who the club's Recruitment Department had monitored in detail. The interest was so big that every two weeks a coach travelled to the neighbouring island to take note of his progress and several meetings were held with his parents, invited to visit the Casa Amarilla and the Gran Canaria Stadium, in order to convince them to give their permission for his arrival.

It was a very hard-earned seduction job that was on the verge of being ruined when, Christmas 2017, Real Madrid came on the scene and gave him a trial at Valdebebas. Madrid's appearance threatened UD's desire to the limit. "We couldn't compete with them, and we took it for granted that they would take him", admits one of the members of the club involved in carrying out the operation.

But the winter days in the Spanish capital were hard, it froze and snowed and, for whatever reason, Pedri, uncomfortable in that environment, did not quite catch the eye of the white scouts. In fact, they agreed to get in touch with him again after those training sessions… And they didn't even bother to do so. "There, in the face of that silence, we went back in strong, knowing that it was the perfect opportunity. We were close to Pedri, we insisted with his parents… And, in the end, they themselves valued our perseverance, appreciation and value and, having other options, they chose UD", says this same source.

"Mr President, we have signed a phenomenon", those who knew told Miguel Ángel Ramírez, certain that the rough diamond brought from the foothills of the Teide would justify himself in grand style.

At fifteen years old, Pedri played the first round of the 2018/19 championship with the Juvenil B team under the orders of Juan Germán and the second half with the División de Honor team under the direction of Suso Hernández. He has to share the dressing room and compete with teammates who are two and three years older than him, a major physical conditioning factor at that stage of his training. “With a push, they would throw him off the field”, he remembers those unequal duels in terms of stature but which he saved by using ingenuity, technique and skill.

"A well-coordinated, elegant and creative player, who stands out for his decision-making", it says in the reports of that time. In his time with his teammates at the Las Ramblas residence, he has a "calm and very polite character." The whims of precocity mean that he cannot be promoted to the Juvenil A team because he has not yet turned 16.

"At that time, a work contract could not be made, it is what the law states. And, until the age of 18, one can be signed but with the authorization of the parents or guardians. A private contract was made for him with salaries and clauses, and he was registered with Social Security. Until that moment, we were exposed to the risk of him being taken away by paying only the training rights", they recall at the Anexo.

Unstoppable and stellar progression

Positioned as a left winger, he is a great player. And with goals, as many as nine goals. In a Copa del Rey youth tie against Atlético, he finally confirmed that he is ready for something big. "Thank God the game we played there was not televised because it was an exhibition. Whoever had seen it would have been eager to sign him, although at that stage the club had him under control, so to speak. And, in addition, Pedri felt at home, perfectly adapted, very comfortable and happy. He wouldn't have left just like that, either", they underline.

His progress was so big that, literally, Las Palmas Atlético did not even have time to sign him so that he could fulfil the natural next step. Exactly 13 games with the División de Honor and always more until reaching the summer of 2019. Pepe Mel, UD coach, did not hesitate to integrate him into the preseason of the professional team from the first minute in the recently opened Ciudad Deportiva de Barranco Seco. On July 15, the club announced that he had signed a professional contract for five seasons and with the initial intention that "he would alternate games with the first team and the reserve team." Such a circumstance would never happen because he never went down after making history by becoming the first youth player of the club with those conditions.

"He's a millionaire and he doesn't know it", Mel murmured when he saw him training. "Let's see how long he lasts," he prophetically warned after his first friendly, in Fuerteventura and against Gran Tarajal on July 20 of that year. Events around him continued to happen at breakneck speed because in the middle of summer preparations, rumours about his future were rife.

Without having made his debut in an official match, and knowing that he is an exportable asset that will bring good profit, Miguel Ángel Ramírez agrees with his fellow board members and coaching staff that the sale is inevitable and cannot be postponed. Rocco Maiorino, the club's sporting director at that stage, took the initiative: "It all started when I called Ramon Planes, and he trusted me. I told him: 'I have something here that is not normal, it is for Barça'. I believed that only at Barça he could demonstrate his talent and develop," he said on Carrusel Deportivo.

Barcelona's key move

Unlike Madrid, who were urged to try again, Barça were quicker and began to negotiate with variables. "We went from one million to a fixed amount of five. And on top of that fixed amount, a series of bonuses that were unthinkable at the time but which were fulfilled. Number of games, call-up to the national team…" they detail at Pío XII, where they ended up exceeding 20 million in revenue from all concepts.

On 2 September, his transfer to Barcelona was announced, a deal that would see him remain on loan at UD until June 2020. Seventeen days later, and having just landed from Qatar, where he had made his debut with the Spanish U-17s, he scored his first goal as a professional, the winner against Sporting (1-0). He also became the youngest scorer in the entire chronology of UD at 16 years, 9 months and 25 days, breaking the record set by Orlando Suárez in 1990, at 17 years, 3 months and 3 days.

"We prayed every night that Pedri would not be discovered. We would not have sold Pedri if the team had been in the First Division. The boy deserves everything, because in addition to being a good professional, he is also an even better person", Miguel Ángel Ramírez emphasized about him at the time.

As a Barça player, he still slept in a bunk bed

Pedri was welcomed that night by his teammates at the Casa Amarilla. Already a Barcelona player and a star at UD, he continued sleeping in a bunk bed and was subject to all the time and conduct codes of the rest of the youth squad.

He made 37 official appearances, four in total with UD before flying to the Camp Nou. His year in Segunda, sponsored by Jonathan Viera, was conditioned by the pandemic and prevented him from saying goodbye to the Gran Canaria fans, since his departure coincided with the phase in which the game was played without an audience due to health restrictions. This Saturday, Pedri returns to where it all began, already a world reference, continental champion with Spain and leader of Barça. Who has seen it and who sees it.

[walkingthroughthisworld]

U.S. Army Europe and Africa International Tank Challenge

Article by Matthew Olay

Photos by Spc. Adrian Greenwood, Sgt. Collin Mackall, and Lt. Col. Robert Humphrey

A four-man Army tank crew from the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade, 1st Armored Division, defeated teams from four other countries over the past week to achieve the first American victory in the U.S. Army Europe and Africa International Tank Challenge.Taking place in Grafenwoehr, Germany, the competition — which first ran from 2016 to 2018 before being paused due to other competitions and the COVID-19 pandemic — comprises 10 graded events designed to measure a tank crew's physical fitness, marksmanship and mental acuity.

 "It still hasn't fully set in for me, yet, that we managed to win this competition in the manner that it happened," said Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Greene, the winning crew's tank commander. 

Rather than assembling a "dream team" from the battalion's various tank crews and then making it their sole job to train for the competition, leaders looked across the battalion, searching for the most well-rounded crew, according to Army Command Sgt. Maj. John Jean, the battalion's most senior enlisted leader. 

"Being a combat arms guy, especially on tanks my whole career, that's always one of our foundations: being as lethal as we can, and I think this competition attested to that ability," Greene said. He added that the competition demonstrated the overall readiness of tank crews like his. "If we [have] to send troops forward again and these tanks have to go into battle, the crews are in the right mindset to be as lethal as possible, using that 'one shot, one kill' mindset," he said. 

As a result of their victory at the competition, Greene and his team — which also included gunner Army Sgt. Graham Parker, loader Army Spc. Donovan Lavery and driver Army Pfc. Nicolae Lawson — received Army Commendation Medals and initiation into the U.S. Cavalry and Armor Association's Honorable Order of St. George for armored excellence.

(via U.S. Army Tank Crew Wins International Competition for First Time > U.S. Department of Defense > Defense Department News)

[medusamagic]

So you want to know more about Big Barda

As Tumblr's resident expert on all things Barda, and as Kelly Thompson's Birds of Prey run brings far more attention to the character, I figured it was high time someone stepped in and gave the tumblr world a primer on DC's biggest and boldest heroine.

The Basics:

Introduced in Mister Miracle #4 by Jack Kirby, Big Barda was once the leader of Apokolips' premier death squad, the Female Furies. Trained from birth for a life of violence by Granny Goodness, Barda spent the first 250 years of her life as a living weapon. This all changed when she met Scott Free, a gentle Parademon-in-training with a mysterious past and a knack for escapes. Eventually, she and Scott both escaped to Earth, where they fell in love with both the Earth and each other. She's a lover, she's a fighter, she's a Pokémon card expert, but most of all, SHE BIG.

Barda's signature defining attribute is her raw strength. Her raw muscle allows her to keep up with heavy hitters like Wonder Woman. This isn't to suggest that she's a simple-minded brute, however-- Barda has centuries of military experience under her belt as leader of the Female Furies. She's mastered multiple weapons, including spears, swords, and her signature Mega-Rod.

Below are some reading recommendations for anyone interested in Big Barda:

Essential Runs:

Mister Miracle Vol. 1 #4-18 by Jack Kirby (1971-1974)

This was the run that introduced the world to Big Barda, as well as the Female Furies. If you want to know the basics of Barda, there's no better place to start. This run is collected in a trade, as well as a part in The Fourth World Omnibus Vol. 1.

(NOTE: Even though Barda doesn't appear until issue #4, I suggest you start with Issue #1. It'll help you get acquainted with the rest of the mythos.)

Justice League International #14-24 by Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis (1988-1989)

Big Barda was on the JLI! She plays off the other characters as well as ever, and a lot of what's great about her in Jack Kirby's original run is still here! Definitely check this one out if you want to see her in another team setting. This has been collected in this omnibus.

(NOTE: Once again, I recommend you start from issue #1.)

Popular Runs:

Mister Miracle Vol. 4 #1-12 by Tom King and Mitch Gerads (2017-2018)

Yeah, I know.

Listen, Tom King is a writer with... idiosyncrasies to put it nicely. The characters in the periphery of his stories tend to act really out of character, and his dialogue can be clunky at times. That being said, The Scott/Barda dynamic in this book is excellent, and this book has some of the best art that the Fourth World has seen since the 80s. The series has been collected in a trade.

(NOTE: Did you know that the CIA has over 2003 files on Tom King? Look up "Tom King CIA 2003" for more info!)

Mister Miracle: The Great Escape by Varian Johnson and Daniel Isles (2022)

If you're at all interested in the idea of a Young Adult reimagining of Mister Miracle and Big Barda's origin story with an all-black cast, this book was made for you. It's a bit heavy on the YA tropes, but the Scott/Barda dynamic is really solid. It was released as a standalone graphic novel.

Birds of Prey Vol. 5 #1-??? by Kelly Thompson and Leonardo Romero (2023-)

Admit it, this is the reason you're here. The Cassandra Cain & Big Barda is so instantly iconic, I'm surprised no writer has paired them up sooner. It also helps that this book has the single best Barda look since Jack Kirby's original run. Plus, she gets to throw down with Wonder Woman! What's not to love? This run is still ongoing, but the first 6 issues should be getting a trade pretty soon.

(NOTE: I started writing this before BOP #8 dropped, I had no idea about that thing that happens in the newest issue.)

Stories to Avoid:

Action Comics #592-593 by John Byrne (1987)

This is not a comic book-- it's an infohazard designed to cause pain and suffering to anyone who knows of its existence. Its premise is vile and disrespectful on the surface, and it becomes more insidious when you learn the context of its creation. This pair of issues is profoundly evil, rivaling even Avengers #200 in terms of loathsomeness.

For those who dare to investigate this, Content Warnings for rape, mind control, and human trafficking.

Anyway, let's end on something a bit lighter, shall we?

Remember that Mister Miracle YA graphic novel I mentioned earlier? Barda is getting a graphic novel of her own this summer! It's not out at the time of writing, but the preview pages look promising!

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed that introduction to one of my favorite superheroes ever. Please get back to me on this, I have no one else to talk to about Fourth World stuff.

[terriblepersongreatseamonster]

I want to start this off by stating that I was a $5 Patreon patron for Watcher. For years, I watched the guys make content, and I couldn't afford to give any kind of support. Towards the end of last year I reached a point where I could just manage the $5 tier. As someone who is a creative, I know how important it is to be able to have the finances to make the things you want to make. And while $5 might not be much for some, it's still $5. Money is money.

I was absolutely stunned by the way Watcher handled things this past weekend. And while I am willing to continue watching them after seeing their apology video, I will be hesitant to give them any financial support in the future.

There has been quite a bit of discourse regarding things that were said in the "Goodbye YouTube" video, and since others discuss those things far better than I am able, I'm not going to cover most of the things I found myself questioning. However, there is one point I do want to tackle.

Watcher's claims of making TV quality content.

Do the guys make quality videos? Yes. For YouTube, their videos are excellent. Do I think that they are TV quality? No. Just because you have enough staff to fill out a TV show's credits, doesn't mean your content is TV quality. What they make are shows that I would expect to find on YouTube.

The show I keep coming back to regarding this claim is Puppet History. I adore that show. Puppet History is clever and endearing. I sense that Shane truly loves making it. That said, Shane is not a TV quality puppeteer.

I started learning to be a puppeteer when I was 5. From ages 5-34 I was involved with puppetry in some way, shape, or form for all but four of those years (that's 25 years of experience). I performed, I directed, and I taught basic puppetry. At my best, I was an average puppeteer, but I have helped train kids who were excellent at puppetry.

I say all this, because I want to make it clear I'm not just picking on Shane. He is a talented and smart man. I believe that if he had some training and practice, he could be a TV quality puppeteer, but right now he is not.

I would love to see the guys be able to make TV quality programming, but I think they need to pull back on some of the bells and whistles and focus on what actually works and make an effort to improve that.

Edit: I haven't done any puppetry since 2018, but here are a few photos of a couple of my puppets and myself.

[cottoncandytrafficcones]

10 Cool Jewish Women from Modern Day! Part 2 because I'm on a role

Liz Kleinrock, a self-described "Korean, Jewish, queer, transracial adoptee, antibias and antiracist nationally recognized educator, author, and consultant." Born in Korea, she was adopted by an Ashkenazi Jewish family in Washington D.C.. Involved in education, with a Masters in UCLA's Teacher Education Program, she has taught in California and D.C., and has also worked as a school librarian. In 2018, she received Learning for Justice's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Loolwa Khazzoom, an Iraqi-American writer, journalist, activist, musician, and feminist. She was heavily involved in the Jewish feminist movement of the 1990s and is the founder of the Jewish Multicultural Project, which provides resources to Jewish communities about diversity in Jewish culture. She has also been involved in SOJIAC and JIMENA. Raised in California to an American Jewish mother and an Iraqi Jewish father, she graduated from Barnard College in 1991. She participated in a filming about the interplay of race and gender in America called The Way Home. She is the lead singer and bass player of Iraqis in Pajamas, a punk rock band that uses traditional Iraqi and Jewish musical elements.

Ariela Sofer, and Israeli and American operations researcher who is a professor of systems engineering and operations research, as well as a Divisional Dean, at George Mason Acamdey. She is a published author, with two books on Lineaer and Nonlinear Programming. Named as a Fellow of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences in 2016, she is also a Fellow of the Institute of Industrial and System Engineers and the International Council on Systems Engineering.

Ayelet Newman, also known as Ayelet the Kosher Comic, is an Orthodox stand up comedian. Born to a secular Jewish family on long Island, she pursued a career in TV and film after high school, appearing in The Hebrew Hammer. She became a baalat teshuva in the early 2000s, when she quit acting and began pursuing comedy, performing only for women.

Adina Sash, a Brooklyn raised American Jewish activist and social media influencer, also known as FlatbushGirl. Holding a Master's degree in Medieval literature from Brooklyn College, her online activism was started after receiving sexist comments. In 2017,s he launched a social media campaign called #FrumWomenHaveFaces that raised awareness of the erasing of women from Orthodox newspapers and magazine, gaining the support of Mayim Bialik (Jewish actress).

Tova Ben-Dov, former president of the Women's International Zionist Organization and former vice president of the World Jewish Congress, as well as a board member for the Jewish Agency for Israel and the International Alliance of Women. She joined WIZO as a young mother, and worked in the Chair of Women's Training Department of WIZO Israel. In 2011, she was awarded Honoree of Tel Aviv, and in 2016 the title of Honorary Fellow of the World Zionist Congress.

Kat Graham, an American actress, singer, dancer, author, and activist. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, to an Americo-Liberian father and a Polish and Russian Jewish mother. Co-founder of he wellness company Modern Nirvana, she had released work focusing on self-help. She speaks English, French, Spanish, and some Hebrew and Portuguese. She is known for her role as Bonnie Bennett on the CW show The Vampire Diaries, and has released two extended plays and four studio albums. She has done work as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee Agency, inspired by her family's history.

Dafna Bar-Sagi, an Israeli born cell biologist and cancer researcher at New York University School of Medicine. She is member of the scientific advisory boards, including the National Cancer Institute. A graduate of Bar-Ilan, where she earned her undergraduate and master's in neurobiology, she received her PhD in neurobiology from the State University of New York as Stony Brook. Her research focuses on the nature of he Ras oncogene and how Ras signaling leads to tumor development. She has been the vice dean for science, chief scientific officer, and executive vice president of NYU Langone Health.

Malika Kalontarova, a Tajikistan born Bukharian dancer known as the "Queen of Tajik and Oriental Dance." Rebellious as a child, she has always identified as Jewish, despite Antisemitism in Tajikstan. Trained by Ghaffor Valamatzoda and Remziye Tarsinova, she moved to Queens in 1993 where she opened up her own dance studio.

Jazz Jennings, an American spokeswoman and Queer activist. An honorary co-founder of he TransKids Purple Rainbow Foundation, which her parents founded in 2007, she is one of the youngest documented people to be recorded as transgender. She was accepted into and currently attends Harvard University. In 2013, at only 13 years old, she founded Purple Rainbow Tails, while engaging in a battle with the USSF to allow her to play on a girls' soccer team. She is a published author, and in 2014 was named one of the top 25 most influential teens. She has voiced several characters in an animated shows, and starred in an Amazon Prime movie.

[sunskate]

IAMO 2024-25 wrap up:

Lily Hensen/Nathan Lickers 🇨🇦CAN 23/23 yo their RD at Nationals was killer, their best RD ever maybe. their Firebird FD was ambitious and very musically performed. this is 2 seasons in a row where their FD was a big swing. the extremely difficult ending they did all fall with the on the shoulder choreo lift took guts, and i don't know what team would have been comfortable with it. they're beautiful skaters who know how to skate in hold. they've been skating together for 13 years and know each other on the ice very well. they were 5th at Nationals. the one piece of their packaging that could use a fresh eye might be costumes and styling. i hope they lean more on IAM for that. i wonder if they've ever done a tango FD, speaking of being good in hold

Leia Dozzi/Pietro Papetti 🇮🇹ITA 24/24 yo what i've always always loved about these two is how musical they are and how refined their sensibility is. they competed 7 times in Europe this season and were on the podium at Nationals for the first time. they had some struggles with PSt levels and consistency in their twizzles, and i'm not sure if it's a mental thing or a skating thing. this felt like a growth season where you can see the skating developing as their performances also became more detailed. they've always felt natural in their expression. their fed sent them out more and seem invested in them. Tali/LaFornara are senioring up this upcoming season, but post Milano-Cortina, both G/F and Manni/Roethlisberger are probably retiring (G/F almost certainly, M/R are both turning 31 in August) and there will be more opportunities. i truly hope they’re staying in for the next quad

Utana Yoshida/Masaya Morita 🇯🇵JPN 21/21 yo we're counting them since Scott seems to consider them one of his teams even if it's not ISU official. Team Koko's retirement created space for another team to step up (you could argue that Y/M were already knocking on that door), and these two are now looking solidly like Japan's #1. they won Nationals and Asian Winter Games and were ahead of Tanaka/Nishiyama (who train at IAM) in all 4 of their head to head competitions. they just missed the cut at Worlds so will have to qualify for the Olympics in Beijing in September. they have excellent skating skills and are little live wires as performers. Cathy Reed made one of the better RDs of the whole field for them that they ate up all season. they're young and might still be climbing the ranks if they were from a different large fed, but they seem to have a healthy mindset and excitement about the large stages they've been on. we'll see if they train at IAMO again for the summer

Samantha Ritter/Daniel Brykalov 🇦🇿AZE 21/24 yo. after being out for the 2nd half of the 2023/24 season, they came back having made a lot of progress - he in particular looked almost transformed in posture and line. their programs, particularly their free, were strong. their lifts emphasize their stature and her flexibility - the CuLi in the FD especially. they made Euros and their first Worlds. levels in steps are an area of focus, though some of it is probably nerves and a matter of time til they can show in competition what they do in practice. they gained confidence and freedom in performance as the season went on and had an outing to be proud of in Boston

Christina Carreira/Anthony Ponomarenko 🇺🇸USA 25/24 yo. they were on the podium at both their Grand Prix events - their first GP medals since 2018 in their first senior season - first alternates for GPF. solidly 2nd at US Nationals in a tough field. and 5th at Worlds! what a season, what a team. they've really owned their performances, look even more in command of their skating, in charge of their career. they're showing who they are as a team, and they've been bold in their choices.

these coaches have been amazing for them - CPom couldn't have made their huge glow up without Scott, Madi and Adrian. but IAMO and these coaches also may not have been on this very fast track if CPom hadn't taken a chance and bet their career on Scott. it's really been a tremendous win-win, for them and for us

for next season, i'm just excited to see what they come up with. i do hope they'll consider going a new way with a gala program - they've tended to do slow exhibitions that are pretty but a little generic - Christina and Anthony seem fun off ice, and they're at a level now where memorable gala appearances can be a bonus to help them big picture. plus it would be great to see them cut loose, so i hope we get to see another side to them

[intriguingpeoplebyangelafloyd]

ALEX WINTER

ALEX WINTER

17 July 1965

THE LOST BOYS

            Alex Winter is a British-American actor and filmmaker. He is best known for playing Marko in The Lost Boys (1987), Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) & Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey 1991).

            Alexander Winter was born in London, England, his mother a New York dancer and his father founded the first modern-dance company in London during the 1960s. His father Ross Winter is an Australian who danced with his mother’s troupe. His father has English ancestry and his mother is Jewish, of Ukrainian descent. When he was five his family moved to Missouri, US and then moved to New York City in 1978; they lived in Montclair, New Jersey. Winter trained as a dancer as a child and started acting when he moved to New York, initially performing on Broadway. He attended New York University in 1983 where he met aspiring filmmaker Tom Stern; the two collaborated on making short films. Winter dropped out of film school and Stern and himself moved to Hollywood, where they continued making films and music videos. Winter looked for work as an actor, including gaining his role in The Lost Boys.  Winter was a film student when he auditioned for The Lost Boys, casting agent Marion Dougherty introduced Winter to Joel Schumacher and Richard Donner. He met the filmmakers whilst dressed in 80s punk rock style clothing, during filming they had him wear hair extensions.

            Winter has an interest in the internet which inspired him to make the documentaries Downloaded (2012) and the Deep Web (2015).

            Winter has been married twice and has three children. In 2018, Winter revealed when he was aged 13, an older man sexually assaulted him whilst he was acting on Broadway. He has spoken publicly how it has affected him and how he has suffered from PTSD since he was a teenager.

#alexwinter #thelostboys #thelostboys1987

[glassprism]

How many different replica Masquerade choreography are there of? I swear everytime I watch a new video it changes...

I think every version has little changes here and there, just like with the costumes and the blocking, but I largely put them into the following categories.

The original choreography. What it says on the box. This featured a lot more dancing for Raoul and Christine, largely because the original Raoul and Christine were trained dancers. This choreography was used in the West End, Broadway, and a few of the earliest replica productions, as well as the Japanese production (again, with a couple tweaks) up until around 2020, but was gone for the most part by the 1990s as productions toned down the dancing requirements for their Christines. I made a gifset comparing it to the the more common choreography here.

West End choreography pre-2019. I tend to call this the "West End choreography" because that's the flagship production that has it but I see it being used in various European productions as well as the World Tours. The way I recognize this is if Christine does a little dip in Raoul's arms and if Raoul lifts Christine without moving across the stage. See the left side of this gifset for images. It's also worth noting that after 2016, the West End production changed their choreography (see below) but other productions stuck to this version, e.g. the Stockholm revival in 2016-2017 and the Copenhagen revival in 2018-2019.

Broadway choreography pre-2016. This is basically the flip side of the above, the dancing used on Broadway and the replica US tours up until 2016. Main way I differentiate is that Raoul and Christine do a little kiss and spin instead of a dip and the lift is done with Raoul moving across the stage instead of standing still. Again, I call it the Broadway choreography but it's used elsewhere, interestingly mostly in the Latin productions - Mexico City, the original Madrid, and the original and revival Sao Paulo productions all feature this choreography, though all but the original Sao Paulo production eliminate the lift. (I have no footage of Buenos Aires so can't speak to what they used.) The most recent Korean revival has also followed this choreography, including eliminating the lift. See the right side of this gifset for visuals.

Post-2016 to pre-COVID choreography. Around 2016, Gillian Lynne went in and tweaked the choreography somewhat, with the main differences that I saw being the elimination of the lifts and more general "movement" on the stage. There was a lot of buzz at the time about Lynne coming in and making these changes which is probably why I remember it and categorize it so clearly from the above. Ultimately I think it was used mostly in the West End and Broadway productions, I didn't see too much use of it elsewhere. See this gifset for a comparison of the changes made.

Post-COVID choreography. To me, it felt like a continuation of the above but with added changes, mainly: less dancing for Christine (she seemed to spend most of her time running around the stage being chased by the dancers), some more twirling, and she and Raoul get pulled in by the ensemble at one point. Like the one directly above, this is used mostly in the West End and Broadway productions after their revival / reopening. I don't have a gifset comparison but here's a video of it on Broadway.

No dance Christine. A somewhat special case, as far as I can tell used mainly in the original Vienna production and if a Christine has injured herself in a way where she can perform but just can't do a lot of the dancing (e.g. I believe Meghan Picerno did something like this in the first few days of her World Tour run). As the name implies, this is when Christine just dashes offstage for half of 'Masquerade', leaving Raoul to wander confusedly looking for her and the ensemble to show off some rather excellent moves, though she'll emerge back in time to get on the staircase. Here's a full video of the original Vienna production, just skip to 'Masquerade' to see it.

So that's how I'd divide it! Again, it's more about finding the commonalities and not getting too bogged down with the various little tweaks that occur here and there...

[torrentials]

hey everyone, i'm sunny (she/her)! super excited to join with oh daewon aka wonil, a ydh soloist (and troublemaker, apparently). he's been pushing ydh's boundaries (re: buttons) since 2018, so i'm looking forward to seeing him develop further! i've got an overview of his background below, but for more info, you can also check out his file, bio, and career, as well as a few plots. there are more plot ideas below, and i'm happy to brainstorm connections, so please hmu or give this a like if you're interested! <3

pt. i — background, tw for brief mention of illness, and death

born in yeosu, but if you ask him about it, he doesn't have much to share save for a few impersonal details, like the views on the water or the slow-paced life. it's enough to make evident that he's glad he's here than there, but to give the run-down he won't: daewon had a very typical, modest upbringing.

his parents worked a lot, as they had to, and he was a good kid; excelled in his classes, helped around the house, and never complained. though, naturally, he always wanted more for himself. the idea of living the same life as his parents—well, let's just say it gave rise to many complicated (and unresolved) feelings.

so, he moved to london to live with his aunt when he was 12/13 with the initial idea of going to med school. he only returned at 19 when his dad got very sick, and then just... never went back. did his military service, got scouted (in uniform, mind you), started training, and the rest is history.

his dad has since passed away, so it's just him and his mom now, but he hasn't been very attentive in visiting her, tsk tsk.

pt. ii — training and career

it wasn't always the plan that daewon would debut as a soloist, but he was very diligent with all aspects of his training; never easing up or letting his exhaustion outwardly weigh on him—even though he was an older trainee. you could say he's a bit of an all-rounder as a result (just don't make him rap lol).

as for his debut, while daewon didn't have a strong foundation (nor an interest) in music to start, he did have a very clear vision of how he wanted his music to express him, and thankfully, ydh was on board. he's quite particular. in that respect, wonil's sensual image and sound is as much a credit to him as it is to ydh.

that said, though, i don't think daewon fully appreciated exactly what he was getting himself into and just how rigid ydh's rules are—or how serious management is about enforcing them, and that's lead to some... issues (re: scandals—yes, plural). but! it seems like the relationship is still going strong since daewon doesn't have any plans of stopping or slowing down anytime soon (maybe music truly is his calling).

although he's been especially interested in the production of music and has developed that skill further, i'd actually say he's his strongest during his concerts. it's a melting pot of creativity, and he gets a whole lot more influence on the choreography, song transitions, mood, etc (tldr; you should catch him on tour).

pt. iii — personality

overall, daewon's relaxed and friendly—it's easy to be comfortable in his presence. he's polite, polished, and professional, but as you get to know him, his personality reveals to be very sarcastic, disarming, and confident. he's got a bit of an ego, tbh, and sometimes he can be a little insensitive, but he (mostly) has good intentions, and is at least (mostly) genuine, so you know what you're getting is (mostly) real. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

to elaborate further in a series of will's and won'ts: will know how to change your tire, but won’t show up to do it without a lil tit-for-tat. will latch onto the smallest tension in a room with slight intrigue, but won't act on it. won't remember your birthday (sorry), but will remember that time you mildly ticked him off.

pt. iv — plots

as someone that likes to be very practical, his attempts to articulate his feelings often lends to a clenched-jaw and stiff tongue—like a child, he's bad at expressing all its syllables and sounds. all you make out—if you make out anything at all—are vague highlights: that he's good, or he's tired, or he's interested. so, it'd be nice to have some people who just get him; an easy presence, or someone similar.

he can also be quite self-serving. it's not malicious or anything, but just an instinct to put his best interests first. though, maybe the consequence of always acting on that instinct has scarred the relationship between him and your muse. on the flip side, maybe it's an approach they appreciate since they can comfortably rely on it.

those that share his enjoyment of a drink and a smoke. maybe he has a few too many vices and is too comfortable leaning into every desire. and sure, maybe he's just bordering a problem, but the bottom line is that he's not there yet, and in the meantime, he loves a good crowd, which includes your muse.

artists he's worked with before—either those that have featured on his tracks, or those who have produced some of his music (left many credits open cause he loves working with people on this). maybe they can work on an upcoming project together, or this time he can return the favor and feature on your muse's music.

more of the basic connections: ride-or-die friends (those that stare down the midas barrel with him), rivals (friendly or otherwise, music-related or otherwise), exes (very few since he doesn't enter relationships often), mentees (even fewer cause he is not great at taking people under his wing). more tbd!

[yuzurujenn]

[2024.11.22] 7 Corriere della Sera - Yuzuru Hanyu, the skater of hope: 'I dance on the ice: it is my prayer.'

Japanese, 29 years old: he is the greatest of all time. In 2011, after the earthquake, he fled with his skates on.

When, on February 10, 2022, at the Capital Indoor Stadium in Beijing, injured and relegated to eighth place due to a hole in the ice during the short program, Yuzuru Hanyu performed the quadruple Axel for the first time in an Olympic Games, falling and rising again with elegance as if it were part of the choreography, the audience erupted in applause. He could have played it safe, Hanyu, winning yet another medal, even if it was the wrong colour. Instead, by risking everything, he won the hearts of millions, demonstrating what true honour and fighting spirit are. Because his jump was not just a leap, but literature. The culmination of courage, honesty, and the strength of character of an extraordinary artist.

At 29 years old, from Sendai in northeastern Japan, Hanyu is the greatest figure skater of all time: 19 world records; the only man to complete the Super Slam; the only one, after American Dick Button (1948-52), to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals in a much more competitive environment, despite asthma and a myriad of injuries. His technical and artistic excellence is so high that a recent AIPS ranking, compiled by a thousand international journalists on the most important athletes of the last hundred years, places him sixth: ahead of Michael Phelps and Maradona.

He was just 16 years old when, in 2011, the “3.11” Tohoku earthquake and tsunami (20,000 victims, with the epicentre near his city) struck the ice rink where he was training. He fled with his skates on, and for several days, he lived with his family in an emergency shelter without water or electricity. To continue training, he performed in charity shows all over Japan. The public gave him hope, and he gave them hope in return: he then decided he would win the Olympics for his people. This happened in Sochi in 2014: he was the youngest and the first Asian to win. In 2018, he did it again. At just 23 years old, he was awarded the People’s Honor Award by then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Japan’s highest honour, for giving courage to his people.

Until someone decided Hanyu should no longer win. The rules changed, and his self-confidence was affected. He understood. After Beijing, he turned professional and never stopped. Producer, choreographer, screenwriter. In 2023, his solo GIFT (available on Disney+) was the first skating show to be held at the Tokyo Dome, a venue that has also hosted Madonna. Meanwhile, his efforts for disaster-stricken areas have multiplied. Camouflaged, beautiful, he has been a Gucci ambassador for several months. But Hanyu is also a philosopher, and recently had a conversation with the Buddhist high priest Ryojun Shionuma about the meaning of existence. Because Hanyu’s language is universal, transcending sport and boundaries, showing that difficulties can transform into strength.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More than 300,000 viewers from all over the world in less than two years for your shows, not counting all those who follow you through streaming. While competitive figure skating struggles to fill a few thousand seats, you are revolutionising professionalism, creating new formats to tell universal stories. At the same time, you have never been in better shape. Before, professionalism was the moment when a skater could relax. Now, once again, everyone is forced to chase after you.

"Before my series of shows Ice Story, it was unthinkable for a skater to perform more than ten programs, including some with high technical difficulty, in a single day, in a solo performance lasting over two hours. Not only that, but each program was independent of the others. Today, each of my programs is part of a cohesive narrative that tells a broader story, a worldview. I hope Ice Story becomes a symbol of Japanese entertainment. In a few days, I will turn thirty (on December 7th), but I don’t see age as a limitation. I try to give everything I have. When I was competing, the wall I had to overcome was made of scores. As a professional, I am the one who determines my wall, my limits. I continuously expand my boundaries, becoming stronger to break that wall. And then another, and another."

Many of your programs, and entire shows like Notte Stellata (Starry Night), which takes place on the anniversary of the "3.11" disaster, are linked to the experience of the earthquake. How do you cope with the difficult legacy of being a survivor?

"If it hadn't been for the earthquake, my life would be different. Every program I perform is, even if not directly, linked to that experience: it is, in a sense, a prayer. It was then that I decided to skate for the people. The concept of hope is in every program I perform. Like Haru yo, Koi (Come, Spring), which I also performed in Beijing. I believe I won my Olympic golds because I lived through the '3.11,' and if my medals have any meaning, in these troubled times for the world, with wars, pandemics, and natural disasters, it is hope. I would like to offer my victories to the world as a symbol of hope."

You have often spoken about the guilt you feel for surviving—the feeling of complete powerlessness, as you said recently, while reporting for Japanese TV among the people of Ishikawa, who were struck by the New Year's earthquake and subsequent flooding, where you performed for charity in September. You know what it means to live with the fear of an imminent disaster, and thus the importance of living our lives in a way that leaves no regrets. And it is precisely the meaning of life that is the focus of your upcoming tour, Echoes of Life.

"I studied bioethics, and I often reflect on life and death. The only thing we can do is move forward. Survive each day in this world where we know nothing of what awaits us; live one second at a time, one day at a time. I would be happy if my skating, in which I give everything, could convey the feeling of living in the moment, living fully. After the '3.11,' I was supported by so many people. I can only repay them by doing my best, even if it’s little. So many are still suffering. My commitment to ensure they are not forgotten is a thought that accompanies me every moment."

Since "3.11," your skating, your example, have been a comfort for those who suffer. Every day, on your YouTube channel, hundreds of people from around the world write to thank you. Do you feel the weight of expectations? Figure skating is an incredibly tough and lonely sport. But when you skate, it feels like everyone is skating with you.

"I feel the responsibility toward my audience, and thus toward my performance. But I believe it's a positive pressure because it helps improve my performances. Seeing the enthusiastic spectators is the motivation I need. Loneliness is a fact of life, but if my skating can provide comfort, can bring a smile, then that is my mission."

With programs like Seimei and Ten to Chi to, the first of which earned you the 2018 Olympic gold, dedicated to the famous mystic of feudal Japan, and the second to Uesugi Kenshin, the warlord and fierce defender of his people who became a Buddhist monk, you have brought Japanese culture and history to figure skating, which had previously been a realm of Western music and traditions. Your first tour, RE_PRAY, explored the ethics of video games. What can video games tell us about the world we live in?

"Programs like Seimei and Ten to Chi to represent the pride of Japan. When I create a program, I think of something only I can do. RE_PRAY was a great challenge. No one had ever explored the world of video games so intensely. It’s Japanese culture, but more importantly, it’s my culture. Megalovania, Dark Messenger, Gate of Living... In the show, which mimics a video game, the scene 'GAME OVER. Continue?' 'Yes' is repeated several times. We are in the middle of the battle: the player is destroyed, wants to stop, but continues. Obstacles, fear, choice, rules, the mission, loneliness, giving everything: they are at the core of video games and life."

You often speak of confronting the Yuzuru of nine years old. Despite everything you have been through, you have managed to stay true to yourself, to carry within you the child you once were. Today, society forces us to forget that we were once children, and, not by chance, when we grow up, we lose the creativity we had as children.

"I’ve learned a lot from the Yuzuru of nine years old, who did everything with his heart, tried with all his strength to improve, just as I always try to improve. He was so courageous, so pure. At that age, the child has not yet been swallowed by society, and while he feels its pressures, he still does not know fear: he has a dream and wants to realise it. As we grow, we learn to associate sensations with the things around us. Rain = darkness, darkness = pain. When we are children, though, rain is just rain, darkness is just darkness. Compared to the purity of children, the adult world is full of interference. Adapting to society is important. But when I skate, I have to distance myself from the adult I’ve become and return to purity. To give my best, I have to return, in part, to being a child."

After the "3.11," Gucci was very present in Sendai, helping with reconstruction through scholarships and promoting local crafts. What are the goals of your partnership?

"For me, Gucci has always represented the pride of Italian craftsmanship, the same pride I feel for my country and my skating. Just as I create with the utmost care programs that reflect the history and culture of Japan, Gucci creates clothing and accessories that tell the story and culture of Italy."

Source: 7 Corriere della Sera, pg 64-67 https://www.corriere.it/sette/24_novembre_22/yuzuru-hanyu-il-pattinatore-della-speranza-io-danzo-sul-ghiaccio-e-la-mia-preghiera-334d0ef6-a5aa-4880-b391-9cffe8495xlk.shtml

[ayeeedomino]

Aespa 5th member

Name: Lyra Dracos Lim (라이라 드라스 림)

Stage name: Julia

Age: 20 (10/08/2003)

Positions: Main Dancer, Lead Rapper, Center and Sub Vocal

Height: 1,73 cm (5,7ish)

Face Claim: Lana (soloist)

Vocal claim: Maya from XG

Julia’s backstory:

Lyra Dracos Lim, professionally known as Julia, was born on August 10, 2003, in Singapore, Singapore. However by the age of 6 her parents moved to Tokyo, Japan due to a work opportunity. During this years, Julia displayed exceptional talent and passion for music and performance. Growing up in a supportive family environment, she received early encouragement to pursue her artistic interests.

By the age 11 she moved back to Singapore.

At the age of 13, Julia auditioned for SM, in an online audition, impressing judges with her powerful dance, rap and stage presence. She was signed as a trainee and began rigorous training in singing, dancing, and languages, preparing for a career in the entertainment industry.

In 2018, at the age of 15, Julia was selected to participate in IZ*ONE and debuted as 13th. Known for her versatility, charisma, and captivating rap, she quickly gained recognition among fans both in South Korea, Singapore and internationally. During her time with IZ*ONE, Lyra contributed to several hit songs and participated in numerous concerts and variety shows, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in K-pop. She was placed as a rapper and dancer.

After the conclusion of IZ*ONE's activities, SM decided to debut her in aespa’s first comeback, “Next Level”. She adopted the stage name Julia based on her favorite character from her favorite book, Julia from 1984. Julia means a lot to her, since she is a fierce, strong, independent woman, something Lyra wish to be. She holds the Lead Rapper, Main Dancer and Sub Vocal.

Throughout her career, Lyra, now known as Julia, has continued to evolve as an artist, blending her experiences from her time in IZ*ONE with her own unique style and musical direction. Her journey is marked by determination, talent, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the competitive world of K-pop.

[enmi-land]

for anyone who is interested, mila’s personal profile has been updated to include her mbti, kibbe’s body type, personal colour, skill ratings, and brand endorsements! but i shall include them here for you to read, for those of you who don’t want to search for the new details! ^^

♯ MBTi ENFP ❨ the CAMPAiGNER ❩

FORMER MiSTYPES iNFP ❨ the MEDiATOR ❩

REASON FOR MiSTYPiNG Mila does possess some introverted qualities, especially when she was younger. Growing up, she was always the type to struggle to form close friendships with others, and had preferred to be alone and spend quiet time with herself than others. After she was able to make lifelong friends, realised how much she valued the company of others, and finds herself seeking company of people, though she still occasionally has moments of social depletion.

♯ PERSONALiTY TRAiTS People with the ENFP personality type are true free spirits – outgoing, openhearted, and open-minded. With their lively, upbeat approach to life, ENFPs stand out in any crowd. But even though they can be the life of the party, they don’t just care about having a good time. These personalities have profound depths that are fueled by their intense desire for meaningful, emotional connections with others.

POSiTiVE TRAiTS curious, perceptive, enthusiastic, excellent communicator, easygoing, good-natured and positive

NEGATiVE TRAiTS people-pleasing, unfocused, disorganised, overly accomodating, overly optimistic, restless

♯ KiBBE BODY TYPE Soft Dramatic

DECRiPTiON Soft Dramatics usually have features that are lush and sensual, such as big eyes, full lips, fleshy cheeks. They tend to be tall—i.e 5.5ft and over—with long vertical lines, characterised by long limbs, and are fleshy in the bust and hip areas with slightly small waists. Many have hourglass figures, but not overly so.

ESSENCE This body type has having a bold, exotic physicality combined with a powerful sensual essence.‍

MOST FLATTERiNG STYLE Diva Chic

FAMOUS EXAMPLES Tzuyu, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Hudson, Monica Belluci

♯ PERSONAL COLOUR PALETTE Deep Winter

♯ TRAiNiNG PERiOD 2 years, 1 months

♯ COMPANY Hybe/Be:Lift ❨ Current ❩, BigHit ❨ 2018-2020 ❩

♯ SKiLLSET DESCRiPTiON

VOCALS 89/100 — Mila has the most versatile vocal range within the group with solid high and low notes. Her live vocals are very stable, and breathless is minimal due to good breath control.

DANCE 92/100 — She’s able to pull off a wide range of choreography. Her flexibility is best among the members, with high stamina and a lot of power.

RAP 67/100 — Her flow and tone are good, but free styling is difficult, especially in Korean. She can rap well in covers and even original songs if she practises.

SONGWRITING/PRODUCiNG 78/100 — Her lyricism is improving the more songs she writes, but she has an impressive aptitude for thinking of harmonies to add.

PERFORMANCE 97/100 — Her facial expressions, stage presence, and overall skill set make her ideal for the centre position. As a group member, she’s an asset to the team that adds a new level of expression.

♯ POSiTiONS Visual, Centre, Lead Vocalist, Lead Dancer

♯ MiC COLOUR Sparkly pink with matching in-ears.

♯ BRAND ENDORSEMENTS

GROUP Prada, BENCH, Tiffany&Co. ❨ w/ Jakehoon ❩, Dunkin’, Kèreastase ❨ w/ Kiara ❩, Ami

SOLO Versace, Victoria Secret, Mach & Mach, WEI Beauty, Olens

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Blog post 6: Quote response

To me, this quote and the content of this unit both outline the importance of continuously remembering history, if we don’t remind ourselves of what happened in the past, we are doomed to repeat our mistakes. Interpretation is one of the keys to ensuring the past continues to be remembered in a nuanced way; it is important for there to be people that are knowledgeable about historical events and the nuances around them to share this knowledge with the public in an interesting and condensed way.  In the textbook this week, one of the topics that stuck out was the discussion of first-person interpretation (Beck et al., 2018). This is a type of interpretive experience that I have actually been a part of; when I was a kid I lived in Manitoba and went to a summer camp at the Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site. This is a former trading post that was a part of the Hudson Bay Company which now serves as a historic site. The cast members here dress and act like they would have when the Fort was in function, and as a camper we also got to dress up and live as a pioneer for the week! This was an amazing interpretive experience for me, as I find that the more immersive an experience is, the more I remember it. This type of experience truly makes you feel like ‘the train station you passed through still exists’ as Hyams states, an immersive interpretive experience makes the information you are learning feel more real, there were actual people living like this, doing these things in the place I am many years ago.

          This is how everybody dressed at Fort Garry, including all the campers!     

Interpretive writing is also essential to the preservation of history. The textbook discusses the importance of journaling and in my opinion, this is one of the most important type of interpretive writing for the preservation of history (Beck et al. 2018). History can be preserved through things like news or documents, though these will often all be biased in a similar way. The best way to understand different historical perspectives, especially those from groups that have been oppressed, is through analyzing journals. Journals themselves are firsthand accounts of things that have happened, and include personal anecdotes and feelings that add depth to the story being told. A good example of this is The Diary of Anne Frank, I read this book in high school before travelling to Amsterdam and visited the Anne Frank house; this humanized a person from history in a unique way for me. To read about her crushes, going to school, her friends and silly normal kid thoughts made me feel connected to a historical time in a similar way to the way I felt at Fort Gary. This was a kid just like me, and she had so many of the same universal ‘kid’ experiences that we all have had.               

Though these anecdotes both refer to specifically historical interpretation, though these are still relevant to effective nature interpretation. Nature interpretation through writing can serve as an important historical documentation, creating a narrative about what was going on in the environment at a certain time. An excellent example of this is Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. This is a book that documents the harmful effects of the pesticide DDT that was used in abundance at the time. This book is personal and poetic, giving a present-day reader a deep understanding of how dire the situation in the environment was at the time, and how important it is that we don’t let something like that happen again. I think the blog prompt this week is very relevant to this idea. If we have the mindset that the train station that we’ve already passed through has disappeared we are doomed to repeat it again. I think in a social and political climate like we are living in today, it is extremely important to understand this and to actively seek out information about past events to prevent history from repeating itself.

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage for a better world. Sagamore Publishing.

Photo: Steiner, B. (2020). [Digital |Image]. Journeys with Johnbo. https://photobyjohnbo.com/2020/01/07/lower-fort-garry/