#Grace Chiang

[thepermanentrainpress]

UNDER THE RADAR: APRIL 2023

April's Under The Radar brings new releases from Porteau, The Evan Williams Project, Grace Chiang, Hotel of the Laughing Tree, Down the Lees and Odum Abekah.

1) Porteau - “Split Screen Eyes”

Sometimes, it takes a hurtful dynamic to uncover quiet strength.

“Split Screen Eyes” is helmed by inner monologue—an emotional push and pull from “caring for someone with mental illness and concurrent substance use.” Victoria Williams and Craig Stevenson acknowledge the codependence and create distance with some whimsical, less orthodox language. The single combines Williams’ winsome vocals, relaxed guitars, synths, harmonies, and a hint of harmonica. “Aberration is uncomfortable but it’s what I need,” Williams sings, setting boundaries and deepening the sentiment simultaneously. Porteau’s sophomore album What I Need is out June 2, 2023.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

2) Hotel of the Laughing Tree - “Faraway Friends”

“Faraway Friends” is a fun and throbbing melody despite isolating emotions. It was lyrically inspired by the majority of their band members moving away from New York, and is sung from the perspective of vocalist AJ Estrada, who remained in their home state. “No need to let go, please keep me in your world / Back in your old back seat / Time never slows when I want to leave the scene...” Time can be unforgiving when you’re going through a period of change and uncertainty. The result is woozy, beautiful, bracing—vocals, drum machines, keys and guitars trying to shake the rearview mirror.

Hotel is comprised of Estrada, Brandon Peterson and Jonathon Streker. “Faraway Friends” is the title track off their fifth full-length album, out now.

Faraway Friends by Hotel of the Laughing Tree

Written by: Natalie Hoy

3) Grace Chiang (featuring Rebecca Sichon & Amanda Na) - “Played”

A modern day love triangle that leans on the shared experiences of women is at the core of “Played.” Encapsulating the manipulation and betrayal of a lost lover, the song’s use of two female vocalists plays on the misplaced anger and fraught emotion. It’s a sublime debut single from producer/songwriter Chiang, creating notes and tones that are sultry, distracted and resentful. The harmonies and vocal runs between Sichon and Na are sweet to the ear – a division and predicament that reaches an understanding towards each other. In the pop/R&B realm with a soulful lining, soft piano is richly elevated by punchy hip hop beats.  

I couldn’t be more thrilled to hear that Chiang is collaborating with other female artists and creatives from underrepresented communities, in a project set for release later this year. “Played” celebrates the strength of emerging women in music and encourages us to let go of those who don’t show us the same loyalty and respect.

Written by: Chloe Hoy

4) The Evan Williams Project - “Contact”

“I know that prison in the palace of a demagogue / Is ever better than the curse of being free.” 

Scott McGowan’s struggle with his spiritual belief is heard in “Contact,” omnipresent thoughts that err on regret and a looming end. They bring a new definition to raw—creating music while going through an honest bout of questioning one’s faith and mental health. It is less of the heavy, hard rock found in past releases, instead having a progressive, ambient feel built by vocal layering, clean guitar leads, and reverb. McGowan and his sister Launey have a perpetual quality to their voices that linger in the weight of Christianity and desperation. They have a mysterious, almost vigilant sound rooted in questioning reception and our existence; a very compelling listen and a story far from its conclusion.  

The Evan Williams Project is fronted by McGowan, with Allayne (Launey) McGowan (drums), Isaac Robinson (keys) and Jaxon Russell (guitar). Their new album Willpower is out now.

WILLPOWER by The Evan Williams Project

Written by: Chloe Hoy

5) Down the Lees - “Dead and Over”

Oh so bleak and penetrating as they veer into frustrating territory in “Dead and Over,” a release of negative emotions felt over the course of the past few years. Laura Lee Schultz fronts the post-rock/shoegaze act, carrying a piece of her soul and a jaded energy to elevate the single. Her voice is tired and anxious, angry and embattled in a losing fight. I love the mystifying sound, it’s both biting and tormenting as instruments crash in and out. In addition to the general overcast of the pandemic, they address artist mental health struggles and ageism in the challenges faced by older female musicians (“No one gives a f*ck about aging women”). 

For any creatives who have faced doubts about ability, recognition, assumed retirement or expiration, the band carves out the best of what is left—which is plenty of passion and perspective. Something to remember. Down the Lees is Schultz, Chris Carlson (bass) and Andy Ashley (drums).

Dead and Over by Down the Lees

Written by: Chloe Hoy

6) Odum Abekah - “GOOD FOR YA”

Odum Abekah’s “GOOD FOR YA” started with a sinuous beat, and blossomed into a dancefloor special with its lush layers and persuasive tone.

Originally from Fredericton, NB and now based in Calgary, Abekah is a graduate of both Humber College and Mount Allison University music programs. His sound is uplifting and put-together—retrowave mixed with modern rock guitars and sturdy drums. Abekah’s slick vocals play the part of wooing a potential lover well (“But the world they capture's digitized black and white / You deserve some colour”). “GOOD FOR YA” is a song with no regrets; leaving everything on the line for a shot at something special.

Written by: Natalie Hoy

[elioherondale]

I'm going to be honest, the art that you use as your banner is what sold me on reading Green Arrow I love it so much

Aww, thank you so much~

[classic-who-review]

The Talons of Weng-Chiang 1977

8/10

This is going to be slightly controversial, but I think this episode gets an 8. Let me explain. This episode has some extremely racist elements that are not something to be proud of. I personally think we should extend some grace considering how anti-racist Doctor Who has always been. This was a huge mistake on their part, and it's not something to just flippantly excuse, but I think this episode can still be enjoyed. I love the Victorian London setting and the Sherlock Holmes vibes so much. Jago and Litefoot are the best guest stars ever. They're so fun! I am personally of the opinion that this episode would get a 10/10 and could possibly be the best episode in the show, if it wasn't for the racism.

Feel free to disagree!

[madmanswords]

Challenge request!

Tell me the most CHARACTER DEFINING episodes of Doctor Who... For EVERY COMPANION. 1963 - 2024.

OK, so I worry this list will not satisfy you. It's been over a decade since I've done a full Doctor Who watch through, so there's a lot of companions I haven't seen in a long time. Some of these choices, as a result, will be a bit vibes based.

I was going to do some justification write-up on some, but I'm looking at a list of like 60 names (and that's after I omitted the 10th Doctor Specials companions since they're all only one episode). Feel free to ask me about any specific choices.

This will be TV Companions (counting plot-important Webisodes as TV, but most of those are just regular TV companions anyway), but I do reserve the right to have an audio adventure as the chosen episode (in one case, it's a Companion Chronicle). I am also including spin-off shows.

List under the cut

Susan Foreman - The Dalek Invasion of Earth (Maybe The Empire of Death if the theories are right, lol) Barbara Wright - The Romans Ian Chesterton - The Daleks Vicki Pallister - The Rescue Steven Taylor - The Celestial Toymaker Katarina - The Daleks' Master Plan Sara Kingdom - The Daleks' Master Plan Dodo Chaplet - The Gunfighters Polly - The Power of the Daleks Ben Jackson - The War Machines Jamie McCrimmon - The Mind Robber Victoria Waterfield - The Tomb of the Cybermen Zoe Heriot - The Mind Robber Liz Shaw - Inferno Jo Grant - The Death of the Doctor Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart - Spearhead from Space Sergeant John Benton - Invasion of the Dinosaurs Captain Mike Yates - The Dæmons Sarah Jane Smith - The Monster of Peladon Harry Sullivan - The Ark in Space Leela - The Talons of Weng-Chiang K9 - School Reunion Romana I - The Androids of Tara Romana II - Destiny of the Daleks Adric - Earthshock Nyssa - Castrovalva Tegan Jovanka - Time-Flight Vislor Turlough - Planet of Fire Kamelion - The King's Demons Peri Brown - Peri and the Piscon Paradox Mel Bush - The One Doctor Ace - A Death in the Family Grace Holloway - Doctor Who: The Movie (Mentioned in Night of the Doctor counts, so...) Charley Pollard - The Chimes of Midnight C'rizz - Creed of the Kromon Lucie Bleedin' Miller - Lucie Miller Tamsin Drew - Situation Vacant Molly "Dark Eyes" O'Sullivan - Dark Eyes 1 Rose Tyler - Journey's End Adam Mitchell - The Long Game Mickey Smith - The Age of Steel Donna Noble - The Fires of Pompeii Martha Jones - Last of the Time Lords Captain Jack Harkness - Captain Jack Harkness Wilfred Mott - The End of Time Amy Pond - The Beast Below Rory Williams - Dinosaurs on a Spaceship River Song - The Husbands of River Song Craig Owens - Closing Time Clara Oswald - The Magician's Apprentice Nardole - The Doctor Falls Bill Potts - World Enough and Time Missy - The Doctor Falls Graham O'Brien - The Woman Who Fell to Earth Ryan Sinclair - Spyfall Yasmin Khan - Survivors of the Flux Dan Lewis - Legend of the Sea Devils Ruby Sunday - 73 Yards (So Far)

This list is probably bad

[uovoc]

2023 Media consumption

God tier: media that invoked blorbo-induced euphoria, mini-obsession, or just haunt me

White Cat Legend (大理寺日志, Dali Court Journal) - donghua, seasons 1 and 2. The new vice minister of the imperial court of criminal justice is, unfortunately, a cat demon. Tang Dynasty workplace comedy/political intrigue. Lovely animation, sick fight scenes, and catboys.

Scissor Seven (刺客伍六七) - donghua, seasons 2-3. Netflix summary: "Seeking to recover his memory, a scissor-wielding, hairdressing, bungling quasi-assassin stumbles into a struggle for power among feuding factions." Season 1 was just ok at best, season 2 was great, season 3 was phenomenal, season 4 was meh.

Derkholm duology by Diana Wynne Jones (reread)

God Troubles Me / Hanhua Riji (汉化日记) - donghua. Cringefail loser girl Su Moting, her cringefail smartphone god, and her cringefail cat (demon) have to save the world. But first she has to go to work. And get takeout. And watch dramas. The premise sounds SO cringe but it's well-executed and hilarious. And actually a pretty sharp but good-humored window into the delights and horrors of modern everyday life in china.

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt (reread). At the peak of the California gold rush, hitmen Charlie and Eli Sisters are hired for a job that Eli is liking less and less. 1st-person perspective of a stone-cold killer, where it turns out the killer is just Some Guy. Who is kind of awkward. And pathetic. And maybe not very bright.

Gobelins graduation animated shorts: "Chroniques de l'Eau Salée" (2021), "Last Summer" (2022), and "Go Fishboy" (2022). Available to watch on YouTube. Got caught up on 2021 and 2022 and these are the ones that will haunt me.

Ranma 1/2 by Rumiko Takahashi - manga (reread). Teenage martial artist is cursed to transform into a hot girl whenever he's splashed with cold water. Still some of the funniest and most deranged comedy I've ever read.

"Golden Age" - short story by Naomi Novik set in the Temeraire universe. Hilarious and delightful Feral Temeraire AU.

Just ok: media that I didn't hate, and maybe even enjoyed

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

Coyote Blue by Christopher Moore

Fluke: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings by Christopher Moore

Glass Onion (2022) dir. Rian Johnson

Puss in Boots: the Last Wish (2022) dir. Joel Crawford

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

Witch's Business by Diana Wynne Jones (reread)

Chrestomanci series by Diana Wynne Jones (reread) - Charmed Life, The Lives of Christopher Chant, Mixed Magics, The Pinhoe Egg

Firebirds: An Anthology of Original Fantasy and Science Fiction, ed. Sharyn November. Faves: "Beauty" by Sherwood Smith, "Little Dot" by Diana Wynne Jones, and "Remember Me" by Nancy Farmer.

All Systems Red (异星危机) by Martha Wells, Simplified tr. by 黎思敏

All Saints Street (万圣街) - donghua, seasons 1-3

Moira's Pen by Megan Whalen Turner

Enchanted Glass by Diana Wynne Jones (reread)

The Game by Diana Wynne Jones (reread)

Deep Secret by Diana Wynne Jones (reread)

Selected Discworlds: Thief of Time, Unseen Academicals (reread)

The Confessions of Max Tivoli by Andrew Sean Greer (reread)

The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean Greer

"Louise", Gobelins 2021 graduation animated short. Pretty good, but not god tier.

The Time of the Ghost by Diana Wynne Jones (reread)

Less by Andrew Sean Greer. Most of it was a slog, but the ending was wonderfully tender.

The Merlin Conspiracy by Diana Wynne Jones (reread)

Secondhand Souls by Christopher Moore

The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke

Are You Listening? by Tillie Walden

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Spinning by Tillie Walden

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (reread)

The Mermaid (美人鱼) - movie (2016)

Exhalation by Ted Chiang. Fave: Exhalation

Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chiang

Motorcity - cartoon (rewatch)

Sing 2 - movie

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - movie

White Cat Legend (大理寺日志) manhua through chapter 186

A Monster in Paris - movie (rewatch)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - movie

Lionboy trilogy by Zizou Corder: Lionboy, The Chase, and The Truth (reread)

The Moorchild by Eloise McGraw

Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms (封神第一部：朝歌风云) - movie

Our Flag Means Death - season 2

Skellig by David Almond (reread). Even more unsettling and magical than I remembered.

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System (人渣反派自救系统) by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu

Savvy by Ingrid Law (reread)

The Silent Boy by Lois Lowry

Golden Age and Other Stories by Naomi Novik. "Golden Age" alone was amazing. Every thing else: meh.

Wonder by RJ Palacio except that the ending sucked

蓝溪镇 (Lanxi Zhen/Blue Creek Town) - manhua (reread), through chapter 112

Translation State by Ann Leckie

Disliked and often DNF'd

House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds

A Pale View of Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro

Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn

The Stars are Legion by Kameron Hurley

Phoenix Rising by Karen Hesse

Palimpsest by Catherine Valente

Knives Out (2019) dir. Rian Johnson

The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nhi Vgo

Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots. Genuinely creative concept, enjoyable characters, and horrifying (affectionate) ending! Writing was just very, very bad.

The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore

Stowaway by Karen Hesse

Nirvana in Fire (���牙榜) - ok objectively it was fine. It was just SO long that I started losing patience at multiple points.

Marcel the Shell with Shoes on (2021) dir. Dean Fleischer Camp

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor

Suzume - anime movie

Fairies Albums (百妖谱) - donghua

Link Click （时光代理人）- donghua

The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn by Tri Vuong - webcomic

Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo

Journey to the West: Demons Strike Back (西游伏妖篇) - movie

Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Others Writings by Jorge Luis Borges

The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

Frozen 2 - movie

Logan - movie

The Three Sisters of Tenmasou - movie

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Nothing new.

Bewilderment by Richard Powers

Nimona (2023) - movie

Prophet by Helen MacDonald and Sin Blache

One Piece - the live action Netflix series

Good Omens season 2

Birdwing by Rafe Martin

Blue Eye Samurai - netflix cartoon

Haven't You Heard I'm Sakamoto - anime

System Collapse by Martha Wells

The Cay by Theodore Taylor (reread)

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier

Bottoms (2023) - movie

Daily Life of the Immortal King (仙王的日常生活) - donghua

Witch King by Martha Wells. Actually I enjoyed the Kai/Bashasa storyline a lot. The present-day storyline I found extremely boring. Which was unfortunate because it was more than half the book.

The King's Avatar (全职高手) - donghua

The Apothecary Diaries - anime

Assorted nonfiction

The Electricity of Every Living Thing by Katherine May. Bored. DNF

Alone in the Wilderness (2004) - dir. Dick Proenneke. Documentary of Proenneke's year spent living alone in the Alaskan wilderness. Neat look at one dude building a cabin, furniture, and all his accompanying household implements by hand.

A River Lost: The Life and Death of the Columbia by Blaine Harden. The human and environmental significance of the Columbia dam system.

Gifted Earth: The Ethnobotany of the Quinault and Neighboring Tribes by Douglas Deur. Guide to key native species and their traditional uses.

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life by George Saunders. Four classic Russian short stories with accompanying technical analysis of their narrative construction. Great look at the process of writing and analyzing stories.

Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin - animal behavioral psychology

Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin - more animal behavioral psychology

Crying in HMart by Michelle Zauner. DNF. Felt like the book could have been 1/4 of its length. Mostly nothing new.

Wood in American Life: 1776-2076 by WG Youngquist and HO Fleischer. Wood use in America. Really makes you realize just how many things are now made out of plastic but used to be wood. And how much more difficult and expensive it was to make and replace objects.

Authentic Diversity: How to change the workplace for good by Michelle Silverthorn. Concise and nicely concrete. Would be a good starting place for an executive.

Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O'Neil - how some big data algorithms reinforce preexisting inequality, and how to improve them.

The Relationship Cure by Joan Declaire and John M. Gottman. The classic originator of the "bids for attention" approach. Pretty good, most helpful was the part where it identifies the styles of responses.

Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A Retirement and Aging Roadmap for Single and Childless Adults by Sara Zeff Geber

A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs

the excellent hyperlocal nature guidebook I bought after encountering the author at the mall

Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence, by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez. 2018 ed.

[sennsational]

random genshin ships bcs✨anxiety✨

as a response to what is happening in my personal life, i thought it would be fun to distract myself and pair my moots with genshin males and females + a song [🎧] + a perfume [💋]. needless to say, i had a blast lmaoo — pls don’t take these too seriously, it’s all in good fun (and a distraction for myself),, if i forgot you, then i’m truly sorry! i’m doing these from the top of my head 🚶

@imaushi-ji - candace

[🎧] lowkey by niki | [💋] memoirs of a trespasser by imaginary authors

@asunflowerana - thoma

[🎧] that’s love by sundial | [💋] kogaï for her by annayake

@dottores - kamisato ayato

[🎧] paragraphs by luke chiang | [💋] petite by maison francis kurkdjian

@snezhnayans - kaveh

[🎧] empty love by gracey ft, ruel | [💋] coffee break by maison margiela replica

@alucrds - cyno

[🎧] east of eden by zella day | [💋] eau de soleil blanc by tom ford

@planetxiao - kaedehara kazuha

[🎧] heart in tokyo by good gasoline | [💋] lira by xerjoff

@sugardaddyreo - shikanoin heizou

[🎧] i wouldn’t know any better than you by gentle bones | [💋] luna by penthaligon’s

@darlingimawitch - yoimiya

[🎧] melody by jeremy zucker | [💋] the scent for her by hugo boss

@darkchocola - scaramouche/wanderer

[🎧] wasted nights by one ok rock | [💋] dear polly by vilhelm parfumerie

@sleepy3 - zhongli

[🎧] dreaming by mar | [💋] vanille insensée by atelier cologne

@itoshi-s - diluc ragnvindr

[🎧] limbo by keshi | [💋] teint de neige by lorenzo villoresi

@shoyoist - hu tao

[🎧] i like u by niki | [💋] amazing grace magnolia by philosophy

@portfolio-of-dreams - albedo

[🎧] conscience by jacob lee | [💋] bubble bath by maison margiela replica

@litepowee - yae miko

[🎧] urs by niki | [💋] delina by parfums de marly

@saecore - tighnari

[🎧] need by david archuleta | [💋] white tea by elizabeth arden

@sugr - childe

[🎧] stranger by lauv | [💋] fox in the flowerbed by imaginary authors

@sugusshi - xiao

[🎧] love about it by waterparks ft. blackbear | [💋] wood sage & sea salt by jo malone

@suyacho - pantalone

[🎧] say my name by nello | [💋] blackberry & bay by jo malone

@jotatetsuken - kaeya alberich

[🎧] coming home by honne ft. niki | [💋] magnolia bliss by juliette has a gun

@oo-mi-ru-oo - alhaitham

[🎧] skeletons by keshi | [💋] book by commodity

[indiesole]

THE 236 GREATEST PERSONALITIES IN THE ENTIRE KNOWN HISTORY/COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS OF THIS WORLD! (@INDIES)

i.e. THE 236 GREATEST PERSONALITIES IN WORLD HISTORY! (@INDIES)

Rajesh Khanna

Lionel Messi

Leonardo Da Vinci

Muhammad Ali

Joan of Arc

William Shakespeare

Vincent Van Gogh

Online Indie

J. K. Rowling

David Lean

Nadia Comaneci

Diego Maradona

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Meena Kumari

Julius Caesar

Harrison Ford

Ludwig Van Beethoven

William W. Cargill

Fritz Hoffmann-La Roche

Samuel Curtis Johnson

Sam Walton

John D. Rockefeller

Andrew Carnegie

Roy Thomson

Tim Berners-Lee

Marie Curie

James J. Hill

Cornelius Vanderbilt

Roman Polanski

Samuel Slater

J. P. Morgan

Cary Grant

Dmitri Mendeleev

John Harvard

Alain Delon

Ramakrishna Paramhansa (Official God)

The Lumiere Brothers, Auguste & Louis

Carl Friedrich Benz

Michelangelo

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Ramana Maharishi

Mark Twain

Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri

Bruce Lee

Bhagwan Krishna (Official God)

Charlemagne

Rene Descartes

John F. Kennedy

Bhagwan Ganesha (Official God)

Walt Disney

Albert Einstein

Nikola Tesla

Alfred Hitchcock

Pythagoras

William Randolph Hearst

Cosimo de’ Medici

Johann Sebastian Bach

Alec Guinness

Nostradamus

Christopher Plummer

Archimedes

Jackie Chan

Guru Dutt

Amma Karunamayi/ Mata Parvati (Official God)

Peter Sellers

Gerard Depardieu

Joseph Safra

Robert Morris

Sean Connery

Petr Kellner

Aristotle Onassis

Usain Bolt

Jack Welch

Alfredo di Stefano

Elizabeth Taylor

Michael Jordan

Paul Muni

Steven Spielberg

Louis Pasteur

Ingrid Bergman

Norma Shearer

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Ayn Rand

Jesus Christ (Official God)

Luciano Pavarotti

Alain Resnais

Frank Sinatra

Allah (Official God)

Richard Nixon

Charlie Chaplin

Thomas Alva Edison

Alexander Graham Bell

Wright Brothers

Arjun (of Bhagwan Krishna’s Gita)

Jim Simons

George Lucas

Swami Sri Lahiri Mahasaya

Carl Lewis

Brett Favre

Helen Keller

Bernard Mannes Baruch

Buddha (Official God)

Hugh Grant

K. L. Saigal

Roger Federer

Rash Behari Bose

Tiger Woods

William Blake

Jesse Owens

Claude Miller

Bernardo Bertolucci

Subhash Chandra Bose

Satyajit Ray

Hippocrates

Chiang Kai-Shek

John Logie Baird

Geeta Dutt

Raphael (painter)

Bhagwan Shiva (Official God)

Radha (Ancient Krishna devotee)

George Orwell

Jorge Paulo Lemann

Catherine Deneuve

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Bill Gates

Bhagwan Ram (Official God)

Michael Phelps

Michael Faraday

Audrey Hepburn

Dalai Lama

Grace Kelly

Mikhail Gorbachev

Vladimir Putin

Galileo Galilei

Gary Cooper

Roger Moore

John Huston

Blaise Pascal

Humphrey Bogart

Rudyard Kipling

Samuel Morse

Wayne Gretzky

Yogi Berra

Barry Levinson

Patrice Chereau (director)

Jerry Lewis

Louis Daguerre

James Watt

Henri Rousseau

Nikita Krushchev

Jack Dorsey

Dev Anand

Elia Kazan

Alexander Fleming

David Selznick

Frank Marshall

Viswanathan Anand

Major Dhyan Chand

Swami Vivekananda

Felix Rohatyn

Sam Spiegel

Anand Bakshi

Victor Hugo

Bhagwan Sri Sathya Sai Baba (Official God)

Steve Jobs

Srinivasa Ramanujam

Lord Hanuman

Stanley Kubrick

Giotto

Voltaire

Diego Velazquez

Ernest Hemingway

Francis Ford Coppola

Michael Douglas

Kirk Douglas

Mario Lemieux

Kishore Kumar

James Stewart

Douglas Fairbanks

Confucius

Babe Ruth

Raj Kapoor

Titian aka Tiziano Vecelli

El Greco

Francisco de Goya

Jim Carrey

Mohammad Rafi

Steffi Graf

Pele

Gustave Courbet

Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi

Milos Forman

Steve Wozniak

Georgia O’ Keeffe

Mala Sinha

Aryabhatta

Magic Johnson

Patanjali

Leo Tolstoy

Tansen

Henry Fonda

Albrecht Durer

Benazir Bhutto

Cal Ripken Jr

Samuel Goldwyn

Mumtaz (actress)

Panini

Nicolaus Copernicus

Pablo Picasso

George Clooney

Olivia de Havilland

Prem Chand

Imran Khan

Pete Sampras

Ratan Tata

Meerabai (16th c. Krishna devotee)

Queen Elizabeth II

Pope John Paul II

James Cameron

Jack Ma

Warren Buffett

Romy Schneider

C. V. Raman

Aung San Suu Kyi

Benjamin Netanyahu

Frank Capra

Michael Schumacher

Steve Forbes

Paramhansa Yogananda

Tom Hanks

Kamal Amrohi

Hans Holbein

Shammi Kapoor

Gerardus Mercator

Edith Piaf

Bhagwan Shirdi Sai Baba (Official God)

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

The Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop summer fundraiser is almost over! I am an alum, instructor and volunteer board member for this nonprofit workshop whose alums include Octavia Butler, Kim Stanley Robinson, Bruce Sterling, Nalo Hopkinson, Kameron Hurley, Nnedi Okorafor, Lucius Shepard, and Ted Chiang! Your donations will help us subsidize tuition for students, making Clarion — and sf/f — more accessible for all kinds of writers.

#10yrsago Iain Banks’s The Quarry, his final novel https://memex.craphound.com/2013/07/26/iain-bankss-the-quarry-his-final-novel/

#10yrsago What EFF learned at Comic-Con https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/07/what-we-learned-san-diego-comic-con

#10yrsago PIN-punching $200 robot can brute force every Android numeric screen-password in 19 hours https://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2013/07/22/pin-punching-robot-can-crack-your-phones-security-code-in-less-than-24-hours/

#10yrsago UK censorwall will also block “terrorist content,” “violence,” “circumvention tools,” “forums,” and more https://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/sleepwalking-into-censorship/

#10yrsago No, Mr Cameron, you can’t solve porn with a hackathon https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2013/jul/24/anti-porn-hackday-cameron

#10yrsago Teachers open camping kid’s sealed letter home; eject kid for confessing to eating chocolate https://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/10190649/Child-banned-from-school-trip-for-eating-chocolate.html

#10yrsago David Cameron’s favourite censorware is built and maintained by Huawei https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-23452097

#10yrsago Jane Austen to grace £10 notes https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/jul/24/jane-austen-appear-10-note

#5yrsago Bloom County’s second reboot collection: the election of 2016 and beyond https://memex.craphound.com/2018/07/26/bloom-countys-second-reboot-collection-the-election-of-2016-and-beyond/

#5yrsago Big Tech’s active moderation promise is also a potential source of eternal commercial advantage over newcomers https://memex.craphound.com/2018/07/26/big-techs-active-moderation-promise-is-also-a-potential-source-of-eternal-commercial-advantage-over-newcomers/

#5yrsago Facebook shares plummet on tiny shortfall in predicted growth https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-just-learned-the-true-cost-of-fixing-its-problems/

#5yrsago Appeals court kills the dirty trick of using Indian tribes as a front for patent trolls and claiming sovereign immunity https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2018/07/court-native-american-tribe-cant-be-a-sovereign-shield-during-patent-review/

#5yrsago What it’s like when Nazis infiltrate your conference https://twitter.com/JairusKhan/status/1021576115670933511

#1yrago “A Half-Built Garden”: Ruthanna Emrys’s stunning First Contact novel https://pluralistic.net/2022/07/26/aislands/#dead-ringers

[poppletonink]

An Inspired Reading Recommendations List: Pink Covers

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith

Solitaire by Alice Oseman

Valley Of The Dolls by Jacqueline Susann

Girl In Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

Taming Of The Clueless by Ian Doescher

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra

Confessions Of An Alleged Good Girl by Joya Goffney

Dreamin' Sun Vol 1 by Ichigo Takano

How To Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie

Paper Girls by Brian K Vaughn, Cliff Chiang and Matt Wilson

Make A Scene by Mimi Grace

A Chorus Rises by Bethany C. Morrow

Doughnuts and Doom by Balazs Lorinczi

[marcmarcmomarc]

Once Upon a Lamp - Booth-to-Screen

TOM HANKS - “Woody”

JOAN CUSACK - “Jessie”

AMY POEHLER - “Joy”

KEKE PALMER - “Izzy Hawthorne”

EMMA THOMPSON - “Elinor”

ED O’NEILL - “Hank”

TIM ALLEN - “Buzz Lightyear”

FLULA BORG - “Heimlich”

YURI LOWENTHAL - “Booster Sinclair Munchapper”

ANNIE POTTS - “Bo Peep”

DAVE FOLEY - “Flik”

JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS - “Princess Atta”

LIZA LAPIRA - “Disgust”

LORI ALAN - “Bonnie’s Mom”

MAMAUDOU ATHIE - “Wade Ripple”

LEAH LEWIS - “Ember Lumen”

BOB PETERSON - “Roz”

GRACE LU - “Grace Hsieh”

KENSINGTON TALLMAN - “Riley Andersen”

SUMAYYAH NURIDINN-GREEN - “Bree Young”

LILIMAR - “Valentina Ortiz”

GAEL GARCÍA BERNAL - “Papá Héctor Rivera”

ALANNA UBACH - “Mamá Imelda Rivera”

JENNIFER TILLY - “Celia Mae”

JOHN GOODMAN - “James P. Sullivan”

BILLY CRYSTAL - “Mike Wazowski”

ROSALIE CHIANG - “Meilin Lee”

STEVE ZAHN - “Thunderclap”

BRAD BIRD - “Edna Mode”

WALLACE SHAWN - “Rex”

PHYLLIS SMITH - “Sadness”

[arjunrajsingh]

Finding the Perfect Budget Hotel in White Town: Pondicherry is Affordable Charm

The French flavoured heart of Pondicherry, White Town, is famous for its colourful colonial architecture, a serene ambiance and a lively street life. Its streets seem an anachronism: tree-lined avenues, pastel colour building, and charming cafes on every corner. It’s a great idea to stay in a budget hotel in White Town and get a taste of this beautiful place without overdoing what you pay. This gives you both convenience and comfort, which allows you to have the best Pondicherry offers in terms of history and culture.

Why not Stay in a Budget Hotel in White Town?

For anyone wanting to be close to the main attractions of White Town, choosing a budget hotel is an advantage. Reason being, the French Quarter is surrounded by picturesque surroundings, popular landmarks, and here they are; not far from the coastline and, of course, where many tourists desire to come to. You can go out and explore attractions such as the famous Rock Beach, Aurobindo Ashram and Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus without having to spend much travelling, as you are located in such a budget hotel.

His nearby location also means that a budget hotel stay places you close to cafes, galleries, shops and weekend markets, so you can spend more time out and about, and less time on the road. White Town is compact enough to walk, giving it a good chance to soak in the views at your own pace.

Affordable Comfortable Stays

It doesn’t mean that you can’t stay in a comfortable hotel in White Town. But this is one of the most budget friendly cities in Europe and most budget hotels here have comfortable, clean rooms with basic amenities such wifi, ac, and 24 hour front desk service. Some of these budget hotels also provide you complimentary breakfast or in house dining options so that you might begin your day with a tasty meal without extra expenses.

White Town’s budget hotels tend to have simple yet charming decor of the sort that you’d find in the French Quarter, minimalistic and often colourful. These hotels are cosy and comfortable hotel for when you are travelling solo, with a partner, or as a family that just need to relax after a day of exploring the city.

Close to White Town’s Best Attractions

Accessing some of Pondicherry’s famous attractions is easy — one of the greatest benefits of staying in a budget hotel in White Town. It’s a few minutes walk to Rock Beach, where you can grace your sunrise walk along the promenade, or sit with the ocean. South India’s charm, its beaches, golf courses, art galleries, quaint book stores and cafes offering both South Indian and French inspired treats line the streets of White Town.

Within walking distance also is Aurobindo Ashram, a peaceful retreat for meditation and self reflection. Among other things they do is visit the nearby Manakula Vinayagar Temple, which, along with being a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one also uses as a detoxifying ritual. White Town is still within driving distance of these sites so you can actually experience them and see the unique French Indian cultural blend that results from the mixing.

Go out exploring Local Cuisine and Cafes.

If you’re a food lover, then staying in a budget hotel in White Town is a dream. There’s a lot of cafes and restaurants there serving either French or or traditional South Indian dishes. A short walk from your hotel, you can have a coffee and croissant at a French bakery; or dosa and chutney from a South Indian eatery and finish the day.

From high end to street, food is plentiful in Chiang Mai with each of the local dining scene available at whichever price point you are looking for. It’s a budget friendly option to stay in White Town because you can get to taste the vibrant tastes of Pondicherry while staying there.

Value and Convenience

A budget hotel in White Town gives you great value when it comes to not only staying but also while you commute. You can walk to most places near White Town and the variety of attractions means you can avoid having to eat out which can save a lot of money, plus there’re a number of picturesque views to take in on the walk. This area is great since you can enjoy the best of Pondicherry without spending a fortune.

When on a trip to the White Town side of Pondicherry, it is best to stay in a budget hotel there, for it will help you experience the French quarter’s charm and history. White Town offers affordable and comfortable accommodation and close proximity to top attractions while offering helpful travel tips for getting eating options in the area. If you are coming for the heritage sites, the beach or the odd mixture of cultures, but don't want to blow your budget then a budget hotel in White Town allows you to do all without the strain.

[aliyaagha]

Affordable Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Thailand

Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand

Thailand, a land renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and serene beaches, has also become a premier destination for yoga teacher training courses. The combination of affordability and high-quality training programs attracts aspiring yoga teachers from around the globe. Whether you are a beginner or looking to deepen your practice, Thailand offers a variety of options to suit your needs and budget.

Why Choose Thailand for Yoga Teacher Training?

Rich Cultural Experience

Thailand's unique cultural backdrop adds a profound dimension to the yoga training experience. The country’s deep spiritual roots, influenced by Buddhism, provide an enriching environment conducive to learning and personal growth. Trainees often find the blend of yoga and Thai culture to be transformative, enhancing their understanding of mindfulness and holistic living.

Affordable Yet High-Quality Training

One of the standout features of yoga teacher training in Thailand is its affordability. Compared to Western countries, the cost of living and training in Thailand is significantly lower. Despite the lower costs, the quality of training is not compromised. Many courses are led by experienced and internationally recognized yoga instructors, ensuring a comprehensive and professional training experience.

Scenic and Serene Training Locations

From the tranquil beaches of Koh Samui and Phuket to the lush jungles of Chiang Mai, Thailand offers a plethora of idyllic locations for yoga teacher training. These serene settings not only provide the perfect backdrop for your training but also enhance your overall well-being and focus, essential for a deeply immersive yoga experience.

1. ULU Yoga, Koh Phangan

Course Duration: 200 hours (14 Days)

Cost: USD $2,174 ($75 OFF Regular Price: USD $2,249)

ULU Yoga stands for Universal Love and Understanding and has been spreading health and wellness around the world since 2014. They have led over 150 Teacher Trainings and created over 1,000 new instructors in Thailand, Bali, and Online. ULU Yoga's instructors have between 10-40 years of experience and lead YTT courses and retreats globally. The 200-hour MultiStyle YTT course offers a dynamic mix of traditional Hatha and graceful Vinyasa flow, along with popular trends like aerial, acro, and SUP Yoga. This course takes place on a gorgeous private beach and ocean-view yoga shala in Thailand or in the lush green landscapes of Bali. ULU Yoga also offers ONLINE Yoga Teacher Training for those unable to travel. Their YTT courses focus on practicing correctly and teaching safely in various styles, along with creative workshops and activities that nurture self-discovery and healing. Whether an advanced yogi or beginner, everyone is welcome to join ULU Yoga’s MultiStyle 200, 300, or 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training courses.

2. Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui

Course Duration: 200 hours

Cost: $2,500

Located on the pristine beaches of Koh Samui, Samahita Retreat offers a comprehensive 200-hour yoga teacher training course. This program integrates Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha Yoga, and Pranayama techniques, ensuring a well-rounded yoga education. The retreat provides comfortable accommodation, organic meals, and access to wellness facilities, making it an excellent value for money.

3. Pure Flow Yoga, Koh Phangan

Course Duration: 200 hours

Cost: $2,300

Pure Flow Yoga, nestled in the heart of Koh Phangan, offers a transformative 200-hour teacher training course. The program focuses on Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga, with an emphasis on alignment, anatomy, and philosophy. The serene jungle setting and intimate class sizes ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.

4. All Yoga Training, Koh Phangan

Course Duration: 200 hours

Cost: $2,600

All Yoga Training is renowned for its rigorous and comprehensive 200-hour course, blending Ashtanga and Vinyasa styles. Located in the vibrant island of Koh Phangan, the course offers an intensive curriculum covering yoga anatomy, philosophy, and teaching methodology. The all-inclusive package includes accommodation and meals, providing a stress-free learning experience.

What to Expect from a Yoga Teacher Training Course in Thailand

Comprehensive Curriculum

Most yoga teacher training courses in Thailand follow a structured curriculum designed to provide a deep understanding of yoga. Typically, these programs cover:

Asana Practice: Detailed instruction on various yoga poses, focusing on alignment and technique.

Pranayama: Breathing exercises to control and expand the breath.

Meditation: Techniques to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.

Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding the body mechanics and the effects of yoga.

Yoga Philosophy: Study of ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita.

Teaching Methodology: Techniques to effectively teach and inspire students.

Experienced Instructors

The instructors leading these courses are often highly experienced and come from diverse backgrounds. Many have trained internationally and bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the programs. Their guidance ensures that you not only learn the physical aspects of yoga but also gain insight into its spiritual and philosophical dimensions.

Community and Support

Joining a yoga teacher training course in Thailand also means becoming part of a vibrant and supportive community. The friendships and connections you build with fellow trainees and instructors can be a significant source of encouragement and inspiration throughout your yoga journey.

Tips for Choosing the Right Yoga Teacher Training Course

Define Your Goals

Before selecting a course, it's essential to clarify your objectives. Are you looking to deepen your personal practice, or do you intend to teach yoga professionally? Understanding your goals will help you choose a program that aligns with your aspirations.

Research the Program

Take the time to research various programs thoroughly. Look for reviews and testimonials from past students to gauge the quality of the course. Check the credentials of the instructors and the accreditation of the training program.

Consider the Location and Facilities

The location of the training can significantly impact your experience. Decide whether you prefer a beach, jungle, or urban setting. Additionally, consider the accommodation and amenities provided, as these will contribute to your overall comfort and focus during the training.

Budget and Inclusions

While affordability is a key factor, ensure you understand what is included in the course fee. Some programs offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, and additional workshops, providing excellent value for money.

Conclusion

Embarking on a yoga teacher training course in Thailand is a rewarding investment in your personal and professional growth. The combination of affordable, high-quality training, rich cultural experiences, and stunning natural settings makes Thailand an ideal destination for aspiring yoga teachers. By carefully selecting a program that aligns with your goals and needs, you can ensure a transformative and enriching yoga journey.