#Outstanding Consistency Award

[trapangeles]

Celebrating Black Excellence: The 5th Annual Cocoa Awards

In a dazzling display of talent, community spirit, and outstanding achievement, the fifth annual Cocoa Awards, an acronym for "Celebrating Our Culture & Outstanding Achievements," lived up to its reputation as a beacon of Black excellence. Since its inception in 2019, this event has continued to grow, shining a spotlight on exceptional Black entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact in their communities.

This year's star-studded award ceremony, hosted by the charismatic Neeko, was an unforgettable affair. Neeko not only presented each award but also kept the audience entertained with her infectious energy and wit.

Honoring Excellence: A Recap of the Awards

Outstanding Performing Arts Award: Storm Debarge

Storm Debarge, a true luminary in the world of performing arts, took home the Outstanding Performing Arts Award. Her remarkable talent and dedication to her craft have earned her this well-deserved recognition.

Outstanding Community Service Award: Enjonette

Enjonette was celebrated for her exceptional contributions to the community. Her tireless efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of many earned her The Outstanding Community Service Award.

Outstanding Influence Award: Josh

Josh's influence extends far and wide, and it was only fitting that he received The Outstanding Influence Award. His ability to inspire and effect change in others is truly remarkable.

Outstanding Consistency Award: Shintara

Shintara's dedication and unwavering commitment were acknowledged with The Outstanding Consistency Award. Her ability to maintain excellence over time is an inspiration to all.

Outstanding Growth Award: Walter Tindal

Walter Tindal's journey of growth and self-improvement was recognized with an award for Outstanding Growth. His story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience.

Outstanding Creators of Space Award: Creators Campus

Creators Campus, a hub of innovation and creativity, was honored with The Outstanding Creators of Space Award. Their role in fostering a space for artists and creators is truly commendable.

Outstanding Apparel Award: Jean Deauxx

The Outstanding Apparel Award was presented to Jean Deauxx for their outstanding contributions to the world of fashion. Their innovative designs and fashion-forward creations have left an indelible mark.

A Night of Celebration and Inspiration

The Cocoa Awards not only celebrated the accomplishments of these remarkable individuals and organizations but also served as an inspiration for all. It showcased the immense talent and dedication within the Black community and demonstrated the importance of recognizing and celebrating excellence.

As the fifth annual Cocoa Awards drew to a close, it left everyone in attendance with a sense of pride and optimism. The legacy of this event continues to grow, and it will undoubtedly inspire future generations to reach new heights of achievement.

The Cocoa Awards have once again proven that excellence knows no boundaries and that by celebrating our culture and outstanding achievements, we can uplift and empower our communities. Here's to many more years of honoring Black excellence!

Have you been spending all your money and time on making music and shooting videos, but still not getting any exposure? Tired of just spinning your wheels? You know to get exposure you need to get featured on blogs, radio stations, playlist, and get your music e-mail blasted out to the masses. Need help getting all that done? Then check out the Package we’ve made available for you below!

Like & Listen To Our Spotify Playlist

trapLAXradio On The Air Now!

The Latest Music, Videos, News, Entertainment……

[carlocarrasco]

Muntinlupa City wins prestigious nutrition awards

Recently the City Government of Muntinlupa won prestigious awards during the 2024 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony which took place in Quezon City, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface… The Muntinlupa City government bagged awards at the 2024 Regional Nutrition…

[doyoulikethissong-poll]

Aaliyah - Are You That Somebody? 1998

"Are You That Somebody?" is a song recorded by American singer and actress Aaliyah for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack. It was written by Static Major and Timbaland, with the latter producing it, in addition to performing a guest rap. It is an R&B, pop, soul, and avant-funk song with hip hop influences. Its production also incorporates other instrumentals such as staccato guitars, beatboxing, and drum and bass. The Dr. Dolittle soundtrack was released on June 16, 1998 and consisted of a blend of hip hop and contemporary R&B. The soundtrack was a huge success, peaking at 4 on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and was certified 2× Multi-Platinum on October 20 the same year.

Upon its release, "Are You That Somebody?" received critical acclaim from music critics, with them praising its off-beat innovative production. In 1999, Aaliyah earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for the song. Initially, it was ineligible to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 because it was an airplay single not commercially released to retail stores but in December 1998, Billboard changed its policy to allow airplay-only songs to chart, and the song eventually peaked at number 21. Internationally, the song achieved even greater commercial success, peaking at number one in New Zealand and number three in the Netherlands. It also peaked at number 11 in Canada and the UK.

An accompanying music video for "Are You That Somebody?" was directed by Mark Gerard with choreography orchestrated by Fatima Robinson. It received acclaim from the music industry, receiving Best R&B Video and Best Video from a Film nominations at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. The video also earned a nomination for Outstanding Music Video at the NAACP Image Awards. Throughout the years, critics have praised the video for its choreography, with many highlighting the flamenco routine depicted in the final scene.

"Are You That Somebody?" received a total of 68,8% yes votes! Previous Aaliyah polls: #217 "Try Again".

[respectthepetty]

Reading the (Visual) Rainbow Awards 2024

2023 was the first time I gave these awards, so I'm excited to deliver my 2024 version to the QLs that gave the best visual narratives this past year. In order to be considered for these awards, the series 1) had to air during 2024, and 2) had to finish airing by December 31, so out of the 114 QLs I watched this year, 13 are still ongoing and cannot be considered for these awards. Out of the remaining 94 QLs, 69 had some degree of consistent color coding

*For reference, in 2023, I watched 108 QLs, 14 were still ongoing, and 67 had consistent color coding.

Now for the ceremony to begin!

Petty Award: Last Twilight, Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo, and Spare Me Your Mercy

This award goes to a show or shows that had great visual narratives but I refuse to write about it because I'm petty, and these shows know what they did to me!

I've aired my grievances with these shows plenty, so now they can officially join last year's winners, Only Friends and I Feel You Linger in the Air, plus several other series in my Grudge Garden. May beauty bloom from the cruel love you gave me.

Stats Awards [These awards are based solely on numbers]

Most Popular: Black Brooder

This award goes to the color that was most popular in a pair, number-wise.

The stats: A Black Brooder was part of a color-coded pair 27 times in 2024. 2023’s was a Blue Boy with 26. The next color-coded boy in 2024 was a Blue Boy who was part of 21 pairs. 2023's was a Black Brooder who was part of 15 pairs.

The Best Black Brooder was Happy of the End’s Haoran. The show explicitly stated he was mysterious, secretive, and seductive which are all key characteristics of a Black Brooder. He had a dark past that haunted him and the narrative the entire show, so the black color appropriately emphasized the darkness within him. Even at the very end, he was lighter in his life, but it did not take away from what he went through to get that little bit of happiness and color. Haoran is the epitome of a Black Brooder, and that’s why he deserves the title of "Best Color-Coded Character of the Year."

Most Popular Pair: Light x Dark

This award goes to the color-coded pair who were used the most in the year, number-wise.

The stats: The Black x White dynamic won in 2023 with 12 couples, but in 2024 this dynamic almost doubled by being used 22 times. No other color-coded pair came close.

The Best Light x Dark Couple: Myung Ha x Yeo Woon from Love for Love’s Sake perfectly represent why this dynamic is needed, yet it wasn’t clear why until midway through the series. Black Brooder Myung Ha was sent into a game to save Heavenly Human Yeo Woon, but as the story unfolded, we realized that Myung Ha was the one who needed to be saved by his Heavenly Human and for a very good reason which adds to his dark color. The colors were there the entire time, yet the reveal of why those were the colors still shocks me almost a year later.

The Outlier: Wandee Goodday

This award goes to a series that delivered a colored-coded pair that no other series did.

When this show was first announced, I was elated that I was getting a Yellow Yal x Purple Person pairing which had yet to be done, and my excitement only grew throughout its airing. Even though I didn’t get the proper color exchange I dreamed of at the end, the show had outstanding visual rhetoric (bunny x tiger, anyone?), and it gave me a pair comprised of complementary colors, so it deserves this award for doing something different, and doing it well.

Visual Rhetoric Awards

Honorable Mention - Peaceful Property

This award goes to a series that had a great visual narrative but could not be considered for these awards because it wasn't marketed as a QL (even though it's canon to me).

The show’s “Cok Long” sign alone would have received a visual rhetoric award, but the characters were also color coded and gay af. The dance pose for love. The steak in the shape of a heart. The food in general! Home dreaming of Peach in bed to comfort him. The tears and strings in the hospital tying them together. The stories about Thansai x Ride and Vicha x Phoom!!!! The color exchanges! This show used all the visuals to bury the lead, literally and figuratively, and dealt with people facing the ghosts who haunt them in an unexpected and tender way, so it was a show with a lot of heart and the visuals to back it up.  

Best Boundary/Barrier/Bars - My Stand-In

This award goes to a series that best displayed an internal conflict with a physical barrier between the two leads.

This show’s visual rhetoric skills were vicious. I was personally attacked every time Joe’s back was only shown. I was shaking in rage each time Joe and Ming were shown behind bars, with barriers between them, and with Joe being lower than Ming. But nothing hurt more than when Joe 2.0 finally gave into Ming, and we visually saw Joe’s body split in two. Previous to that moment, they were each standing on opposite sides of the line, then slowly, Ming pushed Joe against the glass leaving Joe exposed to the world, so he could focus on Joe’s back, and the line was right there to show us that nobody was fully in that moment. They were both in their bodies, yet out of them. They were in the present, but also in the past. They wanted this, and simultaneously were disgusted. They were conflicted, and that line cut right through them. And me.

Best Balance - Jack & Joker

This award goes to a series that best used the scene to outline the balanced dynamic between the leads.

In a hospital room, standing in between the light and dark curtains, next to the red couch and the blue bed, two color-coded boys hashed it out and showed the audience why balance is always needed in a relationship. Jack became darker because he shouldered everyone’s burdens, yet there was Joke begging Jack to let him carry some of his sorrow and relieve him of his darkness. Then, the black and white colors and those dual smiling/frowning faces were right there to reinforce what Joke was saying — We need Yin & War Yang.

Best Background (Noise) - Marahuyo Project

This award goes to a series that best used the background details to strongly reinforce the ongoing plot.

It was a story about sea creatures that beautifully connected to the overall queer theme of the story, and King (of the sea) wore several sea-themed items. The show also focused on trans acceptance and solidarity with all characters wearing the trans flag colors at one point in the show, and the use of butterflies to signify the harsh yet necessary transformation we must experience to become better versions of ourselves. Oh, and the religious icons! Basically, this show did not waste one moment of its screen time, and it’s a feast for the eyes because of it.

Best Use of Clothing - 7 Days Before Valentine

This award goes to the series that made the best use of clothing to show the evolving dynamic between the leads.

Sun, the main character, was 🎶The Worst🎶 when this story began. The show looked the audience in the face and said that man was the devil with his horns and black and red outfits. Then, an actual demon showed up, in white! After that, this demon took on more of Sun’s darkness as an act of salvation while the demon’s clothing transitioned from white to gray then black. In the end, the demon was actually an angel who needed to see that redemption was possible for his own sake. It was a story about how nobody is really good or bad and how people deserve a second chance, which was a consistent theme in most QLs this year, and beautifully highlighted in this show.

Colors Awards

Best Color Exchange - My Love Mix-Up (Thailand)

This award goes to a series where the leads were color coded and switching their colors demonstrated more than their love being mutual.

The original Japanese version of this show is one of the best color-coded BLs and features the best color exchange EVER in the form of a well-lit kiss, so I was watching the Thai version with a critical eye. The Thai show had the pink = love moments and other subtle visual rhetoric, plus it included the traditional color merge of Kongthap’s blue with Atom’s developing yellow into green which they both wore for their first kiss. The show was following all the normal steps, but at the very last moment, after the boys decided their love was worth the fight and came out to their parents in teary confessions, they met in the place it all began merging Kongthap’s blue and Atom’s strong orange into a couple’s brown and kissed, and I have never been happier seeing the color brown as a symbol of love.

Best Kiss - Only Boo!

This award goes to the series that best used a kiss to support the color narrative of the story.

This show had no competition in this category. Its only competition was itself. Every kiss either was color-coded, included the Blinding Light of Love, created a color exchange, formed a color merge, or was lit with the Pink = Love lighting. Every. Single. Kiss! So this award isn’t for just one kiss, but all the kisses in the series, but the grand kiss in the finale had the boys in their respective colors, kissing under a pink light, while their colors were part of the background decorations as everyone cheered around them, and It. Healed. Me.

Best Red (Thread of Destiny) - Unknown

This award goes to the series that best used the color red to symbolize two characters being connected by fate.

Century of Love, a story of lovers meeting again a century after tragically parting, gave Unknown good competition in this category, but ultimately the story of two kids finding family in each other and building a life together is the winner, and it’s all because of that damn red railing! The red was there when Qian fed Yuan on the street, and the moment Qian wrapped Yuan’s hands in the red boxing tape, he secured the bond between them. However, the scene where Yuan stood at the bottom of the stairs before leaving the house felt like the connection was severed as he walked out the door leaving a dark room behind only for the camera to slowly move up the red railing to reveal Qian standing at the top of the stairs looking at Yuan’s room. They were still connected, and I’m still emotional about it.

Best Pink - Bad Guy, My Boss

This award goes to the series that best used the color pink to demonstrate the love between two characters.

This was the most competitive category in 2024, and Deep Night with its pink poly dream held the top spot for most of the year until this ridiculous Wattpad BL entered the group chat and crushed everyone with this single shot. In the show, Run was basically being manipulated into a relationship with Fei Long for ~evil reasons~ that included an incarcerated brother, a ploy to gain more power, and an ex-boyfriend, yet the pink kept showing up around Run until it surrounded both of them. And it was the softest pink. It was slightly surprising that they did both genuinely love each despite the circumstances, but it was even more shocking just how kind that love actually was. They might have been crazy for that, but they were also crazy in love!

Best Rainbow - 1,000 Years Old

This award goes to the series with the best use of a rainbow.

Pun was a dark-color coded vampire, and Yo was the colorful human he fell in love with, yet Yo thought that Pun brought color to his life. Before Pun showed up, Yo was lost in the world chasing aliens with his friends, but once Yo encountered Pun at a pork blood soup stand, both their lives became filled with adventures that were revealed to be centuries in the making, and Pun’s rainbow umbrella symbolized the whimsical nature of their relationship. Both brought color to the other’s life. In every life.

Best Heart - 4 Minutes

This award goes to a series that best represented love by using a tangible item to symbolize a heart.

Color-coded boys in love deserve color-coded plushies to represent their love. Great was white-color coded, and Tyme was black-color coded, so when they went on their adorable arcade date, the color-coded cat plushies with hearts on their sides were the perfect prize to celebrate the guys’ developing feelings for each other. However, the date never really happened and instead was part of Great’s redo timeline as his heart was dying after being shot. And somehow, that made it even better! In his last moments, all Great wanted was for Tyme to keep winning his heart over and over again, and Great would have given it to him, again and again. In another life, he’d enjoy just playing a claw game with Tyme.

Best Accessory - Addicted Heroin (Thailand)

This award goes to a series that best used a color-coded accessory to support the ongoing plot.

Everything in this show was color coded from the cotton swabs to the nail clippers, but the series wins this award for The Audacity™. In any version of this story, Hero’s character is going to be batshit bananas, but in the Thai remake, the show decided to include color coding in the craziness. When Hero had Pop(py) kidnapped, Hero tied him up with color-coded green rope because even as Hero had taken his boyfriend hostage in the dumbest turn of event, he needed to prove he knew Pop’s color was green. But not only did Hero do that in the show, the folks behind the show, who seemed determined to be wilder than the show itself, started selling figurines of the moment! It’s meta, but like really bad, which means I LOVE IT!

Best Blinding Light (of Love) - Deep Night

This award goes to the series that best used a blinding light to emphasize the overwhelming feeling of being in love.

Deep Night had several amazing moments using the Blinding Light of Love, but Wela and Khem had liked each other since the first episode, so this moment visually presented what it felt like for them to realize it actually might be something more. They were nestled between the pink of the club lights with the window bathing them in the streetlight; then, the light from outside became blinding as Khem admitted to being jealous and wanting to be something more with Wela. It truly was the point Khem realized he was deeper than he thought, and for Wela to see that his feelings were real. It was a moment of lustful escape that turned into a moment of genuine love.

Best Lighting - The On1y One

This award goes to the series that best used lighting to support the story's narrative.

Using dark, cool lighting for the moon and bright, warm lighting for the sun are not new techniques, but the way The On1y One used those lighting treatments for its characters was a reminder that the professionals behind the scenes are truly experts in their field. In the first episode, Jiang Tian, the moon, emerged from the darkness of the street, and the warmth of Sheng Wang’s light cupped his face as he stood outside the gate. As they interacted, each retained their respective lighting, but slowly, slivers of the other’s lighting began to merge with their own until the audience could no longer tell where their individual light ended and the other’s began. And neither could the boys.

Best Cinematographer: Jim Picharn - I Saw You in My Dream, Jack & Joker

This award goes to the cinematographer who best supported the story through visuals without distracting from the ongoing plot.

In 2023, Jim of Dee Hup House was on the shortlist for this award due to him being the cinematographer for Thai BLs Step by Step, Hidden Agenda, and I Feel You Linger in the Air, and in 2024, he was back with I Saw You in My Dream and Jack & Joker. The reason he is getting this award now is because both his 2024 offerings looked completely different. Jim has a certain hazy and dreamy style to his cinematography which fit perfectly in I Saw You in My Dream’s narrative, but his style shifted to something harsher and a little bit grittier in Jack & Joker. There were still specific Jim elements in both pieces, but it was clearer how his style served the narratives in each story differently. Not only was it interesting to see, but it was also a beautiful addition to the stories being told in both shows, so I’m looking forward to what new visuals he will be gifting us with in 2025.

Best Surprise - The Trainee

This award serves as a catch-all for a series that delivered a color-coded surprise while still incorporating it well within the plot.

I am not egoistical enough to believe the folks behind these QLs are reading my little ol’ Tumblr blog, but I’m also not humble enough to rule it out as a possibility. Normally, I have to watch behind-the-scene specials, find translated interviews, or follow cinematographers’ and directors’ social media to get confirmation about colors, but in 2024, several shows simply posted the information on main! Two Worlds, Love is a Poison, Peaceful Property, and a few other shows openly stated how the colors were being used in the show, but The Trainee did the most and made graphics to announce the color coding of its characters and posted them on Twitter and Instagram! The graphics also featured key aspects of the characters’ personalities which aligned to their color. For eight weeks, I had been determined to prove that Jane was a loyal Blue Boy and Tae was a wise Brown Boy, and, magically, the show just looked at me one day and said I was right. I will never forget that rush, so in case someone who does work behind the scenes on these QL is reading my posts, thanks for the best present 2024 could have given me!

Best Group Effort - Pit Babe

This award goes to the series that best color coded a majority of its characters.

I watched this show with no sound, no subtitles, and no idea what the hell was happening. And yet the colors got me through! I might not have any clue who is the Alpha, Beta, or Santa Maria in this show, but I know who is red, blue, and royally evil because the colors were coloring the entire time! I cannot write more about this show because I still don’t really understand what it was about, but I am super excited to watch the second season the same exact way I watched the first — with the colors guiding me the whole way.

Best Consistent Color Coding - Chaser Game W

This award goes to the series that had the most consistent color coding throughout its run.

Two celestial maidens in a video game. Two penguins in a book. Two women in a toxic workplace romance. No matter what form the leads took in the show, they were color-coded in every version of their characters. They were part of the reason the Light x Dark pairing was the most popular in 2024, and in the first season, they exemplified that dynamic with kind Heavenly Human Itsuki being stuck working for her demanding Black Brooder ex-girlfriend Fuyu. Then, the second season gave us the women swapping clothes and colors as they became a more established couple. Even their daughter took part in the color-coded hijinks, and in the end, Itsuki and Fuyu found the balance in their work and their love life, together.  

Best Overall - Idol Factory

This award goes to the series that did it like nobody else to claim the ultimate prize.

I refuse to pit two bad bitches against each other, so that’s why both The Sign and The Loyal Pin get this award. And I’ll even throw the Factory’s third offering, My Marvellous Dream is You, into the mix because regardless of which show I write this about, Idol Factory gave me rainbows of colors every single time!

I didn’t just get the pink = 💕love💕lighting. I got the pink lighting getting more intense as the love between the two characters intensified.

I didn’t just get color-coded clothing. I got the patterns of the clothing showing each character’s personality, so when they started to swap patterns, it was obvious they were in love.

I didn’t just get color exchanges. I got color events with blinding lights of love, color exchanges, and color merges.

Basically, I got everything I wanted and more, so even though Idol Factory has only produced five shows, all of them have excelled in the colors and visual rhetoric department, and I’ll be patiently waiting for its 2025 (and 2026) shows to air because I know they will be visually stunning, as always.

Congrats, winners!

[laiqualaurelote]

I do not usually have Thoughts on matters like awards but what is up with the Emmy nominations this year. I'm glad Ted Lasso got some noms but it was for the wrong things?! how does Jason Sudeikis get a nom despite phoning in half the season, but no recognition for Nick Mohammed or Toheeb Jimoh? Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple both somehow in the Best Supporting Actress category? Writing nom for So Long, Farewell but not Sunflowers? Bizarre. But the most egregious omission...

...WHERE IS THE ENGLISH?! Where are the nominations for this, the finest limited series of 2022? Where is Chaske Spencer's Best Actor Award? Why is Episode 5: The Buffalo Gun not being showered with Best Writing, Best Directing, Outstanding Cinematography for the 49 minutes of unrelenting excellence it brought to our screens? Why, for the love of all that is holy, is this show so consistently underrated? This is a travesty and I and the 20 other people in this fandom will be mad about it forever.

[emma-watson-blog]

Overview:

Born:

April 15, 1990 · Paris, France

Birth name:

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson

Nickname:

Em

Height:

5′ 5″ (1.65 m)

Mini Bio:

Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born in Paris, France, to British parents, Jacqueline Luesby and Chris Watson, both lawyers. She moved to Oxfordshire when she was five, where she attended the Dragon School. From the age of six, Emma knew that she wanted to be an actress and, for a number of years, she trained at the Oxford branch of Stagecoach Theatre Arts, a part-time theatre school where she studied singing, dancing and acting. By the age of ten, she had performed and taken the lead in various Stagecoach productions and school plays.

In 1999, casting began for Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone (2001), the film adaptation of British author J.K. Rowling's bestselling novel. Casting agents found Emma through her Oxford theatre teacher. After eight consistent auditions, producer David Heyman told Emma and fellow applicants, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, that they had been cast for the roles of the three leads, Hermione Granger, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley. The release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) was Emma's cinematic screen debut. The film broke records for opening-day sales and opening-weekend takings and was the highest-grossing film of 2001. Critics praised the film and the performances of the three leading young actors. The highly distributed British newspaper, 'The Daily Telegraph', called her performance "admirable". Later, Emma was nominated for five awards for her performance in the film, winning the Young Artist Award for Leading Young Actress in a Feature Film.

After the release of the first film of the highly successful franchise, Emma became one of the most well-known actresses in the world. She continued to play the role of Hermione Granger for nearly ten years, in all of the following Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011). Emma acquired two Critics' Choice Award nominations from the Broadcast Film Critics Association for her work in Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban and Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. The completion of the seventh and eight movies saw Emma receive nominations in 2011 for a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award, and for Best Actress at the Jameson Empire Awards. The Harry Potter franchise won the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema in February 2011.

2011 saw Emma in Simon Curtis's My Week with Marilyn (2011), alongside a stellar cast of Oscar nominees including Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe and Kenneth Branagh as Sir Laurence Olivier, in addition to Eddie Redmayne, Dame Judi Dench, Dougray Scott, Zoe Wanamaker, Toby Jones and Dominic Cooper. Chronicling a week in Marilyn Monroe's life, the film featured Emma in the supporting role of Lucy, a costume assistant to Colin Clark (Redmayne). The film was released by The Weinstein Company and was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical. In 2012 Emma was seen in Stephen Chbosky's adaptation of his coming-of-age novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), starring opposite Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller. This independent drama centered around Charlie (Lerman), an introverted freshman who is taken under the wings of two seniors (Watson and Miller) who welcome him to the real world. The film premiered at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival and received rave reviews. The film won the People's Choice Award for Favourite Dramatic Movie and Emma also picked up the People's Choice Award for Favourite Dramatic Movie Actress. Emma was awarded a second time for this role with the Best Supporting Actress Award at the San Diego Film Critics Society Awards where the film also won the Best Ensemble Performance Award.

In summer 2013, Emma starred in Sofia Coppola's American satirical black comedy crime film, The Bling Ring (2013), opposite Katie Chang and Israel Broussard. The film took inspiration from real events and followed a group of teenagers who, obsessed with fashion and fame, burgled the homes of celebrities in Los Angeles. The film opened the Un Certain Regard section of the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Emma also appeared in a cameo role as herself in Seth Rogen's apocalypse comedy This Is The End (2013). The film tells the story about what happens to some of Hollywood's best loved celebrities when the apocalypse strikes during a party at James Franco's house.

2014, Emma was seen in Darren Aronofsky's Noah (2014), opposite Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Douglas Booth, Logan Lerman, and Anthony Hopkins. The film told the epic, biblical tale of Noah and the ark. Emma plays the role of Ila, a young woman who develops a close relationship with Noah's son, Shem (Booth). Noah made an outstanding $300m since its release in March. In 2015, Emma starred in Regression (2015), written and directed by Alejandro Amenábar. Also headlined by Oscar-nominated Ethan Hawke, and set in Minnesota in 1990, Regression tells the story of Detective Bruce Kenner (Hawke), who investigates the case of young Angela, played by Emma, who accuses her father of sexual abuse.

In 2012, Emma was honored with the Calvin Klein Emerging Star Award at the ELLE Women in Hollywood Awards. In 2013, Emma was awarded the Trailblazer Award at the MTV Movie Awards in April and was honored with the GQ Woman of the Year Award at the GQ Awards in September. Further to her acting career, Emma is a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN, promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. Emma graduated from Brown University in May 2014.

2017, Emma starred in the live-action Disney fantasy Beauty and the Beast (2017), one of the biggest movies of all time in the U.S., and the dramatic thriller The Circle (2017).

Family:

Jacqueline Luesby(Parent)

Chris Watson(Parent)

Relatives:

Freda Emma Watson (Duerre)(Grandparent)

Toby Watson(Half Sibling)

Lucy Watson(Half Sibling)

Nina Watson(Half Sibling)

Alex Watson(Sibling)

Trivia:

Has kept a painstakingly detailed log of her everyday life since her film career took off, as many as 30 journals in total.

Favorite Harry Potter book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Best friends with Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint after practically growing up with them on the Harry Potter set. She calls them her 'brothers'.

Was offered the titled lead in Cinderella (2015) but turned it down.

At the age of fifteen became the youngest person to appear on the cover of Teen Vogue magazine.

Paris at the time of Emma's birth. Emma lived in France until the age of five, when her family returned to the United Kingdom.

Was named the 'Highest Grossing Actress of the Decade' by the Guiness Book of World Records. Her film work in the past decade has grossed over 5.4 billion dollars worldwide (2009).

She achieved eight A* and two A passes in her GCSEs (exams British school pupils take in their last compulsory year of secondary school).

Prefers to sign autographs for fans rather than taking pictures with them.

Auditioned eight times (at age 9) for the role of Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, playing opposite five prospective sets of Harry's before landing the part.

Was offered the role of Mia in La La Land (2016) but turned it down to play Belle in Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017). The role then went to Emma Stone, who won an Academy award for her performance. Ironically, she replaced Stone for the role of Meg March in Greta Gerwig's Little Women (2019) after Stone was unable to take the part due to her scheduling conflicts in promoting The Favourite (2018).

Both of her parents are lawyers.

Emma's favorite movies include Notting Hill (1999), Love Actually (2003), Bridget Jones's Diary (2001), Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), About Time (2013), Giant (1956), Breathless (2008), Amélie (2001), Pan's Labyrinth (2006), The Fountain (2006), The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Gladiator (2000), Braveheart (1995), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008), Philomena (2013), Blue Jasmine (2013), Rush (2013), 12 Years a Slave (2013), The Great Beauty (2013), The Woodmans (2010), Closer (2004), Pretty Woman (1990), Chicago (2002), Romeo + Juliet (1996), Moulin Rouge! (2001), Dirty Dancing (1987), Grease (1978), Shrek (2001), Ice Age (2002), and Finding Nemo (2003). school and local teams), skiing, painting, cooking, singing, and dancing (has twice competed with her school in Rock Challenge 2006 and 2007).

Entering Brown University, Rhode Island, U.S.A. after completion of the Harry Potter Movies (July 21, 2009).to study literature.

Emma's favorite actors are Johnny Depp and Russell Crowe.

Her parents divorced in 1995; each parent has since remarried. On her father's side, she has a younger half-brother, Toby, born 2003, and half-sisters (identical twins) Lucy and Nina, born in 2004. Lucy and Nina played the younger version of her character Pauline in Ballet Shoes (2007). She also has two stepbrothers through her mother's remarriage.

Has said that she'd like to work with directors Alfonso Cuarón and Guillermo del Toro.

Is a certified yoga and meditation instructor.

Is a fan of The Golden Compass (2007) and the rest of the fantasy trilogy 'His Dark Materials' by Philip Pullman.

Emma's favorite actresses are Julia Roberts, Renée Zellweger, Sandra Bullock, Rebel Wilson, Goldie Hawn, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Natalie Portman and Meryl Streep.

Is the former roommate and current best friend of America's Next Top Model (2003) Cycle 18 winner, Sophie Sumner.

Attended The Dragon School, a renowned preparatory school in Oxford, between September 1995 and July 2001. She then went on to attend Headington School, a private all-girls school, between September 2001 and July 2006.

She enrolled in a Shakespeare course at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts during the summer of 2008.

May 25, 2014) Graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in English literature.

Emma's favorite television shows include Friends (1994), Sex and the City (1998), Girls (2012), Gossip Girl (2007), America's Next Top Model (2003), Mad Men (2007), House of Cards (2013), Pride and Prejudice (1995) and The Crown (2016).

Has two cats, one is named Bubbles and the other is named Domino.

Emma Watson has stated that, since her audition at age 9 through the completion of 8 Harry Potter features by age 22, the hectic, educational experience consumed over half her life.

She was named after her paternal grandmother, born Freda Emma Duerre who, after marriage, became Freda Emma Duerre Watson.

Was in a relationship with Will Adamowicz from 2012-2013. The couple met while studying at Oxford University in 2011.

Took AS levels in English, Geography, Art, and History of Art in May 2007, and has now dropped History of Art to pursue the three A levels.

When she made a promotional appearance on a Dutch TV talk show for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007), the interview ended with her joining the Dutch illusion act Magic Unlimited, who sawed her in half.

Has the same birthday as her Beauty and the Beast co-stars: Luke Evans and her Harry Potter collaborator Emma Thompson.

Is taking legal action after private photos of her trying on various outfits were stolen and posted online.

Was ranked #3 on Empire Magazine's '100 Sexiest Movie Stars' list.

She and her Harry Potter co-stars Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint were named #9 on Entertainment Weekly's Best Entertainers of the Year in 2005.

Ranked as having one of the most beautiful famous faces by "The Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Famous Faces From Around the World." She was ranked #2 in 2010, #12 in 2009, #27 in 2008, #30 in 2007, and #54 in 2006.

In 2008, BoyDestiny wrote and sang the song "You Got Me Going", also known as The Emma Watson Song.

Sixth highest paid actress of 2017 with $14 million.

Passed her driving test in the U.S. in 2008 and drives a Toyota Prius.

Was named the face of the 2009 Fall/Winter Burberry Campaign.

Radio One's movie critic James King named "Ron Weasley" and "Hermione Granger", played by Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, as number 4 in his Top 5 Movie Couples list on The Colin and Edith Show (2006).

Emma's style icons include Jean Seberg, Mia Farrow, Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger, Jane Birkin, Edie Sedgwick, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Sofia Coppola, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Françoise Hardy, Charlotte Rampling and Michelle Obama.

She served on a jury to select the 2004 teen-aged film-makers' First Light Film Awards. The ceremony was held in London's Leicester Square. Other jurors included Pierce Brosnan, Kenneth Branagh, and Samantha Morton.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated her earnings for the year at $4 million.

Has worked closely with the organic and fair trade pioneer People Tree.

Announced that she would be collaborating with People Tree, a Fair Trade Fashion Company, as a creative advisor for the new Spring/Summer collection.

Emma's favorite filmmakers are Richard Curtis, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro, Sofia Coppola, Darren Aronofsky, Danny Boyle, David Fincher, Lynne Ramsay, Ang Lee, and Tom Hooper.

Emma Watson has combined/hyperactive type ADHD, for which she has been medicated ever since she was 5.

Has spoken in the United Nations Organization in favour of Women's Rights, including abortion.

Was ranked #8 in Portrait Magazine's 'Top 30 Under 30' (2009). 'Harry Potter' cast mates Evanna Lynch, Rupert Grint, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton and Daniel Radcliffe also made the list on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th and 18th place respectively.

Was ranked #15 on Forbes List of The 20 Top-Earning Young Superstars.

Ranked #4 by Portrait Magazine for favorite celebrities by fans' vote. Her Harry Potter co-star Bonnie Wright Had also Ranked #5.

Includes Justin Timberlake and Alanis Morissette among her favorite singers.

She was the front-runner for the role of Yelena Belova in Black Widow (2021), but it was given to Florence Pugh.

Was ranked #3 on Moviefone's '25 Hottest Actors Under 25'.

(April 24, 2011) Her publicist, Vanessa Davies, said that Emma will transfer from Brown University to another school in the Fall of 2011.

Was ranked #3 on 'Yahoo! List of the 10 Most Popular Stars of 2007'.

Was ranked #69 on Maxim magazine's Hot 100 women of 2011 list.

Once accidentally mistook Jimmy Fallon for Jimmy Kimmel.

Was born at 6:00pm (GMT + 1 hour) on a Sunday.

Voted #17 on Ask Men's top 99 'most desirable' women of 2012.

Ranked #94 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2008 list.

Was Entertainment Weekly's "Entertainer of the Month" for the month of July (2009).

She was ranked #8 on Portrait Magazine's 'Top 30 Under 30' list.

Ranked #29 on Askmen's list of the Top 99 Most Desirable women for 2013.

She was ranked #3 on Teen Vogue's list of the Best Dressed celebrities of 2009.

Ranked #15 in the 2011 FHM Australia of "100 Sexiest Women".

Was ranked #97 on Forbes List of The Celebrity 100.

Ranked #23 in the 2011 FHM list of "100 Sexiest Women in the World".

She was ranked #6 on MSN's list of 'Best Dressed Stars of 2009'.

Was ranked #28 on Entertainment Weekly's '30 Under 30' the actress list.

Ranked #29 in the 2010 FHM UK list of "100 Sexiest Women in the World".

Was ranked #26 on Empire Magazine's '100 Sexiest Movie Stars' (2007).

Named #1 on 'Sexiest Movie Stars" Poll on Empire Magazine voted by over 50 000 people around the world.

She was considered to voice Coraline Jones in "Coraline", which later went to Dakota Fanning.

Salaries

Beauty and the Beast (2017) - $15,000,000

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) - $15,000,000

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) - $15,000,000

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) - $4,000,000

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) - $125,000

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) - $125,000

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) - $125,000

[jugeullae]

I had very high expectations for Light Shop and it did not disappoint! It was great! It was written and created by webtoon artist, Kang Full, also the creator of Moving. I love Moving so much! It was an excellent drama and a tough act to follow. It won so many awards including Baeksang and Blue Dragon Daesang. Light Shop was also directed by rookie director Kim Hee Won, who also starred in Moving. It really is a multiverse. Moving nation, go check it out! There are Easter eggs at the last 15 minutes of episode 8. Moving Season 2 here we go!

It started out as horror but as the story unfolds it seemed more of a melodrama exploring human relationships. It's a journey of the human soul: denial, acceptance and finally transition. It's very interesting and unique concept with a refreshing way to tell a story. It definitely piqued my curiosity. Everyone is theorizing who is actually alive, who is dead, where and when and how. The cast boasts an ensemble group of talented actors. The cinematography is gorgeous and the CGI is good. The set design is well-crafted and extremely detailed. Wonyoung's shop is just exquisite! It looked like it came right out of a Studio Ghibli movie.

I don't really have any criticism towards the drama but it would have been nice if some actors got a little more screen time. I think it would have been great to see Ju Ji Hoon and Park Bo Young at least in one frame together. Having said, that the cast gave an outstanding performance in all their scenes. Lee Jung Eun gave one heck of a performance with the limited minutes she had and worthy of an Oscar. Although technically she is an Oscar winner. I understand that the original webtoon is actually just very short. The cast is huge but the drama only has 8 episodes. They definitely made the best out of it. Adding fillers would have probably just made the drama dragging and lose sight of focus. That is why it was crucial that Disney brought Kang Full on board to be part of the drama's creative process and to ensure consistency. Looking forward to their future collaboration(s).

Kudos to the directorial debut of Kim Hee Won. I think he did a fantastic job! He had his hands full for the past few years. Acting in Moving, directing Light Shop, and also acting in the movie Project Silence alongside the late Lee Sun Kyun. Ahjusshi, you are missed. I hope you found the light. 💡

[ilaw-at-panitik]

The Finalists of the 41st National Book Awards

The National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics Circle (MCC) announce the finalists of the 41st National Book Awards, an annual prize honoring the most outstanding book titles written, designed, and published in the Philippines.

For this cycle of the National Book Awards, a total of 235 titles were submitted across 34 categories consisting of 7 languages: Filipino, English, Bikol, Binisaya, Hiligaynon, Tausug, and Waray. Following the awarding of winners during the 40th cycle in May 2023, the 41st iteration of the awards is slated to take place in February 2024.

See the full list here.

[agentfascinateur]

Hollywood call for withdrawing Bisan Owda's Emmy Nomination - DENIED

Creative Community for Peace, a pro-Israel nonprofit organization, called for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences to rescind an Emmy nomination for Bisan Atef Owda, a Palestinian journalist. Owda was nominated by NATAS in the Outstanding Hard News Feature Story: Short Form category, for the series “It’s Bisan From Gaza and I’m Still Alive.” They allege that Owda has documented ties to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a United States-designated terrorist organization. The letter, was signed by More than 150 entertainment industry leaders, including the likes of Debra Messing, Selma Blair, Sherry Lansing, Rick Rosen, Haim Saban, and Michael Rotenberg, among others.

Thank you for your letter of August 19, 2024, concerning the nomination of “It’s Bisan From Gaza and I’m Still Alive” for a 2024 News & Documentary Emmy Award. The News & Documentary Emmys have recognized excellence in television journalism for nearly half a century. The honored programs and reports have taken viewers to the front lines of every world conflict, probed political and cultural divides, and sought to illuminate even the darkest circumstances. Some of these works have been controversial, giving a platform to voices that certain viewers may find objectionable or even abhorrent. But all have been in the service of the journalistic mission to capture every facet of the story. In every case, submissions to the News & Documentary Emmys are judged by experienced journalists from across multiple news organizations, serving in an independent, volunteer capacity. NATAS does not intervene in or countermand the judgment of these journalists except when competition rules have been violated, nor does NATAS determine the eligibility or ineligibility of news reporting based on the political views represented. “It’s Bisan From Gaza and I’m Still Alive” was reviewed by two successive panels of independent judges, including senior editorial leadership from each significant U.S. broadcast news network. It was selected for nomination from among more than 50 submissions in one of the year’s most competitive categories. The piece was also recognized for journalistic achievement by the Peabody Awards and the Edward R. Murrow Awards, each administered by processes and organizations wholly separate from and independent of NATAS and the News & Documentary Emmys. NATAS is aware of reports, cited in your letter and initially surfaced by a communications consultant in the region, that appear to show a then-teenaged Bisan Owda speaking at various PFLP-associated events between six and nine years ago.  NATAS has been unable to corroborate these reports, nor has it been able, to date, to surface any evidence of more contemporary or active involvement by Owda with the PFLP organization. Most critically, the content submitted for award consideration was consistent with competition rules and NATAS policies. Accordingly, NATAS has found no grounds, to date, upon which to overturn the editorial judgment of the independent journalists who reviewed the material. Thank you. I appreciate your courtesy in sharing our response with your cosigners. Sincerely, Adam Sharp, NATAS President & CEO

[carlocarrasco]

Muntinlupa City Government wins CROWN award

Recently in the progressive City of Muntinlupa, the City Government announced that it won the prestigious Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award and a cash incentive of half-a-million Pesos during the National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the…

[kitseddie]

This Must Be The Place

Chapter 5: Change

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Part 6

(Eddie Munson x GN!Reader)

Summary: You and Eddie hang out, just like you did when you were kids.

W/C: 2K+

Warnings: tooth rooting fluff! >:)

A/N: This is a short filler to add some backstories to help with elements of the story that I wanna include! But it’s always just cute Eddie fluff hehe

You were awoken by an obnoxiously loud knock on your door, your right eye squinting open to check the time. When the red digits revealed a time that was ten whole minutes before your alarm was set, you flopped on your other side and groaned. Without any warning your mom rushed into your bedroom, as awake and as cheery as ever.

“You know, walking in kind of defeats the whole purpose of knocking.” She tutted, perching on the side of your bed and rolling you to face her. “Do you want your kid to be completely sleep deprived? Is that something you want, as a mother?”. Your theatrics were lost on her, as she pulled something from behind her back and placed it on top of the covers.

Your eyebrow cocked, slowly sitting up and rubbing the sleep from your eyes before noticing a small velvet box on your lap. The gesture was always sweet, but with the way you were raised, you felt a strong sense of guilt whenever you were awarded expensive things.

Like the beautiful silver chain that you'd just uncovered from inside the box. She beamed, her excitement outshining yours as you brought her into your arms and whispered a thank you. It was a small apple with a single leaf which upon further inspection was white gold. And it would hang from your neck until further notice.

After peeling yourself from your covers, you started picking out a business casual outfit. After all, it was your first day at your new job.

“Oh honey, I'm so excited for you! Let me know how it goes! Drive safe!”. She kissed the crown of your head before you rolled up the window and waved her off, heading towards your new workplace.

And just like that, the strong and unsettling feeling of deja vu clung to your bones as you headed down the same twists and turns that your dad would take you down as a kid. It was earlier than it would have been back then, but the dread and excitement still made your heart race a mile a minute. When you pulled into the staff parking lot, you already began to notice what would be your future colleagues piling into the building. With a deep breath and a tight grip on your bag, you wandered inside.

“Ah, you must be our new addition! Welcome to Hawkins!”. You shook the woman’s hand and followed her into the staff lounge. After showing you where they made their lunch and coffee, she took you on a brief tour of the building before taking you into a room with some other people who looked a little older than you.

You were in training, with being so young and starting a career it took time to climb the ranks. Thanks to a good education, some scholarships and some outstanding grades you landed yourself in this place. After being introduced to everyone, the rest of the day consisted of going through a whole training seminar. And it was boring. So when the bell rang for the end of the day, you got excited knowing the real work was about to begin.

You were escorted to the room you'd spend the next few hours working in and you sat patiently at your desk. To say this was your first day, they had a lot of trust in leaving you to run your session alone. Every now and then somebody would come and check in to see how everything was going, but so far it was going better than you could have hoped. It was less than an hour before the end of your shift when you heard a knock at your door, you grunted thinking about how you would probably be leaving a little later than you had anticipated.

“I’m here for the-”. You froze, eyes the size of planets and your hand glued to the door handle.

“Eddie?”. His eyes were somehow wider than yours, his jaw hung open as he was struggling to speak.

“Sweetheart, what the hell are you doing at Hawkins High?”. You finally removed your hand and awkwardly crossed your arms against your chest, you weren't keeping it a secret or anything but you weren’t exactly telling everyone.

“I work here, did I…had I not mentioned that?.” He huffed out a laugh and shook his head, his dark curls bouncing as he did.

“Hmm, must have slipped your mind”. You smiled awkwardly, in all honestly you were just nervous about it all. You didn’t want to jinx your chances of success. And it also just didn’t really come up.

“What are you doing here?”. He should have graduated the same year as you, in 1984.

“Me? Oh, I just like the scenery.” You rolled your eyes and chuckled, it was obvious he wasn’t up for explaining yourself and you didn’t want to push him. “I’m here for the tutoring sessions, actually Robin, you remember Robin right?”.

“The girl who ate shit at the movie theatre?”. You chuckled to yourself, remembering her shocked face by your feet.

“Ah, that’s the one. Well, she thought a good tutor would help me in my classes and I could graduate this year.” Graduate this year. So he was held back…more than once. “So if you're not like, super busy with people who actually deserve your time-”.

“Eddie. Of course you deserve my time, if it was up to me you'd be my number one student”. His confidence deflated slightly at the use of the word if, he took a small breath before glancing up from the ground. “There are rules, if I know you and I tutor you, that can be seen as favouritism and that's kind of a big no-no in the teaching department.”

“Okay, so I'm screwed basically?”. You sighed, he was really laying his heart out on the line here. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to help, it was just out of your hands. Unless…

“Not necessarily.” He quirked a brow and scrunched his forehead. “What if I didn’t know you? What if we hid the fact that we’re friends and I just treated you like any other student? There’s no way of them finding out, that way I can help you”.

“Gotta have some smarts up there to get you here, huh?”. His hand gripped the top of your head and shook it with a smug grin before staring back at you. “So, may I?…”. He gestured to the seat placed next to your desk as you nodded and he shuffled behind the desk.

Without a second thought, you dragged the chair from behind your desk and placed it on the other end of his. His eyes widened slightly, not yet accustomed to the newfound closeness. But you were completely oblivious, pulling papers out of your bag and placing them in front of him before double-checking what classes he was struggling in. He just watched you with a smile, so focused on the task at hand.

“Okay, so what subject should we start with?”. He sighed and looked up at the ceiling, fiddling with his rings.

“Judas Priest songs? 70’s horror movies? Dungeons and dragons?”. You shoved him playfully and chuckled. His soft brown eyes shone when he realised he got a smile out of you. “I’m failing a lot of my classes, but I think I suck the most at math”.

“Well, aren’t you lucky? Because I was a mathlete.” Eddie rested his chin on his hand and moved a little closer.

“A mathlete? Wow, that is really cool.” He deadpans trying not to smirk, as you roll your eyes at his cockiness.

“You’re an asshole, Munson.” You groan as he grins mischievously before looking back down at the papers you’d given him.

After about an hour and a half, you’d managed to figure out equations and touched on some algebra. He wasn’t super confident yet but he seemed to understand it way easier when you explained it. The door opened as you both snapped your heads to look over at the teacher that stood in the hallway.

“Oh, I didn’t know you were still working in here. Your shift ended about twenty minutes ago, any work you and Mr Munson have can wait until tomorrow.” With a small nod, you both packed up all your stuff and started to head out of the classroom. Eddie gestured for you to walk ahead of him and you gladly obliged.

“Eddie.” You called, trying to stick to your plan and stay professional. “If you could attend your session on time tomorrow it would be gladly appreciated, we can go over your other subjects then.” He just nodded, not confident that if he opened his mouth he wouldn’t say something incriminating. You both wandered into the parking lot, not acknowledging the other until you noticed you were out of earshot of your colleague.

“Do you wanna stay for dinner?”. You whispered, as he looked around and took a second to consider the offer. He almost seemed to come around to the idea before he pulled back, patting your back gently.

“Gotta help Wayne with some stuff, I’ll see you tomorrow.” That was all he said before giving you a weak smile and gassing up his van. Did he just blow you off?

—

The next few days were fine, some of your sessions had been monitored by another teacher and the ones that weren’t were more work based. Sometimes you’d get a little playfulness from Eddie if you caught him in the right mood. But after that first session, he was so distant. You were happy to see him studying, of course you were, it just felt like he was using it as an excuse to avoid you. You only had a few sessions during the week, not wanting to overwhelm him and making sure you had enough time to see your other students.

And now it was Friday. You didn’t think about how you’d be seeing Eddie again at the end of the day, or about how you wanted to ask him what he thought of the new Metallica album. Or if he’d seen Highlander yet. Or if he had weekend plans and wanted to hang out and listen to Metallica and watch Highlander.

The school bell rang and pulled you out of your thoughts, you had thrown yourself into your work so much that you didn’t even notice the time pass by. You sighed, resting your head over your folded arms and staring at the door from your desk. Maybe he wasn’t gonna show this time. Maybe he finally gave up and found another tutor. Before you could wallow in your self-pity any longer, he knocked while opening the door and you sat up straight.

“Hey listen, we got some guys coming over to the trailer to fix our AC. So I gotta rain check on today, is that cool?”. With a deep sigh, you stared back at him as he waited for an answer.

“No.” His eyes widened, trying to process what you just said.

“What?”. You stood up from your desk, walking around it until you stood face to face.

“I said, no. It’s not cool.” He was confused and honestly so were you. You felt completely out of your element right now but this train was not stopping. Without saying another word, you began packing your bag and writing a note for your superior. “We’re gonna study at the trailer.”

“Sweetheart I don’t tha-“. Your finger pressed against his lips as you shushed him, his eyes staring down at your hand.

“You got your books?.” He just nodded, your hand slowly moving from his face. A warm smile graced your lips and you nodded. “Great! I’ll follow behind you. Let’s go”. There was little room to argue as he ran after you, climbing into his van and watching you twinkle your fingers from the side view mirror’s reflection.

When you both pulled up, you swung your bag over your shoulder not used to the weight. Without hesitation Eddie took it from you, throwing it over his shoulder as he unlocked the door and held it open for you. With a small curtsy, you wandered inside and headed straight to his room, kicking open the door and flopping yourself onto his mattress. He chuckled, his hands on his hips as he shook his head. With a small glance and a bite of his lower lip, he flopped next to you as you giggled and shoved him a little. You turned on your side and smirked back at him. This was the Eddie you’d been missing.

“We should probably get to studying”. He muttered, his smile fading as he sat up and started pulling out his textbooks. What the hell was his problem? You pulled yourself up and placed a hand on his, stopping him in his tracks.

“Eds, come on since when were you such a workaholic? It’s Friday night, we got all night to study. Let loose a little, would ya?”. Before he could protest you got up off the bed and made your way over to his record collection, you flicked through the selection and chuckled to yourself. “Neil Diamond? Really?.” He scuttled towards you and gripped it out your hand, muttering to himself.

“It’s probably one Wayne’s he left lying around…” He mumbled, placing it on the cabinet next to his bed. You continued to scour his inventory, struggling to find what you were looking for. “Do you mind, snoopy mcsnooperson?”. You chucked, looking back at him.

“Clever.”

“I thought so.” It didn’t stop you, as he groaned in protest and came at you with his grabby hands.

Just as he reached out for you, you let out a startling “AHA!” and slipped the record from its sleeve. Gently you placed it in the player, dropping the needle and closing the top. There was a small crackle before the speakers started playing the intro guitar riff to Judas Priest’s Sinner. You climbed up onto the bed and rose to your feet, shredding your best air guitar as Eddie shook his head and started chuckling.

When the song kicked in you serenaded him, shaking your hips and your head attempting your best Rob Halford impression. He tried not to smile, but it was impossible with the way you were giving him such a show. You held out your hand and you knew he wanted to refuse, but when he caught that gleam in your eye he just couldn’t say no. Before you knew it, you were both jumping on top of his bed and screaming the lyrics at the top of your lungs, just like you did in middle school.

When the near seven-minute song ended, you both collapsed on the mattress and tried to catch your breath. Damn being a frontman was hard. Did Eddie feel like this after every gig? You looked back at him and chuckled, noticing the way his hair stuck to his forehead. Without a second thought, your fingers reached out and shifted it back in place as he stared back at you.

“Uh, thanks.” He muttered almost under his breath, as you just smiled and nodded. You both stared up at the ceiling and let the faint sound of the Sin After Sin album run its course. “Haven’t listened to that one since middle school.”

“Eddie, you like hanging out with me, right?.” He sat up, a look that could almost be interpreted as offence clinging to his face.

“Sweetheart, I fucking love hanging out with you. Why would you even ask that?”. Before you could answer there was a knock at the door, so the AC wasn’t an excuse. He headed to answer it, letting the handyman in as you leaned against his door frame, bag in him. “Oh, he won’t be here long, we can study after-“.

“Consider it a break. We’ve got plenty of time to catch up, thanks for letting me come over”. He just nodded awkwardly, shoving his hands in his ripped jeans and you wrapped your arms around his waist and pressed your face into his chest. “I’ll see you around.” You muttered before breaking away and noticing his puzzled face.

“Drive safe.” That was all he said before you hopped into your car and made your way home. This was going to be harder than you thought.

Tag List: @honey-eyed-munson

[usadailynews24]

Hiroyuki Sanada of ‘Shogun’ and Takashi Yamazaki of ‘Godzilla Minus One’ to Receive Honors from Visual Effects Society

Takashi Yamazaki and Hiroyuki Sanada to Be Honored at the 23rd Annual Visual Effects Society Awards

Takashi Yamazaki, director and VFX supervisor of Godzilla Minus One, and Hiroyuki Sanada, a two-time Emmy-winning actor and producer, will receive prestigious honors at the 23rd annual Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards. The ceremony will take place on February 11 at The Beverly Hilton. Yamazaki will be presented with the VES Visionary Award, while Sanada will receive the VES Award for Creative Excellence.

Takashi Yamazaki: Visionary Filmmaker and VFX Pioneer

Recognized as one of Japan's leading filmmakers, Takashi Yamazaki wrote, directed, and supervised visual effects for Godzilla Minus One. His groundbreaking work on the film made him the first director since Stanley Kubrick to win an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The movie has become the third highest-grossing foreign-language film in U.S. box office history, earning $56 million.

Yamazaki’s extensive filmography includes critically acclaimed works such as Always: Sunset on Third Street, The Eternal Zero, and Stand by Me Doraemon. The Visionary Award honors individuals who consistently push the boundaries of visual effects to inspire and ignite artistic and technological innovations.

VES Chair Kim Davidson praised Yamazaki’s contributions, stating, “Takashi Yamazaki is a renowned talent in Japanese cinema who reinvigorated a legendary kaiju franchise and has been at the forefront of using visual effects to tell remarkable stories that captivate audiences.”

Yamazaki is preparing for his Hollywood debut with Grandgear, a collaboration with Bad Robot and Sony Pictures. In addition to writing and directing, he will produce the film alongside J.J. Abrams and Glen Zipper.

Hiroyuki Sanada: A Global Icon of Cinematic Storytelling

Hiroyuki Sanada, celebrated for his work in Japanese and international cinema for over five decades, will be honored with the VES Award for Creative Excellence. This award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the art and science of visual effects and cinematic entertainment.

Sanada’s illustrious career includes more than 70 films, such as The Twilight Samurai (an Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Language Film), John Wick: Chapter 4, The Last Samurai, and Avengers: Endgame. Most recently, he starred in and produced FX’s Shōgun, a groundbreaking drama series that earned him Emmy Awards for both Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama and Outstanding Drama Series. The series holds the record for the most Emmy wins in a single year.

VES Chair Kim Davidson highlighted Sanada’s impact, stating, “Hiroyuki Sanada has been at the center of cinematic stories that use visual effects to enhance unforgettable storytelling for decades. From ensuring authentic depictions of Japanese history in Hollywood films to spearheading the critically acclaimed Shōgun, his work has left an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape.”

As a cultural ambassador for Japan, Sanada has played a pivotal role in bridging Eastern and Western cinema, bringing authentic portrayals of Japanese history and culture to global audiences.

Looking Ahead

The VES Awards will celebrate these two legends for their extraordinary contributions to visual storytelling. Yamazaki and Sanada’s careers exemplify the transformative power of blending art, culture, and cutting-edge technology to create memorable cinematic experiences. Fans and industry professionals alike eagerly anticipate their future projects, including Yamazaki’s Hollywood debut and Sanada’s continued work in groundbreaking films and series.

Stay tuned for updates on this landmark event honoring two giants of cinema.

[janejanejanejanejanejanejanejane]

the people have been beggingg me for weeks now, so i think it is finaly time to announce the jgotys! as you all know the jane games of the year consist of 2 games, each outstanding in their fields, the narrative game of the year and the gameplay game of the year, followed by a notable games list, so here we go! narrative game of the year! my life as a tenage exocolonist! i dont know if this game came out in 2024, but i first played it this year thanks to my dear friend @juniperjam-blog !! in it you play as a exocolonist from the age of 9? to 20 and your actions affect the future of your colony, i wont say more for the sake of spoilers but it deserves this award. gameplay game of the year! this is a tough one, as i spent a lot of my year playing runescape which definitely shouldnt win it, this catagory is why my awards are so delayed this year in fact, but! ive ran the numbers and narrowed it down to a winner! (the) gnorp apologue this game has, at least for me, redefined the incremental game. for a long time incremental games have been "just get all the upgrades and youll win" at least the ones i have played, but this games exponential cost to increase your population meant i had to actualy consider the cheapest and most efficient ways to win, somthing other games have not. notable games of the year: these are moreso just games i really liked this year and think you should try! tactical breach wizards: a very close second place for my gameplay goty, tom francis continues to make extremely polished games with fun engaging gameplay reguardless of genere, but i belive he has outdone himself with this game. webfishing: im sure you are all already aware of this game, perfect to hang out with your friends and meet new people, with suprisingly fun fishing. old school runescape: i first played this game 196 dayts ago, since then i have spent a whoping 75 days in game, just over a third of all my time, and it's been very rewarding, i would say more but this could easily become a 5000 word essay.

[ultrakdramamama]

Adding to their title "Princes of K-pop," the Korean media officially recognized SHINee as the irreplaceable "Edge of K-pop"!

SHINee Earns New Moniker Irreplaceable 'Edge of K-pop' — Here Are 3 Reasons

On May 23, two days before their 15th debut anniversary on the 25th, the Korean media announced SHINee's new moniker!

According to its official SNS as well as Korean media outlets including OSEN, Newsen, Xports News, Sports Chosun, etc., SHINee is the irreplaceable "Edge of K-pop."

The article started by acknowledging SHINee as "idol of idols," thanks to their outstanding and unrivaled music. The outlet also highlighted SHINee's identity as TRENDLEADERS.

"SHINee is a contemporary band that creates new trends that best match the current era in many ways, including music, performance, and fashion."

Since their debut, the group has been consistently praised not only by the public but by music critics as well for their "sophisticated and unique" charms.

In the past, they recorded the first "Rookie Grand Slam," winning all "Rookie of the Year" awards from five major music awards shows.

Their hits remain iconic to date, such as "Ring Ding Dong," which is still a "banned" song among CSAT takers for its addictive tone; "Sherlock," which introduced an unconventional, experimental hybrid remix of two songs "Clue" and "Note"; as well as "View," a song used by Korean classes to explain synesthesia.

Secondly, media outlets implied that SHINee is SHINee because of their "SHINee-like" music. Although the group is constantly contemplating, changing and growing, they don't fail to deliver the solidness, completeness and uniqueness of a song — which is very SHINee-like.

They don't repeat concepts; rather, they expand concepts and stories.

Last but not least, SHINee is one of the groups that get better compared to their past releases. You may think that a certain era is already their "best," but the group always succeeds to surpass their recent records.

In June, the team is expected to unveil their first full-length album in about two years, and it is expected to be a meaningful album to start another chapter of SHINee, which has become more colorful as you can meet SHINee's music and other different styles of songs.

"Whenever a new album is released, SHINee, who attracts high attention from global fans as well as the music industry, is expected to show a new and powerful chapter."

SHINee Prepares For Their 15th Debut Anniversary

The "Princes of K-pop" SHINee will celebrate their 15th anniversary on May 25!

SHINee, who is considered one of K-pop's most complete idols by solidifying its differentiated position, will return as a complete group about two years after their seventh full-length repackage "Atlantis" in 2021 to mark the 15th anniversary of their debut.

Starting with the opening of a pop-up store on the 25th, a fan meeting will be held at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul from the 27th to the 28th, and the release of a new full-length album is also scheduled in June.

Written by Eunice Dawson

[rabbitcruiser]

Public Art in Calgary (No. 1)

An Auspicious Find – Lori Sobkowich

An Auspicious Find, by Lori Sobkowich, is located in a pathway intersection between the pedestrian overpass on Memorial Drive and the Jaipur Bridge NW near Eau Claire market in downtown Calgary. An Auspicious Find consists of four pixilated images, created with approximately 15,000 glass marbles captured in perforated and riveted steel, of flora and fauna set on stone columns. The theme encompasses the ecological aspects a visitor to Prince's Island might encounter - water, air and land. The images themselves are a contemporary version of the traditional stained glass panel, making the changing direction and quality of the natural light as much an element of the sculpture as the glass, metal and stone.

The Artist Lori Sobkowich is a local Calgary artist who works in the diverse fields of fine art and art glass, as well as scenic stage and film craft. Renowned for her skill and design abilities, she has received both public and corporate commissions, including glass and scenic design work at the Calgary International Airport, and a glass installation/sculpture at the new ENMAX place. Her scenic stage and film work includes: Showboat; Disneyland Tokyo; Mystery Alaska; Shanghai Noon; K-19 – The Widowmaker; Dreamkeeper; and the unauthorized Michael Jackson biography, Man in the Mirror. She has received many awards and scholarships including the Bronfman Award for an Outstanding Canadian Artist which acknowledged her status as an international glass artist.

Source

[shefanispeculator]

What Is Blake Shelton's Net Worth?

Blake Shelton is an American country music singer and television personality who has a net worth of $130 million. Blake Shelton's career took off in 2001 with his debut single "Austin," which held the #1 spot on the "Billboard" Hot Country Singles chart for five weeks. This early success set the stage for a series of hit albums and singles, showcasing his deep baritone voice and traditional country style mixed with elements of contemporary country rock.

Over the years, Shelton has accumulated numerous awards, including several Country Music Association Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and American Music Awards. His discography spans multiple platinum-selling albums and hits like "God Gave Me You," "Boys 'Round Here," and "Honey Bee," cementing his status as a country music superstar.

Beyond his music career, Shelton has gained widespread fame as a coach on NBC's "The Voice," on which his charismatic personality, wit, and mentorship skills have won him a broad fan base. His role on the show has not only contributed to its popularity but has also allowed him to influence the careers of emerging artists, further solidifying his impact on the music industry.

Earnings

Blake Shelton is consistently one of the highest-paid entertainment personalities in the world, earning north of $20 – $40 million in a given year. For example, Blake earned $31.5 million in 2017, $28 million in 2018, and $45 million between June 2019 and June 2020. He grosses $1 million per concert.

According to our tracking, Blake has grossed at least $180 million from ticket sales, television salaries, and merchandise since we began tracking his net worth in 2011.

In 2022, Shelton sold his master recordings from 2001 to 2019 to Influence Media Partners in a joint venture that allows Blake to continue earning money from his music post-sale.

To date, he has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and 35 million singles. As of this writing, his songs have generated billions of digital streams.

Awards & Achievements

Shelton, throughout his career, has garnered many positive reviews from musicians, critics, and fans. "Rolling Stone" referred to him as "one of country music's biggest stars over the past decade." Shelton was made a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2010 and was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2014. Blake has received ten Country Music Association Awards, six Academy of Country Music Awards, and 10 CMT Music Awards. He has also won eight American Country Awards, seven People's Choice Awards, three American Music Awards, and a "Billboard" Music Award. For his outstanding achievement in country music and television, Shelton won the prestigious Gene Weed Special Achievement Award from the Academy of Country Music. He has been nominated for nine Grammy awards and also received the NATPE Reality Breakthrough Award for his work on "The Voice." In November 2017, Shelton was on the cover of "People" magazine as the Sexiest Man Alive, becoming the first country artist to be featured on the infamous cover.

Shelton is a philanthropist who donated $20,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation in October 2013. In 2016, he donated $600,000 to the Jimmy Everest Center at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine for children with blood cancer and blood disorders. Shelton has also donated to and raised funds for his home town of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Blake donated a portion of his merchandise sales to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund in March 2020. Blake donated $150,000 to the "Give from Home Day" fundraiser in April 2020, which raised funds to help feed hungry families during the pandemic.

Shelton, along with Ryman Hospitality Properties, owns and operates a chain of restaurants and entertainment complexes called Ole Red with locations in Oklahoma, Florida, Tennessee, and soon, the Las Vegas Strip.