#The qualifications for this category is one movie

[there-are-many-ways-to-smile]

 did you know?

 That Tiana

Princess Tiana

Disney Princess Tiana has the biggest wardrobe of all the Disney princesses

[gay-disabled-characters-showdown]

LGBTQ Disabled Characters in the Showdown Currently

Notes:

1.) This list is subject to change; before we start the showdown there will be another post with all confirmed characters. Characters are under the cut.

2.) If you see a character on here and you want to submit propaganda for them the form will still be open.

3.) If you think of a character that is not on the list you can still submit them in our form found here. If you submitted a character and they are not on the list, it might be an error on our part, but first check here to see what characters we rejected and why. More about submissions here.

4.) Submissions after this post will be open at least until August 10, but this could be extended. The only way this could be shortened is if we get 192 or more characters, but that seems unlikely. There will be around 12 hours notice before submission close.

5.) The categories are just a way to sort out characters in a more efficient way, they have no factor on matchups for the showdown.

6.) If you think a character doesn’t qualify, you can ask us and we can show you the explanation we have for that character and why they count. That being said, some of the character’s qualifications are up to personal opinion.

7.) If there is a character you think is problematic on here you can shoot us an ask, but just know that it’s not a competition of who is the best representation.

Superheroes

Sun Spider/Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Webber from various Spider-Man media

Larry Trainor from Doom Patrol

Crazy Jane/Kay Challis from Doom Patrol

Bucky Barnes from Marvel

Jericho/Joseph Wilson from DC

Star Wars/Trek

Julian Bashir from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Luke Skywalker from Star Wars

Geordi La Forge from Star Trek: The Next Generation

Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation

Garak from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Spock from Star Trek

Seven of Nine from Star Trek Voyager

T’Pol from Star Trek Enterprise

Keyla Detmer from Star Trek Discovery

Chirrut Îmwe from Rogue One

Darth Maul from Star Wars

Animes

Yang Xiao Long from RWBY

Kurogane from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle

Homura Akemi from Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Tougou/Togo/Tōgō Mimori from Yuuki Yunna is a Hero

Suletta Mercury from Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury

Johnny Joestar from Steel Ball Run (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure)

Hitori Gotoh from Bocchi the Rock!

Yuko ‘Isako’ Amasawa from Dennou Coil

Nodoka Hanadera/Cure Grace from Healin’ Good Precure

Crona from Soul Eater

Non-English Media

Rose Lavillant from Miraculous Ladybug

Heart from Moonlight Chicken

Leonardo from The Way He Looks

Xiao Xingchen from The Untamed

Wen Kexing from Faraway Wanderers

Zhou Zishu from Word of Honor

Qifrey from Witch Hat Atelier

Zhou Zishu from Faraway Wanderers

Even from SKAM

Wei Wuxian from The Untamed

Chu Sangwoo from Semantic Error

Wen Kexing from Word of Honor

Hua Cheng from Heaven Official’s Blessing

Eliott Demaury from SKAM France

Animated/TV Shows

General Amaya from The Dragon Prince

Ballister Boldheart from Nimona (just movie so far, no book submissions yet)

Eda Clawthorne from The Owl House

Luz Noceda from The Owl House

Quinni Gallagher-Jones from Heartbreak High

Korra from Avatar: The Legend of Korra

Lapis Lazuli from Steven Universe

Norma Kahn from Dead End: Paranormal Park

Ian Gallagher from Shameless

Entrapta from She-Ra and the Princesses of Power

Viktor from Arcane

Runaan from The Dragon Prince

Hiccup Haddock from How To Train Your Dragon

Robin Buckley from Stranger Things

Shiro from Voltron: Legendary Defender

Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender

Alex Manes from Roswell, New Mexico

Hunter from The Owl House

Felix from Hearthstopper

Coach Ben Scott from Yellowjackets

Books

Wylan Van Eck from Six of Crows

Kaz Brekker from Six of Crows

Renarin Kholin from The Stormlight Archive

Asta Headstrom from The Reckless Kind

Alex Claremont-Diaz from Red, White & Royal Blue

Zofia Boguska from The Gilded Wolves

Tiberius ‘Ty’ Blackthorn from The Shadowhunter Chronicles

Anna Tromedlov from Hench by Natalie Zina

Havelock Vetinari from Discworld

Harrowhawk Nonagesimus from The Locked Tomb Series

Ling Chan from The Diviners Series

Shallan Davar from The Stormlight Archive

Niclays Roos from Priory of the Orange Tree (Roots of Chaos)

Wayne Terrisborn from Mistborn

Wu Zetian from Iron Widow

Spira from Tess of the Road

Artemisia of Naimes from Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

Nathaniel Thorn from Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

Tunuva Melim from A Day of Fallen Night (Roots of Chaos)

Sabran IX Berethnet from Piory of the Orange Tree

Simon Snow from Carry On

Neil Josten from All for The Game

Baru Cormorant from The Masquerade Series

Percy Newton from The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue

Henry ‘Monty’ Montague from The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue

Adam Parrish from The Raven Cycle

Queen Shulamit from The Second Mango by Shiro Glassman

Amara from Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis

Ianthe Tridentarius from The Locked Tomb Series

Mille Roper from The Arcadia Project Series

Nico di Angelo from Percy Jackson

Jem Carstairs from The Shadowhunter Chronicles

Frodo Baggins from Lord of the Rings

Jesper Fahey from Six of Crows

Val Palafox from Venom and Vow

Joly from Les Misérables

Baz Pitch from Carry On

Hearthstone from Magnus Chase

Jack Zimmerman from Check Please!

Video Games

Floofty Fizzlebean from Bugsnax

Snorpy Fizzlebean from Bugsnax

Olivia from Fear and Hunger 2: Termina

Saki Tenma from Project Sekai

Daan from Fear and Hunger

Scavenger from Arknights

Snake from Zero Escape

Patchouli Knowledge from Touhou Project

Riku from Kingdom Hearts

Link from Legend of Zelda

Kuruto Ryuki from AI: The Somnium Files- Nirvana Initiative

Ignis Scientia from Final Fantasy XV

Billie Lurk from Dishonored

Shane from Stardew Valley

Chicory from Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Gaige from The Borderlands Series

Eichi Tenshouin from Ensemble Stars!!

Patricia Tannis from The Borderlands Series

Other

Lenore Vandernacht from Nevermore on Webtoon

Ashton Greymoore from Critical Role

Kale Romarin from Leif & Thorn

Melanie King from The Magnus Archives

Loam Arnault from Entropic Float

Kanatsune Ame from Entropic Float

Tedd Verres from El Goonish Shive

Valerie Day from Paranatural

Ayda Aguefort from Dimension 20

Jace Beleren from Magic: The Gathering

Will Kenrith from Magic: The Gathering

Arthur Lester from Malevolent

[bestmusicalworldcup]

The Best Musical World Cup and Future Competitions

The Best Musical World Cup has ended, and with the recap day over, I will tell you all some of my tentative plans for the next few months and beyond!

Those of you following my blog may have already noticed the polls for the Best Snubbed Musical World Cup Qualifiers which began earlier this week! The Best Snubbed Musical World Cup features 170 musicals that did not win the Tony Award for Best Musical in a new poll tournament to determine the best of them all! Fiddler on the Roof, the Champions of the Best Musical World Cup, will face the Champions of the Best Snubbed Musical World Cup in a Best Musical Super Cup match that will end on June 11th, the date of this year's Tony Awards, to determine this year's Best Musical of All Time!

If everything pans out, I plan to do another Best Musical World Cup next year, but that one will not be limited to the winners of the Tony Award for Best Musical! The winners of both of this year's cups will automatically qualify, and I will set up a qualification tournament for the other musicals competing in both of this year's tournaments. However, I won't need to begin that one for many months, so I might do some smaller tournaments every so often until that process begins. Some ideas I have had include a tournament for movie musicals, or more specific categories such as Sondheim musicals or Starkid musicals, but I am open to other suggestions!

[scripted-downfall]

Best JP performance? Worst JP performance?

Oof, a very difficult question; I commend you :) (I confess that I'm not sure I have one-performance answers; I suck at being decisive on all questions, sorry... Frankly, I'm not even sure whether it's easier to come up with 'best' or 'worst' first, but I'll give as brief-yet-complete a response as I can!)

Best: Honestly? Cry_Wolf. The movie itself isn't especially great imo, which helps. Additionally, the character feels decently genuine. I've also seen his Friday the 13th, which I really wanted to like --- largely because I came to like Amanda Righetti in The Mentalist --- but it was just uninspiring. On the other hand, I didn't leave feeling like it was atrocious, so that ranks it on the better end of things. The early seasons of Supernatural aren't bad --- I suspect that I'd like them a lot more if I went back and rewatched them after seeing the more recent seasons, but this is largely conjecture; I hadn't liked him much back then, either, and it's only comparison that makes the heart grow fonder --- so they bear mentioning. And I think that some of his acting as a villain in SPN was pretty good too (e.g. Soulless Sam springs to mind). His acting as Gadreel-possessed-Sam was decent, too. Oh, and "The French Mistake" featured, imo, better acting than his actual day-to-day performances did.

Some qualifications to the above: 1. His character in Cry_Wolf isn't horribly dissimilar from what little I know of Padalecki's usual personality --- highly proud of being from Texas (e.g. with the flag in his dorm and multiple conversations about it, iirc), a prankster (including some that go way too far), and with questionable viewpoints (e.g. rude about someone's weight, etc.) --- so the question of how much it's genuine because of a performance/acting as opposed to just... because it's genuine is a bit unclear. 2. The problem with his roles as villain in SPN --- Soulless Sam, as mentioned, but also Meg!Sam, hunting-obsessed!Sam in "Mystery Spot", demon-blood Sam, Samifer, Soulless Sam, etc --- is that they started to get a bit repetitive. Initially, they had nuances distinguishing amongst the roles, but he'd lost that by at latest the end of the Soulless Sam arc, if not before, so I'm a bit leery about listing these in the "best" category. Gadreel was acted according to Tahmoh's initial representation of the angel, so it broke free from the rather unvaried mold.

As for the worst: At least half of SPN (on the later end of things). I don't quite know where to start this category, since it's not so much a toggle between good acting and bad acting as it is a slow decline. I know that I very much didn't like Samifer, so maybe sometime after that (with a few exceptions depending on the arc). I really didn't like House of Wax --- which was my first deliberate foray into Padalecki's filmography, and occurred solely out of curiosity after the Paris Hilton episode of SPN --- but I legitimately do not know at this point if that was his acting, the frankly awful physics/anatomy contained within the film, or the film in general. And Walker. Definitely Walker. That was. Ow. No. I'm never even touching that again, much less watching any of it.

I hope these are decent answers! I'm happy to elaborate should you want more details --- I had enough to say in vague ways that adding in lengthy and detailed explanations felt like it'd be annoying, so I figure I'll just answer anything you want to know --- and I hope the response was interesting/helpful/etc!

[wingseducationblogs]

Understanding PTE Requirements for Overseas Nurses Seeking Work in Australia

Learn about the PTE Academic score requirements for overseas-trained nurses aiming to work in Australia, and how meeting these scores is essential for nursing registration.

Traveling to Australia is a common choice for nurses worldwide. It offers excellent working conditions, advanced healthcare facilities, and a high quality of life. However, for overseas-trained nurses who want to work in Australia, meeting the English language requirements is a crucial step. One of the most widely accepted English language proficiency tests for nursing registration in Australia is the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic.

In this article, we will explain the nursing pte requirements in Australia looking to work, the importance of meeting these standards, and tips to prepare for the test.

The Significance of English Language Proficiency for Australian Nurses

English proficiency is essential for healthcare professionals in Australia because they need to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other healthcare workers. Being able to understand and provide accurate medical information, give instructions, and respond to emergencies in English ensures the safety and well-being of patients.

Nurses must have excellent speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills to perform their duties effectively. To ensure these skills are at a high standard, Australia's nursing regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), requires all overseas-trained nurses to prove their English language proficiency.

PTE Academic Requirements for Nursing Registration

The NMBA accepts the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic as one of the assessments used to evaluate foreign nurses' proficiency in the language. The four main skills assessed by the computer-based PTE are speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

To register as a nurse in Australia, you need to achieve the following scores in PTE Academic:

Minimum results of 65 overall, with minimum results of 65 in each of the four categories (speaking, writing, reading, and listening).

Alternatively, a combined score across two PTE tests taken within six months may be considered, provided each section has a score of at least 65.

These scores indicate that the test taker has a high level of English proficiency, necessary to handle the complex communication tasks nurses face daily.

Importance of Meeting the PTE Score Requirements

Getting an Australian nursing registration requires fulfilling the PTE requirements. Without the required scores, applicants cannot proceed with their registration, regardless of their nursing qualifications or experience.

Achieving the required PTE score ensures that nurses can:

Communicate clearly with patients who may be under stress or discomfort.

Accurately understand and follow medical instructions from doctors and healthcare providers.

Write clear and detailed patient records and reports.

Work effectively in a team, including handling emergencies.

Failing to meet the PTE requirements could result in delays in your registration process, so it is important to prepare well and aim for the required scores.

Tips to Prepare for PTE Academic

Recognize the Test Format: Become acquainted with the PTE Academic test's format before beginning your study. It has four sections (listening, reading, writing, and speaking), each containing specific questions. It can be easier to prepare if you know what to anticipate.

Take Practice Tests: Many online resources and official PTE practice tests are available. You can discover your areas of development and get used to the exam's time and format by taking practice exams.

Improve Your English Skills: Focus on improving all four language skills. For speaking and listening, practice with English-speaking friends, watch English movies, or listen to podcasts. For writing, practice writing essays, and for reading, try reading newspapers, articles, or medical journals in English.

Join a Coaching Program: If you feel you need extra help, consider joining an English language coaching program that specializes in PTE preparation. These programs offer expert guidance and can help you improve your skills efficiently.

Conclusion

Nursing pte requirements in Australia are an essential step for overseas-trained nurses who wish to work. Achieving the minimum score ensures that nurses can effectively communicate in English in a medical environment, which is crucial for patient safety and quality care. With the right preparation and dedication, you can meet the required scores and take the next step in your nursing career in Australia.

[dreamstareducon]

New Zealand immigration consultants

New Zealand immigration consultants are a stunningly beautiful country. Recently, it has emerged as a hub for tourists and students. More and more international students are choosing to study in New Zealand owing to the vast opportunities for strong careers, the quality education system, and the colourful experiences it offers. Need more convincing? Contact one of the best New Zealand immigration consultants, as we have experience sending numerous successful candidates to study in New Zealand and many other dream destinations. Meanwhile, we bring to you some of the most exciting reasons to join college and take up New Zealand Education.

New Zealand is increasingly becoming one of the top preferences for Indian students seeking to live and study abroad. The country offers an excellent education system with ample research opportunities, affordable fee structures, robust support systems, and a high quality of life that is hard to find elsewhere in the world.

Here are some key reasons why you should consider New Zealand for your higher education:

World-renowned universities providing world-class education New Zealand is highly regarded as a foreign education destination due to its high quality of education. All eight universities in the country consistently rank high in QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Rankings, offering excellent opportunities for students. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) ensures that all institutions are registered to enroll international students and adhere to qualification standards.

Less stringent entry requirements New Zealand has moderate entry requirements, making it easier for international students to apply for courses. The government invests significantly in its higher education sector, focusing on quality and infrastructure to attract more global students in today’s increasingly interconnected world. It allocates the highest percentage of public funding to education globally.

Ease of visa acquisition and residency New Zealand follows a streamlined, point-based visa application process to ensure clarity and fairness. Immigration New Zealand collaborates with Education New Zealand and international education providers to enhance the New Zealand study visa success rate. Many universities offer on-campus visa renewal and extension services, facilitating a smooth and timely application process.

The safe and welcoming environment Known for its safety and low crime rates, New Zealand is one of the safest countries globally. It has never experienced major wars in its history, providing international students with a welcoming and friendly environment supported by an exceptional support system.

Plenty to see and explore while studying in New Zealand New Zealand boasts stunning landscapes with unique flora and fauna, including rolling green hills, fjords, glaciers, beaches, and mountains. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and adventurers. Cities offer a cosmopolitan mix of cafes, shopping, movies, and nightlife.

Post-study work opportunities Upon completing their studies, students can apply for a Graduate Job Search Work Visa for up to 12 months. Once they secure a job offer, they may qualify for a visa extension under the Study to Work category for up to 2 or 3 years.

Numerous scholarships in New Zealand The New Zealand Government, universities, and private institutions offer numerous scholarships for international students pursuing studies in New Zealand. These scholarships can significantly support students financially.

Cost-effectiveness New Zealand offers relatively lower tuition fees compared to many other study-abroad destinations. Its education system, based on the British model, facilitates an easier transition for Indian students.

Know more about Scholarships in New Zealand

Top universities for foreign study in New Zealand

New Zealand’s universities provide world-class education with updated, industry-focused curricula that are globally recognized. All eight universities in the country rank within the top 3% globally according to the QS World University Rankings 2018.

The 8 universities in New Zealand are:

Auckland University of Technology

University of Canterbury

Lincoln University

University of Otago

University of Auckland

Massey University

University of Waikato

Victoria University of Wellington

For more information about our partner institutions: click here

EDUCATION SYSTEM OF NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand’s education system is highly regarded worldwide, emphasizing both academic achievement and practical learning. According to London’s Legatum Institute, it ranks among the best globally. The system follows a 3-tier model comprising primary and intermediate schooling, secondary schooling (high schools), and tertiary education at universities and polytechnics. New Zealand boasts the world’s best-funded education system, with a significant portion of funding coming from public sources.

Universities in New Zealand offer a wide array of courses catering to students’ diverse interests, allowing for flexibility in their educational pursuits.

The country provides numerous opportunities for international students, including:

Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 – Certificates

Levels 5 and 6 – Diplomas

Level 7 – Bachelor’s Degrees and Graduate Diplomas

Level 8 – Postgraduate Diplomas

Level 9 – Master’s Degrees

Level 10 – Doctorate/PhD

New Zealand offers a plethora of options at every academic level for students interested in studying abroad.

Courses in New Zealand

New Zealand universities are renowned for offering a variety of degrees. International students can choose from a range of courses suited to their educational goals.

Animation

Engineering

Medicine

Business Studies

Engineering Forestry

Hospitality

IT and Computer Science

Agriculture

Art and design

Nursing

Trades

Business management

Health care

Sports management

The country is world-renowned for its courses like Information Technology, Computer Science, and Animation. The animation is the most popular course in New Zealand!

QUALIFICATIONS OFFERED

Generally, a bachelor’s degree takes three years but if you are planning to do an honors course, it will take 4 years of study. However, this rule is not universally applicable to all universities. Hence, it is advisable to check with the university you are planning to apply for foreign study in New Zealand.

Undergraduate Courses

Graduate Diploma

Graduate Certificate

Bachelor’s Degree

Bachelor’s Degree with Honors

Post Graduate Courses

Post Graduate Diploma

Post Graduate Certificate

Masters Degree

Doctorates

STUDY ABROAD IN NEW ZEALAND: WHEN AND HOW TO APPLY

Know more about visa information

If you are planning to study in New Zealand, it is advisable to start sending queries at least 6–8 months before the proposed date of admission. New Zealand has two main intakes: in January and July, with some institutions offering additional intakes in September and November. Applications generally open in August for the upcoming academic year. You can obtain application forms online, via email request, or from their offices. Application periods for vocational courses vary; check with the specific university or institution for details.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR STUDIES IN NEW ZEALAND

The general eligibility criteria for studies in New Zealand are as follows:

English Requirement

For undergraduate and Master’s courses, applicants typically need a minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS (specific requirements may vary by course and university).

Some universities require a minimum score of 50 in Academic for undergraduate and 64 for Masters Courses.

Undergraduate

Completion of 12 years of elementary and secondary education (12th /Intermediate).

Most universities accept a minimum of 75% aggregate marks and a minimum of 60% in English.

Mathematics in class XII may be required for some Sciences and Technology courses.

Minimum mandatory IELTS/PTE Academic scores.

Masters in New Zealand

Bachelor’s degree.

Minimum compulsory IELTS / PTE Academic scores.

Relevant work experience (for MBA and IT programs).

DOCUMENT CHECKLIST FOR APPLYING TO UNIVERSITIES IN NEW ZEALAND

The following documents are typically required when applying to universities:

Class 10 mark sheet

Class 10 Passing Certificate

Class 12 Mark sheet

Class 12 Passing Certificate

Bachelor’s Mark sheets

Provisional Certificate/Graduation Degree

Supporting documents:

Appointment letter/work experience letters

Proof of work experience (for courses like MBA and Masters in IT)

Curriculum Vitae

Diplomas certificates if relevant

/ results

IELTS/ PTE Academic scores

Letter of Recommendation (if applicable)

Statement of purpose

Proof of other extracurricular and co-curricular activities to support your application.

Financial Documents required are:

A valid passport

An offer letter from a New Zealand education provider for an NZQA approved course.

Proof of sufficient funds: • Money for tuition fee (self/sponsor) • Financial undertaking by the sponsor to cover living expenses. • Scholarship letter (if applicable). • The student must show that they have NZ$ 15,000 per annum to support their living expenses. • Evidence of air tickets indicating departure from New Zealand after completing studies.

Complete medical examination report and chest X-ray for courses with a duration of more than 1 year.

International students planning to study in New Zealand for more than 2 years must submit a police certificate.

Mandatory medical insurance

TT receipt / Fee receipt

STUDENT’S LIFE IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand offers a high quality of life index.

Safety for International students in New Zealand

The country has stringent laws ensuring the security and welfare of all international students. It adheres to the “Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students,” which safeguards their rights and ensures a supportive and secure environment. International students are required to have both medical and travel insurance.

FAQs

How much does it cost to study in New Zealand?

There is no fixed amount for the cost of studying in New Zealand. On average, tuition fees for undergraduate courses range from NZD 25,000 to NZD 30,000, and for postgraduate courses from NZD 35,000 to NZD 50,000.

Is it cheaper to study in Canada or New Zealand?

The cost of studying in New Zealand or Canada depends on several factors such as program type, university, location, and cost of living. According to the Canadian Bureau for International Education, the average tuition fee for undergraduate programs in Canada is CAD 29,714 per year, and for postgraduate programs is CAD 17,744 per year, compared to approximately NZD 30,000 for undergraduate programs and NZD 27,000 for postgraduate programs in New Zealand.

Is New Zealand a good option to study?

Yes, New Zealand is an excellent option for international students seeking high-quality education in a welcoming and beautiful environment. The country offers a high standard of living and diverse cultural experiences amidst stunning landscapes.

Is New Zealand good for Indian students?

New Zealand universities and colleges are globally recognized for their academic standards and research excellence. There are also numerous scholarship opportunities available for Indian students based on academic merit and extracurricular achievements, making it a favorable choice for Indian students.

Where to study in New Zealand?

Abacus Institute of Studies, Christchurch AGI Education, Auckland Air New Zealand Aviation Institute, Auckland Animation College, Auckland Ara Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch Ardmore Flying School, Ardmore Auckland Institute of Studies, Auckland AUT University, Auckland Avonmore Tertiary Institute, Christchurch Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Tauranga Computer Power Plus, Auckland Cornell Institute of Business and Technology, Auckland Crown Institute of Studies, Auckland Design and Arts College of New Zealand, Christchurch Eastern Institute of Technology, Napier Edenz Colleges, Auckland ICL Business School, Auckland Information Technology Training Institute, Auckland Institute of Commercial Education New Zealand, Auckland International Academy of New Zealand, Auckland International College of New Zealand, Auckland International Travel College of New Zealand, Auckland KAAT Institute of New Zealand, Auckland Le Cordon Bleu, Wellington Lifeway College, Auckland Lincoln University, Lincoln (World Ranking 319) Linguis International Institute, Auckland Manukau Institute of Technology, Auckland Massey University, Palmerston (World Ranking 316) Media Design School, Auckland Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson New Zealand Career College, Auckland New Zealand College of Business, Christchurch New Zealand Institute of Studies (NZIOS), Auckland New Zealand Institute of Technical Training, Auckland New Zealand Management Academies, Auckland New Zealand School of Education, Auckland Newton College of Business and Technology, Auckland North Shore International Academy, Auckland Northland Polytechnic, Whangarei Ntec Tertiary Group, Auckland Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, Wellington Otago Polytechnic, Auckland Pacific International Hotel Management School, New Plymouth Quantum Education Group, Auckland Queens Academic Group, Auckland Queenstown Resort College, Dunedin Regent International Education Group, Auckland Royal Business College, Auckland SAE Institute, Auckland Sir George Seymour National College of Airline,Travel & Tourism,Wellington South Seas Film & Television School, Auckland Southern Institute of Technology, Invercargill Tai Poutini Polytechnic, Auckland Techtorium Computer Training Institute, Auckland TOI Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, Wellington Travel Careers & Training, Auckland UC International College, Christchurch Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland Universal College of Learning, Palmerston University of Auckland, Auckland (World ranking 82) University of Canterbury, Christchurch (World Ranking 214) University of Otago, Dunedin (World Ranking 151) University of Waikato, Hamilton (World Ranking 292) UUNZ Institute of Business, Auckland Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington (World Ranking 219) Vision College, Hamilton Waiariki Institute of Technology, Rotorua Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton Wellington Institute of Technology, Wellington Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki, New Plymouth Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design, Auckland Whitireia New Zealand, Wellingtons Yoobee School of Design

[createseo01]

COMMON IMMIGRATION CHALLENGES IN AUSTRALIA AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

Navigating the immigration process in Australia can be a complex and demanding journey, often accompanied by various challenges. From visa complications to strict regulations and cultural adjustments, individuals seeking to migrate to Australia face a range of hurdles. Overcoming these obstacles requires detailed planning, understanding the visa landscape, meeting eligibility criteria, and adapting to a new cultural environment. Being prepared to meet the challenges proactively can significantly enhance the immigration experience in Australia.

Visa Complexity

Australia offers a wide range of visa options, each with its own set of criteria and complexities. Navigating this complex visa system can be overwhelming for applicants, leading to challenges such as understanding the appropriate visa category, meeting specific criteria, compiling necessary documentation, and adhering to changing immigration laws. To overcome visa complexity in Australian migration, individuals should start by thoroughly researching the visa options available and identifying the most suitable visa subclass for their circumstances. Seeking professional advice from an Australia Work Visa Consultant in Kochi, Kerala can help in understanding the visa process and finding the most suitable option.

Occupational Skills and Demand

Obtaining a visa often involves proving that one maintains skills in high demand in Australia. Undertaking relevant skills assessments, gaining experience, or acquiring Australian-recognized qualifications can help in meeting these requirements. Many Australian states and territories have their own migration programs designed to address specific skill shortages in their regions. These programs nominate individuals with particular skills and experience for skilled migration to those areas.

Language Proficiency

Adequate English language skills are essential for many visas. Taking English language courses or classes can help improve language skills. There are many language institutions, both in Australia and internationally, that offer courses designed to enhance English proficiency.  Immersion in an English-speaking environment or regular practice with native speakers can help with language proficiency. This can involve engaging in conversations, watching English-language movies or TV shows, and reading English books or newspapers.

Job Opportunities

Securing employment in Australia can be tough for immigrants due to competition and local experience requirements. Networking, obtaining certifications, or volunteer work can help in gaining local experience and connections. Some professions require recognition or accreditation in Australia, and the process of validating overseas qualifications can be time-consuming and complex.  Australia has a competitive job market, and certain industries or regions may have more competition for available positions.

Managing Finances and Taxes

Relocating to Australia involves various initial expenses, such as visa fees, relocation costs, accommodation, and setting up a new household. Saving and budgeting beforehand are vital to covering these costs. Researching, understanding, and planning finances before and after arrival can significantly reduce the transition. It’s advisable to stay updated on financial regulations and seek guidance from relevant authorities for any specific financial concerns related to immigration.

Seeking guidance from registered migration agents or immigration lawyers can be beneficial. Australia Immigration Consultants in Kochi, Kerala can provide advice on visa options, occupation assessments, and the specific requirements for various skilled migrations, and being prepared to meet the challenges proactively.

[unblinded-by-nostalgia-blog]

The Story

The Story is about a clown fish looking for his son.

The creators claimed that they did a lot of research of the fishes in this film (even got qualifications on marine biology), but clearly they didn't put anything factually accurate in this film. The most noticeable one is at the beginning, with the barracuda (the fish that killed Choral. Barracudas DON'T eat eggs. This isn't the only one, but a SIMPLE google search can give you all the answers you need.

Oh, and also....

GOLDFISH AREN'T MARINE FISH! They are cold water (basically, the best place for them is a pond). Some people do keep them in tropical water, but this is looked down upon and is NEVER recommended by the fish-community. But no one in there right minds would put a goldfish in a FLIPPING marine tank!

The Story itself isn't original, it's just a generic road trip story without the humour or charm that some of the better ones have. In fact, the film seems to be VERY obsessed with toilet and poop jokes, and not the funny kind...

The Characters

None of the characters are memorable or interesting. They are all one dimensional. Marlin is the over protective father, Dory forgets (that is her only personality trait) and the son is just a rebellious kid.

In fact, the representation of fish keepers/owners is poorly made. As a fish owner myself (I have over 5 tropical tanks and a massive koi pond!) I am appalled at what this film says about the fish-keeping community.

I cannot say much about the Marine part of the community (in fact, there a minority), but what I can say is that we don't treat our fish like we do in this film. We don't have filters that can suck up fish (the actual suction tube only has TINY holes that only water can get through), we don't let children treat fish poorly (like let them tap the glass or shake the bag) and we CERTAINLY don't take them out of the Wild and put them in out tank. We have things called "pet shops"! I'm sure you're heard of them (the creators CERTAINLY haven't!).

I love fish, I truly do and I will not tolerate anyone saying that fish keepers are bad people who hate animals!

Anyway, that's enough of my rambling on that one. Let's get to the next category before I feed someone to my fish! (It's a joke! Don't take it literally!)

Another thing that bothers me is the the fish reference human things (such as balloons), yet they act clueless when the plot demands it. LAZY WRITING!

The Animation/Special Effects

The Animation looks alright. But they reused Animation repeatedly to the point even a first-time viewer can notice them!

The fish I must say actually look alright. Not perfect, but alright.

Final Thoughts

I know people like this movie because they saw it as a child, but rewatching it years later just makes me cringe. I'm not against people who like the film, but they need to notice that it isn't the best film out there.

In fact, many of the tropes in this film (I.e the "mine" gulls) feel like minions, with their silly catchphrase and how they EXPLODED in popularity. Nowadays, I don't see these gulls anymore. They were just a trend that got popular, just like this film.

Keep your memories of this film, just don't rewatch it today, okay?

The Story 1/5 The Characters 0.5/5 The Animation/Special Effects 3/5

Overall 2/5

[sagendipity]

the law of attraction: de minimis

a quackity x reader law school au

part one, chapter one

[PREV] | [NEXT]

.

The first myth about law school is that everyone is the same.

In movies, in TV shows, in books- everyone in law school is a certain type of person. Dangerously smart, hardworking to a fault, and absolutely cutthroat.

Now, that is true. To get this far, to get into a competitive law school and make it to your final year, you have to be all of the above. Smart, hardworking, and just a little cunning. It’s impossible to get a leg up unless you’re standing on someone else’s knee.

Or neck.

However, the fact that everyone here has to have a certain few traits in order to survive does not mean that they cannot have other traits.

Some are louder, exuberant, and competitive- the type to yell out the answer to a question before raising their hand, the type to go back and forth with the professor when they’re sure they’re right (and they’re not). There’s the introverts, the sly ones you never see coming, who you barely notice next to you all year until you glance over at the grade on their final and it’s a 110%, somehow.

Of course, there’s also the in-between. The respectable ones, the students that are just there to get through the classes they need and get a respectable job at a respectable law firm and make something nice out of their lives.

Or the hero type, the ones that are convinced they can fix any injustice they perceive in the world- the environmental lawyers, the criminal defense lawyers, the civil rights lawyers. They might be right, too, which is why it seems like a never-ending flow of them are pouring into the school at each orientation.

It’s not always as simple as that, of course. You, like many students, are a mix of a few types. You lie somewhere between the exuberant and introverted sides, not shy about answering questions in lectures, but not jumping the gun to cause discourse, either. A bit of a hero type, you must admit, but you do pride yourself on being reasonable when it comes to your life’s expectations. You don’t expect to become some William Kunstler. You work hard, you get shit done, and like law school has a tendency to do, it seems to become your whole entire life.

The type of person you never quite got a read on is Alex.

He’s been sitting next to you in your upper level criminal procedure class for the entire semester. A whole semester’s worth of lectures means you have plenty of time to observe and analyze the people in your classes- its not like there’s anything else to do when the professor is going over voir dire for the third hour that week.

You pegged the kid in the third row as a die-hard businessman. He’s not going into law to help people, he’s going into law to make the most profit off of the most vulnerable clients he can find. The girl in row six, however, is definitely the hero type, judging by her “save the oceans” stickers on her giant re-usable coffee cups.

Alex, though, you can’t read. He dresses down compared to the other students. They dress up to hide their shortcomings, like their fancy coats can stop them from feeling bad about their less-than-adequate qualifications for the internship they just applied for. Others just like to lean into the New York City aesthetic and dress like they’re already lawyers, even despite failing their last midterm. You fall into that category- you can’t help it, it’s a fun look- but hey, you definitely didn’t fail your midterm, and you’ve lived in New York your whole life, so you think you have the right to dress like that.

Alex dresses like he has nothing to hide. He dresses like the young, high-level professor who is always cracked out on Redbull and hasn’t graded a paper in his life; like the cute, fascinating barista at the local hipster coffee shop you can barely afford. He dresses like that one guy you’d see on the subway one day and never manage to forget because of how his eyes met yours for a split second.

To be fair, that is kind of how it’s gone. It’s not exactly like the two of you met on the subway, and you’ve definitely interacted more than just a passing glance, but goddammit is Alex stuck in your head.

You convince yourself it’s just because he’s such a mystery. It’s not because he has really sweet brown eyes, or the most charming, unruly hair you’ve seen this side of the Midwest. It’s not because he whispers a joke under his breath whenever your professor says something stupid, or because he bumps your ankles together and shares an amused glance with you when that one really annoying kid pipes up with an opinion no one wanted.

It’s just because you don’t know why he’s here, and you don’t know what he wants, and you don’t know how to read him.

It bugs you. It gets under your skin- not like an itch, more like a hum. He’s on the back of your mind constantly, like you’re trying to subconsciously figure out what’s up with him, but to this day you’ve had no success.

It’s not like you think about anything substantial in regards to him- every time your traitorous brain brings him up, you put it down quicker than it came up. Getting attached to people is dangerous in the best of circumstances, but getting attached to the absolute enigma of a guy in your criminal procedure class who you can’t even confidently say is named Alex would be equivalent to signing up for heartbreak.

“Don’t date law boys,” your roommate had lamented after she had done just that, laid across her rose-pink bedspread with a sleeve of crackers clutched in one hand and a tissue in the other. She had then blown her nose unattractively. “Lawyers have a reputation for being soulless for a reason. They’re only here for themselves. Fuck them.”

Despite that, you find yourself friends with Alex. As if you’d be able to resist the self-satisfied grins he flashes at you when the professor praises him for a particularly poignant answer, or the way he holds his hand out under the table for a high-five after you nail the answer to a cold call. You barely know anything about him, and yet, you know enough to decide he’s a good person.

“Alex”, whose name you’re only about 80% sure of- maybe it’s short for Alexander, but you thought you’d heard someone he was on the phone with call him Q, so maybe he’s a Quinn or a Quentin?

“Alex”, who shows up looking more comfortable than you’ve been in your entire life, and still manages to hold an air of confidence around him that you’d not be able to master even in your finest long coat and shirt.

“Alex”, who seems determined to wiggle his way into your heart in any way he can.

“Alex”, who you seem to be powerless to resist.

.

This growing attachment to Alex of yours is only strengthened with each lecture. You share this class three times a week, two hours each on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It’s a focus class, meaning that anyone who wants to go into criminal work should take this course. It’s challenging, it’s competitive, and it’s cutthroat.

And it’s only February.

A cold Monday morning in February, in fact, with the clock above your professor’s desk ticking obnoxiously as the big hand nears the 8. Outside, it’s downright miserable: windy and foggy. The outside of the paneled windows of the classroom are glazed in a sticky frost, reducing the figures of passing students to dull blobs as they hurry through the whipping wind to get to their classes.

The big doors at the back of the classroom close with a bang that reverberates throughout the lecture hall, cutting through the murmuring chatter of the students who are already here. Out of the corner of your eye you catch a flash of green- as you suspect, it’s Alex. He always takes the seat on the very end of the row, and you the one immediately to his right. You look up at him with what you hope is a casual smile, but the one he returns is so bright it could probably melt the frost off of the windows.

“Hey!” he says, too awake for 8 in the morning, and sets his binder down on the desk with a clatter. The whoosh of air rustles the paper of your notebook, which you smooth back down habitually. You watch Alex longer than you should, only tearing your gaze away after you notice the smattering of tiny snowflakes that have gathered atop the beanie he’s wearing.

You stifle a little laugh. This guy wears a beanie to law school.

Out of the corner of your eye, you watch as he settles into his seat. He shrugs off his hunter green jacket, leaving him in just a gray hoodie, dotted with darker spots from melting snowflakes that’d been blown into him. He drops his outer jacket across his lap just as the room goes silent, your professor walking up to his desk.

As the last tails of conversations die off, you turn to Alex, unable to help yourself, “You have… snowflakes, on your head.”

He glances at you, a little huff of laughter escaping him as he brings up a hand to smooth over the beanie. The snowflakes are swiped off, melting on the heat of his hand- you wonder how it would feel held in yours, probably warm, he looks like he runs hot- and you pry your eyes away as he straightens out his beanie and tucks his hair up into the brim of it. He misses a strand, and the black swoop stands out sharply against the frost-paled skin of his face.

“Happy February,” your professor begins, his microphone crackling to life. “The month of love, is it not? Just two weeks until Valentines day.”

He swings his bag up onto the stool next to him, the sound echoing through the microphone. He turns to face the lecture hall, arms spread as if welcoming you all to a talk show.

“I’m about to ruin all of your Valentines Day plans. Welcome to the start of your final project: the mock trial.”

.

[bestbonnist]

Did you hear about to your eternity getting nominated for a international Emmy? It’s unfortunately a kids Emmy since the only animated category is for kids. It has to go against Shaun the sheep and rabbits invasion. This is probably gonna be a repeat of the oscars and one of the kids shows will beat tye. Ironic since a silent voice and tye are both made by Oima sensei. You gonna be watching in November?

I did hear about that, actually! I don't really know what to say about it because it's so weird. I mean, I love the show so much, but out of all the more recent anime, Fumetsu no Anata e is not what I would expect to be nominated. The fact that it's in the kids' category is really confusing, too. Even though the current trend for boys' anime/manga is bloody and brutal, FnAe is a lot to handle even by those standards. And although the target demographic is technically preteen boys in Japan the qualifications for children's media in the US are different, usually more sanitized (for better or for worse... ) Plus, it's R-17+ according to its MyAnimeList page. I'm seriously wondering if they even watched it or if they just picked the name out of a hat.

I actually had no idea that A Silent Voice was also being considered for an award in the states, you're right that's very ironic. I do think A Silent Voice is slightly more kid friendly than FnAe, if only because it doesn't include animals and children dying horribly or sexual assault. If I remember correctly (and that's a big if), the Oscars' animated feature category isn't technically restricted to children's movies, there's just a heavy bias towards them because they think that animation is for children. So whether or not A Silent Voice is child-appropriate or not isn't that important, but I still think it's interesting.

I doubt I'll be watching the Emmys, because not only do I not even know where to watch, I don't even really know what the Emmys are? I mean I know it's an awards show for TV but I don't know anything else. I don't have enough of an interest in the other nomination categories to slog all the way through just to watch FnAe lose to Shaun the Sheep. And now I want to watch Shaun the Sheep. I fucking loved the episode where the sheep dress in a trench coat to buy pizza when I was a kid... that was my childhood. Anyways, this is more publicity for the anime which means hopefully more people will watch it and hopefully more people will like it. We're winning :)

[eucanthos]

Loïe Fuller   (US-FR, 1862 - 1928)

_

Loïe Fuller, c. 1901. Photo attributed to Falk Studio. Courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, DC

By 1891, Fuller combined her choreography with silk costumes illuminated by multi-coloured lighting of her own design, and created the Serpentine Dance.  In the hope of receiving serious artistic recognition that she was not getting in America, Fuller left for Europe in June 1892. Her warm reception in Paris persuaded Fuller to remain in France, where she became one of the leading revolutionaries in the arts. A regular performer at the Folies Bergère with works such as Fire Dance, Fuller became the embodiment of the Art Nouveau movement.

Fuller held many patents related to stage lighting including chemical compounds for creating color gel and the use of chemical salts for luminescent lighting and garments (stage costumes US Patent 518347). She attempted to create a patent of her Serpentine Dance, hoping to stop imitators. At that time dance was only protected if it qualified as "dramatic" and Fuller's dance was too abstract for this qualification. The precedent set by Fuller's case remained in place from 1892 until 1976, when Federal Copyright Law explicitly extended protection to choreographic works. - wiki

Stéphanie de Giusto directed the movie "La Danseuse", 2016, about the life of Loïe Fuller, with actress Soko. - imdb

https://artblart.com/category/london/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loie_Fuller

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4632440/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soko_(singer)

[davidmann95]

JJ Abrams Superman Movie officially announced, with Ta-Nahisi Coates writing

Anonymous said: Just a few days after you said you were happy with DC taking a break from Superman movies and just focusing on him being on tv again, they go and announce a new Superman movie. How do you feel? Coates is an exciting choice, I think

Caught me red-handed! But to be fair a couple times I said that I left a caveat of ‘barring extraordinary circumstances’, which I’d say this qualifies as.

There’s only so much to go off of at this point, but even these tidbits open up a lot to think about.

* As out of left field as Coates feels at first blush - he’s a Marvel man! - it’s not entirely shocking that he’d be on WB’s shortlist to be their ‘how to fix Superman’ guy: he got a MacArthur Genius Grant the same year as his #1 bestselling book about what the American Way actually means, after which he got into superhero writing with a run that ended up having elements incorporated into a cultural moment in Black Panther, and then Between The World And Me was cited as the inspiration for the Watchmen show that substantially drew on Superman iconography and won 11 Emmys. People are already talking about him admittedly not being a DC or Superman guy (though in that same interview he notes his love for the DCAU, specifically including STAS), but if he’s here he’s got something to say and, y’know, probably read a decent amount of Superman stuff either since then/prior to this or to get ready for the gig, so can’t say I’m worried.

* Related note: I’m seeing folks concerned about how much control he’ll really have over the project, which is fair. But that it’s his involvement that’s being touted over JJ Abrams’ (the guy who, like him or not, rebirthed Star Wars as a going concern to the tune of over $2 billion), and that they’re formally announcing and hyping it up as TA-NEHISI COATES’ SUPERMAN MOVIE™, COMING 202X before even having a director or lead actor attached, says to me that whatever his vision is it’s one WB’s going all-in on for the time being.

* I’ve seen plenty of discussion already about the appropriateness of this potentially starring a black Superman given both the dynamics/thematics of Superman as a character, and more significantly the implications of Coates maybe only being brought onboard to do ‘the black version’. That is a conversation I have precisely zero qualifications to wade in on with my own takes, but given that he is a dude with enough options that he could probably even turn down an opportunity on this scale, and the aforementioned weight being given to his role in this, I think it’s safe to say whatever we’re going to get is something he’s onboard with.

* Also seen concerns re: his pedigree as a fiction writer - another one I’m not that qualified to weigh in on, I’ve only read the first year or so of his Black Panther and Captain America runs (though I got the rest of his BP on Comixology while it was free, gotta check it out sometime), which were solid if a bit more workmanlike than you’d hope, along with the (other category altogether) Between The World And Me some time ago, which was...considerably more than solid. I know however his fiction novel debut in The Water Dancer was well-received, his Marvel work rather than staying ‘grounded’ hasn’t shied away from the sort of outré high concepts you’d want to see in a Superman movie, and the main criticism of his runs of ‘they’re too slow’ wouldn’t likely have the space to apply in a 2-3 hour Hollywood blockbuster, so again, not too concerned.

* Perhaps time will make me eat my words, but hot take: there is a basically 0% chance this is about Calvin Ellis or Val-Zod. Yes, yes, the DC movies are reportedly embracing the multiverse an excuse to do standalone stuff, but the two examples of that thus far in Joker and The Batman are still broadly rooted in the conventional trappings of those characters even if they’re separated from the ‘main universe’. Maybe someday the options might go further afield, but right now, when Superman hasn’t had an unambiguous silver screen hit in over 40 years? They’re not going to pour a quarter-billion dollars into a movie with the premise of “last son of the doomed planet Krypton, imbued beneath Earth’s yellow sun with powers and abilities far beyond those of mortal men and raised with the noblest ideals of truth and justice, Some Other Guy Most Of You Don’t Know protects the world...as Superman!” Not even getting into Val-Zod being just one member of an ensemble cast from a largely overlooked book and having the baggage of being Zod’s kid, and the EVERYTHING of making a four-quadrant tentpole film about Super-Obama (when you haven’t even been able to make your regular Super work) - this is either going to be Clark, or if they do make Superman black or brown but still want some distance it’ll be a Jon movie so it’s still got the direct connection to the original and the ‘son of Superman’ pitch in its corner too.

* Abrams is an interesting partner. He’s Hollywood’s big nostalgia guy, and that’s...probably not what Coates is going to be going for here. I assume he’s basically there to keep things familiar enough for WB’s tastes, which itself raises questions about the nature of Coates’ pitch and how it was internally received even if they’re clearly very publicly committed to it.

* Michael B. Jordan probably won’t really be the guy - he apparently talked about it, reasonably concluded he didn’t want to face that inevitable scale of backlash after what he already went through just playing the Human Torch, and the tradition is to cast an unknown in the part - but I guess never say never. Heck, while I sure wouldn’t bet on it I don’t think Ryan Coogler ending up involved is out of the question either; Coates’ previous screenwriting experience was working on a project with Coogler and Jordan that evidently didn’t come to fruition (Wrong Answer, a drama about a 2006 Atlanta public school cheating scandal), and they seem to have maintained a relationship as they had a public discussion regarding The Water Dancer in 2019.

* Ok I know making fun of Snyder people is passé at this point and usually more “NO SUPERMAN MOVIES MAY BE PERMITTED UNTIL THE CIVILIZATION-REDEFINING FIVE-FILM SAGA IS COMPLETE” howling into the void is barely worth notice, and “this is solely WB retaliating against us for bending them to our will!” in response to a Superman reboot would normally be just an amusing side-note too. But trying to get #HenryCavillSuperman/#HenryCavillIsOurSuperman trending in response to the possibility of a black Superman...I mean obviously so fucking many of them are fully aware they’re just not saying the quiet part loud, but what’re the percentages here?

So that’s what I’ve got so far. How do I feel about it all? It’s odd; given that there are basically no actual details beyond a name attached I’d never thought about in this context, and that this came with no forewarning just as the prospect of Superman in movies for the next long while seemed as dead as it ever had been, it’s so ill-defined and seems so unreal that I don’t feel much of anything about it yet? Plus I’m no longer driven on a day-by-day basis by a savage, all-consuming desire to slake a thirst for quality Superman stuff long left unquenched the way I was even a couple years ago, which likely also plays its part. But objectively? This is a guy formally, nationally recognized for being smart who’s also a journalist and comics fan being given Superman, with what sure feels like a lot of leeway and presumably a blank slate, which is basically the abstract concept of a perfect pick. So yes: I formally rescind my “please no Superman movies in the 2020s” plea.

[argumentl]

The Freedom of Expression Ep 3 - Michelin Star related suicide.

K: Hi, this is Dir en grey's Kaoru, getting started with the third episode of The Freedom of Expression.

J, T: Yep.

K: Joe Yokomizu san and Tasai san are here again. So, how are we doing, after the second time?

Kami:*interrupts*

J: Ah, He's cutting in early today.

Kami: Yes, yes, yes. Im thinking a lot about my timing.

J: You're entering from every possible angle?

Kami: Yes, thats it.

K: What do you think after the first two episodes? We are on our third today, but does it seem interesting?

K: As a god, im kinda out of things to say.

J: Really?

Kami: Yep

J: You would think a god would know about all sorts of things.

Kami: I don't know all that much. *K laughs* Im studying, Im working on it.

T: Last time, the suspicion arose that he was poverty stricken, didnt it?

J: Yes, he pointed out he was a poverty stricken god.

Kami: I told you not to say that! *K laughs*

T: Sorry..

Kami: Its a problem.

K: After we finished last time, we ended up talking a lot about money, didn't we?

J: Yes, we did. *everyone laughing*

Kami: Yep, yep.

J: After the recording, Kami spoke non stop about money, didn't he? He is really attached to it..for a god. You'd think he'd be the one least interested in that, but he turns out to be the one most interested.

Kami: It wasn't that bad until then. It wasn't like that back on the radio show. It really has become a problem recently.

J: Oh now?

T: I see.

Kami: Yes, now.

K: Right, well, our third episode...

J: Yes, the title is 'Suicide resulting from Michelin stars - In the lawsuit of a former 3 star Michelin star chef, the court rules that....'

This is concerning the Michelin guide which was even popularised in a TV drama last year. In its country of origin, France, there is so much pressure, the fear of losing a star can even lead to suicide. A Chef who lost his third star even filed a lawsuit against Michelin. As for the specific story, Marc Veyrat, who runs the famous restaurant 'La Maison des Bois' in the Alps, recieved the long awaited 3 star rating in 2018. Just one year later, this dropped to a 2 star rating. Veyrat responded angrily, 'The quality of my food hasn't changed at all. Its a mistake in the inspection', and brought the case against Michelin. As well as demading the inspector's qualifications and the report to be made public, as his demotion has led to him to  falling into a state of depression, he is suing Michelin for the sum of just 1 Euro, or in yen, 120 yen. He has been telling the media of his discontent that the inspectors could not recognize the cheese Reblochon, from the Savoy region, and probably mistook it for the widely produced cheddar cheese. Nanterre courthouse in the suburbs of Paris responded, that as well as the evaluation of the inspector coming down to freedom of expression, the plaintiff did not show good enough reason that  his reputation had been marred. The famous chef was defeated, but the agony of chefs over the star rating is becoming a problem in society. By the way, simply put, the standard for the inspection, or the standard for the stars, is the food only. Not the restaurant interior, or the service. The food is assessed on the following five criteria. 1) The quality of the ingrediants. 2) The level of skill and amount of seasoning. 3) Originality. 4) Cost performance. 5) The consistency of the presented dishes on the whole. This is the same all over the world. As for the meaning of the stars, this is as follows. One star = Food that is particularly delicious within its category. Two stars = Spectacular food that is worth making a detour to have it. Three stars = Excellent food that is worth specifically traveling just to have it. The report is produced by a group consisting of the inspectors, the chief editor and all other responsible parties for the Michelin guide book. Every year they recieved around 45,000 emails and letters from thier readers, which they look through, and sometimes even do re-evaluations. ....Food!

K: Food...

J: Yep...I mean, reputation really controls which restaurants we go to.  Kaoru, what do you think?

K: Hmm, well, its an inspection isnt it?

J: Yes, its an inspection.

K: I was in Paris last year. There are loads of these aren't there? * the others laugh*

J: Well, yes. So, he didn't change anything about his food, but his rating still dropped, whats that all about?

K: Isn't it precisely because he didn't do anything new?

J: Oh, could it be that? If others are upping thier game, you will naturally drop.

K: There couldn't really be someone who mistook it for mass produced cheddar cheese.

J: You'd think, wouldn't you?

K: And then, maybe people are just different, no matter what it is. Even if its the same person..

J: Maybe they were feeling bad or something..

K: Hmm, an inspection is...Well, if it was sports or combat sport or something..the observers can easily judge the game, like..oh this one definitely won...But with music, or movies....appraisals of 'things', its different depending on the person isnt it.

J: Yes, you're right.

K: This type of guide is for people who want to expand thier knowledge, the Michelin guide ...For movies it would be the Academy Awards, and there are tv shows doing the same thing.  Its just to make things easier for people...so, in the end, it seems like it can't be helped really.

J: Well, thats it, yes. I dont know about Michelin, but Im in the position to do album reviews, so im in the place to award stars...and, its true, if its a genre you like, you just naturally like it, and are prone to jacking up the stars, but if its a genre you don't listen to, you feel unfamiliar and it takes a while to figure out whether its good or bad. So certainly, as for awarding stars.. asking people, well, im just repeating what you said Kaoru, its not objective information. You have to try and think about the aim. If the orgainisation drops a star from you it doesn't necessarily mean you are bad..

K: Its like a contest or that type of thing, you can still see who's winning the game..

J: Like 1-1, you can see whos winning in front of you, the circumstances are a little different from this though.

K: Eventually, won't it affect thier sales though?

J: I think so.

T: Don't you think diners also rely too much on this kind of guide?

K: You can check anything on your smartphone, you don't really know whats true.

J: You don't, there are these restaurant review sites where some people are paid to write good reviews, and some people are paid to write bad reviews, you know, to destroy thier rivals they will write bad stuff...So its difficult to know how far to trust that type of thing. By the way, Kaoru, do you refer to reviews in relation to food, or new music or anything like that?

K: Well, I do, yes. Guides and such...Usually, I  get information I want to know from all over the place. I ask people, like..'I want to eat this', or 'I wonder if that place is good' or something,  I ask people what they think.

T: But when you want to go to see a movie, do you ask someone who likes movies?

K: I'll read what someone has written about it, or I'll read what they've posted on social media.

J: The main thing is listening to people you can trust.

K: Yes, thats it.

J: Someone you are familiar with, or some well-informed person. Also someone you see eye to eye with.

T: Thats right.

J: If you go out for food with someone, and they say 'this is delicious', if you ask them what else they like, it will be the same kind of things that you like.

K: Really, I've never been to a two star or three star Michelin restaurant * the others laugh*.

J: Well, this internet age isn't going to end...

T: Right

J: Just how far will people trust this kind of assesment, or star rating?

T: Joe, have you ever been hassled by anyone because of this? By artists or such?

J: I havn't actually...I write what I didn't personally like, and sign my name with a star rating, then, 'this is what I think, but what do YOU think', to continue the conversation.

K: Our boss in our office, he was in a band a long time ago, and he got angry about something that was written in a magazine, so he stormed over to the magazine headquarters * the others laugh*  He might ????*1

J,T: Your boss, wow!

J: What was the magazine?

K: Oh, I don't remember..*laughing*

J: Which of them has the freedon of expression? *laughing*

K: They are both clashing with each other.

J: The moment their freedom clashed *laughs*

T: But, Ive heard that kind of story before...A hip hop artist or something, went to a magazine and tried to restrain or kidnap the editor. He took it that seriously.

J: Well, in a music magazine, if you write an article, its the same with interviews, you dont know whether the other party will see or hear it. For me, after editing, I think its good to show it to the artist once. Im only writing my ideas, and there are times where thats not the reality.

For interviews, you dont necessarily hand over the questions in advance, and if im just asking at random, the artist may feel on the spot and not be able to say what they really feel, so i think its good to show them once, to get the facts right.  With reviews too, i think showing them what i intend to write is important. But there are magazines where the boss doesnt get the content checked, 'you said it, so take responsibility', kind of thing. Thats a bit harsh, i think.

T: Well, yes. With interviews, I think its good to show the person. Protecting freedom should be kept independent.

J: Yes, yes, you are free to write what you think, but this is also keeping it real by checking if artists are holding responsibility for what they say. They decide whether they can really say that after checking it first.

K: There are times when you wish you'd used more words..

J: There are! Of course, its limited to the time and place of the interview, for example 1 hour, the time is squeezed. You have to get on with it, with little explanation..sometimes you need to supplement that.

T: Yes, you're right.

K: What do you think, Kami?

J: Kamiii?

Kami: *stifled laugh* Yes, what?

J: I don't know how to address him.

Kami: No no, don't worry about that, we are short on time.

K: Yes, our third installment is ending.

J: It felt quick today..somehow.

K: Originally, one episode was supposed to have two news items.

J: Yeah, i thought that.

K: But it didn't work that way, did it?

J: No, it didnt. What do the viewers think? Is one item enough? Or do they want two items at a faster pace?

K: If its too long, they won't be able to watch it.

J,T: Right.

T: A shorter video is better.

J: As for raising the number of views, right?

K: We talk about quite difficult stuff too, we should try to break into it as much as we can, make it interesting. Oh, and Kami, even his voice is interesting.

J: Its enough.

K: Well, that was the third installment, please tune in next time.

K, J, T: Thank you very much.

*1 I couldn't catch this. 

[fiftytwotwenty]

Movie Monday - Nov 16th, 2020

"My Favorite Foreign International Films"

So something I learned earlier this year is the Academy Awards category, "Best International Fim" - previously "Best Foreign Language Film" is somewhat flawed.

I read up on the category/topic more during the 2020 Academy Awards when Parasite had a breakthrough year.

First off - Why the name change?

Well, in the broadest aspects the word "Foreign" can be considered Politically Incorrect - by labeling an entire film - a piece work, or an entire film crew as foreign you are basically saying they are "Other" which could be construed as lesser. Renaming the category to "Best International Film" is a step to seem more inclusive as films should be a universal experience - the category is after all a celebration of World Cinema.

The name change however did not change any of the qualifications in regards to reaching the award ceremony - such qualifications as:

The featured language in the movie needs to predominantly Non-English - so this majorly affects countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United Kingdom - you know, because if you speak English you must be American - you have no added culture.

This rule/mindset screwed over Nigeria, a country whose official language is English due to its past British rule. Nigeria submitted the film Lionheart, THE COUNTRY'S FIRST EVER SUBMISSION, to the 2020 Academy Awards and was disqualified as the English language was widely used in the film.

So to recap - An African country was disqualified from even being considered a nominee at the Oscars because their Official Language was not "Foreign" enough.

Now, just because English is your official language does not automatically exclude you - Australian, Canadian, and the UK film makers have made Non-English films just so they could be considered for the category.

Another aspect of a International Film category is that Each Country Chooses just ONE movie to represent their country - Only ONE. When it comes time all the International Films are finally whittled down to just 5 nominees for the Oscar ballot.

For most countries, like Italy (14 Oscar Wins - 28 nominations) and France (37 Oscar nominations - the most of any country, and 12 Oscar wins), this does not pose any issues as they are very open in regards to their selection process.

But when you consider countries like Russia, China, or Iran where creativity is censored or suppressed you are mostly likely not getting the best of the best.

Due to the censorship some people suggest creating an International panel to assist with each country's film selection, but how much power do we provide this panel and how will this affect countries like France and Italy that do not seem to have censorship issues?

These are some of the main issues the International Film category faces currently.

So now that we talked shop - it is time for me to talk about my personal favorites - I will note all these films are must sees in my book, but do not necessarily garnish repeat viewings.

Also, I am leaving out Amélie (2001), a true personal favorite, off the list because everyone and their hypoallergenic service dogs loves the film as well.

Without further ado...

In Order of the Rising Sun:

Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016)

Origin: New Zealand

Language: English

Director: Taika Waititi

Synopsis:

A national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.

Kung Fu Hustle (2004)

Origin: Hong Kong, China

Language: Chinese

Director: Stephen Chow

Synopsis:

In Shanghai, China in the 1940s, a wannabe gangster aspires to join the notorious "Axe Gang" while residents of a housing complex exhibit extraordinary powers in defending their turf.

Dogtooth (2009)

Origin: Greece

Language: Greek

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Synopsis:

Three teenagers live isolated, without leaving their house, because their over-protective parents say they can only leave when their dogtooth falls out.

Cinema Paradiso (1988)

Origin: Italy

Language: Italian

Director: Giuseppe Tornatore

Synopsis:

A filmmaker recalls his childhood when falling in love with the pictures at the cinema of his home village and forms a deep friendship with the cinema's projectionist.

Raw (2016)

Origin: France

Language: French

Director: Julia Ducournau

Synopsis:

A young woman, studying to be a vet, develops a craving for human flesh.

Abre Los Ojos (1997)

Origin: Spain

Language: Spanish

Director: Alejandro Amenábar

Synopsis:

A very handsome man finds the love of his life, but he suffers an accident and needs to have his face rebuilt by surgery after it is severely disfigured.

Relatos Salvajes (2014)

Origin: Argentina

Language: Spanish

Director: Damián Szifron

Synopsis:

Six short stories that explore the extremities of human behavior involving people in distress.

So... There you go, Happy Viewing

[r0h1rr1m]

rambly inception thoughts p.2

this has been kicked off, specifically, by disliking that i failed to include yusuf in this post but there’s already so much going on there re: exact limits/mechanics of imagination in dreams, how to call down projections, moral relativism, crack chara psych, and speculating on the future of ari’s career--and i explained most of it poorly anyway so it’s probably for the best!

to start with, i’ve always imagined that there’s a huge variety in the caliber/class of chemist u can hire in dreamshare. the title probably applies even to people whose capability starts and stops at sourcing base product for somnacin and/or the finished drug. the next level up can maybe mix up different kinds to standard specifications. idk how much education/training u’d need to be able to do this, bc i v much do not chemistry, but i’d bet there’s a lot of variety in ppl’s qualifications in this category, too. a standard formula might affect different ppl slightly differently, like any psychotropic drug (is that even the most sensible analogy to real-world science? idk and i don’t want to risk hours of ultimately fruitless wikipedia spiralling), but in the same vein, the variances will all probably fall within a reasonable range of the same functionality. without, like, some sort of neuro degree, probably, the most fine-tuning a chemist could do is optimize doses/known variants of the drug through trial and error in preparation for a job.

our man yusuf definitely has a high-level neuro degree

so, just like the rest of the team, yusuf is obviously a total powerhouse in his field. like i said, it must take sophisticated knowledge of brain chemistry in order to do what he did on the fischer job, as well as the same mad genius as the rest of them. (as an aside, can i just say how utterly delightful a team dynamic is “group of geniuses who surround themselves with enough people who are the same kind of batshit to normalize it”? i’m weak) and idk how someone gets famous in like neurochem but yusuf is so brilliant he was probably p well known. js imagine the comedic potential of whatever rising-star chemist meeting yusuf and js going dr. ____?! who published those completely revolutionary but completely balls-to-the-wall studies on x and then after throwing the discipline into an uproar either a) dropped off the face of the earth and is now known as smth of an urban legend/cryptid in the community or b) still corresponds w experts in the field but now about the wildest shit and ppl kind of have to mythologize/not think too hard abt the dude who walks in ppl’s heads in order not to risk js breaking everything

so yusuf knows his shit and his initial assertion that 3 levels is impossible can be trusted to carry a lot of weight. which means the fact that he proceeded to do it more than secures his place in the cast of demonstrable prodigies

now, bc this is ostensibly a continuation of a post that’s loosely focused on charas’ moralities, let’s look at the 2 parts of the movie where we most directly confront yusuf’s: his dream den and hiding the sedation from the team. i’m going with the assumption that any legitimate/legal research and application of dreamshare has been discontinued.

come yell at me for over oversimplifying, but that makes the question of the dream den seem p straight-forward. yusuf faced giving up dreamshare research (or came onto the scene after it was already illegal, which could make for some rly interesting stories abt how he would’ve found out abt it) and couldn’t, so he had to find a way to continue on his own. and since it would be in rly bad faith to assume he doesn’t have the full consent of all his test subjects, that’s js that. (i’m not going to argue abt the difference b/w ethics and morals, and i’m laughably unqualified to discuss the ethics of human experimentation anyway so moving on)

hiding the fact that the team was sedated was a major plot point and is discussed w according frequency, so i’m sure most ppl have their own opinions abt what this says abt the parties involved. i’ll readily admit that my view is heavily colored by the fact that i js plain like yusuf. he’s a likeable guy. (i’ll try not to go off on a tangent, but i know that my reasons for disliking cobb are a little unfair; it’s more about narrative structure than any of his personal failings. the fact is i have a weakness for hypercompetence, and cobb is presented as someone who used to be the best, but is no longer reliable. he shows flashes of his old brilliance running the mr. charles gambit successfully and improvising capitalizing on the appearance of fisher’s browning projection on l2, but he’s desperate enough to be untrustworthy and further, he’s untrustworthy in a way that is eminently predictable by the audience. we know from the get-go that his shade is gonna sabotage something, and it’s hard not to blame him for that. we also know from the get-go that he’s desperate enough to drag other ppl into a fool’s mission, and that he’s hiding something dangerous from arthur, who by all appearances should be the person cobb can trust, and the person to whom it’s most important to know that kind of shit. i’m not gonna pretend i anticipated that big twist in the parking garage on l1, but it makes a ton of sense in retrospect and all this makes it easy to see why cobb is so widely mistrusted/disliked by the fandom. and i went off on a tangent, whoops.)

so picking back up at yusuf is a likeable guy--he seems p friendly and easy-going and i thoroughly enjoyed every scene of him on l1. i’m gonna say a lot of his moral considerations come in the form of deciding what is or isn’t his responsibility. mbe he avoided or suitably resolved the thorny ethical question of human experimentation in the same way i kind of did: by saying that the participants agreed to it on their own and leaving it there. this kind of reasoning is how he would’ve let cobb take responsibility for sedating and then informing the team. it’s also probably how he decided to cue the kick early on l1 and make it everyone else’s problem. which i do think was the right decision! it would be absurd to suggest that this highly intelligent man’s patterns of reasoning are always questionable. but i do see a pattern.

as for the advice he’d give ari, i think a lot of this relates back to my mention in the earlier post of whether or not she could let an institution/legislation dictate her ethics to her. i’ve since decided that it’s simpler to assume the institutions are all outside the law, though, so i’m not going to think abt that anymore unless directly prompted. one thing we do know abt ari, though, in contrast to my suppositions abt yusuf, is that she has a v strong sense of responsibility. she took it upon herself to manage cobb, and she took it upon herself to save the job, fisher, saito, and cobb when it looked like everything had been ruined. thinking abt it now, this makes for further interesting contrast w arthur, whose sense of responsibility seems to revolve around personal loyalty, eames, whose sense of responsibility is acutely pragmatic, and saito, whose sense of responsibility is on the grand scale of stopping a monopoly (suitably ironic).

again, idk if i’ve rly made any kind of point, and now i want to go back and build elaborate hierarchies of skill in each job description (architect, extractor, etc) like i kind of did for chemists but, well. if u made it this far bless u, i hope u have a wonderful day. vote

[crosschqhire]

Recruiting Employees: Thinking Outside the Box

Based on the United States of America Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate at December 2010 Has Been 9.4 Percent. This is simply not a promising statistic in the event that you should be trying to find a project -- however if you are a small business owner, it is really a completely different story. It's a company's market on the market, and you also hold all of the cards in terms of recruiting employees. There exists an enormous possibility labor pool on the market, and a portion of this workforce has gone offered now on the lookout for you personally  hire better.

However, how can you sift through most your alternatives and discover an ideal employee? Moreover: how can you associate with all those people? There are lots of, many paths out there for you personally -- however you could well be astonished how tiring it is to form through your applicants in the event that you advertise your location on the regional newspapers or about Craigslist.

If you are fighting to make everything happen however, perhaps not completely confident your firm has expanded to the level at which you would like to employ somebody full time, then a temp agency might possibly be the best answer. Evidently, a temp service helps you to help save the time you are doing exactly the occupation still another individual can perform, however you are going to save yourself time at different areas as well: recruiting (the bureau will shipped you just professional individuals; whatever you should do is pick just one ), payroll (you cover the bureau; the bureau pays the employee), and also training, at the case that you give you a temporary employee (who you've already coached ) a permanent position with your organization. Still another benefit: once the time arrives to expand the permanent deal, you have a good notion of these occupation skills (as compared with their own interviewing skills independently, in the event you join somebody for the positioning directly).

 1 thing to remember, nevertheless, is a notary service will want to have a cut of this pay per click. Based upon where you are, your company, and also the bureau's policy, this trimming may fluctuate widely. That really is totally just and reasonable, however you ought to factor it in your choice.

With this kind of a gloomy unemployment movie, many pupils are leaping into academia to chase higher-level degrees as opposed to trying their hands at the work instantly. By this time that this market starts very looking, they will normally be higher-educated, and so more valuable for you personally and your own organization. Obviously, it's prohibited to consciously hunt an employee of a certain age category. You are not permitted to discriminate on your hiring techniques, and on occasion even on your occupation advertisement techniques. But prior to pitching a restart a side for insufficient job experience, attempt to read between your lines and really provide them with the benefit of this doubt. They might be more capable than it appears.

Evidently, job experience is one factor you need to think about when employing a member of staff. Nonetheless, it's your choice just how much weight to contribute that variable once you consider these: a lot of higher-level classes deliver invaluable real-world experience like a normal portion of the program -- together with volunteer opportunities, self-structured studies or projects, along with out-of-classroom studies becoming increasingly more predominant, you may discover you'll be in a position to pay for an entry commission to somebody with more qualifications and skills compared to the individual's resume could cause one to trust. In addition, recent college graduates are going to have the excitement and the openness to establish themselves, sufficient reason for a scarcity of job referrals, so you'll probably find a way to figure out in their faculty professors how well your applicants’ arrangement their period and how badly they took their nonproton" schoolwork with no boss peering over their knee.

Interns

When there is anything a lot better than paying for somebody an entry commission to work with you personally, it's paying some body no more commission to work for you personally. But it's your moral duty to supply certain matters to an intern in substitution to their free labor. Speak to the community university Career Services Department to arrange faculty credit for the interns. Let them have real, useful occupation experience (see: outside pulling your java). And let them know that the ideal candidates will probably have the best of first refusal for almost any proper job opportunities which might open toward the end of these internship -- or, at the lowest, that some hard-working intern will drift off with a letter of recommendation to get their next prospect.