#Utah/US Film Festival

[decadebattle]

Reblog for a bigger sample size.

Say in the tags what you voted for and if you live in or outside of the US

[kevinsreviewcatalogue]

Review: The People's Joker (2022)

Just because I left Fort Lauderdale, and with it Popcorn Frights, behind when I moved to Boston last year doesn't mean I have to give up on horror festivals. And just as I managed to sneak in a trip to the Telluride Horror Show amidst my adventures in Utah back in 2022, so too did I find that -- where else? -- Salem, Massachusetts hosted the annual Salem Horror Show in April and May. Tonight was the first night, and they screened one of the festival's token non-horror films in The People's Joker, a queer Batman spoof made without any official approval from DC Comics or Warner Bros. (They originally had a screening of Hocus Pocus planned with Kathy Najimy as a special guest, but Najimy had to cancel at the last minute.) How was it?

The People's Joker (2022)

Not rated

<Originally posted at https://kevinsreviewcatalogue.blogspot.com/2024/04/salem-horror-fest-week-1-day-1-peoples.html>

Score: 4 out of 5

The People's Joker exists in a place very similar to that enjoyed by Escape from Tomorrow. In both cases, you have independent filmmakers making unlicensed, unauthorized use of American pop iconography, Disney in the case of Escape from Tomorrow and DC Comics in the case of this film, as a way of satirizing and critiquing it with a particular focus on its corporate ownership and its role in the modern economy. Unlike Disney, which permitted the release of Escape from Tomorrow, DC Comics and Warner Bros. actively tried to clamp down on this film, which was ultimately saved by fair use laws protecting parodies like this. And of the two, I'd argue that this film pulls off what it was trying to do a lot better. While both films are elevated by a particular psychedelic edge and punk-rock attitude, Escape from Tomorrow was too incoherent to really stick the landing or even really convey what it was trying to say, while The People's Joker manages to successfully pull off being not only a dark parody of Batman in which the Joker is the hero, but also a hilarious comedy in its own right, a queer coming-out story, a satire of the entertainment industry (especially stand-up and sketch comedy), and a film that manages to get its message across loud and clear. For obvious reasons, I don't expect this to be more than a cult classic, but it's one I enjoyed and do not regret watching.

In this take on Batman's most iconic villain, one that's most obviously based on the movie Joker but draws on many versions of the character (as well as elements of Harley Quinn), the Joker is now a trans woman who leaves her disapproving mother in Smallville, Kansas for Gotham City in the hopes of becoming a comedian like her idol, UCB Live star Ra's al Ghul. There, upon being exposed to the gatekeeping and hypocrisy of the world of mainstream standup comedy, which here serves largely to prop up a corporate-run dystopia even as it still claims the legacy of those who once spoke truth to power, she starts her own underground "anti-comedy" troupe in an abandoned carnival that comes to be comprised of many of Batman's traditional baddies from the comics. (Her trademark gag is inviting people onstage to tell the world their saddest experiences and then huffing Smilex and laughing her ass off at their misery, because after all, this is still the Joker we're talking about.) This eventually puts her on a collision course with Batman himself, who's depicted as not only the jackbooted thug that more cynical deconstructions of superhero comics have framed him as, but also a perverted closet case on top of it. (Let's just say, this film gets a lot of mileage out of all those jokes you've heard about his relationship with his sidekick Robin.)

The film ain't exactly subtle in what it's saying. UCB Live is a clear-cut parody of Saturday Night Live, right down to the fact that Lorne Michaels is a character in the film, and moreover, its initialism is lifted straight from the famed Chicago comedy troupe the Upright Citizens Brigade that played such a major role in the development of standup and sketch comedy in the '90s and '00s, including producing multiple SNL stars. And while the film never names him so directly, you also get the sense that its writer, director, and star Vera Drew really isn't a fan of Joe Rogan or the standup circle he's built around himself, either. The Joker's introduction to UCB Live's casting has her body being scanned and her being deemed a potential comedy superstar because she has a small penis and is therefore mistaken for the kind of insecure man who the industry is built upon. Her comic idol Ra's starred in a Borat-like film whose main joke was making fun of foreigners. The whole reason Batman, an avatar of the elite if ever there was one (being the CEO of Wayne Enterprises and all), comes after her is because she directly criticizes and threatens the ruling class in a way that the corporate, sanitized world of UCB Live merely pretends to. Drew is somebody who clearly has experience with comedy and the people who inhabit it, and is very much writing that experience into the meat of the story, a metaphorical representation of an entertainment industry that, in her view, only cloaks itself in populism and progressive language enough that it can fend off criticism without actually making any meaningful changes.

Much of this is told through a mix of a riotous and raunchy comedy and the Joker's romance with her fellow comic Jason Todd, aka "Mr. J", a trans man who's envisioned here as a mix of Robin and the edgelord Jared Leto version of the Joker from the DC Extended Universe. The gags came flying at a mile a minute, and often had me busting my gut in laughter. The whole cast is game for the material, with Drew making the Joker a compelling anti-hero not just as a comic presence but also as somebody whose journey from a Midwestern girl-trapped-in-a-boy's-body to a flamboyant Clown Princess of Crime was one that I found myself genuinely invested in. Kane Distler as Mr. J was also an interesting presence, somebody whose relationship with the Joker starts promisingly only for him to turn emotionally abusive and self-centered (complete with a "gaslighting" pun that had me cracking up), indicating that, when he transitioned, he wound up embracing the most noxious forms of hypermasculinity. And as for the style of the film, Drew goes for an exaggerated feel that combines live-action filmmaking, highly stylized CGI, what appears to be a mannequin representing Poison Ivy, and very crude animation both 2D and 3D to create a feeling that reminded me of watching Adult Swim or surfing Newgrounds back in the 2000s. There clearly wasn't much of a budget here, so Drew instead leaned on creativity, both her own and the dozens of artists worldwide who each contributed to the film. It was as unique a film to watch as it was an entertaining comedy, one that demonstrated a lot of talent and commitment on the part of everybody involved.

The Bottom Line

There's no way in hell that The People's Joker is ever getting a wide release, but if it plays near you, I highly recommend seeking it out, as a twisted, countercultural sendup of everything from superheroes to mainstream comedy to who gets to call themselves "the counterculture".

[lboogie1906]

Ron Stallworth (born June 18, 1953) was the first African American police officer and detective hired by the Colorado Springs Police Department. He holds the distinction of being the only African American “member” of the kkk.

He was born in Chicago but was raised in El Paso. He became a cadet in the Fort Carson police department on November 13, 1972. He became the first African-American member of the Colorado Springs police department and was sworn in on June 18, 1974.

He spent two years in uniform before becoming the youngest undercover agent in the department. He received his first assignment in April 1975 when former Black Panther Party leader Stokely Carmichael came to speak at a local nightclub. He worked in the intelligence department and the narcotics division as a detective.

In October of 1978, he saw an ad in the local Colorado Springs newspaper stating that the kkk was starting a new chapter and looking for members. He sent a letter to the PO Box listed and included his office telephone number. He received a call and was invited to join the kkk. He used a white undercover officer to take his place. He contacted a regional kkk office and spoke with David Duke, the Grand Wizard of the kkk.

He was assigned to protect David Duke during his visit to Colorado Springs. The investigation kkk lasted nine months and identified many local Klansmen as soldiers, including two who were stationed at the North American Aerospace Defense Command, the central facility near Colorado Springs, as well as high-ranking government officials.

He transferred to the Utah Department of Public Safety, working as an investigator. He retired in 2005 and gave his first interview about infiltrating the kkk. He had kept the story a secret for twenty-seven years. He wrote Black Klansman about his undercover experience. The film adaptation was called BlacKkKlansman. It debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in France and won the prestigious Grand Prix Award. The film won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

He lives with his second wife, Patsy. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[brookston]

Holidays 7.13

Holidays

Ann Hutchinson Memorial Day

Atomic Bomb Test Day

Barbershop Music Appreciation Day

Be A Geek For A Day

Blame Someone Else Day

Bottled Beer Day

Childhood Memories Day

Embrace Your Geekness Day

Festival of Inner Worlds

Festival of the Three Cows (Border of France & Basque Spain)

Fool's Paradise Day

Go Wakeboarding Day

Go West Day

Gruntled Workers Day

Guinea Fowl Day (French Republic)

International Day of ADHD Awareness

International Day of Sarcoma

International Growth Hacking Day

International Puzzle Day

International Rock Day

International Rock ’N’ Roll Day

Kashmir Martyrs’ Day (Pakistan)

La Retraite Aux Flambeaux (Night Watch; France)

Naadam, Day 3 (Mongolia)

Nathan Bedford Forrest Day (Tennessee)

National Delaware Day

National Paul Day

National Sam Day

Puzzle Day

Sandra Bland Day (Texas)

713 Day

Swiftie Day

Uniwaine Day (Elderly Men Day; Kiribati)

World Cup Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Beans 'n' Franks Day

Krispy Kreme Doughnut Day

National Beef Tallow Day

National French Fries Day (a.k.a. National French Fry Day)

National Nitrogen Ice Cream Day

2nd Thursday in July

Dinosaur Roundup Rodeo begins (Vernal, Utah) [2nd Thursday thru Saturday]

National Tree Day [2nd Thursday]

Oregon Trail Days begin (Geris, Nebraska) [2nd Thursday thru Sunday]

Oxegen Festival begins (Ireland) [2nd Thursday there Sunday]

Turkey Rama begins (McMinnville, Oregon) [2nd Thursday]

Independence Days

Statehood Day (Montenegro)

Usi (Declared; 2014) [unrecognized]

Wilkland (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Abd-al-Masih (Christian; Saint & Martyr)

Abel of Tacla Haimonot (Coptic Church)

Anacletus (Christian; Martyr)

Asarnha Bucha Day (Theravada Buddhism)

Bhanu Jayanti (Sikkim, India)

Blanche of Castile (Positivist; Saint)

Boun Khao Phansa begins (Buddhist Lent)

Clelia Barbieri (Christian; Saint)

Conrad Weiser (Episcopal Church (USA))

Eugenius of Carthage (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Kalimát (Words; Baha’i)

Geek Appreciation Day (Pastafarian)

Henry II, Holy Roman Emperor (a.k.a. Henry the Emperor; Christian; Saint)

Joel the Prophet (Christian; Saint)

Macarena Day (Church of the SubGenius)

Mordecai Ardon (Artology)

Mildrith of Thanet (Christian; Saint)

Mr. Screech (Muppetism)

Obon (a.k.a. Ulanbana, Festival of the Lanterns; Buddhist, Shinto)

Rosa Mystica (Christian; Saint)

Silas (Catholic Church; Saint)

Solstitium IX (Pagan)

Spot the Loony Day (Pastafarian)

Teresa of the Andes (Christian; Saint)

Turiaf (a.k.a. Turiave or Thivisiau; Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Dismal Day (Unlucky or Evil Day; Medieval Europe; 13 of 24)

Egyptian Day (Unlucky Day; Middle Ages Europe) [13 of 24]

Fatal Day (Pagan) [14 of 24]

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Breaking Away (Film; 1979)

Californy’er Bust (Disney Cartoon; 1945)

Country Mouse (WB MM Cartoon; 1935)

Dedicated To the One I Love, by The Shirelles (Song; 1959)

Don’t Be Cruel/Hound Dog, by Elvis Presley (Song; 1956)

Eighth Grade (Film; 2018)

Generation Kill (TV Series; 2008)

Ghost (Film; 1990)

A Hard Day’s Night, by The Beatles (US Album; 1964)

Hollywoodland sign (Dedicated; 1923)

Ice Age: Continental Drift (Animated Film; 2012)

Inception (Film; 2010)

The Last Starfighter (Film; 1984)

Legally Blonde (Film; 2001)

Microbe Hunters, by Paul de Kruif (Science Book; 1926)

The Muppets Take Manhattan (Film; 1984)

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge, by Ambrose Bierce (Short Story; 1890)

Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid, by Bob Dylan (Soundtrack Album; 1973)

Queen, by Queen (Album; 1973)

Skyscraper (Film; 2018)

The Spy Who Loved Me (James Bond Film; 1977) [#10]

Today’s Name Days

Anno, Heinrich, Kunigunde (Austria)

Emanuel, Ferdinand, Henrik (Croatia)

Markéta (Czech Republic)

Margrethe (Denmark)

Greta, Grete, Kreet, Kreeta, Mare, Maret, Mareta, Margareeta, Marge, Margit, Marit, Marita, Meeta, Reeda, Reet (Estonia)

Ilari, Joel, Lari (Finland)

Enzo, Eugène, Henri, Joël (France)

Heinrich, Kunigunde (Germany)

Iliofotos, Sarah (Greece)

Jenő (Hungary)

Enrico (Italy)

Alda, Margarita, Margrieta, Mariska, Pērle (Latvia)

Anakletas, Arvilas, Arvilė, Henrikas (Lithuania)

Melissa, Mia, Mildrid (Norway)

Ernest, Ernestyn, Eugeniusz, Irwin, Jakub, Justyna, Małgorzata, Radomiła (Poland)

Margita (Slovakia)

Enrique, Joel (Spain)

Joel, Judit (Sweden)

Ezra, Joel, Joelle, Mildred, Natalia, Natalie, Natasha, Nathalie, Nathan, Nathanael, Nathania, Nathaniel, Tasha (USA)

Henri, Nathalie, Nathaly (Universal)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 194 of 2024; 171 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 4 of week 28 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Tinne (Holly) [Day 4 of 28]

Chinese: Month 5 (Wu-Wu), Day 26 (Ren-Shen)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 24 Tammuz 5783

Islamic: 24 Dhu al-Hijjah 1444

J Cal: 14 Lux; Sevenday [14 of 30]

Julian: 30 June 2023

Moon: 16%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 26 Charlemagne (7th Month) [Blanche of Castile]

Runic Half Month: Feoh (Wealth) [Day 15 of 15]

Season: Summer (Day 23 of 94)

Zodiac: Cancer (Day 23 of 31)

[alvadee]

Ok, so here's what legendary 89-year-old Julie Newmar, who as Catwoman was a fellow Bat-villain of his in 1966 and made a movie with him in 1967, had to say about Victor. :) I did ask a few follow up questions she kind of skipped over and I combined two of her emails in this text (I don't think there will be more, otherwise I'll add it):

"Here are a few thoughts that I have on Victor Buono.

I’ll do my best to clear up some misunderstandings – we all knew we would not be paid on this film (Seduction of a Nerd), that’s important. Which also shows you how deeply and positively we felt about the project. I flew back on weekends to be in his film from location spots in Utah and the Grand Canyon while filming “McKenna’s Gold”. There was a deeper fulfillment of working on the Don Joslyn project than the multimillion-dollar film. This was Don Joslyn’s oeuvre, he was the writer, director, creator in all ways. He was very much in the vein of multi-talented filmmaker John Cassavetes, everyone wanted to work with him, pay or no pay.

There is a scene in “Mother”, the original title, with Victor as a cross-dresser (leaning against a lamp post), it is, he is heart-breaking. Both touching and embarrassing. There was no money to intensify or glamourize the background setting, only locations that Don Joslyn could get for free.

Victor was a complete pleasure to work with. In a sense, like me, he was all about the work, focused. I don’t have personal tid bits. In his roles he was a natural genius like Peter Sellers. The same was true of Jack Mullaney, my costar in The Living Doll. He must have been wonderful in all the parts he played as a member of the San Diego Shakespeare festival. Think of it, how incredible that Victor was playing Fallstaff at the age of 24! A flawless character actor, he could do any age. Us, we normal people could not have done that, meaning that his background, his family experience gave him untold knowledge to embody this great Shakespearean character.

His work is so refined (What Ever Happened to Baby Jane). Another part of his genius was that he could act without acting (let that sink in). He was a perfect partner to work with on screen, thankfully not having big star egotistic distractions. As King Tut on the Batman series, he was the top writer Stanley Ralph Ross’ favorite character to write for. Stanley wrote brilliant dialogue for me as Catwoman.

How wisely he conducted his life, all told; however short (which is determined before birth). He was ‘gay’, another protection in a way and irrelevant to us, to me anyway.

There is much to know and understand and love in this world."

[terrible-eel]

There are 800,000 incarcerated workers in the US, and they do roughly $10 billion worth of work a year, more than $2 billion of it for clients outside the prison system, according to a 2022 study by the American Civil Liberties Union and the University of Chicago. (The lawsuit estimates that the state of Alabama makes over $450 million off of prisoners’ labor.) “We wanted to bring an indictment against the entire system,” says one of the plaintiffs, Robert Earl Council, who goes by the moniker Kinetik Justice. That includes the companies they say profit from making inmates build auto parts, haul beer and ring up Big Macs, thanks to a system that ensures people deemed safe enough to work remain incarcerated and working on the cheap.

Prison labor touches almost every corner of American life. Prisoners farm on former slave plantations in Louisiana and upholster high school auditorium furniture in Massachusetts. They produce Russell Stover chocolates in Kansas and handle DMV customer service calls in New York. In 2014 lawyers for Kamala Harris, then California’s attorney general, argued against easing the state’s parole process because it was so dependent on captive firefighters. During the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic, prisoners washed hospital laundry, made masks and dug mass graves. These days, they’re also building more prisons.

Utah’s prison labor agency alone has provided goods or services to hundreds of private clients over the past decade, including the Boy Scouts of America, Cold Stone Creamery, the Nature Conservancy, Smithfield Foods and the Sundance Film Festival, according to documents obtained via a public records request. Earlier this year, an Associated Press investigation found prison labor in the supply chains of dozens of prominent companies including Cargill, Coca-Cola, Kroger, Target and Walmart.

(the whole article is important but i wanted people to see how widespread this is)

Corporate America Never Really Quit Forced Labor

Inmates do billions of dollars of work for companies and governments each year. A landmark lawsuit alleges many are being kept in prison because the business is just too good.

[youngboldregal]

Cynthia Erivo To Receive Visionary Award, James Mangold To Be Honored With Trailblazer Award At Sundance Film Festival Gala !

By Evan L. Jackson

It has been announced that Tony Award winning, Grammy Award winning, Golden Globes nominated ‘Wicked’ actress Cynthia Erivo & Academy Award nominated ‘A Complete Unkonwn’ filmmaker James Mangold are set to be honored at the 2025 Sundance Gala presented by Google TV! Cythina Erivo will be recipient of the Trailblazer Award and James Mangold will receive the Visionary Award. Both have examplified excellency in their careers and that is what Sundance Film Fesitval is all about. This year's gala will be held at the new Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah and will be held January 24th, it will be co-chaired by Board Chair Ebs Burnough and long time Board Trustee Pat Mitchell. The annual gala enables the nonprofit to raise funds to support independent artists all year through labs, grants, and public programming that allow artists to flourish from all over the world. 

As said earlier in this article Cynthia is receiving a lot of acclaim for her role as Elphaba in the ‘Wicked’ musical where she’s received a Critics Choice Award nomination, Golden Globe nomination and many more! Fantastic moments in her career are also standouts like her Academy Awards nominated performance as Harriet Tubman in the 2020 film”Harriet”. Such an incredible run with Wicked! ‘Wicked’ is one of the highest grossing musicals brought to the silver screen of all time, a testament to Cynthia’s performance.

 Mangold’s experience with Sundance began in 1994 where he participated in the Institute’s year-round artist programs, designed to support up and coming filmmakers. There he honed his craft and developed the screenplay for his 1997 film Copland at the Sundance Screenwriters and Directors Labs. His directorial debut, Heavy, he received the Special Jury Prize for Directing at the 1995 Sundance Film Festival. Most notably James Mangold directed the Johnny Cash biopic “Walk The Line” in 2006 which earned Reese Witherspoon her first Oscar, for Best Performance By An Actress in a leading role. Furthering his career most notably James Mangold directed the Johnny Cash biopic “Walk The Line” in 2006 which earned Reese Witherspoon her first Oscar, for Best Performance By An Actress in a leading role. He has went on to make such classics as the Western remake 2007's "3:10 To Yuma". Mangold stunned us again in 2018 with  “Logan”, the standalone, gritty and grounded Wolverine film for (then) 20th Century Fox starring Hugh Jackman. Mangold received an Academy Awards nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. James Mangold is receiving world wide acclaim for his latest film coming Christmas, the Bon Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” starring Timothee Chalamat in the title role as the musical icon.  

 The evening will also honor Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at Sundance Institute, for her long-running commitment to nurturing artists and cultivating independent film through the Sundance Labs, where emerging artist spark their ideas into a script that is a highly hands on experience with Sundance, where Michelle has been doing that for the past four decades. The annual Vanguard Awards Presented by Acura will be awarded during the evening to Sean Wang, writer and director of Dìdi (弟弟), and Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, co-directors of Sugarcane, who premiered their films at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The 2025 Sundance.

The 2025 Sundance Film Festival comes back to the snowy slopes of Park City, Utah and runs from January 23rd through February 2nd. Make sure to follow all coverage of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival as Young Bold And Regal is set to return as media! 🙌🏾🙌🏾 Be sure to also follow the hashtag #BlackAtSundance to keep up with all the films, creatives, actors and actresses that center Black led projects. This will mark our third time covering this incredible international film festival dedicated to independent films.  @sundanceorg

[cksmart-world]

December 17, 2024

THANK GOD FOR REAL HOUSEWIVES OF SALT LAKE

Wilson, did you ever wonder what would happen to The Salt Lake Tribune's “Culture” section were it not for “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City?” It's apparently a vast dessert here in Utah when looking for culture. Let's see, we've got the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, aka MoTabs. We've got Jell-O, dirty soda, the Sundance Film Festival and The Day's of '47 Parade — hardly enough to fill up the Culture pages. Thank heavens for Real Housewives. Just to catch you up, Wilson, The Trib has provided us with this timely update: Last week security guards had to remove Angie Katsanevas from Meredith Marks’ post-bat mitzvah party. (Bat Mitzvah in Utah? Who knew?) Later, Mary Crosby visits Angie and says her son is using Xanax and LSD. No Wilson, we are not making this up. Mary tells Angie she is going to Mexico with the rest of the cast. Bronwyn Newport shows up at the airport with bruises and bites on her calf and arm, from a dog that attacked her in the park... We're just clinging to our seats for what's next. Of course, we do have symphony, ballet, dance companies and theater troops, but who cares about that stuff when you can watch these “ladies” scratch each other's eyes out. We're just fortunate that Trib editors can find space in their crowded “Culture” pages to keep us up to date on what defines us in this age of... reality TV.

TRUMP WORLD — STRANGER THAN FICTION

Say you wanted to write a scary political thriller. The protagonist in your novel is the director of the FBI who rose to his position when his former boss was canned because he investigated Russian interference in the presidential election. As the book progresses, the president who appointed the new director is out of office and it turns out that he purloined a truckload of classified documents to his private residence illegally. The FBI director executes a search warrant at the former president's private residence and turns up classified documents here, there and everywhere in places they could be found by any old Tom, Dick or Harry. Despite overwhelming evidence of felonies a judge appointed by the former president kicks the case out of court. Then in a bizarre twist, four years later the former president gets reelected and is looking for payback. So your FBI director protagonist, reading the writing on the wall, resigns to be replaced by one of the president-elect's sycophants who would never ever investigate the president who breaks laws as a matter of course. You take the manuscript to your editor who reads it like he's got splinters under his fingernails. Are you kidding, he bellows, this is ridiculous! No one could possibly, remotely ever believe anything like this could ever happen. This is unbelievable and freakin' insane.

URBAN PLANNING IS SO YESTERDAY — BUILD BABY BUILD

Well Wilson, the future is here and that means that AI or someone/something else is doing the urban planning, replacing antiquated, outmoded human beings. Salt Lake City is in for a big makeover and it's going to be wonderful and beautiful and every other superlative City Council Chair Victoria Petro can come up with. “Big and different does not equate to bad, scary or wrong,” she said as the city approved a plan from the Larry H. Miller Co. The only rub is that other than a Major League Baseball stadium no one knows exactly what Miller has in mind for the $3.5 billion project on 93 acres straddling North Temple at 1500 West. Retail, entertainment, and housing? Buildings up to 400 feet tall? But don't worry it will be great. Sound familiar? Earlier this year Salt Lake City struck a deal with billionaire Ryan Smith to build a $3 billion sports/entertainment district around the Delta Center. We don't know what that will look like, either. Salt Lake City taxpayers are on the hook for $900 million for Smith's project. But don't worry, be happy. City officials didn't have to fast-track these vague pie-in-the-sky plans but if a deal wasn't inked with Smith and Miller by year's end, state lawmakers wouldn't make Salt Lake City residents cough up taxes to help the developers get richer. Confused? That's the American way. Feeling patriotic?

Post script — That's going to do it for another festive week here at Smart Bomb where we keep track of when Homo sapiens began interbreeding with Neanderthals. For real, scientists have pinpointed, more or less, when humans began getting it on with our stout, redheaded cousins. According to two different analyses, the two groups began intermingling about 50,500 years ago in northern Europe. And apparently there was no stigma attached to the intermarriages — if you can call it that. It's quite progressive, wouldn't you say, Wilson. Or maybe it's just the old, men will be men, thing. At any rate the phenomenon continued for about 7,000 years until Neanderthals disappeared. Wonders never cease when it comes to men and women. Do you remember that Paul Simon song, Wilson, called, “50 ways to leave your lover.” Well, Donald Trump Jr. has got a brand new way to leave your lover. It goes like this, you get sick and tired of your loud mouthed, inappropriately dressed fiance, Kimberly Guilfoyle, so you have your president-elect father appoint her to be ambassador to Greece. She's out of the picture and you're free to move on, in this case to glam socialite Bettina Anderson. According to The New York Post, Anderson, a model and influencer comes from the height of Palm Beach society. Nothing like presidential powers.

Well Wilson, maybe Kimberly Guilfoyle can find a rich Greece shipping magnate and when she finishes up her patriotic duty she could become one of the Real Housewives of Athens. Poor Kimberly, she won't be missed. So Wilson, maybe you and the guys in the band can can help out those would-be Don Juniors whose father can't help them ditch their lover:

"The problem is all inside your head" She said to me "The answer is easy if you Take it logically I'd like to help you in your struggle To be free There must be fifty ways To leave your lover" You just slip out the back, Jack Make a new plan, Stan You don't need to be coy, Roy Just get yourself free Hop on the bus, Gus You don't need to discuss much Just drop off the key, Lee And get yourself free She said, "It grieves me so To see you in such pain I wish there was something I could do To make you smile again" I said, "I appreciate that And would you please explain About the fifty ways?" You just slip out the back, Jack Make a new plan, Stan You don't need to be coy, Roy Just get yourself free Hop on the bus, Gus You don't need to discuss much Just drop off the key, Lee And get yourself free

(50 Ways to Leave Your Lover — Paul Simon)

[fdedprophets]

INTRODUCING ABIGAIL LAHEY: i think i’m burning alive, but nobody sees the fire.

FULL NAME            abigail grace lahey.

BIRTHDAY              november 21st ( 28 ) . 

BIRTHPLACE          salt lake city, utah.

GENDER                 cis female.

OCCUPATION     film producer.

BUILD                     athletic.

HAIR COLOR         blonde (currently).

EYE COLOR           blue.

HEIGHT                  5’9

PARENTS              nicholas lahey ( father ) + cassandra lahey nee miller ( mother )

SIBLINGS        open younger siblings ( aged 25 - 27 )

PETS                    stellar ( black cat ) .

CHARACTER PARALLELS: meredith grey (greys anatomy), brooke davis (one tree hill), rebekah mikaelson (the vampire diaries), charlotte york (sex and the city), fiona gallagher (shameless)

BIOGRAPHY

trigger warnings: abandonment, alcoholism, foster care

Abigail Lahey was born on a gray October morning in Salt Lake City, Utah, into a world of chaos and instability. Her father, a struggling musician with big dreams but a penchant for self-destruction, disappeared when she was only six. Her mother, burdened with raising three children on her own, turned to alcohol to dull the pain. By the time Abigail was ten, she had become the de facto caregiver to her two younger siblings, cooking meals and doing homework by candlelight when the power was cut off.  

Despite her harsh upbringing, Abigail found solace in storytelling. Her escape was the secondhand camcorder her uncle gave her on her 12th birthday, a gift she cherished like a lifeline. She recorded everything—her siblings playing in the yard, the cracks in the walls of their dilapidated house, and the fleeting moments of peace in a tumultuous household. She dreamed of becoming a filmmaker, crafting stories that could transcend the pain she knew too well.  

Abigail's teenage years were marked by further turmoil. Her mother’s addiction worsened, and her siblings were taken into foster care when Abigail was 15. She stayed behind, determined to finish high school while working part-time jobs to support herself. The loneliness was unbearable, but Abigail used her despair to fuel her creativity. At 17, she entered a student film competition and won first place with a haunting short film that depicted a fractured family struggling to stay afloat. It was her first taste of recognition, and it ignited a fire within her.  

Abigail scraped together enough scholarships and odd jobs to attend the University of Utah, where she studied film production. Her professors recognized her talent, but they also saw the weariness in her eyes—the kind that comes from carrying too much too young. While her peers partied on weekends, Abigail spent her nights editing films and her days working as a waitress.  

At 23, with a degree in hand and a portfolio of award-winning short films, Abigail made the bold decision to move to New York City. She arrived with a suitcase, a handful of savings, and the weight of her past. The city was everything she had dreamed of and more—vibrant, chaotic, and bursting with opportunity—but it was also merciless. Abigail worked tirelessly, taking on assistant jobs for productions that barely paid rent.  

Her big break came two years later when she produced Through the Cracks, a raw, semi-autobiographical indie film that explored the resilience of siblings surviving a broken home. The film was lauded at festivals, and Abigail was hailed as a fresh voice in independent cinema. But the success was bittersweet; it forced her to confront the very wounds she had spent years trying to escape.  

Now 28, Abigail lives in a modest apartment in Williamsburg, balancing her burgeoning career with the ghosts of her past. She continues to create, pouring her pain and perseverance into her work. Her films are celebrated for their emotional honesty, but those close to her know how much they cost her.  

[chonacas]

Michelle Satter to Be Honored at 2025 Sundance Film Festival Gala Celebrating Sundance Institute Presented by Google TV

November 22, 2024, Park City, UT — The nonprofit Sundance Institute today announced details for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival’s gala fundraiser, Celebrating Sundance Institute Presented by Google TV, which will take place on Friday, January 24, 2025 at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Utah. The event will be an evening in celebration of Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at Sundance Institute, for her longstanding commitment to nurturing artists and cultivating independent film through the Sundance Labs, where visionary artists convene to develop groundbreaking projects through an in-depth creative process, for the past four decades. The annual Vanguard Awards Presented by Acura will be awarded during the evening to Sean Wang, writer and director of Dìdi (弟弟), and Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie, co-directors of Sugarcane, who premiered their films at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

The annual gala enables the nonprofit to raise funds to support independent artists year-round through labs, grants, and public programming that nurture artists from all over the world. The 2025 event is made possible with the generous support of Google TV. The Festival will take place from January 23–February 2, 2025, in person in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah, with a selection of titles available online from January 30–February 2, 2025 for audiences across the country to discover bold independent storytelling.

Starting in 1981, Michelle Satter worked alongside Robert Redford who founded the Sundance Institute. Together with a committed team of leaders and collaborators, they developed impactful ways of mentoring emerging independent storytellers in a creative, rigorous, and safe space which launched with the annual June Filmmakers Lab. Satter has acted as an influential mentor to generations of award-winning filmmakers, including Quentin Tarantino, Chloé Zhao, Dee Rees, John Cameron Mitchell, Paul Thomas Anderson, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Ryan Coogler, Miranda July, Kimberly Peirce, Darren Aronofsky, Sterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi, and many more. Over the years, Satter has built the Episodic Program, Producers Program, the Institute’s global initiatives and oversees the Indigenous, Catalyst, and Documentary Film Programs. She also founded Sundance Collab — a global digital platform for storytelling, learning, and community, open to creators everywhere. Over the years, Satter’s contributions to film and advocacy have been recognized with numerous awards including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, an Oscar presented at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science’s 2024 Governors Awards, the Women in Film Business Leadership Award, and the ACLU Bill of Rights Award.

“For over four decades Michelle has been devoted to truly championing independent storytellers,” said Amanda Kelso, Acting CEO of Sundance Institute. “She has encouraged artists to own their voice, learn their craft, become fierce leaders, and develop their resilience in our changing ecosystem. Her life-long commitment to supporting artists, especially in underrepresented communities, has helped produce some of the most bold and distinctive films that have engaged audiences globally and sustained their visionary work throughout their career. In addition this year, we are thrilled to recognize Sean Wang, Julian Brave NoiseCat, and Emily Kassie — inspiring filmmakers that represent the next generation of independent storytelling, who have each been supported by the Institute. We look forward to our guests joining us at the Celebrating Sundance Institute gala, allowing us to continue our nonprofit efforts of launching, transforming, and sustaining the work of artists and their immeasurable impact on the world.”

For more information about tables and tickets, please visit sundance.org/gala or contact benefitevent@sundance.org

Stay connected with me at: https://www.chonacas.com/links/

  Check out this episode streaming now in over 100 countries

[holidaymoviereviews]

Haul Out the Holly (2022)

Plot summary: After an awful breakup with a mediocre white man, Emily arrives home hoping to visit her parents, only to find that they are going on a trip of their own. Clearly her parents have un -decorated their house because they’re monsters, and we already hate them, 16 minutes in. While Emily stays at her parents’ house for the holidays, their HOA is determined to get Emily involved in the neighborhood Christmas festivities. Because they’re all insane.

Starring: HHMU favorite Lacey Chabert as Emily Melrose, Peter “Dr. Taub” Jacobson as her dad, Albert, Carrie Morgan as Gail, her mom, Wes Brown as childhood friend Jared “President of the HOA” Farnsworth, and Jake Stormoen as absolutely terrible ex-boyfriend Dave/Dan/Doug. And Stephen Toblowsky as Ned (“Ryerson! Needle-nose Ned? Ned the Head? C’mon, buddy! Case Western High? Ned Ryerson! I did the whistling belly-button trick at the high school talent show? Bing!”), the absolutely terrifying, ice sculpture-carving neighbor.

Setting: Evergreen Lane, which is, according to the license plates, in Utah. (Filmed in Salt Lake City.)

Ridiculous third act conflict: All the conflict happens at the beginning. The conflict is that there’s no conflict. She’s fully brainwashed by the middle of the movie. There are clearly psychotropics in the water supply.

Steaminess (out of 5 ☕️): Honestly, the whole thing is a horror movie.

Keep an eye out for: How terrified Nicole’s mother (Jess) looks when she says about her daughter “She’s always listening.”

Overall holiday joy: These people need to be stopped.

Tropes

Meet-cute ✔️

Red pickup truck ❌

Plot moppet ✔️✔️

Big city girl returns to her hometown ✔️

Handsome stranger with a tragic backstory ❌

Dramatic ex encounter ❌ (Emily’s terrible ex somehow…kinda ends up saving the day?)

Heroine make-under ❌

Dead parent(s) ❌

Sibling conflict ❌ (No siblings at all. I don’t know if it would have been better or worse if Emily had someone to commiserate with.)

S/he hates the holidays ✔️ (To be fair, her parents made Christmas awful for her, and continue to do so.)

Quotes

Jenny: It’s HHMU “Inception.” A Hallmark movie within a Hallmark movie!

Jenny (yelling at the screen): DON’T CAVE TO THE FASCISTS, GIRL!

Jenny: Do they have, like, money on her getting with this guy?!?

Jeff: What if this is Ned’s ‘Groundhogs Day’? While we’re seeing Bill Murray’s perspective, this is what Ned is dealing with?

Jenny: This is a horror movie. This neighborhood is a cult. Why didn’t anyone tell us that this is a horror movie?

[atri28]

BEST WINTER VACATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES: EMBRACE THE SEASONAL MAGIC

Best Winter Destination

While the US winter is not just snow and cold, it's also a season of coziness in front of fireplace fireplaces or sunny voyages to enjoy some exotic culture. Whether you are a frequent skier, just love snow, or looking for somewhere warm to relax in the heart of winter then there is definitely a place out that waiting with your name on it. Top Winter Travel Destinations In The U.S.

1. Aspen, Colorado

Broadway promises one of the best-known destinations: Aspen, a world-renown skiing destination with boasting stunning mountains and decadent amenities. This picturesque town is located in the Rocky Mountains and gives access to four ski areas, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands Buttermilk, and Snowmass. SKIING NEXT TO ASPENNA TRUE DESTINATION RESORT WITH AN ELEVATED APERITIF SKI VIBE, THERE IS EXCELLENT DINING SHOPPING AND SPA OFFERINGS GALORE IN TOWNBUT BEYOND THE SLOPES IF YOURE ABLE TO TEAR YOURSELF AWAY FROM HEADACHE FINE WUSES AGAIN LUXURY WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU WHEREVER WURRENTLY CONDUCT. Don't miss the opportunity to make it out into this iconic mountain town for some fresh snow and all that winter in Nederland holds!

2. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Home to the iconic Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a ski and snowboard destination in winter for outdoor enthusiasts or those simply looking for that perfect après-retreat. This part of the state is famous for having some exceptional ski and board at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. While skiing is the main attraction, guests can also go snowshoeing, snowmobiling and wildlife watching in Grand Teton National Park just minutes away. Jackson is a great winter escape because the town offers western culture, unique boutique shopping and lots of cozy lodges.

3. Lake Tahoe, California/ Nevada

Lake Tahoe is one of the most visited winter destinations in USA with its beautiful alpine landscape and varied recreation opportunities. Home to a handful of ski resorts like Heavenly Mountain Resort and Squaw Valley, the area caters to all types of riders across its myriad runs. Lake Tahoe is known for more than skiing,, you can also enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating and sledding too. Nearby towns like South Lake Tahoe and Truckee offer dining options for all tastes, as well had live music entertainment to accommodate your winter experience.

4. Park City, Utah

Winter destination Park City Photo courtesy Trip.com Located in a charming mountain-town atmosphere, visitors can experience some of the best skiing America has to offer. I got to test out these models on the ground (or trail) during a three-day ski trip home at Park City Mountain Resort, featuring over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain that is also the largest in United States. That said, Park City draws film buffs as well to the renowned Sundance Film Festival catering them and also attracting celebrities from around the globe. The town itself is because of its Main Street, which has the gamut from dining to shopping to cultural experiences.

5. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is all about the charm of a snow village in small-town New England, and it provides upper-tier mountain accommodations. It is famous for the best skiing and snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort, in addition to plenty of opportunities as cross-country skiers or those who prefer to strap on a pair of traditional wooden snowshoes. Stowe village is also very cute, with old inns and B&Bs, cozy cafes an sweet little boutique shops. The nearby Green Mountains make a beautiful winter playground with scenic vistas too.

6. Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is actually one of the top winter destinations in (not just Colorado, but) the world for a reason: Premier skiing plus ultra luxury decor and an air quality that can't be beat.... Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, this romantic town with its beautiful environment provides 4 places for skiing: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk or Snowmass. Ers and snowboarders will enjoy world-class skiing, along with exceptional après-ski dining opportunities for upscale food experiences in high-end restaurants, shopping options, and free-downtime facials at the spa. Take advantage of all the spectacular snowfall and winter wonderland activities in this historically known mountain town just before it disappears.

7. Sun Valley, Idaho

A well-kept secret among ski enthusiasts, Sun Valley, combines breathtaking skiing with small-town character for a world-class winter travel experience. The region also boasts some truly exceptional skiing and snowboarding at Sun Valley Resort in addition to cross-country skiing on well-groomed trails or ice skating with the family. Over in Ketchum, you'll find a cozy environment and an array of dining options as well as cultural experiences such as art galleries and local theaters. Sun ValleyWith its stunning views and laid back attitude, Sun Valley is the ideal spot for a winter getaway.

8. New Orleans, Louisiana

Despite the easy breezes of New Orleans, it still serves a cold and festive holiday getaway. With a rich culture, historic buildings, and cuisine that is known worldwide, New Orleans in winter offers something uniquely different. Head there in the holiday season for elaborate decorations and events, or go during early Mardi Gras festivities that start each January. New Orleans offers an exciting warm, and lively food culture, rich history, music scene, and winter change of pace.

9. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Winter in Santa Fe is a convergence of art, history, and you guessed it—outdoor excitement. The area also features ski and snowboard possibilities at Ski Santa Fe just down the road, as well as options for wintertime hiking and snowshoeing. You have a variety of options for shopping in the Spanish market on Santa Fe Plaza, exploring the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and Organic Farmers Market at Los Alamos, or even visiting one of Taos's beautiful cultural centers. Indulge in the city's diverse gastronomic delights and be part of its culture through a selection of festivals and events.

10. Orlando, Florida

Visitors looking for a warm winter holiday can head to Orlando, Florida where famil-favorite activities are aplenty. During this lull in summer tourism, you can hit some of the best theme parks around to enjoy rides and entertainment without long lines. Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Resort, anyone? That the Winters can be mild, and attractions are busy year round with dining options, shopping experiences as well cultural venues is our idea at an escape that has a mix of fun & relaxation.

Conclusion

Winter travel in the U.S. can mean anything from skiing and snowboarding to sunbathing on a warm beach. From skiing, ice fishing, or simply regrouping in a cozy village, I have gathered the top winter destinations that are sure to offer something for everyone. Get started on planning your winter escape and fall in love with a season.

Check out [b0arding.com] for more wanderlust and travel hacks, and get started on where to go for your winter spirit wander!

[audaciousamadeus]

Self-pity, the post

Ladies and gents, what a week.

It's been 6 months. 6 months since I found out the method I was using to answer the first question of my PhD project wasn't well-established and the person I got it from in the lab was also trying it out. 6 months of troubleshooting. After promising results indicating that I managed to fix the protocol, I processed a huge amount of samples, not only for my project but for many collaborators. 

Now the data was finally here (as of the previous week), and I had my lab meeting presentation the week after the arrival of the new and shiny data. The presentation was one day after my 30th birthday. Exciting and frightening times. 

On the week I got my data, I also got a proposal from a colleague to catsit and housesit while her and her boyfriend were away on a festival for 4 days. "You should see it as a little getaway" she said. Thinking about how much work I needed to get done and how little that would happen if I stayed home and got distracted by my flatmate, I accepted the offer. Went to her place on Tuesday for dinner, picking up the keys and meeting the lovely cat who looked like the pathetic pleading emoji. Their garden looked perfect for my data analysis getaway, and I was looking forward for the weekend.

Very little analysis was done that weekend (pre-processing takes time) and instead I bought some cheap vintage clothes from a store that was closing in Camden, went to a local bakery in Nunhead and walked in the Nunhead cemitery with my newly bought tradwife cosplay of a dress. Maybe some people must've thought I was an apparition. When waiting for my data to get ready and choosing which experiments I should prioritise for my presentation I sang to the cat, who loved it. This weekend I was completely obsessed with Real and Rain, both songs by Unprocessed, and by Alibi from Sevdaliza, Pabllo Vittar and Yseult so that's the repertoire that the cat got to listen to.

On Sunday I also walked to the lab to feed some cells and got my ass literally kicked by a homeless man in Peckham. This was probably an omen, if not a visual metaphor of this week kicking my ass. Also, I couldn't find my bike lock keys. Just grand really.

While looking at the initial quality control of my data I was faced with a very depressive image. The degree in which the problem in the protocol was indeed solved varied to insane degrees depending on the sample. And the useful percentage of the data was usually too low. Considering that I was going to watch a film the next day with an amazing bioinformatician from my lab, I decided to ask in person whether she could meet me to discuss my data for the lab meeting.

Usually, I would say no to social outings so close to my presentation, but I really look up to her and feel like we have a bond. Due to a part of the lab having a different location we barely interact. A few more people that I had similar feelings towards were going to join as well. I felt like I couldn't decline the opportunity to meet them and that I would deal with my presentation stress and tiredness later. 

We watched the best worst film: Troll 2. The one in which there is no Troll 1, no trolls (there are goblins though), and one of the actors was some guy that was an outpatient from the University of Utah psych ward. It was gloriously trashy. The Bioinformatics Goddess told me to come over to their part of the lab so we could discuss things the next day.

Getting to the fancy part of our lab the next day, I first saw Mr Genius, who was also there in the Troll 2 watch party. Something about him tells me that he can handle my sense of humour and that we're quite similar, but I'm always reminded that this is not fully the case. The mismatch isn't big, but it always gives me a weird sense of unease and anxiety amidst the joy I get when talking to him. Him being intellectually intimidating doesn't particularly help, but still, I quite like our interactions. After some light banter about the film, I told him that soon I was going to talk to the Bioinformatic Goddess about my data and he decided to join.

Going through my slides and data their silence intensified until both cut that with indignation at our boss. They were both furious at our boss for the lack of adequate supervision that I have received so far, and the amount of hard work that I put for almost no reward. It takes me a lot of mental effort to show them my work and have discussions, as I feel slightly inhibited towards them due to me seeing both as inspirational people, but I think I managed to calm myself down a bit and to have a proper discussion with them. My fears were confirmed. the way that the data looked, I would only be able to detect biological phenomena that were quite pronounced. And perhaps this could be the case with one of the collaborator's projects, but it was most definitely not mine. It felt reassuring to see that they both felt that I was competent actually and that they both had my back. "You are truly excellent, and this is a waste of hard work and intelligence, I'm sorry but this just makes me so angry", Mr Genius said. It feels a bit delirious to write this down, even. We spoke a bit about what analysis I could do with what I currently have in order present something on Thursday, and they were both very helpful.

After work I went home to make sure I had some analysis pipelines running for the pre-processing of a few datasets before heading off to Pizza Tuesday (with the people from the Bosnian wedding). I took an apple strudel that I baked that morning as a little birthday thing. We spoke briefly about the dancing blog guy, and they told me something vague about reasons for him ditching me. I couldn't really put their bits of information together, but something about him "not being that social" and them thinking that I "deserved better" (as if anyone deserves anything. As if there should be the need to diminish the person who is not your friend, the person said friend is attracted to and decided to like based on their own assessment, just because this friend got hurt) and that in reality he most likely just couldn't "handle it". Whatever "it" means. The prospect of commitment? My feelings? His feelings? I decided to not ask any further, but somehow hearing that from them intensified my heartache. I almost preferred to think of my previous hypothesis that he just didn't care about me and thought I was physically unattractive. Hope I don't care about people ever again, 4/10 experience.

I wanted to spend the night working on my presentation and analysing data, but the wise Bosnian Pizza Tuesday host told me it would be better to sleep and to work on it in the morning. Feeling emotionally exhausted, I don't think there was anything else that I realistically could do.

At last, it was my birthday, and I decided to go early to the bouldering gym as a treat. That felt great and I even found my bike lock keys there! I felt like the universe was finally smiling at me. My Persian ex sent me happy birthday wishes, we spoke a bit about my lab struggles, and he said "Good luck with all of that. Never forget: you came a long way and you have done great things. You are also gonna be even better and go higher!". I cried a bit in the middle of the gym and was very thankful that it was empty. His support has always been invaluable, and I will forever be grateful and resent the fact that I am not attracted to him. Went back home and got some presents from my flatmate's parents (for tolerating their deranged ape son. Just kidding). Went to work and found some more goodies on my desk from colleagues.

People kept asking me for celebrations and what I would like to do on my birthday. I decided to go out for drinks in a cute pub close to the lab as a celebration after my presentation. I felt like I didn't have energy to organise anything else and that I would need the drinks. I'm definitely not on the path to become a raging alcoholic. 

Also, early March I had bought one ticket to watch the Spirited Away theatre play on my birthday, with the original Japanese cast. I feel a bit guilty that I did not invite anyone to come with me, but I truly wanted to have this experience alone and treat myself. Back then however I did not know I was going to have a presentation the next day. And truly, it was magical! And it was all in Japanese! When it was over I returned home and spent most of the night finishing my presentation.

I concluded that I shouldn't lose all my sleep over this and that if there was any interesting bit of data to show, there was not enough time to properly prepare slides in a way that I could communicate something meaningful to the lab. It would just be a show-off of how much I had done and that only thing that would accomplish is for me to feel like I am not useless. I refuse to do such meaningless self-soothing behaviour ever again. It was painful, but I decided to make a presentation based on how the method that I was using was indeed not usable, what are the exact issues, ideas of how to proceed, some optimisations on other methods. The main focus was to inform other lab members and my boss if they wanted to either use the method or suggest it to collaborators, and to gather feedback and ideas of what I could possibly do. Personally, the whole thing was painful to me and gave me a feeling of failure and not being smart enough to know when to quit optimising and switch to something else. But I received reassurance from peers that things are ok and that's how a PhD goes.

I am still, however, feeling that sort of numb sadness. Indeed, good that I had drinks afterwards. Good job, past me.

For the celebratory drinks there were some people from my lab, my flatmate, two London besties, and a guy adjacent to my Brazilian friend group who moved to London before I hanged out with these people. We talk quite often on Telegram but I think that my texting style became too European to keep up with Brazilian texting (but it's still too Brazilian and intense for the European standards). I got lovely cards, a few gifts and an AMAZING vegan (so that my Witchy Muse could eat) chocolate and raspberry cake from Konditorei, organised by my tasteful and thoughtful flatmate. 

Celebrations didn't stop there. Two people joined me for climbing on the next day, and on Saturday my flatmate gave me the surprise present of watching episode 6 of Star Wars in the cinema, a perfect ending for our Star Wars craze we had for the past weeks watching every main film in the franchise. I'm incredibly thankful for all the lovely people that consider themselves my friends. Highschool me would never once have thought that one day people would care as much. Considering that she never had that, I didn't have a lot of practice with saying no and finding a balance. It's especially hard considering that it's not easy for me to immediately access my emotional feedback on things, so if something is too much it usually hits me consciously way later than for most people. It was getting obvious though (at least for me) that my interactions were getting stunted and unnatural the entire week. That was not very 365 party girl of me. 

I'm just...

Tired. 

Exhausted really. 

I want nothing more than to stay in bed, watching nonsense on YouTube, or some series, or to casually read a fiction book, and to sleep for 9 hours every night for 1 month. Surrounded by pillows, preferably with cuddles every so often. And that would be the only contact with people that I would want in that ideal one month.

But that fantasy is far from happening in the foreseeable future. You see, I started writing this from a Starbucks at the London Gatwick airport with a large cappuccino. I had a flight to Geneva at 7:45am and woke up at 3:30am to come to the airport and be on time. With a pack of discounted babybels in my pocket so that they wouldn't go bad in the fridge.

Said flight was overbooked. I will now fly at 4:55pm. It was 8:36am as I started writing this. I stayed in that Starbucks for almost 6 hours writing this and reading a paper to make slides for a summer course in the Swiss Alps. The flight was also 2 hours late and now my earphone batteries ran out. I'm finishing writing this on the plane to Geneva. Woe is me.

When Mannequin Pussy said, "Everyone says to me 'Missy, you're so strong' but what if I don't wanna beeeeeeeeee" I really felt that.

This is just the beginning of frenetic two weeks. And It's me and my pocketful of babybels against the world.

Exhausted salutations,

Drained Amadeus

PS: The timeline is probably very confusing so I'll simplify it here:

Week of the 12th of August: At some point in the middle of the week, my data arrived

15th to 18th of August: Catsitting in Nunhead

21st of August: My birthday

22nd of August: Lab meeting presentation

[briamichellewrites]

56

Mike and Dave surprised everyone by getting engaged. It felt like the right time. Their families were excited about their marriage! During a meeting with Muto and Donna, they revealed they were going to have a small wedding. For the past year, Dave’s mother had been fighting breast cancer. She was not doing well. The disease was progressing rapidly throughout her body. At most, she had another year left. It was because of this, they wanted to get married as soon as possible.

They gave the boys their blessing to get married. Dave would be a wonderful son-in-law and partner to Mike. Mike proposed to him before they left to go on tour. He accepted his proposal right away! They shared the news with everyone while in the air. They congratulated them! Chester already knew. He tried as hard as he could to keep it a secret.

He was antsy because he wanted to share the news, but he couldn’t! It wasn’t his news to share. When Mike spilled the beans, he felt a great relief. Rob asked if they were going to continue living with Bria, or if they would move out. They were not sure about that. They didn’t think it mattered to her what they decided. Speaking of, how was she doing? She was doing so well! Her relationship with Brad was healthy and as such, they didn’t have to worry about her running away again.

She had episodes of depression. That was part of her bipolar disorder. However, they weren’t as severe as they were before. They would have her as part of their wedding party. She could wear a tuxedo if she wanted to. They laughed. Unlike her marriage to Jason, they would never get divorced. No matter what. Mike’s parents credited him for helping him remain sober.

“You have to learn to love yourself before you can love me.”

Dave remembered how far they had come. He had to fight for him, while he struggled with alcoholism and depression. The man he loved was destroying himself with men and alcohol. He had to step back because he didn’t want to continue getting hurt. When he became sober, he started seeing the man he loved coming back out. For the first year, he was scared of losing him to a relapse.

Promoting the movie was hard work. That was why Bria was grateful to have Brad there with her. The cast had press conferences, photo shoots, interviews, and film premieres. It was a lot of early mornings and late nights. She collapsed into bed every night because she was so tired. At the same time, she was so happy. This was what she wanted to do. Every time they showed it to the media, they got good reviews. It was as if everything she did was praised.

Brad warned her it wouldn’t be like that forever. Critics could be fickle about what they like. They would love her one day and then, hate her the next. All she could do was give her best performance. He had movies where his performance was criticised, even though he gave it his all. The comments hurt sometimes and they made him frustrated. It was as if they didn’t understand what he was trying to do.

He couldn’t let the negativity ruin his career. She took that advice to heart.

Park City, Utah. The weather was colder than she was used to. She had to run to Saks to get a warm jacket and snow boots before leaving California. Anthony was used to the cold since he was from Joliet, a city outside of Chicago. He jokingly asked her if she would ever move to the Midwest.

“I would be like the retired community, who go to Florida during the winter to get away from the cold. I prefer Southern California.”

“You can take the girl out of California, but you can’t take the California out of the girl.”

“Exactly. You poor Midwesterners.”

He laughed. She did have fun playing in the snow. It made her feel like a child again. She threw a snowball at Brad. Barry, Heath, Daveigh, Matt and Jennifer joined them in their snowball fight. She tripped and fell back into a snow bank, getting her pants wet. Oh, well. She would change when they got back to her hotel suite. The festival was full of different celebrities promoting their films. They got to meet them during the various parties and events. The cast also hung out together at their hotel.

Brad scheduled everything for them. He was enjoying watching Bria experience everything for the first time. She was excited about the little things. It brought out another part of her personality that he loved. It taught him to appreciate the little moments. Her almost nonstop energy and enthusiasm inspired the cast to keep going. She thought about how excited her parents would be for her.

Bria would have asked Brad to hire Jasper as one of the crew. He would have had fun learning more about how movies were made, along with watching his daughter. Both he and Christina would have told their friends about the movie. They would have encouraged them to go see it, like the proud parents they were. Brad and Jasper would have gotten along well. He would have gotten a kick out of Jasper’s energy and enthusiasm. They were there in spirit. That’s what she had to believe.

“Meow!”

Princess looked up at Dave. She was trying to use her cat charm to get more treats from him. It was almost working. Mike told him that he was spoiling her. He laughed and crouched down to pet her. No, she would have to wait until dinner for more food. It was only two in the afternoon and she had just had lunch. She wasn’t going to starve to death before five.

Sensing she wasn’t going to get her way, she fell to the floor and meowed in protest. They had to laugh at her tantrum. Chester came in and asked what happened. Dave explained the situation in amusement. They laughed before leaving her to her tantrum. She continued meowing loudly, but they ignored her. Micha looked at his sister making a damn fool of herself before walking away. After five minutes, she got up because they were not going to give in to her demands.

The house was quiet, as it was just the three of them. The band would be coming over the following morning to work on their album. Mike spoke to Jason over the phone. The previous evening, he went out with some of his workmates. He got drunk at the bar and had to be helped back to his flat. His boss found out about it. He promised it wouldn’t happen again.

Mike was not happy about his slip-up. That was an understatement. It didn’t matter if he didn’t intend for it to happen. Not to him. Chester thought he was justified in his anger.

“But?”

“Nothing. I would usually tell you not to be too hard on him. Coddling and enabling won’t help him. Be angry or whatever you need to feel.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that”, he replied sincerely.

“You’re welcome.”

Princess went into the cat room sulking. How could the humans be so cruel? Dave came in and she growled at him. He apologised to her for not giving her treats. She growled again because she was angry. He scratched her head and told her she was still his favourite girl. She blinked at him. Was he forgiven? Yes, but she still needed time to work through her anger. He thanked her.

@zoeykaytesmom @feelingsofaithless @alina-dixon

[themovieblogonline]

Chicago Rolls Out Red Carpet for Sundance X Chicago 2024

o Logan Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Chicago co-hosted the first event with Sundance to be held in a city other than Park City, Utah. Sundance X Chicago began with the screening of the Sundance documentary “Luther: Never Too Much” at the Logan Center for the Arts. No less a celebrity than the Mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, was present. Also in attendance was Eugene Hernandez, the Director of the Sundance Film Festival since 2022, and the Director of “Luther: Never Too Much,” Dawn Porter. The City of Chicago, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and Choose Chicago, in partnership with the nonprofit Sundance Institute kicked off the highly anticipated Sundance Institute X Chicago 2024 - the first of its kind event in the United States -  with a welcome reception with City officials, Sundance creatives, and the greater Chicago film community. SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL The landmark three-day event, June 28 - 30, showcases Midwest premiere screenings of four films drawn from the Sundance Film Festival’s lineup in January, along with a robust series of panel discussions, master classes, and community programming. Sundance, originally the brainchild of Robert Redford, began in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1978. In 1981, the festival moved to Park City, Utah, and changed the dates from September to January.  In 2020, the year the pandemic struck,  the estimated value of Sundance to Utah was said to be $167 million. Due to the pandemic in 2021, the 44th festival went virtual. The festival returned to in-person showings in 2023. I reviewed 8 films streamed to me from Sundance in 2024. Currently, Sundance is considering moving to another city in 2027. Cities that have expressed interest in hosting Sundance include Boulder, Atlanta, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago, Buffalo, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. "Luther: Never Too Much" Documentary "Luther: Never Too Much"  is a documentary that chronicles Luther Vandross's impressive career and life, using clips from his performances and collaborations with greats like David Bowie and Bette Midler to interviews done with Luther, himself, along with those who knew and worked with him. Among those who praise the talent of Luther Vandross in the documentary are Jamie Foxx (an executive producer of the film), Dionne Warwick, Oprah, John Tesh, Roberta Flack, Richard Marx, and Mariah Carey. The treatment resembles the documentaries devoted to Little Richard, Billy Ocean, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, and others that have recently become available.   Read the full article

[dlinton11]

Sundance Film Festival: THE Film Festival of The World 

Sundance Film Festival: THE Film Festival of The World 

Sundance Film Festival: Introduction To the World of Independent Cinema 

The Sundance Film Festival, held in Park City, Utah, is all about the showing of astounding films and revolutionary ideas. The festival was started by actor Robert Redford in 1978, and it's become super popular for the showing of films that are different from the usual ones that would be seen in big theaters. Originally called the Utah/US Film Festival, it acquired its new name in 1985 from a famous movie Redford was in. Today, Sundance isn't just any festival, it's a huge deal within the film industry. People from all over the world, including filmmakers and fans, come to check out the newest and awe-inspiring independent films. The Sundance Film Festival is compared online to a gigantic party just for movie connoisseurs. So why should we care about Sundance and what happens there? Well, it's not just about watching new films that are being created, it's also about celebrating different stories and perspectives. Sundance gives a voice to filmmakers who might not get heard otherwise, showing us, the viewers, new ways to tell their own stories and think about the world. To put it briefly, the Sundance Film Festival is a huge deal because it's all about showing incredible films, and new ideas, and celebrating diversity in filmmaking. The Sundance Film Festival not only brings together filmmakers, and fans, but anyone who loves fantastic stories being told. 

Sundance Film Festival: Looking At the Beginning  

The Sundance Film Festival, in Park City, Utah, has become a foundation for the film industry, showcasing the best in independent cinema. Learning about how the Sundance Film Festival started and changed helps us see how it went from a small local event to a huge deal worldwide. Founded in 1978 by acclaimed actor Robert Redford, the festival initially began as the Utah/US Film Festival, aiming to celebrate and promote independent filmmaking. Over time, it went through big changes, both in what it was called and how big it got, until it became the well-known Sundance Film Festival. Robert Redford's vision for the festival originated from his passion for supporting independent filmmakers and providing them with a platform to showcase their work. His commitment to encouraging creativity and including diverse perspectives set the groundwork for what would grow into one of the biggest and most influential film festivals globally. In 1985 though, the festival underwent a significant rebranding, adopting the name "Sundance" after Redford's character in the iconic film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." This switch wasn't just about honoring Redford, it also began a fresh start for the festival. The festival kept growing and making a bigger impact on the film industry. Since its beginning, the Sundance Film Festival has experienced remarkable growth and increase in size. What started as a small gathering of independent filmmakers has become an enormous event that attracts thousands of attendees from around the world. Every year, the festival keeps getting better, adapting to new technology, trying out different types of films, and welcoming different voices. But through it all, the main goal is supporting independent filmmakers.

Sundance Film Festival: The Significance of Sundance 

The Sundance Film Festival is a huge deal in the film world. It's a major platform for independent filmmakers to show off their work and a place where new talent can be discovered. Its impact is felt all around the world, affecting how movies are created and watched by viewers. Sundance not only gives independent filmmakers an important chance to show their movies to many people but also includes big names in the industry. It's a way for films that might not get seen in theaters to get noticed and appreciated. This freedom lets filmmakers express themselves in unique ways. Sundance is like a launching pad for new filmmakers. Lots of famous directors, actors, and writers got their big break from there, which gets them noticed and opens doors for their careers. It's a place where fresh voices can be discovered and where storytelling boundaries are pushed. Sundance's impact goes beyond the festival itself, it shapes trends, inspires new ideas, and even sets the bar for the whole film industry worldwide. Movies that debut at Sundance often become huge hits and change the way we see films today.

Sundance Film Festival: Diversity and Representation 

At Sundance, diversity and representation are super crucial. Overall, the festival is all about making sure lots of different voices and perspectives are heard. Through these efforts, Sundance shakes up the typical stories we see in movies and provides a platform for communities whose voices are often overlooked to share their stories. Sundance goes out of its way to find movies with lots of different perspectives, showing the wide range of human experiences. By focusing on stories from communities that don't always get attention, the festival makes sure everyone's voice is heard. This helps make films more inclusive and helps viewers understand each other better. Sundance is a huge player in shaking up the usual stories we see in films though. The festival promotes films that break the rules and don't stick to stereotypes. By showing movies with different ways of telling stories and new ways of creating films, the festival gets us to think differently and see the world in many new ways. Numerous movies that premiered at Sundance have become popular and well-loved, which is the reason they've drawn attention to important social issues and communities that don't always get noticed. These success stories show the focus on how Sundance deals with diversity and can make a big difference, not just in films but in the world too.

Sundance Film Festival: The Impact  

The Sundance Film Festival has a huge effect on independent filmmaking. The event influences everything from gaining money to making the film to getting it out to the public. Based on the market and help from the Sundance Institute, and overall influence, the festival plays a gigantic role in shaping indie cinema. At Sundance, the market is a super crucial place for buying, selling, and funding indie films. Lots of industry folks come together to discover new projects, make deals, and get funding to create these iconic films. This not only facilitates the production and distribution of innovative films, ensuring they reach audiences, but it also provides significant support to filmmakers throughout the year beyond the festival. Sundance offers lots of different programs, gives out grants, and offers mentorship to new and aspiring filmmakers. This support helps create creativity and new ideas in indie cinema. The Sundance Film Festival's impact goes way beyond just the festival itself. It affects how independent movies are made and shown all around the world. Movies that debut at Sundance often catch the eye of big distributors, leading to them being shown to a bigger audience and getting praised by critics. In conclusion, Sundance's focus on creativity sets a real standard for indie filmmaking and inspiring filmmakers to try new and daring projects. 

Sundance Film Festival: Challenges and Criticism 

Even though the Sundance Film Festival gets a lot of praise for helping indie movies, it also has many problems and criticisms worth bringing up. Many people worry it's getting too focused on creating profit because there are issues with how easy it is for everyone to take part, and there's a tough balance between making popular films and keeping true to an artistic vision. As the Sundance Film Festival gains popularity, some folks worry it's getting too focused on making money. They think it's starting to care more about big-name stars and making films that sell well, instead of sticking to its roots of supporting indie filmmakers. Making sure everyone feels included is still a huge problem for the Sundance Film Festival. Even though the festival tries to show lots of different voices and stories, it can be hard for filmmakers from marginalized groups to take part. This also makes it hard for some people with limited money or who can't get around easily to have a tough time attending. It's super key to fix these issues so that everyone can be part of the festival. One huge problem for the Sundance Film Festival is finding the right balance between making profit and staying true to the original vision. Indie filmmakers often feel pressured to change their films to make them more commercial, even if it means losing some of their artistic freedom. It's a tough balance for both filmmakers and the festival organizers to figure out. Recognizing these problems and listening to the criticisms can not only help the Sundance Film Festival to keep getting better but continue to be a welcoming place for indie films. By being open to change and making improvements, the festival can make sure it stays an energetic and inclusive spot for independent filmmakers to display their work. 

Sundance Film Festival: Cultural and Social Impact  

The Sundance Film Festival doesn't just have a huge effect on films, but also has an impact on culture. The festival influences how films are created, which gets people talking about important issues such as the shaping of modern culture. By changing how stories are told and encouraging important conversations, Sundance has made a lasting impact on the film industry. Sundance has played a significant role in setting movie trends and pushing the limits of how stories are told. Lots of the stuff we see in mainstream movies today started at Sundance, showing just how big of an influence it has on the whole film industry. Sundance has always been known for showing movies that tackle big social issues and get the people talking. By putting a spotlight on social issues such as race, gender, sexuality, and the environment, the festival encourages everyone to think differently and look at new perspectives. With this type of thinking, they make the viewer question their own ideas, helping others understand better. Sundance has made a huge impact on today's films, but it's hard to grasp just how big. It's helped lots of filmmakers get their start and shown audiences amazing films. Sundance's dedication to indie filmmaking and pushing creative boundaries has motivated tons of filmmakers to follow their dreams and think outside the box. This is why Sundance is still seen as a major force behind some of the trendiest cultural movements we've seen lately. To sum up, the Sundance Film Festival has had a huge impact on both culture and society. It shapes movie trends, gets people talking about important issues, and has left a lasting mark on the world of cinema. This is why it's seen as such a big deal in the film world because it's one of the most influential places for movies to be shown and celebrated. 

Annotated Bibliography 

Academic Articles: 

An Analysis of the Commodification of Independent Cinema, digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1479&context=etd. Accessed 7 May 2024.  

“The Big Conversation: Complicating Representation.” Sundance Film Festival, festivalplayer.sundance.org/fr/sundance-film-festivall-2023-prod/play/63b755a4ddde220056b40026/63cf1567a99f840089c1fe0e. Accessed 7 May 2024.  

Diane Knispel  Park City Museum. “Way We Were: A Brief History of the Sundance Film Festival.” ParkRecord.Com, ParkRecord.com, 2024, www.parkrecord.com/news/way-we-were-a-brief-history-of-the-sundance-film-festival/.  

palak_jayswal. “Sundance Film Festival Kicks off, Looking at 40 Years of Movies and What the Future Holds.” The Salt Lake Tribune, 2024, www.sltrib.com/artsliving/arts/2024/01/18/sundance-film-festival-kicks-off/.  

True Tales at the Sundance Film Festival, www.wsj.com/arts-culture/film/true-tales-at-the-sundance-film-festival-a11f32a3. Accessed 7 May 2024. 

Popular Sources:  

Gage, Clint. “Why the Sundance Film Festival Is so Important to Hollywood.” IGN, IGN, 5 Feb. 2024, www.ign.com/articles/why-the-sundance-film-festival-is-so-important-to-hollywood.  

Gleiberman, Owen. “Have Sundance Movies Lost Their Danger?” Variety, Variety, 29 Apr. 2024, variety.com/2024/film/columns/have-sundance-movies-lost-their-danger-sundance-film-festival-1235872148/.  

Pennick, Bailey. “This Is Your First Look at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Program.” Sundance.Org - Sundance.Org, 2024, www.sundance.org/blogs/this-is-your-first-look-at-the-2024-sundance-film-festival-program/.  

Rossmann, Sarah. “Diversity at Sundance: A Closer Look.” Medium, Medium, 18 Feb. 2023, medium.com/@sarah.rossmann/diversity-at-sundance-a-closer-look-736aeea2d884.  

“Sundance Film Festival.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 2 May 2024, www.britannica.com/art/Sundance-Film-Festival.  

“Sundance Film Festival: What We’re Watching.” The Opportunity Agenda, 29 Nov. 2022, opportunityagenda.org/partner_stories/sundance-film-festival-what-were-watching/.  

“A Year Later, 7 Festival Filmmakers Reflect on ‘the Real-World Payoff of Sundance.’” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024, www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2024-02-08/sundance-film-festival-the-independents-look-back. 

Reviews: 

Aaron. “2024 Sundance Film Festival Reviews + Recap.” 2024 Sundance Film Festival Reviews + Recap - by Aaron, Wild About Film, 2024, www.wildaboutfilm.io/p/2024-sundance-film-festival-reviews.  

Doperalski, Daniel. “Sundance Film Festival.” Variety, Variety, 2024, variety.com/h/sundance-film-festival/.  

Forbes, Mercedes Diane Griffin. “The Sundance Film Festival Celebrates Underrepresented Voices.” DG Speaks, 5 Apr. 2024, dgspeaks.com/celebrating-diversity-the-sundance-film-festival-as-a-vital-platform-for-underrepresented-voices/#:~:text=Through%20its%20commitment%20to%20inclusivity,the%20work%20of%20women%20filmmakers.  

Gardner, Chris. “Sundance: Roundup of Events, Panels and Parties for 2024 Festival in Park City (Updating).” The Hollywood Reporter, The Hollywood Reporter, 2024, www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sundance-2024-festival-parties-panels-screenings-details-1235786387/.  

The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, www.theguardian.com/film/sundancefilmfestival. Accessed 7 May 2024.  

Oliver, Katherine. “Film as a Force for Social Impact.” Medium, Medium, 2 Feb. 2016, medium.com/@kolivernyc/film-as-a-force-for-social-impact-e8f3a5e87b57. 

Interview: 

“Getting into Sundance: A Convo w/ Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival Director | Adobe Video.” YouTube, YouTube, 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9kQNEmin3s.