#evolution of dance 2.0

[daily-twice-content]

[GRAZIA] Jihyo On 9 Years With TWICE, Her Musical Evolution, And The Artist She Strives To Be

Full article : click here. Some spoilers :

"“Idols’ idol”, “Mic”, “Mother”—Park Jihyo has been bestowed many nicknames and epithets throughout her career. Better known mononymously as Jihyo, the 27‑year‑old leader and main vocalist of the nine‑member K‑pop girl group TWICE (...) in the nine years since, she has remained the embodiment of positivity, poise and power: her vocals are clear and ringing, her choreography is sharp, she beams and radiates energy from stages and through screens, and she communicates a genuine and thorough love of being a star"

“I’ve always dreamed of this career and at one point, I even pictured performing on stage by myself. But I’ve found a great team in TWICE and now, I’m able to be a soloist as well,” she says, “so I can grow as a singer and take my career to the next level.”

“As part of TWICE, I’ve always maintained a bright vocal tone, and now as a soloist, I’m working a lot on presenting a wider range of tones,” shares the singer. “My goal as a solo artiste is to show my voice and my stage presence as being fully me.”

Jihyo also flexed her songwriting chops in Zone—she is credited as the lyricist for five of its seven tracks and contributed to the composition of four. “I wanted my solo album to have a lot of my own touch, so I was involved in the songwriting process as much as possible,” she recounts, adding that that “was the hardest part because I had to prepare the album in the midst of such a busy schedule, but it’s also what I’m proudest about in my solo album”.

And it appears the world is more than ready for Jihyo 2.0. Zone topped South Korea’s Circle Chart (formerly known as the Gaon Chart) the week of its release, and was certified double platinum by the Korea Music Content Association for selling more than half a million copies in South Korea and abroad within two months. Killin’ Me Good, meanwhile, peaked at number seven on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart last September, and earned nominations the following month for Best Dance Performance (Female Solo) as well as Song of the Year at the 2023 Mama Awards. Jihyo herself was also in the running for Best Female Artist at the said show, a major music awards ceremony held annually by South Korean entertainment company CJ E&M.

“I’m most grateful to the members and ONCE, who’ve been with me for almost 10 years,” shares the star, who is recognised as the versatile and all‑round ace of the group who is a master vocalist, dancer, rapper and artiste in general. “These days, I’m thinking a lot about the second act of my life, and about how I can be more valuable to the group and make TWICE shine, and not detract from it.”

“My whole childhood was dominated by this dream … It wasn’t like, ‘I’m going to be a moderately good singer.’ It’s more like, ‘I’m going to be the very type of singer who can do it all.”

(...).

[uh-velkommen]

Fall Out Boy So Much (for) Stardust

~First Impressions~ Review: First let's talk about what everyone else is saying and then I'll go track by track. "Love From The Other Side was misleading" "The album is very 80s inspired" "We're getting Folie A Deux 2.0" "Disappointing." While yes, LFTOS may be more in your face than the others, it was the "omg Guitars!" people who misled themselves. FOB is my top favorite band so I know better than to make inferences based on the first single. Yes it feels very 80s with the rhythmic drums, uppity messages, and what has to be direct references to other earlier artists but lucky for me, my favorite genre is that 80s influenced happy guitar music and one can't help but to compare this album to Patrick Stump's solo album Soul Punk. The evolution feels natural; Soul Punk - ambitious but underdeveloped, Mania - well produced but wrong audience, So Much (for) Stardust - right ideas right execution. I was hoping for a Folie 2.0 actually, it's my favorite album and I think we've evolved enough to appreciate another bass riddled, poetic, solemn-happy album. This is definitely not another Folie. If anything it's a Mania 2.0 but there's some moments in songs, some lines that remind me of Folie. That's the beauty with this band, you can really feel everyone's contribution to this album. Pete's lyrics unchanged from the early days, Patrick's soul made futuristic, and of course Andy and Joe's experienced-rock artistry. The songs are cohesive and the lyrics bounce well between gleeful and nostalgic however, I would like to hear more from the guys about the message they were wanting to get across this time around. Lastly, if I had to pick a single gripe with this album, it would be that its not what I needed the moment that I first listened. When listening to new albums, I look for two things "Does it make me dance and/or does it completely enthrall me?" At the exact same time, Babymetal dropped their new album The Other One and after a still listen to SMFS, I found myself bobbing along to Babymetal. This doesn't mean it's not a dance album. I just wasn't in the mood for an 80s jam. Now if you asked me to describe the album in one word or put me on the spot, I don't hate it and I don't love it YET. I enjoyed listening to it and my one word would be, "It's creative."

Track by track listed below.

When I was putting this together I used emojis to remember my train of thought. See if you can decipher them and if they're ones you would've used lol.

Love from the Other Side (I didn't even think to put an emoji here) What can I say, it's a good song. I've had more time to sit with this one. Learned the words, the bass line, and all of Patrick's vocal inflections. There's nothing new that can be said.

Heartbreak Feels So Good🎈🫂 When this song first came out I remember feeling my heart drop. I was freshly surrounded by the idea that this album would finally be a rock album and then I heard the opening which sounds a little too much like Let Me Love You by DJ Snake and Justin Bieber and I immediately thought, "Oh God, another Mania." But that mentality conflicts with the actual grit of the song (Also, I enjoy Mania). It feels like a heartbreak song. Like a "Remembering the good times, the bad times, and having a cry over what it used to be." Like a Jet Pack Blues or Favorite Record. It's catchy, it's good, and it's relatable.

Hold Me Like a Grudge👑😀 Again, the opening sounds too much like Another One Bites The Dust for it to be non-coincidental. The descriptive word I got for this is "fun." (Future me here, there's literally a line that goes, "You put the "fun" into dysfunction" This was not intentional). I like the way the lyrics are sung, like half of this album borders on being raps. It's got the same sentiment as early FOB with the, "You can hate me but my life is glitter" idea and it's a certified bop, solid song.

Fake Out🍬💋 It's sweet. Cute. Kisses. Lovey, lovely. I like it, I don't know what else to say.

Heaven, Iowa👩‍🎤 This song is a full blown power ballad. It's beautiful. It kinda tricks you starting off slow but the slow build is worth the pay off. I love the melancholic or maybe nostalgic instrumentals. You know, I was scared of this being another City In A Garden (I don't know, if I see a location in the title and think "Not another song about Chicago" Chicago isn't even in Iowa???) This is one of the standout tracks on this album.

So Good Right Now (co-writer: Robert Byrd) This might be the shortest song on here at two minutes and fifty-eight seconds and instead of an emoji, I'm leaving you with this information. Clearly influenced by the vocalizations of Little Bitty Pretty One and the try-hard feel-good vibes makes the fact that they credited multiple writers on this one laughable. Half of it is just repeating the "So good right now" and while a quick little break from the songs with messages is totally excusable it's definitely the weakest of the whole album.

The Pink Seashell❓️What is this. What does it mean, how does it relate to the album's story? After the whole "red-herring" promotional material, the Pink Seashell Beach homage here is hilarious. It reminds me of the lyric, "The time my dad caught me a horseshoe-crab and I asked if throwing it back into the sea would bring our luck back," (This Shipped (Gold) Standard).

I Am My Own Muse🎸SMASH ALL THE GUITARS WE GOT TO THROW THIS YEAR AWAY. I like this song. No really you can't go wrong with an orchestral instrumental. It's catchy, it's eerie, it's demanding. The violins ARE the moment. It's great.

Flu Game🐒 I also really like this song because it reminds me of Fall Out Boy's cover of I Wan'na Be Like You (I'm so obsessed with the live version) and that one part from One & Only by Timbaland. The swinging drum beat and the funky nanananana's. The cocky lyrics, the ATTITUDE, the harmonies. It feels so Patrick Stump. This is a song I wanna sing at the top of my lungs.

Baby Annihilation📝 So I heard ONE person say this before listening to this "song" and it kinda warped my perception. The spoken poetry at the end of 20 Dollar Nose bleed was brilliant. It worked with the tone of the album, it was unique and original for FOB, and what makes their lyrics so great is Pete's poetic inclination. However, 15 years later, a grown man reading a mediocre poem unaccompanied, unexpected, unwarranted, is not as edgy and impactful as it could have been. (Update I forgot about Get Busy Living and im starting to change my mind). I think what would have made this work is if they stuck to one spoken part, one intermission, either this or The Pink Seashell. OR space the two songs out more evenly. These should act as segues into a new part of the album's story. The second half of the album is just as strong as the first so these breaks feel unnecessary (Disclaimer: I could read and enjoy Pete's poetry for days on end but let's not kill the momentum here)

The Kintsugi Kid (Ten Years) 🔟🕙 This song feels like an ode to the mmrs and its a sweet somber one. It's also 100% an 80s movie-prom dance-song choice-moment and the dog barking at the end is adorable and reminds me of something (It's gotta be a movie reference but I can't place it (Also I'm pretty sure it's a human girl impersonating a dog, though I imagine it's the dog on the album cover)). However, this is where you learn that I hate slow songs on albums and this is the slowest one rhythmically. Sure if it comes on in a random playlist I am more likely to enjoy it but as of right now I have no strong opinions. I will say as we're nearing the end of the album, one might start to get weary. There are a lot of songs on this album so I find that slow songs have better luck near the middle point of the album.

What a Time to Be Alive🎥 This one totally feels like it should be playing during a montage or ending sequence in a teen-family movie. The song feels like a happy "what a time to be alive, everything is so sweet" but it's Fall Out Boy and it's pandemic themed so it for sure is a "what a time to be alive, this shit sucks."

So Much (for) Stardust 👍FAV FAV FAV The instrumental at the beginning reminds me of early 2000s RnB ballads. It feels like another "Nobody wants to hear you sing about tragedy," (Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes). It's the, "yeah we're famous but look at what we lost on the way, what we had to sacrifice, was it worth it?" It's the Folie mentality and I eat it up every time. It works so well with this band when you know about all the struggles they dealt with in their personal lives. Pete's Bipolar Disorder and the various affairs and tabloids, Patrick's modesty, weight, solo career, hair line (dude?), Joe's mental health and his role in the band, and Andy's... I don't know, Andy is just there. It's no secret that the fame was hard on them so FOB, you guys are all wrong, I want to hear you sing about tragedy. Not to mention the choir that comes in at the end and Patrick's ability to riff and belt and just get jiggy with the rhythm is freakin' gorgeous. This song is the most perfect icing on this cake. It's a beautiful fade out and the repetition of the "You were the sunshine of my lifetime, what would you trade the pain for? I'm not sure," is pure excellency. What a wrap around. This song balances despair with hope. It's melancholic, it's upbeat, it's desperate yet it comes across like anyone could feel the same emotions. And let me also just say I'm so happy they featured a classic Pete Pun™ in the song (and album) title. I've read nearly all of dear Peter's livejournals and blog posts and he does this so often that it's endearing to see in 2023.

I wanna rate this album a strong 8.5/10 <3

[jet-bradley]

I posted 4,665 times in 2022

632 posts created (14%)

4,033 posts reblogged (86%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@localdeadlylaser

@space-shuttle-discovery

@cablestwisted

@uhf-comm-pass

@jet-bradley

I tagged 1,569 of my posts in 2022

#tron - 26 posts

#tron 2.0 - 15 posts

#spotify - 13 posts

#tron legacy - 10 posts

#splatoon - 9 posts

#moon knight - 8 posts

#flashing - 8 posts

#yeah - 8 posts

#iykyk - 7 posts

#help - 6 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#tumblr feels more like a fanclub for me than like i'm growing a brand for being a fan. i prefer that vastly over twt/tiktok energy of fando

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

See the full post

160 notes - Posted September 18, 2022

#4

161 notes - Posted August 23, 2022

#3

i swear this will be the only marvel content you get from me besties but i cannot stop fucking thinking about moon knight fortnite dance

437 notes - Posted April 28, 2022

#2

No because hand wavey Nintendo science aside - inklings now exist, in canon, because the last humans died hiding in a cave wishing they could see the sky, and that longing embedded itself into whatever life it could find, and drove sea creatures to find ways to live on land

So agent 8! Trying to see the sunlight! That is a part of their core reason to exist - not as a person but as a life form! That's a piece of ancient yearning, older than any intelligent species currently walking the Earth!

I don't know what it means! Maybe it's coming of age - the characters in Splatoon are supposed to grow old with the players. Maybe it's about trauma - Agent 8 leaving behind the society that tried to harden them into a soldier. Maybe the evolution of life in Splatoon is the metaphor for trauma. How sometimes to survive, you have to mutate and grow in ways you never expected. And it's the parts of yourself you never expected to survive - but there's still pieces of you in whatever comes next.

1,058 notes - Posted September 13, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

See the full post

8,840 notes - Posted April 16, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[brandingninja]

Revolutionizing Visuals: Best Graphic Design Practices in 2024

In the fast-paced realm of graphic design, staying ahead is key to crafting visuals that engage audiences. As we enter 2024, the graphic design scene evolves with fresh trends, tools, and techniques, reshaping our interaction with visual content. This blog dives into the revolutionary practices defining graphic design this year. From the resurgence of minimalism with a modern twist to the immersive experiences of 3D and AR, designers are pushing boundaries.

Dynamic typography tells stories, sustainability takes the spotlight, and artificial intelligence streamlines workflows. Cross-platform consistency becomes paramount, ensuring seamless visual experiences across devices. In the metaverse era, user-centric design has become crucial. Stay tuned as we explore how these trends shape the visual landscape, offering insights for designers to elevate their craft in 2024. Stay creative, stay inspired, and let your visuals speak the language of tomorrow.

1. Embracing Minimalism 2.0

In 2024, minimalism will undergo a captivating evolution, marked by boldness and innovation. While minimalist principles have been a mainstay in graphic design, this year introduces Minimalism 2.0 – a paradigm shift. Picture crisp, clean lines and generous white space, now infused with a contemporary flair. Designers are exploring uncharted territory by incorporating vibrant color accents, unconventional typography, and dynamic layouts.

This reinvention breathes fresh vitality into the minimalist aesthetic, elevating it beyond its traditional boundaries. The result is a visual language that speaks to the modern audience, capturing attention with its fusion of simplicity and cutting-edge design elements. As we embrace Minimalism 2.0, the graphic design landscape witnesses a dynamic blend of restraint and creativity, setting the stage for a visually compelling year.

2. Immersive 3D and AR Experiences

In 2024, the infusion of 3D elements and augmented reality (AR) into graphic design is gaining remarkable traction. Brands are seizing the potential of these technologies to craft immersive and interactive user experiences. Delve into the innovative ways designers are pushing the limits by seamlessly integrating 3D graphics and AR elements across various platforms. Witness how websites, advertisements, and social media content are transformed into engaging, lifelike encounters for users.

This evolution transcends traditional visual boundaries, offering audiences a dynamic and participatory engagement with brand narratives. As we navigate the immersive landscape of 3D and AR experiences, designers are redefining storytelling, breathing life into digital content, and ushering in a new era of visually compelling communication. Welcome to a world where graphic design transcends the two-dimensional, inviting users into captivating realms of interactive visual exploration.

3. Dynamic Typography for Storytelling

In 2024, typography transcends its traditional role, morphing into a powerful storytelling tool for graphic designers. It's no longer just about selecting the right font; it's about conveying emotion, rhythm, and emphasis through dynamic typography. Explore the captivating realm of kinetic typography, where text comes alive through animated movements. Witness the versatility of variable fonts, adapting seamlessly to diverse narratives and design contexts.

Immerse yourself in the avant-garde world of experimental type layouts, where designers play with arrangements to add layers of expressiveness to visual storytelling. In this era, words not only communicate but dance, evolve, and resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Graphic design in 2024 embraces the dynamic nature of typography, transforming static words into an integral part of the narrative, breathing life into the art of storytelling through design.

4. Sustainable Design Practices

In 2024, a surge in environmental consciousness is reshaping graphic design, with a notable shift towards sustainable practices. Graphic designers are now actively embracing eco-friendly initiatives to minimize their environmental footprint. Take a closer look at the adoption of sustainable design practices, where considerations extend beyond aesthetics. Explore the use of eco-friendly color palettes, a conscious choice that reflects a commitment to the planet.

Witness how recycled materials find their place in digital design, marrying creativity with environmental responsibility. Delve into the world of mindful resource usage, where designers prioritize sustainable options, reducing waste and contributing to a more eco-conscious design landscape. As we journey through 2024, sustainable design practices emerge as not just a trend but a responsible and essential approach, fostering a harmonious relationship between graphic design and the planet.

5. Artificial Intelligence and Automation

In 2024, the landscape of graphic design is undergoing a revolution with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. These technologies are not just buzzwords; they're actively reshaping the entire design process. Explore the transformative power of AI-powered design assistants that augment the creative capabilities of designers. Witness the evolution of automated color palette generation, where algorithms assist in selecting harmonious and visually appealing color schemes.

Dive into how designers are embracing these technological advancements to streamline workflows, saving time and unlocking new realms of creative possibilities. In this era of innovation, AI and automation aren't replacing human creativity but rather enhancing it, allowing designers to focus on the essence of their craft while leveraging cutting-edge tools. Join us on a journey through the intersection of technology and design, where artificial intelligence becomes a collaborator, and automation becomes a catalyst for creative exploration in 2024.

6. Cross-Platform Consistency

In the dynamic landscape of 2024, where visuals traverse multiple platforms and devices, achieving cross-platform consistency is paramount. Delve into how designers are strategically adapting their practices to guarantee a seamless visual experience regardless of the medium – be it a website, social media platform, or printed materials. Explore the innovative methods employed to maintain brand cohesion and message clarity across diverse channels.

As the digital ecosystem expands, discover the importance of responsive design principles and adaptable visual elements that effortlessly transition between different interfaces. Join us in exploring the evolving strategies that designers are employing to harmonize visual communication in a world where consistency is not just a design principle but a strategic imperative for effective brand representation across the ever-expanding digital landscape.

7. User-Centric Design in the Metaverse

In the era of the metaverse, 2024 sees a significant shift in graphic design towards user-centric experiences that transcend conventional boundaries. Explore how designers are immersing themselves in the metaverse landscape, crafting visuals and interactions that go beyond traditional confines. Delve into the unique challenges and opportunities of designing for virtual spaces, where considerations extend beyond the screen to create immersive, 3D environments.

Discover how user interactions are redefined within these virtual realms, emphasizing a heightened sense of engagement and interactivity. Join us in examining the evolving role of graphic designers as they shape and enhance user experiences in the metaverse, contributing to a new frontier where creativity meets digital reality, and user-centric design takes center stage.

As we navigate through 2024, graphic design continues to push boundaries, offering a visual feast for audiences around the globe. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting, embracing these practices can elevate your work and ensure it resonates in the ever-evolving world of graphic design. Stay inspired, stay creative, and let your visuals speak the language of tomorrow.

Looking for a graphic design company to help you out with your designs? Techtsy is the right choice. It is a full-service digital agency providing services of all kinds.

[emancip8projectonline]

“The Grand Alchemy: Transmuting Power and Influence into Global Expansion” book is now available on Amazon

by Emancip8 Project

In the dynamic world of corporate leadership, power is the currency and influence the language. Yet, it is a delicate dance that requires mastery, finesse, and strategic foresight. Enter “The Grand Alchemy: Transmuting Power and Influence into Global Expansion.” This magnum opus by Embassy Row Project founder, James Scott, is a bold and profound journey into the heart of leadership strategy that will change the way you envision and execute power moves.

Key Takeaways

· Harness the Principle of Natural Selection: Learn to apply the timeless principles of evolution and survival of the fittest to your corporate strategy, fostering a resilient and adaptive leadership style.

· Master the Art of Perception Management: Acquire the craft of shaping perceptions, creating grand illusions that will command respect and trust from stakeholders.

· Embrace Benevolent Power: Discover how the ‘Velvet Glove’ approach can redefine your leadership, utilizing compassion as a powerful tool to subtly wield influence.

· Unlock the Rhythm of Power: Understand the art of timing, knowing when to strike and when to recede, making every move count in your favor.

· Cultivate Indispensability: Learn how to create a web of dependence around you, transforming your role from replaceable to irreplaceable.

· Forge Strategic Alliances: Discover the science and art of building alliances, turning potential threats into assets and leveraging their strength for mutual benefits.

· Leverage Data Analytics for Power: Become a ‘Digital Oracle’, utilizing the predictive power of data analytics to forecast trends, predict moves, and strategize with precision.

· Control Your Organization’s Narrative: Learn the art of crafting your organization’s story, creating a grand narrative that aligns with your vision and mission.

· Employ Indirect Conquest: Understand how infiltration without invasion can revolutionize your expansion strategy, reducing resistance and backlash.

· Embrace Conflict for Regeneration: Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, learn to use conflict not as a deterrent but as a catalyst for change and growth.

“The Grand Alchemy: Transmuting Power and Influence into Global Expansion” is an indispensable guide that distills complex leadership paradigms into actionable insights. More than just a book, it is a journey to the apex of power, an exploration into the minds of successful leaders, and a strategic blueprint to forge your own path. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO seeking to expand your influence, or an emerging leader aiming for the stars, this book equips you with the tools to transmute your power and influence into global expansion. This is your guide to the grand alchemy of leadership. Be prepared to challenge your status quo, and rise to become the master alchemist of your corporate world. Embrace the journey, and watch your empire grow.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

Now Available on Amazon!

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Alchemy-Transmuting-Influence-Expansion-ebook/dp/B0CCVVJDKT/ref=sr_1_14?crid=16U15EJ7QPLQ6&keywords=Leadership+kindle+unlimited&qid=1693400185&s=digital-text&sprefix=leadership+kindle+unlimited%2Cdigital-text%2C460&sr=1-14 Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Alchemy-Transmuting-Influence-Expansion/dp/B0CCCSDPMN/ref=sr_1_117?crid=32DP926QQGBOL&keywords=Ceo+tools+2.0&qid=1693479304&s=books&sprefix=ceo+tools+2.0%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C632&sr=1-117

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

For more books, please visit James Scott on Amazon.

You may also visit Embassy Row Project.

[embassyrowprojectonline]

“The Grand Alchemy: Transmuting Power and Influence into Global Expansion” book is now available on Amazon

by Embassy Row Project

In the dynamic world of corporate leadership, power is the currency and influence the language. Yet, it is a delicate dance that requires mastery, finesse, and strategic foresight. Enter “The Grand Alchemy: Transmuting Power and Influence into Global Expansion.” This magnum opus by Embassy Row Project founder, James Scott, is a bold and profound journey into the heart of leadership strategy that will change the way you envision and execute power moves.

Key Takeaways

· Harness the Principle of Natural Selection: Learn to apply the timeless principles of evolution and survival of the fittest to your corporate strategy, fostering a resilient and adaptive leadership style.

· Master the Art of Perception Management: Acquire the craft of shaping perceptions, creating grand illusions that will command respect and trust from stakeholders.

· Embrace Benevolent Power: Discover how the ‘Velvet Glove’ approach can redefine your leadership, utilizing compassion as a powerful tool to subtly wield influence.

· Unlock the Rhythm of Power: Understand the art of timing, knowing when to strike and when to recede, making every move count in your favor.

· Cultivate Indispensability: Learn how to create a web of dependence around you, transforming your role from replaceable to irreplaceable.

· Forge Strategic Alliances: Discover the science and art of building alliances, turning potential threats into assets and leveraging their strength for mutual benefits.

· Leverage Data Analytics for Power: Become a ‘Digital Oracle’, utilizing the predictive power of data analytics to forecast trends, predict moves, and strategize with precision.

· Control Your Organization’s Narrative: Learn the art of crafting your organization’s story, creating a grand narrative that aligns with your vision and mission.

· Employ Indirect Conquest: Understand how infiltration without invasion can revolutionize your expansion strategy, reducing resistance and backlash.

· Embrace Conflict for Regeneration: Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, learn to use conflict not as a deterrent but as a catalyst for change and growth.

“The Grand Alchemy: Transmuting Power and Influence into Global Expansion” is an indispensable guide that distills complex leadership paradigms into actionable insights. More than just a book, it is a journey to the apex of power, an exploration into the minds of successful leaders, and a strategic blueprint to forge your own path. Whether you’re a seasoned CEO seeking to expand your influence, or an emerging leader aiming for the stars, this book equips you with the tools to transmute your power and influence into global expansion. This is your guide to the grand alchemy of leadership. Be prepared to challenge your status quo, and rise to become the master alchemist of your corporate world. Embrace the journey, and watch your empire grow.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

Now Available on Amazon!

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Alchemy-Transmuting-Influence-Expansion-ebook/dp/B0CCVVJDKT/ref=sr_1_14?crid=16U15EJ7QPLQ6&keywords=Leadership+kindle+unlimited&qid=1693400185&s=digital-text&sprefix=leadership+kindle+unlimited%2Cdigital-text%2C460&sr=1-14

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Grand-Alchemy-Transmuting-Influence-Expansion/dp/B0CCCSDPMN/ref=sr_1_117?crid=32DP926QQGBOL&keywords=Ceo+tools+2.0&qid=1693479304&s=books&sprefix=ceo+tools+2.0%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C632&sr=1-117

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

For more books, please visit James Scott on Amazon.

You may also visit Embassy Row Project.

[its-all-business]

Digital Economy's Rise and NBFCs' Fundamental Role

In the bustling modern world, where every click and swipe creates ripples of data, a silent revolution is shaping our economy. NBFCs are emerging as unsung heroes in this digital transformation, fueling the evolution of the economy in ways we might not have imagined. So, let's dive into how NBFCs are playing a fundamental role in giving rise to the digital economy in India.

Customization with a Click

One size rarely fits all, especially in finance. NBFCs in the digital economy understand this implicitly. Through data analytics and AI, they analyze consumer behavior and tailor financial products to meet individual needs. This level of customization ensures that consumers aren't overwhelmed by options that don't apply to them, making financial planning a breeze.

The Digital Disruption Dance

Gone are the days of standing in serpentine queues, clutching stacks of paperwork. The digital age has ushered in a new era of convenience, and NBFCs are leading the charge. Take Abhay Bhutada, MD of Poonawalla Fincorp, for example. He has revolutionized lending using technology. Their easy-to-use personal loan EMI calculator lets people apply for loans with ease. Swift approvals guarantee borrowers get their funds without delay.

Also Read: Big Data in Finance: Leveraging Data for Better Insights

Financial Inclusion 2.0

The digital economy encompasses more than just convenience; it also embodies inclusivity. NBFCs hold a crucial position in extending financial services to the general public. Thanks to the wide prevalence of smartphones, even distant regions can partake in digital financial services. Through innovative offerings like Paytm, NBFCs are empowering underserved and marginalized sectors of society by granting them access to vital financial resources.

Risk Management Reinvented

The digital economy might seem like a wild frontier, but NBFCs have employed advanced risk management techniques to navigate it safely. With AI-powered algorithms, they can assess a borrower's creditworthiness more accurately. This not only streamlines the loan approval process but also reduces the risk of defaults, benefiting both lenders and borrowers.

A Secure Haven

Security is a prime concern in the digital landscape. NBFCs understand the importance of safeguarding sensitive financial information. They invest heavily in cybersecurity measures, ensuring that their customers' data is protected against breaches and fraud. This dedication to security fosters trust, a cornerstone of the digital economy.

The Bright Digital Future

As we hurtle into an increasingly digital future, NBFCs are at the forefront, steering the financial landscape toward greater accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity. With their ability to harness technology and couple it with financial acumen, they are not just bystanders but active shapers of the evolving digital economy in India.

Also Read: How Unsecured Business Loans Can Help Startups and New Ventures

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, the digital economy in India is evolving at a rapid pace, and NBFCs are at the forefront of this transformation. Their ability to seamlessly blend technology with financial services is revolutionizing how we manage money. So, whether you're applying for a loan or managing investments, NBFCs are the wizards weaving their magic in the digital economy, enhancing financial experiences for one and all.

[jamesnalepa-blog]

The History of Cheerleading & Title IX

Across Universities and colleges all over America, people see cheerleading as the girls supporting the football/basketball team and cheering them on to victory but nowadays there is way more than just cheering on their team. The article “The complicated history of cheerleading, Title IX and what it means to be a sport” By Jennifer Gerson, talks about how Title IX and Universities across America came together to bring civil rights, inclusion, and diversity to all equal and treatment the same. “President Richard Nixon signed the Education Amendments Act in 1972, the new law’s Title IX codified gender equality in education as a civil right. Though the words “sports” or “athletics” were never mentioned in Title IX, they became pivotal in boosting women’s involvement in sports. But it also launched a complicated conversation — one inextricable from the sports world, but also often left out of conversations around athletes even today.” But today one of the sports left in the dark is cheerleading. Cheerleading is not considered a sport according to the NCAA so it doesn't get the recognition and same opportunities other sports at universities get. The NCAA is a corporation that gives money and helps universities get sponsors, scholarships for teams, training programs, and academic programs/services. The problem with this towards cheer is that we are treated like athletes but don’t get the scholarships or support to help the sport grow and become more than just the ‘sideline girls’. Most sports are able to get an ‘off season’, this is the time for them to train and grow their programs stronger and even better and help the athletes with whatever they need. In cheerleading, there is no off-season. With the University of Kansas, cheerleaders are required to cheer and attend all men's football games, women’s volleyball, men’s/women’s basketball, and events the university assigns them to. Adding to that, at the end of the year they prepare and train to compete with a routine at ‘NCA’ National Cheerleaders Association championships. This is where they compete against all universities/ colleges across the United States. This shows the sport has double the responsibilities with half the recognition. According to Nester said, “Cheerleaders are treated differently than other student-athletes on campus — namely because without NCAA and Title IX recognition, they aren’t technically classified as student-athletes.”  People don’t realize the evolution of cheer has become over the past 20 years and this is what is holding the sport back. Another problem is the budget of these programs and what they receive each year. According to the article “The complicated history of cheerleading, Title IX and what it means to be a sport” By Jennifer Gerson “As head coach at Georgia Tech, Nester was the highest-paid head cheer coach in the ACC. He earned $51,000 last year and was the team’s only full-time coach, overseeing over 100 athletes as Georgia Tech’s spirit coordinator, which put him over multiple cheer squads, the dance team, and the mascot. The next lowest-paid head coach at Georgia Tech earned $102,000 last year and has only seven athletes in their program. For a sport whose head coaching roles are often filled by women and LGBTQ+ people, the lack of Title IX recognition has in turn yielded a major wage gap.” This goes down to scholarships as well when cheerleaders get $300 a semester if they hit a 3.0 GPA while the football team each gets $3,000 a semester for at least a 2.0 GPA.

“Title IX was supposed to move women off the sidelines. But while cheerleading has moved far beyond game day, it still doesn’t have that official recognition.”

[andarilhadasestrelas]

Evolution of Dance 2.0 (Vik x Aubrey Edition)

[ldso-tron]

Here's a video featuring The Pointer Sisters singing Neutron Dance at Disneyland back in 1985, while dancers join in wearing TRON program costumes. Get it? NeuTRON Dance?

Thanks to alechiquito99 on Reddit for finding this!

- TronFAQ

[yenafmd]

— RESTRUCTURING TASK 001: change

word count: 271 + 289 + 287 + 284 + 292 + 272 = 1695 reward: +5 tracker points

assuming your muse has changed in some way, be it internally or as a result of a change of the external factors around them, how is your muse different? these can be as small as an opinion on a song they hadn’t released previously or as big as a major change in their background.

yena has undergone quite some changes, most of them directly relating to toning her down by... a lot. most of this is thanks to the change in calypso’s backstory, where gal.actic’s concept change was rather abrupt and extreme, calypso’s is a little more balanced, throwing yena a little less off-guard. it has lead to a more natural evolution for yena to grow into her image as an artist and her own person. in famed 1.0, yena’s hypersexualized personality was very much a means of survival, having to completely swap around her mindset and construct a persona that could protect her mental wellbeing from doing something so far out of her comfort zone. none of that really applies anymore in famed 2.0, expect was a bit daunting at first sure but she felt appropriately ready to take on the change and their following comebacks have generally been a little less extreme than a lot of gal.actic’s concepts originally were. so a lot of yena’s personality is a lot more well-balanced and natural, less poorly concealed poor coping mechanisms and more genuine confidence. because their switch in concept was more gradual and she was less traumatized by it, yena also hasn’t grown as resentful and bitter towards calypso (though i’ll get more into depth about that in the next question). with the restructuring yena is al around in a much more balanced place in her life which has a great pay-off on her wellbeing and general life satisfaction, she’s much happier about the place she’s in in her life than she previously was, though she will always remain a fun-loving little wild child.

what does your muse think of their company and their group?

unlike local gal.actic anti nam yena, yena 2.0 adores calypso. the biggest reason i shortly touched upon in the previous answer, being significantly less traumatized and disillusioned by the idol industry means she hasn’t projected those feelings of hurt on calypso either, making her a whole lot less repulsed from the group. she’s the youngest member and has been with calypso for a long time, at the same time, her relationship with her actual family is strained something that made her sad at first and these days mainly angers her. because of that, she relied on calypso a lot, especially in her more formative teenage years. at this point, she’s more grown up and indepdent, not needing calypso to hold her hand and raise her as much anymore but there is a very deep rooted sense of respect and gratefulness towards them, even if she doesn’t vocalize it very often. yena is very happy in calypso and she’s very happy to continue for a long while if they’re allowed. towards dimensions entertainment, yena is a lot more... indifferent. she likes them as much as most idols like their company, which isn’t that much. she’s less outright in her hated as, again, there is less deep-rooted resentment about her idol career but that doesn’t mean she likes them. her feelings towards dimensions are probably most accurately describe as simply carelessness, as careless as an idol can get away with being that is. she doesn’t really care for what dimensions has to say or how they feel ab her life choices or whatever, she does her job and in return, they don’t disband calypso, that’s all their agreement is. she does side-eye them a little for all the military performances though.

is your muse on their first contract or their second? if they’ve renewed, what were their feelings around that at the time and what were their hopes for their second contract? if they haven’t renewed, what are their current thoughts on the end of their eventual first contract?

calypso is on their second contract by now and admittedly, yena feels a little bit silly about her stance back when they renewed their contract. she doesn’t regret signing it, she firmly stands by that decision, but a part of her had hoped that with their second contract, calypso would finally see their big break through. sure, they had started off on the wrong foot with their debut but they had come a long way since, yena had hoped that would come with a new wave of interest as they turned a new page. that unfortunately never really happened, calypso remaining at the level of not quite relevant that they were in their first term (for now, but yena doesn’t know that yet). still. she doesn’t regret it, as much as dimensions is still very much a company, a business created to make profit and care little for their idols as people, yena has to admit they have been generous, not only with not getting rid of calypso just yet as they failed to garner steady interest but also with the plenty of solo opportunities she’s been offered from acting roles to brand deals to photoshoots. from a business perspective, sticking with dimensions has always been a sound decision and it has remained to be that up until this point, making their relationship on a strictly professional level something she doesn’t have much to complain about. calypso has three more years left on their current contract so it’s a bit soon to think about it but as long as things remain the way they are, yena is very positive towards resigning her contract, hopefully with calypso but also as an individual if it comes down to that.

what are your muse’s goals and motivations?

yena has simply always liked stardom, seemingly the type that is just made to be famous. she has a liking for all things fancy and pretty and glamorous and expensive, a lifestyle that’s not exactly easy to maintain without a certain status and income. tthe ease with which she picks up new idol and entertainment related skills also very much speaks for how she was more or less made to do this, be it singing dancing or rapping (all respectively with her three lead positions) or in brancing out in modeling, acting, variety, hosting, what not, yena seems to quickly find her way doing new things and developing new skills and making them her own, the sort of radiant, confident energy that shines the best up on stages under the spotlight or under the watching lense of a camera while on set to film. something in her has just always been drawn to it, be it the lavish lifestyle, the seemingly endless stream of attention (and yena looooves attention) or the fact that entertainment and showbiz have just always interested her, something about it feels right. if asked to explain it in more eloquent terms, yena probably couldn’t, it’s a feeling more than anything else. all she can tell you is that it makes her happy and that as someone who in her childhood never particularly stood out in what her family wanted for her, being an idol simply feels right. so her goal is mainly to do exactly do that, to continue to do what she does now, a little bit of everything, some acting here, a photoshoot there, a calypso comeback there and who knows... maybe even a solo debut one day.

what is one conflict, internal or external, that your muse is currently dealing with, has recently dealt with, or will need to deal with in the future?

the biggest conflict yena faces is finding the balance between calypso and her personal career. like stated previously, she loves calypso, adores them and they hold an absolutely precious place in her heart, that much remains unchanged. and she enjoys their music, she enjoys working together with the girls and being on stage with them but a hardened, realistic part of her knows that from a career perspective, calypso doesn’t have much to offer her (or well, so she thinks now, she has no idea what’s in store for them but well, how could she know). yena is looking for growth, both in breadth and depth, she wants to do new exciting things and further develop the skills she has with new opportunities in those fields. her solo career is very promising in that aspect, well-established in multiple fields and receiving love calls left and right with new opportunities. at times, yena can’t feel bad, guilty perhaps, very aware that she seems more excited for her solo opportunities than her work with her group at times. again, she enjoys calypso and their work but that sense of happiness feels more... passive than the excitement her personal work brings her. yena knows that at times, she does calypso short, that her singing or dancing is more less likely to suffer due to being busy or tired than she would ever let happen to a day of filming or something like that. she feels bad about it but at the same time, she does have to be realistic and think about her future, calypso might make her happier but it doesn’t help her grow much at this point. as much as she loves her members, she has to think about her future too right?

if your muse has established career claims, what are their thoughts on their career so far? if they do not, how do they feel about not having individual activities yet? what would they like to do in the future, if anything? if they don’t have ambitions for individual activities, explain why.

yena couldn’t be more over the moon about the career she has established for herself throughout the years. she’s done a lot of different things in her career, something she’s incredibly glad about. yena has never been the type to be the best at something but she is good at a broad arrange of things, something she prides herself in. mainly established as an actress and a model outside of calypso, she gets to do a lot of things and experience a lot of stuff she wouldn’t traditionally expect in her group. the acting part came first, with a role in the heirs back in 2013 and well... modelling kind of followed up on that naturally, garnering attention for her pretty, doll-like visuals and she’s been doing both side by side ever since, having starred in a handful of dramas and representing a bunch of different brands. she hopes to continue to do both of those things, enjoying both modelling and acting a lot, there is a lot in those fields she still wants to do. though, admittedly, while she doesn’t want to be greedy, yena does hope she gets to partake in some individual activities that are geared a little closer to traditional idol skills. she knows she’s not the best singer or best dancer or best rapper of the group, those are skills all attributed to her unnies, but she could maybe release some solo music too no? surely there would be a target audience for that. she became an idol to perform, maybe one day she’ll get to prove she’s capable of doing that on her own merits too.

[dollsahoy]

Ever heard of Devo 2.0?

From Wikipedia

Devo 2.0 (also known as DEV2.O) was a pop group quintet, created for Walt Disney Records (with the participation of Devo), of child actors who sing, dance, and (in their music videos and photo shoots) mime playing instruments along to songs re-recorded by some of the original members of Devo. Jerry Casale directed all nine of the videos.

so, real punk was mocking TrampStamp and the Disneyfication of things 15 years ago, in pursuit of proving Devo's theory of the de-evolution of society

[pez-wolf]

Doctor Who Watch Time for Important Episodes

1.1 Rose (45min)

1.2 The End of the World (45 min)

1.4 Aliens of London (45min)

1.5 World War Three (45min)

1.6 Dalek (45 min)

1.7 The Long Game (45 min)

1.8 Fathers Day (45 min)

1.9 The Empty Child (45 min)

1.10 The Doctor Dances (45 min)

1.11 BoomTown (45 min)

1.12 Badwolf (45 min)

1.13 Parting of Ways (45 min)

2.0 The Christmas Invasion (60 min)

2.1 New Earth (45 min)

2.2 Tooth and Claw (45 min)

2.4 Girl in the Fireplace (45 min)

2.5 Rise of the Cyberman (45 min)

2.6 The Age of Steel (45 min)

2.12 Army of Ghosts (45 min)

2.13 Doomsday (45 min)

3.0 The Runaway Bride (60 min)

3.1 Smith and Jones (45 min)

3.3 Gridlock (45 min)

3.4 Daleks in Manhattan (45 min)

3.5 Evolution of the Daleks (45 min)

3.8 Human Nature (45 min)

3.9 The Family of the Blood (45 min)

3.10 Blink (45 min)

3.11 Utopia (45 min)

3.12 The Sound of Drums (45 min)

3.13 Last of the Time Lords (50 min)

4.0 Voyage of Damned (71 min)

4.1 Partners in Crime (48 min)

4.2 The Fires of Pompeii (45 min)

4.3 Planet of the Ood (48 min)

4.4 The Sontaran Stratagem (45 min)

4.5 The Poison Sky (45 min)

4.8 Silence in the Library (43 min)

4.9 Forest of the Dead (45 min)

4.11 Turn Left (49 min)

4.12 The Stolen Earth (45 min)

4.13 Journeys End (63 min)

S.1 The Next Doctor (60 min)

S.3 The Waters of Mars (62 min)

S.4 The End of Time Part One (60 min)

S.5 The End of Time Part Two (75 min)

5.1 The Eleventh Hour (65 min)

5.2 The Beast Below (42 min)

5.3 The Victory of the Daleks (42 min)

5.4 The Time of Angels (42 min)

5.5 Flesh and Stone (43 min)

5.6 The Vampires of Venice (49 min)

5.8 The Hungry Earth (44 min)

5.9 Cold Blood (46 min)

5.10 Vincent and the Doctor (47 min)

5.11 The Lodger (43 min)

5.12 The Pandorica Opens (49 min)

5.13 The Big Bang (54 min)

6.0 A Christmas Carol (62 min)

6.1 The Impossible Astronaut (44 min)

6.2 Day of the Moon (47 min)

6.3 Curse of the Black Spot (46 min)

6.4 The Doctors Wife (47 min)

6.5 The Rebel Flesh (43 min)

6.6 The Almost People (46 min)

6.7 A Good Man Goes to War (49 min)

6.8 Let's Kill Hitler (49 min)

6.9 Night Terrors (43 min)

6.12 Closing Time (46 min)

6.13 The Wedding of River Song (46 min)

7.0A The Doctor, The Window, and Wardrobe (59 min)

7.1 Asylum of the Daleks (49 min)

7.4 The Power of Three (41 min)

7.5 Angles Take Manhattan (44 min)

7.0B The Snowmen (60 min)

7.6 The Bells of Saint John (45 min)

7.7 Rings of Akhaten (46 min)

7.10 Journey to the Center of the TARDIS (47 min)

7.11 The Crimson Horror (47 min)

7.12 Nightmare in Silver (47 min)

7.13 The Name of the Doctor (44 min)

S.6 The Day of the Doctor (77 min)

S.7 Time of the Doctor (61 min)

8.1 Deep Breath (76 min)

8.2 Into a Dalek (47 min)

8.4 Listen (47 min)

8.5 Time Heist (45 min)

8.6 The Caretaker (45 min)

8.9 Flatline (43 min)

8.11 Dark Water (47 min)

8.12 Death in Heaven (57 min)

9.0 Last Christmas (61 min)

9.1 The Magicians Apprentice (49 min)

9.2 The Witches Familiar (50 min)

9.5 The Girl Who Died (48 min)

9.6 The Woman Who Lived (45 min)

9.10 Face the Raven (46 min)

9.11 Heaven Sent (55 min)

9.12 Hell Bent (60 min)

S.8 The Husbands of River Song (56 min)

10.0 The Return of Doctor Mysterio (61 min)

10.1 The Pilot (49 min)

10.5 Oxygen (44 min)

10.6 Extremis (48 min)

10.7 The Pyramid at the End of the World (46 min)

10.8 Lie of the Land (44 min)

10.11 World Enough and Time (45 min)

10.12 The Doctor Falls (60 min)

S.9 Twice Upon a Time (60 min)

11.1 The Woman Who Fall to Earth (60 min)

11.2 The Ghost Monument (48 min)

11.10 The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos (50 min)

12.0 Resolution (60 min)

12.1 Spyfall Pt 1 (60 min)

12.2 Spyfall Pt 2 (61 min)

12.5 Fugitive of the Judoon (49 min)

12.8 The Haunting of Villa Diodati (49 min)

12.9 Ascension of the Cybermen (49 min)

12.10 The Timeless Children (66 min)

Total Watch Time:

10,199 minutes

169.983333 Hours

7.08263889 Days

[johannesviii]

Top 10 Personal Favorite Hit Songs from 2015

This is the last list that was kind of difficult to do and where some cuts had to be made. The next four ones weren’t very good years music-wise and generally speaking.

Also there’s something that embarrasses me even more than Blue (Eiffel 65) somewhere on this top ten. Oops.

Disclaimers:

Keep in mind I’m using both the year-end top 100 lists from the US and from France while making these top 10 things. There’s songs in English that charted in my country way higher than they did in their home countries, or even earlier or later, so that might get surprising at times.

Of course there will be stuff in French. We suck. I know. It’s my list. Deal with it.

My musical tastes have always been terrible and I’m not a critic, just a listener and an idiot.

I have sound to color synesthesia which justifies nothing but might explain why I have trouble describing some songs in other terms than visual ones.

2015 was a bit calmer, apart from the fact I moved out of the appartment and bought one instead of renting one. This is still where I’m living nowadays, it’s not big but having no landlord is a LOT less stressful even if it will take a long time to pay the loan (one time the lock broke and I couldn’t get out and the landlord refused to fix it OR pay for a new lock if I decided to call someone to fix it ; another time someone who had a spare key opened the door while I was wearing a bathrobe and was like “oh. You’re here” and I was like “...I mean..... yeah.... 'cause I live here”). I also made new friends online that year and felt less isolated.

Sidenote, my first “flat” mp3 player’s battery died today but after a quick emergency operation I was able to save the data on it. I used that mp3 player from roughly 2008 to 2013 so that’s a relief, it kinda has sentimental value and I was still using it to listen to DW audios nowadays from time to time.

As you can see in the first picture, my super old portable cd player, which still works fine, by the way, is judging this little amateur so hard right now.

So! This is the year Faithless dropped Faithless 2.0, 21 Pilots dropped Blurryface, Mylène Farmer dropped the surprisingly quite good (for this point in her career) Interstellaires, and Carly Rae Jepsen dropped E MO TION, which would have been my favorite album of the year... if Nightwish hadn’t made the absolutely jawdropping Endless Forms Most Beautiful. A symphonic metal concept album about Earth and evolution and the place of humanity in the universe?? Excuse me? Who’s read my christmas list? My favorite songs on it are Alpenglow, Shudder Before The Beautiful, the title track, Edema Ruh which has the best intro, and of course The Greatest Show On Earth, which is an incredibly ambitious, kinda bloated and quite pretentious (in a good way) song about the history of Earth, looking back from a future where mankind is extinct and concluding “we were here”, and holy shit I get emotional every time, and it’s 24 minutes long, and I still never get bored when I relisten to it. Just amazing.

As far as unelligible songs that piss me off go, it’s all Carly Rae Jepsen: I Really Like You, and especially Run Away With Me. If they had been elligible, that last one would be my #1, definitely.

Here’s some... uh, a lot of honorable mentions, actually.

Budapest (George Ezra) and Chandelier (Sia) - Still elligible, still not on the list.

Cheerleader (OMI) - I have no idea why people dislike this song.

Ex’s and Oh’s (Elle King) - This is one of these songs that would be higher on the list if I had better taste. I still like it a lot though.

FourFiveSeconds (Rihanna, Kanye West, Paul McCartney) - Ditto.

You Know You Like It (DJ Snake) - Great drop. The rest is meh.

Miracle (Julian Perretta) - The opposite of the previous one ; a fantastic song let down by its drop.

Uma Thurman (Fall Out Boy) - This song makes absolutely no sense but it’s a lot of fun nonetheless.

Lean On (Major Lazer) - Super overplayed but holy shit this is incredibly catchy. The bridge is especially great.

Want to want me (Jason Derulo) - If this guy had that kind of song in him why does he suck most of the time. What happened.

Hundred Miles (Yazz) - Nice earworm that never got annoying.

Are you with me (Lost frequencies) - Basically a less good version of Waves from the previous year. This is a compliment.

Ain’t Nobody (Felix Jaehn) - And this is the less good version of Rather Be from the previous year. This is also a compliment.

Laissez Passer (Maître Gims) - When I started to check French hit songs from years where I basically wasn’t listening to the general local radio anymore, some friends told me they were grabbing popcorn and waiting for me to start hating some specific acts. Maître Gims was one of them. To their disappointment, I love just about every non-love, non-breakup hit song he’s ever made. Oops.

Love Me Harder (Ariana Grande & The Weeknd) - It took me ages to like The Weeknd but this song helped a lot. This just sounds fantastic regardless of the content (just saying this because I have a tendency to dislike stuff like that). He isn’t even the best singer of the two on this track, wow.

Millionnaire (Soprano) - In a worse year, this would make the list without question. The lyrics aren’t that original but still very good (love the line “remplis-moi les poches d’espoir” (fill my pockets with hope)) and the melody is just beautiful.

On écrit sur les murs (Kids United) - If you recall I put the original version of this on my 1990 list because I liked the Kids United version a lot and also had nothing else to put at the 10th spot on the 1990 list. The fact that I don’t even have enough space for the better version on this list says a lot about how abysmal 1990 was, music-wise.

And now, the actual list!

10 - Centuries (Fall Out Boy)

US: #43 / FR: Not on the list

Why are these guys still on my lists.

No, seriously. Why. This is yet another song that would be better if it was faster. And the sample is badly used. So I have no idea why it works. One of these days I’ll have to reevaluate Fall Out Boy’s entire discography, take a good look at myself, and admit I possibly like this band and that I’ve been lying to myself for like 15 years... but today is not that day.

9 - Sapés Comme Jamais (Maître Gims)

US: Not on the list / FR: #10

Told you I liked Maître Gims!

Listen. It’s not my place to comment on the ethics of the whole La Sape movement (which can be summarised as “modern black dandies trying to get the most expensive & beautiful clothes possible”) but you have to admit it’s super cool to have a more energetic and fun version of Suit And Tie. God, that beat. And it’s a ton of fun to sing along with the chorus! And it’s such a convincing song when it’s combined with the music video, you kinda want to look as cool and confident as these guys.

Also quick shoutout to the Sapeuses. Absolute legends & queens, every last one of them.

8 - Style (Taylor Swift)

US: #29 / FR: Not on the list

That year my s.o went to a party I didn’t want to go to and came back home completely drunk & way too late, crashed on the couch and started to ramble about how “Style” by Taylor Swift had a better sound mixing than the entirety of Epica’s latest album at the time and how amazing it was. For like half an hour.

I completely agree, just to clarify.

7 - Cool For The Summer (Demi Lovato)

US: #53 / FR: Not on the list

In what is possibly the least controversial opinion on this entire list: I love Cool For The Summer, the melody is great, the lyrics are good, the singing is the best, and you all know that and you all love this song, so yeah. Moving on to-

Oh god here comes #6. Oh shit. Oh no.

Can’t we just skip it and pretend-

6 - Animals (Maroon 5)

US: #46 / FR: Not on the list

So. I.

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuh.

How can I justify this bullshit.

The truth is: I can’t. Not really. I’m not even entirely sure what happened here. I hate this band and have always hated them, from the start. The lyrics are painfully stupid. The singing is as atrocious as ever. The “AWOOOOO” bit on the bridge is absolutely ridiculous. None of Levine’s “oh look at me I’m so dangerous” act remotely works. There isn’t a single thing I find competent here apart from the melody. I mean it. I’m not saying any of this to look cool. If I wanted to look cool, this certainly wouldn’t be on the list.

But you know what, the sheer incompetence on display here may be exactly why I like it. If it was a credible serial killer song written like an upbeat pop song, it would be disturbing and unlistenable. But the way it’s made, it simply sounds stupid, so you keep imagining some sort of inoffensive nerd pretending he’s a horrible monster (and failing) whenever you hear it. And that, I think, is what pushes it squarely into the “so bad it’s f█cking fantastic” territory, where it joins Butterfly from my 2001 list.

That sounds about right.

5 - Adventure of a Lifetime (Coldplay)

US: Not on the list / FR: #29

I haven’t mentioned A Head Full of Dreams in that year’s albums, because it came out at the very end of 2015 so I mostly consider it to be a 2016 album. It’s not as good as Mylo Xyloto, and not as consistant as Ghost Stories, but it contains some real gems. Adventure of a Lifetime isn’t nearly my favorite song on it, and I still put it super high here. I love the lyrics in particular (”under this pressure, under this weight, we are diamonds taking shape” oh damn) but the song itself just makes you want to move. I literally can’t listen to it without at least moving my head in rhythm a little bit. It’s nearly as colorful as the album cover. And it’s a joy to sing along the “woooohooooo”s!

4 - Stolen Car (Mylène Farmer & Sting)

US: Not on the list / FR: #61

This is Stolen Car (Take Me Dancing), from Sting (2004), rewritten as a half English half French duet where it’s unclear if the female singer is the imaginary lover or the car in the story. You might want to re-read that sentence.

What did I say on a previous list? Ah yes, “I see a duet between two singers I like and I die instantly”. This is also the last time Mylène Farmer is going to appear on one of my lists. I could say “self care”, but I genuinely don’t like any of her more recent hits, at all. Whatever. She’s been on these lists since the very first one (1988) anyway.

It’s been a wild ride, to say the least.

3 - Shut Up And Dance (Walk the Moon)

US: #6 / FR: Not on the list

And for the second least controversial opinion on this list: despite the massive overplay, I never EVER got tired of this, it’s colorful, energetic, super fun, and it’s still on my mp3 player to this day. Just a fantastic song. And a great band! I wish One Foot had been elligible for a future list, it’s super good. Aw.

2 - Ego (Willy Williams)

US: Not on the list / FR: #69

This is a song about a guy who imagines himself as this super cool elegant dude, but when he looks at himself in the mirror he hates everything he’s seeing.

I know this isn’t supposed to be a song about gender dysphoria but my god is this shit relatable.

To make things even better, it’s served by creepy music box sounds ala The Birthday Massacre and by an untouchable, strange beat. It’s a dark, weird song, but it’s all kinds of wonderful and catchy as hell, and apparently I’m not the only one to think that considering the mindboggling number of views on the youtube music video. Watch it if you haven’t seen it, it’s hypnotic and makes the song even better.

I only discovered this song last year but I’ve listened to it so much since then I really debated if this should be at the #1 spot. It’s just... so horribly relatable.

But you know what’s even more relatable?

Being broke and sad and still trying to have the time of your life.

1 - Downtown (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis)

US: #84 / FR: Not on the list

Some people call this Thriftshop 2.0 but I think it’s even better than Thriftshop, which was, if you recall one of my previous lists, already pretty damn good in my opinion.

As you probably already know, it’s a song about a guy buying a moped and bragging about him and his friends, and their mopeds, and how cool they look when they ride downtown on their mopeds. I never owned a moped in my life. But I have a super small & shitty car which I love very much and so it’s very relatable. Also I’ve never written the word ‘moped’ so often in a single paragraph before in my life.

I love every single person who sings on this track. I love the music video. I’ve been trying to match the flow of the second verse ever since it came out and I still can’t do it with my shitty accent. It’s full of weird and corny lines, but that’s also why I love it so much. The dialogue at the beginning! “Dope, my crew is ill, and all we need is two good wheels”! “Head into the dealership and drop a stack and cop a Kawasaki, I'm stunting on everybody, hella raw, pass the wasabi”! “My seat is leather, alright, I'm lying, it's pleather / But girl, we could still ride together / You don't need an Uber, you don't need a cab / F█ck a bus pass, you got a moped man”!! “Cut the bullshit / Get off my mullet / Stone washed, so raw / Moped like a bullet - NYAOOOOOO”!! “Running around the whole town / Neighbors yelling at me like, "You need to slow down." / Going thirty-eight, Dan, chill the f█ck out / Mow your damn lawn and sit the hell down”!!! Oh shit, I basically quoted one third of the song. I just. Ugh. I love it so much, okay?

Cringe culture is dead and we peed on its grave. We spend enough time in our lives feeling miserable. Like what you like. Even if it’s super ridiculous. No: especially if it’s super ridiculous. Live a little, damn it.

Next up: The Year Everything Went Wrong Except Pop Music

[brokehorrorfan]

Godzilla: King of the Monsters will be released on Digital on August 6 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on August 27 via Warner Bros. The sequel to 2014’s Godzilla is directed by Michael Dougherty (Trick ‘r Treat, Krampus). 

Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Charles Dance, Thomas Middleditch, Aisha Hinds, O’Shea Jackson Jr., David Strathairn, Ken Watanabe, and Ziyi Zhang star.

The film includes deleted scenes, among a host of other special features listed below. Watch the trailer here.

Special features:

Audio commentary by director Michael Dougherty

Welcome to the Monsterverse

Monsters 101

Godzilla: Nature's Fearsome Guardian

Mothra: Queen of the Monsters

Ghidorah: The Living Extinction Machine

Rodan: Airborne God of Fire

Evolution of the Titans

Godzilla 2.0

Making Morthra

Creating Ghidorah

Reimagining Rodan

Monarch in Action

The Yunnan Temple

Castle Bravo

The Antarctic Base

The Isla de Mara Volcano

The Undersea Lair

Millie Bobby Brown: Force of Nature

Monster Tech: Monarch Joins the Fight

Monsters Are Real

Deleted Scenes

Theatrical trailers

Godzilla: King of the Monsters follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.