#he made it international in the junior bracket

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Cyd Charisse (The Bandwagon, Brigadoon, Singin’ in the Rain)—LEGS LEGS LEGS I would sell my soul for the legs of Cyd Charisse - she oozed style and glamour and sex appeal!! And she could DANCE! She was dancing next to the greats - Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire but they are never who you're looking at because why would you when you can look at her. I will only sit through too long ballet breaks for her. If there was any woman who you could call sex on legs it was her. These dances are everything to meeee (she comes in at the minute mark) and this dance too of course is iconic. In the words of Fred Astaire 'When you've danced with Cyd Charisse you stay danced with'

Suchitra Sen (Harano Sur, Chaowa Pawa)—Suchitra Sen! She had a 25-year career in Bengali films, and was at the height of popularity for a solid two decades as half of the wildly beloved pair of Uttam-Suchitra, who were practically the entire romantic genre of Bengali films by themselves. She acted in literary adaptations, romantic comedies, (melo)dramas and inspired-by-current-events films. She was the first Indian actress to receive an international award at the Moscow International Film Festival. In 1978, after the release of her last film (a box-office flop) she pulled a Garbo and put herself out of the public eye completely. She made no appearances, gave no interviews, refused awards, all of it. She didn't even show up for her daughter's or grand-daughters' debuts! She was taken for funerary rites in a covered hearse! The glamour! The mystery! That blinding smile!

This is round 2 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Suchitra Sen:

Not to take away from her costars in Devdas (1955), but the great Indian cinematic tradition of Tragic Romantic Yearning would not, I argue, be what it is without Suchitra Sen's performance in that film. I root for things to turn out better for her every time, even though I know how things are going to go.

A Bengali cinema icon. Liked crows (per Gulzar, "It was an astonishing sight. The crows used to pick at the grapes from her hand").

Linked gifset

She once rejected Raj Kapoor's movie offer (one of the most successful actor and director at the time). She was quoted saying, “In men, I don’t look for beauty. I look for intelligence and sharp conversations. I had refused Raj Kapoor’s offer almost immediately. He came to my residence offering a lead role and, as I took my seat, he suddenly sat near my foot and offered me a bouquet of roses while offering the role. I rejected the offer. I did not like his personality. The way he behaved – sitting near my foot – did not befit a man.”

Legendary poet, lyricist, director and writer Gulzaar had this to say about her "Glad that my ‘Sir’—that’s what I call her— got the Dada Saheb Phalke award during her lifetime. Contrary to people’s perceptions, Suchitra Sen is an extremely warm and very very friendly person. I adore and respect her. But she has the right to choose her friends. Surely she’s justified in keeping away from every Tom, Dick and Harry. She’s the only example of such quiet dignity in show-biz. That��s why the media compares her with Great Garbo. Suchitra Sen is my Sir. I’ll explain. During the shooting of Aandhi she started calling me Sir. Everyone in Kolkata calls her Madame. Since I’m her junior I requested her not to call me Sir. But she insisted. (We always converse in Bengali). So I call her Sir and she calls me Sir.”

Linked musical number [won't let me display embedded for some reason]

Cyd:

Photos do not do Cyd Charisse justice, unfortunately, because she is at her hottest while dancing, which she was exquisitely good at. Just go watch her first number in Singin' in the Rain, in that green dress; nothing I could say here will be more convincing that that.

She had amazing legs, and she knew how to use them! You probably know her best from the dream sequence in Singin' In The Rain. She was such a stunning dancer, and all her dance scenes are hard to look away from.

Dancing in the Dark clip:

She's an amazing dancer and my favorite from the period. Here's her and Fred Astaire in the Band Wagon:

I just like a woman who's there to be really incredibly good at dancing.

One of the most talented female dancers in Hollywood history, but what sets her apart from other competitors for that title is that she...umm...well let's be blunt, she was the dancer who put sex into it. The one who said "Hey, you know that A+ leg tone that naturally develops from doing this for a living? Why don't I let people see that? Like at every opportunity?" She reportedly insured her legs for five million dollars after hitting it big, which just goes to show that fame makes you crazy. It should have been ten million.

Arguably the Best female dancer of her time, she supposedly insured her legs for $5 million dollars. Stole the show whenever she had a dance number, even if she went uncredited. Musicals started to go out of fashion so unfortunately she didn't have as many big roles as she should have, but those she did are unforgettable. The Broadway Melody number in Singin' in the Rain - the green dress!

She could pirouette in pointes or tear it up in taps. Fred Astaire called her "beautiful dynamite" and wrote, "That Cyd! When you've danced with her you stay danced with." Gene Kelly partnered with her three times. Her legs were (reportedly) insured for $5 million in 1952 ($57.8 million in 2024 dollars)! Everyone in this poll will be iconic, but for raw physical grace, Cyd is up there with the best.

Legs for days, beautiful dancer in the most iconic scenes of Singin in the Rain. She's glorious. As some guys sung to her in It's Always fair weather, 'baby you knock me out!'

Incredibly, Cyd Charisse only started learning to dance as a rehab exercise to strengthen her body after a childhood bout of polio. She was in high demand as a dance partner, Fred Astaire called her beautiful dynamite and said "When you've danced with her, you stayed danced with". She was one of a few leading ladies to dance with both Astaire and Kelly, declaring them both delicious. Kelly apparently was stronger, while Astaire was more coordinated. She also said her husband would always know who she had been dancing with because Kelly left her bruised, while Astaire didn't leave a mark. She's better known for her dance numbers today, but she was a leading lady in her time! Her Scottish accent in Brigadoon leaves a lot to be desired, but compared to the other actors in the movie, it's almost good. She appeared in The Harvey Girls alongside Judy Garland and Angela Lansbury in her first speaking role, but she really burst onto the scene with Singin' in the Rain and her infamous Broadway Melody Ballet number with Gene Kelly (no one could handle a length of fabric like Cyd Charisse). She was brought in because Debbie Reynolds wasn't really a dancer and Kelly was notoriously a stickler about his Vision. After that she starred opposite Astaire in The Band Wagon, which was a bit of a flop but created some enduringly incredible dance numbers. She went on to star in a number of MGM movies, and was one of the last of the Studio era stars to remain on contract. Since we've got up to 1970, I'm including her opening routine in The Silencers (1966) to show just how long she was making a splash - she's into her 40s here and still a siren:

and of course, the iconic Broadway Melody Ballet -

[junior-high-ena-official]

[ooc]

intro post time!

edit: I DO NOT GET NOTIFS FOR ASKS OR MENTIONS!! if you send or answer an ask to/from this blog, please LIKE one of the posts so I get a notif and am prompted to check this blog because I have too many.

hii this is my second rp blog lmao I have problems ( I made the first one yesterday morning )

im the mod im @2-kakimiko-1 i run @junior-high-rui-official @riho-hasegawa-official and @jail-x-break-official the mod info is also there but I'll put it here nonetheless; I'm an autistic minor and I use he/it/+neos listed here, I need tone tags sometimes

he's transmasc 🎉 just figured that one out

ill say what I said on the rui blog and say that I did say no ship interaction here but I dont actually remember why and I think I'm fine with it now so long as it's another junior high character

for all intents and purposes this blog will be set anywhere from a little bit before Ena left the art class to a little bit after that. Regardless, it's all before he met n25 or amia.

hc time! ena is omniroflux ace, autistic and has npd!

this blog is probably definitely going to cover topics related to abuse and body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria some point!! Everything will be tagged as necessary but be warned. if I forget to tag something or you need something tagged pls tell me!!

the subject will be covered but this is NOT A PRO-ED BLOG. DO NOT INTERACT WITH THIS BLOG IF YOU ARE OR SUPPORT/INTERACT WITH AN ED/SH BLOG.

rp style;

double slash indicated ooc → // like this

unformatted text indicates speech → like this

italics indicate actions → like this

italicized text in brackets indicate internal thoughts → [like this]

tags:

#ooc post - ooc post

#wind rustles through flowers - everything in character

#tw ____ - tw tags

dni ummm basic dni. racist ableist homophobic transphobic etc etc. saying narc abuse exists counts as ableism pls fuck off!

mod and character are minors dont be weird

end of post. explodes²

[chandelier-s-notebook]

Doodlewash April 2021 prompt 18: Dragon

I made another AU. Because I don’t have enough of those I guess.

Also. I don’t really know how I feel about the pacing of this, and there is so much telling. It’s just a first draft, I need to sleep on it before I like it, but I don’t have time to do that. So while it’s fresh off the line, please enjoy this fic.

If anyone wants to be part of a taglist of this Dragon Rider AU, feel free to message me/send an ask/or mention it in reblogs.

--------------------------

This was the best school fieldtrip ever. Ridiara Prep had taken its students to the Premier League Juniors’ Dragon Racing Finals.

The day’s races were not only for national championship spots, but it was also a school day – which meant that huge swaths of the stands were reserved for half price student tickets.

The Manbri National Junior’s Dragon Race Eventing had space for four jockeys from each of the sixteen districts. Even before the Finals the people of The Yaston District knew that two slots would to go Number 35 and Number 13, or as their names, Technoblade and Dream. It was just a toss up to see who slots three and four would go to.

Tommy, Tubbo, and Ranboo sat in a cluster about as far away from the action as you could get. Not my choice, no they’d much rather be pressed against the rails, leaning over the edge watching the events unfold. Unfortunately, the seats provided by Ridiara Prep where all the way in the back corner. And if they were going to be confined to the back-most section, then these boys were going to sit all the way in the back and be petty.

The air in the stadium was electric as school started pouring in from all over Yaston.

Tommy was a bored kind of excited. The kind where you sit still and do other things while the anticipation builds internally. The kind where you know what to expect, but the energy and the thrill gets you going.

Tubbo was to bouncy type of excited. The kind where you can’t stay still and can’t help but look around at everything.  The kind where you absorb the energy of everyone else in the room and let it out with your movement.

Ranboo was the talkative kind of excited. The kind where you can’t contain yourself; where you ramble on and on about the things on your mind. The kind where you know that you might be annoying everyone around you, but you don’t care.

At 10:50am the first fleet of four racers came onto the course. The crowd screamed. The racers flew their dragons into the cages. At 11am the jumbotron screen showed the gates fall down and the cages lower below the course as the jockeys shoot forward.

The dragons weaved around each other and the course. Six laps around, the first two to cross the finishing line on the last lap would move onto the next round.

The course had a simple winding fight path with straight-aways, sharp turns, and more rounded ones. There was also a lower and upper flight limit, the dragons could overtake each other by going around or over or under, but you had to catch up first.

There were sixteen racers in the Finals, which meant seven races over the course of the day. Technoblade and Dream were on opposite sides of the tournament bracket so it would be in the afternoon when they faced off – if neither of them choked on their way to qualification for the Nationals placement flight.

The crowd had just as much energy at the end of the day as the beginning. The Nationals team was going to be Number 35, Technoblade; Number 13, Dream; Number 54, Punz; and Number 3, Puffy. The final race of the day was simply to put them in the tournament brackets.

Ranboo and Tubbo were Technoblade fanboys. They were screaming for their favourite to win. Tommy was just as excited, but it was infinitely less obvious. He just didn’t express his joy, but he did have on a dopy smile the whole time, and his eyes narrowed when anyone overtook Technoblade.

The thing about the Juniors’ League was that it was the lowest age category with the over sixteen rules. And honestly the only difference between above sixteen and below sixteen was the saddle. Those under sixteen raced with a saddle, while those over had foot stapes attached to a harness wrapped where the saddle would sit on the dragons. Don’t worry, it wasn’t a hard shift when kid turned sixteen, they could start practicing with foot stapes at twelve, but racing rules changed at sixteen.

Techno had his reigns held tightly in his hands. Held perfectly so when his dragon pulled forward, he could lean back comfortably. So when he did turns he could shift is body weight easily from foot to foot. Techno’s hair had been braided and curled into a bun at the base of his skull, his roots where very brown as he hadn’t had the time to dye it back pink recently.

Unlike Techno, Puffy was leaned all the way forward. She held the reigns much closer to the bit and saw hunched over close to her dragon’s neck. She was concentrated and gave a little shout whenever she passed someone. Whether she was falling behind or pulling forward.

Dream was much the same as Techno, but his blond hair was cut pretty boy short. He held himself with confidence and seemed to be outwardly enjoying himself while staying super competitive.

Punz was leaned forwards as well. He pretty much stayed super competitive the whole time. He trades spots with the rest of them a few times. None of the four was ever clearly ahead.

In the end, the standing where: Techno, Puffy, Dream, Punz. The crowd blew up when they realized that Puffy got second, she was a fan favourite and it was always an event when either Dream or Techno were knocked down a placement. And neither where salty about it, so no one gave a shit. They gave cheers.

Then it was time to leave. There were only so many so many school busses and Ridiara Prep hadn’t managed to book the first wave, or the second, they were on the third wave of busses. So they had a lot of time to kill. And after the second wave of students left, the teachers let the kids run free.

Tommy had a plan. He was going to sneak into the dragon stalls and see the racers. Tubbo was all for this plan. Ranboo wasn’t.

But Ranboo did give in, in the end.

The three of them whispered to each other as they ran around and tried to find what they were looking for. And they did, Tubbo had found a map and they slipped past security. Of course once they were inside the dragon stables Ranboo warmed up to the idea.

“Can we go find Carl?”

“Carl? Technoblade’s dragon?” Tubbo asked. “Oh my god we could go find Technoblade’s dragon. Let’s go find him.”

“Come on!” Tommy bolted. “Let’s go find the red dragon.”

“Carl’s scarlet.”

“Fanboy much Ranboo.”

“Shut up Tommy.”

The three kids looked at every dragon they passed and named which racer they belonged to. They finally reached Carl’s stall.

Ranboo put his hand up for the dragon to sniff. Carl came closer and bonked Ranboo’s hand with his snout. Then Tubbo did the same. Tommy was keeping watch while the other two interacted with Technoblade’s dragon.

“Hey!” a voice called. “I don’t think you kids should be here.”

“Is that Dream?” Tubbo whispered.

“Yes,” Tommy whispered back. “Hey big man!” Tommy shouted to the third place winner. “I’m allowed to be here.”

“You are?” Dream humored him. “What about your friends? Are they allowed to be here?”

Tommy pointed to Tubbo, “He has plus one privileges, not sure about that guy though.”

Ranboo snorted. “Thanks man.”

Dream walked up behind them. “You kids should leave. Just go and I won’t call security. Also, Techno really doesn’t like people messing with his dragon.”

“It’s fine,” Tommy dismissed. “Carl loves me. Don’t you boy?”

Dream shot Tommy a strange look. Then there was thumbing from Carl’s stall, like he was waving his tail and there wasn’t enough space. Dream glanced at Carl. “Huh.”

“See?” Tommy in all his bravado put his hand through the bars on the door into the stall. Carl started rubbing his snout on Tommy’s palm. “We’re good man.”

“I will call security.”

“Do that.”

“Don’t do that.” Ranboo grabbed Tommy and started pulling him away. “We’ll be on our way. Sorry for breaking and entering.”

“Ranboo!” Tubbo scolded. “Don’t make it seem worse than it is. We didn’t break anything.”

“I believe you.”

“Good.”

“Tommy. Come on. We should really get back to the class.”

“Why? I’m just going home?”

“Yeah?” Tommy continued to shrug off Ranboo and play with Carl. “Who’s a good boy?”

Dream smiled softly at the exasperated and apologetic looks Tubbo and Ranboo were sending him. “I’m very sure that Technoblade doesn’t like when people mess with Carl.”

Tommy waved his free hand. “I’m not messing with him.”

“Messing with who?”

And that was went Tubbo and Ranboo froze. On the one hand; Technoblade, they were messing with his dragon and should apologize and dip. On the other hand; Technoblade, must fanboy.

Dream gestured to Tommy petting Carl with no regard for his safety.

“And?”

“And?” Dream gestured more expressively. “Kid petting your dragon?”

“And?”

“You don’t let me do that?”

Tommy turned around to stick his tongue out at Dream.

“You aren’t the kid?”

“But why can the kid? I let you interact with Spirit!”

“Carl’s not Spirit.”

“Obviously.”

“Techno can I ride with you home? I don’t want to take the bus.”

“Yeah sure,” Techno said without a first thought. “My dragon. I make the rules.”

“Did you just?”

Techno turned to the sound. “And you are?” he asked Tubbo.

“Uhm.”

“That’s Tubbo.”

“This is Tubbo?”

“Yeah. But of a bitch isn’t he?”

“No?”

“Other guy is Ranboo. My other friend.”

“Right.” Techno turned back to Tommy. “They coming over for dinner?”

“Can they? Will we all fit on Carl?”

“No. But I brought Andrew. He could probably fit all three of you. You’re all tiny.”

“Well Technoblade.” Tommy’s voice took on a bratty quality. “We’re only fourteen, that’s not super small Mr. nineteen.”

“Do you want to ride Andrew home or would you rather crawl back into the hole you came from and take the school bus on?” Techno deadpanned.

“Andrew.”

“Cool. Let’s go get him.” Techno kept walking down the corridor to Andrew’s stall a little further down.

“What just happened?” Ranboo asked, still processing a few sentences behind.

“Technoblade’s my older brother.”

“Wilbur’s your older brother,” Tubbo corrected.

“Wilbur has a twin.”

“Huh?”

“Come on. Let’s go. We get to ride Andrew home. I’ll drive, you two and just sit tight.” Tommy took both of his friends’ hands; he knew they wouldn’t be walking on their own for a few minutes more.

The racers were all tacking up their dragons for the return journey and the busses had yet to come for the third wave of school children. Tubbo and Ranboo settled themselves into Andrew’s saddle ina daze while Tommy strapped his feet in.

Dream was still following, pestering Techno about his little brother.

“Hey Toms. Do a few loops around the track while you wait for me.”

“Yessir!”

And they were off.

Tommy waved to the teacher before flying off into the skyways behind Techno. Just letting him know not to wait up for the three boys.

[romanceboys]

(interview) vogue korea april issue 2020 - perfect taemin

1. superm was another chance for taemin’s ever-evolving performance to be showcased. i thought a lot about how to create synergy with these exceptional performers. to put it simply, i wanted us to come off as energetic. but these days i’ve had a change of heart. our identity is definitely important. rather than just working hard, for superm to show off their colours well we need to show our personalities; we should be seen as one team. to be able to formulate a solid and clear colour is our homework. that’s why it’s regrettable. we couldn’t come up with a novel choreography to carry our new identity. we tried a lot in the practice room. superm seems to have found its musical identity but hasn’t gotten a hold of its performance character yet. the stages are too vague. 2. now that you are finally promoting with your best friend kai in one group, you two must’ve shared your concerns. since this friend is someone who has a lot of passion and ambition, he talks about various things. for instance, this style is pretty good, this choreography is quite trendy. thanks to him i’ve learned a lot. he is also very knowledgeable about the latest ‘hottest’ genres. we talk about these things often and even watch videos together. kai gives off ‘popular’ vibes. compared to him, my interests are quite unusual. nowadays kai is interested in music while i am into science. 3. is it science fiction? these days we’ve been watching videos on the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics together. 4. what aspect of it interested you? originally i was very curious, after seeing a recommended video on youtube i learned about quantum mechanics for the first time. i couldn’t understand the explanation, even those who were explaining it said it was a difficult concept. that was very fascinating to me. kind of like magic.  5. are you reading books on the subject too? the subjects of the books i read are different (laughs). there’s a book that was published long ago called ‘regarding the pain of others.’ it is a pessimistic book that gathers contradictory opinions of people for instance ‘people find joy in the pain of others, it is instinctual.’ as a celebrity, there are times when you are criticized but there are also times when you receive comfort from people. rather than blaming others, while reading this book, i began to think ‘people are like that, at most i shouldn’t behave like them.’ my interests are all over the place. 6. what makes you and kai click? we converse well. our opinions almost never clash and we respect each other. moreover, we fully understand our own roles in superm. 7. what position do you hold in superm? since i can’t ask if it’s the main dancer. in pictures and interviews, i’m the center. baekhyun hyung is the leader (laughs). 8. when the conversation wasn’t flowing well during the talkshow interview, i saw you neatly concluding it.  that does happen. nct and wayv are still in the learning phase. that’s why i first listen to all of their thoughts during interviews then flesh it out with details later. 9. compared to when you set out abroad as shinee then promoting overseas as superm now, the status of k-pop has changed. looking at how superm was able to start off with an arena tour in the us and europe made me feel that k-pop is a ‘hot’ topic. in the past, we’d use venues of this scale for smtown concerts. even if you promote mainly in asia, seeing the audience section will make you realise the perception of k-pop has changed. 10. though k-pop’s scope has expanded and diversified, its definition has become simple. what are your concerns? my first concern is language. after i was able to communicate via language during my japanese activities, there were so many advantages. though each country overseas has its own language, i felt that i needed to learn english first. there are many international fans who want to experience the chemistry between our members, they’d feel much closer to us if we communicated using (a common) language. k-pop isn’t one dimensional. it’s not only about the music, there is music video, style, etc. included. people would make dance covers in the past, now they even emulate the styling. all of this is korean pop culture. 11. superm were on the ellen degeneres show and jimmy kimmel live. before we went on the ellen show we really rehearsed the interview a lot. america’s atmosphere is different so you receive questions that are never asked in korea. they don’t disclose the questions in advance either. we were also worried because the emcee could ad-lib. we came up with the most probable questions and practiced, we also received lessons from american comedians. compared to that, we went on jimmy kimmel live without any prep. 12. what went according to plan and what didn’t? the questions were not as intense as expected, ellen was well aware about k-pop culture so it went smoothly. 13. is there a dance genre you’re into these days? contemporary, lyrical hiphop, in the future as superm i think i’ll be able to show more, not the kind of dancing that you do after learning a given choreography but the kind that is full of emotions. it’s about giving meaning to your gestures. it isn’t out yet but my concert vcr features lyrical hiphop. in it i think i’m dancing alone with a giant full moon as my backdrop but get confused when there are two of us, either it’s another person or a shadow. a choreographer with a body type similar to mine had to dress in all black to come across as my shadow. i wore an oriental outfit with smokey makeup. 14. how do you usually come up with your ideas? i get inspired by the choreographers and creative directors. i imagine it as we converse then the idea develops. 15. was there a time you were inspired by fashion? of course. art begins with the five senses. what you see with your eyes, the things you can feel, clothes, food, perfume, music that you listen to are all sources of inspiration. i create private accounts to follow fashion brands. 16. having debuted at the age of 16, you are still young but your work experience has been long. i was in certain situations because of this. it doesn’t happen as often now but even in my early 20s, i completely belonged to the senior category at broadcasting stations. they are my juniors but many of them are also hyungs, i’m their senior but i’m also the youngest. now there are even staff members who are younger than me. they’re too formal with me (laughs). 17. are there juniors that ask you for advice or help? the superm members! especially ten, he is very curious. when we come out of a company meeting, he’ll get surprised and say “wow, hyung everything you said was right.” i even hear things like ‘veteran’ and ‘seer.’ apparently my predictions come true. but i try not to advise them as much. taking the initiative to say something feels overwhelming. 18. born in 1993 between millennials and gen z, do you share any characteristics with those in your age bracket? we’ve picked out a few of their traits. the first one is ‘they don’t eat fast food.’ me too! i took care of my health well ever since i started out with shinee. i was brainwashed from home to avoid foods that harmed the body. not even ramyeon, snacks were also banned. and just like that in my 20s i started carrying out the regime on my own. it’s become a habit to look after my health ever since i moved out. i always eat things that are good for my body, if the hyungs are taking vitamins, i’d ask for one too. 19. i suddenly recall a variety show where you were the only one who skipped the sauce and ate the meat on its own! one should not eat irritable foods. my mother’s words. 20. how about ‘they watch videos on youtube rather than tv. even the ads don’t particularly bother them.’ that’s right. i watch youtube more often than tv, while watching the ads i'd even marvel at their production quality. i’ve signed up for the premium package now so i don’t see the ads anymore. 21. ‘marrying or wanting to buy their own house.’ i currently live alone and i have no interest in decking out my house. at first, i didn’t think like that but a month later my interest dissipated. i’m lazy. it’s not like my house is for others to see, i’m fine with the incomplete feeling for now. 22. and finally ‘they avoid investing in financial companies.’ i don’t do that. my parents manage that, if there’s a good tip i’ll just let them know.  23. hiphop musicians tend to express their success through music. as an idol musician how have you been using the wealth you accumulated all these years? i invest in food instead of saving up (laughs). honestly, i don’t spend much. i don’t have anything i want. though i do spend on others a lot. 24. what kind of household did you grow up in? what gifts did you inherit from your family as a musician? i inherited my body type. all of my cousins have model-like physiques, they’re taller and slimmer than me. my mother sings well. my father plays instruments as a hobby. oh, and my paternal aunt used to be a ballerina. so perhaps i inherited such genes? 25. you’ve been doing the same thing for more than 10 years. what is the purpose behind creating music and showcasing it? in the past, i would think i should do well, i need to be number one, these days i’ve become ambitious for other aspects. i take pride in the fact that my work supplies others with positive energy. i feel a sense of accomplishment when fans like my music, i want to make them as happy as i am. everyone’s profession is different but i hope this synergy gained from mutual dependence leaves a good impression. 26. are you still composing songs? i used to but now i only participate in lyric writing. it differs with each song, at times the lyrics are emotional or talk about abstract love. it seems like my next solo album will include a song i wrote the lyrics to. sometimes songs composed by overseas composers might prove too difficult for the general public to understand. so i participate a lot in the arrangement or mixing phase. i point out the parts that should be added to the composition and those that are unneeded. teacher lee soo man does give advice but it often feels like i do the producing of my own solo album. 27. taemin’s originality is the clearest when he promotes as a solo artist. which song has best represented your identity? i worked hard on all of them but there was a turning point. at first there was ‘danger’ then ‘press your number’ was a conceptual performance, the transition to ‘move’ turned out well. i wanted to break out from the typical choreography routine and create my own identity, the resulting performances were ‘move’ and ‘want.’ my next solo album is again different. i’ve been making a lot of changes these days. 28. you seem to have high standards when it comes to composing music. was there ever an occasion where you absolutely refused to compromise and gave others a hard time? everyone is used to it (laughs). it’s something i learned from the head manager hyung who’s been with me since debut. the belief that ‘there is nothing that can’t be done. there is no such thing as impossible.’ another team manager hyung would tell me ‘you remind me of our head’ (laughs). honestly, the staff around me work beyond their given roles and with affection. normally work timings are from 9 to 7, they stay back till 10-11 pm for me. they don’t hold it against me, and when things do well, they too feel a sense of fulfillment together with me. 29. the new unreleased song must be quite different from the original then.  there are already 12 versions of the song. when i thought we were somewhat done, we recently started arranging it again (laughs). 30. you hold your body to specific standards for the best performance outcome. i don’t ‘bulk up.’ previously, i used to work out when i ate a lot but my body would feel weighed down, it wasn’t what i wanted. if i gain a lot of muscles or become thick, it hampers my dancing form. that’s why i don’t put on weight. i train my stamina and strength and avoid bulking up my shoulders and arms. 31. by the way, do you do neck exercises as well? i was touched looking at your long neck in the vogue photoshoot. i had been noticing this too, now i know the reason! i think it’s because i dance. a lot of resistance goes into the neck when you dance. our head is the heaviest and it’s the neck that supports it. it goes away when i rest for a few days. we’re shooting amidst the superm tour maybe that’s why it looks thicker now.  32. an editor who has been watching you closely for a long time said that you’ve become extroverted. could it be that experience and relationships have made you comfortable and secure? i’ve lowered my guard. i couldn’t reveal my current self to others before. as a child i used to be so introverted that i’d hide behind my mother when strangers would get into the elevator. i changed with time.  33. is your ever-present smile a product of your personality or just business decorum? i’m always smiling. i even laugh at things other people don’t find funny (laughs). 34. shinee members are currently serving in the army. when they’re on break what kind of advice or nagging do they subject you to? i wish they would do that. we have a group chat on kakaotalk and i always revive it by asking “what’s up” “happy new year.” but as soon as the conversation picks up they only talk about the army. when i inform them about an issue at the company they say “really?” then it’s military talk again. when i feel left out and tell them to stop, they reply with “you’ll understand when you get here.” 35. in your career as a musician, when do you feel the best? when it’s time to reveal all that i’ve been preparing for so long! it feels different from finishing it. the first stage after debuting, shinee’s first concert, performing at tokyo dome, receiving the award... these are the moments that come to mind. 36. watching taemin grow for the past decade has been a huge source of strength. what are your dreams now? there are many. first of all, once shinee comes back again, i want the entire group to give off a feeling of revival. usually after getting discharged, it’s hard to keep up with the next generation, i want to avoid that. i’ve imagined it all when the shinee members return. second, i want to perform a lot on various stages as a solo artist. superm topped the billboard 200 album chart, it’d be nice to enter the top 10 on the hot 100 digital chart as well.  37. you are really talented at setting goals. i’ve gotten greedier. it’s just not for myself but i want to do it for the fans and members, even the staff. they become my driving force. i really am lucky. everybody works hard but i even get the recognition for it. come to think of it, i was given many opportunities and i worked hard to make the most of them, i’m really happy my efforts paid off in the end. i’m surrounded by good people. shinee, superm, many people fill in the gaps for me that i can’t solve on my own. 38. superm’s concert title is ‘we are the future.’ when you hear the word ‘future’ what are you reminded of? first, it’s h.o.t. (laughs). future-oriented things come to mind like artificial intelligence, drones, 3d hologram concerts. then again, in the future, though people might be able to watch concerts through holograms, i think humans will not give up on the tasks they themselves can do. my work will still be the same in the future. 39. the reason you don’t write anything on instagram. i don’t have anything to say yet (laughs). i don’t know if i should make my instagram cool or approachable. when fretting between writing a caption or using an emoticon, i just end up leaving it blank. actually i signed up after my manager hyung suggested that instagram would be good. so i’ve made one but i still don’t know what to upload. i get teased by the people around me for putting up selfies. i even took lots of pictures especially for instagram but... 40. did you not post the pictures? the point of instagram is real-time communication. is that so! i didn’t know (laughs).

translated by romanceboys — take out with full credit (source)

[junker-town]

Western Illinois, Year 40, 2046-2047

The final season of our sim dynasty with Western Illinois in College Hoops 2K8 is here.

Welcome back to our simulated dynasty with the Western Illinois Leathernecks in College Hoops 2K8. You can find a full explanation of this project + spoiler-free links to previous seasons here. Check out the introduction to this series from early April 2020 for full context. As a reminder, we simulate every game in this series and only control the recruiting and coaching strategies. Dynasty mode runs for 40 years.

Before we pick up with the Leathernecks at the start of Year 40, here’s a recap of everything that happened last season:

Western Illinois entered Year 39 trying to three-peat as national champions for the first time in program history. We lost two starters early to the NBA coming into the season, but still had enough talent to be ranked No. 10 overall in the preseason polls.

We ran through the regular season schedule, losing only one game to UCLA during the non-conference season and sweeping Summit League opponents once again. We entered the NCAA tournament at 29-1 on the year and earned a No. 4 seed to the big dance.

We beat Brown in round one, knocked off Georgia Tech in the round of 32, beat Indiana in the Sweet 16, and lost to Florida in the Elite Eight. We know enter the final season of my career tied with John Wooden with 10 national championships.

We added three players in our last ever recruiting class: five-star JUCO SF Jerald Obasohan, four-star SG Erwin Walls, and four-star PF Kenny Butler.

Here’s a first look at our roster for Year 40:

It feels like only yesterday that a fresh-faced, 25-year-old came to the small town of Macomb, Illinois with big dreams. Coach Rick was hired by Western Illinois to do the impossible: win a national championship with arguably the worst team in college basketball. After 39 seasons at the helm, our tiny program has accomplished that and so much more. Now it’s time to hang it up.

Our journey at Western Illinois is finally coming to an end. In literal terms, College Hoops 2K8 forces mandatory retirement upon coaches in dynasty mode after 40 seasons. All good stories need closure either way. As we start our final season, we have some big stakes attached to our swan song.

Western Illinois has won 10 national championships in the Ricky Charisma era. That ties us with UCLA legend John Wooden for the most in history. What started as a mission to win a single national championship has now left us with a different goal: to become the undisputed greatest program in the history of the sport.

While we failed in our bid to three-peat last season — falling to Florida in the Elite Eight — we did bring back all four breakout juniors for this season. We only lost starting center DJ Foster to graduation. Yeah, it’s been a while since we last published Year 39 (thanks for your patience), so let’s go over the roster:

PG Christano Ngounou, junior, 89 overall: Ngounou made major strides after being forced into the starting lineup last season, and now looks like a rock solid contributor going into our final year. An international recruit out of Cameroon, Ngounou is a fast 6’3 guard with lockdown defensive ability and a slightly above average three-point shot. We have bigger names on this squad who will be expected to carry the scoring load, but Ngounou is going to play a huge role because he’s way better than every other point guard on the roster. We need quality minutes from him in the tournament. Former five-star international recruit with B potential.

SG Bernie Doyle, redshirt senior, 92 overall: Doyle is an incredible talent who enters his senior year looking to fully blossom into a superstar. The 6’9 shooting guard uses his immense size on both ends of the floor. He’s elite at getting into the passing lanes and forcing steals (a team-high 1.8 per game as a junior) on the defensive end, and has a sweet three-point stroke offensively. Doyle is such a smooth scorer and dominant defender that it feels like he has the natural talent to develop into an all-great in his senior year. Let’s hope he’s up to the challenge. Former No. 36 overall recruit from Detroit with C potential. Projected lottery pick.

SF Floyd Keller, redshirt senior, 92 overall: Keller checks every box for a small forward. He has good size at 6’7. He has a three-point rating in the mid-80s. He’s the best dunker on the team. He’s an elite offensive rebounder for a wing with a rating in the low 90s, which helps equip him to play minutes at the four. After a tough shooting night in our Elite Eight loss last season — he went 1-for-7 from three — we’ll need Keller to be consistently great if we want one more run through the bracket. Former No. 101 overall recruit out of Dallas with C+ potential. Projected second round pick.

PF Oscar Fray, redshirt senior, 88 overall: Fray enters his third year as a starter with a fascinating combination of size and skill that could set him up for a breakout senior year. The 7-foot power forward is a great three-point shooter for his position with a rating just below 80. Defensively, he’s the top-rated shot blocker on the team, and also does a pretty good job on the glass. Former No. 118 overall recruit out of Lynn, MA with C potential. Projected second round pick.

C Brody Munoz, redshirt senior, 92 overall: Munoz finally gets the spotlight as a senior after backing up DJ Foster — a one-time NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player — for his entire career up to this point. We’re expected big things, and not just because he’s tied for the highest rated player on the roster going into the regular season. What Munoz lacks in elite size at 6’11 he can make up for with strength, agility, and rebounding. We expect him to be really good at forcing turnovers, grabbing putbacks, and helping fortify the paint. Former No. 169 overall recruit (No. 6 center) out of Nashville with B potential. Projected lottery pick.

We have an incredibly deep bench for our final season. Center Logan Polk (85 overall) will be our sixth man, and should be able to form a three-man front court rotation with the two starters in the tournament. After that, we have a lot of options but not a lot of good options.

Here’s the rest of the bench: wing Jaycee Queen (80 overall), wing Jerald Obasohan (79 overall), guard Archie Howell (78 overall), wing/guard James Haranga (74 overall), guard Edwin Walls (74 overall), and power forward Kenny Butler (74 overall).

This is really it. Year 40. The last dance. What a ride it has been. We start the season at No. 4 in the polls.

How did the regular season go?

For our final regular season, we tried to schedule a good mix of local schools and historic big conference rivals with a couple in-season tournaments thrown in for good measure.

Here’s how the regular season went:

Win over Bradley

Win over Nebraska

Win over UTEP

Loss to Southern Illinois

Win over Florida

Loss to Northwestern

Win over New Mexico

Win over DePaul

That sets up a rivalry game against Illinois. We’ve played the Illini in almost every season, and we don’t want to end this dynasty without one more dub. The losses to Southern Illinois and Northwestern were a real bummer, and we need a palate cleanser. Let’s go!

Big win, 102-68. Look at Cristano Ngounou hanging 17 points and six assists on the Illini. Love seeing both starters in the front court — seniors Oscar Fray (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Brody Munoz (18 points, 11 rebounds) — each dropping a double-double, too. And how about our new five-star JUCO addition Obasohan chipping in 12 points off the bench? Really promising performance from the boys.

We get a big win over Kansas in our next game. That sets up another marquee game with a program we don’t like very much out of the state of North Carolina: Duke. We’ve battling with Duke on the court and on the recruiting trail for 40 freaking years. Can we end this rivalry with a dub?

Ugh, loss, 88-83. Nice games from Bernie Doyle (19 points, four assists) and Oscar Fray (14 points, 12 rebounds), but it isn’t enough. That’s our third loss of the season. Get bent, Duke.

We end the year with three more non-conference games.

Win over Illinois-Chicago

Win over American

Win over Arizona State

While we may have lost the final battle to Duke, I won the war over Coach K with a significantly better career by any measure (more on that in a minute). Now it’s time to jump into conference play in the Summit League.

Did we go undefeated in conference season?

Yes we did, another perfect 18-0 stretch.

Now we enter the conference tournament. Can we punch one more automatic bid to the NCAA tournament?

Win over UMKC

Win over Southern Utah

Win over UL-Calcutta

We’re going to the NCAA tournament for the last time, but that isn’t even the headliner after winning the Summit League. Im taking home the conference tournament championship, I won game No. 1,171 of my career. That currently puts me ahead of Coach K for the most wins all-time.

We have built a great legacy at Western Illinois. Before we enter the NCAA tournament, let’s take a look at our statistical leaders:

What a year for Munoz. Dude sat on the bench for four seasons before finally getting a starting spot, and all he did was lead our team in scoring at 17.2 points per game. Fray was awesome, too, averaging a hair under 15 points per game while chipping in nearly two blocks and six rebounds per game. It’s good to see Keller and Doyle both hit double-figures in scoring. I’m a bit surprised Cristano couldn’t even put up seven points a night after his big game against Illinois, but the assist and steals numbers are solid. We’re going to need him in March.

The Leathernecks are heading into the NCAA tournament at 32-3 on the year. I can’t wait to see what seed we get.

2047 NCAA tournament

Well, we couldn’t end this dynasty without getting swindled by the Selection Committee one more time. We’re a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament. I thought we should have been a top-four seed without question.

We’ll open the tournament with a game against No. 11 seed Syracuse. Sheesh. Before we get to the game, let’s check in on our roster one more time:

I’m loving the way this group progressed through the year. We have two awesome wing scorers with an elite combination of size and shooting in Keller and Doyle. We have plenty of beef up front with Munoz, Fray, and Polk. Ngounou entered the program as a 77 overall and shot up to a 92 in three years without a redshirt. The bench also really improved during the season and should give us plenty of different lineup options in March.

This is going to be a tough run, starting with Syracuse. The Orange have knocked us out of the big dance before, and consistently put together really strong teams.

Our last dance starts now. As always, we’re simulating every game, I’m not controlling the ‘Necks.

Let’s go!

Win, 105-73! What an absolute beatdown. We’ve moving on to the round of 32.

Long-time followers of the series will know that our Leathernecks have always been known as a second half team. It happened in a big way in this game. Syracuse ended the first half strong to cut our lead to nine points, but we quickly turned it into a blowout out of the break.

I thought this was a tremendous all-around team effort. Six players hit double-figures in scoring with no one putting up more than Floyd Keller’s 15 points. Everyone who played recorded an assist. I loved this play from the first half when we set two screens for our five-star JUCO Obasohan that helped get him an easy layup.

Our bench is a big question mark coming into this tournament, mostly because it’s filled with a lot of fresh faces who haven’t played big minutes in clutch spots before. I have to say, the performance of our reserves in our tournament opener was super encouraging. Obasohan in particular looks like a keeper after scoring 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting and knocking down a three. We always need wing depth, and he should be able to provide that on this run.

The clear highlight of Obasohan’s night: this sick two-handed dunk in transition for an and-one.

We love to turn defense into offense, and Ngounou and Doyle’s ability to get into the passing lanes really helps us out there.

Speaking of Ngounou in transition: he had a beautiful finish on the break to put the game fully out of reach. That’s what you want out of your point guard.

The win sets up a second round game against Colorado State

The Rams have been a solid program throughout this sim dynasty, regularly making NCAA tournament appearances. We have a decisive edge in talent heading into this game.

We are one win away from going to the Sweet 16 and extended our run in the big dance. One time, ‘Necks. Let’s go!

Win, 109-79! We’re going to the Sweet 16!

We didn’t need to be a second half team in this one. Our ‘Necks blew the doors off Colorado State from the opening tip-off. I thought we played a great game offensively thanks to our inside-out ball movement.

We had five scorers in double-figures in this one, but it was senior starters Bernie Doyle and Oscar Fray leading the charge. We know Doyle is capable of taking over a game at his best, and he was awesome in this one: 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 shooting from three. The real story was Fray, though.

Fray was probably the least appealing long-term prospect of our recruiting class when he entered the program alongside Doyle, Keller, and Munoz. That was mostly because of his 74 rating and C potential grade. While he’s always been rated a few points lower than his classmates, Fray’s skill set on the court is so important to us. He’s a massive 7-foot power forward who can protect the rim and shoot threes. What more do you want?

Fray went off in this game: 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals on 9-of-11 shooting. I love watching the big man shoot from deep. This was from NBA range.

Here’s one more catch-and-shoot three for good measure.

Fray might get slept on a little on this team, but he’s absolutely critical to our success if we want to win it all.

I also want to shout-out the bench for another solid performance. I liked what I saw out of Obasohan (11 points) and Howell (10 points). Since we already have two Obasohan clips in this post, why not make it three? Love him hitting this triple in the first half to help us open up the lead.

We’re rollin’.

The win sets up a Sweet 16 game vs. Alabama

We’re now four wins away from ending this dynasty with a national championship. A Sweet 16 game against Bama is going to be an absolute battle.

In our simulated future, the Tide have become a basketball school. This program seems to make the tournament every year, and they’ve given us plenty of trouble in the past.

A trip to the Elite Eight is on the line. Let’s go!

Win, 112-69! We’re onto the Elite Eight!

Say it with me: SECOND. HALF. TEAM. After a tight first half left us with a six-point lead coming into the break, our ‘Necks absolutely torched the nets in the second half to come away with the blowout win. Seriously: we scored 66 points in the final 20 minutes. That was an offensive clinic at its best.

I had a good feeling about the second half when Cristano got this three hit the rim like 50 times before falling. Sometimes you need some good luck on your side.

A couple possessions later, Floyd Keller came down a ripped another three. We finally had a double-digit lead, and we’d never look back.

It was great to see Keller (15 points) get going from deep. He hit all three of his attempts from beyond the arc.

While we don’t have any clips of the front court from this game, they absolutely deserve credit for the win.

Fray turned in another incredible performance, this one somehow even better than his last. He ended the game with 25 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks on 10-of015 shooting. He didn’t attempt a three (booooo) but he dominated the game on both ends. His front court mate Munoz was almost as good. The senior center finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds. We kept going inside — Munoz and Fray combined for 35 (!) field goal attempts — and they were making the Bama defense pay.

Not the best Bernie Buckets game (9 points on 3-of-10 shooting), but I clipped this shot from the first half, so I might as well embed it here.

Elite Eight, here we come.

The win sets up an Elite Eight matchup against No. 1 seed Indiana

Our run in the NCAA tournament has been a breeze up to this point, but I fear things about to get a lot more difficult. Our plucky No. 6 seed is about to run into one of college basketball’s blue bloods: the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers.

The Elite Eight has been something of a bugaboo for us. We lost in this round last year. We’ve lost in this round many times before. I don’t want it to happen again.

A Final Four trip is on the line. As always, we’re watching a simulated version of this game; I am not controlling the Leathernecks. Let’s go!

***

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***

Loss, 96-86. Oh my gosh. And just like that, our dream of ending this dynasty with a national title is over.

I am devastated. I really thought this team was good enough to send me out on top, but it wasn’t meant to be. The Hoosiers’ outside shooters did us in. Indiana’s guard-heavy lineup caught fire from deep (10-of-21 for 47.6 percent), and our perimeter attack couldn’t keep up. We only hit 6-of-22 (27.3 percent) attempts from three.

What happened to our second half team this time? We were only down two going into halftime, but we were outscored by eight over the final 20 minutes. Tough scene.

There were some solid individual performances. Munoz went out strong with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bernie Doyle dropped 21 points and hit this three-pointer to keep us in it early.

Floyd Keller just didn’t give us enough on the wing. He shot 1-of-8 from three in the loss. He did give us a little juice in transition, at least.

Cristano played all 40 minutes, and had eight points and nine assists. I really wish I got another year with him as a senior next season.

Unfortunately there is no next season. After 40 years at Western Illinois, our sim dynasty is over. Here are some final numbers on the series:

Final record: 1,177-213

10 national championships (tied with John Wooden for the most in men’s college basketball history)

15 Final Four appearances

25 Sweet 16 appearances

Final NCAA tournament record: 113-27

38 Summit League regular season championships

35 Summit League tournament championships

38 seasons with 20+ wins

61 players drafted

The thing I’m most proud of? After we made the NCAA tournament for the first time in Year 3, we didn’t miss it again the rest of this dynasty.

Is Ricky Charisma the greatest men’s college basketball coach ever?

I think so. Here’s how we stack up to other top coaches in NCAA history in important categories.

Total wins

Ricky Charisma: 1,179

Mike Krzyzewski: 1,170

Jim Boeheim: 1,083

Roy Williams: 903

Bob Knight: 899

Dean Smith: 879

Jim Calhoun: 877

Adolph Rupp: 876

Bob Huggins: 828

Eddie Sutton: 806

Tournament wins

Ricky Charisma: 110

Mike Krzyzewski: 94

Roy Williams: 77

Dean Smith: 65

Jim Boeheim: 57

Tom Izzo: 52

Jim Calhoun: 49

John Wooden: 47

Final Four appearances

Ricky Charisma: 15

Mike Krzyzewski: 12

John Wooden: 12

Dean Smith: 11

Roy Williams: 9

Tom Izzo: 8

Rick Pitino: 7

Denny Crum, Adolph Rupp, John Calipari: 6

Consecutive tournament appearances

Western Illinois: 36

Kansas: 31

North Carolina: 27

Arizona: 25

Duke: 24

Michigan State: 23

Gonzaga: 22

Winning percentage

Ricky Charisma: 84.7

Mark Few: 83.44

Sam Burton: 83.33

Clair Bee: 82.444

Adolph Rupp: 82.1

John Wooden: 80.3

National championships

Ricky Charisma: 10

John Wooden: 10

Mike Krzyzewski: 5

Adolph Rupp: 4

Roy Williams: 3

Jim Calhoun: 3

Bobby Knight: 3

Who is the best player in Western Illinois history?

That’s the big question within the fanbase right now. Before we get to it, let’s look back at our greatest recruiting wins.

We landed five five-star recruits out of the domestic high school ranks during my time at Western Illinois. We also signed nine five-star JUCO recruits, and six five-star international recruits from places like New Zealand (shout-out Dave French), Montenegro (anti shout-out Vitor Andrisevic), France (what up, Kim Kone!), and Cameroon.

The highest-rated recruit in program history was Sammy Yan at No. 10 overall in 2032. He was pretty much a disappointment. The program’s all-time leading scorer was center Vinnie Harmon with 2,452 career points during his career. He was the No. 122 overall recruit and the No. 8 center (those that followed the series or played the game know that centers are always weirded underrated on the recruiting trail).

Here are some more numbers during tournament games only (aka, the games we streamed), from the amazing Leathernecks Database maintained by our fans:

The highest rated player in program history is a tie between small forward Nic Cummings and point guard Duncan Martinez, who are the only players to reach 97 overall. Cummings in particular is a great choice for the GOAT. He ended his career with three national titles, though only one as a starter. He’s top-10 for me, but not No. 1.

The people’s choice for the GOAT is Deke Van, the legendary center who helped carry us to our first national title in Year 8. Deke’s turn from from Year 7 goat to Year 8 GOAT is the most memorable we’ve ever had. We couldn’t have done any of this without you, Deke.

When Coach tell you youre guarding @deke_van https://t.co/RDhmDAPRA8 pic.twitter.com/fm2udgvMZT

— Ryan Thomas (@RTtheSID) May 10, 2020

As the series went on, other great players emerged who finished with gaudier stats and better resumes.

My personal favorite might be Bert Draughan, Mr. Basketball out of Chicago (No. 29 overall recruit), who went on to win a title with us in Year 13 and also starred for our Year 11 team that began the season 35-0 before losing to Michigan State in the Final Four. Harmon is another fine choice. Skip Clemmons helped us win three national titles in Year 23, Year 24, and Year 26. Albert Jagla, Clemmons’ former teammate, played a big role in our first back-to-back championship squad, and is arguably the greatest perimeter bucket-getter in program history.

All-time favorite moment? Impossible to say. The first one that comes to mind is Kim Kone’s go-ahead corner three in the 2024 tournament. Najeeb Goode’s steal vs. UCLA in the Final Four to help us win our second title in Year 13 also stands out. There was also the time superstar power forward Allen Cunningham took off his pants mid-game.

Thank you to everyone who read, watched, and interacted

I started this series on April 11, 2020, a few weeks after the pandemic had shut down all ‘real’ sports. At the time, I was gearing up to cover the 2020 NCAA tournament. That never happened. I had college basketball on my mind, and I always wanted to write something on ‘College Hoops 2K8’, probably my favorite video game ever. This project is what came of it.

I had no idea if anyone was going to read this. I definitely did not think I’d finish out all 40 years like a complete lunatic. I didn’t think I’d write the equivalent of multiple books in terms of total word count.

Just before I dropped the first post in the series, I tweeted this:

Got a real dumb blog post coming

— Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) April 11, 2020

I wrote around 70 posts in the series, counting the inaugural Hall of Fame induction (read a big Deke Van retrospective at that link) and two posts of my Deke Van x Seattle Supersonics spin-off. I’m estimating I wrote 200,000 words in this series. That’s about the length of “The Fellowship of the Ring.”

I still can’t believe everything that came from this series. The Washington Post wrote a profile on it. I went on WGN TV and did a few radio spots promoting it. We sold a Deke Van t-shirt with Homefield Apparel. Our series inspired a new friend in Japan named Thanh Nguyen to write a pair of e-books adding greater depth to our story. Friend of the program Mike Rutherford did an amazing hype video for our first championship run. When I moved the series to Substack for a few months, more than 7,000 people signed up for email updates and still remain. Our first Twitch stream for the Year 8 Final Four drew more than 7,000 total viewers, and had 2,500 concurrent viewers on it at as we were closing out the win. On SB Nation, the series has been viewed more than 500K times.

What really made the project special was always the community around it. Some quick shout-outs:

The Leathernecks Database is an amazing companion to this series. You can lost in there. Thank you to the diehards to helped maintain it, and reader Evan for starting it.

Thanks to my guy who started the Leathernecks Nation instagram fan page and whoever is behind the wondrous fake Deke Van twitter account.

Thanks to everyone in the Discord who maintained ‘Necks discussion always and forever.

Thank the diehards that came out for every Twitch stream. I don’t want to name names because I’ll forget someone, but you know who you are. I love you all. I also want to thank the readers for keeping up with the recaps, and everyone who emailed me feedback throughout the series. I also want to thank my buddy Scott for introducing me to the game and running through multiple 40-year dynasties with me way before I ever considered blogging through it like this. This series would not exist without him.

What a ride it’s been. As I sim through to the end of the calendar, I’m greeted with this message.

Thank you, everyone. Go ‘Necks.

[estrxlar]

The Ghost Of You

21 - Unwanted Inconvenience

I've changed the band name from "Xannys" to "Grimlace". I am extremely sorry for making you all suffer through having such an awful band name in the past.

I cannot stress this enough, please vote for my chapters! And I love every comment I get so much!! It makes my day seeing the number of comments I get:)

This chapters songs:

Retreat! - Crumb

Sponge Won't Soak - Wild Moccasins

Dark Red - Steve Lacy

- Y. L. Perspective

"Uhm...Suga?" Tanaka's voice is heard to our left, waking both me Koshi up from our very long nap. "We're here you know."

His awkward tone alone was enough to send us both jumping out of our seats, fearful that the entire team had waited for us to get up. But thankfully, it was just Daichi and Tanaka standing above us.

Both Koshi and I look at each other in unison. "Sorry..." he manages to mumble while leaving the seat. I follow him shortly after, leaving the van empty.

Was I sorry? No. The nap against Koshi was five stars. I hadn't ever had such a comfortable car ride in my entire life until I rested on him. Besides, he was my boyfriend. Why would I be sorry for something silly like that?

What I was sorry about was that we almost got noticed by Eclair. The entire team knew about Koshi and me, except for her. I didn't know much about her and from what I perceived of her she didn't seem like a drama starter. She would most likely cry and yell and forget about it when she went back to France in a couple of days.

We had thought everyone would be tired after such a long car ride. But not Hinata. He admired the structure of the big building, yelling, "Wow! I've never been to a training camp before! This feels so cool!"

"It's just a training camp," Kageyama remarked, yet Hinata stands unfazed.

The team entered the building, all of us observing its basic beige architecture and decor. Everyone gathered around Takeda to ask which rooms they were assigned to. As for Kiyoko, Eclair, and I—we had asked him beforehand to get a head start.

All three of us manage to sneak off from the crowd and hunt down our room number: #613. Although I wasn't very comfortable around Eclair, I didn't feel uneasy to be sleeping in the same room as her. It only meant I couldn't update Kiyoko on my relationship with Sugawara.

Once we'd found our designated room, I unfolded the tiny key and stick it into the lock, hearing a click not soon after I turn it.

When I had opened the door, I wasn't entirely dissatisfied. There were two bunk beds on each side of the room, all four mattresses covered in floral printed sheets with nightstands next to them. The curtains had the same pattern as the sheets, falling over a large square window.

Overall, it was a nice room. Way nicer than the previous motels and hotel rooms that my band had stayed in during concerts and such. All stank of marijuana and alcohol.

Eclair's brackets make a 'jingle!' sound while she squealed, "it's lovely!" The girl runs up to one of the bottom bunks and places her bag there, collapsing onto the mattress. "I'm so thankful to be spending my last few days in Japan here!"

Kiyoko nods gently, her too putting her luggage on the opposite bunk bed. Assuming she wouldn't mind it, I threw my bag on the bunk above her. It would most likely be easier to communicate with her if I shared a bed with her.

"Yes, it's very nice," I say, smiling merely at the blonde girl.

Kiyoko began to unpack her toiletries into the small drawer attached to the bunk bed. I hopped down from the top bed and did the same, observing the carvings that the drawers had. Names, dates, and funny remarks were scratched out in the middle of it, lots of them left from previous sports or art students that came to this building for a camp of some kind. All were either hilarious, inappropriate, or gentle. But in all, they made me smile.

"So you're in a band, Y/n?"

In my eyes widen in fear. Nobody from the team other than Sugawara, Daichi, and Kiyoko knew that I was in a band. So how did the girl find out?

Hesitantly turning my head, I nod, making out an awkward smile across my face. "Uhh, yeah. How'd you know?"

She sits up confidently and chuckles. "I was taking a glance at your Instagram. You seem to go on a lot of trips around the world!"

I wasn't very used to being confronted about my band. And besides that, being acknowledged she was looking through my Instagram was stressful. If she knew about my band, was it possible she knew about Koshi and me?

"Yeah, I travel now and then." Proceeding to unpack my things as if it was no issue to be questioned, I place my pairs of shoes under the bed.

No matter how uncomfortable I attempted to make my tone, she kept on going. "Oh...that sounds like fun! You must have so many fans. Your voice is great too. I wonder why you've never told them team about Grimlace!"

"Hm, I like to keep my life outside of volleyball private..." I say. "Could you please not tell anybody else?"

My question sure was quiet but clear to her. It would determine whether or not Eclair was a bitch or genuinely a nice girl.

Thankfully, she nods lightly, messing with her nails. "Of course not."

Suddenly, the conversation is put to the side by a knock on our door, sending Eclair, hushed Kiyoko, and me to flinch.

Kiyoko puts a hand on her chest, sighing in relief that the tension was interrupted. "Come in," she tells the person on the other side of the door.

Two boys are revealed; Nishinoya and Tanaka walk in, already dressed down in their "sleep clothes", which consisted of a white t-shirt and shorts. Could I talk any mess about their outfits? Nope! I was planning on wearing the same thing.

The buzzcut bow flutters his eyes at the sight of Kiyoko brushing her hair and quickly grows flustered. "L-ladies! Dinner is on the table." He spoke loud in nervousness. "Do you guys like your room?"

"Tanaka, we've been in here less than ten minutes. I'm surprised you're already gotten dressed!" Kiyoko speaks in a sweet tone that seems to mesmerize him. She finished up brushing the ends of her hair and dusts her hands off on her sweat pants, before looking towards the other two girls in the room: Eclair and I.

We nod and drop what we were doing to exit the room with her. If the odds were in my favor, Eclair wouldn't continue interrogating me during dinner. If so, she would soon find out about Koshi and me from one of the men that walked behind us, flustered they'd

Not soon after leaving, we arrive in the mess hall, where the volleyball club was spread around filling their plates and emptying them into their tummies.

The two boys leave our side to continue eating and we help ourselves to some plates. Today they served simple rice, roasted vegetables, and chicken. Nothing special, nothing utterly disgusting. As I'm picking up my food, I look over to the lunch table that the boys were scattered upon, keeping an eye out for any gray-haired men.

There he sat next to Daichi, eating small portions of the rice left in his bowl. 'Does Eclair's being here mean I'm not allowed to sit next to my boyfriend during dinner?' I think internally, finishing filling my plate.

Kiyoko helps herself to sit right next to Daichi, fitting in with the rest of the third years that sat on the bench next to the second years Ennoshita, Kinoshita, and Narita. Across from them were the first years and the terrible two: Tanaka and Noya.

I stood uncomfortably at the end of the wooden table, looking over it to see if there were any empty seats I could eat in. All that looked back at me were eyes of curiosity and confusion.

It only took a few seconds of staring until someone was nice enough to mention my standing there.

"Y/n! Why don't you take my spot? I'm just about done anyway," Daichi tells me while he got up from the bench with the now empty tray. I look at Daichi, then Koshi, then to Eclair who was now walking towards the lunch table.

I of course didn't want her to take my spot, so I nod and bow politely, before switching places with Sawamura. He pays my shoulder gently, whispering, "you're welcome!"

Kiyoko and Koshi both smile at me, scooting over the slightest to make room for me. I say my thanks for my food and began picking at my rice, listening in on the boy's conversation.

"And then I spent my time practicing on the girls' team since I didn't have anyone else to practice with me. It sure felt like I was a part of their club!" Hinata told us, Eclair sitting down next to him, beginning to eat her food as well. "What about you guys? Did you guys have any rough stories before getting into volleyball?"

Tanaka cuts the air with his pointer finger, motioning for us to pause any conversation until he was done chewing. "I used to be a mega introvert before attending Karasuno!"

"Yup, Ryunosuke was just like Kageyama but worse," Nishinoya commented.

I raise a brow at the mention of that. Tanaka—a boy at the edge of having a breakdown?! I couldn't speak for myself. I too was a short-tempered girl towards the beginning of high school.

Kageyama scoffs, rolling his eyes at the mention of his name. "I'm not that bad, you know." We all knew that was a lie. As much as he denied it, Tobio struggled with his anger issues.

Eclair raises her hand slightly, swallowing a lump of rice. "Don't sweat it Kags, everyone has their embarrassing issues. For instance: I used to be such an obsessive girl in my first year. I'm sure I was a nuisance to many of the people in the volleyball club. Always talking in class and being a ditz was my specialty!"

"What about you, Y/n? Have you ever been involved in volleyball, or is this your first time being a part of a volleyball club?" Nishinoya asks me. At first, I thought of shaking my head and replying with a no, as if my memory of middle school had disappeared from my mind.

After thinking about what to reply with for a second or two, I nod my head slightly. "Hm...in junior high I was on the girls' volleyball team, but I was more of a bench warmer. I only joined the team to be closer to my friends, that's all."

"Aren't you friends with the captain of Seijoh 

boys volleyball club? You know, since you went to middle school with him?"

I look up to the girl who assumed such ridiculous things, Eclair. There she sat with her chopsticks in hand, lips parting slightly. It was crystal clear that she was trying to dig out my history and force me to tell the volleyball club about my personal life further than what I was comfortable with.

Knowing that I was uneasy, Koshi lays his hand gently onto my knee under the table, squeezing it ever so slightly. My heart beats in its cage, anxious at how many ways this conversation could go if I had said the wrong thing.

"...is that true?" Asahi asks, looking at his fellow teammates to observe their reactions. All of them looked just the same: betrayed.

"Eclair, it's best not to assume things about people you barely know," Koshi tells the girl in a monotone voice, making it obvious that he knew her intentions.

'Well, this got awkward fast.'

"It's okay. Uhm— I'm not friends with any members of Aoba Johsai's volleyball members. Where did you hear that?" I ask, setting down my utensils and clasping my hands together. Surely her reasoning has to be good if it meant ruining my very new relationships with most of the boys at the table.

Most of them sigh after my question, placing hands in their chests. "I thought you were a traitor for a second, Y/n! Eclair, you scared us half to death!" Noya whines.

The girl blinks a few times, shrugging. "I'm terribly sorry! I heard it from a girl that goes to Aoba Johsai, she says that Oikawa never stops talking about Y/n! She only knew by looking up your name and finding out she went to Karasuno."

"Seems you have a crush on Y/n, Eclair. You're almost addicted to looking into her past." Kiyoko suddenly made a remark, smirking as she drank a sip of her water.

The girl grows flustered very quickly, blushing. "No! Sorry, Y/n. I didn't mean to be disrespectful. I'm only interested in what it's like to live without many boundaries. My father never lets me lay a finger on anything that could potentially ruin his vision of what his daughter should be," an innocent look is spread across her face as she says so.

"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that Eclair." Yamaguchi makes a sweet comment, ignorant that she was guilt-tripping. I'd never pictured her to be such a manipulative girl yet calm and poised at once.

She nods, continuing to eat her food.

Though it was her fault entirely, Eclair was saddened that what was supposed to be an enjoying dinner turned out to be silent and awkward. I was growing extremely tired of her passive-aggressive attitude towards me, but losing sight of why I came to this training camp was not an option. I don't care how badly Eclair could hurt my feelings, I won't let it get to me.

-

Thank you so much for reading this chapter!! I know it's been so late since I've updated. Pls forgive me! I've just now started school again so things are keeping me from writing. Love you all as always,

- estrxlar

[posholnakhui]

A Pain in the Ass

Fire burned through his legs. 

Every jump was agony. Every sit-spin, torture. But he’d worked through pain before and the desperate ache in his lungs that preceded tears only made him work harder to pretend he wasn’t hurting. 

It showed in the quality of his performance, though, and he heard more yelling from Yakov than he had since he turned 13 and hit the Junior’s international competitive bracket. The anger fueled him through the end, but as soon as it was over, gasping for breath in an effort to keep himself from breaking down where anybody could see, he ripped his skates off and threw them into the bag without the usual cleaning and preparations. 

He zipped his bag closed and on legs that felt like jelly, staggered to the locker rooms, found himself an empty shower stall and - still fully clothed - collapsed against the tile walls, pulled the curtain closed and cried. 

Tears streaming down his cheeks in rivers. Hands desperately working at the muscles of his legs.  The pain was excruciating. Unbearable.

He’d thought he was past all this.  He thought it was over. 

But here it was again - bringing with it a promise of months of sleepless nights and practices that would leave him ... HIM! ... in tears by the end of the day. And an even more sinister promise of ruining everything he’d learned up to this point. 

He hated it. Hated everything about it. But there was nothing he could do, besides try and tough it out.

He knew with aching clarity what someone meant when they said in movies “There are fates worse than dying.”  and “Death would be more merciful.” 

[iowastatedailyarchive]

The I.A.C. Student, Vol. 1 No. 1 (7 August 1890)

A happy 128th birthday to the Iowa State Daily! To celebrate, here is the first issue, dated 7 August 1890. Included are the actual pages and the text to every story.

Some quick thoughts after reading it... So. Many. Periods. In headlines. Though women are on staff, there are no female pronouns when talking about student life and achievements after college. A lot of the writing is dry, recapping event activities in chronological order, especially visible in the baseball game recap. The writing style can take some real getting used to. The mission statement is on the second page, not the front page. Only one story, a tribute/obituary, has author initials on it, the other stories are done without a byline (a practice that’ll go on for decades.)

I’ve corrected some of the grammatical and punctuation errors; some I’m not sure about and there don’t seem to be any rules for comma usage, which can be a challenge — sorry, copy editors. The newspaper also had no guide when it comes to titled works, as it uses both title case, italics, and quotation marks. I could make notes on some of these stories to give them historical context, including the story that hints at the Dinkey, the military notes piece, and the literary societies, but maybe another day. This is already quite long.

Quick reference for the stories in this issue

Headlines in brackets are my creation as many items don’t have headlines — a practice that’ll last for a couple decades.

PAGE 1 Masthead and staff The Joint Session: A recap of the session that brought together all of the college literary societies. Are our Courses too Heavy: An examination about if IAC students are worked too hard [Join a literary society, freshman]: Editors tell the freshman they’d be wise to join one of the college literary societies.

PAGE 2 The IAC Student: The mission state of the newspaper Passing in Panorama: A long piece about life at IAC during the course of a year Philomathean: A recap of the literary society’s first meeting of the school year (debate topic: Should Congress have appropriated $5,000 for the benefit of the Pan-American Congress)

PAGE 3 Welch: A recap of the literary society’s first meeting of the school year (debate topic: That longer terms of office and less rotation would be a benefit to the United States government) Crescent: A recap of the literary society’s first meeting of the school year (debate topic: That a two-thirds vote should be sufficient to convict in a trial by jury) Cliolious: A recap of the literary society’s meeting on 2 Aug (debate topic: That an international copyright should exist) Alumni Notes: Blurbs on various college alumni and where they are in life [An Iowan at Harvard?]: A brief about a frugal man at Harvard

PAGE 4 Christian Association Notes: Some notes and thoughts of the YMCA/YWCA, one of the new organizations on campus [YMCA/YWCA proven worthwhile]: The opening reception of the YMCA/YWCA for the term show that the org is here for the better [Social notes and updates]: Briefs on a new student, a professor’s party, and updates on the decoration sessions. What Are You Here For?: Make sure you are at IAC for the right reasons [YMCA/YWCA reception a success]: A recap of the YMCA/YWCA opening reception [Notes on mail call, vocal music]: Quick notes on mail call and an upcoming concert Athletic Notes: Blurbs about athletics at the college, which is still in its infancy. The Vets Hold an Interesting Session: A recap of the Veterinary Medical Society meeting, which included discussion of Anthrax.

PAGE 5 Advertisements: An assortment of advertisements from Ames and Des Moines businesses.

PAGE 6 Baseball: A inning-by-inning recap of the freshmen baseball game. Of note, baseball is the latest craze sweeping the campus. Engineers: A recap of the Engineering Society’s first meeting of the school year Christian Endeaver Society Entertainment: A recap of the music program and ice cream social hosted the Christian Endeavor Society, a program of the Congregations Church in Ames Advertisements: An assortment of advertisements from Ames and Des Moines businesses.

PAGE 7 Military Notes: Blurbs about the happenings in the military arm of the college [Science Club]: A recap of the Science Club’s first meeting of the school year, including a look at a meteor which was donated to the college museum The Library: An update on the Library as it improves its card catalog plus a look at how useful the library is to students Bachelor Session: A recap of the Bachelors’ first meeting of the school year (debate topic: That the state should have absolute control of the liquor traffic within its borders) [Tennis association stalls]: The creation of the tennis association has stalled. (Tennis will soon be the big sport on campus.) [Railroad desired to connect Ames, college]: Some junior civil engineers are working on plans for a railroad to connect Ames to the college.

PAGE 8 Scraps from our waste basket: Odds and ends of things often about other colleges, but also some words of wisdom and silly observations [Strange noises in the night]: Brief about a proctor trying to locate students up to no good Tribute to Chas. J. Cotey, ‘87, late professor, Dakota Agricultural College: A tribute and obituary to Charles J. Cotey, an alumni and successful businessman [Why successful freshman can falter]: Quick take on why a successful freshman can quickly falter in schoolwork [Social notes and more]: Blurbs about sports, events, students, faculty, staff, and college life

Page 1

The I. A. C. Student.

Issued Fortnightly During College Year.

Intelligencer Job Print, Ames, Iowa.

Subscription 50 cents per term. Single Copies 10 cents. On sale at Book Stores. Advertising rates made known on application.

Contributions Solicited. All communications should be addressed to

THE I.A.C. STUDENT.

G. H. SCHULTE. Bus. Mg’r. Ames, lowa.

F. E. Davidson ‘90, G. H. Schulte '90, Miss Kate Stevens 90, E. S. McCord ‘91, J. E. Spaan '91, Miss Clarice McCarthy '91,

F.C. Stewart '92, W. H. Cochran '93, Miss Ella Curtis '93, R. H. Fairfield '93, E. E. Faville ‘93, A. M. Harvey '93.

THE JOINT SESSION.

An Interesting Program Presented to an Appreciative Audience.

In obedience to a custom of many years, the five literary societies of the college held a joint session in the college chapel on Saturday evening, July 26th.

The audience was not as large as might be wished, as many of the students spent the evening elsewhere. The great difficulty in preparing a creditable program is the very short time available for preparation. It is a fact that our joint sessions do not rank with the average literary society session either in interest or merit. However the last was the best we have heard for some time.

Mr. Meredith acted as chaplain of the evening, reading a very interesting chapter of the scriptures. For a change we would like to hear a simple earnest prayer from one of the students, as an introduction to our literary sessions, instead of the scripture readings.

Messrs. Minchen and Adams rendered a very choice selection of guitar music, and were loudly encored. Their reputation is well established as two of our best musicians.

Mr. Bishop in behalf of the various societies welcomed the audience m a few appropriate remarks.

“The Little Red Hen" was next delivered by Miss Charlotte Barrows. Miss Barrows was fortunate in the selection of a declamation. Her delivery is simple and uneffected.

The next performance was an oration by Miss Kate Stevens entitled "Physical Culture." She reviewed the standards of manhood and womanhood of all nations; clearly showing that all united the ideals of beauty, strength and power. She pointed out the tendency in America to-day, to cultivate the intellect to the exclusion of the body, clearly portraying the results necessary to follow if a halt is not called to this unsystematic development. Miss Stevens is one of the ablest students of which the I. A C. can boast. She is a clear thinker and always thinks to a purpose.

The song by Miss Ward was well rendered and duly appreciated by the audience.

The debate was "Should the National Election Bill Becomes Law?" Mr. Hodson opened the debate in a brilliant manner. Mr. Graham led the negative. It was at once apparent that he was prepared to debate. He looked at the question from a conservative point of view, clearly portraying the evils which would necessarily follow should the bill become a law. Mr. Starkey, the second speaker on the affirmative is a radical partisan, and of course, thought the bill ought to pass. Mr. Thomburg replied to the arguments in a telling manner.

Mr. Hodson in his closing speech waxed eloquent, and brought down the house. Mr. Graham closed the debate in his quiet characteristic matter. He being a senior having passed up Polit. and Psych. of course made the best debate.

After music by Messrs. Minchem and Adams, Mr. Clyde Jones told us of the “Behring Sea Controversy." Mr. Jones has a very earnest manner of speaking and held the attention of all the audience, not excepting a few smart (?) folks who had been giggling and passing notes during most of the entertainment.

Impromptu speeches were next in order. Messrs Stewart, Dyer and Olmsted and Miss Alice Mann responding. The speakers were well prepared and got off some good takes on the audience.

Mr. Lovejoy sustained his well known reputation as a declarmer when he rendered Ingersol's Vision."

G. H. Schulte next told us of "Ilis Experience in Courtship." It will be remembered Mr. Schulte won first honors in the decathlon contest in '88. His rendering is direct and forceable. He was frequently interrupted by bursts of applause.

The vocal duet by Messrs Morton and Cochran was one of the best we have heard in some time.

The Parody by Miss Elmira Wilson was well written and distinctly read. In prophetic language she told of the future of the I.A.C. girls.

Mr. Dean next favored the audience with a very fine sketch of our Departed Hero," Dr. Welch.

A tableaux closed the entertainment, and the joint session was once more a thing of the past.

Are our Courses too Heavy.

We have heard many students complain that too much work was required of them. They make comparisons between the work required here and at other schools, which do not require more than one-half as much of their students as is required by our faculty. This is no argument against our course. If these same grumblers will but look at the records of I. A. C. graduates and compare their success with those of the graduates of these other schools they will find the odds all in favor of the I. A. C. It does seem however that students of some of our courses have more required work than others.

15 hours without laboratory work is hardly on & level with 16 hours, and 7 laboratories.

We think however that instead of the latter course being made easier the other should be made more difficult.

That as much work should be required to obtain a degree in the general as in the engineering courses.

[Suggested headline: Join a literary society, freshmen]

To the new students we would say: You cannot afford not to be a member of one of the college literary societies. Do not put it off until next term, but join at once, and go to work. No matter if you cannot debate like the seniors or orate like the juniors. They were once freshmen, but by hard persistant effort have secured that greatest of all attainments, the power to speak readily in public. No matter if you do not expect to follow a literary profession. There are times in every man's life when it will be hundreds in his pocket if he can clearly and readily state his thoughts in public. A thorough knowledge of parliamentary law and usages is as essential to a thorough education as a knowledge of mathematics. The literary society fills a place in our educational system which can be filled by nothing else. It is a place where character is formed, where wit is sharpened, where thought unfolds in its grandest magnificence.

Observe the society workers, those who seem to carry their society in their mind and heart continually Those who are considered the best literary workers. Follow them after they have left college and have mingled with the world, and we will venture the assertion that 99 times out of 100 you will find them the most successful men in life. No matter whether they graduated with honor or were "voted over." Marks do not make the man. It is the ability to hustle, to move men, and things that gives them this advantage over their competitors. See to it then that you not only have a trained intellect, and a large fund of useful knowledge, but the ability to hustle in this hustling world.

Page 2

THE I. A. C. STUDENT.

The succession of events that break the routine of college life is now specially marked by the appearance of a paper that will make a complete record of their [occurrence].

THE I. A. C. STUDENT now comes to the Students, Faculty, Alumni and Friends of the institution for the first time. The policy of its managers is simple and easily understood. We shall try and publish a College Newspaper. THE I. A. C. is our field and we shall endeavor to advance the institution in every manner possible. We shall not attempt to run a scientific or literary Magazine, and we doubt if there is a demand for our ideas on politics or religion. It is our object to create a genuine college newspaper, one free from all [alliances], and in this work we invite all the [friends] of the institution to help us.

Passing in Panorama.

"History repeats itself." Nowhere is the truth of this saying so clearly shown as at the I. A. C. Not that we are working in a rut, our students are as enterprising as the students of other colleges. But human nature is always the same, and under similar conditions manifests itself in similar ways. In the main each year is a [repetition] of the previous one. The Freshmen are always green, the Sophomores always boastful.

The first week of the term is characterized by trunks, handshaking, introductions and general miscellaneousness. At the President's office, candidates for Freshman standing are telling the President how smart they are—how they've passed up algebra and geometry, and that they think they ought to be admitted without an examination. The Sophomors, Juniors and Seniors would "like to see you a moment, privately, President Chamberlain.”

Soon come the skip-tum-a-loo pig-in-the-parlor socials where all are expected to be as if they had been acquainted with each other all their lives, instead of an hour.

Toward the latter part of April little knots of Sophomores may be seen here and there talking earnestly. This is an indication of the coming of the Freshman picture and the great Freshman-Sophomore "scrap" attending it.

Them follows the reception. The Sophomores spout and strut while the Freshman stares admiringly and says to himself, That's Fine. He informs his neighbor, ”that when a man gets through this college he knows something."

At this period the toughs of the Freshman class, begin to come into prominence. The nights on Freshman floor are now hideous. Next day the salute is, "Been to see the President yet?”

The Freshmen organize a ball team and try tilts with each of the three upper class nines successively. Perhaps they are successful, perhaps not—it makes no difference. No more is heard about ball during the remainder of the term. All have turned their attention to tennis and mashing.

The first of May brings the book-agents. They tell tho boys beautiful stories about pleasant vacations of travel, golden crops of suckers and the immense value of the experience acquired.

The Freshmen and Sophomors are wondering where the [battalion] will spend Decoration Day. Some say at Boone, others Marshalltown, and Nevada, etc, etc.

Up to this time nothing has been heard of the Juniors. All seem to think that they are for ornament only. But, behold! the time of the junior ex, draws nigh. The animal making that unearthly noise in the next room is not a demented bovine, but only a Junior ex, speaker rehearsing his oration.

With the fare days of June, comes the event of the year—Col. Lincol'n reception to his officers and Co. G. captains, lieutenants and sergeants—how they scramble. Here's a little advice boys, On such occasions adopt this motto, "send your mail early and avoid the rush.“

The closing days of the term are days of hurry and hard work. The last Sunday finds many vacant seats in chapel. The sophomores are making out their surveying plots, the juniors are wrestling with engineering and literature, while the seniors are preparing for Monday's examination in psychology.

Vacation is to short. In four weeks the trunk act must again be performed, while the freshmen come swaggering along, puffing and sweating in these heavy uniforms. (Been showing off on the the train you know). First of all, the social must be attended to. Then all eyes are turned toward the orchard. Emigration sets in toward the west, and the sentiment of the times seems to be, 'Go west young man, and fill up with apples." The season advances and the President forbids the indiscriminate appropriation of fruit. Then it is that apples are hauled in by the sackful in the wee small hours of the night; then it is that Jerry and the proctors spend sleepless nights.

When the grapes are ripe, the orchard loses its charm, and the vineyard becomes the center of interest. Before, grape-time came the class picnics. They are very pleasant affairs, but like the Colonel's reception are apt to cause the boys some anxiety.

After the picnics are over, all are talking about the State Fair. Are we going? When? How long to stay? Is Co. G. going? The same questions and the same indefinite answers. Why can's people vary their conversation some? This Fair question is a dry chestnut.

The Fair comes. It is over. O how tired! O how sleepy next morning, when the jingle rings.

The year's work now rapidly draws to a close. The seniors are "burning midnight oil" over their theses. We come to commencement week. Decoration of the chapel is in progress. The upper classes do their work quietly and with dispatch, but the freshman can't agree on what they want to do, nor how to do it. They waste the so much time that they have to finish up while the rest are at supper.

During the exercises of the week, every fellow sticks to his best girl, having in mind the fact that a four month's vacation is close at hand. The final day comes. The noble seniors march upon the platform for the last time. How grand to distinguish one's self by forgetting his oration! How awe inspiring the scene! How relieved the audience when it is over, and cramped limbs and poisoned lungs are permitted to gain their normal condition! Congratulations come now, Tears flow freely, Tis over. We are off for four month's vacation. Goodbye.

Philomathean.

The Philomatheans held their first regular session of this term Saturday evening the 2nd, inst.

The society was called to order at the usual time and after devotional by the Chaplain, the president Mr. Howard, was installed.

The outgoing president, Mr. C. D. Davidson, in his usual pleasant manner thanked the society for the honors given him, and gave the members a few valuable hints which we hope will be remembered.

Next on the program came the debate. The question was: “Should Congress have appropriated $5,000 for the benefit of the Pan-American Congress.” The question was ably debated by Messrs. Faille and Fairfield as leaders and Messrs. D. A. Thornburg and Jackson as assistants.

Miss Lane read a very amusing parody which was not only amusing but also interesting. The subject has been for the past two or three weeks, an all absorbing theme in the I. A. C.

Mr. Roddis then gave a selection from Will Carlton, “Making an Editor Out’n O'Him."

The two minute speeches by Misses Walley and Stevens and Mr. Reynolds were nothing very weighty, but " A little nonsense now and then is relished by the best of men.”

The voluntaries by Miss Stevens and Mr. Wooding were very good indeed, and were enjoyed by all. Miss Stevens pictured very beautifully the story of a "Union Spy," and Mr. Woodring rendered the familiar but none the less amusing poem, “The Snack in School.”

Mr. Peterson, of Des Moines, then addressed the society, giving some reminiscences of his school days and some ideas as to the value of society work.

The literary part of the program was interspersed with some charming selections of music.

During the business session Mr. Brown was initiated, thus adding another good member to the society.

Page 3

Welch.

Saturday evening when the society boll ceased ringing the Welch boys quietly settled into their chairs and prepared themselves for the intellectual feast of the evening. They were complimented by the presence of a number of visitors.

An address of welcome by President F. E. Davidson opened the evening program, and the work of the term.

During the session declamations were rendered by Messrs Kent, Raymond and Rickets. An interesting essay was read by Mr. Waterhouse, and a medley of splendid merit by Mr. O'Niel.

Mr. Christie's speech on Mexico, showed us its political history; and possibilities for the future, as well as a glimpse of its resources, and geographical peculiarities.

Mr. Emerson spoke on the question of American fisheries and presented a reasonable solution to this perplexing problem.

An able debate was given on the question “That longer terms of office and less rotation, would be a benefit to the United States government." Messrs McCord and Jones handled the affirmative and Messrs Angus and Henry the negative. The debate was given to the affirmative.

An oration on James A. Garfield was next delivered by Mr. Bramhall. It was a production of excellent merit and was highly spoken of..

Several excellent declamations were given as voluntaries.

The society is to be congratulated on having added to its list of members, the names of Mr. McCarthy and Mr. Lewis.

Crescent.

The society was called to order by the Vice President, R. M. Dyer, Miss Quint being appointed secretary. The roll call by Mr. Spinny showed that many were absent from the room.

The question for debate was:

Resolved: That, a two-thirds.vote should be sufficient to convict in a trial by jury.

Mr. Spinny the first speaker on the affirmative showed that in reality a majority vote rules in case of trial by jury, and that a law to that effect is in force in some countries.

Mr. Dyer the first speaker on the negative holds that there is no balance between right and wrong, and a man is either wholly right or wholly wrong. He further makes the remark that, if he should ever be so unfortunate as to be called up in court for trial, for stealing watermelons or chickens, he wants the unanimous vote of twelve jurymen to convict him.

Mr. Beyer, attacked the watermellon argument. Mr. Peterson volunteered. He is in favor of the jury system as it is, but states that he would rather be judged by a judge than by a jury under present conditions. In speaking of the possibility of bribing one or two members of the jury, he says that it is done and often a criminal is set free in that way, but under the present system, it does not often happen that the innocent are convicted. He holds that it is better for fifty or one hundred, or any number of criminals to go unpunished than to convict one innocent person.

Mr. Cory in his oration reviewe four gov't. He holds that the American theory is the solution of the problem of gov't.

Miss Nichols showed in her oration that he is radically opposed to foreign emigration.

Declamations by Misses Williams and Ward were well delivered.

Mr. Shaul in his five minutes speech discussed the Moroal Progress of the ninetenth Century.

The different pieces of music were well rendered, and the crescents may be proud of their own quartette.

Cliolious.

The Cliolian Society met August 2, with the attendance not as large as usual.

Owing to the "tennis party” some of the members were absent; among them our president and vice president.

Miss Jennie Morrison was chosen to preside during the evening.

Miss Sadie Barrows favored the audience with a pleasing piano solo, after which Miss Garth read a touching poem—The Bridge Keeper's Story.

Miss Boyd's essay, "Abilities and Opportunities," was well read and showed much thought and careful preparation.

The question for debate was:

Resolved: That an International copyright should exist.

The leaders on both affirmative and negative being detained at the tennis party on account of the rain. Misses Morrison and Thornburg handled the question with marked ability.

The judges decided in favor of the affirmative.

Our thoughts wandered to home and Mother for a few minutes, while Miss Garth sang “Some Day I'll Wander Back Again."

“A Railroad Episode," by Burdette, was nicely rendered by Mable Owens.

The current events arranged by Misses Freed and Porter covered a wide range of subjects.

Miss Charlotte Barrows and her assistants demonstrated in an amusing pantomine, that it is better to let well enough alone[.]

Miss Doolitle read a beautiful essay entitled "Mary and Martha," which was [written] by one of her former pupils.

Miss Justas rendered “Boat Song," by Mendelsshou, after which the society adjourned.

[Suggested headline: railroad accident in Nevada]

A young man named J. P. Oleson working with a bridge gang at Nevada, tried to board a moving train, and missing his hold, had his foot crushed so badly that it had to be amputated, Dr. Fairchild performing the operation and brought the boy to the sanitary building where he is now getting along nicely.

Alumni Notes

‘87. C. F. Curtis, of Nevada, Sundayed with friends at the I. A. C.

‘83. Attorney O. C. Peterson, of Des Moines, was a welcome visitor at the college.

‘85. C. S Bowie is superintendent of the electric light system at Tacoma, Washington, and draws a good salary.

‘88. W. L. Thomson and E. K. were recent visitors at the I. A.C.

'89. C. H. Stearns, Professor of National Sciences in Drake University, is rusticating among the mountains of Colorado.

‘84. T. F. Bevington is city attorney of Sioux City, an exceedingly lucrative position

‘87. F. W. Mally has resigned his position in the University of Illinois, and accepted an appointment in the U. S. Entomological commission.

‘88. Besides being professor of agriculture in the Texas Agricultural College, Geo. W. Curtis has lately been made director of the state experimental station.

‘89. M. W. Thornburg is taking a post graduate course at the college, and has charge of the preparatory class in physiology.

'89. P. H. Rolfs principal of schools at Lawler, Iowa, is spending his vacation at the I. A. C.

‘89. B. T. Green has left the college for a needed vacation preparatory to entering upon his duties as professor of mathematics in the Presbyterian college at Fort Dodge

‘76. Mr. J. F. Hardin and wife (Mamie Carpenter of class *77.) have just departed from a two weeks visit at the I. A. C. Mr. Hardin is engaged in law and real estate business at Eldora, and makes an annual pilgrimage to his Alma Mater.

'84. Miss Mannie Wilson, recently graduated from the normal college at [Framingham], Massachusetts. She will teach in the Bay state the coming year.

‘82. Geo. W. Catt is a bridge engineer at Seattle, Washington, and is reported to be worth half a million.

‘84. E. J. Nichols, when last heard from was engaged in engineering at Texaskania, at a [salary] of two thousand.

Miss Sloan, daughter of C. H. ('84) and Emma Porter Sloan (‘85) will enter the I. A. C. as a student in 1906.

Fred Faville, the orator of '87, has resigned a very lucrative position with the government at Baltimore, M. D. During his stay there Fred devoted his spare hours to the study of law, and will enter the senior law class at Iowa City in September.

[Suggested headline: An Iowan at Harvard?]

A young man graduated at Harvard Law school last June, who had completed the four years collegiate course at Harvard, followed by three years in the Law school, and has supported himself throughout the seven years, coming out with a balance of $5,000 in his pocket. When we remember that the expenses at Harvard is not far from $1,000 per year, we are led to believe that the gentleman was either a Des Moines boodler or an Iowan book agent.

Page 4

Christian Association Notes

The Y. M. and Y. W.C. A's of the I. A. C. are the last societies organized here, but not the least. They are destined, here as in other colleges, to become prominent factors in the affairs of the institution. They will, as nearly as possible, take the place of the church, which the student enjoys at home, but of which he is deprived here. They like the church bringing up the standard of morality in localities, will raise that standard at college. Then as the standard of morality rises, the need of strict rules becomes less. A little observation among different colleges, will show how much more pleasant for both faculty and students it is when the students are governed by the desire to do right, rather than by proctors and ironclad rules.

Although these associations may not in every respect take the place of the church, as one of the principal means of growth in spiritually, they surpass the church. A splendid opening is here afforded for active Christian work.

To confine ourselves to our own associations, we may say that they have made a good start in their work. They organized near the close of last term, the Y. M. C. A. with a membership of 92, which has since been raised to 116, and the Y. W. C. A. with about 60, which has also been increased.

A full set of committees have entered upon their work. The Wednesday and Sunday evening meetings have opened with good attendance, which should however be increased.

In truth, the associations have taken up with ready hands and hearts the work which destiny has designed they should advance. THE STUDENT wishes them Godspeed.

[Suggested headline: YMCA/YWCA proven worthwhile]

When the Y. M. and Y. W. C. A’s were talked of here, some were opposed to organizing, preferring to run along awhile in the old rut. They doubtless think differently now.

Receptions, like the one given at the opening of this term, are just what we need, and should have at opening of every term. They are just formal enough to be worthy of an intellectual and moral set of students, and informal enough to gain with ease the object of their inauguration.

[Suggested headline: Social notes and updates]

Freshman Hewstreet of Ames, who was at Cornell last year is with us this term.

Prof. Knapp gave a Lawn Tennis party Saturday evening at Woodward Place. Those who were so fortunate as to be invited reported a most enjoyable time.

In the LATE report of the decoration sessions held at the I. A. C. we noticed that an oration by R. F. Hodson, entitled Eulogy on Abraham Lincoln, and also one by F. E. Davidson, entitled, Our Destiny, were by mistake left out.

What Are You Here For?

No doubt most of our students would answer, if asked this question—work. But would not some at least think that their object in coming to college a very vague one. When we see students trying to shirk their work or selecting an easy course, we have serious doubts of their success. They seem to be seeking a good time, little dreaming that they injure no one but themselves. Were you sent here, or did you come? Are you searching for a royal road to learning, or are you willing to toil weeks, months, and years, in training and developing those faculties which nature has most bounteously bestowed upon you? This is no place for idle dreaming, but a place for effort, for work; sincere, honest and faithful work.

[Suggested headline: YMCA/YWCA reception a success]

The Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. gave their first reception on Friday evening July 25th, to which a most cordial invitation was extended to all the students.

The reception was held on the first floor of the Main Building.

The balls were elegantly decorated, and the artistic arrangements of the decorations made them more inviting than ever before showing the taste of the ladies of the Y. W. C. A.

The reception committee were Misses Morrison, Mills and Roberts assisted by Messrs Reynolds, Norton, Merrill and Shoemaker and the hearty welcomes which were extended to all, insured each one, of other than an unpleasant time.

The principal feature of the reception was the tendency on the part of everyone present to be entertaining, and in this way all were made to enjoy a pleasant evening. An appropriate program was carried out consisting of the following:

Recitation, Legion of the Organ Builder, G. W. Randiett.

Sextette, Miss Mills and Mr. Norton, accompanied by Misses Nichols, Chamberlain and Messrs Norton and Reynolds.

Reading, A Tale of the Two Cities, Mrs. Chamberlain.

Piano Duet, Mrs. Barrows and Mrs. Owens.

Monologue, Auntie Doleful's Visit, Miss Curtiss.

Recitation, The Soldier's Death Dream, E. E. Faville.

Vocal Duet, The Pilot, Messrs Cochran and Norton.

Address, J. C. Norton.

[Suggested headline: Notes on mail call, vocal music]

We are much pleased to see the tear of the "want-a letter-student," quickly dried up, as he rushes out for his noon day mail, all on account of the promptness of our mail cart.

The next attraction is the cantata "Ruth the Moabitess” to be given in the chapel Saturday evening, August 9. All lovers of vocal music look [forward] to this coming event, expecting a treat. The societies will give way to it and a large attendance is expected.

Athletic Notes.

The I. A. C. A. A., is out of debt and is in a prosperous condition.

Trotter and Chicago. run a 100 yard race the other evening, Chicago won by several yards making it in 17 seconds.

The new vaulting polo costing $6.50 is in constant use up to date. Foster, Davidson and Strong seem to be about equally skillful in using it. Look out for a record of 10 feet this fall.

Prof. Weihe has kindly consented to teach a class of athletically inclined students to use the bars. The boys like to see the faculty take an interest in student matters.

Quite a number of the boys have purchased running shoes and suits. Some good records will be made this fall. Davidson is reported to have made the 100 yards in 10 5-10 seconds last week.

In the state field of Michigan, Burnette of the M. A. C. won 10 first prizes and two seconds.

Yale's noted sprinter, Sherrill, lowered his 100 yard record 10 1-5 to 10 seconds at the spring meeting, May 12. Another Yale man, Williams, broke the inter-collegiate 120 yard hurdle race, his time being 16 3-5 seconds.

The best record ever made in any intercollegiate meeting on throwing the ball was made May 17, 1879, by R. H. Treman of Cornell University N. Y. He throwing 379 feet 6 5-10 inches. W. Zmunt, of the I. A. C., last term beat this record by several feet, on the I. A. C. grounds in the presence of some fifty spectators.

Our boys must bear in mind that if they expect to do anything in the next state field day that they must begin to train at once and keep up their training, one cannot get in condition to make records without severe training.

The Vets. Hold an Interesting Session.

The Veterinary Medical Society held a very interesting session at their hall, August 1, 1890.

The following responded according to program.

First a speech by Mr. Whitbeck, subject “Fistula." The subject was ably discussed by all present.

Next was a speech by J. Replogle on the subject of Caponizing. His talk was interesting and instructive.

Following this was a paper by Mr. Sorenson on the subject of Anthrax, which was readily discussed by the society on account of its being one of the most complex diseases that a surgeon has to treat.

Mr. Ingmand then spoke of The Out-look for Veterinary Practitioners, which was well received by the society. Volunteers were called for Messrs Heck and Austin responded.

Several new members were initiated at the business session and became regular members of the society.

The Society with Professor M. Stalker as president is enjoying great prosperity and cannot help but benefit its members.

Page 5

Advertisements

H.S. Hoot, photographer

Frederick A. Field, shoe store (Des Moines)

The Ames Intelligencer, newspaper and printing (Ames)

J.J. Grove, grocer (Ames)

G.D. Loud, furniture (Ames)

Hamilton & Co., fruits and candies (Ames)

Westerman & Arnold, drug store (Ames)

C.E. Hunt, dentist (Ames)

West House, rest stop and eatery (Ames)

Page 6

BASEBALL.

The Freshmen Goose Egged.

The game between the Freshmen on one side and The World on the other was called at 10:30 a. m. last Saturday. Mr. Richardson being the Umpire. At the end of the the 5th inning the score stood 5 to 0 in favor of the nine picked from the four "skrub" classes, outside of the Freshman class. The freshmen take the field with [Benjamin] in the box and Strong behind the bat.

Ashford is first to bat, making a base hit. He is followed by Beyer who makes a two bagger and runs Ashford in, Foster next lines out a two base strike giving Beyer a chance to make his score. Thomburg, Graham and Haven take up the bat and strikes out in succession, meanwhile Forster makes home on a pass ball.

The Freshmen then take the bat with Beyer behind them and Thornburg in the box. Duroe and Strong both take up the wood but can not find the leather. Hariman next makes a [foul] bit, and on the third strike, through some bad playing on first makes two bases. Benjamin now lines her to the short stop, who puts her to third putting Hariman out.

In the second inning Emery fans, Day is hit by pitcher, not holding first he is put out on second. Lovejoy takes base on balls. Ashford then bats and Lovejoy is put out on second. Or the Freshmen, Day sends the leather to second. McCarthy and Lewis both fan out. The Freshmen in the next inning change their battery to Strong and Duroe. Ashford gets to first, Beyer strikes a one bigger, Ashford making a score. Foster bats a fly which is caught by left fielder. Thornburg and Graham both make out on first.

Of the Freshmen, Earnest makes first, McKee fans and Earnest dies on first. Duroe makes a one bagger and gets to third on passed balls. Strong next fans and Duroe dies on third.

Haven bats first in the fourth inning, Emery and Day both fan out, Lovejoy takes bat. Haven makes score on passed balls, Lovejoy fans out.

Hariman of the Freshmen lines her to second and is out on fly. Benjamin sends the leather to first and is also out on fly. Day strikes and is put out on first. Ashford is first man to bat in the fifth inning, he sends out a fielder good for three bases, being certain of a score he is put out before be touches home base. Beyer fans out. Foster is hit by pitcher. Thornburg sends her to the left field for a two bagger, but is out on a fly.

The Freshmen then take the bat and McCarthy, Lewis and Ernest each fan out.

It being very hot and noon drawing nigh the game was brought to a close at the end of the fifth inning.

Engineers.

August 1st, the Engineering Society held its first regular meeting in the Philo. Hall. The attendance was slim, but those few that were there announced it one of the best sessions held this year.

A paper by Mr. Dickenson, on the manufacture of hand made files, was very instructive and was followed by a short discussion.

The Journal Reviews by Messrs. Hinds and Millburn, gave short accounts of the important inventions and engineering works [occurring] in the past few weeks.

The discussions by Messrs. Ashford, and Shawm, on the selection, construction and strength of different kinds of foundation was very minutely discussed. Mr. Dyer's talk on the construction and use of the steam engine indicator card, was well worth the time of all our engineering students, as the principles were clearly defined.

Mr. Davidson's paper on [transition] R. R. curves was interspersed by the ringing of the warning at which the society adjourned.

Every student taking either engineering course should become a member of the society, and take an active part as the advantages of studying up new projects and inventions, and delivering them to the society, are [incalculable]. The work obtained in this society arrives at the same result as the Literary Societies, and fits the engineer better for his work to follow.

The Christian Endeavor Society Entertainment.

The Christian Endeavor Society of the Congregational Church at Ames gave a concert and ice cream sociable at the church Friday evening, August first.

The concert, with the exception of two pieces, was given by college talent.

A bus load of our best singers, under the charge of Miss Pike, carried out the following program.

First a duet entitled The Pilot Brave by Messrs Norton and Cochran. The piece was nicely rendered and throughout was well received by the audience.

Next came a vocal solo Ave Maria, with Cello Obligato, by Miss Stella Bartlett. Miss Bartlett has a fine sweet voice and her rendering shows careful training.

Following this came a duet, When the evening breeze is sighing, by Miss Mills and Mr. Norton, with vocal accompaniment by a quartette of the following voices: Miss Chamberlain and Nichols and Messrs. Reynolds and Shoemaker. It was the same piece that Miss Mills and Mr. Norton sang at the reception on the evening of July 25th and was rendered in the same fine style.

The next piece was a solo entitled Calvary, by Mr. Cochran. This is the first time Mr. Cochran has appeared in public as a soloist. He has a very rich well trained voice and is one of the best singers in college.

Rev. Wells next rendered Schubert’s Serenade upon his cello. He showed himself to be master of his instrument, and the prolonged applause expressed its appreciation by the audience.

O Swallow, happy Swallow, by the Misses Mills needs no remark, as they are well known as two of our best sopranoists.

The last on the program was the ice cream and cake participated in by the entire audience, as well as the singers. This was decidedly the feature of the evening. The concert was pronounced a success by all present. Our singers did justice to themselves and all showed the effects of Miss Pikes careful training.

Advertisements

 L.B. Abdill, books and paints (Des Moines)

Bigelow & Smith, dry goods (Ames)

L.M. Bosworth, drug store and magazine subscriptions (Ames)

Canier Bros. & Herman, shoe store (Ames)

Geo. G. Tilden, clothing (Ames)

W.G. Randall, rest house (Ames)

Page 7

Military Notes.

The officers and non commissioned officers have guard mount every Thursday evening at seven o,clock. By this plan guard mount can be more thoroughly learned than if taken on regular drill days, while it also leaves more time for brigade drill.

Chief trumpeter Goldsmith not having returned to college; Mr. Henry has been promoted to that position.

The military dept. has bought a new drum.

Miss Belle Gaston has resigned as Capt. of Co. G, and Miss Kate Porter is now in command of the company,

By order of the trustees, the students rooms must be inspected each morning, by the steward or persons appointed by him. Col. Lincoln has turned over the work to the Captains and first Lieutenants, who take their turns, as officer of the day. There is already a marked improvement in the appearance of the rooms. The plan meets the approval of the students; why not go a step further, and abolish the present procter system. Make the officer of the day, responsible for the good order of the school, this is in part a military institution, and certainly military decorum would not be to severe on the boys.

The officers of the day report that the sanitary condition of the old college needs attention.

The new students form a [separate] squad under the command of Lieut. Dean.

[Suggested headline: Science Club]

The Science Club held their first meeting for this term last Friday. Although they had no regular program, yet they had a very interesting session. Mr. Henry Rolfs read a paper on the crossing of con, deduced from experiments begun by Prof. Crozier in '87. Prof. Osborn presented for examination some pieces of the meteor which fell in the northern part of this state. These pieces were donated to the college museum by trustee Secore.

Prof. Pammel gave the result of a study of the seed coats of the genus Euphorbia to determine the species; and also mentioned the recent experiments in sterilizing milk in order to destroy tuberculosis bucilli. Considerable interest was taken in discussing these papers. The club appointed a committee to select a scientific periodical which shall be donated to the college library. The next meeting of the club will be held on Friday, August 14. All interested in science are invited to attend.

The club is doing excellent work, and the students in the scientific course can not afford to slight the meetings. Devote an evening to the science club and you shall be well paid for your time.

The Library.

The latest improvement in the library is the labeling of the books upon the outside. Each book is to have, and most of them already have, a label upon the back showing at once the class to which it belongs and the number of the book in that class. The books in any class are arranged alphabetically according to the newest approved system. This will be a great aid to those wishing to find books. There is already a catalogue of cards containing, both the titles and the names of the authors arranged alphabetically. These cards give the class and the number of the book in the class and the directory on the door gives the alcove in which that class is found so that any one with a little practice can find any book there.

The library contains about 8000 volumes. Each department contains the best books on that subject. The departments in science and engineering are especially strong and new books are being added every year. Yearly all the leading magazines are taken and have been bound and an index secured 80 that articles on any subject that has been discussed in them can be readily found.

Few students appreciate until they have visited other colleges the advantages they may enjoy in the library here. The opportunity it offers, by giving them access to a large collection of books not largely novels or histories but just what every student needs to supplement bis text book if he is to do thorough work, should not be overlooked by those deciding what college they will enter or students in recommending their college to others.

Four of the leading dailies and a large number of weekly papers and scientific journals are taken giving full information on the leading events of the day.

It opens at 10 o'clock in the morning and remains open during the study hours of the day except from 1 until 2 in the afternoon. During the time it is open any person is at liberty to use any book or paper in the library but are not allowed to take them from there without a written order from the professor in the department to which the book belongs.

Bachelor Session.

The Bachelors opened by roll call and quotations, the chaplain not being present. After this Mr. Branvig favored us with the selection “Rock Me to Sleep Mother."

The next exercise was [an] essay in which Mr. Kanfman told us of the “Sub-Treasury Scheme.' He presented in an able manner the stand of the Farmers Alliance and pointed out the [impracticable] points of the “Ware house plan."

The next on the program should have been an oration but the orator was "not present or accounted for."

There being some misunderstanding about whether the old or the new music committee was to procure musicians, the president called in vain for music.

The question "Resolved that the state should have absolute control of the liquor traffic within its borders” was advocated by Messrs. Eaton and Swift, and opposed by Messrs. Brandvig and Steel. Messrs. Oggel, Scott, Ballreich and Bishop responded to the call for volunteers, so that the subject was discussed in all its phases to some extent. It was decided in favor of the affirmative. The debate was followed by a by a five minutes speech in which Mr. Dewell ushered us into the affairs of [Newfoundland].

This was followed by a solo, "Some Day I'll Wander Back [Again]," by Miss Garth.

In the two minute speeches, Mr. Ballreich did not loose anytime on the subject “Mr. Blaire's proposed Reciprocity Treaty." Mr. Armstrong made a big speech for such a little man, about the "Summer Vacation." Mr. Graham was at a loss to know how much he could tell us about “The tennis party” without getting into trouble with the boys. Mr. Muhs in talking upon "The prospects of the I. A. C. said the present senior class would be a benefit to the world when it graduated.

The closing exercises was an oration by Mr. Chamberlain entitled, "Spain in America." He said "the Spaniards, the real explorers were justly entitled to the rights of such, but while other nations sought to settle for humanity's sake she came for the wealth of the country. Mexico and [Peru] will ever stand as monuments to show the treachery, cruelty and deceit of the Spaniard. They came not to settle but to conquer. Her treachery betrayed herself. Thus are visible the causes of the fall of Spain in America.”

[Suggested headline: Tennis association stalls]

An attempt was made by two or three of our wideawake students to organize a lawn tennis association. A meeting was held, a constitution adopted and everything seemed favorable for the new association, but for some explainable reason no officers have been elected, and nothing further done. It seems as if the rule is true here, as well as elsewhere, that in all such enterprises two or three must do the work, while the rest enjoy the fruits of their labor. But if for any reason these leaders of industry drop out of the ranks, there seems to be no one able or willing to take their place, consequently the enterprise usually entirely ceases.

[Suggested headline: Railroad desired to connect Ames, college]

The Junior Civils are at work in laying out a railroad to Ames. There has been much speculation upon the advisability of putting in a motor line between the college and town. The first cost, it is true would be rather great, but think of the advantages of a rapid transit line. We believe if such a line was constructed and properly managed, that the [attendance] of the college could be easily doubled, provided, that students were given the option of rooming in Ames or at the College. Again, this would result in more friendly relations between the people of the city and school; under the present system, they know little and care less for college matters; because they know but little about them. Three hundred students boarding in town would change all this. It would change Ames into one of the most enthusiastic college towns in the west, and we would no longer be regarded as the inmates of some charitable Institution.

Page 8

Scraps from our waste Basket.

Castles in the air do not bring in any rent.

The light that never was on sea or land must be a skylight.

The trouble with justice is that she does so little besides holding her scales.

After you have weighed your neighbor in the balance, drop a nickle of fairness in the slot of self examination and ascertain your own moral avoiurdupois.

The Boston school of technology had over one thousand students on its roll books last year.

In the last fifty years only 4,468 students out 6,669 appointments have been admitted to West Point, and of these only 2,305 have graduated.

At Rutgers three hours work in the gymnasium is required of freshmen and sophomores, and all the students are tested and special lines of work are recomended.

Considerable attention has been attracted by Cornell's "Congress.” One of the professors is elected “President of the United States," and the students compose a congress which holds weekly meetings.

Callanan college of Des Moines, has about 100 students in its school of science. Liberal advertising is what did it. Who knows how many are taking the summer course of science at the I. A. C?

Highland Park college of Des Moines is putting in the finest electrical laboratory and testing machinery in the west. Pres. Longwell is a most successful business man, and his name alone insures the success of the new college.

A number of seniors have already secured positions which they will occupy soon as the term closes. There is always a demand for our boys. Some will go to Michigan, some to Texas and some to California. Thus it is that the influence of the I. A. C. is felt throughout the breadth and length of the land.

What made the sea-sick? Why was the water-pail? What did the hob-punch? How did the ginger-ale? How is the milk-maid? When did the cow-slip? What did the mutton-chop? Where did the cat nip? Why did the gun-whale? How does the ocean squall? When did the sea-mew? Why did the base-ball?

[Suggested headline: Strange noises in the night]

Last week, one evening while Mr. Schoemaker, the head proctor was absent from the building, the newly initiated proctor found it quite difficult to watch both floors. Noises arose from different quarters which the inexperienced proctor could not locate definitely. Shorie the next evening, when the same noises arose, resolved to spot the boys, and "hand them in," after watching patiently in the dark halls for an hour or so it was given up as a bad job.

Tribute to Chas J. Cotey, '87, Late Professor, Dakota Agricultural College.

In a few years our silent friend mastered business principles and acquired business facilities rarely [equaled] and seldom excelled in this age of industrial and business pursuits. Along the journey of his brief life, he stamped upon his fellowmen his peculiar fitness, tact or genius for manipulating the finer and more [important] business machinery. It is said he worked with ease and held his ideal of justice always uppermost in all his transactions. He believed that

"All are not just because they do no wrong; But he who will not wrong me when he may— He is truly just."

He remembered his friends at all times; he thought of the sick in their affliction; he had a charity that extended sympathy and the open hand; he was reserved in manner to a modest degree, yet he quit himself like a man in contact with his fellowmen. His power over self was a characteristic most golden as he stood in a manner dumb on many trying occasions. An expert in business, a lover of justice, the students' sincere friend, a faithful husband,—he died battling with disease.

C. A. C.

[Suggested headline: Why successful freshman can falter]

We have often heard the question asked why it was that students who made the best records during their Freshman year often make but average or poor records further on in the course.

Usually these students are in advance of their class when they enter and need not devote much time to their studies in order to make good recitations. Such a course instead of developing the mind, rather tends to cause habits of carelessness. Consequently when new studies aro taken up, these students often find themselves out-ranked by students who entered with but little preparation, but who by habits of careful study, during their first year's work, can now readily lead their class. If you are ahead, don't waste your time, but devote it to library or society work that you may not fall behind.

[Suggested headline: Social notes and more]

The National Game at the I. A. C. is saved from an untimely death, and is in a fair way to recover its usual vigor. The freshmen have a strong nine and they know it, consequently they are anxious to play any body. "Scrub” games are the rage now. Last Friday evening the junior and soph's played the freshmen and prep's on the cottage diamond, the study bell found three innings played and the score 10 to 6 in favor of the higher class men. Richardson acted as umpire. During the game Mitchell hurt his hand so badly that it had to be sewed up.

The seniors are wrestling with Theses.

Problem 1. Given, apple orchard, main building, Jerry, to locate the Prep.

Problem 2. Converse of problem 1. Given main building, prep. Dr. Fairchild to locate choleramorbus.

Hereafter there will be drill twice per week.

There is a fairly good attendance at the Sunday morning breakfast, which is given at seven o'clock.

Mr. Shaul is now our proctor at the cottages, while Mr. Schulte sits as ruler among the freshies and preps, in their heavenly realm.

Some of our seniors find it hard work to comply with the present ruling of the faculty. That is to get up all their back studies but five hours recitation per week.

A number of Cottagers inspired by the Base ball mania, made up a purse and purchased a base ball outfit. They may now be seen batting muffs and tieing up dis-located joints.

During the first week of the term a large field of grain lying north of North Hall was partly destroyed by fire supposed to have originated from a spark from a passing locomotive.

One of the members of the "soph." class, Mr Raymond, has become quite prominent as a bugologist, having made certain discoveries in the life history of one species of saw fly.

John Wood our janitor is now the happy possessor of a horse and buggy. He now rides like a "gentlemen." Boys, get a “stand in” with John and you may get a chance to take his bay out some day.

During the vacation the third floor of the New Cottage was partitioned off into six fine rooms. The boys, successful in securing these rooms were in luck and now put on more style than is in vogue on the second floor M. B.

A meeting of the Freshman class was held last Thursday evening, and the following officers were elected: A. M. Harvey, Pres.; Miss Flora Nelson, Vice Pres.; W. H. Cochran, Sec.; and E. E. Faville, class Historian. At the close of each election the newly elected officers made short speeches.

There is a great improvement in the condition of things at the cottage dining-hall this term. The meals are so well prepared that the boys can scarcely wait until the jingle rings. They crowd in the hall calling on the name of Austin the dining hall proctor, begging him to ring the jingle. But it is too bad that the boys can't keep from scrapping” right at the table.

The French gutters of the main building have been patched and painted. The prep. as well as the freshie is requested to keep his pedal extremities out of the same, lest perchance, a misplaced [banana] peeling cause him to knock some of the cornice off of the stone finish about the windows below, in his descent, in which case he would be held responsible for injury to college property.

Freddie Muhs, our enterprising comanche comrade is making his way through college, it is said, by flipping pennies. Such boys are sure to make their mark in the world. We like to see the enterprising self-made man.

[junker-town]

Why Gonzaga is good enough to be an undefeated national champion

Gonzaga isn’t just playing for a national championship. It’s trying to be one of the best college basketball teams ever.

A reputation is a hard thing to shake, especially when it comes to the imaginary hierarchy of men’s college basketball. A program like Indiana can go nearly two decades without making an Elite Eight appearance but still retain a thin veil of prestige with the national media and rabid local fans. Gonzaga represents the other end of the spectrum. No matter what the Zags accomplish, there will always be skeptics that discount their success because of their tiny conference and lack of triumph before the ‘00s.

There was a time when it was fair to question Gonzaga’s viability against against the elite tier of the sport. Though head coach Mark Few has led the program to the NCAA tournament in 21 straight seasons, the Zags ended seven of eight seasons without advancing past the first weekend of March Madness between 2007-2014. Ever since, Gonzaga has consistently made deep tournament runs as often as any school in America.

The Zags have advanced to at least the Sweet 16 in the last five NCAA tournaments. That includes an appearance in the national championship game in 2017 when they pushed North Carolina to the brink and came out on the wrong end of some spotty officiating. If the Zags don’t look like a blue blood in size and scale, they certainly perform like one in March.

Gonzaga enters this year’s field with a No. 1 seed next to its name for the fourth time in the last eight tournaments. The Zags are the No. 1 overall seed for the first time, but that doesn’t quite incapsulate their true power: with an undefeated record at 26-0, Gonzaga can do more than just win a national championship by running through the bracket. This can also go down as perhaps the greatest college basketball team of the modern era.

No college basketball team has finished a season as undefeated national champions since Indiana in 1976. Even teams with multiple future NBA All-Stars like John Calipari’s 2015 Kentucky squad have come up short. While anything can happen in March in a single-elimination tournament, make no mistake: this Gonzaga team is worthy hyperbole and historical comparison.

If anyone beats the Zags this year, it’s going to count as a major upset. This is how Gonzaga built a historically great college basketball team.

Gonzaga recruits at an elite level now

Few has had success in multiple avenues when he comes to roster construction. For years, Gonzaga was known for its international pipeline to Spokane, bringing over Kelly Olynyk (Canada), Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania), Przemek Karnowski (Poland), Rui Hachimura (Japan), Killian Tillie (France), and French guard Joel Ayay on this year’s team just to name a few. Gonzaga has also found success with transfers, with Nigel Williams-Goss, Brandon Clarke, Jonathan Williams, and Florida transfer Andrew Nembhard on this year’s team serving as the greatest examples.

Gonzaga didn’t need five-star recruits to become a great program. Now that they’re getting them, it’s pushed the Zags over the top.

Zach Collins was Gonzaga’s first McDonald’s All-American and one-and-done as a freshman on the 2017 team that went to the title game. Few leveled up this year by adding Jalen Suggs, a Minnesota native who was the No. 6 overall recruit in his class. From the very first game, it was apparent that Suggs was going to be a top-five NBA draft pick after one year of school. Gonzaga has had a lot of great players over the years, but they’ve never had someone as dynamic as Suggs with the ball in his hands.

Few appears poised to land an even better recruit next year: Suggs’ former high school teammate, 7-footer Chet Holmgren. Holmgren is currently rated as the No. 1 player in his class by ESPN.

Gonzaga is excellent at developing their players over time

The foundation of Gonzaga’s team remains veteran players who have been groomed to fit the system over multiple years. Corey Kispert was ranked as the No. 106 overall recruit the class of 2017. Four years later, Kispert is arguably the most dangerous shooter in the country, maybe the best senior in the sport, and is now projected as a possible NBA lottery pick.

The case can be made that Drew Timme was both an elite recruit and a player who developed well at Gonzaga. A consensus top-50 prospect out of Texas, Timme spent his freshman year backing up Filip Petrusev before emerging as one of the best centers in the country this year as a sophomore. Ayayi’s development into a double-figure scorer as a redshirt junior has also been key, giving the Zags another ball handler who can penetrate, hit an open three, and defend multiple positions at 6’5.

Gonzaga runs a pro-style offense that puts everyone in position to succeed

The Zags don’t just have the most efficient offense in the country — they have the second most efficient offense since KenPom started tracking stats in 2002. The Zags are scoring 126.8 points per 100 possessions, which is more than 2.5 points ahead of the second best offense (Iowa) in America. Gonzaga’s halfcourt offense ranks in the 100th percentile of the country in points per possession, and the transition offense ranks in the 97th percentile.

Few’s offense thrives off spacing and ball movement to open up easy paths to the basket. Suggs, Nembhard, and Ayayi all have dribble-pass-shoot skill sets and often share the floor together. Kispert is an knockdown spot-up threat, and Timme is incredible as a roll man (92 percentile nationally) and on post-ups (98th percentile).

The Zags don’t shoot a ton of threes — only 23.8 percent of their field goal attempts come from beyond the arc, which ranks No. 322 in DI — only because they typically generate wide open looks from two. The Zags’ 64 percent mark on two-pointers is the best in the country.

By the way, Gonzaga is posting the tenth-best defensive efficiency in the country entering the tournament, too.

Gonzaga is battle-tested in the non-conference schedule

The Wes Coast Conference is better than its often given credit for — it was the No. 9 conference out of 32 in DI this season, per KenPom — but Gonzaga is still head-and-shoulders above the rest of the league. If the Zags aren’t challenged much in their conference slate, they’ve made a habit out of scheduling marquee games to open the season.

This year, Gonzaga beat four teams that were ranked in the top-16 of the AP Poll when they faced them. They drubbed Kansas, West Virginia, Iowa, and Virginia through November and December with average margin of victory across was the four games of 12.75 points. Only the Mountaineers came within single-digits. Gonzaga was supposed to be play fellow No. 1 seed Baylor during the non-conference slate too, but the game was canceled due to Covid protocol.

The Zags also beat BYU three times during the regular season, and that’s an impressive accomplishment, as well: the Cougars ended the year No. 24 in the KenPom efficiency rankings and earned a No. 6 seed to March Madness.

Gonzaga checks every box as one of the great college basketball teams we’ve seen in the modern era

The Zags one of the best coaches in the country in Mark Few. They have perhaps the most effective offense of the last two decades paired with a defense that’s performed at a top-10 level this season. They have marquee wins on neutral floors against multiple top-4 seeds in the tournament. They have three All-Americans in the starting lineup, with one player projected as a top-five NBA draft pick and another projected to go in the lottery.

Gonzaga has won every game it has played. The only thing missing is a national championship.

The 2015 Kentucky squad showed us that even historically good teams can come up just short of cutting down the nets. For now, that’s the only thing separating Gonzaga from their place among the best teams we’ve seen do it in recent memory.

[toraonice]

Yuri on Ice BD booklet translation (with Jun Shishido & Yuusuke Tannawa interview) - Volume 4

The full translation of the booklet of vol.4 is finally done... Actually, one of the reasons it took me so long is that I spent most of the time I was home from Thursday to Sunday watching Fuji TV’s live coverage of the World Championships, lol. And I’m glad I did because it was really exciting. It does make a difference to watch it live without knowing the results... I will work on the audio commentary and choreography part in the next few days, and hopefully on other stuff too.

The booklet has 3 parts: 1) Character introduction for Phichit, Chris and Guang-Hong. 2) “Topics”, in other words random curiosities.  3) Interview with chief director Jun Shishido and screen designer Yuusuke Tannawa. Most of you will probably have no idea who they are (and their titles are by no means a good explanation of what their actual role was), but I really recommend reading this interview because it gives more insight on the creation process of YOI and maybe it helps understand how hard it is to animate figure skating. The parts in round brackets are exactly like they are in the original text, it’s not something I added.

***If you wish to share this translation please do it by reblogging or posting a link to it*** 
***Re-translating into other languages is ok but please mention that this post is the source***

He’s going to leave a mark in Thai’s skating history with his blades!

Phichit Chulanont voiced by Kenshou Ono

Profile Date of birth: April 30th, 20 years old Height: 165 cm Blood type: B Thai

Introduction A new hope for Thailand, that didn’t have any skaters who got remarkable results. His popularity is quickly growing also thanks to his spontaneous and pleasant skating style that mirrors his friendly personality. This season he is skating both his short program and free to songs from the movie “The King and the Skater”, which is something he had always dreamed of doing. He is the first Thai skater to have succeeded in a quadruple jump and he also obtained his first Grand Prix victory. He is continuing to rewrite Thai’s figure skating history. He used to train under Celestino in Detroit, but from this season he has moved his base back to Thailand. He loves hamsters and has a lot of them. Posts about them can be seen on his SNS. The lethal weapon made of sex appeal that shines on the ice.

Christophe Giacometti voiced by Hiroki Yasumoto

Profile Date of birth: February 14th, 25 years old Height: 183 cm Blood type: undisclosed Swiss

Introduction 10 years since he moved to the senior class, he is one of the world’s best skaters fighting for the top. Beside his quadruple Lutz and his characteristic sexy moves, he is also praised for his unique and precise spins. As a veteran, he never breaks down too much, but he is a slow starter and tends to not perform at his best in the Grand Prix series, which is held in the first half of the season. Last year he came in 2nd in both the Grand Prix Final and the World Championships. With his long-time rival Nikiforov missing this season, he is one of the candidates to snatch the king’s throne. He is a popular skater who captures the hearts of women all over the world with his passionate and alluring performances that ooze the sex appeal of a grown-up man. He has a cat. To become, one day, China’s hero.

Guang-Hong Ji voiced by Yuutarou Honjou

Profile Date of birth: January 7th, 17 years old Height: 160 cm Blood type: O Chinese

Introduction A growing 17-years-old who moved to the senior class this season. In the Grand Prix’s America tournament he placed 3rd, achieving the amazing feat of standing on the podium on his debut performance. The success rate of his quadruple jumps, which he started training for this season, is also high, and as China’s new ace he is expected to grow further in the second half of the season. He has a shy personality, but at the same time he also uploads many selfies on the SNS. It seems that he also bought a lot of clothes during his training camp in Canada. Together with his friend Chulanont from Thailand and Japan’s Minami, he is called by fans “one of Asia’s 3 cutest skaters”. YURI!!!’s TOPIC

TOPIC 1: Grand Prix Series It consists in a total of 7 tournaments: 6 tournaments held in different countries every year from the end of October to the end of November, and the final that sees the 6 skaters who got the highest scores in the other tournaments as its participants. The 6 tournaments are always held in the same countries (the order may vary), but the location of the final changes every year, and this season it’s Barcelona in Spain. The participants are chosen based on their results in tournaments regulated by ISU (International Skating Union), their world ranking, recommendations by the host country etc.; however, each skater can only participate in a maximum of 2 tournaments. In addition, only up to 3 skaters from the same country can participate in the same category of the same tournament. The period when the skaters’ allocation is announced is somewhat of a festival among skating fans.

*It’s night in Japan when the skaters’ allocation is announced *The first 6 tournaments are held in 6 countries over the span of 6 weeks *In every tournament skaters receive points depending on their placement (15 points for the 1st place, 13 points for the 2nd place and so on), and the final ranking decides who will participate in the final

TOPIC 2: Quadruple Jump (*at the moment of the Russia tournament) One of the techniques that decide the game in male figure skating is quadruple jumps. Since the number and type of jumps greatly influences the score, recently it’s common for skaters to include multiple quadruple jumps in their programs. However, according to the rules the same jump can only be repeated a limited number of times, therefore skaters try new types of jumps and train hard to be able to have more quadruple jumps to put in their programs. Currently, 5 types of jumps except for the Axel have been successfully landed in official competitions. The one with the highest score is the Lutz, which top skaters such as Victor, Giacometti and JJ are using in their programs. The quadruple toeloop, which has the lowest score, is successfully used by young skaters such as Kenjirou Minami, Guang-Hong and Phichit too. Yuuri can jump the toeloop and Salchow and is currently training to master Victor’s trademark flip. After the Lutz, the flip is the jump with the highest score.

*Yurio in his junior years getting scolded for jumping a quadruple that was not planned *Seung-gil is the first who successfully landed a quadruple loop *Emil is a jumper that has 4 quadruples in his free *JJ jumps an amazing quadruple Lutz in the second half of his program *Victor uses as his weapons 4 types of quadruples, except for the Axel and loop (in the EX he landed a loop too)

TOPIC 3: Support Item (cheering goods) It often happens to spot flags and banners used as cheering goods in figure skating venues. After a performance flower bouquets and plushes are also thrown into the rink. Banners do not only feature the skater’s name and flag; sometimes they have a message or a portrait of the skater with which people try to show their support, and in some cases they are even made using photographs. Yuuri is often thrown plushes of food. The bouquets and plushes are picked up by children who are learning skating, usually called “flower girls” and “flower boys”.

*JJ’s cheering group, called JJ girls. *Yurio’s hardcore fans are called Yuri angels. *Flags are basic items. Some fans bring different types. *Present snacks from fans for Yuuri who is on a diet? *After popular athletes skate the flower girls and boys have a hard time picking up everything *Sometimes skaters will actually put on the items that are thrown into the rink

TOPIC 4: Kiss & Cry The kiss & cry is where skaters wait for their score after a performance. The name comes from the fact that it’s a place where athletes can experience both happy and sad feelings. Normally the skater and their coach will sit there, but in some cases there might be people from a country’s federation or the choreographer too. In many venues there will be a microphone, therefore skaters can also send messages to their family and fans. If you listen to the broadcast closely you might be able to hear the athlete and coach reviewing the performance or other conversations.

*Sometimes the coach might strike a pose too *It’s also a place where athletes vow to make up for a defeat *”Please support me!” addressed to the viewers *The JJ style gesture in the kiss & cry is a recurrence *Michele’s sister Sara can be seen in the kiss & cry too Chief director / Screen designer Jun Shishido & Yuusuke Tannawa interview

I want to make the gag scenes dynamic. (Shishido) The opening of episode 11 was possible thanks to the viewers’ response. (Tannawa)

Shishido: I’m the chief director, but in fact I did a lot of things. Director Yamamoto was too busy, so she mainly did sound and editing, and then since it’s an original story she focused on the story composition… Tannawa: Shishido-san was like the site supervisor. We would ask things related to the story itself to director Yamamoto, but the one who actually took action and gave directions was Shishido-san. Though in the credits I appear as “screen designer”, the anime’s screen design was created by the director of photography, and my job in this series mainly consisted in creating the footage for PVs, OP etc. and checking the final product before delivery. I started working on the PV at the beginning of 2016. I asked director Yamamoto what kind of layout she had in mind, and decided how to set the visuals of the series. Regarding the contents of the episodes I also discussed with Shishido-san about various topics – for example, “this processing can be done with camerawork, this expression can be recreated with CG” – and shared this information with the involved work groups.

-Trial and error to create the huge amount of skating scenes.-

T: In figure skating athletes perform while continuously moving around, therefore it was extremely difficult to understand where an athlete was and in what direction he was skating in each frame. In the 1st episode we created a CG model of the skater based on the real choreography footage and had it skate in a rink created with 3DCG, then we followed it with tridimensional camerawork and used that footage as a base for the animation. It was a very elaborate process. However, we realized that it was impossible to continue using this method with the production schedule of a TV series, therefore we switched to a different method where we would create camerawork on a general background map. Also, after episode 5, for certain characters we preceded the creation of the key animation with 3DCG. The final animation is all done by hand, but by having a base to use as a reference it was possible to calculate the available time frame and create the animations accordingly, thus shortening the working time. S: Even if you suddently ask the 3D staff to create figure skating animation, of course they have almost no knowledge of the jumps and techniques. They create the animation based on the reference footage, but they cannot express complex details such as how athletes balance their feet the moment they jump, so for that I and (figure skating animators) Abiko-san and Tatenaka-san adjusted the animation. Among the people working on the series, the only ones who had technical knowledge about figure skating were the 3 of us and director Yamamoto. And it’s not something that you can just explain verbally, so we took on all those jobs ourselves. We checked… everything, probably. Actually, until episode 4 the skating scenes were all created by Abiko-san and Tatenaka-san, so I didn’t need to check them, but from episode 5 the amount of skating scenes became so huge that we asked Tannawa-san and the others whether we could get help from the CG team… I completely trusted Tannawa-san, because I knew that if we explained what to do he would understand what was needed. T: I basically asked what they couldn’t do, and we did all we could to make up for that and reduce their workload. We would never have finished the series otherwise. That’s why for this anime no one ever said “isn’t that your job?”. For every episode, everyone just fought toward completion. S: Everyone took responsibility for their job and worked with extreme care, like no one was going to double-check what they did afterwards. We thought, “if we don’t do our best, this series will not make it to the broadcast, therefore we must all be responsible and work hard”…

-A scene you especially paid attention to.-

S: All the storyboards for the skating scenes were drawn by the director, but I drew them for quite a lot of daily life scenes. I especially like the scene where Yurio gives a pirozhki to Yuuri (in episode 9). I was particularly careful to make Yurio look cute. I wanted to show that, even though normally he is rude (to Yuuri), he actually rather trusts him and they do get along. I also like gag scenes, so I had fun with scenes such as the hug competition at the end of episode 9. Gag scenes do not need to be drawn as neatly as serious scenes, therefore I decided to animate them in a very comical and dynamic way. T: I paid a lot of attention to the opening. The way we changed it in episode 11 to reflect the current story development is something I myself suggested to the director. Actually, only the opening of episode 1 was still incomplete when it was broadcasted. From episode 2 onwards it was always the same footage, but the viewers wrote a lot of comments about it (and were wondering whether it was changing every time). Since everyone was watching it every time without skipping it, we decided to really change it in the end. S: My favorite character is Georgi Popovich! He’s a man who can talk about love seriously. He actually makes a few appearances since the 1st episode. When we were working on episode 1 we only had Kubo-sensei’s character plans and the storyboard saying “a character named Popovich is standing here”. We made him stand out a little because we understood that he would show up in the story later on. And what a character he was, when he was introduced in episode 6! T: He was so striking that I was actually shocked! I like Popovich too. Also, among the programs, I like Yuuri’s FS “Yuri on ICE”. It’s the first song I listened to working for this series, and at that time I used it for the PV without knowing that it was going to be Yuuri’s FS. In the PV Yuuri is skating in Hasetsu with his slender appearance from episode 3 onwards, and (the character designer) Hiramatsu-san commented “it’s a wonderful video, but now we have to make him fat”. I remember thinking “what is he saying??” (LOL).

-The power of the support that reached the studio.-

S: When we were creating the anime we were so busy with the work at hand that we didn’t really realize how much of a response the series was having. However, we received lots of presents, food, goods and letters of support from fans. T: Even items based on the contents of the series, like (retort-packed) borscht. That made us feel that fans were really supporting us because they liked the series, and it boosted our morale. Knowing that there were so many people watching and cheering on us motivated us to our best even it meant working overnight without sleeping. S: The charm of this series is the love of the original creators, director Yamamoto and Kubo-sensei, that you can feel from it. It’s just so strong. T: It also feels like you are touring various countries to follow Yuuri and the others and watch their matches. You can watch it with the eyes of a spectator and think “I didn’t know a lot about this athlete, but now I see how he skates”. I think that another element that allows viewers to really get into the world of the series is how not only the matches but also the skaters’ practice scenes and the back yard are drawn with lots of details. Everything is detailed, even the different shape of each skater’s blades. The director herself is full of very sincere love for figure skating, and that was transmitted to both the staff and the viewers. S: The animation studio had a very nice atmosphere. It’s the first time that I’m working with Tannawa-san, but when I saw his work I realized right away that he was someone I could trust. Trust and unity are something you find in the staff of many series, but for this one it was especially strong.

On a side note, Kubo & Yamamoto went to see the Worlds in Helsinki and are now in St.Petersburg. I am confident it’s tourism but with a spoonful of location hunting... (What a timing, though. I hope none of you or your acquaintances were personally affected by what happened the other day in the subway)

[toldnews-blog]

New Post has been published on https://toldnews.com/travel/superyachts-of-the-future-revealed/

Superyachts of the future revealed

(CNN) — Most of us will never set foot on a swanky superyacht. We’d be lucky to even catch a glimpse of one of these streamlined, gleaming vessels docked in Monaco or Miami.

But for billionaires in the top 1% wealth bracket, a superyacht is a must-have sign of status — and the perfect way to travel the world.

Luxury yachts have been sailing the seas since the early 20th century. Since then, designs have got bigger, better, more extravagant and more adventurous.

So where next for these opulent ocean-goers?

CNN Travel recently weighed anchor at the Superyachts Top 100 symposium in London to discover the major superyacht trends to watch out for in 2019 and beyond.

Supersize yachts

Oceanco’s 2018 ship Project Bravo is 109 meters long.

Courtesy Oceanco

The most obvious direction for the next generation of elite seagoing vessels is an increase in size — more and more are now exceeding the 100-meter mark and heading for supersize status, says Jonathan Becket, CEO of superyacht brokerage Burgess.

Currently, Superyachts Top 100 ranks a boat launched in 2013 as the world’s longest. Azzam, measuring 180 meters end-to-end, was built by German shipyard Lurssen and is now belived to be owned by United Arab Emirates President Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

Once 40-meter boats were considered modest compared with larger craft; now even 60-meter vessels are seen as small by today’s standards, Becket explains.

This rise in the number of larger yachts is directly linked to an increase in the number of billionaires, says a representative of Dutch shipbuilders Feadship.

As Project Bravo demonstrates, boats are getting bigger and bigger.

Courtesy Oceanco

Plus, thanks to the booming tech industry, billionaires are getting younger. These millennial magnates want bigger boats, in more unusual designs that challenge expectations.

They’re still the preserve of the wealthiest of the wealthy though. As one symposium attendee puts it, for a vessel of 120 meters or more “you need to be a sheikh or an oligarch.”

Explorer yachts

A design image for upcoming superyacht REV Ocean, due to launch in 2021.

Courtesy REV Ocean

Younger yacht owners aren’t, apparently, interested in a white yacht with a spotless exterior and the traditional “wedding cake” shape.

Instead, these junior billionaires want their floating palaces to double up as genuine ocean-going sea craft, capable of reaching far-flung corners like Alaska, the Northwest Passage and beyond.

This is where “explorer” yachts come in — state-of-the-art vessels that, while perhaps less glamorous, have the capacity to chart more extreme waters.

“A Land Rover of the sea, instead of a Bentley,” is how British yacht designers H2 describe this new breed of upscale boat.

Among them is REV Ocean — currently being built by Norwegian company Vard. With a projected length of 182.6 meters, it’s the largest superyacht currently under construction.

When built, it’ll steal the world’s largest superyacht accolade from Azzam — assuming no other upcoming yachts go even bigger.

REV Ocean is being created to match the specific vision of its owner, Kjell Inge Røkke.

Røkke is a billionaire Norwegian businessman who, after owning several more conventional superyachts, decided he wanted something different: an explorer vessel that could provide both personal pleasure and contribute to improving the state of the world’s oceans.

Superyachts such as REV — the design for which is pictured here — are designed to traverse the world’s oceans.

Courtesy REV Ocean

Due to launch in 2020, REV Ocean will have a Scandi industrial chic luxury interior equipped with a lecture theater, submarines and laboratories.

Its exterior will be equipped for adventure.

“[The owner] brainstormed with a few designers and technicians and thought — maybe we could split the boat into two, in a way, and have a luxury part of it but also have it as a functioning research vessel,” Lawrence Hislop, communication manager for REV Ocean, tells CNN Travel.

“It’s one thing to sail on top of the ocean, but there’s so much technology available now that lets you get underneath the water and explore the oceans in a completely unique way,” says Hislop.

REV Ocean isn’t the first of its kind, although its arguably taking the concept to new heights.

The explorer-style superyacht has been floating around for some time, with Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen’s 126-meter Octopus vessel starting the trend back in 2003.

But it’s now becoming more common.

While superyacht manufacturers agree that more and more clients want to voyage beyond the traditional blue-water havens of the Mediterranean and Caribbean, those chartering private yachts seem less inclined to go exploring in less benign seas.

But for those with the cash to own a personal yacht, the ability to get away from the crowds is increasingly paramount.

Out-there features

The upcoming Feadship yacht Lady S, initially known as Project 814, features a two-deck IMAX theater and a helipad.

Courtesy Feadship

Explorer or not, crazily extravagant features continue to be de-rigueur on the superyacht circuit.

The Russian preference is for a snow room — an icy spa chamber complete with tumbling flakes. US clients want a gym. Helicopter pads are normal.

On Feadship’s Faith, a 96-meter superyacht which made its maiden voyage in 2017, a curved-glass swimming pool forms the watery backdrop to the downstairs bar.

Other features include stabilized pool tables (or even dining tables that convert to pool tables) and aquariums. High-spec IMAX cinema projection equipment is also in demand alongside lower-tech popcorn machines.

Italian superyacht company Bennetti highlights gimbaled wine cellars — which keep the floor level against ocean undulations so as not to disturb the expensive vintages stowed on board.

Stabilization to prevent drink glasses from wobbling is also a thing, as is noise-reduction, but these mechanical extras come at a high price.

Something like a gold tap, for example, is expensive not necessarily because of the gold, but because of the mechanism involved, says a spokesman for German shipbuilders Lurssen.

More play, less work

A design for upcoming superyacht Mirage which will reflect the ocean with its glass panels.

Courtesy Fincantieri Yachts

Another trend is exterior and interior design that allows yacht guests to get as close as possible to the water.

Whereas the prime real estate on a superyacht was once the sundeck, now a “beach club” area closer to the water is more desirable, says H2.

Superyachts used to be a place to conduct business, now they’re being more frequently used for leisure.

Courtesy Oceanco

This trend is seen in most yachts that have premiered in the past couple of years. A prime example is Italian yacht builder Fincantieri’s design for upcoming vessel Private Bay, a 120-meter vessel, equipped with a luxurious beach club, al fresco cinema and sea-level pool.

Yacht designers seek to emphasize the connection with the ocean in other ways too.

Another upcoming Fincantieri yacht, Mirage, reflects water with its glass panels, giving the 106-meter vessel the illusion of blending seamlessly into the sea.

A beach club area near the water, as on this Fincantieri yacht design for Private Bay, is very desirable.

Courtesy Fincantieri Yachts

In the past wealthy tycoons often used their superyachts to conduct important business matters, but Dutch yacht builder Oceanco says there’s been a move away from this with fewer request for offices on board as owners prefer to use them as places to relax with family.

It’s linked to a desire for privacy, says Oceanco’s representative at the symposium. He points out that owners use the yacht for shorter, more frequent vacations.

Instead of offices, owners want spas, gyms, pools and cinema rooms — features that appeal more to their kids than prospective business partners.

Eco-friendly

Oceanco’s Black Pearl, a more eco-friendly superyacht.

Courtesy Oceanco

Steering an enormous boat across the world’s oceans is never going to be a particularly eco-friendly affair — but all the companies involved in the London symposium agree that owners are becoming increasingly concerned with the environmental impact of their yachts.

This quest for low-emission sailing is leading to new innovations in design, such as Oceanco’s Black Pearl, delivered in 2018.

This imposing sailing yacht is over 106 meters long, with three incredible black sails made from carbon fiber by Dykstra Naval Architects.

The yacht’s 2,900 square meters of sails can be set in seven minutes, via the push of a button.

The Black Pearl aims to be the most fuel-efficient superyacht ever, capable of traversing the Atlantic without burning any fuel — although it will come equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric system.

Black Pearl’s 2,900 square meters of sails can be set in seven minutes, via a button.

Courtesy Oceanco

The Black Pearl’s owner — reportedly Russian billionaire Oleg Burlakev, co-founder of oil and gas company Burneftegaz — says he’s been inspired to acquire the boat as much by environmental awareness as by an interest in innovation due to their engineering background.

“Eco-consciousness is vital for the future of our planet,” the owner said, in a statement provided by Oceanco. “I wholeheartedly support research that will drive us to more sustainability and I have ensured that green technology was very much a part of the creation of Black Pearl.”

The Black Pearl won a prize for Best Naval Architecture for Sailing Yachts in the 2019 Boat International Design & Innovation Awards — although its design remains in flux. Oceanco are also hoping to refit the yacht with solar sails in the future.

Nobiskrug’s Sailing Yacht A uses hybrid fuel techniques.

Courtesy Peter Seyffert

Nobiskrug’s Sailing Yacht A, believed to be owned by another Russian billionaire, Andrey Melnichenko, also draws power from hybrid sources. The company says it hopes such technology will become as common in yachts as it is in road vehicles nowadays.

Like Black Pearl, Sailing Yacht A has three masts, but unlike the newer yacht, she’s not fully fuel-free and instead operates as a sail-assisted motor yacht.

The yacht is almost 143 meters in length with 10-meter masts made of carbon fiber. Her unusual height meant that air traffic had to be suspended when she recently sailed past Copenhagen.

The ship has three 10-meter-long masts made of carbon fiber.

Courtesy Nobiskrug

There’s even an elevator on the masts, just for fun. Brave guests can ascend to the top and admire views to the horizon.

Nobiskrug’s spokesman says that superyacht owners are willing to pay more for greener vessels, but the yachts are never going to be fully emission-free. All the ships have air conditioning, for example.

Plus, some superyacht owners are going to be more interested in pushing the boat out (pardon the pun) on eco-innovation than others.

Feadship’s spokesman adds: “Ultimately, it’s the whims of the client.”

[blackkudos]

Touré

Touré (born Touré Neblett; March 20, 1971) is an American writer, music journalist, cultural critic, and television personality. He was a co-host of the TV show The Cycle on MSNBC. He was also a contributor to MSNBC's The Dylan Ratigan Show, and the host of Fuse's Hiphop Shop and On the Record. He serves on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominating Committee. He taught a course on the history of hip hop at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, part of the Tisch School of the Arts in New York.

Touré is the author of several books, including The Portable Promised Land (2003), Soul City (2004), Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness? What It Means To Be Black Now (2011) and I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon (2013).

Early life

Touré was born Touré Neblett in Boston on March 20, 1971.

He attended Milton Academy, and then Emory University but dropped out after his junior year. In 1996, he attended Columbia University's MFA writing program for one year.

Career

Writing career

While a student at Emory University, Touré founded a black student newspaper, The Fire This Time, dedicated to black liberation theology while he was a student from 1989 to 1992. The paper has been described as "anti-white" and "lavished praise on famous anti-Semites, black supremacists, and conspiracy theorists". He also brought to the campus such speakers as Conrad Muhammad (a one time high-ranking official with the Nation of Islam, who later became a Baptist minister), H. Rap Brown, aka Imam Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin (author of the autobiography, Die Nigger Die!), fringe political candidate Lenora Fulani, and Frances Cress Welsing, a self described black supremacist. In an interview with The Daily Caller in 2013, Touré said The Fire This Time had been "an important black voice on campus" and "a form of community building."

Touré began his writing career as an intern at Rolling Stone in 1992. He has contributed essays and articles to Rolling Stone, Essence, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Playboy, Time, The Village Voice, Vibe, The Washington Post and Ebony. His Rolling Stone article about Dale Earnhardt Jr., "Kurt is My Co-Pilot", was included in The Best American Sports Writing 2001. His writing has also been featured in the collections Best American Essays of 1999, the Da Capo Best Music Writing of 2004 and Best American Erotica of 2004.

Touré has written five books. In 2002, his short story collection Portable Promised Land was published. He also wrote a novel, Soul City (2004), which was set in an African-American utopia, according to The Washington Post. His 2006 essay collection, Never Drank the Kool-Aid, included the personal essay, "What's Inside You, Brother?", which was considered for inclusion in Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's "Best American Essays of 1996". In 2012, Touré published Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness?: What it Means to be Black Now, a book on race in modern America based on a collection of interviews Touré conducted with over 100 prominent African-American icons. Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness? was named one of the most influential books of 2011 by both The New York Times and The Washington Post, and the book earned Touré a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work in Non-Fiction. In 2013, Touré published I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became an Icon, a biography of Prince that discusses the pop artist's works and legacy in a religious context. The book is based on a series of lectures Touré delivered at Harvard University in 2012.

Television

In 2002, Touré appeared opposite Paula Zahn on CNN's American Morning and was later featured three times a week on a panel called "90-Second Pop". He was subsequently hired as CNN's first pop culture correspondent. In 2005, BET hired Touré to cover BET News and Public Affairs programming.

He also hosted the series Community Surface on Tennis Channel and MTV's Spoke N' Heard, and was interviewed on the life of Eminem for the rapper's A&E Biography episode. In 2008, he hosted the reality show I'll Try Anything Once, in which he tried a variety of jobs and activities, including rodeo clowning and lumberjacking.

From June 25, 2012, to July 31, 2015, he co-hosted The Cycle on MSNBC with former congressional candidate Krystal Ball, moderate Republican Abby Huntsman, and The Nation correspondent Ari Melber. The Cycle's key demographic was initially made up of Generation X viewers, and its success in this age bracket was attributed to the engaging personalities of its unusually young hosts. Touré often introduced race theory into political discussion on the show. On July 24, 2015, media outlets reported that MSNBC was restructuring its television lineup to eliminate shows such as The Cycle due to disappointingly low ratings. MSNBC confirmed the cancellation on July 30.

Touré criticized and debated with Piers Morgan over the latter's March 2012 interview with George Zimmerman's brother, particularly over what Touré saw as Morgan's lack of response to Robert Zimmerman's problematic replies.

In August 2012, as part of a discussion on The Cycle, Touré claimed Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney had engaged in racial coding by calling President Barack Obama "angry," and referred to this as "niggerization." Touré apologized for using the word the next day.

In May 2014, Touré drew criticism from the Simon Wiesenthal Center for implying Holocaust survivors succeeded in the U.S. after the Second World War because they were white: a blogger from the website Yo, Dat's Racis'!! tweeted at Touré, "My family survived a concentration camp, came to the US w/ nothing, LEGALLY, and made it work" to which Touré replied, "the power of whiteness." Touré later apologized for his comment, saying, "In an attempt to comment on racism in post World War II America, I used a shorthand that was insensitive and wrong."

Personal life

On March 19, 2005, Touré married Lebanese American novelist and pop culture commentator Rita Nakouzi. Rev. Run from Run-DMC was the officiant and Nelson George served as the best man. Touré and his wife live in the Fort Greene neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. They have a son named Hendrix and a daughter named Fairuz.

National Review disclosed in 2015 that Touré has nearly $60,000 in tax liens due to unpaid New York state taxes.

Wikipedia

[helloluckybouquetbearus]

After GLAM‘s utter failure and BTS‘s massive success, it’s easy to see why Big Hit Entertainment is playing it safe by only accepting male trainees. That said, the K-Pop world has changed drastically since BTS became a global phenomenon, and so has Big Hit Entertainment. Over the past 5 years, BTS’s agency has learned how to propel a group of talented artists into international stardom and, as a result, could potentially use the “BTS formula” to create the most kickass girl group ever. Here’s how.  Currently, Big Hit Entertainment and Source Music are preparing for the first new girl group under the new Big Hit Labels umbrella. 1. By choosing dedicated trainees with admirable ethics.  Before BTS happened, Big Hit Entertainment’s founder Bang Shi Hyuk and Source Music co-created a 5-member girl group with an upbeat and sassy sound. Unfortunately, GLAM disbanded after experiencing scandal after scandal.   One member allegedly displayed saesang behavior, while another engaged in an affair and was convicted of extortion.  So far, BTS have never had a major scandal. They put their careers first, while striving to be role models for ARMY in both their professional and personal lives.   Fans have fallen in love with BTS’s upstanding and humble members just as much as they have with BTS’s music. To create the perfect girl group, Big Hit Entertainment should seek out female trainees with these key characteristics. 2. By choosing trainees with the right chemistry.  ARMYs absolutely adore BTS’s strong, genuine friendship. It has even stood out to industry veterans like Jessi, who recently called it the key to their ongoing success.    Although the idol life is never for the faint of heart, tight-knit groups like Super Junior and SHINee have proven that true friendship is essential for career longevity. Big Hit Entertainment’s ideal girl group would be made up of members who would truly love and stand by each other like the BTS members do.    Friendship has been important to BTS since the very beginning. Jungkook was scouted by 7 different companies, but ended up chosing Big Hit Entertainment because he wanted to work with RM.   3. By creating a girl group that produces their own songs  One of the reasons why BTS’s music is so successful is because it is so relatable. BTS writes their music based on their own struggles and experiences, which millions of fans, especially fans in the same age bracket as the members, can strongly relate to.    BTS also isn’t afraid to sing about controversial topics like mental health (Agust D‘s “The Last”) or social issues like feminism (“21st Century Girls”).    If Big Hit Entertainment’s hypothetical girl group approached their music with the same creativity and fearlessness they would likely gain a fan following as strong as ARMY.   4. By appealing to an international audience  When it comes to marketing, Bang Shi Hyuk is one smart cookie. He skipped right over the oversaturated Korean K-Pop market and appealed to inter by Korea Stars TV

[elizabethcariasa]

Wealth tax targets likely to find ways around new laws

Photo by Chris/spike55151 via Flickr

There's a saying that any tax law bill should be subtitled the Perpetual Employment for Accountants Act.

The thinking, in both the financial and political worlds, is that no matter what Congress does to the Internal Revenue Code, we'll need tax professionals to decipher at least some of it.

Or to help guide you, if you can afford it, through the legislative and legal maze that will allow you to avoid or at least reduce the effects of some of the tax laws.

That's the point of Paul Sullivan's analysis of proposed wealth taxes.

"Name a tax and there's a way to reduce it, delay it or not pay it. Financial advisers say a wealth tax would be no different," announced the sub-headline on Sullivan's article in today's New York Times.

Loopholes are legal: Yes, we're talking about tax loopholes.

But before we go any further let's clear up a couple of loophole misconceptions.

Despite public perceptions, loopholes in and of themselves are not inherently bad.

Some loopholes are created by lawmakers to reward certain constituents. Others are inadvertent because the tax law writing and legislating process is rushed or sloppy or both.

But regardless of how these often arcane tax breaks made it into the Internal Revenue Code, there is absolutely nothing wrong with sorting through tax law intricacies and finding a legal way to reduce or eliminate a tax obligation.

Note the word legal. That's the key.

And that's why folks who can afford it hire the best tax professionals they can to parse the tax code and perfect their returns so that they pay as little as legally possible.

Two main wealth tax proposals: Rather than focus on ways the rich now avoid current taxes, most of the Democratic presidential hopefuls simply want to on tax the rich more.

That's particularly true of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the junior Democratic senator from Massachusetts, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, Independent-turned-temporary-Democrat from Vermont. Specifically, this duo is targeting the uber rich.

Warren's plan just two brackets. It starts at 2 percent for those with assets exceeding $50 million and tops out at 3 percent for more than $1 billion. The same tax rate would apply to both married and single taxpayers.

Sanders, who's Warren's most politically progressive competitor, has, fittingly, a more progressive proposal, at least from a tax standpoint.

His plan has more rates ranging from 1 percent to 8 percent and higher tax brackets that kick in at lower wealth thresholds. His starting threshold is $32 million for married joint filers (half that for single taxpayers) and it tops out at 8 percent on more than $10 billion ($5 billion for rich singles).

Realistic chances of enactment and effectiveness: Whether either wealth tax plan will ever be implemented is debatable. My position in this argument is that even if Warren or Sanders does win the election next year, neither plan will ever see the light of tax law day. At least not in their current forms.

And even if one of the plans somehow was put into place, it wouldn't matter to many of the targeted rich taxpayers, according to Sullivan.

"Lawyers and advisers to the wealthy say there is no way the wealth taxes would collect anything close to the estimates, and they cite ample evidence of taxes that are reduced or eliminated through extensive and sometimes aggressive strategies," Sullivan writes.

Interviews with tax experts show that, writes Sullivan, history is on the side of the tax minimizer.

"Name a tax and there’s a way to reduce it, delay it or not ever really pay it, if you have the right adviser," he writes

That every tax situation offers potential loopholes is not new or news.

But Sullivan's examination of this truism in light of Democratic campaign proposals is worth a read. That's why it earns this weekend's Saturday Shout Out.

Enjoy the creativity of tax professionals.

And if you want to read more about the rich and the taxes they do or don't pay, these other blog posts also might be of interest:

The many ways to tax the rich

Are you rich? This interactive tool tells you

Warren's wealth tax could hit rich couples with a bigger marriage penalty

Billionaires make literal wealth preservation moves to avoid state estate taxes

Here's a HINT about Donald Trump and other rich taxpayers who pay Uncle Sam nothing

Tax-efficient wealth building helped by 2020 inflation bumps for investment, estate and other taxes

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[gadgetsrevv]

Liverpool plan January deals for €40m winger, €15m GK

Date published: Thursday 5th September 2019 11:56

Liverpool are making plans to push through an impressive double January coup, while Juventus are watching a Manchester United trio with a view to a summer 2020 triple swoop, according to Thursday’s European papers.

  LIVERPOOL LAY GROUNDWORK OVER DOUBLE DEAL

Liverpool are reportedly keeping a very close watch om Samuel Chukwueze following the Villarreal winger’s breakthrough campaign last season.

The 20-year-old enjoyed an outstanding breakthrough campaign last season, where his form brought him to the attention of some of European football’s giants and also saw him make his international debut for Nigeria.

The likes of Arsenal, PSG and Real Madrid have all been mentioned as possible suitors, but according to Goal, it is Liverpool who are most watching the youngster closely.

As per the report, scouts from the European champions have been regular visitors to the Estadio de la Cerámica and it’s believed Liverpool could make a move as early as January for a player already thought to be high up on Jurgen Klopp’s wish-list.

Liverpool already have Senegalese star Sadio Mane and Egyptian king Mohamed Salah on their books and the capture of Chukwueze could give them an all-out African attack.

The Nigerian is currently rated in the €40m bracket, but with his value likely to soar, Liverpool know they may have to strike sooner rather than later, or run the risk of seeing his price rise dramatically.

Liverpool are also said to be keen on €15m-rated Trabzonspor keeper Ugurcan Cakir. And having watched him in action over the weekend, it’s now reported in Turkey that the Reds are plotting a January approach for his services.

  Get the latest personalised Reds products on our new TEAMtalk Liverpool shop!

  AND THE REST

Juventus are keeping tabs on Manchester United trio David de Gea, Eric Bailly and Nemanja Matic before next summer’s transfer window (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Atletico Madrid remain interested in Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen and are willing to make a big offer in January. Inter Milan and Manchester United are the other contenders to sign him, leaving the player with four choices in January (AS)

Benfica will make another attempt to sign Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin in the January transfer window (Corriere dello Sport)

Alexis Sanchez admits it was a strong appeal from Romelu Lukaku that convinced him to join Inter Milan this summer (Sky Italia)

Juventus will try to sell both Mario Mandzukic and Emre Can in the January transfer window (Goal)

Ousmane Dembele DID turn down a proposed move to French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with the approach separate to Barcelona’s bid to re-sign Neymar (L’Equipe)

Inter Milan will renew deals for full back Danilo D’Ambrosio and star goalkeeper Samir Handanovic in the coming weeks (FCInternews)

Napoli midfielder Fabian Ruiz – a summer target for Real Madrid and Barcelona – has confirmed that talks are under way over a new contract (Marca)

Patrik Schick says he had to leave Roma for RB Leipzig as he wasn’t happy with his lack of regular football in the Italian capital (Sport.cz)

Man Utd have a deal in place to sign Jadon Sancho – and are also considering swoops for Ruben Dias and Mandzukic in a triple €203m raid (various)

Inter Milan saw a €40m bid for Eintracht Frankfurt winger Filip Kostic fail this summer (Bild)

AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek has played down talk of a goal drought and insists he’ll soon return to form (Foot Truck)

Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar cried after being told he would not be returning to former club Barcelona this summer (El Chiringuito)

Arsenal tried to sign Brazilian youngster Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid over the summer (UOL)

Aston Villa made a €10m bid for Celta Vigo forward Pione Sisto in the summer (Faro De Vigo)

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren says he considered moves to both AC Milan and Roma this summer (Sports Novoski)

Luis Suarez has opened up on the impact Barcelona’s shock semi-final defeat to Liverpool in last year’s Champions League had on his daily and personal life (Fox Sports Radio)

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus says he’s ready to go to extreme lengths to ensure Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz joins him at the club (Sport1)

Barcelona could have signed Tottenham striker Lucas Moura this summer but were unable to meet the €50m asking price (Mundo Deportivo)

Emre Can has tried to put a positive spin on his exclusion from Juventus’ Champions League squad after earlier speaking of his disappointment (various)

Roma winger Cengiz Under – linked with moves to Arsenal, Man City and Tottenham – insists he loves the club and was happy to sign a new deal (TRT Sport)

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[qwertsypage]

Want to Learn JavaScript for Free? Start Here!

This is the first post of a series called ‘Learn JavaScript for Free’ - in these chapters you will find excellent materials and a roadmap for learning JS from scratch. As the JavaScript community is one of the best out there, the series will entirely rely on free JavaScript resources.

The series is written by Mate Boer - an autodidact developer who learned JavaScript on his own when he decided to abandon his career in Law - and now works at RisingStack. His primary motivation is to help those who need guidance to start a career in software development.

Table of contents:

It’s Hard to Figure Out Where to Start

About My JavaScript Path

Acquiring the Engineering Mindset

Learn the JavaScript Fundamentals for Free! (Web and JS Basics)

Start with vanilla JS, learn the frameworks and advanced concepts later.

Moving Forward

Why Learn JavaScript Now?

JavaScript is almost everywhere: in your browser, web apps, mobile apps, cloud services, even IoT devices. It’s easy to get started with it as all you need is a plain text editor and a browser. It is a beginner friendly language, with an awesome community around it.

You can code both frontend and backend with JavaScript, which makes it extremely useful.

It’s Hard to Figure Out Where to Start

To become a JavaScript Engineer, you have to acquire various skills. For beginners, finding an optimal learning path is not apparent, especially with zero background.

The depth of the trade seems to be infinite, so the question ‘Where to start?’ raised by beginners seems legit. There are other questions like

‘What skills do I need to learn JavaScript?’,

‘How to get a job?’,

‘How to prepare for interviews?’.

In this series, I’ll attempt to answer these questions.

One thing to mention: this is not a specific JavaScript tutorial. You will not learn how to code from this post.

Instead, it is an overview/roadmap of the path ahead of you to become a developer on your own.

About My JavaScript Path

To give some context, my relationship with development started in my teenage years. I’ve learned HTML and CSS just for fun and curiosity. After that, I built websites with content management systems like Wordpress, and that was it. I didn’t take it seriously: it was a hobby and nothing more.

After graduation, I went to law school, worked for law offices, but after 5-6 years, I realized this is not the kind of career I imagined for myself. In retrospect, it was a useful experience, but I didn’t want to do it anymore. I needed something more creative. So I started learning JavaScript.

Taking part in a programming school wasn’t an option: the basics are freely available on the internet, and I didn’t want someone to charge me for the same thing I can find in tutorials. I knew it wouldn’t be easy though, but I can say it was fun for me.

I practiced at least 6-7 hours a day.

I worked on hobby projects with React, but after three months, I started to feel the limitations of self-learning. There was nobody to tell me the best coding practices:

“How do I structure an app?”

“Which packages should I use?”

“What makes sense learning and what is merely some glorified sugar coating?”

Maybe I could have figured it out somehow by myself, but I realized that I need to work with people who already have many years of experience, so that I can soak up the knowledge from them. The best way to be around people like that was to get hired, so I started sending my CV to companies. Many of them. Even for positions I was sure I wouldn’t be hired. Why not? If you can get through and be called in for an interview you can already learn from the questions you cannot answer or the coding challenges you cannot complete.

After several attempts, my efforts paid off: I got hired by RisingStack as a junior developer which allowed me to develop my skills a lot faster compared to the time I spent with self-learning. During my first month - like every new recruit - I had to finish the internal bootcamp, which prepared me to work on client projects.

But this series is about what to do before you get hired, so you can get hired.

Acquiring the Engineering Mindset

In this section, I’ll cover the skills necessary to start learning JavaScript.

At least you should have a basic interest in web technologies, programming or IT. It will be cumbersome without that, and anyway, why start learning something that you are not passionate about? Learning how to write code just for the money isn’t a good idea either.

Basic interest is enough for learning the fundamentals and maybe even for getting hired, but if you want to make progress especially from an entry level, it requires extra dedication and effort. This is perhaps the most crucial point about it.

Try to set reachable goals for yourself. Learn something new every day.

Beyond the efforts, the necessary mindset to be a successful developer is also worth mentioning.

Source: 7pace

These are skills you will have to pick up as the time passes.

One of the other most crucial must-have skill is to know how to Google, a.k.a find solutions to a problem. I’ve seen a lot of people struggling to search for an obstacle that is so obvious to solve with a bit of inspection. There is an answer for the 99% of the problems that a beginner is going to face.

You just have to find the solution and apply it. It’s that simple (at the beginning). If you didn’t find the answer, probably you didn’t search the right way. So start getting to know how to Google correctly, and make a ‘friendship’ with StackOverflow and MDN.

Do not fear making mistakes. It’s part of the learning process.

Let’s move on to the next section.

Learn the JavaScript Fundamentals for Free!

Getting started with the web

Before you start to learn JavaScript, it is highly advised to get familiar with HTML, CSS and how the web works.

HTML and CSS can be picked up really fast. Build a simple static website, experiment a little bit. Once you are comfortable with the concepts of these technologies, you can move on..

Intro to Programming Basics

As HTML and CSS are not programming languages, so it is time to get some theoretical knowledge about programming. There are some books that I recommend:

You Don't Know JS: Up & Going. (begin here)

YDKJS is a series of books diving deep into the core mechanisms of the JavaScript language. I recommend the other parts of it as well.

Speaking JavaScript

Eloquent JavaScript

MDN JS Guide

These books and tutorials should give you a basic understanding of the language.

Learn using the Command line

Getting to know the command line is necessary. Learn the basic commands like how to enter/leave a directory, and edit/copy/move/remove files.

You will use them a lot - so why not save time for yourself by learning them at the beginning?

Start with vanilla JS, learn the frameworks and advanced concepts later.

Forget these cool words like React, Vue, Angular, Node.js, OOP, Webpack, functional programming, etc. In my experience, until you don’t know the basics, it is utterly unwanted to confuse your mind with these advanced concepts and frameworks. Be patient. You will get there soon.

Get the basics right first, and start coding ASAP with Vanilla JS.

Setup IDE

Setting up an IDE with a decent config will make your life easier. My personal favorite is VSCode, but there are other amazing IDE’s like Atom, WebStorm, Brackets or Sublime.

Choose a project to build

Your project can be a todo-app, a calculator or basically anything. Don’t choose very complex projects, it’s good to have a sense of achievement in the beginning. As you develop your project, you’ll have a lot of questions. Use MDN, StackOverflow and Google. As I said above, there is an answer almost for all questions a beginner going to face.

In case you have no idea what kind of project to build, I provide some links below which maybe help with the decision.

40 side project ideas for software engineers

Projects you can do with JavaScript

5 projects to complete when starting to learn front-end development

Learn from your mistakes!

Learning from mistakes is also an essential part of the process. Don’t be afraid to break the code.

A failure is an opportunity to prevent future failures, and it makes you curious how to solve the problem.

Moving Forward

I think you can get familiar with these things I outlined within 1-2 months if you do some exercise every day. Once you feel you are confident with this knowledge and made some hobby projects, you can do a level up, and choose a framework and set Node.js in motion as well.

In the meantime, you should explore more stuff about JavaScript like articles, newsletters, podcasts, YouTube channels, and a lot of tutorials.

If you have accomplished all of the above, you can start getting to know NPM, the package manager of JavaScript and Node.js.

Summary and Next Up

In the next chapter, I’ll continue with a roadmap of frontend development (React, Vue.js, etc.), a backend roadmap for Node, and with some tips to get hired.

Want to Learn JavaScript for Free? Start Here! published first on https://koresolpage.tumblr.com/