#homegrown hops

[daisychainsandbowties]

Is it just me or does shin hati lacks personality?

i think it’s pretty obvious i don’t think of Shin as lacking in personality. i love what i’ve seen of her so far - think Ivanna is absolutely killing it with her performance so far, playing this mixture of intensity and homegrown Jedi calm, of a girl who is very alone and also trying to hold herself away from caring about anyone she might have to kill. i mean, i don’t know why you think she has no personality (i’d be interested in hearing your reasons) but to me she’s a fantastic character. if you know me you know that it takes A LOT for me to write fic for a character or a ship. so if wolfwren has moved me, i can pretty much guarantee i don’t sell out for looks with no personality.

but let me actually explain why i like Shin

firstly, she’s had very little screen time, to the extent i’ve probably got gifs of every frame of her so far on my blog. meanwhile Sabine has all of Rebels, Ahsoka has The Clone Wars, and Huyang is, frankly, a very typical example of a speaking droid. reminds me of c3po (i think he’s great, just not original characterisation). and they’ve all had more screen time in these four eps than Shin, who nonetheless has, in my opinion, demonstrated tremendous presence in every single scene she’s appeared in.

how she shows up on Lothal, stands there and says in her maddeningly calm tone, “we’ve been looking for this.” it’s just… so tongue-in-cheek, and Shin could so easily have sic’d the droid on Sabine and made her escape, could have smacked her against a wall with the Force and strolled away. but she chooses to stay. and the way she dances around Sabine’s blows… grabs the hilt of her saber to manipulate her in the fight, putty in her hands. flips her over her shoulder and plays plays plays with her… the grace and the wildness and the strange fascination of their fight. god she’s just!! so intriguing.

i think people pay too little attention to how much characterisation there is in a fight scene. we have Sabine fighting with a style that’s very much a mesh of form 1 and form 3. it’s defensive, it has hints of Ahsoka in it, her own modified and slightly more useful variation of Soresu (form 3) and then we have Shin. i need to examine her moves more closely to tell what forms (i think definitely forms plural) she’s drawing from - not much makashi, which makes sense since Baylan is Jedi-trained. her movements remind me of Maul’s style in The Phantom Menace, but there’s an element to her style that feels more… joyful, freeform, free verse.

she spins and pirouettes and barely avoids the cut of Sabine’s lightsaber. there’s relish in those movements. she can clearly block blaster bolts magnificently, has the athletic and acrobatic ability for ataru (the form yoda favours, and anakin to an extent). she’s a muddle of contradictions. silent so often but when she fights, when she flies that fighter…she’s golden.

and wry, too. watch for those slight smiles. the “you almost got them” and her hop-skip in the forest on Seatos, the “hello there” energy reminding me so much of Obi-Wan. and then her obvious terror when the Inquisitor falls, spewing green smoke. at the time i thought she was afraid for herself, of Ahsoka, but she was really afraid for Baylan. he’s trying to be a Jedi Master to her - there’s distance in their relationship, and GOD you can see her longing for contact, for touch, for something she can push and feel pushing back.

i think it’s why she antagonizes Morgan, why she waits to duel Sabine. she wants to… touch something and not just in a physical sense but in terms of connection. the light is so much about embracing life and i think of Shin trapped in the middle of that, not good or evil, light or dark, but caught in a terrible silence. her care and her fire is contained but it burns. especially when she fights, when she loses her temper “you have no power”, choking Sabine at the end, and that’s just the fire that creeps out under the door! beware the smoke.

the moments of fear, of guarded concern, of delight and fascination, anger and joy. i mean!! she’s a girl of few words, but when she speaks she SPEAKS. and when she doesn’t you can see so much going on in her body language, her face, her eyes, her actions. i think both of her fight scenes are beautiful examples of character through conflict.

i always use duels and fights for character-building. a fight is boring with nothing behind it - and with Shin we see, at first, fascination. wanting to prove herself, to show she’s the better padawan, but she also… i think she could have killed Sabine very easily. i would have run from Ahsoka too, but she honestly could have murdered Sabine right there. i love how they’re creating this sense that Shin is both… disturbed and intrigued by Sabine in episode 4. angry and also… holding her by the wrist, standing between her and Morgan.

listen, i am going to ship wolfwren whether or not my cows come home, but i really don’t bother with characters who aren’t interesting. so, yeah, i think Shin has plenty of personality! i love what star wars has been doing with the girls who have red(ish) sabers lately. i adore Reva, i am regularly insane about Trilla Suduri, and i think Shin is very different from them but no less fascinating! i’m loving the tentative line she’s walking between dangerous and vulnerable.

and, yeah, i think they should kiss.

[trapangeles]

Djin Boii Snotty Drops Crusin Ona Last Day Of Summer Vol.2: The Ultimate Coast-to-Coast Vibes Mix

As summer fades into fall, Djin Boii Snotty delivers a soundtrack that perfectly captures the season's final moments with his latest SoundCloud mix, Crusin Ona Last Day Of Summer Vol.2. This mix is a masterful blend of West Coast heat and out-of-state fire, showcasing an eclectic mix of today’s most talented and buzzing artists. Whether you’re cruising the streets of L.A. or vibing out at home, this playlist is the energy you need to keep the summer vibes alive.

What Makes This Mix Special? Djin Boii Snotty has a unique talent for curating music that speaks to the streets. His latest mix bridges the gap between California’s homegrown talent and artists making noise across the map. It’s a seamless journey that highlights the diversity and vibrancy of urban music today.

The tracklist features a powerful lineup of artists that fans of rap, hip-hop, and R&B won’t want to miss. From rising stars to established names, here’s who made the cut:

Loe Shimmy

Lambo4

Sietegangyabbie

P1

Luh Tyler

Bfb Packman

J Cole

Bino

Flashy B

Kalan FrFr

Tay Keith

Icewear Vezzo

ASMBopsta

G Perico

Big Sad 1900

Baby Stone Gorillas

John Mack

This lineup alone makes Crusin Ona Last Day Of Summer Vol.2 a must-listen, but it’s not just about the names—it’s about the flow. Djin Boii Snotty has curated a mix that feels like a story, with every track contributing to the overall vibe.

Why You Need to Listen This mix isn’t just for West Coast heads; it’s for anyone who appreciates good music. The blend of local L.A. sounds with tracks from out-of-state artists makes it a versatile listen. Whether you’re driving down PCH, hosting a house party, or just unwinding after a long day, this mix hits every mood.

It’s also a testament to Djin Boii Snotty’s skills as a DJ and curator. His ability to pair California’s brightest talents with heavy-hitters from across the country shows his ear for what’s hot right now and his commitment to pushing the culture forward.

Support the Culture: Listen & Follow Ready to vibe out? Hit play on Crusin Ona Last Day Of Summer Vol.2 and see why Djin Boii Snotty is one of the most talked-about DJs in the game right now. Don’t forget to follow him on SoundCloud to stay up to date with his latest mixes and projects.

🎧 Listen Now:https://soundcloud.com/i-am-snot 📲 Follow Djin Boii Snotty on SoundCloud for More Fire Mixes!

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

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[juliehamill]

🎶 Hand it over 🎶

Yesterday I met with George Allen (‘Morrissey Mercury’) to talk about the annual Mozarmy meet which he’ll be curating in 2025. As you know, after eleven years of hosting the best weekend of the year with the greatest people on earth, I’m stepping down.

George and I have been friends on social media for a long time, and the first time I met him was at Hop Farm in 2011. He declared it the first proper ‘meet’ of people who knew each other from Twitter, and recalls me dashing up and down the coach introducing passengers to each other - ‘do you know so and so? Oh she’s sitting 4 rows behind you.’

George was correct - we arrived strangers and left friends, and that little group was part of what grew into a global phenomenon.

George was quietly spoken then (he still is) a shy young gentleman, reflective, pensive, the opposite to overly chatty, overly keen, loud, bombastic me. George is warm and kind, he thinks before he acts. I adored him from the get go.

I’m exceptionally proud of the Mozarmy community we all created with a brand that is cited globally. #Mozarmy is never used with malice, always kindness and it has legitimately saved lives by pulling the isolated and lonely into a place they feel they can belong. Over the years it has become a support network through Smiths & Morrissey music, a chance to dance away bad feeling and trouble, and enter the Xanadu of love. It is non-political, non-commercial, and takes no sides. People save their pennies all year to get flights, trains and coaches Manchester just to feel happy in the Mozarmy party atmosphere again.

I led our community with a lot of gut feeling, doing the right thing, rather than the thing I often wanted or the lazier thing that required less work. Over the years there have been choppy waters, and I steered the ship as best I could so that we all stayed together as friends. What I know to be true is, we all just really want to dance and sing without judgement, and I kept reminding myself of that.

The meet is inclusive and it always will be. It is welcoming. It is open. It is equal. To feel that we belong to something is what makes humanity bloom.

It’s because of the crowd that the guests have been so sublime. Everyone who has come and graced the S&G stage has not known what to expect and felt it initially daunting (there’s a lot of persuasion upfront 🤣) but they’ve all left floating on air, knowing they were carried by something special.

For the past few years George has handled all the press we’ve had, so if you’ve seen us in the paper, that was GA. He’s a successful journalist, a podcaster, a fanzine creator and he enjoys a mid priced wine (nothing over a tenner, mind) and his homegrown success has inevitably led him to the point where he’s ready to bring his ideas to the party.

Traditions will remain - Mr Cardboard Morrissey, the signs, badges, the meet-raffle, bands, DJs, special guests, Mozarmy fun.

I’ll say farewell now, but thanks to all special guests, S&G staff, helpers and huggers, you are epic! Thanks especially to Louise, who has put up with so much 🧨 and to Andy Barnett for his help.

Welcome, George - unite and take over 🕺🏽 Welcome Chris, the new raffle raconteur 🎟️

See you on the dance floor! (And after eleven years of leaving the stage to these words - this time I really mean it!)

Love

Julie

[sweetsimapples]

I was tagged by the lovely @damseljamsel This is my first time being tagged in one of these and I’m so excited! Thank you!  Jamsel posts awesome diary entries for her sim, Cher. If you haven’t seen them I definitely recommend checking them out!

I don’t know if this is what I’m supposed to do but I’m going to answer this for both my favourite sims since they are co-founders of my legacy. 

"Allow us to introduce ourselves, 'cause we’re new here!  We are Leo & Elsye Smith!”

Are you named after anyone?   Leo & Elsye are a variation of my grandparent's names which are Lionel & Edith. They lived on a farm too!

2.  When was the last time you cried?  Leo: When our rooster, Visery’s was taken by a fox!  Elsye: When my friend Sara gave me a beautiful homemade gift. I’m so lucky to have made such a thoughtful and kind friend in the short time we’ve been here. 

3.   Do you have any kids?  Leo: Not yet *winks*  Elsye: We would both love to be parents someday. 

4.  Do you use sarcasm?  Elsye: Never.  Leo: If I think it will get a laugh then sure. 

5.  What's the first thing you notice about people?  Elsye: Oh that’s a tricky one...their hair or maybe their clothes.  Leo: I usually notice if they need a hand.  Elsye: Like he means if they need help, not if they’re an amputee or anything.  Leo: Yeah, though I’d give an amputee an extra hand if I could.  Elsye: *laughs* I know you would, honey. 

6.  What's your eye color? Leo: Blue  Elsye: hazel

7.  Scary movies or happy endings?  Leo: Aw everyone loves a happy ending, right?  Elsye: Happy as long as it doesn’t make me cry! 

8.  Any special talents? Leo: probably gardening.  Elsye:  Actually, Leo’s talent is the gift of the gab.   Leo: Ok, true. Elsye’s talent is catching the stove on fire though so ... no talking your way outta that one.  Elsye: I’m getting better at cooking, I promise!  Leo: Nah she is improving a lot and her cross stitching is looking pretty nice too. 

9.  Where were you born?  Both: Windenburg  

10.  What are your hobbies?  Elsye: gardening, I love flowers!  Leo: I love gardening too and anything to do with animals. 

11.  Have any pets?  Leo: Oh yeah! We’ve got a super cool dog named Max and cows, chickens and a wild rabbit that likes to hop by.  Elsye: Max is the sweetest dog, he absolutely adores Leo. 

12.  What sports have you played?  Leo: I played some football in High School, I do believe that’s what made Elsye fall for me.  Elsye: No, it was because of your jokes! I’ve never had any interest in sports. 

13.  How tall are you?  Leo: I’m 7 foot and Else is a nice 5 something.  Elsye: Actually we’re the same height, 5′10. 

14.  Favorite school subject?  Leo: Agriculture. I’ve always wanted to be a farmer.  Elsye: I loved science! 

15.  Dream job?  Leo: Farming! I love that we have made the move to Henford-on-Bagley. Elsye: I love the farming life too! Cooking with homegrown ingredients is the best feeling. I would also love to own a little shop someday selling candy or treats to locals. That would be nice. 

This made me smile! I get really emotionally invested in my sims and their lives!

  I would like to tag @pixelbasil  @chickenome  @psychotic-sims  @desimetto and  @keiyad  

As always, no pressure to do this!

[saintmeghanmarkle]

Meghan Markle clapback! Jam is homegrown from their Montecito garden etc etc by u/RoohsMama

Meghan Markle clapback! Jam is “homegrown” from their Montecito garden, etc etc Original: https://ift.tt/hvVMypi https://ift.tt/DCNYdF0 like Meghan and her sugars are hopping mad that her friends’ insta posts have generated sales - for King Charles’ Highgrove preserves!“‘All the fruit came from Harry and Meghan's home garden in Montecito,' the source told The Daily Mail last night” - snidely, I might add. Meghan and her squad remind me of those mean girls in Hollywood movies who can’t stand to be upstaged. Guess what, Meghan? You’re upstaged. post link: https://ift.tt/4Xx9cvd author: RoohsMama submitted: April 19, 2024 at 05:15PM via SaintMeghanMarkle on Reddit disclaimer: all views + opinions expressed by the author of this post, as well as any comments and reblogs, are solely the author's own; they do not necessarily reflect the views of the administrator of this Tumblr blog. For entertainment only.

[nwbeerguide]

Releasing on their anniversary April 13th Bale Breaker Brewing mystifies your senses with "Crop Circles Hazy IPA".

Press Release Yakima, Wash … Bale Breaker Brewing Company, a brewery located on their family’s 4th generation hop farm in the beautiful Yakima Valley, is excited to announce their newest series of Hazy IPAs - the first in the 16oz series, Crop Circles Hazy IPA, is releasing on the brewery's 11th anniversary, April 13th.  "We wanted to have fun with this one," says brewery co-owner Meghann Quinn. "Our past 16oz series have been a little more serious and reflective of our family's legacy as 4th generation hop farmers, but this year, we just wanted to make a delicious beer with fun artwork and no deeper meaning." The brewery is leaning into the alien vibe on Saturday, April 13th at their 11th Anniversary Party in Yakima, turning "Field 41" into "Area 41". Customers can expect the release party to feature space vibes, live flash tattoos by Crave Ink, the season's first YOXI hard seltzer slushies, Seattle favorite Outsider BBQ serving up delicious food, and plenty of Crop Circles Hazy IPA flowing on tap. The beer will be available on Saturday, April 13 on draft and in cans at their Ballard taproom as well.  Crop Circles Hazy IPA will receive full distribution throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho the week of April 8th– find it using Bale Breaker’s online beer finder. Washington customers can also order their beer via their online store after launch. Crop Circles Hazy IPA 6.5% ABV Get ready to have your taste buds abducted with this new limited release beer, Crop Circles Hazy IPA. A bright, bold hazy featuring our homegrown Citra®, Mosaic®, and HBC 1019 hops, grown right here on Area 41 - er, we mean, Field 41. RELEASE DATE: SATURDAY 4/13 About Bale Breaker  Crafting fresh-off-the-farm brews from the middle of a hop field, Bale Breaker Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery located in the beautiful Yakima Valley. Backed by four generations of hop farming experience, Bale Breaker started in 2013, and has grown to become one of the largest independent craft breweries in Washington.  With a 30-barrel brewhouse at a 27,000 square foot facility, Bale Breaker crafts eight year-round canned beers, including the widely celebrated Topcutter IPA, and a diverse offering of seasonal beers in cans and on draft. They have two taprooms: one onsite at the Yakima brewery; and another in Seattle’s Ballard Brewing District. Bale Breaker beer can be found in retailers and bottleshops throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. For more information, visit www.balebreaker.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram. from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/49lX9Ic

[madmaxproductions]

Underdog of Connecticut

Documenting the life and times of DJ Mad Max.

“My drive and people doubting me are my biggest motivators. Fear is not trying and failing.” - Maxwell Coughlan

What does Connecticut mean to you?

“Connecticut means everything to me, it’s my home, where I was born and bred. I grew up in South Norwalk on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive in Townhouse Gardens. South Norwalk shaped who I am today because of the authenticity. My community made me protective of other cultures and stand up against racism/injustice. It’s very challenging to be successful from my hood because of the obstacles many face such as the temptations of the street life, drug addiction, and not taking our education seriously or expressing our talents because of peer pressure. The crabs in a bucket mentality is huge and means people don’t want to see someone with potential make it out. When I look back on the past, it’s sad when you find out someone you knew went to jail or overdosed at a young age because you’re like damn they didn’t make it out.

“As a child, I attended private Catholic schools and my peers constantly looked down on me because of my environment. Many would say “you live in the hood” or “wigger.” Comments like that would hurt, but after a while I blocked them out because South Norwalk was home, and that’s all I knew. I grew up on Hip-Hop and R&B culture, throwback Mitchell & Ness jerseys, baggy clothes, and fresh sneakers. Personally, I couldn’t relate to Vineyard Vines, Docksiders, or the music my peers enjoyed. God truly blessed me with a strong support system from my mother. She pushed me from birth, which helped me receive an academic scholarship to St. John’s University in Queens, New York. If you don’t have a supportive family, then you really have to grind and bet on yourself.

“I feel like Connecticut doesn’t get much love because it’s a small state and the culture is untapped. Connecticut has quite a few success stories like: Chris Webby, Cassie, John Mayer, Calvin Murphy, Justin Long, and Meg Ryan. The biggest issue with my home state is the void of entertainment opportunities for creatives to thrive financially, plus many natives don’t support homegrown talent. The lack of support forces the dreamers to relocate to achieve their dreams.”

How do you plan to give back to Norwalk?

“My goal is to give back to people who are suffering from cancer and other illnesses. Donate money to cancer research at the Whittingham Cancer Center of Norwalk Hospital and educate individuals on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. Even at a young age, you’re at risk which is unfortunate. Aside from healthcare, I would like to establish clothing drives as well as hosting seminars on becoming independent and dreaming beyond difficult circumstances.”

What city would you be from in Connecticut outside of Norwalk?

“If I had to choose another city besides Norwalk, it would be Hartford. Hartford has an extensive entertainment scene compared to other cities in Connecticut and provides greater opportunities for artists and journalists. They have notable venues such as: The Xfinity Theatre, The Webster, and Infinity Music Hall. The diverse population is a great draw plus the city is one of the most affordable areas in the state.”

How will you contribute your talents to “Hollywood?”

“I will be a breath of fresh air for Hollywood. My talent as an actor/entertainer stems from being original and paying homage to the legends.”

What was it like gaining a role on Power?

“It was amazing. I learned a lot about how a major television production is organized and operated. It was strict and time efficiency is key. I was featured in a club scene where a fight broke out between rapper Yung Bleu and another person. It was a dope preview of what will eventually become my future in television/film production.”

Dream role in a movie?

“This is tough for me because I feel like a role has to match the actor’s personality. I always wanted to have a lead role similar to Tony Montana in “Scarface” or Nino Brown from “New Jack City.” I would love to do something in makeup similar to Johnny Depp’s role in “Dark Shadows.” My agent believes I would make a great undercover cop as well. In the future, I could see myself starring in a potential biopic like Eminem’s “8 Mile” to showcase my life’s journey to success. I am open to many different roles, but those are a few roles that come to mind.”

Predict the future of the motion picture industry?

“I think you’re going to see more independent filmmakers thrive because of the lack of creativity from major production studios and the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. I say it all the time, there’s no more classics! It’s rare for me to enjoy more than one film that comes out each year. The remakes are played out and there’s an absence of authenticity. Entertainers don’t receive what they are truly worth because executives at the top make the majority of the box office profits. The strike exposed that. I always valued going to the movie theaters when I was a kid and still do. Due to social media, I feel like the youth couldn’t care less about going to the theaters when they don’t have the attention span or can just watch the film on Peacock from their couch. It may be hard to receive the fruits of your labor right away when you’re an independent filmmaker, but if your material can get praised at film festivals and picked up by streaming services you will become successful.”

What draws you to the Western United States?

“That’s where the entertainment scene is thriving in my opinion. Las Vegas has a huge nightlife entertainment scene and helps artists build successful careers. It’s an affordable city to start out and grow. On the other hand, Los Angeles has been calling my name for years now. I’ve been enthralled by the west coast vibe since a kid. Hosting, acting, and other forms of entertainment opportunities are like non other in Los Angeles. I believe California is the place where I will live out my dreams.”

A word from Neno

"Bro I wish you nothing but the best you're a super talented person and I know you will be super successful in anything you put your energy into. God bless you.”

Define your definition of independence?

“My definition of independence is building your own foundation and having the creative freedom that will supply your desired lifestyle.”

Goals for 2024?

“Continuing to build a loyal team is a major goal this year. I’ve done everything myself and now that I’m working into the industry more, it’s time to put together a solid team that can help broker strategic business deals and partnerships. I’ve thought about getting a manager, but it has to be a trustworthy relationship. They say teamwork makes the dream work and I’m open to it."

“I want to develop my own independent film as well as a reality show. Even though music and sports are my main passions, film was my first love. I wanted to be a writer and director since childhood. I remember writing short stories in my journal that my mother bought me for Christmas in the third grade. I wrote to many legends in the industry asking for advice since the age of 10. Wes Craven, Francis Ford Coppola, and John Carpenter are a few people in the media industry that responded and it meant the world to me! As I got older, I changed as most people do and became more enthralled with music, which led to my beginnings of DJing and my current path now. Since I started acting, it’s sparked my love and creativity for film/television again. It would be dope to collaborate with independent actors and filmmakers because I believe that is where the industry is heading now. There are talented people out there not getting an opportunity due to nepotism and social media clout. That has to stop. While the industry isn’t talent-based like it once was, you can’t give up on your dreams. You have to create your own opportunities, and if I can be the one to give talented people their shot, that would be an honor.”

Thank You

“I would like to give a big thanks to everyone that has supported my journey so far, it’s only up from here!”

Photography captured October 2023

Developed by Mad Max Productions

[clatterbane]

The latest pickling experiment underway: dilly beans made with thawed-out commercial frozen green beans!

It seemed worth a try. You need to blanch fresh green beans for a few minutes anyway, to neutralize weird bean chemicals. Those are already blanched, and they stay crispy enough that it might work.

I haven't tried any from fresh green beans in years, and...that never turned out well before. Every batch I have made before molded on the top. Probably because the blanching does essentially pasteurize them, wiping out the natural lactobacteria hitching a ride on basically any kind of produce.

One way to get around this, I guess: mix things up!

I have certainly known people to pickle corn and beans separately, but never together like that. Guessing that probably is an extremely old combination, for some people. Throw in some squash, and you'd have some Three Sisters mixed pickles.

My Nana regularly did make dilly beans alongside the crocks of kraut and brine dill cucumbers. Guess she really liked that flavor profile too. No idea how she kept the beans from molding.

My original workaround thought was to try laying maybe a cabbage leaf in on top, as good as it is at fermenting itself. They're also great to help keep anything else from floating up to mold.

But, I decided to go one up this time, and fish a donor starter piece of leaf out of the last still-working batch! I had enough already out, so that jar got a couple of layers anyway. Plenty to go around.

I had expected the radish skins to leach a bunch of color, but not enough to turn the brine so pink!

That hopping active cabbage did almost immediately cloud up the top of the new brine. Taking that as a promising sign

Otherwise, that's got fairly standard dill pickle type seasonings. I did throw in another of those little frozen homegrown chiles, a big clove of garlic halved, and a pretty big sprig of fresh dill tucked down in the middle. Since I'm using dill from the store and don't have any seed heads, I also threw some dill seeds in the bottom with the peppercorns, mustard seeds, allspice, bay leaf, and a few of those nice Assam tea leaves for extra tannins to help keep things crispy.

Now in what I suppose is turning into the Pickle Drawer. I guess we'll see how this turns out. With any luck, it (a) won't go moldy, and (b) won't turn too strange a texture. I'll be counting this as a success if it does manage to meet those criteria. But, we'll see.

[ectonurites]

For me an industry plant is "someone who may or may not be that talented, but they’re still pushed to stardom because they have an entire company marketing/investing in them" and using this term on a fictional character is kinda tricky, but I do think it can be applied to Tim, since *on average* DC's writers/editors tend to showcase him in a more positive light compared to other Batman-related characters due to their bias towards him.

Personally speaking, I have seen way more writers claiming that Tim is their favorite Robin compared to the other Robins (although Dick is a close 2nd) Which explains why they're desperately trying to make his whole thing be "he's the best Robin!" by always making him appear smarter/more capable than the others and why he is rarely treated in a negative manners by the narrative compared to lets say Damian or Cassandra, who had awful storylines with the goal of demonizing them for no other reason than "someone in a high-position in the company hates their guts."

Well I mean, if we're using different definitions for the same term then obviously we're gonna come to different conclusions about it sgdfdhgfjhg

Like when I hear 'industry plant' I can not separate that from the idea that their connection to the larger entity backing them is kept secret/downplayed—that just feels like way too large a piece of what the term actually means to be tossed aside. Every one of the multiple definitions for the term that I came across while searching includes something about that aspect of it. To include a few:

Noun. industry plant (plural industry plants) (slang, derogatory) A music artist associated with a label but appearing as if they are independent and self-made. (slang, derogatory, by extension) A music artist whose popularity is perceived to be due to marketing efforts alone. (x)

An industry plant is an artist who has Major/Indie Label backing their movement but presents themselves as a "home grown start up" label to create a pseudo organic following. They act as if things are miraculously happening for them based on their talent (via blog coverage, media coverage, mtv playing their vids, etc.) The reality is a low risk/high reward situation for labels looking to build the next "new star" (x)

The term ‘industry plant’ is a musical term derived colloquially from hip-hop which is understood to mean, “an artist who has a major/indie label backing their movement but presents themselves as a ‘homegrown start-up’ to create the illusion of an organic following”. (x)

Even in the early days, there was some debate about how best to define an Industry Plant. On a fundamental level, it is an artist whose development takes place away from the public eye. While the major label downplays its influence, it quietly hones the artist into a star. While their rise to fame might appear to be organic, it’s actually been meticulously planned by a major label. As a result, Industry Plants are usually regarded as lacking authenticity. In the eyes of genuinely DIY artists, the Plant is merely a puppet whose success results from someone high up in the music industry ensuring they have the best connections. The key element here is deception. (x)

So the lack of an attempt to deceive/downplay a connection to a bigger entity/character is what makes me really really strongly disagree with the term applying to him.

I also think there’s something else to address in what you’re saying, which is maybe another reason we disagree here:

I think it's totally fair to say that nowadays there is a bias from people at DC towards Tim which makes them prioritize him over others. I'm 100% in agreement with you on that part, and it's annoying the way they try to push him as the 'best Robin' and downplay other characters like Damian and Cass.

But that became a problem after Tim had already become popular.

Like, he certainly had a dip in popularity for a while (largely bc of the New 52) and one could argue there’s been a sort of artificial push to bring him back to popularity in recent times… but when we're talking about the idea of him as an 'industry plant' I think we need to be looking specifically at when he first rose to popularity like 30 years ago. Because otherwise we’re not talking about how/why he became popular in the first place, we’re talking about the effects (and ups and downs) of his existing popularity.

When Tim was introduced and first rose to popularity in the late 80’s/early 90's.... that was years before Damian or Cass as we know them (i say this because technically the baby that would become Damian existed but like, that is not the same character) were introduced to even compare to the way you’re talking about.

At the time he was created, DC wanted to fill the Robin/‘Teen Bat Character’ spot after readers voted to kill Jason because they didn’t like him… Thus, Tim was designed to fit a specific niche—DC knew there would be an audience for a new Batman sidekick as long as they learned from what happened to Jason and created a character different from him that would be better received. Back then it's not that he was 'the young Batman character that people internally decided they like more than the others and thus push more' it's that he was 'the young Batman character'.

He had the opportunity to become a popular character because of being Batman’s new sidekick and managing to be more well received than Jason. Like, that's really it. But that was totally out in the open—he was by Batman's side before he got his chance to go solo, and promo for his solo made a point of bringing up Batman and featuring him. The connection to Batman was always incredibly clear and highlighted.

When we're trying to apply these slang terms from other industries to comics, Tim's situation is just far closer to 'nepo baby' than anything else. He had the opportunity to become popular because he was designed to fill a specific niche connected to an already popular character.

[jminter]

Vancouver Folk Music Festival returns for the 46th year with an impressive line up

The 46th annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival returns this July 14-16 at Jericho Beach Park, thanks in no small part to audiences’ huge support and a groundswell of support. The 2023 edition of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival carries on the great legacy of musical excellence and eclectic discovery the annual summer tradition is renowned for bringing to the park.  From July 14-16, some of the world’s finest traditional and contemporary folk, world and roots music artists will spend the weekend bringing their works to friends, fans, appreciators of music and those who love the magic of this festival are invited to gather again to celebrate.

Board member and Programming Committee Chair, Fiona Black says: “This festival is a touchstone in the lives of so many of its far-reaching community: long-time and new audience members, out-of-town visitors who come year after year, volunteers, donors, sponsors, artists and so many more. I think this year everyone appreciates this iconic festival a little more. None of us take it for granted. For the VFMF, “folk music” is an inclusive term that encompasses as broad a range of roots-based music from around the world as you can imagine. The beauty of this festival is that it brings such an extensive range of artists together for three days of connecting with each other, inspiring unique collaborations and making lasting memories for the amazing gathering of folks that unite every year to celebrate life, community and music. That tradition continues this year with these artists, and we welcome everyone back to the park this summer to be part of this joyful experience.” Some 40 music acts from 10 countries, 6 states and 8 provinces will be found performing on the Festival’s three daytime stages and an evening stage over the summer  weekend. Additional artists will be announced shortly. The festival’s gates open at 3pm on Friday, July 14, and music runs on Saturday and Sunday, July 15 & 16 from 11am to 11pm. This year's lineup includes a number of acclaimed artists known to many in the festival’s audience, including: Arizona’s Tex-Mex outfit Calexico, women’s music icon Ferron, the multi-faceted Joachim Cooder, the award-winning William Prince, and two genuine music legends, Joe Henry and Albert Lee. Music from around the world takes centre stage at the festival as well, including a towering figure in the world of traditional Persian music, Kayhan Kalhor and, among other international visitors, three groups who live for the music of the dance. From Italy’s Kalàscima, teaming up at the festival with stunning singer, Andrea Ramolo comes the passion and energy of the tarantella; the Cláudio Rabeca Quartet with special guest, Serena Eades play forró, the popular dance music of Brazil, and; we’re exciting to share the remarkable collaboration in the Melón Jiménez & Lara Wong Flamenco-World Trio. From south of the border, a number of artists are slated to bring the sounds of the US to the Jericho stages. Including one of zydeco and Cajun music’s great accordionists, Cedric Watson, who performs with fiddler Jourdan Thibodeaux; East LA’s Las Cafeteras’ son jarocho tunes will sure to bring folks to their feet; and folk music treasure, Aoife O’Donovan, brings her beautiful voice. Emerging artists are also on the roster including the Berklee College vocal trio and internet sensations, Tiny Habits; a strong and clear voice for social justice, Tré Burt, and BC’s own hip hop adventurer, Ruby Singh and The Future Ancestors. Homegrown talents are well represented on this year’s roster, including Jim Byrnes, The High Bar Gang, Jill Barber, The Sojourners, Ceileigh Cardinal and Newfoundland’s Rum Ragged and many more. This year's Vancouver Folk Music Festival curates an event that offers a truly global spirit, broad and eclectic in range, with something for everyone of all ages. In addition to whetting your musical appetites, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival offers a wide range of ways to feed you soul with food and artisan vendors as well the festival prides itself on its environmental awareness, sustainability initiatives, and accessibility.  With over 30, 000 people expected to descend upon the park get your tickets soon. Find the full Festival line-up and information about performers, vendors and artists at thefestival.bc.ca https://youtu.be/G_tDW04H6P0 Read the full article

[britishhiphop]

Airklipz X Wild Samson - Battle Of Hastings [Audio]

Prepare for an audio journey that fans of real music are going to enjoy! This is a collaboration between two of the UK’s most consistent rappers; Airklipz and Wild Samson. Their highly anticipated EP, ‘Battle Of Hastings‘ is a six-track project that showcases homegrown Hip Hop at its…

[hukinshops]

Can You Grow Hop Vines at Home?

Ever dreamed of having your own homegrown hops for brewing? You totally can! Hop vines are surprisingly easy to grow, even in a backyard. They just need a sturdy trellis to climb and plenty of sunshine. With a little care and attention, you'll be harvesting your own fragrant cones in no time. Imagine the satisfaction of using your homegrown hops to create a truly unique beer!

[nwbeerguide]

pFriem Family Brewers releases the latest Farm to Market beer, a West Coast-style IPA, for Zupan's Market.

image courtesy Zupan’s Markets

Press Release

PORTLAND, Ore… Zupan’s Markets has partnered with Hood River’s pFriem Family Brewers to release the 23rd Farm-to-Market beer in its private label line. This West Coast IPA is inspired by the Zupan’s Markets experience and offers aromas of tangerine, kiwi and berry with a dry, crisp finish.

“We’re thrilled to partner once again with pFriem Family Brewers for the 23rd installment of our popular Farm-to-Market series,” said Zupan’s Markets President and CEO Mike Zupan. “pFriem continues to be a leader in craft beer innovation, and we’re honored to offer this Northwest hop-inspired IPA as part of our Farm-to-Market program.”

The pFriem Family Brewers Farm-to-Market IPA is available at all three Zupan’s Markets locations in 16-ounce cans for $15.25 (four-pack) or $4.99 for a single can.

pFriem Family Brewers is known for artisanal beers influenced by the great brewers of Belgium while staying true to homegrown roots in the Pacific Northwest. 

“Sipping this tasty IPA is like wandering the aisles of Zupan’s – there’s crafty goodness at every turn,” said Josh Pfriem, Founder of pFriem Family Brewers. “We value our continued partnership with Zupan’s Markets, along with their ongoing commitment to bring customers exciting food and beverage choices from around the region.”

…

Farm-to-Market Beer Profile ABV: 6.7%

Tasting Notes: This beautiful IPA pours a bright golden color with intense aromatics of sweet oranges, tart pomelos and ripe kiwi. On the palate this beer dances brightly with hints of tropical fruit and bright hops, leaving you wanting another sip.

Pairing Notes: Citrus marinated pork chops, green papaya salad, Thai chicken larb with lime and fresh herbs and any bright, fresh and spicy flavors that will make your tastebuds sing!

About pFriem Family Brewers pFriem Family Brewers (pronounced “freem”) is a Northwest and Belgian-inspired 15-barrel brewery and tasting room in Hood River, OR. Founded in 2012 by Josh pFriem, Ken Whiteman and Rudy Kellner. Best known for artisanal beers influenced by the great brewers of Belgium while staying true to homegrown roots in the Pacific Northwest, pFriem craft brews are unmistakably unique in both flavor and balance. For more information visit www.pfriembeer.com, or onsite daily at 707 Portway Ave., Suite 101, Hood River, OR 97031.

About Zupan’s Markets  Founded by John Zupan in 1975, Zupan’s Markets is a local and family-owned gourmet market that has served Portland’s food-loving community for more than 40 years. Zupan’s Markets has three locations that focus on quality, selling everything from the best meats and wines to the freshest produce, baked goods, gourmet deli products, specialty foods, flowers and more, always emphasizing locally sourced, artisan products when possible. For more information, visit https://www.zupans.com. 

###

from Northwest Beer Guide - News - The Northwest Beer Guide https://bit.ly/3KLPISe

[tfbsafeageappropriatedance]

Philippines, Lemme Count the Ways You are Ripe for Age-Appropriate Dance...

Ah, the Philippines. They are known for the itik-itik, tinikling, cariñosa, pandanggo, and the Cagayan Valley's version of the jota. And the resources here to fund and establish a NUVO or 24 Seven-esque dance comp are scarce...

And for parents; dance studio owners and faculty; pastors; and EVEN child welfare agents concerned about the hypersexualization and exploitation in youth dance education, the paucity of resources needed to create such dance comps is a VERY GOOD THING!

Dance adjudicator Jamie White ranted about what she saw at a competition past. She saw a mini dancer who was clad in a bra top and booty shorts doing a knee slide that ends with her thighs open. She also saw her twerk in a front split, with her facing upstage.

Granted the high Catholic Christian populace here in the Philippines, those movements and costuming in routines that include those elements in their choreography are better suited for the shady bars lining Fields Ave. in Barangay Balibago, Angeles, Pampanga, than school auditoria (which are often outdoors).

"Filipino culture, deeply influenced by Catholic values, emphasizes modesty and appropriateness," Copilot noted, "Choreography that includes provocative movements, such as kneeling open-legged, and revealing costumes can be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate for young dancers. This can discourage organizers from hosting multigenre competitions that might feature such content."

"Parents in the Philippines may have strong objections to their children participating in routines that they perceive as overly sexualized. This concern can reduce the number of participants willing to enroll in multigenre competitions, thus limiting the demand and feasibility for such events."

The only dance comps here that might be tolerable for concerned individuals advocating age-appropriate dance are the streetdancing ones. Costumes are more modest than not. Choreography - of which the routines are often performed on concrete ANYWAY - often doesn't warrant youths to twerk, pose promiscuously, or go grind dancing on each other.

With the founding of Lindy Hop Philippines, I have been heartened since moving to the Cagayan Valley in early 2024 that there are homegrown individuals who are starting to expand the myopic scope of jazz dance from being a “sassy, promiscuous” genre to one that conveys a much wider range of characters and moods.

“By sharing the rich history of jazz dance, including its roots in African rhythms and its evolution through various cultural influences, educators can help elders understand that jazz dance is a legitimate and respected art form,” Copilot explained, “Highlighting the contributions of pioneers like Frankie Manning and Norma Miller can also emphasize the cultural significance of jazz dance.”

“Organizations can host performances that focus on the artistic and technical aspects of jazz dance, rather than sensationalized or provocative elements. By presenting jazz dance in a respectful and dignified manner, they can help dispel misconceptions about the genre.”

“Inviting elders to participate in workshops and classes can provide them with firsthand experience of jazz dance. This can help them see the discipline, skill, and creativity involved in the dance form, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding.”

“Drawing parallels between jazz dance and traditional Filipino dances can help elders see the cultural value and continuity in jazz dance. Emphasizing shared elements, such as rhythm and community engagement, can create a sense of familiarity and acceptance.”

“Organizations can hold discussions or forums where elders can voice their concerns and have their questions answered by knowledgeable instructors and dancers. This open dialogue can help address any misconceptions and build trust. Featuring Filipino jazz dancers and instructors as role models can inspire elders and show them that jazz dance is a respectable and valuable art form within their own community.”

“Seeing local examples can help change perceptions and encourage acceptance.”

As for my stateside hypersexualization-in-dance-education-jaded mga kaibigan, DA:NCE Awareness unveiled a directory around the time Lindy Hop Philippines was established. It’s called – without a doubt – the Healthy DA:NCE Directory. In 2024, the first studios listed were located in the USA and Canada.

Hopefully more studios around the world will be annexed to the Healthy DA:NCE Directory in the next few years, especially those located in Australia. (Remember the RG Dance scandal?)

Given the high Catholic influence and marked emphasis on family values, the Philippines has a marvelous potential to harbor studios that are ripe to be included in the Healthy DA:NCE Directory. May St. Vitus pray that the government eases visa restrictions so that foreign teachers who value healthy dance education and age-appropriate dance for youth can relocate here.

May he pray that Lindy Hop Philippines – which is based in the NCR – will inspire my mga kaibigan all over the 7K-plus island archipelago to see jazz dance beyond tricks and promiscuity AND educate them fully about the genre; the iconic figures (BOTH Caucasian AND non-Caucasian); and age-appropriate styles of it.

The last 3 stitched clips in the link to the TikTok reel are taken by me in various dates in 2024. Music: "City Lights." Exzel Music Publishing (freemusicpublicdomain.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0).

[joinremax]

How Lakeview Development Supports Sustainable and Green Living

Want to live in a place that helps you go green while enjoying lakefront views? The new Lakeview Village in Mississauga offers just that. This exciting community by Lake Ontario blends modern homes with green spaces and eco-friendly features. Here’s how this neighborhood helps you live sustainably while having fun right by the water.

Making Our World Greener: Inside the Lakeview Development

As cities tackle climate change, smart urban planning leads the way. The popular Lakeview development shows how modern homes can help the planet. Set by Lake Ontario, this fresh approach makes green living simple and fun.

The growing waterfront project uses features that help both nature and people, like:

Streetlights powered by the sun

Buildings that save energy

Systems that collect rainwater

Local plants in gardens

Spots to charge electric cars

These thoughtful eco-friendly choices create a cleaner, healthier community where sustainable living becomes second nature.

Living Smart at Lakeview Village in Mississauga

Living here means using smart tech to help the planet. You can track your water and energy use with easy-to-use tools. Want to skip the car? Hop on your bike or take a walk on the many paths throughout the community.

Green Spaces That Bring People Together

The parks at Lakeview Village are fun spots where nature meets daily life. You’ll find walking trails, outdoor gyms, and open areas where people do yoga and join events. These green spots are great for:

Giving local birds and animals a home

Making the air fresh and clean

Meeting up with other residents

Growing fresh fruits and veggies

Residents can plant their own gardens and join monthly markets to sell homegrown foods and handmade items with their neighbors.

Building Tomorrow’s Community Today

The forward-thinking Lakeview development shows how we can live better while helping our planet. By mixing green tech with smart design and spaces for everyone, it creates a model for future communities. People who live here save money on utilities, breathe cleaner air, and stay close to nature — all while helping create a better future for their kids.

[backyardbunnynews]

Will Backyard Rabbits Improve Your Local Food Visibility? Discover the untapped potential of backyard rabbits in transforming your local food landscape. These furry companions aren't just adorable pets; they're powerful agents of sustainable living. Imagine lush gardens thriving on nutrient-rich rabbit droppings, a neighborhood buzzing with sustainability workshops and community events, and conversations sparking at farmers markets about homegrown produce. Backyard bunnies are more than just fluffy creatures – they're catalysts for a new era of local food visibility and engagement. Embrace the potential of these little ambassadors and hop on board the sustainable food movement today. https://backyardbunnynews.com/will-backyard-rabbits-improve-your-local-food-visibility/?feed_id=8968&_unique_id=672766fab582e