#mark 11 result for today 2019

[black-arcana]

POWERWOLF Announces 'Summer Of The Wicked 2025' European Headlining Tour

German metallers POWERWOLF have announced the "Summer Of The Wicked 2025" European headlining tour. Featuring huge festival performances and headline shows all over the continent, the tour begins only one month after the completion of POWERWOLF's 2025 "Latin American Crusade" headlining tour.

"Summer Of The Wicked 2025" tour dates:

June 06 - FR - Nancy / Heavy Week-End June 07 - DE - Nuremberg / Rock Im Park June 08 - DE - Nurburg / Rock Am Ring June 10 - FR - Toulouse / Zenith (+ DRAGONFORCE) June 11 - FR - Lyon / Halle Tony Garnier (+ DRAGONFORCE) June 13 - AT - Nickelsdorf / Nova Rock June 15 - NL - Leeuwarden / Into The Grave June 17 - FR - Lille / Zenith (+ DRAGONFORCE) June 20 - DE - Rostock / Stadthalle (+ DRAGONFORCE) June 21 - DK - Copenhagen / Copenhell June 22 - SE - Huskvarna / Folkets Park (+ AMARANTHE & DRAGONFORCE) June 24 - SE - Uppsala / Fyrishov (+ AMARANTHE & DRAGONFORCE) June 25 - NO - Oslo / Tons Of Rock June 27 - EE - Tallinn / Tallinn Rock Festival June 28 - FI - Helsinki / Tuska Festival June 30 - PL - Lodz / Atlas Arena (+ EPICA & DRAGONFORCE) July 02 - HU - Dunaujvaros / Rockmaraton July 04 - DE - Ballenstedt / Rockharz Festival July 11 - DE - Saarbrücken / E-Werk Open Air (+ WARKINGS) July 13 - CZ - Vizovice / Masters Of Rock August 02 - RO - Rasnov / Rockstadt Extreme Fest August 09 - ES - Villena / Leyendas Del Rock

POWERWOLF's latest studio album, "Wake Up The Wicked", came out in July via Napalm Records. The highly anticipated follow-up to the extremely successful "Call Of The Wild" (2021) was once again produced by Joost Van Den Broek at Sandlane Recording Facilities and marks a new benchmark and undisputed career highlight for the band. The new album is hard, surprising and full of variety. While staying true to their established, loved sound, POWERWOLF go one step further and showcase a different facet of their deft musical and technical skills. This is evident, for example, on the outstanding single "1589", which is based on a true story from the 16th century.

20 years after their formation in 2004, POWERWOLF are expanding their repertoire with the highest quality and adding many future live hits to their extraordinary discography. "Wake Up The Wicked" is yet another statement cementing the status of the band as a leading force in the world of heavy metal.

The first single from "Wake Up The Wicked", "1589" tells the story of Peter Stump, who lived near Cologne, Germany in the 16th century and is known today as the Werewolf Of Bedburg. After being defamed as a werewolf, the farmer confessed to several murders under torture and was cruelly executed on October 31, 1589. This morbid story has fascinated people all over the world ever since and has been picked up by National Geographic, among others.

For the video for "1589", POWERWOLF traveled to England to stage Stump's fate in the dark woods in a cinematic way. With carefully selected locations, countless actors and crew members, and impressive special effects, it marks the most elaborate music video production in the band's history to date.

POWERWOLF are undoubtedly one of the most celebrated and successful heavy metal bands of the last decade. Multiple No. 1 album chart entries, gold and platinum records, huge sold-out arena shows, as well as headline slots at the biggest festivals have paved their way. In 20 years of band history, POWERWOLF has made it to the very highest league of heavy metal.

POWERWOLF has conquered countless stages at the world's biggest summer festivals, and their last "Wolfsnächte" headline tours (2019, 2022),as well as their North American debut in early 2023, were almost completely sold out — resulting in a massive triumph. They have performed headlining sets at Wacken Open Air and Summer Breeze, as well as held premium slots at genre festival giants such as Hellfest, Graspop Metal Meeting, Masters Of Rock and many more, captivating enormous audiences. No other German metal band has been able to write a success story even remotely comparable in recent years.

The story of the frontrunners of today's German metal scene, POWERWOLF, began in 2004 and only knows one direction: ever upwards. Their trajectory may seem like something out of a fairytale, but it is the result of the band embodying the highest quality of heavy metal in the universe. Outstanding album production, bombastic live shows and a tireless drive for perfection on and behind the stage are what this exceptional band is known for around the world.

Over the course of their career, the band has not only fascinated metal fans, but has also won over international press and critics. Countless cover stories in the most important magazines, critics' awards such as the Metal Hammer Award, and effusive album and concert reviews underpin POWERWOLF's outstanding international status.

POWERWOLF is:

Attila Dorn - vocals Falk Maria Schlegel - organ Charles Greywolf - guitar Matthew Greywolf - guitar Roel van Helden - drums

[queersatanic]

She deserved better than this

In 2019, Ta'naja Barnes, a 2-year-old girl, was neglected and abused by her mother and mother's boyfriend, and died as a result.

In 2020, while transporting her urn, Springfield police pulled over the father, and tested Ta'naja's ashes, claiming they tested positive for drugs.

You may remember this story when it broke in 2021 because the video was heart-wrenching:

However, today Judge Lawless just dismissed all the claims and terminated the case in federal court as part of a summary judgment.

(That's not an insult or mean pun, by the way. That's her name: Colleen R. Lawless.)

V. CONCLUSION Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment is GRANTED. Counts I, II, and III are dismissed with prejudice. Counts IV, V, VI, and VII are dismissed without prejudice. The Clerk will enter Judgment and terminate this case.

Dartavius Barnes, meanwhile, was indicted on a charge of "aggravated battery of a peace officer" for something that happened April 2022:

He pleaded down to "obstructing a peace officer" a couple weeks ago in Sangamon County, Ill., Case No. 2022-CF-000559

Someone else will have to actually analyze the federal judge's ruling to see how much sense it makes on its own merits.

But what a shit fucking country, regardless.

Cops can't protect a helpless child being abused in her home. All they can do is hassle her grieving father, desecrate her remains, and be sure to fuck with his life afterward if he has a problem with it.

And the courts say these thugs have no responsibility to help anyone, or responsibilities after they've hurt someone.

And every politician of every stripe falls over themselves to throw more money at cops, try to hire more of them, and make them less accountable to anyone else.

What a shit fucking country for anyone to have the misfortune to be born into.

[johnkatsmc5]

Hot Apple Band "So Long, Noodle House" 2023 Australia Psych Folk Rock

full spotify

https://open.spotify.com/album/1aWJqqXprV1IiHy3SkDL7s

Hot Apple Band’s long-awaited debut album, So Long, Noodle House is a collection of 11 tracks recorded between 2019-2022, mostly at Jack Kinder’s home studio in Strathfield, Sydney. Once the pandemic hit, Jack and Lewis Mosley had ample time to give birth to the songs, allowing for this body of work so it could become all that it deserved to be. The resulting album will no doubt please long-time fans, with a number of songs being staples from the band’s live repertoire. So Long, Noodle House is symbolic sign-off on the band’s past and an exciting peek into what’s to come.

The record covers broad ground, from 70s imbued alt-country and catchy Beatles-era pop, through to emotive folk and soft rock. Coming-of-age themes run deep in the album, as Jack Kinder's lyrics touch on life changes, friendship, shitty jobs and of course, love. With Kinder's smooth vocals, clever arrangements and gorgeous vintage production, and Lewis Mosley’s unforgettable lead guitar, slide and keyboard performance, Hot Apple Band’s debut has the same charm of some of the best records from the early 1970s, radiating George Harrison, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Harry Nilsson and Fanny in a similar style to modern counterparts such as Drugdealer, Weyes Blood, Daniel Romano and The Lemon Twigs....~

Along with Bures Band, the best new export out of the Aussie shores has been Hot Apple Band. The band’s debut, So Long Noodle House, is set for release in a couple of weeks and they’re slipping out one more single before the full package hits the shelves. Taking a decidedly looser approach than the rest of the album, “Not Today” ditches the album’s more refined streak of country rock for something more ragged and weathered. “Not Today” rocks the listener with a hammock-bound ease. There’s still twang in the tank, but this is for the late afternoon drifters. An unlikely single, but all part of the charm of So Long’s sway. The new album is out November 24th from Third Eye Stimuli and Earth Libraries....~

So Long Noodle House has been holding court on the speakers around here for the past few months, as you may well have noticed. Along with The Bures Band, the duo serves up one of the best Aussie platters of the year, and like their contemporaries they share an affinity for the more sun-splashed vistas of the ‘70s. The two bands share a knack for West Coast comfort, though Hot Apple Band also have an Apple Records in ‘em, streak waxed to a walnut sheen and pumping out pop that skirts the Harrison/Badfinger valley with amiable ease. Throw in a few nods tipping towards the works of Nilsson, Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood and those of you with Drugdealer and Lemon Twigs LPs on the shelf ought to perk up and pay attention.

Jack Kinder and Lewis Mosley prove a formidable songwriting pair, turning coming of age yearning with a soft spot for sunshine harmonies into a golden-hued debut. The record is soaked in sunburnt guitar, with Mosley’s leads often leaving a few scorch marks on the soul as they pass on by, but more often than not the record lounges in an afternoon warmth. Its the attention to detail and atmosphere that makes So Long Noodle House stick to the ribs. Kinder’s production hews to vintage forms, leaving a bit of a Kodachrome veneer on the album — faded and folded in just the right spots. While the record was undoubtedly meticulously constructed the band makes it feel effortless, weaving power pop, folk, country saunter, and AOR touches into a dazzling tapestry. Its an ambitious debut, and hopefully just the beginning from the songwriting pair.....~

Tracklist

A1 Bobbin' for Apples A2 Martin Moming A3 One Day (I'll See) A4 So Long A5 Not Today B6 The Hill B7 'Til the End (Again) B8 Changing B9 Mike Offeecup B10 Old Age B11 So Long, Noodle House

Hot Apple Band "So Long Noodle House" 2023 Australia Psych Folk Rock

https://johnkatsmc5.blogspot.com/2024/12/hot-apple-band-so-long-noodle-house.html?view=magazine

https://johnkatsmc5.tumblr.com/post/770137027058483200/hot-apple-band-so-long-noodle-house-2023

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 05/01/2024

Plastic Love of the Stars

Season 4 Episode 2 No Album Release (Read More) Game Over (JP Version) - Kirby's Dream Land 3

Ripped by Pinci

I feel like its hard to overstate just how much people fell in love with Mariya Takeuchi in 2019. Her introduction to the King for Another Day Tournament to me initially left me scratching my head, because it seemed to be referencing a part of YouTube's algorithm of recommended videos that I had personally never encountered. Nevertheless, I saw a lot of people happy with her inclusion, and just sort of shrugged and kept watching the SiIva Direct in which she was unveiled. That complete apathy toward her inclusion persisted for me, and likely many others, until we got a tease of her full powers in the final SiIva Direct, held on the 21st of September leading up to the Tournament's premiere (hey, September! Remember that?). Aside from that one arrangement, we'd be teased with the introduction of character mash-up rips through one with Mariya herself in it - The Whims of Plastic Love. The rip positively exploded when it was uploaded on its own two months later, and it to me marked the point when Mariya Takeuchi's popularity in the tournament truly spiked.

The year therafter, the tournament had long since concluded, and we were all waiting for DJ Professor K's takeover event to begin. We all knew the results, and at least personally I'd finally accepted that the tournament would only have one winner. Yet we all still loved all the contestants - their impact hadn't gone away just from not reaching first place. And so, it didn't take long for rips like Plastic Love of the Stars to become appearing - rips that reminded us that these contestants were now forever part of SiIva's legacy, even if they wouldn't get a day to themselves.

Keep in mind, this was long before 11 Minutes of City Pop, and long before the DJ Professor K takeover itself would remind of us just how much the team also loved all of the tournament's contestants, with rips like Agent H (HOBaRT the Funny Mixer Theme). So really, it was stuff like Plastic Love of the Stars that sort of stealth-started the celebrations that were to come later in the year, bringing everyone together after all those months of excitement in the year that had just passed.

It helps, of course, that Plastic Love of the Stars is a fucking banger of an arrangement! It follows suit with rips like Aquadial or Beyond the Floating Isles, where it truly is just as simple as the ripper wanting to explore the unique soundscapes that Kirby games feature by arranging another song in it, and like those two the picks suit the Kirby game in question damn near perfectly. Kirby's Dream Land 3 in particular, much like Kirby 64, sounds completely unlike anything else out there, and is probably my personal favorite Kirby soundtrack out there? It's the equivalent of listening to pastel colors, and that relaxing cheerfulness paired with the enchantingly deep bassline suits Plastic Love like a glove. It came as no surprise to learn that Pinci is a guest contributor who otherwise has a career in making remixes and rearrangements with the SNES sound in particular - the guy's work is absolutely incredible, and his range of coverage for Kirby in particular is fantastic. Please check this rip out, and when you're done, check out his YouTube channel - his arrangement of Door into Summer from Knuckles' Chaotix has been stuck in my head all day.

[coochiequeens]

A category for women, non women and open would help women, people with gender feelz AND people with intersex traits. But TRAs don't actually want to work with women and the intersections community. TRAs just want to use them for woke points.

She’s the Olympic gold-winner whose elevated testosterone levels led people to question her right to compete. With a few choice words for World Athletics, the middle-distance runner talks about labels, leaked medical records and how lowering her hormones took its toll on her body

 ‘You are here for a gender test’: read an extract from Semenya’s memoir

Caster Semenya photographed in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier this month. Styling: Thomas Van Dyk. Hair and makeup: Alex Botha. Styling assistant: Jade Ayla. Photograph: Alice Mann/The Guardian

Caster Semenya

Caster Semenya: ‘How would I label myself? I’m an African. I’m a woman. I’m a different woman’

She’s the Olympic gold-winner whose elevated testosterone levels led people to question her right to compete. With a few choice words for World Athletics, the middle-distance runner talks about labels, leaked medical records and how lowering her hormones took its toll on her body

Tshepo Mokoena @tnm___Sat 28 Oct 2023

For much of her early 20s, Caster Semenya felt physically sick. The South African runner had risen to sudden global acclaim in 2009, when she won gold in the 800m at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin at the age of just 18. It was her first major world competition. But her win was marred by questions of her sex and gender. Given her speed, muscular build and husky voice, some quietly asked whether she was a man. The sport’s governing body, the IAAF (known since 2019 as World Athletics), had required Semenya to take gender verification tests the day before the race, with a spokesperson telling the press “the rumours, the gossip was starting to build up”, and needed investigating.

Semenya’s subsequent victory would mark the start of a decade-long story, full of twists and turns that would take her from the top of the world championships podium to the European court of human rights – and would lead to a career-defining battle between the runner and World Athletics about her right to compete, as well as a monitored medical treatment plan that would leave her feeling, as she tells me today, “like the walking dead”.

Two sets of test results were leaked in the months that followed the Berlin championships: blood tests reportedly showed Semenya had three times more testosterone in her system than the average woman. Then the results of her medical examinations were published by Australian papers, suggesting Semenya was a “hermaphrodite” with internal testes and no womb. After 11 months of uncertainty, the IAAF announced in July 2010 that they had agreed on a “process” with Semenya, to allow her to compete at elite level (she hadn’t been able to run a race since August 2009 but had kept her first gold medal).

The process was a course of hormonal contraceptives, which neither she nor the IAAF made public. Instead, Semenya says that she had to secretly start taking the hormones at the end of 2009 to bring her naturally high testosterone levels down to a concentration accepted by the IAAF. And it didn’t go well. “I’d describe [the medication’s effects] like this: you’re living every day with a sore body. Your stomach is burning, you’re having panic attacks, you’re sweating. It … it was crazy.” Semenya first used a gel, before switching to a contraceptive pill.

She tells me this over Zoom, where she can be seen sitting outside on a shaded patio in Johannesburg. In a simple gold chain hanging over a white T-shirt and with her hair braided in her signature cornrows, she looks and sounds relaxed. But she also speaks passionately about what she had to endure early on in her career, shifting quickly from niceties about the photoshoot for this interview to torrents of profanity.

At times, she says, while on the hormones from 2009 to 2015, she felt so low she struggled to get up. As a child in the village of Ga-Masehlong, in the remote stretches of South Africa’s northernmost province, Limpopo, she had been a natural sprinter, with early dreams of playing professional football. Running at speed was intuitive. On the medication, though, she felt unstuck in her own body. But lowering her testosterone became the only acceptable way to appease the IAAF and keep competing.

“I had to sacrifice myself to be the best that I am. There were days when I lived in the dark. Days where I didn’t want to wake up,” she remembers. “Those are the things that people don’t understand when World Athletics says: ‘Take this medication.’ Fuck them. Those motherfuckers must go take the medication themselves, then tell us how they feel.” She names both IAAF/World Athletics president Sebastian Coe, whom she calls “this idiot”, and the organisation’s health and science department director Dr Stéphane Bermon. “They’ll say: ‘Oh, these medications were well supervised.’ Fuck it – they don’t know shit about that.”

See rest of article

[bharatiyayuvashaktitrust]

Inspiring Entrepreneur Success Stories You Should Read

The entrepreneurial journey is usually marked by determination, innovation, and an unbreakable spirit to succeed. In India, people from humble beginnings have turned their concepts into successful businesses, inspiring thousands. These success stories of entrepreneurs illustrate how determination, innovation, and the right chance can result in meaningful businesses. 

From homegrown brands to local startups, Indian entrepreneurs are redefining success. Whether it’s a woman opening her bakery or a man taking a recycling plant to new heights, each success story of businessman or woman is a testament to India’s burgeoning entrepreneurial culture. 

The Rise of Grassroots Entrepreneurship in India 

India is witnessing the dynamic wave of grassroots entrepreneurship these days. With access to the internet, changing markets, and growing support systems, even rural and semi-urban dwellers are venturing into business. Such success stories of entrepreneurs often crop up from unlikely corners—small villages, home kitchens, even temporary workshops—premising on the fact that opportunity is available anywhere. 

One of the strongest highlights of this change is the emergence of business ideas for women in India. Now, more women are becoming business leaders in industries such as food production, fashion, wellness, digital services, and handicrafts. Their tales are not merely about profits; they are about independence, empowerment, and social influence. 

Entrepreneur Success Stories That Inspire 

Here are some real-life success stories of entrepreneurs in India who turned their dreams into thriving businesses, with support from powerful mentorship programmes and relentless determination.

Suraj Apshinge – Yuva Biofloc Aquaculture, Satara 

A first-generation entrepreneur from a modest background, Suraj Apshinge founded Yuva Biofloc Aquaculture, a venture focused on sustainable organic farming solutions using recycled agricultural residue and animal waste. With personal setbacks, including leaving school early to support his family, he developed a zero-waste farming model using cold fermentation without machinery, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective. 

Supported by the Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust’s mentor-mentee programme, Suraj secured a loan and scaled his operations to serve both B2B and D2C markets. His story is not just one of innovation, but also of resilience and impact, training others via his YouTube channel and working as a consultant at Krishi Vigyan Kendra to promote sustainable farming. His journey is a shining example in the list of success stories of entrepreneurs driving social change. 

Yogesh Gawande – Niyo Farmtech, Aurangabad 

Yogesh Gawande, founder of Niyo Farmtech Pvt. Ltd., built his business from the ground up in Aurangabad, manufacturing ergonomic agricultural spray pumps that help farmers work more efficiently and safely. Backed by a ₹5 lakh loan through the BYST mentorship programme, he launched his company in 2019. 

With over 12,000 farmers benefiting across 14 states, his innovation even contributed to sanitization efforts during the pandemic. Today, Niyo Farmtech boasts over ₹11 million in annual revenue and has created employment for 100 people. Yogesh is also investing in digitization and R&D to challenge industry giants. 

His growth is a powerful reminder of the impact of the right business mentorship and innovative thinking in the agricultural sector—a sector rich with opportunities for both women and men in India. 

Keerthana V. – 9Nutz Millets Pvt. Ltd. 

After recovering from COVID-19 with a millet-based diet, Keerthana V. launched 9Nutz Millets Pvt. Ltd. to offer sugar-free, preservative-free millet snacks that promote better health. With encouragement from her family, she began by distributing food for free before formally starting her business in 2021.

Through the BYST-HDFC Bank Parivartan mentorship programme, Today, her team includes women, many previously homemakers, who now have stable incomes. She also sources ingredients from tribal women and Self-Help Groups, promoting inclusive growth. She was honoured with the Youth Business International Award for Social Entrepreneurship in Nairobi, emerging among 45 entrepreneurs from around the world and earning international recognition for her business. 

Keerthana’s business stands out among success stories of entrepreneurs for its dual focus on health and women’s empowerment. Her story is an inspiration for many exploring business ideas for women in India, particularly in the health and wellness sector. 

BYST’s Role in India’s Entrepreneurial Landscape 

While numerous people have done it on their own, some have been helped by an institution. One such institution that is making an incredible impact is Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST). Through mentoring and microfinancing, BYST has helped thousands of young people start businesses, particularly in under-represented areas. 

For instance, a young woman from Maharashtra converted her tailoring hobby at home into a boutique with the assistance of BYST. Today, she trains women from her village—an amazing addition to the ever-expanding list of business ideas for women in India. Another BYST-assisted entrepreneur from Tamil Nadu expanded a mobile repair venture into a multi-outlet service center. These are not tales of being transformed but part of a mass movement driven by mentorship and availability. These also contribute to the growing success stories of entrepreneurs who are shaping India’s future. 

Lessons Learned from These Success Stories 

Mentorship Matters: Having a mentor who can guide and advise you on business issues is usually a thread that runs across most success stories of entrepreneurs. 

Start Small, Think Big: Most success story of businessman accounts start with small budgets and ambitious thoughts. 

Empowering Women Empowers Communities: Investing in business ideas for women in India not only enriches the economy but also transforms families and communities.

Innovation Is Imperative: In all sectors, be it tea stalls or security agencies, innovators are the ones who lead. 

Access to Finance Alters Destiny: A small investment or loan at the right moment can spur life-altering businesses. 

Final Thoughts 

India’s entrepreneurial landscape is more vibrant than ever. As the above accounts illustrate, entrepreneurship is no longer the preserve of urban boardrooms or elite universities. It now flourishes in small towns, family kitchens, and neighbourhood markets. The increasing number of success stories of entrepreneurs demonstrates that determination, imagination, and support can take you a long way. 

Whether it’s an unconventional delivery model by a teenager or entrepreneurial business ideas for women in India, the future is for the ones who dream big. And every success story of businessman or woman inspires us—wonderful things happen when one takes a first step.

[drdevendra112]

The Best General Surgeon in Jaipur: Dr. Devendra Saini - A Trusted Name in Surgical Care

When it comes to health and well-being, choosing the right surgeon is crucial. Whether you need surgery for a routine procedure or a complex medical issue, having an experienced and skilled surgeon by your side can make all the difference. In Jaipur, one name stands out among the many medical professionals – Dr. Devendra Saini. Recognized as one of the best general surgeons in Jaipur, Dr. Saini has earned a reputation for his expertise, dedication, and compassionate care.

https://sushospital.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/general-surgery.jpeg

Who is Dr. Devendra Saini?

Dr. Devendra Saini is a highly respected and experienced general surgeon based in Jaipur. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, one of the leading healthcare institutions in Rajasthan, Dr. Saini has made significant contributions to the field of surgery over the years. With a strong academic background and practical experience, he has become one of the most trusted doctors in Jaipur.

Dr. Saini's professional journey is marked by his passion for delivering high-quality surgical care and advancing medical knowledge. He is widely appreciated for his meticulous approach to surgery, focusing on ensuring the best outcomes for his patients. His association with SMS Hospital, a renowned medical institution in Jaipur, speaks volumes about his expertise and recognition within the medical community.

Why Choose Dr. Devendra Saini?

Extensive Experience and Expertise: Dr. Saini has years of experience performing a wide variety of surgical procedures. His extensive knowledge and practical skills allow him to handle even the most complex surgical cases with confidence. Whether it’s a routine procedure or an advanced surgery, his patients are assured of receiving the best possible care.

Academic Excellence: As an Associate Professor at SMS Hospital, Dr. Saini contributes to the education of future surgeons. His involvement in teaching ensures that he stays updated with the latest developments in surgical techniques and medical research. This commitment to continuous learning translates into enhanced care for his patients, who benefit from the most modern and effective surgical practices.

Patient-Centered Care: One of the most remarkable qualities of Dr. Saini is his patient-centered approach to treatment. He believes in treating not just the illness, but the person as a whole. His compassionate and empathetic nature ensures that every patient feels comfortable, heard, and cared for. Dr. Saini takes the time to thoroughly explain the surgical procedure, potential risks, and the recovery process, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their treatment.

Cutting-Edge Surgical Techniques: In today’s rapidly evolving medical world, staying up-to-date with the latest surgical advancements is essential. Dr. Saini is well-versed in modern techniques, ensuring that his patients have access to the safest and most effective treatments. His expertise in minimally invasive surgeries, which lead to quicker recovery times and reduced risks, is particularly noted.

Recognition and Reputation: Over the years, Dr. Saini has gained a stellar reputation among his peers and patients. His work at SMS Hospital, one of the most prestigious medical facilities in Jaipur, has earned him recognition as a top-tier surgeon. His dedication to providing excellent care has made him one of the most sought-after general surgeons in the region.

Dr. Saini’s Expertise in Various Surgeries

Dr. Devendra Saini specializes in a wide range of general surgeries, including:

Abdominal surgeries: For conditions such as appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder problems, and intestinal issues.

Endoscopic surgeries: Minimally invasive procedures that result in smaller incisions and quicker recovery times.

Thyroid surgeries: For patients with thyroid problems requiring surgical intervention.

Trauma surgery: Handling injuries resulting from accidents, including fractures and internal injuries.

Laparoscopic surgery: A modern approach to many abdominal surgeries with less pain and faster healing.

His expertise extends to treating both simple and complex conditions, with the ultimate goal of improving his patients' quality of life.

Conclusion

When it comes to finding the best general surgeon in Jaipur, Dr. Devendra Saini is a name that stands out for all the right reasons. His experience, commitment to patient care, and academic credentials make him one of the most trusted and respected surgeons in the region. Whether you need a routine surgical procedure or require a specialist for a more complex issue, Dr. Saini offers the expertise and compassion you deserve. For patients seeking a reliable and skilled surgeon in Jaipur, Dr. Devendra Saini is undoubtedly a top choice.

Contact Dr. Devendra Saini Today!

If you're looking for top-notch surgical care in Jaipur, consider consulting Dr. Devendra Saini, one of the best general surgeons in the city. His practice at SMS Hospital ensures that you have access to the highest level of care available. Reach out today to schedule an appointment or get more information about your surgical needs.

[jaydemayo]

(Central Virginia Sport Performance The Podcast)

Season 4 Episode 25 Justin Landry- “Before you can check a box you need to know where you’re starting from”

Today I am so excited to welcome Justin Landry to The Podcast. Justin is doing some absolutely great work with the development of basketball players. He’s had a really great path to get him to Atlanta that has molded a unique philosophy with his training. Throughout this aweseome 30-minute conversation Justin and I get into:

1)     Driving factors behind the directions of the programming he utilizes for his athletes

2)     Simple evaluations of common sequences that help him drive programming decisions

3)    The role of still photos and video in his practice

4)    Examples of his progressions in different mobility and stability situations

5)    Autonomy’s role in his program

6)    What the transfer portal has changed in his programs

7)    How he defines functional training, and how that definition impacts how he evaluates and trains his guys

8)    Monitoring/Tracking of practice as an evaluation of preparation

A great conversation with a fantastic practitioner who has a unique perspective on developing the athlete’s he gets to work with. Justin is really doing great work, and I’m so grateful for his open and candid sharing today. Make sure you give him a follow on The Gram at @jland_perf. I truly hope you took as much from this discussion as I did, and if so, please share this with a colleague that would find value in the episode. Also, if you haven’t subscribed on your favorite podcast platform yet and could do that for us, we would greatly appreciate it.

Who is Justin Landry?

With more than 13 years of experience in the athletic strength and conditioning field, Justin Landry joined the Georgia Tech men’s basketball program as its director of strength and conditioning in May of 2023. Landry spent the last three years supporting the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as women’s golf, at San Diego State.

Landry was a key member of a men’s basketball team that reached the national championship game in Houston in 2023 and played in the NCAA Tournament all three years he worked with the Aztecs’ men’s team. The SDSU women developed into a 23-win team with a WNIT appearance in 2023.

A native of Oakland, Calif., Landry spent the previous 16 months as assistant strength coach at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He worked primarily with the men’s basketball as well as men’s and women’s golf teams, and in that time, he developed individual programs to improve athletic performance through agility training, weightlifting, core exercises and regeneration sessions.

As a result, in 2019-20, Georgia State completed its fourth straight men’s basketball season of at least 19 wins. Two of the student-athletes he worked with were recognized as All-Sun Belt Conference performers, with one earning National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District 24 designation.

Before joining the staff at Georgia State, Landry spent three years at UC Davis as its associate strength and conditioning coach, working with five sports including men’s basketball. The basketball team won the 2017-18 Big West Conference regular-season title as well as the 2016-17 Big West Tournament championships. In each of those years, the team advanced to the postseason: the NCAA Tournament in 2016-17 and the NIT in 2017-18. The 2017-18 team, which finished 22-11, boasted the Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year in the Big West. Posting a 23-13 mark in 2016-17, five student-athletes were named All-Big West performers.

He was on the strength and conditioning staff at Troy University for the 2015-16 school year where, working with men’s basketball, two student-athletes earned Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week honors and one earned All-Sun Belt Conference designation. Landry began his major college professional career at the University of Texas in Austin.  There he worked as the performance coach for the basketball program during the 2014-15 season in which the Longhorns went 20-13 and competed in the NCAA Tournament.

Prior to his year in Austin, Landry completed an internship at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and was a graduate assistant coach with the women’s basketball team at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tenn.

In addition to his college experience, Landry was the founder/owner of a strength and conditioning business in Oakland, Calif., where he worked with athletes from high school to the professional ranks.

A 2012 graduate of Cal State East Bay, with a degree in pre-athletic training, he completed his master’s degree in education in sport science from Tennessee State in 2014. In addition, Landry has earned Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) designation from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

[coolrahulsarin]

MLB picks today | Probabilities, expert projections for Tuesday, August 15

New Post has been published on https://bestcustomjerseys.com/mlb-picks-today-probabilities-expert-projections-for-tuesday-august-15/

MLB picks today | Probabilities, expert projections for Tuesday, August 15

Welcome to Opening Pitch, my column that you will find daily throughout the 2023 MLB season.

My goal for the opening pitch is to highlight my top daily projection spreads for MLB money lines and totals, share my favorite bets, and provide some betting notes and analysis, mostly while reacting to opening lines and during the night while using my baseball betting model.

I will look to release a new version of Opening Pitch every day between midnight and 3 am ET; after entering my nightly bets into the Action Network app and updating the MLB projections. Hopefully, you’ll use it as your morning betting guide to get ahead of the baseball markets.

You can find my projections for every MLB game in the Action app (both in the PRO Projections tab and on the game pages) and in our Projections Center (which you can bookmark).

You can also buy the best lines on our odds page.

Expert Picks for Tuesday, August 15

Houston Astros vs. Miami Marlins

Cristian Javier against Jonny Cueto First pitch: 6:40 p.m. ET

After his outstanding 2022 campaign (2.43 xERA or expected ERA, 24.3% K-BB% or strikeouts minus walk rate, 116 Stuff+, 101 Location+ 106 Pitching+), Cristian Javier continues to post worrisome results this season (4.68 xERA, 14% K- BB%, 99 Stuff+, 97 Location+, 99 Cast+).

In five starts since the All-Star break, Javier posted an xFIP of 5.85, with a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 28:16 (10.8% K-BB%) in 26 1/3 innings. During that time, his Stuff + (108) has improved, but his Command (91 Location +) has worsened.

Jonny Cueto (3.93 xERA, 15.2% K-BB%, 84 Stuff+, 109 Location+, 105 Pitching+) has posted superior underlying metrics (4.82 to 5.17 xFIP) and pitch modeling numbers this season.

While Houston has the offensive edge (9th vs. 18th in wRC+ vs. right-handers), Miami has a superior bullpen (3rd vs. 13th in xFIP reliever).

I projected the Marlins as a slight -104 favorite in this matchup, bet the fish at +104and consider adding your F5 (First Five Innings) money line at +107 or better.

New York Yankees vs. Atlanta Braves

Luis Severino vs. Bryce Elder First pitch: 7:20 p.m. ET

Betting on a low between Luis Severino (6.74 xERA), who has allowed 21 runs in his last 15 innings pitched (12.6 ERA), and Bryce Elder (4.43 xERA), a prime candidate for regression with an ERA of an entire run plus lower than expected. Mark: It looks like the least fun sweat imaginable.

Still, I put the total closer to 10.2 runs for Tuesday night at Truist Park and bet Under 11 to -118 or Under 10.5 to +100.

While Severino has been rocking steadily, with both his speed and K-BB percentage down relative to the last few seasons, the pitch modeling numbers continue to like what comes out of his hand (104 Stuff+, 103 Location+, 101 Pitching+), even about his past. four openings.

Elder has posted a rating of 84 Stuff+, 104 Location+ and 101 Pitching+ in the same span, slightly better than his season-long metrics (74/104/95).

While something is wrong with Severino (9% K-BB% vs. 19.1% career average; previous career low of 13.1% in 2016), launch models expect better results from him going forward. ; and he doubts he’ll continue to allow 2.54 homers per nine innings (1.18 career) on a 21.4% HR/FB rate (14.% career); even against the home run-happy Braves.

Besides the Bass, bet the Yankees at +175 or better compared to my projected line of +164.

Oakland Athletics vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Spenser Watkins vs. Dakota Hudson First pitch: 7:45 p.m. ET

Dakota Hudson (5.01 xERA) has regularly appeared on my model as a faded candidate during his time in the majors.

Among the 183 starters who have pitched 200+ innings since Hudson joined the Cardinals’ rotation in 2019, the right-hander ranks 182 of 183 qualifying starters (min. 200 innings pitched) with a 6% K -BB%; 174th in both strikeout rate and walk rate separately among the same group of pitchers.

During that span, Hudson posted a 4.84 ERA and 4.64 xFIP, compared to a 3.66 ERA. For much of that stretch, the Cardinals’ elite defense held Hudson to a .276 BABIP.

However, with the Cardinals’ defense slipping into below-average territory (25th in defensive runs saved) this season, Hudson’s BABIP (.299) has moved toward league average (.29%). and his ERA increased to 4.45 last season (.301 BABIP) and 4.31 this year; compared to his exceptionally lucky 2019 (3.35 ERA, 5.09 xERA).

Spenser Watkins (4.99 xFIP career) doesn’t shape up as a better pitcher, but his metrics (5.07 xERA, 4.68 xFIP) and pitching model numbers (87 Stuff+ 101 Location+, 99 Pitching+) last year in Baltimore compare favorably to the Hudson ratings (91 Stuff+, 95 Location+, 95 Pitching+ in 2023).

Back Oakland at +160 in the first half (F5) and add your entire line of play at +173.

Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals

Emerson Hancock vs. Jordan Lyles First pitch: 8:10 p.m. ET

While Emerson Hancock, the No. 6 overall pick in 2020, had a compelling Major League debut (5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 3 BB, 3 K), pitching models didn’t like his arsenal; 87 Stuff +, with his fastball (92 Stuff +) and slider (91) below average.

Hancock showed solid dominance (107 Location+) in that start; However, he posted high walk rates in the minors, and a lack of dominant (or even average) stuff limits his overall advantage, especially in the immediate, as his dominance fluctuates from one outing, or inning, to the next. .

On paper, there isn’t a drastic difference between Hancock and Jordan Lyles (4.91 xERA, 85 Stuff+, 101 Location+, 97 Pitching+), who has shot to fewer than five ERA gauges (4.87 ERA, 4.87 xFIP, 11.9% K-BB %) over the past two months, across the board, since the season began 0-12 (6.72 ERA, 5.49 xFIP, 9% K-BB% in his first 15 starts).

Bet on the Royals at +128 for Tuesdaycompared to my projected line at +119, with negligible projected difference between two starting pitchers at drastically different career points.

Zerillo’s bets for Tuesday, August 15

To receive notifications of additional bets, follow me on the Action Network app.

Boston Red Sox F5 (-160, 0.5u) at DraftKings (bet -165)

Boston Red Sox/Washington Nationals, Over 9 (-102, 0.5u) in FanDuel (bet on -110)

Chicago White Sox / Chicago Cubs, Under 8.5 (-110, 0.5u) at FanDuel (bet on -118 or 8, +100)

Cincinnati Reds (+106, 0.5u) on FanDuel (bet +100)

Detroit Tigers / Minnesota Twins, Over 8.5 (-110, 0.5u) in FanDuel (bet on -112)

Detroit Tigers (+165, 0.5u) at BetMGM (+163 bet)

Kansas City Royals (+134, 0.5u) at FanDuel (bet at +128)

Miami Marlins (+110, 0.5u) at WynnBet (bet +104)

New York Yankees (+184, 0.5u) in FanDuel (bet at +175)

New York Yankees / Atlanta Braves, Under 11 (-115, 0.5u) at Caesars (bet on -118 or 10.5, +100)

Oakland Athletics F5 (+162, 0.25u) at FanDuel (small to +160)

Oakland Athletics (+194, 0.25u) at FanDuel (small to +173)

Parlay (+140, 0.5u) in FanDuel: Los Angeles Dodgers F5 (-192) and Texas Rangers F5 (-172) (parlay to -202 and -175, respectively)

Philadelphia Phillies F5 (-114, 0.5u) at FanDuel (bet at -118)

#MLB #picks #today #Probabilities #expert #projections #Tuesday #August

[black-arcana]

POWERWOLF Releases Cinematic Music Video For '1589' Single From 'Wake Up The Wicked' Album

POWERWOLF has released the long-awaited first single from its upcoming studio album, "Wake Up The Wicked", due out July 26, 2024 via Napalm Records. "1589" tells the story of Peter Stump, who lived near Cologne, Germany in the 16th century and is known today as the Werewolf Of Bedburg. After being defamed as a werewolf, the farmer confessed to several murders under torture and was cruelly executed on October 31, 1589. This morbid story has fascinated people all over the world ever since and has been picked up by National Geographic, among others.

For the video for "1589", POWERWOLF traveled to England to stage Stump's fate in the dark woods in a cinematic way. With carefully selected locations, countless actors and crew members, and impressive special effects, it marks the most elaborate music video production in the band's history to date — and thus offers a worthy first taste of what fans can expect with "Wake Up The Wicked".

"Wake Up The Wicked" — the highly anticipated follow-up to the extremely successful "Call Of The Wild" (2021) — will arrive just in time for the award-winning band's first-ever full North American tour, starting in August 2024, followed by their biggest European headline tour to date, the "Wolfsnächte 2024".

"Wake Up The Wicked" was once again produced by Joost Van Den Broek at Sandlane Recording Facilities and marks a new benchmark and undisputed career highlight for the band. The new album is hard, surprising and full of variety. While staying true to their established, loved sound, POWERWOLF go one step further and showcase a different facet of their deft musical and technical skills. This is evident, for example, on the outstanding single "1589", which is based on a true story from the 16th century.

20 years after their formation in 2004, POWERWOLF are expanding their repertoire with the highest quality and adding many future live hits to their extraordinary discography. "Wake Up The Wicked" is yet another statement cementing the status of the band as a leading force in the world of heavy metal

"Wake Up The Wicked" track listing:

01. Bless 'Em With The Blade 02. Sinners Of The Seven Seas 03. Kyrie Klitorem 04. Heretic Hunters 05. 1589 06. Viva Vulgata 07. Wake Up The Wicked 08. Joan Of Arc 09. Thunderpriest 10. We Don't Wanna Be No Saints 11. Vargamor

POWERWOLF are undoubtedly one of the most celebrated and successful heavy metal bands of the last decade. Multiple No. 1 album chart entries, gold and platinum records, huge sold-out arena shows, as well as headline slots at the biggest festivals have paved their way. In less than 20 years of band history, POWERWOLF has made it to the very highest league of heavy metal.

POWERWOLF has conquered countless stages at the world's biggest summer festivals, and their last "Wolfsnächte" headline tours (2019, 2022),as well as their aforementioned North American debut in early 2023, were almost completely sold out — resulting in a massive triumph. They have performed headlining sets at Wacken Open Air and Summer Breeze, as well as held premium slots at genre festival giants such as Hellfest, Graspop Metal Meeting, Masters Of Rock and many more, captivating enormous audiences. No other German metal band has been able to write a success story even remotely comparable in recent years.

Following their onslaught of North America, POWERWOLF will embark on their most impressive European tour yet in celebration of their highly anticipated 2024 studio album. Amid 16 shows in total, the tour will visit colossal venues in Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Hamburg and Antwerp. POWERWOLF will be accompanied by Swedish heavy metal legends HAMMERFALL as special guests, with support from viral rising stars, dwarven metallers WIND ROSE.

The story of the frontrunners of today's German metal scene, POWERWOLF, began in 2004 and only knows one direction: ever upwards. Their trajectory may seem like something out of a fairytale, but it is the result of the band embodying the highest quality of heavy metal in the universe. Outstanding album production, bombastic live shows and a tireless drive for perfection on and behind the stage are what this exceptional band is known for around the world.

Over the course of their career, the band has not only fascinated metal fans, but has also won over international press and critics. Countless cover stories in the most important magazines, critics' awards such as the Metal Hammer Award, and effusive album and concert reviews underpin POWERWOLF's outstanding international status.

POWERWOLF is:

Attila Dorn - vocals Falk Maria Schlegel - organ Charles Greywolf - guitar Matthew Greywolf - guitar Roel van Helden - drums

Photo credit: VDPictures

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Carly Cassella

Published: Aug 29, 2021

More Americans are coming to accept Charles Darwin's "dangerous idea" of evolution, according to thirty years' worth of national surveys.

Researchers have found that public acceptance of biological evolution has increased substantially in the last decade alone, following twenty years of relative stagnancy.

Between 1985 and 2010, roughly 40 percent of surveyed adults in the US agreed that "human beings, as we know them today, developed from earlier species of animals". Taking into account the small number of fence-sitters, this suggests much of the nation was evenly divided on the theory.

By 2016, that percentage had, at last, become a majority, reaching 54 percent.

As it turns out, education has played a crucial role in that shift. When researchers began to analyze the demographics of survey respondents over the past thirty years, they noticed the completion of one or more college science courses was the strongest predictor of evolution acceptance.

"Almost twice as many Americans held a college degree in 2018 as in 1988," says Mark Ackerman, who studies collective intelligence at the University of Michigan.

"It's hard to earn a college degree without acquiring at least a little respect for the success of science."

In the current analysis, the proportion of American adults with scientific literacy increased from 11 percent in 1988 to 31 percent in 2019.

That rise in knowledge can also easily spread to others. For instance, research suggests fewer students are exposed to creationism in the science classroom due in part to new teachers replacing a generation of educators less suited to teaching evolution.

Still, even a healthy dose of education can only go so far. Some researchers, for instance, think religious beliefs are a stronger predictor of accepting evolution than educational attainment. But this is an area of research that is still hotly debated. It could be, for instance, that education only works for some individuals who don't interpret the Bible literally.

In the US, evolution has become a highly politicized topic, especially among supporters of the Republican party, which tends to align its policies with evangelical Christian values.

The result is that today, the US has some of the lowest acceptance rates for evolution in the developed world, with only Turkey scoring lower.

Even now that a majority of Americans do not reject evolution, the rate of acceptance is still low compared to other nations and much lower than scientific consensus.

In recent years, religious adherence has begun to decline in the US, but the political divide on evolution still very much exists.

In 2019, researchers found 83 percent of liberal Democrats accepted evolution, whereas only 34 percent of conservative Republicans felt the same.

The driving force behind this huge difference is probably not ideological partisanship, experts say, but fundamental religious beliefs, which Republicans tend to hold more.

For instance, roughly 30 percent of American adults hold fundamental religious beliefs that directly contradict evolutionary theory, which is almost the same percentage of conservative Republicans that rejected evolution in the current analysis.

The authors of the current study are not ruling out religion as an influential factor. Their analysis still shows that fundamental religious beliefs can change the acceptance of evolution among American adults. But at least according to their analysis, it seems that educational attainment is the more influential factor.

According to their analysis, the recent increase in acceptance mostly comes from American adults who were previously unsure about the theory. Only some who outright rejected evolution had their mind's changed over time.

"Although scientific literacy has grown, and science continues to have pervasive influence in American society," the authors write, "a tension between religious fundamentalism and evolution remains."

While religion clearly remains a barrier to further public acceptance of evolution, that's gradually beginning to change. In 1988, the current analysis found only 8 percent of religious fundamentalists accepted the theory of evolution. Whereas in 2019, nearly a third did.

Along with growing exposure to scientific courses, a decline in religious fundamental beliefs will no doubt see the minority of Americans that reject evolution continue to shrink.

Last year, Pew conducted a more global survey that showed a slightly higher acceptance of evolution in the US at around 64 percent.

It's a number that nonetheless falls far below nations such as Canada (77 percent), Germany (81 percent), and Japan (88 percent), showing the US still has some catching up to do.

The study was published in Public Understanding of Science.

==

While this is good news, the study doesn't distinguish the nature of the evolution that people accepted; whether it's actual evolution ("secular evolution"), or evolution by supernatural selection ("goddidit", aka magic).

[sarcasticcynic]

Since 1947, the "Doomsday Clock" has symbolized the likelihood of a man-made global catastrophe (represented by midnight). As of January of 2022, the Clock remains as close to midnight as it has ever been in history. Why? Didn't the United States replace Donald Trump, who pretty much single-handedly drove the Doomsday Clock forward from 11:57:00 in 2016 to 11:57:30 in 2017, then to 11:58:00 in 2018 (and 2019), and then to 11:58:20 in 2020?

No question, the Biden administration did improve things:

"In 2021 the new American administration changed US policies in some ways that made the world safer: agreeing to an extension of the New START arms control agreement and beginning strategic stability talks with Russia; announcing that the United States would seek to return to the Iran nuclear deal; and rejoining the Paris climate accord. Perhaps even more heartening was the return of science and evidence to US policy making in general, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. A more moderate and predictable approach to leadership and the control of one of the two largest nuclear arsenals of the world marked a welcome change from the previous four years. ...

"The February 2021 agreement between the United States and Russia to renew New START for five years is a decidedly positive development. This extension creates a window of opportunity to negotiate a future arms control agreement between the two countries that possess 90 percent of the nuclear weapons on the planet. The United States and Russia also agreed to start two sets of dialogues about how to best maintain 'nuclear stability' in the future: the Working Group on Principles and Objectives for Future Arms Control and the Working Group on Capabilities and Actions with Strategic Effects. These groups have met and in early 2022 are expected to report on initial results of the consultations, aimed at shaping future arms control agreements.

"Another bright spot was the Biden administration's announcements that it would seek to return to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran and offer to enter strategic stability talks with China. Although no talks between North Korea and the United States took place in 2021, the North Koreans have not resumed testing of nuclear weapons or long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). (Tests of shorter-range missiles have continued.) Finally, when the Biden administration began its Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) process, it announced that one specific goal would be to 'reduce the role of nuclear weapons' in US national security policy. ...

"US president [Biden] 'acknowledges climate change as a profound threat and supports international cooperation and science-based policy,' and we've seen a dramatic change in tone from the previous presidential administration. Recognizing that '[t]he effects we are seeing of climate change are the crisis of our generation,' Biden has indeed attempted to move forward quickly, reentering the United States in the Paris Agreement and announcing the United States' updated Paris emission pledge of a 50 percent reduction by 2030. He has also signaled an attentiveness to the connection between climate action and environmental justice, in both the domestic and international contexts. He has committed to making climate investments in disadvantaged communities within the United States, and at the UN General Assembly meeting he pledged to double climate financing to developing countries. ...

"The new US administration has done much to reestablish the role of scientists in informing public policy, and even more to minimize deliberate confusion and chaos emanating from the White House. Thoughtful deliberation—merely a promise in January 2021—appears to be realized more often today."

But this simply isn't enough to reverse the innumerable disasters that Trump caused, and is still causing:

"Despite laudable efforts by some leaders and the public, negative trends in nuclear and biological weapons, climate change, and a variety of disruptive technologies—all exacerbated by a corrupted information ecosphere that undermines rational decision making—kept the world within a stone's throw of apocalypse."

That "corrupted information ecosphere"? It means that Trump is still creating new disasters despite being out of office. Most notably, his endless lying about the 2020 presidential election has undermined both U.S. democracy and global security:

"While the new US administration made progress in reestablishing the role of science and evidence in public policy, corruption of the information ecosystem continued apace in 2021. One particularly concerning variety of internet-based disinformation infected America last year: Waves of internet-enabled lies persuaded a significant portion of the US public to believe the utterly false narrative contending that Joe Biden did not win the US presidential election in 2020. Continued efforts to foster this narrative threaten to undermine future US elections, American democracy in general, and, therefore, the United States' ability to lead global efforts to manage existential risk."

Additionally, the now-infamous January 6 insurrection that Trump incited over this "utterly false narrative" exposed how quickly such a falsehood could lead to a nuclear disaster:

"As the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol demonstrated, no country is immune from threats to its democracy, and in a state with nuclear-weapons-usable material and nuclear weapons, both can be targets for terrorists and fanatics. Notably, the insurrectionists came close to capturing Vice President Mike Pence and the 'nuclear football' that accompanies the vice president as the backup system for nuclear launch commands. More than 10 percent of those charged with crimes during the January 6th insurrection were veterans or active service members."

Of course, Trump's disinformation campaigns are not limited to the 2020 election. He's spent years spreading false conspiracy theories and spearheading attacks and accusations against everyone and everything that failed to demonstrate unquestioning support for him, including (but not limited to) scientists, doctors, schools and universities, the judicial system, the intelligence community, and the free press. Innumerable conservatives and other partisans have gleefully continued to promulgate his disinformation, with far-reaching negative consequences:

"Disinformation fomented outside the executive branch—including from some members of Congress and many state leaders—appears to have taken root in alarming and dangerous ways. Large fractions of Congress and the public continue to deny that Joe Biden legitimately won the presidential election, and their views on these matters appear to be hardening rather than moderating. Similar trends regarding COVID-related disinformation are apparent around the world, crippling the ability of public health authorities and medical science to achieve higher vaccination rates. Mask-wearing and social distancing are similarly discouraged by disinformation. ... Political attacks on institutions that provide societal continuity and store hard-won knowledge about how best to deal with problems continue apace."

The risk of a nuclear disaster remains a heightened concern. One area of particular concern was Russia's continued aggression towards Ukraine... and this was back on January 20, 2022, before Russia actually went ahead and invaded:

"Ukraine remains a potential flashpoint, and Russian troop deployments to the Ukrainian border heighten day-to-day tensions."

Trump's repeated refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, and his unilateral withdrawal from two of the three arms treaties with Russia (and his stated intention to let the third expire), are just some examples of how Trump spent his entire term in office allowing Russian aggression to grow essentially unchecked. But Russia is not the world's only nuclear threat. Trump's persistent incompetence in dealing with North Korea--plus his fawning over Kim Jong Un--allowed North Korea to continue to pursue its nuclear ambitions. Iran similarly ramped up its nuclear program after Trump unilaterally withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal. Both countries are contributing to the Doomsday Clock's current setting:

"Other nuclear concerns, including North Korea's unconstrained nuclear and missile expansion and the (as yet) unsuccessful attempts to revive the Iran nuclear deal contribute to growing dangers. ... Iran continues to build an enriched uranium stockpile, insisting that all sanctions be removed before returning to talks with the United States on the JCPOA. The window of opportunity seems to be closing."

Finally, Trump managed to ruin President Biden's laudable progress on climate change, because Trump's conduct in office made it depressingly clear that such progress can be very short-lived:

"Progress achievable through the US political process is highly constrained and fragile, as any subsequent president may try to swing the pendulum backward."

Elections have consequences.

[1962dude420-blog]

Today we remember the passing of Daniel Johnston who Died: September 11, 2019 in Waller, Texas

Daniel Dale Johnston (January 22, 1961 – c. September 11, 2019) was an American singer-songwriter and visual artist regarded as a significant figure in outsider, lo-fi, and alternative music scenes. Most of his work consisted of cassettes recorded alone in his home, and his music was frequently cited for its "pure" and "childlike" qualities.

Johnston spent extended periods in psychiatric institutions and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He gathered a local following in the 1980s by passing out tapes of his music while working at a McDonald's in Dobie Center in Austin, Texas. His cult status was propelled when Nirvana's Kurt Cobain was seen wearing a T-shirt that featured artwork from Johnston's 1983 cassette album Hi, How Are You.

Beyond music, Johnston was accomplished as a visual artist, with his illustrations exhibited at various galleries around the world. His struggles with mental illness were the subject of the 2005 documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston. He died in 2019 of what is suspected to have been a heart attack.

Johnston was born in Sacramento, California, and grew up in New Cumberland, West Virginia. He was the youngest of five children of William Dale "Bill" Johnston (1922–2017) and Mabel Ruth Voyles Johnston (1923–2010). He began recording music in the late 1970s on a $59 Sanyo monaural boombox, singing and playing piano as well as the chord organ. Following graduation from Oak Glen High School, Johnston spent a few weeks at Abilene Christian University in West Texas before dropping out. He later attended the art program at Kent State University, East Liverpool, during which he recorded Songs of Pain and More Songs of Pain.

When Johnston moved to Austin, Texas, he began to attract the attention of the local press and gained a following augmented in numbers by his habit of handing out tapes to people he met. Live performances were well-attended and hotly anticipated. His local standing led to him being featured in a 1985 episode of the MTV program The Cutting Edge featuring performers from Austin's "New Sincerity" music scene.

In 1988, Johnston visited New York City and recorded 1990 with producer Mark Kramer at his Noise New York studio. This was Johnston's first experience in a professional recording environment after a decade of releasing home-made cassette recordings. His mental health further deteriorated during the making of 1990. In 1989, Johnston released the album It's Spooky in collaboration with singer Jad Fair of the band Half Japanese.

In 1990, Johnston played at a music festival in Austin, Texas. On the way back to West Virginia on a private two-seater plane piloted by his father Bill, Johnston had a manic psychotic episode; believing he was Casper the Friendly Ghost, Johnston removed the key from the plane's ignition and threw it outside. His father, a former U.S. Air Force pilot, managed to successfully crash-land the plane, even though "there was nothing down there but trees". Although the plane was destroyed, Johnston and his father emerged with only minor injuries. As a result of this episode, Johnston was involuntarily committed to a mental hospital.

Interest in Johnston increased when Kurt Cobain was frequently photographed wearing a T-shirt featuring the cover image of Johnston's album Hi, How Are You that music journalist Everett True gave him. Cobain listed Yip/Jump Music as one of his favorite albums in his journal in 1993. In spite of Johnston being resident in a mental hospital at the time, there was a bidding war to sign him. He refused to sign a multi-album deal with Elektra Records because Metallica was on the label's roster and he was convinced that they were Satanic and would hurt him, also dropping his longtime manager, Jeff Tartakov, in the process. Ultimately he signed with Atlantic Records in February 1994 and that September released Fun, produced by Paul Leary of Butthole Surfers. It was a commercial failure. In June 1996, Atlantic dropped Johnston from the label.

In 1993, the Sound Exchange record store in Austin, Texas, commissioned Johnston to paint a mural of the Hi, How Are You? frog (also known as "Jeremiah the Innocent") from the album's cover. After the record store closed in 2003, the building remained unoccupied until 2004 when the Mexican grill franchise Baja Fresh took ownership and decided that they would remove the wall that held the mural. A group of people who lived in the neighborhood convinced the managers and contractors to keep the mural intact. In 2018, the building housed a Thai restaurant called "Thai, How Are You". Thai How Are You permanently closed in January 2020. The building remains empty

In 2004, he released The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered, a two-disc compilation. The first disc featured covers of his songs by artists including Tom Waits, Beck, TV on the Radio, Jad Fair, Eels, Bright Eyes, Calvin Johnson, Death Cab for Cutie, Sparklehorse, Mercury Rev, The Flaming Lips and Starlight Mints, with the second disc featuring Johnston's original recordings of the songs. In 2005, Texas-based theater company Infernal Bridegroom Productions received a Multi-Arts Production/MAP Fund grant to work with Johnston to create a rock opera based on his music, titled Speeding Motorcycle.

In 2006, Jeff Feuerzeig released a documentary about Johnston, The Devil and Daniel Johnston; the film, four years in the making, collated some of the vast amount of recorded material Johnston (and in some case, others) had produced over the years to portray his life and music. The film won high praise, receiving the Director's Award at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. The film also inspired more interest in Johnston's work, and increased his prestige as a touring artist. In 2006, Johnston's label, Eternal Yip Eye Music, released his first greatest-hits compilation, Welcome to My World.

Through the next few years Johnston toured extensively across the world, and continued to attract press attention. His artwork was shown in galleries such as in London's Aquarium Gallery, New York's Clementine Gallery and at the Liverpool Biennial in 2006 and 2008, and in 2009, his work was exhibited at "The Museum of Love" at Verge Gallery in Sacramento, California. In 2008, Dick Johnston, Johnston's brother and manager, revealed that "a movie deal based on the artist's life and music had been finalized with a tentative 2011 release." He also said that a deal had been struck with the Converse company for a "signature series" Daniel Johnston shoe. Later, it was revealed by Dick Johnston that Converse had dropped the plan. In early 2008, a Jeremiah the Innocent collectible figurine was released in limited runs of four different colors. Later in the year, Adjustable Productions released Johnston's first concert DVD, The Angel and Daniel Johnston – Live at the Union Chapel, featuring a 2007 appearance in Islington, London.

Is and Always Was was released on October 6, 2009, on Eternal Yip Eye Music. In 2009, it was announced that Matt Groening had chosen Johnston to perform at the edition of the All Tomorrow's Parties festival that he curated in May 2010, in Minehead, England. Also that year, Dr. Fun Fun and Smashing Studios developed an iPhone platform game called Hi, How Are You. The game is similar to Frogger, but features Johnston's art and music. Johnston played it during its development and liked it, although he was not familiar with the iPhone.

On March 13, 2012, Johnston released his first comic book, Space Ducks – An Infinite Comic Book of Musical Greatness at SXSW, published by BOOM! Studios. The comic book ties-in with the Space Ducks album and an iOS app. Johnston collaborated with skateboarding and clothing company Supreme on numerous collections (consisting of clothing and various accessories) showcasing his artwork.

On March 1, 2012, Brooklyn-based photographer Jung Kim announced her photo book and traveling exhibition project with Johnston titled DANIEL JOHNSTON: here, a collaboration that began in 2008 when Kim first met Johnston and began photographing him on the road and at his home in Waller, Texas. On March 13, 2013, this photography book was published, featuring five years of documentation on Johnston. The opening exhibition at SXSW festival featured a special performance by Johnston along with tribute performances led by Jason Sebastian Russo formerly of Mercury Rev. The second exhibition ran in May and June 2013 in London, England, and featured a special performance by Johnston along with tribute performances by the UK band Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs with Steffan Halperin of the Klaxons. On October 10, 2013, Jason Pierce of Spiritualized hosted the New York City opening of the exhibition, which included special tribute performances led by Pierce and Glen Hansard of The Swell Season and The Frames.

In November 2015, Hi, How Are You Daniel Johnston?, a short documentary about Johnston's life, was released featuring Johnston as his 2015 self and Gabriel Sunday of Archie's Final Project as Johnston's 1983 self. The executive producers for the film included Lana Del Rey and Mac Miller.

In July 2017, Johnston announced that he would be retiring from live performance and would embark on a final five-date tour that fall. Each stop on the tour featured Johnston backed by a group that had been influenced by his music: The Preservation All-Stars in New Orleans, The Districts and Modern Baseball in Philadelphia, Jeff Tweedy in Chicago, and Built to Spill for the final two dates in Portland and Vancouver.

On September 11, 2019, Johnston was found dead from a suspected heart attack at his home in Waller, Texas, a day after he was released from the hospital for unspecified kidney problems. It is believed that he died overnight.

[bananaofswifts]

For Women's History Month 2021, GRAMMY.com is celebrating some of the women artists nominated at the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show. Today, we honor Taylor Swift, who's currently nominated for six GRAMMYs.

When we met Taylor Swift in 2006, it was immediately apparent that her songwriting approach was like ripping a page out of her diary.

"Just a boy in a Chevy truck/ That had a tendency of gettin' stuck/ On backroads at night/ And I was right there beside him all summer long/ And then the time we woke up to find that summer gone," she lamented in the first verse of her debut single, "Tim McGraw(opens in a new tab)." The way the then-16-year-old Swift could turn personal anecdotes into instantly memorable hooks mirrored the prowess of an industry veteran, appealing to more than just the teenage girls that could relate to a short-lived high school romance.

Now, nearly 15 years later, Swift has introduced another layer of intrigue with a foray into indie folk, unveiling a pair of albums, folklore and evermore, last year. Recorded entirely in isolation after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, folklore has been widely acclaimed(opens in a new tab) as Swift's best album, touted for its intimate songwriting and cinematic dynamics; evermore has received similarly glowing reviews(opens in a new tab).

folklore was 2020's best-selling album(opens in a new tab) and earned Swift five GRAMMY nominations at the 2021 GRAMMY Awards show, including her fourth Album Of The Year nod. (evermore will be eligible for the 64th GRAMMY Awards in 2022.) As her 10 previous GRAMMY wins suggest, though, this new chapter isn't an abrupt departure for the star—it's a masterful continuation of her evolution as a singer/songwriter.

If there's one thing that Swift has proven throughout her career, it's that she refuses to be put in a box. Her ever-evolving sound took her from country darling to pop phenom to folk's newest raconteur—a transition that, on paper, seems arduous. But for Swift, it was seamless and resulted in perhaps her most defining work yet. And folklore’s radiance relies on three of Swift’s songwriting tools: heartfelt balladeering, autobiographical writing, and character-driven storytelling.

While there was always a crossover element to Swift's pop-leaning country tunes, her transition from country starlet to pop queen began with Red. The album’s lead single, the feisty breakup anthem "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together(opens in a new tab)," was Swift's first release to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (and, ironically, scoffed "indie records much cooler than mine"). She declared a full pop makeover with 2014's 1989, but the response proved that her bold move was the right one: Along with spawning three more No. 1 hits, the project won Swift her second GRAMMY for Album of the Year.

From there, 2017’s Reputation, a response to media scrutiny, and 2019’s Lover, an often bubbly exploration of all facets of affection, followed. Although they shared similarly grandiose production, Lover featured a handful of poetic ballads, including "The Archer(opens in a new tab)," a self-reflective love song that teased Swift's folk sensibilities through storybook lyrics and ambient textures.

Swift’s ballads are key in understanding the full essence of folklore. They’ve regularly marked standout moments on each of her albums, both thanks to her poignant vulnerability and rich tone. Fearless standout "White Horse" earned Swift two GRAMMYs in 2009; Red's painstaking "All Too Well" was an instant fan favorite; 1989's "This Love" and Reputation's "New Years Day" provided tenderness amid otherwise synth-heavy sounds.

The raw emotion she puts into her downtempo songs comes alive on folklore, introducing a new wave of neo-classical sonics that elevate her fanciful penmanship to an ethereal level. Whether or not Swifties saw a full indie-pop record coming—at least not yet—the shift isn't all that surprising. Folklore’s romanticized lyrics and relatively lo-fi production are arguably what many fans have been patiently waiting on.

Lyrically, the super-personal nature of Swift’s music has always captivated fans and naysayers alike; diehards and critics dissected each of her albums for its real-life subjects and hidden meanings. While she played into those conspiracies at the time—whether she was revealing names in titles like "Hey Stephen(opens in a new tab)" and "Dear John(opens in a new tab)" or scathing the other girl on "Better Than Revenge(opens in a new tab)"—even Swift herself admits that her teenage method had an expiration date.

"There was a point that I got to as a writer who only wrote very diaristic songs that [it] felt unsustainable for my future moving forward," she told Apple Music's(opens in a new tab) Zane Lowe in December of 2020. "It felt like too hot of a microscope ... On my bad days, I would feel like I was loading a cannon of clickbait when that's not what I want for my life."

That realization is what helped make folklore so memorable: Swift stripped away the drama to let her artful storytelling shine. Sure, there are occasional callbacks to personal happenings ("invisible string(opens in a new tab)" references sending her exes baby gifts and "mad woman(opens in a new tab)" alludes to her legal battle with Scott Borchetta and Scooter Braun). Still, she largely shies away from her autobiographical narratives to make way for her imagination.

"I found myself not only writing my own stories, but also writing about or from the perspective of people I've never met, people I've known, or those I wish I hadn't," Swift wrote in a letter to fans(opens in a new tab) on social media the day folklore arrived. "The lines between fantasy and reality blur and the boundaries between truth and fiction become almost indiscernible."

folklore might be her first full project dedicated to creating characters and projecting storylines, but Swift has shown a knack for fantasy from the start. Tracks like "Mary's Song (Oh My My)(opens in a new tab)" on her self-titled debut and "Starlight(opens in a new tab)" on Red saw Swift craft stories for real-life muses ("Mary's Song" was inspired by an old couple who lived next door to Swift in her childhood; "Starlight" was sparked from seeing a picture of Ethel and Bobby Kennedy as teens). Even when songs did pertain to her real life, Swift often had a way of flipping memories into whimsical metaphors, like the clever clap-back to a critic on Speak Now's "Mean(opens in a new tab)" or the rebound relationship in Reputation's "Getaway Car(opens in a new tab)."

To think that we wouldn't have folklore without a pandemic is almost surreal; it's already become such a fundamental piece of Swift’s artistic puzzle. There was no telling what may have come after the glittering "love letter to love itself” that was Lover, but it seems isolation made the singer rethink any plans she may have had.

"I just thought there are no rules anymore because I used to put all these parameters on myself, like, 'How will this song sound in a stadium? How will this song sound on radio?' If you take away all the parameters, what do you make?" she told Paul McCartney in a November (opens in a new tab)Rolling Stone(opens in a new tab) interview(opens in a new tab). "And I guess the answer is folklore."

Even if she hasn’t been making indie music herself, Swift has shown an affinity for the genre over the years through curated digital playlists(opens in a new tab). Those included four songs by The National including "Dark Side of the Gym," which she references on folklore single "betty(opens in a new tab)," and "8 (Circle)" by Bon Iver, Swift's collaborator on folklore's gut-wrenching "exile(opens in a new tab)" as well as evermore’s title track. (“Exile” is one of folklore’s GRAMMY-nominated cuts, up for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.)

The National’s guitarist Aaron Dessner co-wrote nine and produced 11 of folklore's 16 tracks, soundtracking Swift's imaginative tales with sweeping orchestration and delicate piano. Their partnership started with "cardigan(opens in a new tab)," a melancholy take on teenage love(opens in a new tab) that's up for Best Pop Solo Performance and the coveted Song of the Year. The team-up was a dream come true for Swift, a self-proclaimed National superfan and a career highlight for Dessner, who shared in an Instagram post(opens in a new tab) about folklore that he's "rarely been so inspired by someone." He sees the album as a pivotal moment for both Swift's career and pop music.

"Taylor has opened the door for artists to not feel pressure to have 'the bop,'" Dessner shared with (opens in a new tab)Billboard(opens in a new tab) in September. "To make the record that she made, while running against what is programmed in radio at the highest levels of pop music—she has kind of made an anti-pop record. And to have it be one of the most, if not the most, successful commercial releases of the year that throws the playbook out.

"I hope it gives other artists, especially lesser-known or more independent artists, a chance at the mainstream," he continued. "Maybe radio will realize that music doesn't have to sound as pushed as it has. Nobody was trying to design anything to be a hit. Obviously, Taylor has the privilege of already having a very large and dedicated audience, but I do feel like it's having a resonance beyond that."

Swift's other primary folklore collaborator was Jack Antonoff. He has been her right-hand man since they first paired up on 2013's promotional single "Sweeter Than Fiction(opens in a new tab)" (Swift referred to him as "musical family" in her folklore announcement(opens in a new tab)). Even after years of creating stadium-ready pop smashes, Antonoff said in his own folklore Instagram post(opens in a new tab), "I've never heard Taylor sing better in my life / write better."

As Swift recognizes herself, folklore ushered in a new way of thinking for the superstar that not only brings out her best, but sets a promising precedent for what's to come. "What I felt after we put out folklore was, 'Oh wow, people are into this too, this thing that feels really good for my life and my creativity,'" Swift added in her interview with Lowe. "I saw a lane for my future that was a real breakthrough moment of excitement and happiness."

Her enthusiasm is tangible on both folklore and evermore. Dubbed folklore’s sister record, evermore further expands Swift’s newfound mystical atmosphere. Much to the delight of many Swifties, the follow-up also calls back to her country beginnings on tracks like the HAIM-assisted “no body, no crime(opens in a new tab),” as well as her pop expertise on more uptempo cuts like “long story short(opens in a new tab).”

Together, the albums are a momentous reminder that Swift is a singer/songwriter first. Her wordcraft is some of the most alluring of her generation, and that’s never been lost on her music, regardless of the genre she’s exploring. But now that Swift also feels she's at her best, it’s evident folklore was just the beginning of Taylor Swift in her finest form.