#truly this is excellent float management. 10/10 no notes.

[myriad-rainbows]

[image: the back of a stranded colorwork knitting project in brown, yellow, and light blue. End I.D.]

look at my floats boy

[getbudslegalize]

Bubblegum Strain Review & Growing Info | Learn All About 

Bubblegum Strain Review & Growing Info

If you're looking for a balanced hybrid strain that can provide a pleasant and satisfying high, Bubblegum might be just what you need.This strain has been carefully selected and refined since the 1970s, initially in Indiana and later in Amsterdam, where it gained recognition by winning numerous Cannabis Cup awards.Bubblegum is renowned for its unique, candy-like scent and taste, as well as its euphoric and mood-lifting effects.Bubble Gum Strain EffectsBubblegum, also called "Bubba Gum", is a popular hybrid strain known for its unique characteristics. This strain offers a well-balanced effect that can provide both relaxation and invigoration.It induces a feeling of happiness and positivity, making you feel relieved. You will enjoy the company of your friends and will want to share a laugh with them.As the effect progresses, you will feel as if you are floating in the clouds and eventually descend into a relaxed, stress-free state.Bubblegum also has a reputation for inducing hunger pangs, often referred to as the munchies. So, get ready to satisfy your cravings and sit on the couch with some delicious snacks.Overall, Bubblegum is an excellent choice for those who want to feel happy, carefree, and relaxed.

Bubble Gum TerpenesTerpenes are organic compounds that provide cannabis with its unique aroma and flavor, and they also contribute to the plant's effects. Bubblegum is a strain of cannabis that has a complex terpene profile which enhances its mood-boosting and pain-relieving properties.Dominant terpene:TerpeneCharacteristicsCaryophyllenespicy, cinnamon, cloverThe primary terpene in Bubblegum is Caryophyllene, which is also present in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon. Caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and it can also modulate the endocannabinoid system. This terpene may help with chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, and depression.Secondary terpenes:TerpeneCharacteristicsOcimeneherbal, sweet, citrus, herbaceous, woodTerpinolenefresh, smoky, wood, herbal, citrus, floraPhellandrenemint, lime, citrus, herbal, floral, woodCarenesweet, citrus, earthy, musky, pungent, herbal, wood, cedarIn addition to Caryophyllene, Bubblegum contains several secondary terpenes that contribute to its flavor, aroma, and therapeutic properties.- Ocimene has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can work as a bronchodilator. This terpene may aid in the management of respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma. - Terpinolene has sedative and antioxidant effects and can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This terpene may help with insomnia, stress, inflammation, and cancer prevention. - Phellandrene has anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties and can also stimulate the immune system. This terpene may be beneficial in the management of mood disorders, infections, and autoimmune diseases. - Carene has anti-inflammatory and bone-healing effects and can also improve memory and cognition. This terpene may help with Alzheimer's disease, brain fog, and osteoporosis. Best Bubblegum Strain to Buy

ILGM - 5 SEEDS = $89 - 10 SEEDS = $119 - 20 SEEDS = $189 BUY NOW

SENOMA SEEDS - 5 SEEDS = $65 - 10 SEEDS = $120 - 25 SEEDS = $240 BUY NOW

OO SEEDS - 5 SEEDS = $29.95 BUY NOW

CROPKING SEEDS - 5 SEEDS = $65 - 10 SEEDS = $120 - 25 SEEDS = $240 BUY NOW Aroma and FlavorThis particular strain has gained notoriety for its unique, sweet aroma. Bubblegum is a pleasant and seductive presence that fills the room with its floral and earthy notes. It leaves behind a trail of sweet candy scent that is sure to make your mouth water.Bubblegum boasts a one-of-a-kind blend of flavors that truly lives up to its name. This hybrid combines the flavors of various fruits, producing a creamy smoke that tastes like berries. Its distinctive tropical aftertaste has won many fans, especially those who love sweet and fruity varieties.Adverse ReactionBubblegum is a very potent cannabis strain that can be overwhelming for those who are not regular smokers. It can cause mild paranoia, anxiety, and discomfort, especially for people prone to such feelings. Dry mouth and eyes are also common side effects that can occur.In some cases, Bubble Gum's strong sativa and indica effects can lead to dizziness and confusion. However, these events are rare.Medical BenefitsDoctors prescribe this delicious strain for several reasons. It is highly effective in helping patients with chronic stress, anxiety, and other related conditions as it possesses powerful relaxing properties.Bubblegum is also a great pain reliever for people who suffer from migraines, back pain, muscle spasms, and headaches, without any side effects that are usually associated with prescription drugs.This hybrid is also a powerful mood enhancer and can help treat various mental problems, including depression, by elevating the mood and inducing bursts of laughter.Additionally, it can be used to treat insomnia by making you feel sleepy on the way down, setting you up for a good night's rest.

Bubble Gum Grow InfoYou can choose to grow Bubblegum indoors or outdoors, depending on your preferences and conditions. Bubble Gum is an easy-to-grow cannabis strain and is perfect for beginners. However, it is prone to mold if humidity is high or ventilation is poor.If you choose to grow it outdoors, protect it from rain and wind, as they can damage the buds and cause mold. This strain thrives in warm, sunny climates, with temperatures ranging from 68 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can tolerate colder temperatures, it won't produce as much resin or flavor.Pruning is a fundamental technique that improves air flow, light penetration, and yield. However, care must be taken to carry it out at the right time, as it can influence the growth and production of buds.For Bubblegum, the ideal time to prune is before the flowering phase begins or within the first two weeks of flowering. Afterward, avoid pruning, as it can shift the plant's focus from developing shoots to healing wounds.Bubblegum is perfect for SOG (Sea of Green) as it has a uniform growth pattern and clones well. You can use soil or hydroponics as a medium, but make sure you provide enough nutrients and water to your plants.Bubblegum does not require excessive amounts of nutrients but benefits from an extra supply of phosphorus during the flowering phase. Phosphorus helps in bud formation, resin production, and flavor enhancement. You can use organic or synthetic fertilizers, but be sure to flush them before harvesting to avoid any chemical taste or harshness in the smoke.

Bubblegum Flowering TimeIndoorsWhen grown indoors this strain needs 8 to 9 weeks of flowering before it can be harvested when grown indoors.OutdoorsOutdoors, the harvest is typically ready for picking from mid to late October.Bubblegum YieldIndoor Bubblegum typically produces an average of 16 ounces of candy buds during harvest, while outdoor yields are around 14 ounces per plant. BUY FEMINIZED BUBBLEGUM CANNABIS SEEDS FAQs about Bubblegum Weed Strain What are the origins of the Bubble Gum cannabis strain? Bubblegum, also called “Bubba Gum”, is a hybrid that was created in the 1970s by breeders in Indiana. It was then refined by the Serious Seeds company in Amsterdam and has won several awards for its quality and potency. How much THC does Bubblegum have? Bubblegum has a moderate THC level of 13%-19%, which makes it suitable for both novice and experienced users. What is the Bubble Gum yield? Bubblegum has an average yield of 16 ounces per square meter indoors and 14 ounces per plant outdoors. Is Bubblegum strain Indica or Sativa? Bubblegum is a 50-50% hybrid marijuana strain that has a sweet and fruity flavor reminiscent of bubble gum. What are the effects of the Bubble Gum weed strain? Bubblegum is a hybrid weed strain with a sweet and fruity flavor. It can make you feel happy, euphoric, relaxed, relieved and hungry. However, it also has some side effects that you should be aware of.The most common are dry mouth and eyes, which can be relieved by drinking water and using eye drops.Some users may also experience paranoia, anxiety, or dizziness, especially if they consume too much or have a low tolerance to THC. How to grow Bubblegum plants? Bubblegum is an easy strain to grow, but it requires some attention to prevent mold and get the best yield. Here are some tips to help you grow this strain:1. Choose the right environment: Bubblegum can thrive both indoors and outdoors, but it prefers a warm and dry climate.If you grow it outside, make sure to protect it from rain and humidity, as these can cause mold on the buds.If you grow it indoors, use a ventilation system and a dehumidifier to keep the air fresh and dry.2. Prune your plants: Bubblegum tends to grow bushy and dense, so pruning is essential to improve light penetration and air circulation. Pruning also helps to shape the plant and remove any dead or unhealthy leaves.However, don’t prune too early or too late in the flowering stage, as this can affect the bud development.The best time to prune is before the second week of flowering when the plant is still in the vegetative stage.3. Use the SOG method: Bubblegum is an excellent strain for the sea of green (SOG) method, which involves growing many small plants nearby and inducing them to flower early. This way, you can maximize your yield and save space and time.4. Feed your plants properly: Bubblegum needs a balanced diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients and water.During the vegetative stage, use a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote growth and greenery.During the flowering stage, switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer to boost bud formation and resin production.Don’t overfeed your plants, as this can cause nutrient burn or lockout.Also, flush your plants with plain water for the last two weeks before harvest to get rid of any excess nutrients and improve the flavor of the buds. What does Bubblegum taste like? This hybrid blend produces a creamy smoke that tastes like berries with a tropical aftertaste, attracting fans who love sweet and fruity varieties. Is Bubble Gum resistant to mold and pests? Bubblegum is not very resistant to mold and pests and requires careful monitoring and maintenance. Read the full article

[backtothestart02]

If Only She Knew - 9/10 | westallen fanfiction

A/N: It’s been a million yeaarrssss!!!! But finally I got this chap out. I hope you enjoy it as much as it stresses you out. lol. Happy reading!

Commissioned by @shalanda83 

...

Chapter 9 -

Barry was wrong.

He was so, so wrong about Iris.

He’d thought he would have to combat her being super touchy-feely like they were as far back as he could remember. If things were really back to normal between them, that’s exactly what he would have had to endure.

Not that it was bad, of course. It was just inconvenient, awkward and embarrassing with him getting aroused at literally anything Iris did that was remotely close to him or in his line of vision. It happened with other girls too, of course, but to a much lesser degree.

Anyway, as it turned out, he didn’t have to worry about her so much as brushing her knee against his leg, because Iris made it her mission to stay as far away as possible from him in the backseat of the car.

And he knew it was her mission, because he could feel the tension rolling off of her in waves from the minute he refused to stretch out in the backseat of the car due to his injuries, in which case she would’ve simply sat in the front passenger seat across from her dad.

His brows had furrowed instantly with suspicion.

“I’ve got Neosporin and bandages on, Iris. I don’t think I need the whole backseat to stretch out in.” He continued before her parting lips could interrupt him. “Besides, it feels better when my knees are slightly bent. And I wouldn’t be able to put my seatbelt on either.”

I wouldn’t get to sit next to you floated around in his head, but he didn’t say it. He didn’t know if that would be too touchy a thing to say after they’d just gotten past – or so he thought – the kiss that he should have reciprocated.

Because for all his fears of embarrassing arousal, Barry still wanted to sit next to his best friend. And he did love her. He just had to find a way to tell her without her shutting him down.

“What’s that about not putting on a seatbelt?” Joe asked, as he approached the car.

“Nothing,” the two of them muttered.

“Uh-huh. Backseat. Both of you,” he ordered, and Barry did not think he’d ever seen Iris be so grumpy to sit in the backseat with him before.

Now Barry did stretch his legs out a little bit into the floorspace on Iris’ side. His legs were quite long after all, and he did need them at a certain angle for his wounds, even with antibiotic cream and bandaids couldn’t dim the pain of completely.

“Sorry, Iris,” he mumbled, as Joe started the car. “I guess-”

“No worries,” she insisted brightly, though an I told you so was probably stifled with the rolling eyes she didn’t think he saw.

Iris knew best, he guessed, but he was still glad she was in the back seat with him.

When a good five minutes passed, and Iris hadn’t so much as kept both butt cheeks in her seat, practically plastering herself against the door and sticking her head out the window awkwardly, Barry grew impatient and had to say something.

“Iris.”

She started humming. That, in addition to the wind blowing over her ears and through her wild locks, should’ve been enough to convince him that she couldn’t hear him. And so she wouldn’t be at fault in the least for not responding to his saying her name.

Or at least that’s what she was probably hoping he was thinking, but he was not stupid. Iris had excellent hearing. It was why she insisted she’d be a great cop one day. One of the reasons at least.

“Iris,” he said again, fighting the urge to tense up and pull her all the back into the car.

Touching her was a bad idea, but so was her ignoring him.

She only hummed louder, and that was all the confirmation Barry needed to know it was deliberate.

He kept his fuming at bay, and instead took a risk and reached for her knee. He’d just been planning to briefly touch it to get her attention in a way she couldn’t pretend to be unaware of. But just as his hand hovered over the gentle curve, her head swiftly turned back to look at him, unintentionally wacking her head on the top of the window frame.

“What are you – ow! – doing?” She rubbed her head, coming back inside and hesitantly sitting all the way down on the seat.

“Trying to get your attention,” he said. “Are you okay?” He frowned.

“I’d be just fine if you hadn’t tried to touch me,” she growled, and a moment later she seemed to realize she’d said the words out loud instead of keeping them in her head, because horror flashed across her face. He knew she was afraid she’d ruined everything again.

“Oh, Barry, I didn’t mean-”

“It’s okay, Iris,” he said. “I just uh…your seatbelt, the top part, it isn’t across your-” He started to blush a deep red as he realized his eyes were glued to her chest. He forced his gaze up into her eyes, but that was almost worse. He squeaked when he continued. “It’s behind you. Shouldn’t…Shouldn’t it be in front?” He cleared his throat, so his voice would normalize. “I mean, for safety.”

Iris stared at him as if she hadn’t heard a word he’d just said. Then the words apparently clicked, and she responded.

“Right. Of course.” She forced a smile. “Thanks, Barry.”

“Uh-huh.”

He looked up towards the front and found Joe staring at him through the rearview mirror.

“We almost there, Joe?” he asked, willing the red in his face to disappear at least to a very light pink.

“About halfway,” Joe said. Barry could hear the suspicion in his voice, but he didn’t say anything more, and for that, Barry was grateful.

Iris licked her lips beside him.

“Why don’t you roll down your window, Barry? It’s nice outside.”

“I’m too tall, Iris,” he whined, not bothering to analyze how that made a lick of sense.

Iris frowned but said nothing more and leaned back against her side of the car, not sticking her head out again but not paying attention to Barry either.

Barry decided it was for the best, since he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. He didn’t want her to catch on, so he didn’t watch how the wind blew through the hair framing her face or the slight goosebumps that decorated her arms. No, instead his stayed glued to the knee he’d almost touched and the thighs just above that he imagined were smooth as a baby’s bottom.

An interesting metaphor, but he couldn’t think of another one.

He wanted to touch her.

He wanted to touch her so badly.

And she thought he didn’t like her.

Fuck, he thought, not even feeling guilty when the swear word passed through his mind.

Because truly, fuck.

…

On arrival, Hope Town Mountain did look pretty spectacular.

There were shops and boats and carriage rides, bicyclists and kayakers and shops galore. There was a long road of vendors that ended and began with a large log cabin gift shop that included concessions, and the lake was absolutely stunning as it sparkled in the sun.

Barry knew Iris would want to go shopping, and that he couldn’t go with her because of his knees. He frowned on the realization, because even though he wasn’t particularly fond of carrying a multitude of bags on his arms, he loved seeing Iris buzz with energy and be overcome with the happiness of new discoveries. And he was going to miss that.

“I vote we go boating!” Iris announced, and Barry wondered if she’d seen his downcast face. “You have your boating license, right dad?”

Joe grinned, turning around in his seat after parking the car.

“I sure do. We can take one of the bigger motorboats out into the middle of the lake, and you two can relax while I sleep.”

“Iris, are you sure?” Barry asked. “I mean, we’ve been sitting for half an hour. Don’t you want to stretch your legs? Do some shopping?”

She pushed past it immediately.

“Nope. I can shop any time,” she insisted. “I want you to have a good time too.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but this time Iris stopped him.

“Trust me, my dad does not want to follow me around for an hour while I shop to my heart’s content and he carries my bags.”

“No thank you,” Joe concurred.

Barry managed to laugh at that.

“Alright. Let’s go get a boat then.”

Excited now, Iris grabbed his hands and squeezed them, making his stomach flip and his heart flutter. He swallowed inconspicuously so she wouldn’t notice.

She squealed and released his hands, spilling out of the car with one hop after she unbuckled her belt. He did the same, but it was slower, more gradual, and he winced slightly when he was standing again.

“Is it far?” Barry asked.

Iris frowned. “Just down the way… my Dad will help you.”

Joe stepped out of the car, locked up, and wrapped one of Barry’s arms over his shoulders.

“Come on, son, we’ll get there.”

…

It was a little trickier than expected, and in the end Iris wound up wrapping her arm around Barry’s waist to assist somewhat.

“Oh, Iris, you don’t have to-”

“Shut up, Barry. I’m helping.”

He groaned, hoping her arm wouldn’t slip down to his hip or lower on accident – you never know! Because then he’d be a dead man walking. Or falling rather. Because he would fall, flat on his face.

“Don’t tell that girl no, son,” Joe remarked, chuckling, and Barry wanted to die.

He let them assist to the halfway point though where the first dock on the lake was located. Then Joe left to rent out the boat and get the lifejackets and pull the boat over to this side of the lake so Barry wouldn’t have to walk much farther.

“This is going to be great, Barry. You’ll see.”

He looked over at her and managed a smile with how happy she was acting.

“You’re happy,” he noted.

“Of course I am,” she said. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well…considering the last 24 hours…”

She shook her head. “I’m past that.”

“Are you?”

“Yes, of course.” She looked nervous though. “Why are you even asking?”

“The car ride,” he blurted.

Better to get this out now than later when it could potentially cause problems.

“I just didn’t want you to think I was trying to come on to you again is all,” she mumbled, but Barry heard every word.

“Iris…” He took her hand, and she let him. “We’ve always been close. Since we were kids. It’s not weird for me when you touch me. It’s weird when you don’t.”

She laughed a little nervously, then tucked some of her hair behind her ear.

“Noted.”

She looked up into his eyes and smiled. He looked back, all the love in his heart pouring into his gaze.

God, I just want to tell you…how I feel…how you make me feel!

Then, do it, the ornery voice in his head combatted. And don’t mess it up this time.

“Iris, I…”

He started to lean in before he could tell her what was in his heart, and much to his surprise Iris’ expression wasn’t troubled but elated. She was hopeful, that they were finally on the same page maybe. Or so she hoped. He hoped too. Oh, wouldn’t it be just so perfect if-

A horn blasted just as Barry was about to close his eyes, and a bicyclist sped by. What felt like a millisecond later, Joe drove up in the boat and called out to them.

Barry was still processing the interruption.

“Oh, there he is! And look, we don’t have to walk too far!”

“I-Iris, wait!” he called out after she took off.

“Oh, right, I forgot.”

She came back and helped him to his feet and together they started to hobble over to the dock.

“I was going to” He sucked in a breath. “Tell you” He sucked in another. “Something.”

“So tell me,” she ground out, fighting for her own breath as he put some of his weight on her.

This was how he was going to tell her? With him clumsily bearing his weight down on her as they hopped over to the boat where Joe was waiting for them?

He couldn’t do that. It had to be special.

But what if he waited too long and lost his chance?

He couldn’t do that either.

“Here you go!” Joe flung two lifejackets at them once they reached the dock.

Somewhat agitated, Barry put his on. Iris was in the boat with hers on before he could blink.

His brows furrowed, then he registered both Wests holding their hands out for him to grab onto.

“Come on, son,” Joe said, and Barry refocused on the task of getting into the boat with wounded knees.

It hurt, but he managed it, and soon enough he was sitting with Iris in the front of the boat while Joe steered it out into the huge lake from the back.

“Okay, what were you going to say?” Iris asked, turning to look at her best friend, her eyes gleaming.

“Huh?” Joe called.

“Not you, Dad!” Iris rolled her eyes. “Barry was about to tell me something.”

“Oh, my bad. Carry on.”

Barry felt his face grow hot again. He couldn’t do it like this either. Not with Joe here possibly eavesdropping. And he couldn’t wait till he fell asleep either, could he? A snoring Joe West as background noise to his love confession?

Impossible.

So when Iris shook her head and laughed before sobering up and asked him to tell her again, he knew with every fiber of his being that he was going to ruin it.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” he said, his lips thinning as his eyes avoided hers.

“No, come on, Barry, you can tell me.”

Her eyes pleaded with him to tell her, as if she somehow knew or hoped she knew, and if he didn’t tell her now she was going to doubt his all over again.

He swallowed.

“No, really, Iris. It’s nothing important.”

Her smile fell. “Oh.”

“Nothing that can’t wait,” he said.

She nodded and forced a smile then, taking his hand as she relaxed into the seat and urged him to relax too.

“Friends then.”

He hated, hated, hated himself as he let the word spill out of his mouth.

“Friends.”

...

*will be posted on AO3 and FFnet when beta’d.

[jazzviewswithcj]

A deeper look at Merci Miles: (Warner Records, 2021)

Miles Davis: trumpet; Kenny Garrett: saxophone; Deron Johnson: keyboard; Richard Patterson: bass; Ricky Wellman: drums

By July, 1991 Miles Davis was music royalty.  The previous decade saw him reach a level of popularity and stardom seldom seen in jazz.  By the early 80’s the trumpeter had changed music multiple times, 4 to be exact, with his foray into hip hop, the first recording to be issued after his death Doo Bop (Warner Bros, 1992) , marking the fifth groundbreaking turn in his career.  Prior to his passing from stroke complications in 1991, he maintained a vigorous touring schedule, and the performances of his sextet of the period, the finest late career band he ever led (and arguably one of the best bands of his entire career) were supercharged.  The music captured on the newly released Merci Miles: Live at Vienne (Rhino, 2021) marks the first time anywhere save two YouTube videos the concert has been available in full, and is significant and historically important for two reasons:  it is one of Miles’ final performances in France available legally, and it features two compositions by Prince, the cheeky entendre laden titles “Penetration��� and “Jailbait” that the late icon wrote specifically for Davis.  

The picture of the late singer/composer/multi instrumentalist’s involvement with Davis is much clearer through the release of Prince’s own Sign O’ The Times multi disc mega box set and the official release of “Can I Play With U?” a track originally written by The Purple One during the legendary Rubberband (Rhino, 2018) sessions.   Prince’s track was going to be included on what eventually turned out to be Davis’ first album with his new label, Warner Bros. Tutu (1986) but was eventually shelved.  The track was then slated to be issued in the original, much more substantial The Last Word: The Complete Warner Brothers Recordings box set from the early 2000’s (of which promo copies existed) but was fazed out due to rights issues.

The trumpeter always regarded France warmly, from the time he first set foot on French soil as a 22 year old in 1949.  The country was also where in the late 1950’s he recorded the innovative soundtrack to Elevator To The Gallows or Ascenseur pour l’echafaud director Louis Malle’s smoky noir film of which the trumpeter’s soundtrack, completely improvised featuring a top French rhythm section crystallized some of the ideas the trumpeter later would apply on Kind of Blue (Columbia, 1959).  France was also the setting for the infamous romance with the late French starlet Juliette Greco.  More importantly, France, being the first country to wholeheartedly embrace jazz and recognize creative improvised Black music to be on par with European art music, was ready for whatever Davis brought to the table, instead of the misdirected pining that many fans and critics demonstrated in the U.S. for his past, acoustic centered work.  

Merci Miles was captured on July 1, 1991 at the Jazz a Vienne festival, at a picturesque Roman amphitheater filled to capacity.  7 days later on July 8, Miles would revisit the material from Porgy and Bess, Miles Ahead and Sketches of Spain at the Montreux Jazz Festival  with a double orchestra conducted by Quincy Jones and featuring the late trumpeter Wallace Roney as a second voice alongside occasional spots for alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett.    The appearance featuring this music was followed by an appearance with former band mates in Paris on July 10 (a concert that unfortunately of this writing is  being thieved by bootleggers for album release), and the European swing wrapped up in Nice, France on July 16th.

Miles’ band that July 1st evening, featuring Deron Johnson (who grew up with Miles’ nephew and former drummer Vince Wilburn, Jr) on keyboards; Kenny Garrett on alto saxophone and flute) lead bassist and Parliament alumnus Foley, bassist Richard Patterson, and the late Ricky Wellman on drums were inspired and smoking.

“Hannibal” written by Marcus Miller, which appeared on the group’s latest studio album Amandla (1989) is the high energy set opener, with the rhythm section of Johnson, Patterson and Wellman in perfect sync.  Miles flies free with some solo lines before the head appears, and Kenny Garrett makes his first appearance with a lengthy solo.  Garrett (who has a new Mack Avenue studio album in August) is like a heat seeking missile, the rhythm section responding and creating inner dialogues with him in response to his impassioned, pulpit stirring cries.  Deron Johnson, often alongside with Garrett in taking some of the best solos of the evening, briefly dialogues with Miles before spinning off into his own, substantial solo turn.  Johnson is a complete history of the keyboardist’s who played with the trumpeter and distills everything in his sparkling, distinctive soloing voice, swinging slightly behind the beat against the mightily funky bass and drums underneath.

“Human Nature”, the classic ballad   from Michael Jackson’s Thriller (Epic, 1982) Davis first debuted on You’re Under Arrest (Columbia, 1985).  The sensuous existential track became a blank canvas for the Davis band to paint on nightly.  The trumpeter renders the melody with longing, then gradually shifts into a resourceful solo with a double time sprint.  Within Davis’ solo and the use of Spanish tinged scales, and the colorful keyboard backing, the intense drama of the beautiful arrangements that Gil Evans crafted for Sketches of Spain (Columbia, 1959) which Marcus Miller expanded upon in a sense for the film soundtrack Siesta (Warner Bros, 1989) are clearly felt.  Davis quotes “Nature Boy” and a few other asides before passing the baton to Garrett, who used the tune as a nightly feature for intense late period Coltrane trance like meditation.  Garrett fits in a quote of the old spiritual “Joshua Fit De Battle of Jericho” before rocketing into space; Wellman in particular follows him wherever he goes.  Every now and then Miles jabs some mood setting chords with his Oberheim OBX synth as cues, while Garrett continues to combust.  The saxophonist bursting at the seams as a fragment from the bridge to “Milestones” is used as an ostinato, Davis signals a quick blast with his trumpet and the tune ends.  Garrett brought the audience and listeners at home on a thrill ride.

“Time After Time” , the Cyndi Lauper classic is ushered in as volcanic applause erupts from the audience, nearly drowning  out the music.  For 9 and a half minutes, the show belongs to Davis, as he gently finds all the melodic contours he can in the tune.  Like “Round Midnight” and “My Funny Valentine” of decades past, “Time After Time” became one of Davis’ signature ballads.  He drives his improvisation the same way  as Aretha Franklin, Pavarotti, Bocelli or Carreras would, with a marked sense of passion and timeless beauty.

Disc 1 closes with one of the Prince tunes, “Penetration” where everyone gets off on the raunchy funk.  Davis and Garrett are one during the track, and it truly shows the admiration and border less musicality that both icons would have shared, Davis struts with swagger between melody statements and Johnson rips into his solo with passion, Garrett’s searing alto ups the ante further.  As a contrast, “Jailbait” on disc 2, is a gut bucket blues where both Johnson and Garrett take scintillating solos..

The show closes with “Wrinkle” a wondrous maze of a melody that is awe inspiring when played a top speed, and “Finale” a drum solo feature for Wellman that showcases his patented bass drum triplets while keeping rock solid time on the snare, a sort of shuffle where the bass and snare switch roles, and some lightning samba as well as his signature Go-Go groove.

Sound:

Merci Miles is taken directly from the original tapes recorded and mixed by Patrick Savey and Mastered by John Webber at Air Studios in London.  Similar to Sony/Legacy’s Bootleg Series releases for Davis, the tape is from the official broadcast, in this case captured by the small Zycopolis studios.  Curiously for 1991, the sound is mono which could be due to whatever technical limitations of the tape, but it is very good strong mono.  The Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC manages to wring out very nice separation for the band in the mono soundstage: In particular, Davis trumpet is vibrant, brassy, golden and present.  Richard Patterson’s bass is commanding and takes the center of the sound stage, deep and rich.  Ricky Wellman’s drums are full of gusto, there is a reason his nickname was “Sugarfoot” and you hear that in all it’s glory.  Kenny Garrett’s passion radiates past the speakers, Deron Johnson’s keyboards float above the proceedings and Foley’s lead bass provides a wonderful textural contrast to everything else.

Concluding Thoughts:

The 80’s and early 90’s Miles cannon  has seen relatively scant archival releases versus everything from the 50’s-70’s.  Merci Miles is a welcome document of a band that truly was at the top of it’s game and at the peak of its powers.  Miles Davis, judging from this concert was showing little sign of slowing down in his playing, there is a vitality and joy here that  easily places this alongside his Montreux concerts of the period and the excellent Live Around The World (Warner Brothers, 1996).  A wonderful present honoring the great musical icon thirty years on from his passing.  The CD (reviewed here) and LP packages contain some particularly touching photos in a triple gatefold in the French Flag colors of Miles memorabilia from that final tour provided by Vince Wilburn, Jr and a superb liner essay from noted scholar Ashley Kahn contextualizing the history of the trumpeter’s French sojourns and the event itself, alongside some great photos.  The cover also features some nice embossing of the album title text and Davis’ name.  If there is any doubt about physical media, this album is a compelling case for why it’s so good to OWN a physical copy of an album.

Music: 10/10

Sound: 8.5/10

Equipment used for this review

Audiolab 6000 CDT  transport

Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC

Marantz NR 1200 stereo receiver (as pre amp)

Marantz MM 7025 stereo power amplifier

Focal Chora 826 speakers

Audioquest Forest and Golden Gate cables

[radramblog]

Dear Swamp-Ass... (Pink Lemonade Pt.2)

I was tempted to give up on today and use some of my backup, but I suppose it’s too early to expose y’all to such cursed content. Let’s just wrap this one up. 

6. Dinosaur Boss Battle

Dear Swamp-Ass…

(huh? That’s how we’re starting this one?)

Dinosaur Boss Battle, as its name suggests, is about luddite dinosaurs in a war with cyborgs who are after their bones. Well, the name doesn’t suggest that much, but that’s actually what’s going on here, with the Fool just kinda having this explained to him and being told to get the hell out of dodge. It’s an alternate timeline neither he nor us were expecting, and he manages to escape just as a big ol’ bomb annihilates the last of the dinosaurs, sending him spiralling once again through dimensions.

Sonically, Dinosaur Boss Battle feels a lot like a somewhat chiller equivalent to Pink Lemonade or Neoprene Byzantine, with more use of backing vocals that works really well in its favour. The slower, quieter moments of the song work really well, in particular the…bridge? The bit where everything cuts off and we mostly just have reverb and vocals (“Wanna see my prized pterodactyl?”) that builds into one of the most energetic parts of the song, with the backing vocals at their peak. The last minute of the song is also excellent, with the instruments again cutting back to let the final, almost spoken word, lyrics settle in, before a big, swaggering finale with the bass maintaining a constant rhythm as the lead guitar just kinda goes apeshit.

7. Mauerbauertraurigkeit

I looked it up, and that’s not a real word. Rather, it’s a made-up phrase from the dictionary of obscure sorrows, describing “the inexplicable urge to push people away, even close friends you really like”. Fittingly, the song is a lament about the Fool’s relationship with Verina, realizing his mistake in pushing her away and his loneliness floating through the space between worlds. It’s the most emotional song on the album, feeling as out of place and stranded as the lyrics imply. The vocals are really carrying the track, a subtle echo lending them an emptiness that makes the regret feel all the more real. The instrumentation is sparce, a loose, with a strangely tempo’d percussion and light guitar that eventually crescendos into an outpouring of emotion, before the quiet riffs of the song return to clean everything up. A syncopated (I think that’s what that word means) drumbeat eventually is the only thing that remains, steadily becoming more synthetic and oppressive before fading away as the church bells introducing the next track.

8. Church of the Technochrist

The other single from the album, and probably a better representative of the whole deal than Seeds of Gold. Church of the Technochrist, despite the name, is not Christian Rock, and we’re all thankful for it.

 (I haven’t actually watched/listened to this video as of writing, but I understand it’s pretty different to the album version, so keep that in mind)

In fact, the tune is basically a rocking initiation to a cult that doesn’t exist, promising and seducing with a back and forth between the preacher and the Fool, who’s doubt is questioned by sinister backing vocals. Like many of the tracks on the album, Church of the Technochrist is a psychedelic energetic banger, that steadily builds into an explosive climax- in this case, the final ravings of the preacher- and does an excellent job of doing so. This build, however, is interrupted by a slow section, in this case representative of the Fool’s realisation that the Church isn’t quite what he thought he was getting into, aborting the upload process midway and sending him once again into isolation as he is rejected by the church he turned his back on. To be fair, brain uploading religions don’t tend to go well from the fiction I’ve seen. I don’t have as much to write on this one, but it’s a banger, and probably the track to listen to on its own if you want a taste of what this album sounds like as a whole.

9. Beckon Fire

Like Mauerbauertraurigkeit before it, Beckon Fire is a sombre track, easily the most downtempo tune in the package. It’s not really one I’d listen to outside of the context of the album at large, however. It’s mostly just fuzzed-out vocals over a simple repetitive loop, supported by what I assume are strings, and I will admit a soft spot for sad strings TM in my rock songs. Calling this a rock song my be a stretch, but despite this it doesn’t feel unnatural in the listing. Actually, as I listen to it while writing this, I find myself appreciating it more than ever, and I can’t quite explain why.

Plotwise, this is the Fool’s final lament. He’s stuck in a desert wasteland, wandering, realising the mistakes of his delusional quest for enlightenment, and finally accepting the death that the desert brings him. Just as he’s about to die, and his despair is replaced with elation, his eyes open again aaaaaaand-

10. Happy Days

Oh, that’s a good sign. Ok so the Fool finds himself in the alley all the way back from Pink Lemonade, everything between then and now being a whole-ass trip from the eponymous hallucinogen. Before him is Verina, who he’s realised is the enlightenment he was searching for all along and rejoices as his quest is over and he’s found a way to be truly happy. This song, therefore, is the happy ending to this whole trip of an album.

This song is just a ball, feeling like the light side of the edgy coin that is most of the bigger songs of the album. It’s unrelenting positivity, with backing vocals here supporting rather than questioning or tearing down, like something you’d hear out of a Meatloaf song. Parts of the bridge, where you get both lead and backing vocals coalescing into a swelling high note, sound downright divine (she’s coming on home and I’m kissing the face of infinityyyYYYY). It’s a powerful theme that feels earned, a stark contrast to the melancholy of the previous tracks, and it feels like the perfect way to close the album- especially as the song ends with the guitar fuckery that’s the trademark of the band, but like, in a major key or something, Iunno it just sounds more positive.

11. ピンク レモネード (Pink Lemonade, but in Japanese)

Psyche, the album’s not over yet. This, however, feels more like a bonus track than anything, and the band’s vocalist has described as like the credits rolling for the album. It’s completely different to anything else on the album, being a chiptune of all things, with guest singers going off in Japanese about…uh… the story, I think? I don’t speak the language, obviously. The song itself is pretty adorable and cheery, but again I wouldn’t really put it on outside of as the finisher to the album as a whole.

The eerie last minute of the track is apparently (again, it’s in Japanese) supposed to be a bit of last-minute horror, as the Brahmatron yawns once again, revealing that even this level of reality is subject to its whims, and as time loops in on itself the singers argue in confusion about what the fuck is going on, before a final yawn ends the album like an old TV being switched off. I’m sure this would work better if I understood the conversation, but I sure don’t and I haven’t been able to find a translation anywhere, so I’m just going based on what the writer has explained it as.

 As a whole, Pink Lemonade is an album that I think really represents a unique point in the genre, or clash of genres. I don’t think I’ve heard anything like it, even in Closure in Moscow’s previous work, and that would be merit enough on its own, but it helps that it’s really good. Like, I don’t know how well I communicated how much I adore this album. Top 10 for sure. Give it a listen if you think you’re up for it, and if you have already, I dunno, do it again? Or maybe listen to First Temple, their first album. They were supposed to have a new project out last year, but 2020 did 2020 things, so we’ll have to wait and see. Until then. Whenever that is.

[wewererogue]

Elminster's Guide to the Realms: Nurneene's Marvelous Masks

[by Ed Greenwood, illustrated by David Day / Dragon #321, July 2004 - via]

For years, the most stylish and spectacular masks worn at revels in Waterdeep have been made and sold at Nurneene’s Marvelous Masks. Nurneene’s is a tiny, almost demurely hidden shop that stands on the east side of the Street of Bells in Waterdeep’s Castle Ward. Better known for its colorful proprietress and her wares than as a flashy landmark, Nurneene’s is also notorious for the mask in its display window - and increasingly for rumors of its connection to the god Mask, Master of All Thieves and Lord of Shadows.

What Meets the Eye

This shop rises four floors above street level and has a peaked roof (with a porthole window opening into an attic) that makes it seem even taller. It’s only about 10 feet wide, and it’s jammed between two other, larger shops set a foot or two back from the sweet with glittering facades of lamps, angled mirrors, and mannequins clad in stylish gowns. The front of Nurneene’s is sheathed in fieldstone, and its upper floors each have a single shuttered window. These windows are all closed and barred from within; only the uppermost is ever opened, and then only in the hottest summer weather. A tiny, round door is located in the pinnacle of the eaves, where the steep slope of the roof reaches its peak. Like many Waterdhavian shops that abut neighboring structures, the entire roof is sloped not just from side to side, but also canted so that its side-gutters are markedly higher at the street-front wall, draining away to downspouts in the rear.

The storefront of Nurneene’s is taken up by a door and a display window. Through the window, the same thing can always be seen: cream-hued muslin rising in a smooth drape from the counter it covers to a valance. Between the valance and this backdrop hang three lanterns. They illuminate a row of black wooden letters set individually on the cloth-covered counter to spell “Nurneene” and “Masks,” and a floating black cloth half-mask that hangs in the air beneath the lights, turning slightly as if an invisible wearer is scrutinizing passersby.

This effect is so eerie and pronounced - the mask moves rapidly forward to peer at some individuals - that many Waterdhavians refuse to pass by the shop. A street roustabout given to bouts of drinking and violence once loudly declared his intention to “get rid of that haunted mask shop,” and hurled a cobblestone through its window in the darkest hours of a winter night, intending to follow it with a burning brand. The tale of what befell next has spread all over Waterdeep, as one of the many whispered snippets of local lore: The mask lunged at the would-be arsonist, nearly smothered the man, and chased him through the streets until the man was wrestled to a halt by a Watch patrol.

The ground floor of the shop is the showroom and wrapping area, with a “buying corner” at the back. Showrooms (with closets of angled mirrors for a client to stand amid) and storage drawers for standard models of masks are on the second floor. Cutting rooms containing softwood heads with pins, shears, dyeing pans, and drying stretch frames fill the two topmost floors. The uppermost floor also has some beds for workers to sleep in and a hipbath. The attic above is used to store old furniture, shop records over a decade old, and the like. The cellars are used to store bolts of cloth (wrapped in linen covers and hanging from the rafters on angled end-hooks).

The Lurking Mask

In appearance, the black floating mask - dubbed “the Lurking Mask” by someone long ago - looks like this,

except that it’s unusually thick and large enough that only a titan or giant could actually wear it as a facial cover. The mask is a dark purple that appears black in most lighting conditions.

Some time ago, Nurneene worked as an apprentice in a mask-making shop somewhat larger (but less prestigious) than her own store. Clearly more skillful than any other apprentice (and some say even her master), Nurneene toiled in the back of the shop, creating mask after splendid mask, for which her master took full credit.

One day, after Nurneene had lived this life for several years, an ancient-looking man returned to the shop (having purchased one of Nurneene’s skillfully rendered masks for a ball) in search of the one who had created it. When Nurneene’s master took credit for the handiwork, the man scoffed and demanded the truth. Flustered, the mask-maker brought out Nurneene and presented her to the ancient man, who promised someday to reward her for her excellent craft.

Several years later, as Nurneene watched the dream of her own shop crumble down around her, the ancient-looking man called upon her and promised to bring in more customers than she alone could handle. He instructed her to make a large mask with the same attention to detail of her normal masks and clear out her front window. When he returned a few days later, he set the mask in the empty front window and cast a number of spells upon it. Before Nurneene’s eyes, the mask rose into the air and took the position it has maintained ever since.

The mask is a Small animated object permanently enchanted with animate objects and fly spells. It is programmed to hover in the window, to peer at passersby, and to guard the shop and itself if one or the other is attacked. The animated mask also obeys simple verbal commands from Nurneene. Only once has anyone ever successfully dispelled the permanent spells on the mask, but the mask regained its enchantments in a few days.

Nurneene and the Lord of Shadows

The proprietress of the most highbrow mask shop in Waterdeep is a skilled seamstress and crafter of masks, with a true genius for cutting, steaming, and binding materials to obtain a desired shape. Many of her masks soar like crowns or support shells or side-wings that alter the perceived shape of the wearer’s head. Scaled, plush, metallic, or satinlike, the surface finish of her creations is exquisite.

Nurneene is also patient, a diplomat used to handling arrogant and difficult clients, and a good teacher. Her small but loyal staff of six fitters and mask-crafters have, under her tutelage, acquired skills almost to match her own. The two men and four women who work for her can all serve in the shop and make masks; Nurneene simply divides their time so the most beautiful women do the most meeting of clients, and the less attractive plus their male counterparts do more of the backroom work.

Petite and graceful, Nurneene has white skin, russet hair, and large green eyes. Her voice is husky and inclined to rasp when raised, so she’s adopted a quiet, murmuring mode of speech. In recent years, she’s increasingly retired from public view, gliding regally out from a curtained alcove behind the buying-counter when patrons become difficult. If real trouble erupts, she summons her other staff with a handbell. Nurneene’s male staff are both rogues (LE male human Rog3) chosen for their strength and swiftness; they are customarily armed with-and skilled in the use of daggers, darts, saps, and slings.

Some years ago, Nurneene fell in with some thieves who hired her to make masks that would conceal lockpicks, flexible saw-knives, and poisoned darts. She was excited by their exploits but wise enough to know she’d never be more than adequate at actual thievery - and could make a better and safer living as a fence, coin-cleaner (Note from Elminster: Ye would say “money launderer.”), and procurer of supplies for thieves wanting to keep out of sight for a time. She became an avid fan of the city’s thieves, fascinated by their deeds and hungry for news of their unfolding plots and exploits. This knowledge in turn made her dangerous to them - but she saw a way to justify her curiosity about Waterdhavian thievery, stay alive, and even hold some power in Waterdeep’s shady underworld: becoming a cleric of Mask.

To do so, Nurneene sacrificed her wealth and herself to a cold and cruel priest of the Lord of Shadows named Hathrel. As her master, he commanded the building of a chapel to Mask in the deepest cellars beneath her shop (at Nurneene’s expense), and set her to the task of acquiring poisons that would slay paralyze, blind, deafen, or cause slumber. By ongoing sales of these substances, Hathrel hoped to become truly rich. Unfortunately, he didn’t consider Nurneene’s distaste for handling such substances, and he misjudged how her hatred of him had grown to outstrip her fascination and fear. In Skullport, he fell victim to the poisons he’d ordered her to procure, leaving the mask-maker to take control of the small flock of thieves who worshiped at the chapel.

Now grown in number to sixteen or so, these worshipers are almost all street thieves. They have come to love Nurneene, who gives them shelter, food, encouragement, hiding-places for themselves and their loot, and even clothing and bathing facilities - all in return for their “confessions.” So long as they tell her all, she makes them welcome, never demands offerings to Mask or coins for her services (although the devout who can afford it do leave temple offerings), and shares news and gossip she thinks will be of benefit to them.

For her part, Nurneene (NE female human Clr6/Mask1/Exp6/Rog1) has found a satisfying purpose in life (beyond creating ever-wilder masks for rich and frivolous fools). She’s come to truly believe in Mask, and now spends hours praying before his altar, seeking inspiration and guidance. Already she’s been rewarded with visions that directed her to where Hathrel had hidden a scroll, and she has been told in whispers by a hooded dream-figure to “weave schemes and plots to make thieves of Waterdeep’s wealthy and powerful.”

Elminster’s Notes

Know ye that Nurneene bids fair to become a real power in Waterdeep if no ill befalls her. She’s clever enough not to let greed rule her. If the thieves who obey her can manage to do the same, she might well guide them in a sophisticated and subtle series of intrigues and thefts that earns far more coin than even the most spectacularly bold “snatch job” … and do so unnoticed, mayhap for years.

As for her plots, I can reveal that she’s already begun spreading rumors among young noble wastrels - knowing very well that they’ll whisper them to their friends - of a secret society of Deep Lords they might be able to join if they contact the right folk in Skullport and successfully undertake the missions they’re given. Being a Deep Lord, the whispers say, will bring riches and in some few years real power, as the Deep Lords begin to subvert the Lords of Waterdeep and ultimately come to rule the city.

Now, only foolish nobles are likely to believe they could ever hold real power when dealing with illithids, drow, and worse from the Realms Below … but then again, Nurneene won’t be the first cunning person to profit from the naiveté of others.

She’s also busily trying to arrange a warehousing cartel and a corruption of the tax clerks of Castle Waterdeep. When she feels in need of a little entertainment, her own concealing creations allow her to attend revels in costume, posing as visiting nobility. Dalliances there often allow her to collect a few gems from young, impressionable noblemen without even going to the trouble of thievery. Not bad for a mask-maker, eh? (68)

[letterboxd]

Yes, SXSW, Yes.

Of all the film festivals in the world, SXSW has the highest annual number of Letterboxd members in attendance. (Shout out to the Austin Film Society, whose members are O.G. Letterboxd fans.)

With the festival having just wrapped up, we’ve stalked your ranked lists, reviews and ratings to boldly announce an official top 10 of narrative features that had world premieres at SXSW 2019.

(For comparison, see last year’s top 10, featuring several films that went on to have a decent shelf-life, including A Quiet Place and Thunder Road, which is finally rolling out to cinemas in the UK, NZ and Australia over the next few months.)

Without further ado, and with on-the-ground audience reportage from our West Coast correspondent Dominic Corry, we present our Top 10 SXSW Premieres for 2019:

Booksmart Directed by Olivia Wilde

Unquestionably the most talked about film of the festival, Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut, based on a script that has been floating around for a while (it appeared on the Black List, a list of the hottest unproduced screenplays in Hollywood, in 2009), seemed to absolutely, happily destroy its audience. According to Elle, the coming-of-age tale is “a whipsmart and genuinely heartwarming film”, while also being “vulgar and obscene in nature”.

Booksmart was one of two well received SXSW films (alongside Good Boys) for which Superbad (2007) is a clear touchstone. Close observers will note that Beanie Feldstein, who stars in Booksmart alongside Kaitlyn Dever (and is one of our Lady Bird faves), is Superbad star Jonah Hill’s sister.

Us Directed by Jordan Peele

SXSW’s reputation as a taste-maker for genre films was recognized this year by Jordan Peele, who selected it as the launch pad for his eagerly anticipated follow-up to the phenomenon that was 2017’s Get Out. Letterboxd member Tasha Robinson says the film is “arguably scarier” than Get Out, while David Ehrlich counters that the film is “a lot funnier than it is frightening—a horror movie for a world in which real life is scary enough on its own”.

The Peanut Butter Falcon Directed by Tyler Nilson, Michael Schwartz / Winner: Narrative Spotlight Audience Award

Shia LaBeouf, who’s having a hell of a year so far, co-stars in this Mark Twain-referencing drama as a minor outlaw/crab fisherman attempting to help Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a man with Down syndrome, get to a wrestling academy after the latter absconds from the nursing home where he lives. Tom Grey called it “a touching, charming and nice little film to watch, with strong performances and a lovely relationship between Shia LaBeouf and Zack Gottsagen”.

The Art of Self-Defense Written and directed by Riley Stearns

Stearns’ heavily stylized follow-up to 2014’s Faults stars Jesse Eisenberg as a meek office drone who gets mugged and seeks self-empowerment guidance from a karate sensei named… Sensei (a revelatory Alessandro Nivola). Guaranteed, if not outright designed, to be divisive, it combines deathly dark humor with unexpected jolts of violence while examining the extremes of modern masculinity. Your Letterboxd correspondent is still getting his head around this one. Jacob Knight perhaps said it best when he wrote the following: “Cobra Kai got wild after they let Yorgos Lanthimos start directing episodes”. We spoke to Stearns about the film at SXSW—keep an eye out for that interview closer to the film’s general release.

Alice Directed by Josephine Mackerras / Winner: Narrative Feature Grand Jury Award

Mackerras’ French-language film took the top narrative prize at SXSW, and it’s being praised for its honest depiction of a woman who turns to prostitution after her husband’s addiction to escorts leaves her and her child penniless. Garrett McDowell says the film “offers an acute examination of a motherhood as well as systemic and social gender disparity”.

Yes, God, Yes Written and directed by Karen Maine

Karen Maine has expanded her 2017 short film of the same title into a feature-length “massive home run”, according to Kelley. “It’s quick-witted and hysterical and infuriating and all-too-relatable for an incalculable amount of people.”

Villains Directed by Dan Berk, Robert Olsen

Maika Monroe (It Follows) and Bill Skarsgård (revealing a very different side to the one he showcased as Pennywise in It) star in this twisty thriller as a pair of young criminals on the run who get in over their heads when seeking refuge in a seemingly normal suburban home. For Jack, it was “the biggest surprise of the fest—witty, entertaining and surprisingly heartfelt”. Elle called it “a truly stylish and sleek caper dramedy”. Stay tuned for an interview with directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, right here, very soon.

Extra Ordinary Directed by Mike Ahern, Enda Loughman

This Irish comedy starring Maeve Higgins (and Will Forte as… a satanist) “powers on with such confidence and vision and never breaks it for anything”, according to Andrew. “Taika Waititi meets Yorgos Lanthimos,” writes Griffin.

Saint Frances Directed by Alex Thompson / Winner: Narrative Feature Audience Award

Like Alice, a fellow winner in the Narrative Feature section, Saint Frances seeks to portray the societal pressures faced by women that often go unacknowledged in cinema. Kelly O’Sullivan (who also wrote the film) stars as Bridget, who accepts a job nannying the titular six-year-old (Ramona Edith-Williams) after undergoing an abortion. “Delightful, even when melancholic. Ramona Edith-Williams is a star in the making,” writes Andy.

Boyz in the Wood Directed by Ninian Doff / Winner: Midnighters Audience Award

Teenage boys on a hike in the Scottish Highlands come under perilous threat in this SXSW favorite that Leon Brill calls “a fun romp through the highlands with a little bit of horror for sport”. William Lindus adds: “The laughs are great, the drug trip sequences are bonkers, and the characters surprisingly endearing”. Josh H must also be recognized for his characterization of the film as “The Hills Have Ayes”.

Honorable mentions

Seth Rogen/Charlize Theron rom-com Long Shot, the Seth Rogen-produced ‘Superbad for 12-year-olds’ Good Boys, and Harmony Korine’s The Beach Bum, in which Matthew McConnaughey reverts to his early-2000s persona, all received positive notices at the fest, which is famous for the generosity of its comedy audiences.

Most divisive

At the time of writing, Daniel Isn’t Real, which sounds like a combination of Drop Dead Fred and American Psycho, had received the widest spectrum of ratings and reviews, which excites us. “As much of a mind bender as they come… H.P. Lovecraft would be proud” writes SlasherReviews. “Some interesting effects and a cool use of color in the cinematography but boy were there a whole bunch of lens flares,” adds Nick. Daniel Isn’t Real won the Excellence in Poster Design award at the SXSW Film Awards (designed by the legendary Jock from 4twenty).

How we picked

Because the number of Letterboxd members who were a) at SXSW, b) managed to get to multiple screenings, and c) rated and/or reviewed those films was variable, we compiled this list based on world premiere status, ratings, reviews, tags, appearances in lists, awards received and general noise (on social media and elsewhere) from our community.

[brianbraunduin]

The Daily Struggle

You ever go on a super prolonged losing streak in Magic? I'm talking months and months...maybe even years. It's happened to me a few times before. During those periods, everything is incredibly confusing. I play a tournament and lose repeatedly to the best deck. I play the best deck and lose repeatedly to brews. I follow the generally accepted best practice sideboard plan for the mirror match and lose repeatedly to my opponents all doing a different sideboard plan considered "inferior." I then adopt and try the "inferior" plan and lose repeatedly to people just doing the normal thing.

During this period of time it is incredibly difficult to figure out what is going wrong. Am I playing bad? Am I choosing bad decks? Am I getting unlucky? You isolate and correct one problem--I'll play the same deck as my buddy--and then they crush the next tournament and you fail. So then it must mean I'm playing badly, right? But when that same buddy watches you play he thinks you're playing great. So it's variance, surely? But how likely is it that you lose at your current rate for a super prolonged duration off of variance alone? Not particularly. It must then be a combination of factors, you say, but then how do you correct for something you can't isolate and work on to fix?

This is how I currently feel about my personal mental health. I've been depressed for about 14 months now. It ebbs and flows, but ultimately it keeps coming back. If anything, it's worse now than it's ever been.

I keep thinking I've pinpointed the reason for my depression and that if I correct for that thing, I'll start to get better.

I thought it was loneliness. I felt all alone in Virginia. I moved to Seattle with Brad and Amber and now I have roommates that I interact with regularly and daily. I'm not lacking for social interaction with humans if I want it. Yet I don't feel any less lonely than I did before. I feel trapped inside my own head; that nobody else but me will ever truly understand me as a person. That is a sobering and lonely thought.

I thought it was social media. I think social media breeds depression. There are two extremes to social media. One is that you see people posting about themselves at their best moments. It's easy to compare yourself unfavorably to the constant images of people having better moments than you do and become depressed about how your life sucks in comparison. Personally, I don't think this is the problem for me. I trained myself a long time ago to not compare myself to others but rather compare myself only to where I want myself to be. I think I am actually successful at doing this.

Because of that, I thought I was safe from this aspect of social media. But I was wrong, because it goes deeper than that. The next level for me was realizing how fake it all is. The internet is full of people rising to fame by potraying a fake and glamorized version of themselves and if you dwell on that reality it can breed into cynicism that poisons your mind. I'm incredibly cynical right now. My mind has been poisoned.

The other extreme of social media is the extreme negatives. You also see the worst of humanity. War, hunger, people tearing each other down, distrusting each other, yelling at each other, mocking each other, gatekeeping, abuse of power, mob justice, cancel culture taken to excess, are all also omnipresent online. This, I can say for sure, has definitely poisoned my mentality significantly. I don't think it's possible to be exposed to this level of negativity day after day after day and have it not affect your mindset in some capacity.

I had to get away from social media. I couldn't take one more controversy where everyone piled on to the point of excess, where all nuance was lost, and where people just screamed at and blocked each other at the first sign of tension. I just was not strong enough mentally to deal with watching it even if I didn't take part in it myself. I couldn’t take one more story where yet another massive injustice occurred. It had become too much for my mind to take.

I thought that was the source of my depression. It was not. I've been mostly off of Twitter for about 3 weeks or so now, maybe close to a month at this point, and while my day to day productivity has increased massively and while I no longer experience the extreme frustration I had at social media, it has not cured me of my depression...or really made a significant dent in it. My life is better, but my mental health is not.

In fact, like my initial analogy, it has only bred confusion for me. On one hand, I think it's valuable to cut ties with things that are negative influences on your life, and social media definitely is a huge negative. On the other hand, I've learned time and time again in my past that running from my problems is not a viable solution. Cutting off ties to the outside world around me or the Magic community that has been a huge part of my life for years is certainly running away from my problems. It's a temporary band aid and I'd be far better off in the long run just facing my problems and plowing through them, no matter how hard it is.

I think boiled down, I just can't seem to handle people's lack of empathy and base selfishness. I'm not even trying to escape blame here. I can be just as much of a piece of shit as everyone else is. The lack of empathy on social media is astounding. Even people who claim to be empathetic and care about making the community/world better mostly just do lip service to the idea and don't care about anything that doesn't affect them personally or are completely unwilling to consider things from viewpoints other than their own. Worse yet, people use controversy as a launch board for their personal brand. It's easy, even for well meaning people, to seek out and amplify controversy if it helps their bottom line. I’ve been guilty of all these sins myself, plenty of times. But still, seeing this play out day after day has completely eroded my faith in people and I don't know how to get that faith back. I question regularly whether humanity is redeemable in any way.

That brings me to my next point of confusion. I believe I'd be way happier in my life if I just didn't care about any of that and lived in my own bubble and never engaged with social media ever again. But I can't make myself not care, and I feel personally responsible to use my platform to stand up for what I think is right and try to create a better place. The guilt I feel from running away from it all adds up. I've spent weeks now trying to divorce myself from the problems of the world around me but I'm not sure I can escape it. I waffle daily between a desire to find happiness living my life isolated from the problems of the world and feeling an obligation to engage myself with those problems, even if it spits me out a bitter, sad, defeated man in the end.

On the flip side, I find myself simultaneously unable to care about things that I should be passionate about. I don't care about how well I do in Magic events, even though I'm currently at the peak of my Magic career. I don't care if I succeed or fail in my career. I don't know if I'm capable of caring about other human beings on the personal level that I see other people exhibit. Somehow I've managed to both care too much and not be able to care enough about things at the same time.

Another potential cause of my depression that I thought might be "the one" was my body. I've battled with weight my entire life. People who knew me 5 years ago will note that I've gained a lot of weight since then. People who knew me 10 years ago will see that at one point I lost over 100 pounds, and then over the course of 6 years, I've gained most of it back, with lots of ups and downs in the mix.

For two weeks now I've been dieting and exercising regularly, without breaking routine or slipping. This has greatly improved how I've viewed myself. I always feel guilty eating unhealthy food. Avoiding the shame and self-loathing that comes with shoving your face with junk food has been excellent. I feel better physically and I feel great about myself for finally mustering the motivation to do this. Hasn't lessened my depression, though.

Another potential cause for my depression is a lack of intimacy. I'm not talking about sex, I'm talking about personal intimacy that comes with a close relationship. To be honest, I still think this might be it, or at least a massive factor, but as time goes on and all the other areas in my life I've changed fail to even put a dent in my depression, I'm growing skeptical. I want to start throwing myself into the dating ring, but I feel guilty, because I don't honestly know if I am capable of reciprocating caring about someone else anywhere close to the level they would potentially care about me. I'm also cynical about the chances of success in finding someone I'm interested in and not sure I have it in me to try and fail repeatedly in the process of getting there.

The last potential cause for my depression is a lack of a mission. I feel purposeless. I feel a sense of listlessness--that I'm just floating through life and not actually accomplishing anything or doing anything other than ticking down the days till my body eventually stops functioning and I die. I want a goal. I want something to work toward, something with real, true meaning, and the feeling that I'm actually doing something useful on my way there. Much like the intimacy thing, I also strongly think this might be "it."

The likelihood, however, is that my depression is probably a combination of a ton of factors. Loneliness, lack of intimacy, weight, abject despair at the state of humanity and the world around me, social media depression, no purpose, and so forth all factor in. But that brings me back to the initial analogy. At that point, how do I figure out how to break through the morass of it all? It's so confusing and daunting. I think about this all the time and I can never come to a meaningful breakthrough. My life is a constant shift between a state of giving up on everything and not caring about anything vs a state of caring too much about everything. I constantly bounce between the idea that if I cared less I'd be happier and the idea that if I cared more I'd be happier. This happens multiple times throughout each day, and it's all incredibly confusing to me.

Honestly, I think something is wrong with my brain. I don't know what it is, but I think my brain is straight up broken. I've been putting it off for a while now, but I made the decision earlier this week to find and go to a professional for help, assuming I'll ever be able to muster up the motivation to go. I'm honestly skeptical they can fix me, but it's frankly irresponsible for me to not try.

For what it's worth, I have no desire or thoughts of self-harm in any way. I also don't feel negatively toward myself. I don't blame myself for my current state at all. If anything, I have a fairly positive self-image. I know I'm trying as hard as I can to fix my life. I also remain optimistic that I can get out of this eventually.

But goddamn it's fucking depressing to go through every day with a sense of aimless hopelessness seemingly without end. My depression is fucking depressing me. I just want it to be over. I want to experience what happiness is like once again. I know it exists. It's been a while, but I've been there before.

[billehrman]

Buffett and Munger Are Licking Their Chops

The financial markets have been under immense pressure ever since Trump announced that he would be raising tariffs to 25% on the initial $250 billion of Chinese exports to the U.S. on May 10th while also threatening to impose 25% tariffs on the remaining $300 billion of Chinese exports by the end of June unless substantive movement was made in trade negotiations. His administration then threw down the gauntlet by blacklisting Huawei from dealing with our technology companies threatening China 2025. Trump went all in.

The simple truth is that no one knows what the eventual outcome will be to the trade conflict so traders run for cover as the pundits/experts remind us all throughout the day how bad things could get: The sky is falling! As you would guess, cash levels have gone through the roof; investor sentiment has plummeted and even investors are frozen despite historically cheap valuations. Markets hate uncertainty! Bearishness is everywhere which is consistent with market bottoms, not tops. Our market remains undervalued… we see no recession, we see a friendly Fed and we buy great companies with rising earnings, cash flow/ free cash flow with above market dividend yields (far above 10-year treasury yields) and large share repurchase programs.

We think Buffett and Munger must be licking their chops right about now as the earnings yield on stocks as an asset class has further widened its gap to bond yields.

We also know that one tweet could turn things around. So, what to do? While we spent a lot of time over the last few weeks putting the trade war in perspective as exports from China are a tiny sliver of our economy and theirs too, we recognize that it is newsy to embellish the worst-case scenarios which we deem unlikely. We are bombarded all day about the downside risks of the trade war without discussing any of the long-term positives. Do you think that Buffett and Munger listen to CNBC?

We are most concerned about the near-term uncertainties/disruptions all of this creates for consumers and businesses around the world. Clearly companies will accelerate shifting their supply chains and may already have begun buying as much as possible ahead of the June 30th possible cutoff points. And consumers, seeing the possibility of higher tariffs filtering through to higher consumer prices later in the year may buy early altering their historic patterns. It could be a great fall but miserable Christmas for retailers.

The hike to 25% tariffs is a one-off event. It won’t happen again next week or next year. In the meantime, prices hiked for higher tariffs will come down over time as supply chains are shifted out of China and demand will recover quickly. In the end, higher tariffs may be deflationary and stimulate growth. How ironic! An investor, like a company, must take a long-term view making only some small changes along the way to preserve/redirect capital to benefit overall performance. It’s hard playing the long ball sometimes, but we can assure you that Buffett/Munger know that compounding returns over time is the key to success. They measure their success over decades, not years nor months nor days. And they have done pretty well.

The greatest opportunities come at times like this. Are you an investor or a trader?  We can only imagine that Buffett and Munger are looking at the chance to finally commit billions buying stocks and hopefully companies at bargain prices as others panic out of fear. Both of them love to buy as stocks are falling.  Is Apple a better buy at $178 or $210? Munger has probably added to his Chinese holdings big time too which have been hit fallen more than stocks here. They truly look longer term over the valley when everyone is looking in the abyss. They look at the long-term potential for each investment and compare it to its current cost/intrinsic long-term value to come to an estimate of future returns. We try to do that, but we don’t have the Buffett/Munger advantage of having the float of a huge insurance company balance sheet to invest. So, we raised a lot of cash and shifted the composition of our portfolios weeks ago taking some risk off to be in position to take advantage as others panic.

Our one disagreement with Buffett/Munger and the Fed is that we feel that low inflation is NOT transitory therefore the stock market multiple today is way too low. That’s a biggie!

One side note about the recent decline of the markets: while the averages may not have declined much from their recent highs, take a look under the hood and you will find devastation in many sectors of the market, especially if there is any Chinese exposure like semis. As we mentioned weeks ago when we took cash to over 17% of our assets by first selling anything with Chinese exposure and then reducing sectors that were dependent on an acceleration in global growth which we had thought would take place with a trade deal. Yes, we shifted our view!  We added defensive stocks with stable growth/high dividend yields, technology and some additional special situations all with great managements, winning strategies, huge free cash flow, and not penalized much, if at all, by higher Chinese tariffs.

Let’s take a quick look at some of the data points reported last week which for the most part came out on the weaker than expected side:

1.) We were most disappointed with the Fed notes which came out last week. The Fed is one step behind on both the prospects for the U.S. economy and inflation. The Fed is standing pat expecting the economy to do fine and inflation to pick up. Wrong on both counts especially if trade tariffs are increased on all Chinese exports. Low inflation is NOT transitory. We continue to believe that the December Fed rate hike was NOT justified and needs to be reversed. The Fed failed to acknowledge in their notes the impact of our rates on the dollar which continues to soar as the yield differential widens with rates abroad. The U.S. economy needs lower short rates and a weaker dollar. We expect the Fed to lower rates BEFORE the fall.

It was reported last week that U.S. manufacturing survey slumped to a 9-year low in May. In addition, the services index fell to a 39-month low. Both numbers remained over 50 indicating growth continues albeit slowly. New orders for manufactured durable goods fell 1.1% in April after rising 1.7% in March, shipments fell 1.6% after a 0.5% March decrease and unfilled orders declined 0.1% after rising 0.1% the month before. Finally, new home sales declined in April although up nearly 7% from a year ago.

While we have lowered our second-quarter GNP to 1.5%, consumer spending is likely to have accelerated to 2.5% gain from the first quarter. We cannot see the economy really accelerating much beyond 2.25% in the second half of the year led by the consumer without a resolution on trade. We still believe that 2020 will be a better year as Trump pulls out all stops to win the election…. that may include several trade deals. You can bet on it!

2.) The big news out of Europe was the resignation of Theresa May as Prime Minister of Britain after continuing to fail backing for the Brexit divorce agreement. If a hard Brexit occurs, it is not good for anyone. We continue to have a bleak outlook for all of the Eurozone without major financial, fiscal and regulatory reforms. What more can the ECB do at this time? Nada!

Economic activity continues to weaken in the Eurozone and growth is likely to be less than 0.3% in the second quarter and less in subsequent quarters. European stocks are statistically cheap for a reason.

3.) Japan’s economy is not much better than Europe’s. Manufacturing activity fell back into contraction in May as exports fell at the fastest pace in four months. We do not believe that Prime Minister Abe will move forward on raising the sale tax in October although he says that he will. Japan’s economy, as is others, are tied to the success of trade talks with the U.S. and China. We would avoid investing here until we know more on trade.

4.) The re-election of Prime Minister Modi and his government was a real bright spot last week. We continue to favor investing in India as we have all year.

A successful investor, like Buffett and Munger, take the long view investing in great companies when others panic not discriminating amongst investments. Management is the key. Why not listen to both the Home Depot and Lowe’s quarterly conference calls and discern for yourself which one you would want to own longer term? A hint…we own HD! Also listen to Target and Kohl’s quarterly conference calls. Another hint…. we have owned TGT!

We do NOT buy the market. We buy stocks in companies that can excel in any environment. When these stocks go down caught in trading programs, it is an opportunity to add to them at better prices. Buffett/Munger do and say the same thing every time. Maintaining excess liquidity, staying disciplined and being patient are necessities during stressful times like this.

Buffett/Munger are licking their chops as stock prices are falling into their buy zones.

We need to be thankful/remember those who sacrificed their lives for our way of life.

We have added to our defensive stocks that would not be hurt from higher Chinese tariffs…mainly health care and consumer related. We have also added to domestic sectors that benefit from lower interest costs… mostly housing related. And we have added to technology companies that drive security and productivity returns far above the buyer’s cost of capital. While we have reduced our financials somewhat due to Fed’s stubborn stance, we like the sector very much as it is significantly undervalued relative to intrinsic value. And we keep adding to and finding new special situations which are individually unique and have nothing to do with the economy. We have reduced holdings in areas hurt by higher tariffs and lower global growth. Cash is up! We own no bonds and are flat the dollar which will remain strong until the Fed cuts rates.

Remember to review all the facts; pause, reflect and consider mindset shifts; look always at your asset mix with risk controls; do independent research… and

Invest Accordingly!

Bill Ehrman

Paix et Prospérité LLC

[mainskr]

Matco jump starters

She’s not a volcanic belter like Whitney or Mariah or Aretha, but her falsetto can float off into the stratosphere, into deep space, and her lower register, those low notes can drill down into the core of the earth without disturbing the ground beneath her feet. If you eliminate all context, if you know absolutely nothing about her, and her collaborators, and her situation-if she’s just a random girl on the cover with a random blurry guy in the background on the cover-then this is a wonderful, mid-’90s R&B debut that establishes Aaliyah as a teenaged superstar with a smoky and sinuous voice and a truly staggering charisma-to-force ratio. I don’t know if there’s a single album in pop-music history more fundamentally cursed than Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. I haven’t the slightest idea what to do with this record. What do we do with this record? I’m asking. It’s called Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number. Kelly’s chapter in Aaliyah’s life would be denying Aaliyah another title she so greatly deserved: ‘survivor.’”Īaliyah’s first album, largely written and produced by R. Kelly with any credit for her career, despite him being one of the main reasons we learned about Aaliyah in the first place.” But the conclusion Kathy ultimately comes to is “disregarding R. Kathy writes, “I also didn’t want to dignify R. She didn’t want to disrespect Aaliyah’s legacy. Kathy’s book starts with a brief chapter in which she says that when she started writing her book she intended to more or less write R. That is according to a new biography called Baby Girl: Better Known As Aaliyah, written by Kathy Iandoli. As Aaliyah would explain to Vibe a few years later, “I sang for him, and he liked my sound.” Kelly’s working on his first album, Barry brings his fame-hungry, superstar-in-the-making 12-year-old niece, Aaliyah, to the studio to meet R. Kelly’s on his way to becoming a superstar. So Barry’s in Chicago producing a play, and he stumbles across a young, fame-hungry, high-school-dropout busker named Robert Sylvester Kelly. He’s an artist manager, he produces theater, he married-and divorced, quite acrimoniously-Motown icon Gladys Knight. So yeah, after Star Search, Aaliyah’s uncle, her maternal uncle Barry Hankerson, at this point is a somewhat enigmatic show-business big shot. Every major celebrity’s got their own “Michael Jordan got cut from his high school varsity team” moment. Also note that Aaliyah still remembers getting three and three-quarters stars on Star Search. It’s worth noting that Craig Kilborn, historically, is not often the voice of reason, or restraint. I just wanted you to hear her voice, unadorned. She acts embarrassed, she says, Yeah, I was on Star Search when I was 10, I sang “My Funny Valentine.” And Craig plays a little clip of Chet Baker’s version of “My Funny Valentine,” and then he asks Aaliyah a really excellent question.Īny question that gets her to sing is an excellent question. She tells Craig that her name means “The highest, most exalted one-the best.” Craig brings up Star Search. She’s on Craig Kilborn’s show in 2000 to promote Romeo Must Die. Here is Aaliyah, recounting her Star Search experience, to Late Night Host You Forgot About Craig Kilborn. Did Pitbull lose to Nas on Star Search? Or when you won did Ed McMahon lead you backstage and push you into an abyss? Billy Porter won, I guess. Alanis Morissette, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, Usher, Pitbull. Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Girls Tyme quite infamously lost on Star Search. Has anyone of consequence ever won Star Search? Aaliyah lost on Star Search. At 10 years old she went on Star Search and lost. At 6 years old she had one line in a school production of Annie-the line was “You’re gonna get the paddle.” She starred in 42nd Street, she starred in Hello, Dolly!, she sang at weddings and parties, she sang a lot of Whitney Houston songs, et cetera. Her family moved to Detroit when she was 5. Aaliyah Dana Haughton was born in Brooklyn, in Bed-Stuy, in 1979.

[danish-mbespke]

Buying a custom suit has always been challenging and daunting. At the point when you are wanting to wear something formal, first thought jumps out to wear a suit. Be that as it may, did you actually think do your conventional suits really look graceful on you. Reconsider on the grounds that an extraordinary proper suit should be an ideal fit for your body shape. Your shoulders are expanded, fitting lines are longer, and slenderer. Suit ought to be managed and should look well-designed on you to make you feel incredible by wearing it. Danish M. bespoke is the one you can trust on as we have in-house team of skilled tailors and designers that work together on your dream wear. A custom suit is a basic prerequisite when you need to put your best self forward.

In case you’re not into formalwear by any means, it tends to be a torment to spend such a great amount on something you’ll infrequently wear. It doesn’t need to be that way. We plunked down with some style specialists at Danish M. bespoke, your #1 online custom garments store, and thought of certain tips to assist you with getting the most value for your money—and all the more significantly, purchase a suit that will work any time you need to spruce up, regardless of whether it’s for a prospective employee meet-up, a burial service, an extravagant gathering or supper, or an evening to remember.

Danish M. bespoke provide their clients the best guide on how to buy a custom suit;

When to wear; Occasion

Before buying a custom suit, one should know that when he wants to wear it; on a party, or on a wedding, in a meeting or on a first date. The main activity before you drop what could be hundreds or thousands of dollars on a very much made suit is to consider what you need the suit for. You should in any case consider the event that propelled your shopping trip, and what other conventional events you may experience where you’ll have to utilize your new suit. On the off chance that you can make your buy fit whatever number of circumstances as could be allowed, you’re settling on a brilliant choice. In case you’re purchasing for a prospective employee meet-up, you’ll need something exemplary and widely appealing, yet attempt to search for something that will glance great in different circumstances as well. In case you’re purchasing a suit for a proper supper or a feast, you might need to go for a more easygoing look, however in the event that you decide on something somewhat more customary, you’ll get a lot of daytime wear from it also. Ask yourself when you think about shadings and examples, “would this look great some other time?” Don’t categorize yourself into purchasing a suit for a particular undertaking, and you’ll be fine.

Time process

Time is the main consideration to ponder when purchasing a custom suit specially made for you. You won’t get your custom suit on the day you come in. Indeed, you won’t see it for quite a long time. Custom fitting is a multi-week measure. Privately delivered suits take anyplace between 2 a month. Fit and style are the centerpieces and where you will spend most of the time in the process. However, it’s worth noting that techniques have significantly improved in the last 10-15 years for the construction of custom suits.

Measurement

With regards to purchasing a suit, hope to have all aspects of your body estimated. We’re talking chest, middle, abdomen, and the sky is the limit from there. As much as 50 unique measurements. Some key estimations incorporate.

Chest size – dictated by estimating around the greatest piece of your middle.

Stature – in feet and inches

Midriff – Bend to the side to locate your common wrinkle. This is the place where the tape will be applied. It should fit easily. Two fingers ought to have the option to fit among you and the estimating tape.

Seat – Measured by circumventing the greatest piece of the hips.

Inseam – From the groin to the lower part of your shoe.

Sleeves – From your shoulder crease to (roughly) 2 crawls underneath the wrist.

As expressed above, don’t surge. There isn’t anything more awful than committing an error and sending your articles of clothing back.

There’s a ton to consider when you head to an online clothier or you head into a garment store to purchase a suit. Textures, cuts, styles, colors, it’s all mind-boggling, yet in case you’re purchasing for adaptability and to get the most incentive from your suit, you don’t need to stress a lot over a great deal of those things. Take a full breath, and recall the standard of three: Fit, style, and flexibility.

Fit

For a great many people, fit is the absolute most significant interesting point when purchasing a suit. Clearly, you’ll need to ensure that it’s agreeable, hangs well, and is not difficult to wear. It’s essential to ensure the coat and jeans really fit. This is a circumstance, where purchasing huge doesn’t give you space to move, it simply makes you appear as though a student wearing his dad’s duds. Shoulder braces should end at the shoulders, not finished and packed back to your arms, and your arms should hang straight and long, not clustered up around the lower arm. On the off chance that you need to purchase a very much custom-fitted, all-around made suit. You can visit an online measure-to-fit retailer Danish M. bespoke, where you pick what you’re keen on, send in your estimations, and we send you a suit made to your particular measurements.

Style

Slim Fit Suit. In the same way that a quality workout trims away the excess fat, a quality men’s slim-fit suit trims away the excess fabrics.

Classic Fit Suit.

Modern Fit Suit.

Notch Lapel.

Shawl Lapel.

Peak Lapel.

Single Breasted Suit.

Double Breasted Suit.

Versatility

Level dark may seem like it goes with everything, and at one time it probably did, yet adaptability requests an alternate tone. A plain dark suit can look incredible in the event that you can pull it off, yet for the vast majority it’s all in all too formal and excessively dull, and really restricts your embellishment choices. On the off chance that you float towards dark, decide on charcoal or naval force all things considered. You’ll be sufficiently close to feel good and you’ll look extraordinary. In the event that you need an example, go for something basic and downplayed—straightforward pinstripes, for instance. Adhere to the typical textures, similar to fleece and fleece mixes (merino and cashmere).

Accessories

The excellence of shirts, ties, and frill is that they truly make your single suit more adaptable. In case you’re accomplishing something more easygoing, where an advanced look is called for, you can follow our recommendations and snatch a purple or coral hued shirt and even abandon the tie. Suit up and you’re prepared for a night out with the folks. Have a prospective employee meet-up the following day? Switch the shirt for an exemplary white or cream, put on an exemplary strong tone or designed tie, and you’re headed toward establishing an incredible connection. No requirement for various outfits.

[creative-type]

Building up to Arlong Part II

 In my previous post I started my analysis of the East Blue Saga, looking at the arcs leading up to Arlong Park to see how Eiichiro Oda grew as both an author and an artist in those early chapters as he built the series slowly towards the first “epic” moments of One Piece. 

I ended that post with Orange Town and how Buggy managed to do something no villain before him had done (be memorable and interesting). It’s interesting to see how Oda follows up on this breakthrough with...well, this guy

I don’t really have much to say about Gaimon’s arc...chapter...whatever the heck it is. It’s completely random and doesn’t fit well with the rest of the East Blue chapters.To be fair to Oda, he does  cut loose and show off some of his wacky creativity, and there is some world building as the Red Line gets its first inauspicious mention.

There’s also something to be said about Luffy and Nami getting to know one another better and further insight into Luffy as a character, but it’s not anything that isn’t accomplished better in other places

I will admit this made me laugh, though

Syrup Village

Moving on, we jump to Usopp’s recruitment arc. This one is one of the more intriguing of the East Blue arcs (intriguing not equaling good) in that I liked a lot of the individual pieces but found the overall product to be a little lackluster. 

I think part of this is the setting. One Piece is at its best when it’s exploring wild and crazy new places, but Oda hasn’t gotten to that point in the series yet. This arc’s supporting cast is also pretty generic. Usopp’s Pirate Gang aren’t the most annoying little kids I’ve ever seen, but they are annoying little kids. Kaya is...okay. She shows some real gumption after Kuro shows his true colors, but I’m not sure that makes up for all the time she spent being boring early on.

Usopp himself can be hard to like, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Usopp is the everyman of One Piece. He’s not a power fantasy like Luffy or Zoro nor supernaturally talented like Nami. He has the greatest personal flaws of any of the Straw Hats, and his dream is the only one in the crew to be internal rather than external. With that in mind, firmly establishing Usopp’s foibles and his weaknesses makes his victories - both in this arc and later in the series - all the sweeter, even if it makes these chapters a bit of a slog to get through.

This arc does manage two things that would later become staples of the series, and once again we have our villains to thank

There are some very specific trends in One Piece’s villainous organizations. Most are headed by the main antagonist of the arc and are fought by Luffy. Below the leader there’s usually an annoying, but decently strong character taken out relatively early on (think Pearl, Mr.5/Miss Valentine, Satori, etc). This character acts as both hype and a teaser for bigger fights to come, but also carry some narrative weight by giving insight into the plans/mindset/priorities of the enemy organization as a whole. 

Lastly, Oda usually adds a lovable, quirky villain who, if not the second in command, is one of the strongest fighters in the arc. These characters humanize the Straw Hat’s enemies, add levity, and are generally really fun - so much so that more often then not they return later in the series as a recurring character.

The Nyaban brothers fit into the annoying but decently strong category, but Jango steals the show as the first lovable, quirky minion of the series (I think Oda tried with Buggy’s crew, but they lack the necessary charm to pull it off). Heck, the first thing we see him do is accidentally hypnotize himself after moonwalking down the path to Usopp’s village. Later on it’s hard not to feel at least a little bit sorry for the guy when we see the hopeless position Kuro has put him in. Jango may be an antagonist, but he’s fun and likable and honestly having him join the marines through the power of dance is amazing.

Gin, Hatchan, Betham, and Kaku all fit to one degree of another into this mold, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Jango.

Secondly, Kuro is the first cerebral villain of the series. Alvida and Morgan relied on brute strength, and while Buggy exhibited a certain amount of cunning he, too, was focused on overwhelming firepower and his Devil Fruit to win the day. 

Kuro of a Thousand Plans. His epithet says it all. Kuro is conniving, sneaky, underhanded, and without a shred of honor to hold him back as he meticulously plans to murder a sickly girl for nothing more than his own peace and comfort. 

All of Oda’s most memorable villains have this Machiavellian mindset. Crocodile, Doflamingo, and most of all Blackbeard are all chess masters to one degree or another. Though their end goals are completely different, you can see a lot of Crocodile especially in how Kuro built up an unshakable reputation while biding his time to strike. They even share a penchant for breaking speeches

It’s such a little thing, but the words “I suffered” elevate Kuro to one of my favorite East Blue villains, well above even Buggy. It’s so needlessly cruel, twisting the knife right where he knows it will hurt most, just because he can, and I freaking love it.

As a side note before moving on, Oda’s attention to detail is also to be commended during this arc. The way Kuro adjusts his glasses makes for an excellent and chilling re-read bonus, and connecting Morgan’s past to Kuro’s gives the former a little more depth than before.

The Baratie

It’s interesting to compare the Baratie to Syrup village because in many ways these arcs have opposite strengths and weaknesses. Where Syrup village had strong antagonists and a weak setting/side characters, the Baratie is the most memorable locale of the East Blue Saga and has an extremely strong secondary cast.

The Baratie as a concept brilliantly fits into the world of One Piece. The idea of a floating restaurant in a world that’s 90% ocean makes perfect sense, and it’s one of the times that Oda integrates the setting with his characterization. It’s not creativity for creativity’s sake, and unlike Gaimon’s sub-arc...chapter...whatever that was there’s a method behind the madness. 

This excellent setup is the backdrop to some superb character writing. Sanji is by no means my favorite Straw Hat, but his strained relationship between Zeff and the rest of the Baratie is done extremely well. It’s one of those situations where no one is 100% right or wrong and you just wish they’d all enter counseling or something so they could figure out how to talk to one another without resorting to violence.

It doesn’t hurt that this is when Oda figures out how to properly use the power of Tragic Backstory (tm) to its most devastating effect. While no (named) characters die, Sanji’s backstory is raw, painful, and emotional in all the right places. It’s in expressing these extreme emotions where Oda’s cartoony style is at its most effective. Oda’s characters don’t just cry, they cry ugly, and that’s so important when setting the tone of these heavy moments.

I don’t have much to say on Kreig or his crew because he’s boring and I despise Pearl with every fiber of my being, but once again we get some fun fight choreography. I especially like the sequence when Sanji spits his cigarette into Gin’s face before kicking him halfway across the deck, only to get a tonfa to the ribs for his effort. 

Also this happens, and it’s soooo satisfying to see Kreig get punched in the face. 10/10, would watch again

But the one thing that the Baratie does best of all the East Blue arcs - better than even Arlong Park - is world building. The entire series people have been telling Luffy and co. that the Grand Line is super dangerous and that he shouldn’t go, but it’s only here that we see that we see that played out in real time with Mihawk’s introduction to the plot. The Straw Hats have thus far been presented as invincible badasses when they’re nothing more than a big fish in a little pond.

All the stuff with Mihawk is big-picture storytelling and one of Zoro’s best moments. I don’t think that anyone who follows One Piece needs to be told how well Oda does at developing his world. More important to the build up to Arlong Park is Oda’s use of immediate foreshadowing. Right about the time Mihawk shows up Johnny and Yosaku catch Nami checking out bounties, specifically Arlong’s though he’s never named and we don’t see his picture. Immediately after Nami steals the Going Merry so she can run away, and we see her facade start to crack a little under pressure. Note especially how utterly exhausted she looks in this panel here

This all happens in the same chapter Zoro challenges Mihawk, and the action cuts between the swordsman’s pre-fight banter and the story of how Johnny and Yosaku lost the Merry. Zoro’s fight is the more immediate concern, but when constructing the chapter, instead of going out on that high note Oda cuts back to Nami a second time, this time sailing alone on the open ocean

If it weren’t already obvious by the whole rest of the series, this scene proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that there’s more to Nami than meets the eye. This is the first time we see her truly vulnerable, almost to the point of being broken, and it puts a completely different meaning to all her actions previous and what we’ll see coming up in later chapters.

I do think there is some significance to putting the Nami scene last over Zoro’s, because as the last thing the audience reads it’s what tends to stick in their mind longest week to week. We don’t see Nami again for a long time, and when we do all her defensive walls are firmly back in place. This is the Nami Oda wants us to remember when she’s going around Cocoyashi village telling Luffy to leave her the hell alone.

The Conclusion

What really stands out to me when going over these early chapters leading up to Arlong Park is Oda’s vision for the series from the word go, even when his execution isn’t as consistent as later on in the series. The whole East Blue saga exists to do two things 1) build the core of the Straw Hat Pirates 2) answer the question Who is Luffy.

Each antagonist from the lowly Alvida to Arlong himself has a weakness in their leadership ability that directly foils Luffy. These chapters show us what kind of pirate, what kind of captain, and most of all what kind of man Monkey D Luffy is, and what values he will and will not stand for. 

Arlong Park is the emotional peak of the East Blue saga, and it works because Oda has taken the time to build up to that peak. The impact would not have been the same if it had been placed earlier in the series because it would not feel earned without seeing Nami interact with the rest of the crew for as long as she did. Nor would it have worked if Oda hadn’t placed the breadcrumbs of her story for the audience to pick up along the way. 

It’s impossible for every arc to hit all the high points that Arlong Park does, because not all arcs are designed to do so, nor should they. That being said, there’s a steady increase in quality seen even in these early chapters as Oda gets his sea legs and figures out exactly what story he’s trying to tell.

[islandii]

Island Thoddoo

I have visited Thoddoo 3 times in the last 3 years. Not so regularly I visit it, unlike Rasdhoo or Ukulhas. But in recent years it has become mega-popular among tourists from Russia, Ukraine and the CIS countries.

The island is located 67 km west of the capital Male. And 20 km north of the administrative centre of North Ari Atoll – Rasdhoo. Thoddoo is a fairly large island by Maldivian standards – about 2 x 1 km. Moreover, a third of the island is reserved for farms, another third is the village, and the rest is the jungle. The population of the island is about 1400 people.

Unlike many other islands, it is located as if separately.

Beach and snorkelling on Thoddoo

Due to its size, Thoddoo offers magnificent beaches for tourists. Nowadays, there are two tourist beaches on the island located on opposite sides of the island.

Interesting fact: even in spite of its size, both tourist beaches are smaller in total than the beach on Ukulhas.

The first beach is located in the southern part of the island. It takes about 15 min from the nearest hotel to reach, the path passes through fruit farms. A great option, in this case, is a bicycle. Almost every hotel provides it.

The boundaries of the beach are conventionally marked by a fence of dry palm leaves. The beach is very clean and well maintained, but small. During high season it can be crowded. Therefore, everyone lacks sun loungers and hammocks (unlike Ukulhas, where there are much more). It’s very convenient to have a shower and toilet on the beach as well.

Tropical trees grow along the coast, through which numerous paths lead to the water. However, there is only one entrance to bikini beach. The sand itself is so white and you can walk on it without fear of cutting yourself on glass or dead coral. The water is clean and with almost no floating debris.

Thoddoo house reef is very long. However, there are not so many places for snorkelling. A small reef is located very close to the bikini beach. there are only a couple of corals and several species of fish. A truly beautiful reef with many fish (and even stingrays and sharks) is located off the coast – about 400 m.

I swam there without fins and don’t recommend it because you get tired while you swim back and forth. And if there is also a side stream, then spend all your energy while you swim to the reef. But it worth it. At the same time, from my own experience, I’d say the outer reef is not as rich of animals and fish kingdom as Rasdhoo. But corals are in better condition.

Never swim there alone! The currents can be very strong and you will not notice how quickly you move away from the coast!

The second beach is located in the north-eastern part – behind the stadium. From some hotels, it’s only 5 minutes walk. It’s smaller than the south beach, but there are also not so many tourists. There are sunbeds, hammocks for a comfortable stay. The advantage of this beach is the closeness of a house reef, which is only 200 m away. At the edge of the reef, I saw turtles, eagles and even manta rays! But not so many fish and sharks.

They say that on the beach you can see the fluorescent plankton! Unfortunately, I’ve never seen it, but I saw it at Rasdhoo and Adaaran Vaddhoo Resort.

The island is quite large and it will take a time to explore it on foot. Therefore, a good way is cycling. During morning or evening time you can easily go around the island and see what it is outside of the tourist beach.

Like other local islands, wildlife on Thoddoo is not very diverse. On the shore there are many crabs and hermit crabs of various sizes. I saw how hermit crabs used a coconut shell, glass bottom, a bottle cap. In general, what they find is used as a home.

You can find gray herons on the beach sometimes. If she likes you, she will let you to step closer. When it gets dark, you can see flying foxes sweep overhead. They are not dangerous to humans and eat fruits. From reptiles – small iguanas and very small geckos.

Well, mosquitoes, which are quite a lot on Thoddoo (depending on the season), unlike the neighbouring Rasdhoo. Therefore, stock up on repellents. Most of them are near plantations, and not everywhere, but only in some places.

What else to do on Thoddoo?

Snorkelling safari. There are two places for safari snorkelling: near Thoddoo and at Rasdhoo Atoll. In the first case, you will snorkel with turtles on a house reef. In the second case – visit three spots in Rasdhoo Atoll. What to choose? I would recommend both options because in this case you will see how diverse and amazing the underwater world of the Maldives is.

Visit uninhabited islands. They are next to Rasdhoo.

Local farm tour. Such entertainment you can provide by yourself or find a local who will tell you and show everything, or ask a manager at the hotel. Thoddoo is one of the few islands in the Maldives that exports fruits and vegetables to other islands. Papaya, watermelons, bananas, coconuts, etc. are growing here. If you want to pick fruits from trees, please, firstly ask permission from the locals.

Dolphin safari. An evening safari with a school of friendly dolphins that swim so close to the boat that you can try to touch them!

Manta ray snorkeling. Mantas are the largest rays on the planet. The span of their wings can reach 6m! They feed only on plankton, so you shouldn’t scarry about it. There is a cleaning station near Thoddoo, where mantas come. I was snorkelling and diving there. The second option is better because mantas prefer to swim in deep water.

Night fishing. Maldives is the place where everyone can try to catch fish using only the fishing line, hook and bait. Moreover, it is often ladies and children who are more successful than gents! Fish can be grilled at the hotel.

Scuba diving. Two dive centers are now open on the island. I highly recommend everyone to try diving in Maldives (no matter which island) because, after that, your thoughts about underwater world will change forever! The beginner’s course includes theory class, skill training in shallow water and the dive itself with an instructor.

If you are a certified diver, then I will disappoint you – all places for diving are in Rasdhoo Atoll. Therefore, if you have plans for diving, it’s better to take a few nights on Rasdhoo.

Infrastructure

The island has everything you need: a hospital, a school and a kindergarten, a gym and a football field. Two large mosques, one of which was built long enough.

The island has several restaurants and cafes where you can try local courses. I wouldn’t say there is huge price difference. More or less it’s the same. The food on Thoddoo, as well as on other local islands, is not very diverse. Rice, tuna, fried chicken, noodles with chicken, vegetables, etc.). Tuna and coconut milk soup. Pancakes with tuna and coconut. Casserole with tuna and rice, all kinds of tuna pies. And of course, a variety of fresh. On average, a dinner costs $US 10-10 pp.

Where to eat: in a hotel or in restaurants? It depends on the hotel, if you have a good chef, then in the hotel the quality of the food will be definitely better. In this case, the cost will be the same on average.

At local stores, you can buy fruits, juices, drinks, groceries and other necessary stuff.

If you look at Thoddoo on Google Maps, you will see that some hotels are located closer to the beach – Ari Heaven Thoddoo, Thila Farm View, Summer Stay Thoddoo than others. In fact, they are not located there, but in the village. Local laws do not allow building hotels only in a certain area located in the village.

Why is that?

Unlike many local islands, where tourism is developed, Thoddoo is a bit different. Many people on the island are doing farming and sell their products both to resorts and to the capital. Therefore, they do not want to give their land for the construction of another hotel.

Where to stay?

For the last 4 years, I’ve had an exclusive partnership (the best prices for accommodation and excursions) with Relax Residence. This is one of the first hotels on Thoddoo, and during this time they are constantly improving their reputation. Now they are No. 1 hotel on Thoddoo by reviews from Tripadvisor users and has a rating of 9.4 on Booking based on 180+ reviews

In addition to excellent service, Relax Residence is for adults only hotel. Children under 16 years old are not allowed to stay. Such concept is rare to see in Maldives.

The hotel has 2 blocks: a 3-floors building with a balcony and a one-floors block with a lounge area. Free water, tea, coffee, snorkeling kit, towels are provided.

Relax Residence is not the cheapest hotel on Thoddoo, but the quality of service provided is worth it.

Transfer To Thoddoo

Public ferry

Cost: $15 one way, per person (the traveling time is about 5 hours).

Departure from Male: every day at midnight (except Thursdays and Fridays).

Departure from Thoddoo: every day at midnight (except Thursdays and Fridays).

NOTE: as its private ferry it can go earlier or be cancelled.

Scheduled speedboat

Cost: $35 one way, per person (the travelling time is approximately 1 hour).

It’s available every day, except of Friday

Departure from Male to Thoddoo: at 11:00 and 16:00.

Departure from Thoddoo to Male: 07.00.

[ahnmin]

12 Favorite Films of 2017

12. mother!

One of the things I admire most in filmmakers is a fearless commitment to realize their vision, no matter how deranged. During this movie’s apeshit third act, I kept wondering how the hell Aronofsky pulled it off. It becomes more and more unhinged, continually toppling my expectations. And all in service of a singular message howling across the movie theatre. Some people love it, others loathe it, but the reason why reactions have been so strong is because the filmmaker straight up went for it.

11.  War for the Planet of the Apes A striking portrait of a leader during crisis and how the surrounding conflicts and responsibilities shape them. I love how it’s a journeying western that flows into a prison break. The fact that Caesar is fully CGI is worth noting for how invisible it is. For once, CGI is not concealer, it is the brush stroke.

10. On the Beach at Night Alone Is it possible to be nakedly brave and selfishly vain at the same time? Hong Sang-soo and Kim Min-hee decide to go so far and so deep into their personal lives as to be wildly radical both in Korea’s lynch mob celebrity culture and in the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

9. Graduation Moral quandaries are to Cristian Mungiu as salmon is to a master sushi chef. He slices the morality into perfect slabs, cutting against the grain to release maximum ambiguity and dissecting them into their smallest possible components. Here, he sharpens his knife against parenting, governing systems, and the rules involved. Many long unbroken takes of two people verbally jousting along with well-paced editing tell a story of how rules, though meant to maintain order, cannot be blindly followed.

8. Get Out This movie is not just an intellectual exercise aimed to impale the fraudulent do-gooder majority. Though as proven by now, it is magnificently that. I think what makes it so successful in its execution and atomic bomb reception is that it is a haphazard napalm strike straight from the gut of Jordan Peele. Of course it is encased in a genius strategy, but I believe the emotional battle cry is what drives it all the way into the skulls and sternums of people everywhere who need to wake the fuck up.  

7. Dunkirk Yes, I saw this in IMAX 70mm. Twice. The sheer size of the image was all engulfing. But that conceit alone isn’t enough to cover a feature narrative. It’s the virtuosic filmmaking—the impossible agility of the elephantine IMAX camera, the clarity of time-space editing between Land, Sea, and Air, the concisely written and staged wordless sequences—that maximizes this survival story into a visceral and unforgettable experience.

6. After the Storm “Did you become who you wanted to be?” a son asks his father. He contemplates the question, wondering what to say to his son while unable to pay child support, unsuccessful in winning back his ex-wife, and finding himself penniless just like his own late father. Are we bound to make the same mistakes as our parents or can we break free and become who we want to be? This movie doesn’t have any simple answers but it dares to wrestle with those complicated questions.

5. The Shape of Water This movie doesn’t just highlight flaws, it unashamedly celebrates them. Through a restlessly floating camera, a magnificent use of color, and a shimmering performance by Sally Hawkins, it lifts those flaws until the things we find embarrassing and the things we hide in fear ultimately transcend their “limitations” and elevate to what they truly are: signs of unexplainable beauty.

4. Phantom Thread Speaking of flaws, we are as much drawn to each other in relationships by our annoying quirks as we are by our admirable strengths. With a dizzyingly well-placed camera, a gorgeous score, and a powerhouse trifecta of performances, Phantom Thread showcases the complex nature of romance and how sometimes, more than our kindness and vulnerability, it is our longing to be needed and taken care of that messily glue us together.

3. Okja Just like Ahn Seo-hyun sprinting relentlessly through the running time, the movie follows suit in a rocket launch of mayhem, bizarre humor, political satire, and most precious of all, familial love. With pristine creature effects, Okja is given the proper heft and tangibility to deeply express all the nuances and specificity of her sisterhood with Mija. Taking a cue from Spielberg, Bong Joon-ho uses that sacred relationship to ground this zany globe-trotting (pun intended) adventure, and that is what I love about all his films. In whatever mode or tone they’re in, the beating heart is full of warmth and intimacy, and then on top of that he layers the exciting genre elements and excellent filmmaking craft. Okja is no different because the camera swings around like a beautifully controlled acrobat, the blocking/staging is always sensational and adroitly choreographed, and the wildly fluctuating tones are well managed and coalesced into a single piece. Finally, shout-out to Steven Yeun for being the perfect embodiment of the clash of East and West in a role that only someone with his distinct upbringing and Hollywood clout could play.

2. Mudbound With the cascade of different narrators weaving throughout, this movie is about equality—not just equal rights, but an equal depth of pain and an equal potential to love. Everyone is given a moment to shine or be humiliated without any judgement or bias. The characters collide and harmonize in deft handheld camerawork and dug-from-the-earth production design. And it’s in that egalitarian landscape that makes the horrific inequality all the more devastating. Also there’s a reunion scene with a son coming back home from war and being embraced by his father that made me cry harder than anything I watched this year.

1. Blade Runner 2049 I love the extremely impressionistic photography, the glorious production design, the deliberate pacing, and the wild abandon of Denis Villenueve to take a beloved franchise and make it his own. But it’s my favorite of the year because for me, it’s about sacrifice. Everyone has a Messianic complex and wants to save the world. But being Christlike doesn’t mean to be spotlit as the Chosen One—that is the dream of the Narcissist. Genuine transcendence and generosity come from giving up that position and downgrading yourself so that another could be given that seat of honor. And in today’s climate of megalomania and self-aggrandizing fanaticism, a little bit of selfless sacrifice could be of use.  ----------------------------------------

Honorable Mentions:

20. The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) - One of the funniest movies of the year. Baumbach shows a new level of confidence in his bombardment of dialogue and exploration of ridiculous family dynamics.

19. Gerald’s Game - Well-crafted, well-written intimate terrifying single room thriller. 18. I don't feel at home in this world anymore. - Well-crafted, well-written intimate quirky comedic thriller. 17. Split - Shyamalan continues to get his groove back.

16. Gook - Stunning debut film filled with tons of heart in under-seen contexts.

15. The Lost City of Z - The tension between chasing your dreams and fulfilling your duties.

14. Baby Driver - An unhinged musical made with a stunning command of craft.

13. Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Rian Johnson crafts a meta narrative out of the most famous film franchise in history, infusing his own anxious ambition to leave the past behind in order to become a trailblazer.

[junker-town]

The 6 best NFL destinations for free agent Philip Rivers

Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

Philip Rivers won’t be a Charger for the first time since 2004. Here’s where he could end up.

For the first time since 2004, Philip Rivers won’t be a Charger. Los Angeles officially parted ways with the quarterback who became the face of the franchise. Over 16 seasons, Rivers was a good and occasionally great player who, through awful luck and questionable decisions, could never get to a Super Bowl.

Rivers is now set to hit the free agent marketplace at a spritely 38 years old and coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro. It marked the third season in which he’s thrown at least 20 interceptions. His 3.9 percent touchdown rate was the lowest of his career as a full-time starter.

The veteran has bounced back from similar downturns in the past. He was 2013’s Comeback Player of the Year after leading the NFL in completion rate. He looked washed in 2016 after throwing a league-high 21 picks, but returned in 2017 and 2018 behind efficient, above-average seasons.

With the threat of retirement dangling over his head, there’s no guarantee those numbers will rebound — but a change of scenery may be the key to unlocking one last playoff run. Where could Rivers fit in an NFL landscape swamped with experienced passers and an influx of solid young prospects? Let’s take a look at the most obvious fits, based on a few different criteria.

The best offense for Rivers’ skills: Cleveland Browns

Rivers is a pass-heavy quarterback who has thrown more than 35 passes per game over the last decade. That’s the kind of profile that most NFL teams are looking for as offenses lean even harder into the air raid-ish tendencies that have taken over playbooks.

Returning Rivers back to his Pro Bowl self may be as simple as trimming his route tree and dialing back on deep throws. Per SIS, his 73 passes of 20+ yards were fourth-most in the league in 2019, but his 32.9 percent completion rate on those throws slotted him between Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston. Instead, he’s thrived in the late stage of his career on throws between 10-19 yards downfield.

Who can give him that kind of mid-range attack? How about a Cleveland Browns offense with a pass-vacuum safety net (Jarvis Landry), a catch-anything field stretcher (Odell Beckham Jr.), and a linebacker-juking tight end (David Njoku)?

The 2019 Browns opted for a steady diet of intermediate passes for Baker Mayfield. That was under the short-lived Freddie Kitchens regime, which lasted only one year. His firing gave way to former Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski’s reign as head coach — and his offenses threw deep even less than Mayfield despite having players like Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen in the lineup.

Chance it happens: 0.5/10

This is an unrealistic scenario barring some significant shakeups. Stefanski spent his 2019 turning Kirk Cousins into the best version of himself. He was brought to Cleveland to do the same with Mayfield, the No. 1 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Browns don’t need Rivers and Rivers probably doesn’t want to be a Brown. In terms of pure fit, however, the best place for the former Charger to wrap up his career on a high note may just be Northeast Ohio.

The best combination of need and playmaking talent: Indianapolis Colts

The most successful version of Rivers is the one who is allowed to take shots but is also flanked by short-range options. That means he’s best served by a pass-catching tailback — i.e. LaDainian Tomlinson back in the 2000s or Austin Ekeler now — and a reliable tight end who can keep safeties anchored in the middle of the field without floating too far back.

Which team has a deep threat, a possession receiver masquerading as a tight end, and a running back capable of creating havoc? The Chiefs do, for sure, but they’re pretty well set at QB. If we take teams with entrenched QBs out of the picture, the top supporting cast may well be in the AFC South. The Indianapolis Colts can offer Rivers a rock-solid offensive line that allowed sacks on just five percent of dropbacks and All-Pro wideout T.Y. Hilton.

Rivers would also team with the dynamic tailback duo of Marlon Mack (1,091 rush yards in 2019) and Nyheim Hines (44 receptions). He’d be able to fall back on Pro Bowl tight end Jack Doyle in the middle of the field when his deep-play choices fail to pan out. Even if the Colts lack depth at their skill positions, Rivers could make the most out of the talent Indianapolis already has — all while filling the gap between Andrew Luck’s tenure and whomever winds up being the team’s quarterback of the future.

Chance it happens: 4/10

The Colts got half a good season out of Jacoby Brissett before injuries and regression indicated he may be better off in a backup role. Adding Rivers to the mix could push him to new heights or give the team an insurance policy if he falls apart late in the year again. Would a 5-2 Indianapolis team miss the postseason again if Rivers were waiting in the wings?

The best landing spot to win a Super Bowl: Chicago Bears

Rivers’ best bet at a Super Bowl ring in 2020 may be as a backup. However, there are a handful of opportunities where he could work his way to the top of the QB depth chart and guide a ready-made roster to the postseason.

The Chicago Bears can offer an array of playmakers who’d been previously lured to the Midwest in what appears to have been a futile effort to help Mitchell Trubisky’s development. The combination of Tarik Cohen and Trey Burton would surround Rivers with an athletic pair who can break off for big gains. Allen Robinson, whose career has been plagued by underwhelming quarterback play, would get the chance to prove himself as an upper-tier receiver alongside a big-armed passer.

The Bears’ defense backslid a bit in 2019, but is still loaded with players like Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson, Kyle Fuller, and Roquan Smith. A steady presence behind center could provide an important cantilever to that championship-caliber unit.

Chance it happens: 3.5/10

General manager Ryan Pace says Trubisky is his starter for 2020. That doesn’t mean he won’t at least do his due diligence on this year’s crop of available quarterbacks, especially after the former No. 2 overall pick struggled mightily in 2019.

The best opportunity to jumpstart a rebuild: Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are on the brink of a teardown, and Cam Newton can be released or traded while counting just $2 million against the team’s cap. Should team owner David Tepper decide jettisoning both head coach Ron Rivera and longtime tight end Greg Olsen wasn’t enough, Newton may be next to go. Tepper currently doesn’t sound all that enthused about his former MVP, either.

Newton’s departure would leave the club with two interesting, but flawed, young passers (Kyle Allen, Will Grier) and a draft slot that’s not quite high enough to snipe a top-tier quarterback (No. 7 overall). Rivers could be the stopgap solution new head coach Matt Rhule uses to bring his still-developing quarterbacks along slowly.

While he wouldn’t have the downfield weapons the Bears, Browns, or Colts could provide — D.J. Moore’s ongoing breakout aside — he’d play with tailback whose 2019 season would fit nicely among Tomlinson’s mid-2000s prime. Christian McCaffrey would excel in Rivers’ short-yardage passing game, leaving room for Moore to flourish in the open space behind him.

Chance it happens: 3/10

It all depends on what happens with Newton, but it sounds like the Panthers are barreling toward a change. Even then, Carolina could opt for a younger reclamation project like Winston or Marcus Mariota.

The best opportunity to annoy everyone in the NFL: New England Patriots

Nigh-insufferable fanbase meets nigh-insufferable quarterback.

Philip Rivers on a 5-8 team thrashing a 4-9 team and trash talking with the little tantrum hands move as he screams "NINETY YARD TOUCHDOWN" after Yannick was nice enough to pick him up off the ground. Truly the pic.twitter.com/FC7XvBagtf

— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) December 10, 2019

May I present to you Tom Brady’s replacement: New England Patriots quarterback Philip Rivers.

Just imagine Rivers joining the franchise that ended his playoff runs in 2006, 2007, and 2018. New England follows up the Tom Brady era by swapping out a 42-year-old for a 38-year-old whose resume can’t even compare with his predecessor’s. Boos rain down from both Southern California and the Northeast alike.

It’s perfect and I hate it.

Chance it happens: 0.5/10

Let’s not act like Tom Brady isn’t going to turn around and re-sign with the Patriots, probably through some depressing Facebook ad or something similar.

The most realistic landing spot: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rivers was unwilling to relocate to Los Angeles after his Chargers left San Diego behind. Instead, he bought a $200,000 mobile film room so he could do his homework during the 90-minute drive to and from practice.

This all suggests he’s not going to stray far from the Florida home he moved his family to this offseason. There’s only one Sunshine State franchise with both the need and the available salary cap space to bring Rivers to town. Jameis Winston is a free agent after five up-and-down seasons with the Buccaneers, and Tampa is in the market for a veteran quarterback who can serve as a bridge between their present and the future.

Enter Rivers, who’d give head coach Bruce Arians and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers another opportunity to rehabilitate a tarnished former top prospect. Arians transformed Carson Palmer from washed-up piece of Raiders garbage into a Pro Bowl quarterback in the sunset of his career. He also turned Winston into the greatest boom-or-bust passer in league history thanks to the NFL’s first 30-touchdown, 30-interception season. Whatever Rivers has left in the tank, Arians will get the most of it while dialing up his quarterback’s truest self up to “11.”

There’s more to like in Tampa than just Arians. Rivers would sling passes to possibly the NFL’s No. 1 receiving tandem in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Ronald Jones and Dare Ogunbonwale are both decent pass catchers from the backfield, too. Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard have each shown flashes of potential throughout their careers, and either could level up playing alongside a more consistent QB.

The Buccaneers can’t offer the playoff readiness of the Colts or Bears, but they can surround an aging quarterback with a proven, offensively minded head coach and a receiving corps that can turn Rivers’ risks downfield into big plays. Tampa Bay could replace Winston, who played like the Kirkland brand Philip Rivers, with the real thing — albeit a version that could be past its expiration date.

Chance it happens: 7/10

If Rivers wants to play and restore his value in 2019, the Buccaneers may be his best chance. And he could probably still commute to work!

[justbritishmotoring]

Land Rover announces new additions to its Discovery range at Frankfurt IAA with the unveiling of Discovery SVX, the pinnacle of the Discovery family, and a new 2.0-litre petrol engine option to its S, SE, HSE and HSE Luxury models.

Jeremy Hicks, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover UK said:

The new Discovery SVX embodies the ultimate in adventure and capability of the Discovery family. Customers love the Discovery’s versatility and capability and we are delighted to offer UK customers even more choice with the addition of the Si4 300hp engine.

The Discovery SVX in Detail

Sitting alongside the SVR and SVAutobiography lines which are hallmarks of outstanding on-road performance and supreme luxury respectively, the SVX adds a new arm to the Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) portfolio, one that represents an extreme expression of all-terrain capability.

Discovery SVX embodies the same design excellence and engineering integrity that are core to every Land Rover, building on the legendary Land Rover all-terrain capability and adventurous spirit – established over nearly 70 years with vehicles such as Defender, Discovery and Range Rover – to deliver the ultimate in capability and desirability.

John Edwards, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director, said:

SVO designers and engineers are embedded within the Land Rover team and have unleashed their own passion for adventure to create another truly desirable and versatile vehicle in the Land Rover lineup.

Offered exclusively with Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 petrol powertrain, tuned to deliver 525PS peak power and 625Nm torque, the Discovery SVX has a number of functional suspension modifications to enhance driver confidence when tackling the toughest terrain.

A model-first for Discovery on SVX is Hydraulic Active Roll Control (H-ARC) system, which gives increased wheel articulation and improved body control, enhancing extreme off-road traction while also reducing body roll for smooth and sure-footed on-road driving.

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SVX features improved approach, departure and break-over angles, achieved by raising both the lightweight aluminum monocoque architecture and the four-corner air suspension system, employing long-travel dampers and revised knuckles, and fitting larger 815mm diameter 275/55 R20 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires on forged aluminum alloy wheels.

The tires’ increased side-wall height reduces contact pressure and improves performance on soft surfaces. Combined with a more aggressive tread pattern, this improves grip in muddy conditions.

Discovery SVX is also equipped with active center and electronic rear locking differentials and incorporates traction control to maximise grip on all surfaces.

Complementing these hardware upgrades are unique software calibrations for the eight-speed Automatic Transmission with twin-speed transfer box, and Discovery’s dynamics systems including optimised Terrain Response 2, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Adaptive Dynamics, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), All-Terrain Progress Control (ATPC) and variable ratio Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS). Discovery SVX also features a model-first Pistol Shifter in place of the Drive select rotary shifter to offer the driver optimum control of gear selection in off-road maneuvers.

To visually reflect Discovery SVX’s inherent robustness and go-further ability, Land Rover designers have referenced features of iconic Discovery off-road challenge vehicles, such as those used for Camel Trophy and G4 Challenge events, to give SVX a distinctive, aggressive and purposeful appearance inside and out.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer, said:

The combination of design excellence and engineering integrity inherent in every Land Rover is the foundation of everything we do. The Discovery SVX reinforces Land Rover’s unrivalled reputation for building vehicles with true all-terrain capability for customers who desire the ultimate in off-road performance.

The SVX production preview features unique front and rear bumpers with protective skid plates and exposed Rush Orange-finished metal recovery eyes – each rated to enable recovery of more than six tonnes, an anti-glare bonnet finish, and an integrated rear-mounted electric winch system.

Further visual differentiation includes an exclusive satin Tectonic Grey paint finish, a unique color and material combination of Lunar and Light Oyster with Rush Orange accents inside, and X logo perforations on the SVX branded seats. Unique Narvik Black side vents with V8 badging, a Narvik Black Dynamic grille, Black roof rails and a roof-mounted unit with two additional light pods for improved low light visibility complete the transformation.

The first Land Rover SVX vehicle from SVO makes its world debut on the Jaguar Land Rover stand at Frankfurt IAA, 12-24 September, displayed alongside a comprehensive range of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles including SVO stablemates the Range Rover Sport SVR, Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic, Jaguar F-TYPE SVR and Jaguar XE SV Project 8.

Discovery with Ingenium 2.0 Liter petrol engine

Discovery is now available with Jaguar Land Rover’s efficient 300HP four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine. The advanced engine uses Continuously Variable Valve Lift (CVVL) technology to optimise efficiency and a twin-scroll turbocharger with ceramic bearings for smooth responses and reduced friction. The new engine produces 400Nm of torque and CO2 emissions from 222g/km.

In addition, The Discovery gains new technologies including a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display TFT (Thin Film Transistor) instrument cluster, standard on HSE and HSE Luxury models. The state-of-the-art high-resolution panel provides contemporary graphics that create the impression of 3D surfaces with exceptional clarity and allow the driver to personalize the visual display.

All derivatives of the latest Discovery also feature Touch Pro infotainment with Jaguar Land Rover’s 10-inch touchscreen interface on the center console. Digital connectivity is enhanced with the introduction of 4G WiFi on SE derivatives and above, providing superior connection speeds for up to eight mobile devices on the move.

Optional second-generation head-up display technology also provides a full-color display and wider functionality, even projecting 4×4 information and improved navigation displays onto the windscreen ahead of the driver, while optional Cabin Air Ionisation is available on Discovery for the first time, delivering improved interior air quality for enhanced passenger well-being.

Note: Press release courtesy of Land Rover.

Ultimate All-Terrain Land Rover Discovery SVX Land Rover announces new additions to its Discovery range at Frankfurt IAA with the unveiling of