#women who are unapologetic about being a fan of the pop diva of the moment. women who are obssesed with sports.

[beartes22]

guys....we all know and like our gay pairings guys, but have you like...deleted women??? we have so few women characters where are they?? are they okay? are they like,,, not there to raise the EQ of the fic only???? can't they be silly and fools and superficial? can't they just mess around, be the clown in the group? can they be evil bc they are greedy or selfish? why is their obssesions creepy and not standard blorbo behaviour? why can they be bad at finding places, or be obssesed with make-up brands, or celebrities, or whine about a broke nail bc it hurts and its expensive, or just be silly and happy and not...idk burdened???

[paperclipninja]

Younger post-ep ramble 7x01

I joked in my finale ramble at the end of season 6 that the episode was called ‘Forever’ because that’s how long it would feel between seasons...well joke's on me because now, after 587 days, we are FINALLY here. The Younger drought has been a tough one, but we have been generously compensated by getting the first four episodes all at once, which is both exciting and also, turns out, incredibly overwhelming. As usual the thoughts and feelings are many, mostly feelings (read: I am NOT ok) but let’s start off with a delve into the premiere episode, ‘A Decent Proposal’.

The episode picks up within minutes of where the season 6 finale left off, with Diana and Enzo not wasting any time to hot foot it out of their wedding reception and into their happily ever after (Arrivederci bitches!). Of course I’m very happy for Diana and her happiness but there’s only one couple’s happiness that I am on tenterhooks about now that Diva is sorted and that is Charles and Liza, as they watch their sprinklers fizzle out in some sort of awkward, symbolic, anti-climax. 

You may recall that mere moments earlier, Charles had popped the question on the dancefloor before the two were separated by an obligatory conga line, and Charles quickly assumes that Liza’s lack of enthusiasm to shout her answer across the reception of another person’s wedding is an answer in itself. As anyone who has read my rambles before knows, I unapologetically fly the Team Charles flag, and let me tell you, despite her supreme stalling techniques (you’re not divorced yet, we should probably speak to the children blah blah), hearing Liza say, ‘my answer is, I love you’, my jaw hit the floor. I’m sorry, did Liza Miller just declare her feelings openly and directly and with absolute certainty??? We’re 33 seconds into the new season and I AM SHOOKETH DARREN. 

Speaking of declaring feelings openly and directly, I love absolutely everything about this opening scene. The music choice was perfect and really helped build the moment, as Charles told Liza he understands her hesitation before un-asking her to marry him (so that when the she’s made her mind she can pop the question - I kid you not, this has always been my dream...). The music cutting out and just hearing the crickets as Liza asks if he’s really withdrawing the proposal, his quip about her having to make the next move, assuming he’s still on the market (I love/hate this foreshadowing btw), it is Charles/Liza banter at its best and my sappy heart was soaking up every morsel. Throw in some CGI fireworks and the observation that they are sign (which may or may not play out at a later date) and you have yourself a pretty darn near perfect start to Younger’s final season.

Speaking of talking openly and directly, one of the staples of the Youngerverse, the Maggie morning debrief, is back as our way to gain insight into the thoughts, feelings and ponderings of Liza. Straight off the bat I am very pleased that Maggie has fully committed to ‘Chaz’ for Charles and I’m even happier that we actually hear these two talking about what’s going on because honestly, the last couple of seasons the Maggie/Liza convos, which we traditionally rely on heavily to know where Liza is at and to hear Maggie’s sage/sometimes terrible advice, have been skimmed over or felt rushed. We are also reminded that Liza has indeed seen Charles’ goods (the Empiriconda, she’s meaning the Empiriconda) and that the sex is hot, because we need to have all the information on top of the declarations of love to highlight how their relationship is pretty much perfect so that what transpires is even more painful.

Other things that are painful include the fact that Diana will be decidedly absent for most of the season (to be fair scheduling/covid are pretty legit reasons and in ep 1 we can chalk that up to her honeymoon, so more lamenting on that later), but early on it provides some pretty fab Lauren Diva-worshiping. Donning a baroque print Moschino suit that would’ve made Fran Fine jealous, Lauren is clearly distracted by the responsibility of her interim role at Empirical, as her mother frets about the theme for her 30th birthday party over face-time.

Keeping up the chaotic energy, we also discover that Kelsey has to go and let Quinn know she no longer needs her money (these characters’ ongoing relationship with the woman who has tried to ruin all of them at some point really needs unpacking with a good therapist at this stage) and Josh is in full frantic dad mode because he thinks Clare is trying to kidnap Gemma (lol that Lauren straight up calls her out on it later). Two quick points here:1) love seeing this side of Josh and 2) love Kelsey’s calm, measured reassurance that of course Clare would want her family to meet Gemma. I will say though, Josh meeting Rob for the first time when he’s about to go with Clare and Gemma to Ireland and hearing this guy he doesn’t know from a bar of soap exclaim, ‘I’m just in love with your daughter’ was super unfair. Not cool Clare, not cool. 

Kelsey keeps her cool as she breaks the news of her change of heart to our fave resident villain, who comes complete with a bowl of fortune cookies she ominously encourages Kelsey to consult while also enjoying her own fortune, ‘a new love will come into your life’. It’s all very OTT and ridiculous in it’s obvious foreshadowing and I am here for every minute of it because I sincerely love to hate Quinn very much.

My love of all things over the top is further fed by Lauren entering Diana’s office and making her way to the desk - the music, the way Lauren looks at the framed picture of Diana and Enzo before relegating it to the drawer, any moment I was expecting her to utter ‘my precious’ as she became more and more entranced by the power of the neckwear, before Liza abruptly broke the spell by asking what she was doing and warned her off her consideration of claiming Diana’s office as her own. Very much appreciated the continuity later in the episode when Liza is very distressed that Lauren has gone full-Trout with the chunky baubled ornament around her neck, though Lauren is less Invasion of the Body Snatchers and more Nancy Drew at this point, as she has caught wind of Charles’ proposal while reviewing video footage from Diana’s wedding which she decided, for some reason, to show Josh, who was ‘still not interested’ (we hear your words Josh but your face says otherwise). I am very on board the Liza/Lauren dynamic and their ‘circle of trust’ as Liza asks that Lauren keep the proposal to herself (we really haven’t seen the friendship between these two much) and Liza’s gratitude, ‘Thank you...Di-va’, is hilarious, as is the response, ‘my pleasure, Queen’.

We get many fine moments in the office this ep, the first meeting when there are formal announcements and speeches made welcoming Kelsey back...to a conference room of Charles, Liza, Lauren and a random guy we’ve never seen or heard from before and never will again it seems. It makes me laugh that every person in the room except the dude we’ll never know already knows everything but hey, formality is important I guess? The pitch for ‘Little Women in Space’ by an author played by an actress who is friends IRL with Sutton Foster and they were in the musical Little Women together is honestly too much but also just the right amount and this show does meta so well (not to mention Lauren’s excited outburst upon realising her party theme plus her making sure Liza knows that she knows about the proposal. Subtle as a sledgehammer is our Lauren). 

One not-so-fine moment is the extremely out of left field resignation of Zane followed by the completely douchey moment of him breaking up with Kelsey via face-time with the line, ‘I love you Kelsey, take care’. I’m sorry, what?? On the one hand, I get it that CMD wasn’t available for the season so in some respects better to deal with it swiftly and move on, but it was very abrupt and strange. I had zero investment in the pairing so it doesn’t overly affect my viewing, but any fans out there shipping those two, are you ok? Because that was a brutal way for a pairing to simply cease to exist.

So we have I love yous being thrown around by Kelsey and Zane as they break up because that makes sense (in retrospect I should’ve seen what was coming because these words clearly mean NOTHING *breathes deeply, exhales slowly*) but thank goodness Liza is there to comfort Kelsey, whose statement that she really doesn’t care would be a lot more convincing if she wasn’t crying inconsolably. We get a beautiful transition from Kelsey’s office to Charles’ with a sweeping aerial shot across the autumnal canopy of Central Park along with the gentle music adding to the relaxed pacing of the episode. Liza doesn’t want it to be weird between her and Charles now that the proposal is out there (well actually, its 100% in her court but yes), so he reassures her it’s not weird at all by planting a kiss on her that almost triggers the sprinklers because friends, it is HOTTT. Cue super cute exchange about pro and cons lists, lovingly looking into one another’s eyes and then, another ‘ I love you’ from Liza to Charles followed by Charles responding, ‘I love you too’, and despite my deceased status at this point, it was magical. But also WHAT. IS. HAPPENING. 

These two are so enamoured with one another and it’s as though it’s something they just say to each other all the time, but this is literally the first episode we’ve heard any kind of expression of feelings to one another since the season 6 premiere and even then it wasn’t this direct; Liza ran away and Charles told her he didn’t mind not being at the office because he did it for the woman he loves followed by a cute story about how he can do maths because he’s had feelings for her for 16 years. Don’t get me wrong, the entire scene this episode was perfect and it was SO well done in the way it captured the best parts of their dynamic (damn you Darren Star for being so good at what you do), but it also felt like we were being shown the dream version of what could have been before it’s all snatched away.

Not unlike Millennial, which is like naming a business Boomer Print according to the table of boomers at the investor meeting who blindside Kelsey and Charles by voting to restore the name Empirical (head boomer has clearly had it with millennials, indicated by his statement, ‘who gives a shit about millennials any more?’) and so it is done and Kelsey is officially having a very bad week. It is while enjoying a quiet bourbon in the bar that evening that Charles is joined by Quinn, who is allegedly on her apology tour to explain to investors why she dropped out of the Senate race, but also offers Charles what seems to be a sincere apology for treating his company like a toy (prediction: nothing is ever as it seems with Quinn). I have a confession to make and believe me, I don't like it any more than you do - they absolutely nailed the set up of tension and a little bit of a spark between Charles and Quinn in this scene IMO and I...I *whispers* I liked it.

What I liked even more was Lauren’s completely in character entrance to her own birthday party, omg it’s so ridiculous and perfectly her and Denise telling her daughter, ‘fix your crotch, good girl’ had me chuckling. I feel like we’re getting Kelsey’s set up for the season at this party too, as she’s feeling unsure of what defines her now, and the conversation about defining things carries over into Josh and Liza’s chat when he asks her if congratulations are in order. This exchange between the two of them is just lovely, with Liza clearly feeling a little awkward talking to Josh about Charles, but Josh reassures her that he does like him, for her, and that it brings him joy to know she’s happy. They agree that their relationship doesn’t need to be defined, and that they'll always be in each others’ lives no matter who they’re with. It feels very final for their romantic relationship and I would be celebrating the end of the triangle had I not clocked Josh’s fallen expression as Liza walks away. I really do hope that Josh finds someone he loves and who loves him the way he wants to be loved this season. Josh’s words gave Liza some clarity of her own and so we find ourselves at the magnificent Seaglass Carousel, home of Liza and Charles’ first proper date, once more.

Charles is clearly full of hope and expectation as he meets Liza and they remember the time he and the beard we try to forget about brought her there and it’s all amazing and beautiful and...*collects self*...Liza tells him that she just wants to keep riding the perfect ride. She once again tells him she loves him (we’re up to three times in one ep now for those of you playing at home), that all she wants is his heart and that she wants to be happily unmarried to him every day. To say this does not go down the way she is expecting is an understatement; we learn that Charles doesn’t want a ride, he wants to get off the carousel and not live in a fantasy. He believes in marriage whereas she believes they are now finally free and folks, this is why you talk about your stance on marriage in a relationship BEFORE you pop the question out of nowhere at someone’s wedding. 

You can see on his face, as Liza says she doesn’t want to define their relationship by the rules and obligations of marriage, that he’s hearing that she is not all in (whether that’s true or not) and he thanks her for letting him know what’s in her heart. You know the bit that actually plunges the knife into my heart? Charles shaking his head as Liza says his name, clearly overcome with emotion, before he kisses her on the head looking as though his world has just come crumbling down around him. That knife just gets twisted even further as Liza is left there in disbelief, (we are all Liza in that moment honestly), trying to process how her own declaration could be so easily rejected. You know, I knew it was coming, but it didn’t make it any less painful. I can see it from both perspectives and I have no doubt that these two characters have a lot they need to address and work through as a result of their own failed marriages if they’re going to have healthy relationships moving forward. 

I tell you what, after so long with no new episodes, this first episode of the season was concurrently beautiful and heart-breaking and one thing’s for certain - this final ride ain’t gonna be smooth. Now if you’ll excuse me I’m just going to go and regain some composure so we can start on ep 2...

Season 6 ramble collection can be found here

[britneyshakespeare]

top 5 britney spears songs, top 5 female marvel characters, top 5 movies

i just did 5 britney songs here but since i love my mom i’ll do 5 more i definitely got it in me

don’t go knockin’ on my door GOD IF THIS SONG DOESNT MAKE ME WANNA PUNCH EVERY MAN IN THE FACE and that’s a quality i fuckin love in a song, that’s all i need to say on that

the hook up ANOTHER ONE FROM IN THE ZONE THAT EVERYONE FORGETS ABOUT but it’s so goddamn irresistible, it just jumps from line to line and britney’s voice fits it perfectly, she carries it w exactly the swagger it is due, people give britney shit for her singing voice (which considering she’s naturally an alto and sings in a soprano range most of the time, she really deserves more credit for if you ask me), but it is undeniable she knows how to deliver her lines like an actress, and that’s a damn important quality in a pop diva that gets overlooked in the pop discourse

the beat goes on okay another cover and i named two in the last one, but she does covers really damn well. the way it closes an otherwise quintessentially bubblegum pop album w an avant-garde electropop song is brilliant. it certainly hinted at things to come, pushing borders of contemporary pop music. and it suited baby brit SO well.

perfume i constantly think back on all the missed opportunities of britney jean era, i’m still not over it. it’s been 5 years i really should be but i’m not. but this song really could’ve used better promotion, it’s one of my favorite britney ballads, and one of the few songs in her own discography where she gets to sing in an alto range!!! she sounds GREAT and to her it’s a very personal song and i respect it deeply

coupureélectrique i have nothing to say about this entire album other than that in 2016, y’all were either with us (the loyal gays who supported glory) or against us. this album deserves so much more love like every britney fan cherished it immediately even the fans who were let down by britney jean and afraid to trust again but the rest of the population was just crickets. a shame too she worked w so many talented female songwriters and producers, bc mom understands the importance of uplifting women not just as starlets but behind the scene producing the music being marketed to women. bless. oh and she sings in french which is extremely welcomed.

top 5 female marvel characters:

jennifer walters/she-hulk, i love her so much. she’s so underrated i’m so upset that the mcu has yet to even touch the subject of her, her characterization is so strong and much more interesting than bruce’s if you ask me, she’s hardly the same creature as bruce banner but since she’s a female spin-off character people assume she’s this lame character w poor characterization when ever since john byrne took the action comedy spin on her book w the sensational she-hulk in the 80s, she became marvel’s wisecracking fourth-wall-breaker before deadpool even existed, not to mention she’s unapologetically feminine while wielding masculine powers for which she doesn’t suffer any consequences which is so different not just for female characters in all of fiction but especially in her genre and time of conception. actually. no. lemme use this video to illustrate my thesis bc it does it much more eloquently than i can at this moment blasting britney in my pajamas. but yes, jennifer walters is one of my absolute favorite characters in fiction.

oh i just realized i can do non-superheroes. this is kind of obvious coming from me but *clears throat* mary jane fucking watson. she works as a wonderful complex supporting character and i love how her relationship w peter parker isn’t just rewarded to him but they both go through so much character development alongside each other, but it’s not entirely dependent on each other. she’s such an important piece in just about all good spider-man stories that have come after her inception. i love mj. but i’ve gone off about it many times before.

kamala khan/ms. marvel. a newbie but such a good and relatable and important character, already, especially for someone who didn’t even exist 5 years ago. i love what she means for teenage girls in comics, for muslim/brown representation. i love the cultural references infused into her books, it makes it all feel so much more authentic. i love how human all her supporting characters are. i love g. willow wilson’s sense of humor. but i feel like she’s rightfully acknowledged for being the groundbreaking character she is so i don’t need to write any more on that right now, i don’t think.

jean grey. comics only, i haven’t seen any of the xmen movies, whoops. basically i used to live vicariously through her when i was younger bc she looks like me and telepathy has always been my dream power of all powers, and i love her character history, she’s so complicated for a female character who began as just a simple good girl of the team type of tropey character. i think she’s a prime example of how interesting and convoluted comic book continuity can be and how retcons and arcs seemingly out of nowhere can be done well and how they can add to the characterization of a formerly bland character and benefit the story, how to utilize the underutilized.

dazzler. i don’t think she’s actually one of my favorite female marvel characters but you gotta give major props to a character whose superpowers are literally to be a disco queen. yeah it was very much trend-hopping in the 70s on behalf of the marvel staff but they’ve made it work in some very interesting ways in the year, again i’ll redirect you to a youtube video about her and also this photo

top 5 movies

hmmm i always say the spider-man trilogy (2002-2007), but it’s true and i should say it

i’ve really loved rebel without a cause (1955) since i started my james dean obsession/non-phase when i was in eighth grade. and i really see why a lot about this movie and james dean as a character resonated w me at that age and continues to hit home, i mean, he’s sort of an embodiment of pent up teen angst and feeling misunderstood and out of touch w oneself at the same time, like a walking contradiction. i feel like james dean was one of my first paradoxical role models that i’d continue to build my identity around in my teen years. but i mumble. this really is a great movie w an interesting story to tell, it’s not just coming of age sleeze, it’s really damn well-written, well-acted, and well-directed.

the day gentlemen prefer blondes (1953) fails to make me smile is the day it all ends, man. i’m so attached to that movie, not just because it’s great (though it is), but it’s just one of my comfort movies. i’m always in the mood to watch it. it’s not even the best film marilyn’s in but how can one not love it, you know?

american psycho (2000) is really damn well remembered for a reason. it adapts a difficult and abstract novel with complicated themes and characterization in the best possible way it can, mary herron doesn’t get enough credit for that. bret easton ellis gets his recognition as the author of the book it’s based off of but i don’t think people talk enough about just how well herron pulled it off. the book has chapters spread throughout of just incomprehensible character building in the most skeptical ways, the way patrick always describes what he is wearing in exhausting detail, as well as the wardrobe of every single person around him at all times. the chapters where he just out-of-the-blue gives his reviews of contemporary popular music. his materialism fixation. his unintelligible babbling. patrick bateman’s a character that by all rules of film shouldn’t be able to be adapted to film as well as he is in this movie. i can honestly only think of one or two details from the book i wish weren’t cut, out of such a long and meandering character study of a novel. it’s really, really a gem.

a fool there was (1915) bc theda bara is my original goth gf and she really fucks it up in this film. i love silent horror films so much, especially ones where rich men are corrupted. oh yeah. that’s just a personal niche though. but it is a good film.

ask me for my top 5 anything

[antmfunny]

3. Tyra Drops By

Boy, the panel’s deliberation this week sure is contentious. Doesn’t it make you miss the old days when the judges would pretend their opinions mattered before Tyra picked the winner?

Speaking of Tyra, Rita Ora makes a case for India to win, saying they should select a model who can do it all like Tyra. Clearly, she wants to make sure the E.P. gives her a check before the lights go off on this production.

Ashley, who also wants her check, shuts down the slightest hint of a comparison between the two women. No one is as good as Tyra!

Similarly ready to get paid, Law concurs with Ashley. Keep India’s trash name out of the same sentence as Tyra!

Evidently, if you say Tyra’s name too many times, you can conjure her into the room. She walks in unannounced and the judges pretend to lose their shit.

While I don’t think they were expecting her, I also don’t think people who interact with far bigger celebrities on a regular basis would treat Tyra like the second coming of Christ. They’re literally calling her “queen” and begging her to help them because they couldn’t possibly make a decision without her (even though they’ve done precisely that the last thirteen eliminations.)  

Tyra plays it off like a casual visit, explaining that she just happened to be in the neighborhood. Remember when she promised the contestants at the beginning of the cycle that she would pop up again? Oddly, the models never got to see Tyra again (unless Tatiana’s attempt at an impersonation counts); she sure put off her next visit until the last possible second.    

Ashley wants to know if Tyra will be sitting with the judges, and Tyra confirms that she is.

Carefully watch this GIF. Initially, Rita maintains her middle position and it looks like Tyra’s going to sit between her and Drew, but then there’s a magical transition wipe that fast forwards us into the unspecified future where Tyra is now sitting in the middle seat.

Was there a diva showdown over who got to sit in the center that they had to edit around? The fan fiction practically writes itself in that scenario.

Tyra insists she’s been following the whole cycle to keep up with the contestants’ progress, yet the judges still feel compelled to breakdown the difference between the top two models. “They both have exactly what the other girl needs,” Law summarizes.

Tyra, psycho as ever, says:

She even catches herself getting a little crazy, which is why she clarifies, “But not hurt ‘em.” But trust, Tyra would absolutely put Naomi Campbell in a blender if she could.

Tyra wants the judges to find a girl who can WERK.

Somehow, Tyra decides that Kendall and Kylie Jenner are the perfect metaphor for India and Tatiana. Man, there was a point where Tyra would have been embarrassed to tie her ANTM brand to figures like that. I mean, that point obviously ended a long time ago, before ANTM gave the Jenner girls one of their first modeling gigs in that creepy adult baby photoshoot, but still!  

I’m going to unapologetically state that I don’t know the difference between the Jenner girls, so it’s all gibberish to me. But apparently Tyra is aware that Kylie has a successful cosmetics line, so Kylie ought to watch her back or a certain CEO of Tyra Beauty might throw her in a blender.

Tyra decides to give all of the judges an assignment to help determine a winner.

* Law is instructed to think about which girl he wants to dress the most. I take that to mean which girl he least wants to see naked.

* Drew is supposed to think about which model he wants to see on the pages of his magazine. [@markliddell​ compares Drew’s smile in this moment to the Grinch, and now I can’t unsee it.]

* Ashley needs to decide which model could be a real supermodel in nine months time. Apparently, the gestation period for birthing a supermodel is the same as a human baby.

Finally, Rita has to decide which contestant can do things other than modeling, which I think is Tyra’s way of shading Rita for not actually being a model.

And with that, Tyra peaces out - quite literally. The judges plead with her to stay, and Rita says, “That is how you make an exit!” As we’ve already seen, though, people inexplicably screaming in delight is the only way Tyra makes an entrance, too.

I’m kind of surprised Tyra doesn’t stick around to make the tie-breaking vote, since you know how Tyra likes to make a moment about herself, but I guess she really has passed the torch to the next generation of attention-seekers.

5 Funniest Moments of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 23 Finale

[omnipop-mag-blog]

http://time.com/5275557/israel-wins-eurovision-contest/

(TEL AVIV) — Thousands of Israelis took to the streets early Sunday to celebrate their country’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Fans flooded Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square in front of City Hall, with some euphorically jumping into a public fountain, after Netta Barzilai was announced the winner in Portugal with her techno dance tune “Toy.” The City Hall building was lit up to spell “Toy” and electronic signs throughout the city congratulated her.

The 25-year-old Barzilai, popularly known by her first name, has become a sensation in Israel thanks to her oozing confidence, charisma and spastic performances, which include a clucking sound like a chicken and barely decipherable words, as well as the use of a looping machine and synthesizer.

The win — Israel’s first since 1998 and fourth overall — means it will host next year’s contest.

Here’s a look at what the win in the hugely popular song contest means for Israel:

NATIONAL PRIDE

In a country with a perpetual sense of siege, Israel tends to go gaga over any international success that reinforces its image of itself as a normal country.

Even minor sporting and cultural achievements are disproportionately celebrated, and the Eurovision is regarded as the crown jewel of them all. Many Israelis see it as proof that the Jewish state can overcome those seeking to boycott it over its treatment of the Palestinians.

“Hallelujah” became the country’s unofficial national song after it won the contest for Israel when it hosted the event in the late 1970s, and Dana International became a national hero and global transgender icon when she won with “Diva” in 1998.

This year’s contest smashed overnight TV ratings records, and Netta fielded congratulatory phone calls from the nation’s leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called her Israel’s “greatest ambassador.”

“It’s a moment of joy that makes everybody together, it’s a consensus,” said Izhar Cohen, who won Israel’s first Eurovision crown 40 years ago. “Because we are separated with so many views and political sides and all that, this contest made us one country, one people and I’m so happy for that.”

___

NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM

The prospect of Israel hosting next year’s contest in Jerusalem shines a spotlight on the contested city just as Israel marks the annual Jerusalem Day, the anniversary of what it refers to as the city’s “unification” following the 1967 war, and a day before the United States is set to officially open its embassy in the city.

Israel captured east Jerusalem, along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Mideast war. It later annexed the eastern sector in a move not recognized internationally. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, a position with wide international backing.

When the Eurovision hosts turned to each country to hear their votes, Jerusalem was the only capital city not mentioned by name. As she picked up her award, Netta shouted to the audience “I love my country. Next time in Jerusalem!” There will be no escaping the issue next year unless the competition’s rabid fans in coastal Tel Aviv get their way and manage to host it instead.

___

GOOD TIMES IN ISRAEL

The Eurovision win comes as Israel is enjoying an unparalleled grace period. It just concluded a successful hosting of the start of the Giro d’Italia cycling race, the first Grand Tour event ever held outside Europe. The government is also relishing in Trump’s warm embrace, his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and his nullifying of the nuclear deal with Israel’s arch-enemy Iran.

Netanyahu chose to open his weekly Cabinet meeting Sunday by noting Netta’s win. “These days Jerusalem is being blessed with many gifts. We received another one last night with Netta’s thrilling and suspenseful victory,” he said. “The gift is that the Eurovision will come to Jerusalem next year.”

___

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

The winning song’s main chorus is “I’m not your toy, You stupid boy, I’ll take you down.” Netta has referred to it as a song about women’s empowerment, and the message seems to have resonated with fans — the song racked up more than 20 million views on Eurovision’s YouTube channel even before Saturday night’s event.

Netta’s physical appearance has upended traditional notions of what it takes to be a female pop star, and she has become a model for plus-size women. She has been unapologetic about her weight, the loud colors she wears and the funky chicken moves that have become her trademark.

On Saturday night, she won out over a sultry, hip-shaking pop star from Cyprus who wore a glittering outfit that bared her navel and flat stomach.

“Thank you so much for choosing different. Thank you so much for accepting the differences between us. Thank you for celebrating diversity,” Netta said in her victory speech.

The post New world news from Time: Israel Went Wild After Winning the Eurovision Song Contest appeared first on OMNI POP MAG.

[investmart007]

TEL AVIV, Israel | Israelis go wild after Eurovision Song Contest victory

New Post has been published on https://is.gd/8YiKgC

TEL AVIV, Israel | Israelis go wild after Eurovision Song Contest victory

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Thousands of Israelis took to the streets early Sunday to celebrate their country’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Fans flooded Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square in front of City Hall, with some euphorically jumping into a public fountain, after Netta Barzilai was announced the winner in Portugal with her techno dance tune “Toy.” The City Hall building was lit up to spell “Toy” and electronic signs throughout the city congratulated her.

The 25-year-old Barzilai, popularly known by her first name, has become a sensation in Israel thanks to her oozing confidence, charisma and spastic performances, which include a clucking sound like a chicken and barely decipherable words, as well as the use of a looping machine and synthesizer.

The win — Israel’s first since 1998 and fourth overall — means it will host next year’s contest.

Here’s a look at what the win in the hugely popular song contest means for Israel:

NATIONAL PRIDE

In a country with a perpetual sense of siege, Israel tends to go gaga over any international success that reinforces its image of itself as a normal country.

Even minor sporting and cultural achievements are disproportionately celebrated, and the Eurovision is regarded as the crown jewel of them all. Many Israelis see it as proof that the Jewish state can overcome those seeking to boycott it over its treatment of the Palestinians.

“Hallelujah” became the country’s unofficial national song after it won the contest for Israel when it hosted the event in the late 1970s, and Dana International became a national hero and global transgender icon when she won with “Diva” in 1998.

This year’s contest smashed overnight TV ratings records, and Netta fielded congratulatory phone calls from the nation’s leaders,

including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called her Israel’s “greatest ambassador.”

“It’s a moment of joy that makes everybody together, it’s a consensus,” said Izhar Cohen, who won Israel’s first Eurovision crown 40 years ago. “Because we are separated with so many views and political sides and all that, this contest made us one country, one people and I’m so happy for that.” ___ NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM

The prospect of Israel hosting next year’s contest in Jerusalem shines a spotlight on the contested city just as Israel marks the annual Jerusalem Day, the anniversary of what it refers to as the city’s “unification” following the 1967 war, and a day before the United States is set to officially open its embassy in the city.

Israel captured east Jerusalem, along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Mideast war. It later annexed the eastern sector in a move not recognized internationally. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, a position with wide international backing.

When the Eurovision hosts turned to each country to hear their votes, Jerusalem was the only capital city not mentioned by name.

As she picked up her award, Netta shouted to the audience “I love my country. Next time in Jerusalem!” There will be no escaping the issue next year unless the competition’s rabid fans in coastal Tel Aviv get their way and manage to host it instead. ___ GOOD TIMES IN ISRAEL

The Eurovision win comes as Israel is enjoying an unparalleled grace period. It just concluded a successful hosting of the start of the Giro d’Italia cycling race, the first Grand Tour event ever held outside Europe. The government is also relishing in Trump’s warm embrace, his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and his nullifying of the nuclear deal with Israel’s arch-enemy Iran.

Netanyahu chose to open his weekly Cabinet meeting Sunday by noting Netta’s win. “These days Jerusalem is being blessed with many gifts. We received another one last night with Netta’s thrilling and suspenseful victory,” he said. “The gift is that the Eurovision will come to Jerusalem next year.” ___ WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

The winning song’s main chorus is “I’m not your toy, You stupid boy, I’ll take you down.” Netta has referred to it as a song about women’s empowerment, and the message seems to have resonated with fans — the song racked up more than 20 million views on Eurovision’s YouTube channel even before Saturday night’s event.

Netta’s physical appearance has upended traditional notions of what it takes to be a female pop star, and she has become a model for plus-size women. She has been unapologetic about her weight, the loud colors she wears and the funky chicken moves that have become her trademark.

On Saturday night, she won out over a sultry, hip-shaking pop star from Cyprus who wore a glittering outfit that bared her navel and flat stomach.

“Thank you so much for choosing different. Thank you so much for accepting the differences between us. Thank you for celebrating diversity,” Netta said in her victory speech.

By ARON HELLER,  By Associated Press – published on STL.News by St. Louis Media, LLC(R.A)

[omnipop-mag-blog]

http://time.com/5275557/israel-wins-eurovision-contest/

(TEL AVIV) — Thousands of Israelis took to the streets early Sunday to celebrate their country’s victory in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Fans flooded Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square in front of City Hall, with some euphorically jumping into a public fountain, after Netta Barzilai was announced the winner in Portugal with her techno dance tune “Toy.” The City Hall building was lit up to spell “Toy” and electronic signs throughout the city congratulated her.

The 25-year-old Barzilai, popularly known by her first name, has become a sensation in Israel thanks to her oozing confidence, charisma and spastic performances, which include a clucking sound like a chicken and barely decipherable words, as well as the use of a looping machine and synthesizer.

The win — Israel’s first since 1998 and fourth overall — means it will host next year’s contest.

Here’s a look at what the win in the hugely popular song contest means for Israel:

NATIONAL PRIDE

In a country with a perpetual sense of siege, Israel tends to go gaga over any international success that reinforces its image of itself as a normal country.

Even minor sporting and cultural achievements are disproportionately celebrated, and the Eurovision is regarded as the crown jewel of them all. Many Israelis see it as proof that the Jewish state can overcome those seeking to boycott it over its treatment of the Palestinians.

“Hallelujah” became the country’s unofficial national song after it won the contest for Israel when it hosted the event in the late 1970s, and Dana International became a national hero and global transgender icon when she won with “Diva” in 1998.

This year’s contest smashed overnight TV ratings records, and Netta fielded congratulatory phone calls from the nation’s leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called her Israel’s “greatest ambassador.”

“It’s a moment of joy that makes everybody together, it’s a consensus,” said Izhar Cohen, who won Israel’s first Eurovision crown 40 years ago. “Because we are separated with so many views and political sides and all that, this contest made us one country, one people and I’m so happy for that.”

___

NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM

The prospect of Israel hosting next year’s contest in Jerusalem shines a spotlight on the contested city just as Israel marks the annual Jerusalem Day, the anniversary of what it refers to as the city’s “unification” following the 1967 war, and a day before the United States is set to officially open its embassy in the city.

Israel captured east Jerusalem, along with the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in the 1967 Mideast war. It later annexed the eastern sector in a move not recognized internationally. The Palestinians claim east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, a position with wide international backing.

When the Eurovision hosts turned to each country to hear their votes, Jerusalem was the only capital city not mentioned by name. As she picked up her award, Netta shouted to the audience “I love my country. Next time in Jerusalem!” There will be no escaping the issue next year unless the competition’s rabid fans in coastal Tel Aviv get their way and manage to host it instead.

___

GOOD TIMES IN ISRAEL

The Eurovision win comes as Israel is enjoying an unparalleled grace period. It just concluded a successful hosting of the start of the Giro d’Italia cycling race, the first Grand Tour event ever held outside Europe. The government is also relishing in Trump’s warm embrace, his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and his nullifying of the nuclear deal with Israel’s arch-enemy Iran.

Netanyahu chose to open his weekly Cabinet meeting Sunday by noting Netta’s win. “These days Jerusalem is being blessed with many gifts. We received another one last night with Netta’s thrilling and suspenseful victory,” he said. “The gift is that the Eurovision will come to Jerusalem next year.”

___

WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT

The winning song’s main chorus is “I’m not your toy, You stupid boy, I’ll take you down.” Netta has referred to it as a song about women’s empowerment, and the message seems to have resonated with fans — the song racked up more than 20 million views on Eurovision’s YouTube channel even before Saturday night’s event.

Netta’s physical appearance has upended traditional notions of what it takes to be a female pop star, and she has become a model for plus-size women. She has been unapologetic about her weight, the loud colors she wears and the funky chicken moves that have become her trademark.

On Saturday night, she won out over a sultry, hip-shaking pop star from Cyprus who wore a glittering outfit that bared her navel and flat stomach.

“Thank you so much for choosing different. Thank you so much for accepting the differences between us. Thank you for celebrating diversity,” Netta said in her victory speech.

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