Moana Maniapoto has been around and seen around. Her life encompasses not just the music she has been known for in the past 25 years -- with her first band the Moa Hunters and more recently the Tribe -- but the political agenda that is right there on the surface.
She travels extensively for both and in the course of a long conversation about her new album Rima she traverse performing in Sarawak and Vladivostok, the increasing social divide in New Zealand, refers back to Springbok tour marches and more recently protests about off-shore oil companies.
Her album Rima – reviewed here, with messages about those multi-nationals, the emerging generation of young Maori, empowered women and the legacy of colonialism – finds her moving into new musical territory with Paddy Free (formerly of Pitch Black) who brings electronica into the mix. It pulls together haka, waiata and 21st century dance.
Elsewhere has long considered Moana one of the most important voices in New Zealand music, although critical opinion has also been divided.
What we've admired as much as the body of work she has built up, are how songs like AEIOU, Treaty, Moko, Ancestors and now Whole World's Watching on her new album have captured the zeitgeist.
And also her willingness to collaborate with local musicians, Native American artists and – in the Boomerang project which was unveiled at this year's Womad – Aboriginal and Scottish musicians (who appear on Rima on the swirling epic Water People).
Where Moana and the Tribe haven't been visible however is on home turf, their booking – which Moana and manager Sol de Sully arrange themselves – take them offshore far more often than they play here. Oddly enough it seem more logistically difficult to tour New Zealand than go to Europe, as she notes when talking about trying to pull together some dates here.
"I'm thinking about it because the intention is to take the band to half a dozen little places, but never having done that before I'm freaking out because all you seem to get is a space and date.
"You have to take a PA and everything to these places. It's easier overseas, so I have to make some hard decisions about how many we do, without funding, sponsorship or a venue bearing the cost, it's quite frightening. And we're picking places close to Auckland and Rotorua, because that's where the band splits in half.
"But if you have to bring a PA in which costs about $1800 to start with on top of travel -- and I always pay my musicians and we have to feed them and do posters . . . it starts to get to $4000 easily.
You don't go up against the rugby league or the All Blacks.
Then there's the perception she and the band are constantly touring in Europe, Russia, Canada . . .
With any luck the new album with its massive beats, a possible single in House of Strife co-written and sung with Don McGlashan and the cachet Free brings could just get the music out to a broader audience. That is her hope anyway.
She admits that in recent years she struggled with being inspired but once she established a creative relationship with Free she enjoyed the process of experimenting with different musical textures, layers and concepts. It was a challenge too because they started work on the album while touring overseas (tracks were recorded at Free's Piha studio outside Auckland and in Rotorua and Glasgow). I suggest that the album is a way out of the impasse which so many roots reggae bands find themselves in, a ghetto of good vibes which are unchallenging but often highly popular.
The "roots" music is just facile and unambitious reggae but on Rima the thumping beats associate equally with dub and haka.
"I hear lots of reggae and I love it, but we hear lots of different reggae when we're traveling, especially in Europe where there's more dub-inspired reggae. It is big dancey bombastic stuff. Some of the New Zealand reggae I feel I've been there and done it. It's sunny and Pacific and it just doesn't do it for me.
She also credits guitarist Cadzow Cossar for his "dark rock chords" and on the evidence of their album launch in Auckland on the small stage at Galatos 10 days ago, the rhythm section of drummer Mickey Ututaonga and bassist Marika Hodgson are a locked-down machine too.
Reflecting on the album she admits Warrior Woman – "which started off long and I had to chop the extra verses out" – is a bit too circular and needed more crafting although "I like the haka dubs, but maybe it needed a bit more meat in it".
She laughs that for years she has been asked to sing Black Pearl – the soul song which she recorded in 1990 and went to number two on the New Zealand charts – and now hopes that one can be put behind her in favour of Warrior Woman.
She is especially pleased with the closing song Not Alone dedicated to Hek Busby and others who have revived the tradition of celestial navigation by sailing waka around the Pacific.
The standout however is the opening song Whole World's Watching which brings together diverse musical elements (including the children's song Oma Rapeti) with references to the Springbok tour protest and the threat of corporate rapaciousness from off-shore multinationals.
"Me and Paddy were talking about the Springbok tour and doing all these [protest] marches so 'whole world's watching' is still a phrase that pops up.
"And we were watching what was happing in Syria on the news, and the fact we can all see what is going on overseas these days . . . which brought that phrase back. And then we were talking about the Springbok tour and I was saying about how the rabbits got beaten up – I dunno where that came from! I got mixed up because it was [the people dressed as] clowns. I remember those times, and that worked in well using that phrase.
Part of the genius is Oma Rapeti which slips in effortlessly and everyone knows.
Our conversation, inevitably, turns to politics. At the album launch when introducing the song Rangatahi she spoke about going to a graduation ceremony for her son and being inspired by seeing the confidence of young maori . . . but I tell her the counterpoint to that is in half a century Maori home ownership has plummeted from 62 percent to just 28 percent today. I invite her to discuss if she feels optimistic about the future for Maori. We've come a long way from the Nga Tamatoa movement of the late Sixties/early Seventies but . . .
"Hmm, there's been mixed progress. Rangatahi was a song that came to me real quick because I watched those kids jump on the marae and I thought, 'My God, this was 100 years away from where we were when we graduated in the Eighties'. They've got so much potential to use their language and identity across the media and in politics and government, and they are very confident and clear about who they are.
But then she talks with sadness about a Treaty settlement going down the gurgler as there is in-fighting in an iwi: "It's that tragic thing, if you haven't had anything for so long then you get it, it's divide and rule and greed.
"A lot of positive things have happened but there is a growing gap, and then there's the environmental stuff that is going to have a major impact. Mike Smith was very staunch on Maori political things but his focus now is on environmental matters because he believes that is where the biggest impact is going to be done to all of us.
What we can also see perhaps is the widening gap now starting between educated urban people and people who have not had the advantage of education and are living in urban environments, not just Maori but Pakeha as well. There is an enormous schism opening up.
"I agree, and a higher percentage of Maori will be in that lower gap. We've worked in areas where we can encourage Maori families to expect more from schools, and put more pressure on schools to better support Maori families.
For the Maori Future Makers website she, her partner and filmmaker Toby Mills (above) and others interviewed 30 young Maori in less traditional positions (marine scientists, microbiologists, games developers and so on) to motivate young Maori.
She laughs that as she goes around she realises she has forgotten part of her life – like being on Aotearoa Radio – but others remember her from back then.
And on the album is House of Strife which came as commission through Mills and Sonny Arahanga who wanted a song to accompany video footage in the visitor's centre at Waitangi.
At Arahanga's suggestion – because he'd worked with McGlashan on the Songs From the Inside prisoner songwriting project – she met McGlashan on a Thursday for lunch and Mills then asked if they could sort it out by Monday because they needed it done for Tuesday.
"Don said he was going to Canada on Monday, so I wrote some lyrics and sent them to him on the plane. They were a bit dark. It was trying to reflect that Treaty relationship without being happy chappies or Once Were Warriors dark and mean stuff. He came back with the lyrics in response to another story I'd told him. He had a melody and e-mailed it over from Vancouver.
"Everyone thought that was awesome and they'd say, 'Are you going to put that on the album?' And I'd say I didn't think it would fit, but then it would have been churlish not to.
The solution was to have McGlashan add a brass intro which referred to the Rangatahi brass . . . and mission accomplished.
I remind it's the one track on the album I don't like because it doesn't fit, but that after they played it at the launch I said to my wife, "It's a hit".
On your behalf me too. Maybe Rhythmethod can make one of them happen for you?
"I don't know how hits happen anyway. Our songs are too long anyway. I never write for radio because that just doesn't work and Paddy just doesn't do short.
It sounds like an album ripe for a remix too?
"Paddy would be into that. He's like a mad scientist in the studio and adding all these creepy little things in. He asks if i'm bored but I'm fascinated. But it's easy to get into adding bits like a bass line or a texture, and the next minute you've been there six hours. It's fun and I love it.
To listen to a free stream of The Best of Moana and the Tribe go here. Moana's extensive website is here.


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Pink Dome TV
Going into the 86th Legislature, Senate Members Have $30.9 Million Cash on Hand
Reform Austin | Campaign Finance | Going into the 86th Legislature, Senate Members Have $30.9 Million Cash on Hand
(From left to right in order of greatest contributions maintained: John Whitmire, Kelly Hancock, Robert Nichols, Jane Nelson, Royce West)
Under Texas law, state elected officials are required to submit periodic financial disclosures. The latest campaign finance deadline was the semi-annual report due January 15, which covers the period from their last filing – from October 28 if they were on the November 2018 ballot; if not, from July 1 through December 31, 2018.
As Reform Austin has previously reported, Texas is one of 15 states to prohibit political fundraising during the legislative session. The Texas Ethics Commission's "Moratorium on Contributions" prevents elected officials and related entities from raising money during the legislative session. The 2019 moratorium began on December 8, 2018 and ends on June 17, 2019, following the end of the 86th regular session.
The latest campaign finance filings include the final stretch of the 2018 campaign, as well as fundraising up until the day the moratorium begins.
In the interest of transparency for Texas taxpayers, we have compiled all maintained contributions for the 30 Senate members who filed finance reports to start the 86th Legislative Session.
At the time of this writing, one Senator, Borris Miles (D – Houston), has yet to file the latest campaign finance report with the Texas Ethics Commission. Reform Austin will update the table with the data from his filing when it gets uploaded to the Texas Ethics Commission website.
Collectively, Senate members have maintained over $30.9 million in contributions entering the regular session, led by the longest-serving member in the Senate, Sen. John Whitmire (D – Houston), who maintains $7.9 million.
Reform Austin will watch who gives money to whom and how political contributions may influence legislation during the 86th session.
Is There a Place for Mass Transit in Truck-Loving Texas?
By Christopher Adams W.F. Strong, a professor in the department of communication at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-Brownsville, told a story about a
Birabil and Eastman Fundraising Leaders in Dallas and Houston Texas House Special Election Runoffs
Campaign finance reports were released by all candidates running for the March 3 primary and the January 28 special election runoffs, which includes House District
Don't California My Texas—History of a Polarizing Phrase
Trademark to Texas is a unique brand of state pride and patriotism. "Texas-made," "Texas-Tough," "Texas loud, and Texas proud." In the Lone Star, state pride
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I know all of us have a lot of dreams that we want to achieve. As a child, some of us wanted to grow up to be a doctor, a nurse, a dentist, or even start our own business. But as we grew up, we faced reality; and in the end, we forgot about our dreams and just focused on what we have in front of us, as part of being "practical".
Some people have the fear of failing or being made fun of by the people around them. But that shouldn't hinder you to strive for what you want to achieve. You shouldn't be scared of being a laughing stock. Because in the end, if you let those people influence you by pulling you down, then you'll be the loser. You just need to focus on your dream and how to turn it into a plan.
Don't be scared of failing. Listen, failure is not failing. It's just repackaged as your next step towards success.
Turning your dream into a concrete plan can be really intimidating. But if you do it little by little, and work on your plan by starting with baby steps, then you're taking action by allowing yourself to achieve something bigger.
Don't be scared. It's time for you to make your dreams turn into reality!
It's an easy-to-read and joyful book that offers information on running a business and letting go of weighty and negative expectations or perceptions.
A global radio, television and magazine media platform serving as a catalyst for better people, better relationships, better businesses to create better communities.
Serving small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations with an emphasis on minority and women-owned businesses.


Hyun Wook (Bi) is the CEO of a talent agency that scouts and trains idols. He is a brilliant songwriter-producer who appears cold and indifferent on the outside but is sensitive and kind-hearted. Hyun Wook lives in great difficulty as he unable to let go of his ex girlfriend who dies in an accident he witnesses first hand. His ex-girlfriend's sister, Yoon Se Na (Krystal Jung), moves to Seoul in order to pursue her songwriting career and meets Hyun Wook who helps her achieve it. In the midst of healing through music, they fall in love.


text:
"I Prefer Their Old Stuff"
Albums of the Year(s)
Albums of 2006
Fifty Best Albums of 2011
Fifty Favourite Albums of 2012
Cloudcasts
IPTOS Cloudcast No.1
IPTOS Cloudcast No.2 – "I Prefer Their NEW Stuff!"
IPTOS Cloudcast No.3 – "I Prefer Their Heavier Stuff!"
IPTOS Cloudcast No.4 – "I Prefer Their Leeds Stuff!"
IPTOS Cloudcast No.5 – "I Prefer Their 90s Stuff!"
IPTOS Cloudcast No.6 – "I Prefer Their 90s Stuff Part 2"
…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead – Tao of the Dead
Altar of Plagues – Mammal (Candlelight Records)
Amplifier – The Octopus
Austra – Feel It Break (Domino Records)
Benoît Pioulard – Lasted
Her Name Is Calla – Maw
I Like Trains – He Who Saw The Deep
Let's Wrestle – Nursing Home
Monster Magnet – Mastermind
Puscifer – Conditions of My Parole
Saturday's Kids
Sleigh Bells – Treats
The Go! Team – Rolling Blackouts
Tim Hecker – Ravedeath, 1972
Vessels – Helioscope / Grails – Deep Politics
Wolves In The Throne Room – Celestial Lineage
Zombie Zombie – Plays John Carpenter (EP)
Her Name Is Calla / Birds of Passage – Left Bank Leeds 27/03/2011
Jodrell Bank Live Transmission 001
Marnie Stern @ Brudenell Social Club 21/07/09
30 Days of Music
As tempting as it is to wait to see if any other gems come to my attention before finalising my 2010 list, there are only a few weeks of the year left so I need to draw a line under what I have ranked so far, anything else that comes up now, well tough, I'll just have to make separate posts about them.
Here's the plan, I will announce the top 50 in reverse order over three consecutive posts starting today with numbers 50 to 31, then there will be 30 to 11 and then finally the top ten. In each will be links to listen to the album on Spotify or Soundcloud ("Listen"), a sample video ("Look"), and a link to Amazon to purchase it if you so wish ("Buy"). So, without further ado, *trumpet fanfare*, here we go!
50. Broken Bells – Broken Bells
James Mercer (vocalist from The Shins) and producer Danger Mouse's first joint release is a nice little bunch of ditties. To me it sounds an awful lot like a Shins album with some electronic elements thrown in. Very nice but nothing terribly exciting.
Listen, Look, Buy
49. The Phantom Band – The Wants
Second album from this Glasgow band, sprawling indie rock that, like The Twilight Sad and Frightened Rabbit is not afraid to present their music with a strong Scottish accent! Can't find a decent video so check out the track "Everybody Knows It's True" via Soundcloud below.
48. Tweak Bird – Tweak Bird
Illinois brothers Caleb and Ashton Bird's debut album is a half hour blast of psych/stoner rock, the guitar/drum duo at times feel similar to Death From Above 1979 but with slightly less balls-out swagger!
47. Trans Am – Thing
Electronica, dance, rock, metal, experimental. Just some of the words that could be used for describing this band of twenty years. This, their ninth album, is quite the mixed bag of genres.
Look, Buy
46. Frightened Rabbit – The Winter of Mixed Drinks
Third album by the authors of my favourite album of 2008. Unfortunately I don't think it gets anywhere near the brilliance of "The Midnight Organ Fight", maybe vocalist and songwriter Scott Hutchinson needs to go through personal hell to come up with such fine tunes, I wouldn't wish that on him obviously but, although nice, none of the tracks here really stand out for me.
45. Eleven Tigers – Clouds are Mountains
Found out about this one through Drowned in Sound's Overlooked albums of 2010 thread. The press seem to be calling it where to go next following Burial, I can see what they mean. An album of lovely laid-back dubstep which might have been higher in the list but I've only managed to give it one listen at the time of writing this!
44. Tunng – …And Then We Saw Land
London based experimental folk band's fourth album utilises all sorts of instruments including sea shells! Really great live act too.
43. These Monsters – Call Me Dragon
Leeds band These Monsters finally released their debut album in March, having seen them lots of times as support acts on various bills in Leeds over the last few years I wondered whether I'd ever see a proper physical release! They twist the usual post-rock formula by adding a saxophone and not sticking to the quiet/loud song structure, tending to be more loud/loud! They're noisy and great fun, catch them live if you can.
Listen, Look, Live @ BBC
42. Padang Food Tigers – Born Music
Purchased after reading the enthusiastic review from Norman Records and hearing two tracks on Soundcloud. Delicate, almost ambient guitars and various other instruments. Check Norman Records' review to describe it better than I can.
41. Kylesa – Spiral Shadow
Excellent catchy, sludgy riffology from Savannah, Georgia's Kylesa. This, their fifth album is still as heavy as before but adds a more psych-rock feel. To quote Pitchfork.com – "Call Kylesa prog– or even psych, really– at your peril. Few modern prog or psych bands offer the kind of face-caving, riffs-first punch Kylesa bring to each tune. And tunes they are, with shout-along hooks that reliably hold things together between the double-drummer showcases and the bursts of uncut, old-school metal-flash soloing."
40. Killing Joke – Absolute Dissent
Can you believe Killing Joke have been around for thirty years? And they still sound angry! They came back to the fore in 2003 when Dave Grohl lent his name and pounding drum skills to their self titled debut of that year and this carries on in a similar vein, aside from stand out track "European Super State" that eschews the guitars for electronics. Good stuff!
39. Midlake – The Courage of Others
Follow up to "The Trials of Van Occupanther", this album comes close to surpassing it containing some lovely folky melodies and having a more immediate impact than its predecessor. Just listening to this makes me want to grow my beard back! 🙂
38. Butterfly Explosion – Lost Trails
I saw this Dublin band supporting God is an Astronaut early this year and really enjoyed their particular brand of post-rock. Unusual (relatively) in that for a post-rock band they are not instrumental, Gazz Corr's vocals add a bit of a shoegaze feel to the album. Another piece of evidence that proves it's always worth catching the support act at gigs!
37. Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse – Dark Night of the Soul
Originally slated for release in 2009, due to legal problems it did not see the light of day as a physical release until July this year. A tragically well timed release following the suicide of Sparklehorse main man Mark Linkous, this album features guest performances by a myriad of disparate artists, from Julian Casablancas (The Strokes), Iggy Pop, Gruff Rhys (Super Furry Animals), all the way to film director David Lynch (who was also involved in the artwork included in the CD and the postcards issued with the Ltd Edition version)
36. Errors – Come Down With Me
Continuing with their witty puns of TV shows (their 2006 mini album was entitled How Clean is Your Acid House and the remix edition of this is called Celebrity Come Down With Me!), this Glaswegian instrumental electronic outfit release their second album proper. They are label-mates with fellow Glaswegians Mogwai and some of the slower parts of this album are reminiscent of them, although never quite as noisy!
35. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
Nearly didn't investigate this album as I was very disappointed by "Neon Bible", but then noticed an Amazon promotion so got it for £1! Although over an hour long it manages to not overstay its welcome and to these ears is a lot better than "Neon Bible", it doesn't quite reach the quality of their debut "Funeral" and is less experimental.
34. The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster – Blood & Fire
The brilliantly eccentrically named band return with their third album a full six years after "The Royal Society". It kicks off at about 100mph and doesn't really slow down for its entire 38 minute runtime. I'm surprised they haven't really made it as big as this album sounds like they deserve, maybe it's their unwieldy name.
33. Melissa Auf der Maur – Out of Our Minds
Ex bass player of Hole releases her second solo album. No big diversions from her self titled debut, which is no bad thing as that was a cracker! Big riff-laden metallic pop.
32. Black Mountain – Wilderness Heart
Vancouver band Black Mountain's third album could have been released in 1975 and would have been massive, that's not to say it's dated, just that it mines a lot of the psychedelic, bluesy rock from that period such as Led Zep and Black Sabbath.
31. 65daysofstatic – We Were Exploding Anyway
Less rocky and glitch-laden than their earlier work such as "The Fall of Math", Sheffield's 65daysofstatic give us far more dance-oriented tunes here, soaring beats and hands-in-the-air moments. Hopefully their recent support slot with The Cure has introduced a lot more people to their infectious instrumental anthems.
30. LaFaro – LaFaro
I saw these guys supporting And So I Watch You From Afar at Fibbers in York earlier in the year and they really tore the place up! Hailing from Belfast, they have similarities to The Jesus Lizard with their chugging riffs and mangled vocals. On the track "The Ballad of Burnt Dave" with Jonny Black sounding as if he's been gargling nails and the song's upbeat tempo, they have elements of early Motorhead.
29. Archie Bronson Outfit – Coconut
It's going to be difficult to fit into a few words what this UK outfit's third album is like! Mixing funk, blues, rock and psychedelia into an acid-fried collection of fun! The scuzzy funk of tracks such as "Sharks Tooth" lying side by side with more gentle fare such as "Hunt You Down", all I can say is check it out and make up your own mind.
28. Red Sparowes – The Fear is Excruciating, But Therein Lies The Answer
Los Angeles post-rockers release their third album, on this one they have got rid of the ludicrously long track names of the first two albums (for which my iTunes thank them!) but retain their grandeur and scope. Beautiful instrumentals to soundtrack the end of the world!
27. Zola Jesus – Stridulum II
Following on a few months from her EP "Stridulum", this album basically just adds three tracks to bring it up to, a still brief, thirty four minutes. A tad frustrating as I'd bought the EP off eMusic but on further investigation I've found out that the EP wasn't physically released in Europe and Stridulum II is this European release but with the three extra tracks. Nika Roza Danilova's classically trained voice plus the echoes and tons of reverb give this little album a great gothy night-time atmosphere. (By the way, the cover was done by pouring a bucket of chocolate sauce over her head apparently)
26. The New Pornographers – Together
Canadian eight piece release fifth album of toe-tapping indie-pop. Nothing to challenge the listening muscles just an album of 12 melodic sing-along pop songs with added rock here and there! Like a popcorn blockbuster movie, it may not challenge the grey matter but it's damn good fun.
25. Sleigh Bells – Treats
See my review from last week regarding this noisy little gem!
24. The Sword – Warp Riders
With artwork looking like a 1970s sci-fi paperback you can get a pretty good idea where this Texan metal band are headed musically! Instrumental opener "Acheron/Unearthing The Orb" leads into single "Tres Brujas" (Three Witches, video below) and sets the scene for the rest of this sci-fi concept album! If you're rolling your eyes at the thought of that, try and give it a go cos it rawks!
23. These New Puritans – Hidden
Probably the most original and different album I have heard this year. Using a whole orchestra of instruments, but largely ignoring the guitar, adding a full choir here and there, Jack Barnett and co craft an album of songs that almost all require repeated listens to fully get your head around. Not an "easy" album but one that rewards with every re-listen. Pretentious? Possibly, but well worth investigating.
22. Underworld – Barking
I must admit I didn't realise these guys were still around, I kind of lost interest after "100 Days Off" and "Oblivion With Bells" completely passed me by. So it's good to be able to say that, to these ears, "Barking" is a joyous return to form! Although not sounding as unique as they once did they can still get the feet moving and the fists pumping with tracks like the slightly Pendulum sounding single "Scribble" and the grin-inducing "Always Loved A Film".
21. The Besnard Lakes – …Are The Roaring Night
Third album from this Canadian man and wife helmed band. Sedate but powerful, Jace Lasek's falsetto vocals marrying (excuse the pun) well with Olga Goreas's huskier delivery. I've caught them live twice this year and on both occasions they gave a tremendously confident, powerful show that would have entranced a crowd at least twice the size of the ones they got!
20. Holy Fuck – Latin
With a name like that they would never have got on Top of the Pops! Their energetic brand of instrumental dance/electro would probably have gone down well with the studio crowd as well! Just ignore the silly name and boogie! 😀
19. Karma To Burn – Appalachian Incantation
Monster instrumental (barring the odd track or two) stoner-rock riffs are the mainstay of this West Virginian band. I was introduced to them when they supported Monster Magnet on their UK tour in 2009 and loved their infectious melodies.
18. of Montreal – False Priest
Far less disjointed than previous album "Skeletal Lamping", there are some great pop tunes on here. Funky Prince-esque stylings with guest vocalists Janelle Monáe on two tracks and Beyonce's sister Solange Knowles on track "Sex Karma" make this a far more straightforward pop record (relatively, this is of Montreal after all!)
17. God Is An Astronaut – Age of the Fifth Sun
Sixth album from my favourite post-rock band! The Kinsella brothers from Co. Wicklow produce more soaring, building, instrumental loveliness that just manages to press all the right buttons for me, sure, some might say they're not doing anything different here than they have before, but as the saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it! Seen them every year for the past four (twice this year) and while they continue to do stuff like this will keep doing so, yes I am a fanboy!
16. I Like Trains – He Who Saw The Deep
Previously reviewed here.
15. Built To Spill – There Is No Enemy
The seventh album from Doug Martsch and crew is a good example of sticking to a working formula, churning out catchy guitar hooks to go with Doug's trademark vocal delivery. Like most BTS albums it took a couple of listens before it fully bedded in, but once it had another great BTS album was revealed!
Listen (previous album), Look, Buy
14. Monster Magnet – Mastermind
13. Oceansize – Self Preserved While The Bodies Float Up
Manchester band Oceansize release their fourth album. The 6 song EP "Home and Minor" they released last year really didn't do it for me, their later stuff has always required a few listens before 'clicking' but it never did. I was therefore concerned before checking this out. I needn't have worried, this is more on a par with previous album "Frames", intricate, involving and in places really heavy.
12. The Dillinger Escape Plan – Option Paralysis
Wow, this is one beast of a record! From the first minute of this album you're going to be hanging on for grim death as it races through genres like a speed crazed ram-raider! From Greg Puciato's vocal chord-shredding screams and shouts and lightning fast, mathcore riffs down to Sinatra-esque crooning and back again in the space of one track! A lot of casual/first time listeners could be put off by the first few seconds of opener "Farewell Mona Lisa", but my advice would be to stick with it as there is so much to explore here.
11. Lone Wolf – The Devil & I
Leeds singer/songwriter Paul Marshall got himself a band and a new moniker and released this excellent collection of songs on the Bella Union label (Fleet Foxes among others), mostly dark in tone revolving as they do around murder and death, but then these subjects tend to make the best songs, who wants to hear about sunny days, love and fluffiness all the time?! He has gained deserved attention for his Peter Gabriel homaging video for "Keep Your Eyes On The Road" (below). Highly recommended, check him out!
Update: I have done a Spotify playlist of a track from each of the 50 (where available) here.
10. The National – High Violet
I only discovered The National when I heard their last album "Boxer" and subsequently went on a mission to devour everything they'd produced up to that point! Through this act I decided that their output had increased in quality with every release (although "Alligator" and "Sad Songs For Dirty Lovers" tend to swap places in my affections now and again). So I was excited to hear "High Violet" when it was released and after a few listens I decided this was up there with "Boxer", Matt Berninger's dour baritone again contrasting but complimenting the hum-along melodies. I am not one of those people who dissect lyrics, in the main I'm not usually that bothered with what an artist is singing, but with The National I do find myself wondering what certain cryptic couplets mean, "I was carried to Ohio in a swarm of bees/I'll never marry but Ohio don't remember me" (Bloodbuzz Ohio), "You and your sister live in a Lemonworld" (Lemonworld), "I was afraid I'd eat your brains" (Conversation 16). Whatever they mean, they and everything else make this album pretty special.
9. Kvelertak – Kvelertak
In the field of music fandom there is little to beat that feeling of discovering something, not only new, but incredibly invigorating to the point it feels like someone's thrown a bucket of cold water in your face! Which is similar to how I felt when I checked out the video to single "Mjød" by Norwegian band Kvelertak, if I hadn't been leaping around the room like my arse was on fire, my jaw would have been well and truly on the floor! This "black 'n' roll" band, as they have been christened, fuse black metal style screamed/shouted vocals with a rock melody and pounding beats, as I said, a recipe for leaping around like an idiot! As with The National their lyrics are again quite impenetrable but in this case that's due to me not speaking any Norwegian, but I believe their name means "stranglehold" and "Mjød" means "Mead". As for comparisons the only one for me that comes across is Turbonegro, they are Norwegian and have a similar tempo and style with regards to melody and beat but that's where the likenesses stop, Kvelertak sound far more serious, I can't imagine them turning up on stage in sailor suits, fur coats and elbow length black rubber gloves as I saw Turbonegro do! 🙂
8. Wild Nothing – Gemini
One of the most summery albums I heard this year, even listening now with 6″ of snow outside its dreamy, shoegazey pop still evokes balmy summer evenings (not that we got many of them this year here in the UK!). Wild Nothing is effectively a one man band otherwise known as Jack Tatum, after playing in various bands he starting recording under the name Wild Nothing in 2009. His brand of lush dream-pop has contemporaries in bands such as M83, Asobi Seksu, Blonde Redhead and Maps and is successfully riding the current wave of artists looking to late 80s/early 90s bands such as Lush, Ride and Slowdive for inspiration.
7. Caribou – Swim
Like Wild Nothing above, Caribou is basically one guy, Dan Snaith from Ontario. Earlier making music under the moniker Manitoba until he was forced to change to Caribou following legal threats by Richard "Handsome Dick" Manitoba frontman of The Dictators (no, me neither), as Snaith himself said "it's a bit like The Smiths suing John Smith or something". Anyway, through his four previous albums as both Manitoba and Caribou he has altered his style each time, going all Krautrock on album "The Milk of Human Kindness" and getting a bit more hands-in-the-air dancy on "Swim", his breathy vocals almost getting lost in the insistent beats of opener "Odessa". Having seen them live a couple of weeks ago at The Brudenell I must also give props to the rest of his band, I've been trying (and failing) to find out the name of the drummer he had with him as he was flippin' amazing!
Caribou @ The Brudenell Social Club, Leeds 22/11/10
6. Her Name Is Calla – The Quiet Lamb
There are some albums you can just dip into, listen to a couple of favourite tracks and move on, Her Name Is Calla's full length debut proper is not one of these albums. You need to set aside some time and immerse yourself in it for its full 80 minute length to fully appreciate it. I first saw HNIC supporting I Like Trains at The Cockpit in Leeds in 2007 and it's fair to say they blew me away, on the one hand I was impressed at the confidence and audacity of a support band to perform the 17 minute long opus that is "Condor & River" (included here as centre piece, although re-recorded and tweaked), and on the other hand, well just impressed. Following on from their "mini" album The Heritage (still clocking in at 51 minutes) they went on indefinite hiatus following main songwriter and vocalist Tom Morris's breakdown, leading to many thinking that it may all be over before it truly began. Then this year we finally saw the release of "The Quiet Lamb", the culmination of everything they'd been working towards. It is an epic record, leading the listener through heart-rending emotional songs such as "Pour More Oil", the delicate plucked strings on "Long Grass", the almost Thom Yorke sounding "Thief", the 17 minute post-rock odyssey that is the aforementioned "Condor & River", all the way to the three part closer "The Union", containing a full on five minute noise break of squealing guitar feedback, a suitably epic (there's that word again, it's unavoidable with this band!) symphony to round off this really rather beautiful piece of music making.
5. Crippled Black Phoenix – I, Vigilante
Third album by the UK post-rock supergroup, a mini-album by their standards, clocking in at a mere 48 minutes! Kicking off with a sample from the film "The Young Poisoners Handbook" the song "Troublemaker" has more in common with Pink Floyd than some of their other post-rock contemporaries. In fact labelling them as solely post-rock is wrong, there are a myriad of other styles in this album making it pointless to try and shoehorn it into one particular pigeon hole. Although track "We Forgotten Who We Are" is possibly my favourite on here, the real jewel of this album is "Bostogne Blues" a 12 minute post-rock epic that begins with a recording of a WWII veteran re-telling an emotional story of how he is still haunted by having to shoot a young German soldier who was advancing on his position. Rounding off the album are two cover versions, "Of A Lifetime", a brilliant cover of a track by 70s soft-rockers Journey and a rather odd choice of "Burning Bridges" which on further digging is the theme tune to "Kelly's Heroes".
4. North Atlantic Oscillation – Grappling Hooks
I've been racking my brains and I can't remember for the life of me what drove me to get this album! I saw them supporting Explosions in the Sky last September but at the time I don't remember being particularly grabbed by them. Well, whatever it was I'm glad I got it, the Edinburgh band's debut sees them producing an album of tunes that have echoes of Grandaddy or latter day Flaming Lips, their rockier tracks channeling fellow countrymen The Phantom Band and even Biffy Clyro. The Grandaddy comparison is most startling on track Some Blue Hive which could have been tacked onto the end of "The Sophtware Slump" and no-one would have noticed! If that sounds like a criticism I didn't intend it to, this album is full of great tunes that just don't conform to one direction or another, just when you're thinking they sound like one thing the next track veers off into other territory. I think it's a real shame that this album hasn't propelled them into the big time as Grappling Hooks is aptly named, full of memorable hooks and great tunes!
3. Deftones – Diamond Eyes
Deftones were planning on releasing an album in 2009 that was going to be called "Eros" for which they had a fair bit of material written and recorded when bassist Chi Cheng had a serious car accident in Nov 2008 leaving him in a coma or minimally conscious state. Partly due to this, in 2009 they decided to delay "Eros" indefinitely, leading to "Diamond Eyes" being released in May this year and for me it is their most blisteringly great album since 2000's "White Pony". Somehow they have managed to record an album that has brutality (Rocket Skates) and beauty (This Place is Death) side by side and often in the space of the same track, Chino Moreno's alternately crooning and screaming vocals coruscating through each. After having their plans so tragically shaken up it says something that an album this consistently ace can be then written, recorded and released in such a relatively short space of time (none of the tracks on here were written for "Eros"), I can't help but wonder what "Eros" might have been like had fate not intervened.
2. Benoît Pioulard – Lasted
LOVE…..THIS…..ALBUM!! Reviewed previously here.
1. Gil Scott-Heron – I'm New Here
This album was released so early this year it would have been easy to forget it in favour of another more recent and fresh in the memory record, such has been the quality of stuff I've heard this year. But when I heard this way back in February I made a promise to myself that unless something absolutely gobsmacking came along this would have to get the accolade of best of the year. Well, here we are and despite some of those above in the top ten seriously competing for the hallowed top spot, listening to it again has reinforced my decision of ten months ago to keep this at numero uno! At an almost too brief 28 minutes, "I'm New Here" is a curious little album, there are only a handful of 'proper songs', the title track being a cover of a track by Smog, interspersed with short intervals of recorded speech and tracks of poetry backed by simple samples or percussion. With an almost physical texture, Gil Scott-Heron's tobacco-ravaged voice sounds amazing, especially through headphones. The moment I first heard "New York is Killing Me" with its insistent hand-clap rhythm has stuck with me and is one of things that has kept this at the top of the pile. Do your ears a favour and get this album in your life!
So, there we have it, another year gone by with some marvellous albums and no doubt plenty more that I just haven't had time or chance to listen to. I hope you found something in this list of 50 that pressed some of your buttons! To round off I want to mention a couple of EPs that really grabbed me this year. Being EPs they didn't really fit into the top 50 albums list but still deserve your attention;
And So I Watch You From Afar – The Letters EP
Belfast instrumental rockers serve up more foot stomping axe-shreddery!
How To Destroy Angels – How To Destroy Angels EP
Trent Reznor and his missus Mariqueen Maandig's new band sound like NIN with a female vocalist, which is a good thing!
As a reminder, the whole top 50 looked like this;
1. Gil Scott Heron – I'm New Here
2. Benoit Pioulard – Lasted
11. Lone Wolf – The Devil and I
34. The 80s Matchbox B-Line Disaster – Blood and Fire
37. Dangermouse & Sparklehorse – Dark Night of the Soul
48. Tweak Bird – s/t
49. The Phantom Band – Wants
50. Broken Bells – s/t
Her Name Is Calla – Maw « "I Prefer Their Old Stuff"
On the majesty of a rich, genuinely interesting voice: Gil Scott-Heron and Tom Waits « Šawtooth Ŵave
Ten Years of Compilation CDs (Disc No.51 The Posthumous Mix)
Ten Years of Compilation CDs (Disc No.50 The Last Mix)
Ten Years of Compilation CDs (Disc No.49)
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Greg Bach: Where is Dean Faiello's Ex-Partner Now?
Kriti Mehrotra
There was once a time Dean Faiello seemed to have it all — the charisma, the money, and the private practice as a dermatologist — yet things completely crumbled apart following spring 2003. That's because, as explored in ABC's '20/20: Doctor Deceit,' this is when 35-year-old Maria Cruz lost her life under his care, and it turned out he wasn't even a licensed medical professional. The ensuing probes into him were honestly more baffling, but his partner Greg Bach's cooperation went a long way — so now, if you wish to learn more about the latter, here's what we know.
Who is Greg Bach?
It was back in 1998 that Manhattan-based designer/event planner Greg was first personally introduced to Dean by a mutual friend at Chelsea gay bar called G, only for them to fall hard and fast. According to him, they made great conversation for hours on the fateful evening, and then the so-called doctor sent him a dozen red roses the next morning, making it clear he was interested. "He was everything I wanted — everything," Greg once candidly said. "I mean, he was the guy for me. So many people were obsessed with Dean. He had a way of leaving you wanting more."
Dean Faiello
It thus came as no surprise when Greg and Dean began dating, just for long chats over the phone to soon turn into nights together to them essentially living together at the latter's Newark home. The designer actually had no idea his partner was heavily involved in drugs at first, yet even when he did find out owing to Dean's arrest for forging prescriptions, he unwaveringly stuck by his side. He said, "It wasn't a hard decision for me, because I loved him. You don't leave someone because they have a problem" — though he did do his best to get him help as the years passed.
Whether it be appealing to mutual doctor friends to convince Dean to re-enter rehab following every relapse to financially supporting him, Greg did it all as his kind, loyal, and trusting partner. However, by 2002, he claims, "[Dean] was getting nuttier and nuttier. Staying up all night reading medical Web sites. Drastic mood swings… I tried to get him to talk about [what he was feeling], but he said, 'It's just work.' … I should've gotten the Boyfriend of the Year award for five years straight." The fact he then began suspecting he was misrepresenting himself to be a doctor also caused issues.
Maria Cruz // Image Credit: CBS News
Nonetheless, Greg never could've imagined that when Dean suddenly vanished while owing him roughly $85,000 in 2003, it was because he'd killed someone during a treatment. The New York native was obviously frustrated since he felt he'd been swindled, but after officials approached him with their suspicions in December, he decided to reveal everything he knew. In fact, his knowledge of Dean having sold his home shortly after April, upon pouring a new concrete slab in the garage, led to the recovery of Maria's remains and the sure connection to the fake doctor.
Where is Greg Bach Now?
Some of the other details Greg had willingly provided also proved crucial in the authorities' attempt to obtain justice against Dean, and it's evident he does not regret his decision one bit. After all, he could not stand for something so atrociously wrong, even if it was done by the former boyfriend with whom he was undeniably in love for over five years (1998 to 2003).
As for his current standing, from what we can tell, Greg appears to be moving on from the past to the best of his abilities by simply focusing on the present and the positives of life. He's in his early 60s at the moment, yet it seems like he's still dedicated to his career as a theatrical wardrobe technician/dresser around the New York City Metropolitan Area. Coming to his recent personal or romantic experiences, because Greg prefers to keep his distance from the limelight these days, we unfortunately do not know much regarding the same.
Read More: Maria Cruz's Death: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her?


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Review: FUNDAMENTAL CAMARENA by Christopher Sperandio
FUNDAMENTAL CAMARENA
Fundamental Camarena. Argle Bargle Books. 2021. 144pp, $21.95
The more one digs into the comics medium, the more it rewards you as an immersive world of the mind. You can lose yourself in it as much as any other art form. Christopher Sperandio has taken quite a deep dive into re-working vintage public domain comics just as you would any other kind of "found art." Check out some of his work on his Instagram. He is genuinely mesmerized by it and respectful of all the souls, many truly unsung heroes, who created the work in the first place. That said, when Sperandio hit upon a cache of original Mexican comic book pages at a public market, he knew right away that this wasn't just another canvas upon which to recontextualize. This was something special that needed to be called attention to. Sperandio's long and distinguished career features work that explores the interconnections between mass and museum culture. Sperandio teaches at Rice University where he specializes in working with the comics medium. He recently put together at Rice an arts lab, the Comic Art Teaching and Study Workshop (CATS) and this book is part of that.
A typical copy of Micro Suspenso, #305, circa 1968, 4 1/2 x 3 inches.
A mysterious packet of ink drawings sitting in a stall in a public market in Mexico City. At that point, the fate of these drawings, half a century old, was utterly dependent upon who might take notice of them. So, it's something of a miracle that this set of drawings would catch the interest of the most ideal buyer. This bundle of originals was created by Julio Camarena for the comic book series, Micro Suspenso. There was no cover but the comic book could be dated to circa, 1970. The story, oddly enough, is entitled, "The Last Buyer." With Sperandio's purchase, this little batch of comic book art had fallen into academic hands and, as it turned out, Sperandio was to be the last buyer of this work prior to his immortalizing it in this book. To add a touch of intrigue, the originals were stolen and probably destroyed.
Julio Camarena is plucked from obscurity and joins the world of academia.
And so Julio Camarena, an obscure Mexican cartoonist, finds his work the subject of an academic study. Well, that's just the beginning. As I mentioned, Sperandio has a working method that involves linking popular media to museum culture. And that is precisely what this purchase of drawings set into motion. We come back to the idea of a playground for the mind. When you stop and think about it, comic books (particularly strange and offbeat comic books) and museums, are both prime venues for some deep thinking, the stuff that dreams are made of! Sperandio developed his project step by step, bringing together the people and resources he needed under the CATS arts lab. In time, he had what was needed for an installation as well as a book.
From the pages of a comic book…
…to the gallery walls of a museum.
As a work of comics, "The Last Buyer" is more than just competent; it's a guilty pleasure in the best sense. Right away, I was intrigued by the characters and their hint of Mod style sense. And who doesn't like a good horror story about a possessed car? I'm Mexican-American, and I do read Spanish but not without some effort. I mean, the words don't just jump out at me as they do in a work of comics in English. That sense of words jumping out is magical and it's not happening when I've got a work of comics in Spanish. For the Camarena stash to fully function as a work of comics for a now predominantly English-speaking audience, the darn thing would need to be properly translated within the comic itself with the Spanish text replaced by English. There are notes at the back of the book with an English translation but that's just not the same. That said, it's a fun read. It is masterfully worked out, especially considering the tiny format that was common for these "micro-comics," pocket-sized comics meant to be read on the way to work or in some less than rarefied environment. That said, of course, this set of drawings has totally become a creature of rarefied environments.
Page excerpt from "The Last Buyer."
So, what's so special about this stash of original comic book art that has been taken out of its natural habitat, as it were, and placed under a microscope? First, it's a learning opportunity, right? Sperandio gets to share some of the history of Mexican comics and he even, early on, gets a chance to demonstrate how unfairly maligned the comics medium has been. His quote from 1999 by noted art critic Rosalind Krauss is priceless. When asked at a public lecture at Princeton University for her opinion on the comics medium, Krauss said the form was "unredeemable." Ouch! Well, that was over twenty years ago and, I dare say, the general sentiment has changed. As for this stash of Mexican comics in particular, Sperandio is making the case that, yes, this little bundle of obscure comics is a historic and artistic artifact. And, while the originals are now gone forever, the originals had been properly digitized and so can now live on in print, as they were always intended to do. Sperandio, "the last buyer," managed to pass on a little treasure to all sorts of future buyers, those who buy into the comic medium's hard-won fight for credibility.
Where all this gets most interesting is in tracking down the one and only Julio Camarena, the cartoonist behind these mysterious comics. Camarena is given his due. He is not presented as some exotic but as the creative professional he was, part of a tradition, part of history. This is the moment when, if you were binge-watching on Netflix, the payoff is finally delivered. Sperandio has gotten to comment on Camarena. A contemporary cartoonist has provided his observations. And a professor of Spanish and Latin American Literature has held court– and even quoted a scholarly report that concludes Mexico and Japan are the world's only true comic book cultures. All very interesting but now Camarena speaks about Camarena! And, like any long-awaited moment, it's a little poignant and also a little anticlimactic. Camarena loved his work, has no regrets, and has little patience with looking back. He was interviewed a couple of years ago by Mexican cartoonist Augusto Mora. It's a wonderful exchange between the two creatives. Camarena sounds to be very savvy about the comics market. He simply doesn't take himself too seriously or put his work upon a pedestal. He makes a comment towards the end that he regrets that Mexican publishers began to dabble in cheesecake pin-up comics in an attempt to boost sales. That went against their core family audience and so it was no surprise to Camarena when that phase of comics tanked. Ironically, the only photos of Camarena have him showing some of his pin-up work. It's actually rendered quite well, in a classic tradition but, apparently, he didn't have his heart in it. No, his heart was in the work he was a part of for most of his life, stories that enthralled readers across a wide spectrum. It was a magical time, a time for all kinds of stories whether historic, romantic, adventurous, or even supernatural.
Cartoonist Julio Camarena
So, did Sperandio's examination of the Camarena stash of drawings stretch and pull it well past anyone's intended purpose? Okay, sure, but it was all worth it! Indeed, this book is a ticket to play in the playground of the mind. Seriously, this is a most welcome addition to comics scholarship in general–and Mexican comics in particular. We can already find a number of books that gravitate to pretty familiar subjects like Los Bros Hernandez. Sperandio goes further and provides us with some much needed insight into the roots of Mexican comics and culture. This quirky book is a wonderful exploration of many things, not the least of which is the playground of the mind.
Filed under Argle Bargle Books, Book Reviews, Comics, Mexican comics
Tagged as Argle Bargle Books, Art, Books, comic books, comics, Comics Studies, Entertainment, graphic novels, Media, Mexican Comics, Mexico, Pop Culture, Publishing, Rice University
2 responses to "Review: FUNDAMENTAL CAMARENA by Christopher Sperandio"
Not sure if this is the right forum, but, I have a question. In my youth I read a comic book that had a story that shook me pretty hard as I was just learning the joy of comics and I would like help in identifying this comic. It had a very pompous child boy genius who was invited to a galactic summit somewhere in the galaxy and he wound up just being the meal for the galactic intellectuals. This was sometime in the early 80's and it was in color. The title completely escapes my memory. Please help.
Henry Chamberlain
I'm glad you shared this. I'll try to ask around and it certainly doesn't hurt to have this post up.


Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common problem in older cats and by the time it is detected, it is often quite advanced. CKD in cats is irreversible, so once diagnosed our aim is to slow down progression of the disease and reduce the symptoms to ensure a comfortable life for as long as possible. So why can't we pick it up earlier and what can we do about it?
Normal kidneys have many important functions but primarily they remove waste products from the bloodstream, which are then excreted as urine. Think of the kidneys like sieves: normally they trap waste products and let the filtered blood through to go back into circulation. However in CKD, the sieve has holes punched through it and so waste products pass through into the 'clean' blood. CKD in cats (or renal insufficiency), is any chronic disease process that stops this system from working efficiently and is the end stage of many different diseases affecting the kidneys. This is distinct from acute renal failure where the kidneys are damaged suddenly and can be reversible. Unfortunately, in most cases it is not possible to determine the specific cause of chronic kidney disease in cats without getting a biopsy of the kidneys, which is invasive and has the risk of complications. For these reasons CKD in cats is usually managed as a single syndrome regardless of the underlying cause, with some notable exceptions e.g. chronic kidney infection or kidney cancer.
Specific breeds can be predisposed to specific causes of chronic kidney disease such as polycystic kidney disease in oriental breeds and amyloidosis in Abyssinians. Cats can also be born with kidney problems and therefore CKD is not exclusively a disease of older cats at all. In fact very young animals can be affected. So you can see that this is getting complicated – there are no easy answers with this disease unfortunately.
increased urination – basically the kidneys lose the ability to concentrate the urine so more water is excreted in the urine, leading to increased thirst. If fresh water is not available, this can very quickly lead to severe dehydration. The dilute urine can encourage bacterial growth leading to urinary tract infections.
even with fresh water available, there is generally ongoing mild dehydration which can lead to constipation.
inappetance – as the toxins build up in the bloodstream (since they are not filtered out by the damaged kidneys) they make the cat feel lousy, like an ongoing hangover. Understandably many cats don't feel like eating much. Blood electrolyte levels are also affected.
These signs develop slowly over months to years and progress over time, although we can slow it down.
CKD in cats is often diagnosed and subsequently staged based on clinical signs and lab tests. The stage of disease can guide prognosis and treatment. Therefore the earlier kidney disease is suspected/detected, the better the outcome is for quality and length of life. Lab tests can detect disease before the onset of clinical signs and CKD is one of the main reasons many vets recommend annual or biannual urine and blood tests, especially in older animals or those at higher risk of developing CKD. I don't think we do a good enough job of explaining to clients why regular checkups and tests are so important, since many don't see the value, but early detection can make such a huge difference in prognosis and quality of life I can't overemphasise how critical I think these are!
If a specific cause of CKD is suspected, further tests such as ultrasound, xrays or even biopsy may be recommended.
CKD is irreversible but early detection and appropriate management can slow down progression of kidney disease in cats considerably. Basically we want to slow down further damage to the kidneys and treat the signs that have already occurred.
Although kidney transplants are available for cats in some countries, this is not a standard treatment option and would need to be discussed with your veterinarian. Usually this is only suitable for cats with very early disease before the onset of outward signs.
The core of CKD management is a special diet. One of the key factors that causes progression of kidney disease in cats is the amount of protein in the diet since protein "supplies" the major toxins of CKD, creatinine and urea. Thus we want to restrict the amount of protein to minimise further kidney damage while also supplying enough high-quality protein for normal bodily functions and to minimise weight loss since cats are carnivores and need protein in their diet. We want to maximise the calories through non-protein sources and restrict other nutrients that can damage the kidneys or cause electrolyte disturbances. The easiest and most effective way to do all this is to feed your cat a specially formulated prescription diet for kidney disease. The downside is because these diets are controlled in protein levels, they aren't particularly tasty and so our feline patients tend to turn their noses up. As much as is possible it is worth persisting to try to get them to eat one of these diets since this is the main thing you can do to slow down kidney disease in cats.
Despite diet being the best therapy, if your cat just won't eat it at all then it is more important for it to be eating something rather than the right thing. This is especially true in the later stages of the disease when weight loss and dehydration are a constant battle so at that point I feel any calories are good calories.
It is also really important to provide a continuous supply of fresh water since dehydration can occur so quickly and lead to kidney failure. The more they drink, the more the toxins are flushed out and the better they feel. Sometimes this can be assisted by giving fluids under the skin at home every few days. If dehydration is worsening, then this may require a couple of days in hospital on a drip. However it is also best to avoid stress whenever possible.
Depending on what specific signs your cat is showing both outwardly and on lab tests, other treatments may be required. If there is a urinary tract infection your cat will need antibiotics. If your cat is constipated it may need to have an enema or be given laxatives. If there are electrolyte disturbances then medications may be prescribed to fix these. If there is vomiting, then this is controlled and stomach protectants/antacids may be given for ulcers. Medications may also be prescribed if there is high blood pressure or anaemia.
Cats with CKD need ongoing management and regular checkups to make sure that treatment is optimal for each specific case at each stage of the disease. The length of time that cats with CKD can be managed with good quality of life is extremely variable and difficult to predict, but depends a lot on the stage at diagnosis.
This is a highly complex disease but I hope this clears up some of the confusion about chronic kidney disease in cats should you ever have to deal with it. I sincerely hope that as medical technologies continue to improve, we find better ways to manage and hopefully one day cure the diseases leading to CKD (in people as well as in animals!).
-> For an in-depth understanding of chronic kidney disease in cats we recommend checking out the Healthy Kidneys for Cats website.
I was never told about hydration and now I am trying to help my cat. Thanks for the advice. My vet failed to tell me this info.
This is a really great article, and you've done a fine job of explaining the ins and outs of CKD. It's really important for cat owners to know this stuff. We've had three cats who had CKD. We're lucky that they have all liked the special formula foods we've fed them to slow down the progression of the disease.
Thanks for a great article. Two of my previous cats had kidney disease – I wish I had been better informed about their disease rather than just relying on my vet for information. Whilst my boys followed a special kidney disease diet, I never knew about fluids under the skin or being on a drip in hospital – these options were never discussed with me. Perhaps this would have given them a better quality of life for longer.
This is a great rundown of a very important issue that impacts so many older cats. Our previous generation of cats who came before nearly all had some level of renal insufficiency by the time they got through their geriatric years, so awareness is really important.
Great post! Two of the cats my family had growing up died of kidney disease. Now I feed my cats a wet food and raw diet to be sure they are getting proper hydration. I'll be sharing this post for sure – spreading the word and educating people about kidney disease is so important! Thanks for sharing this.
Kidney transplants are an interesting one, as I have heard the cat owner has to supply the 'donor' cat, who is basically sacrificed, so there's quite an ethical issue there!
Thanks for breaking this all down! All three of us kitties here are older (I'll be 12 in June and I'm the youngest,, and Binga will be 14 and she's the oldest), so this is something my human is always looking out for.


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Tufts also has an active chapter of oSTEM and our students regularly attend the annual Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics. If you visit our building you will almost always find our students collaborating on projects, studying together, sharing advice, and just having fun.
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Joining oSTEM @ the University of Colorado, Boulder as a student member is completely free. There are no chapter nor national dues. Simply come to our weekly meetings to learn more and get involved in our events and outreach programs.
The Berkeley student chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers; Society of Women Engineers (SWE) The Berkeley student chapter of the Society of Women Engineers; Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) The Berkeley student chapter of the national OSTEM organization. Optical Society of America - UNL Student Chapter Orchesis Order Of Omega Otaku Jinrui: The UNL Anime Club Outdoor Adventure Club Pagan Life Paintball Club Panhellenic Association Pershing Rifles Company A-2 Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity, International Pre-Law Phi Alpha Theta, Zeta Nu Chapter Phi Beta Lambda Phi Beta Sigma Phi Delta Theta Phi Eta Sigma
Oct 08, 2019 · Administered by representatives of Mines' oSTEM chapter, we hope to foster an inclusive environment on campus Those who complete the training recieve a placard to display that they are an inclusive space for members of the LBGTQ+ community.
Ostem chapters
For more info please email: [email protected] or find us on Facebook. Queer Student Union. Our primary goal is to help foster a thriving queer community at UC Davis and beyond.
[email protected] Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is a national LGBTQ-affirming organization that aims to provide services and support for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to create a dynamic network between students and professionals in industry and academia.
therapies (Chapter 3-6, Section 2): a. Responsible parties and tasks for clinical trial authorisation and supervision; b. Comparison of responsible parties with chemical-based medicines (i.e. whether.
Fischell Department of Bioengineering 3121 A. James Clark Hall 8278 Paint Branch Drive University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742
oSTEM Incorporated The 10th Annual oSTEM Conference + Out to Innovate™ 2020 is going to transition With hundreds of student chapters at colleges/universities and professional chapters...
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ATTENTION NON-JUDGMENTALISTS!PLEASE READ THIS:For Osteen not to say that the unbeliever is on his/her way to burn in hell for eternity, when the vast majorit... - Opencv montage
With almost 90 student chapters at colleges/universities and professional chapters in cities across the United States and abroad, oSTEM is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ people in STEM.
Local Chapters of Student and Professional Organizations Alpha Chi Sigma -- Zeta Chapter American Chemical Society -- Local Section American Chemical Society -- Student Affiliates American Institute of Chemical Engineers
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Delta Lambda Phi - Beta Rho Chapter, Austin, TX. 401 likes. A social fraternity for progressive, bisexual, and gay men at the University of Texas at Austin. - Yugioh duel links blue eyes deck recipe
[email protected] This screen allows you to subscribe or unsubscribe to the OSTEM-L list. To confirm your identity and prevent third parties from subscribing you to a list against your will, an email message with a confirmation code will be sent to the address you specify.
The Academic Council consists of clubs of an academic nature which allow students to meet other students of their major or interest of study. Academic clubs allow students to continue their learning outside of the classroom and network with professors and professionals, while participating in practical or simply fun events and programs that give students a break from their course load.
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Dec 05, 2020 · oSTEM. Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics , Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit professional society focused on LGBTQ people in the STEM community. There are more than 65 student chapters at colleges/universities and professional chapters in cities across the United States and abroad. oSTEM at UC Davis seeks to empower LGBTQIA+ ... - Best bench power supply reddit
oSTEM at University of Birmingham is a university-wide society and also a chapter of oSTEM Inc. The oSTEM mission is to "empower LGBTQ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy".
Join a new organization and utilize discussion, news posts, and group messaging.
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In the past five years, the school has been intentional about creating an ecosystem that rewards risk-taking and supports failures. It's led to story slams and accelerators and a shift to an innovation-centric mindset. - Guska jareer
Contact: [email protected] Pride SVMA is the Pride Chapter of Student Veterinary Medicine Association, for LGBTQ+ students and allies studying veterinary medical sciences.
Nov 17, 2020 · The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities.
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The UofM chapter was founded as the Student Alliance of Gay Engineers (SAGE), in December 2007. In May 2010, SAGE officially changed its name to oSTEM to better represent the many identities and disciplines the organization strives to support.
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) The Duke chapter of oSTEM is a LGBTQ+ affirming organization that aims to provide services and support for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to create a dynamic network between students and professionals in industry and academia. [email protected]
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Varian Physics, Room 108 382 Via Pueblo Mall Stanford, CA 94305-4060 Phone: (650) 723-4344 Campus Map. Getting to Stanford - Lazarus group motivation
DiversityComm partners with more than 300 nationwide diversity-focused conferences, career fairs and events. *Please be sure to check event websites for latest updates on postponements or cancellations due to COVID-19 precautions.
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These chapters are also further geographically divided into six regions. NSBE had its genesis at a national conference planned and hosted by the Society of Black Engineers at Purdue University in April 1975. Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) - Pengeluaran hk togel master versi 4d
Alpha Phi Omega - Mu Pi Chapter City of Golden Mental Health Wellness Fair Date/Time: November 10, 11:00am - 12:00pm Location: CoorsTek Atrium, Colorado School of Mines Event Sponsors: Alpha Phi Omega - Mu Pi Chapter Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Office of Suicide Prevention
As a part of the ASBMB Minority Affairs Committee's mission to increase diversity and inclusion in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology, resources outside of the society are provided below to help increase your network and continue to enhance diversity within the field.
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oSTEM. oSTEM creates awareness surrounding the LGBTQ+ community on and off camps. A chapter of the national society, dedicated to education and fostering leadership for LGBTQ+ communities in STEM fields. Contact Information: [email protected] OWL Veterans Club - John legend all of me other recordings of this song
oSTEM is a national dedicated to educating and empowering LGBTQ+ individuals working in STEM fields with over 50 chapters nationwide. oSTEM making a space LGBTQ+ students in STEM fields.
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The oSTEM chapter at OSU meets on Mondays at 5:30 PM at 140 W 18th Ave., Columbus, OH 43210. For more information about oSTEM at OSU or to learn about upcoming meetings, please email [email protected] To stay connected, consider joining the oSTEM at OSU Facebook Group. - Oas manager high cpu linux
The CSO Program is an international organization with local chapters in 10 states and three countries. It is the first of its kind, where peers in grades 6-12 elect students in their schools to be leaders and...
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Mechanical engineering at Colorado State University is about using our knowledge of materials, energy, and health to solve society's global engineering challenges. - Java program rows and columns
Help oSTEM, Inc create an actionable plan to bring on board members with the skills, experience, and commitment they need. oSTEM, Inc. Miami, FL, USA. Following.
Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (oSTEM) SACNAS - A national society dedicated to fostering success of Hispanics, Chicanos and Native Americans in Science, UIUC chapter ( SACNAS) Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers ( SHPE) Society of Women Engineers ( SWE) Women Chemists Committee ( WCC)
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oSTEM. oSTEM is an organization that fosters leadership for LGBTQIA+ communities within STEM fields.- Mp5 welding jig
This national society is dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQ+ communities in STEM fields. The main goals of the oSTEM Chapter at Texas A&M are to identify, address and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ students in STEM fields and to educate, assist and engage LGBTQ+ students in STEM fields.
The goals of the SACNAS Chapter at OSU are to: Further the work of, to improve the effectiveness of, and to enhance the public understanding of an appreciation for Hispanics, Chicanos, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other underrepresented minorities in STEM fields. Find other Hispanics, Chicanos, Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and other underrepresented minorities in the STEM fields to develop social networks with students that share the same ...
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oSTEM Chapter Advisor and Director of Residence Life I was born and raised in Golden, CO and after spending time in the Midwest earning my MA in Higher Education Administration (University of Iowa) and working in higher education for 10 years at Washington University in St. Louis, I finally made my way back to Golden to work here at Mines! - Herters 81 decoys
oSTEM (Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQ+ communities in STEM fields. Our main goal as a chapter at A&M is to identify, address, and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ students in STEM fields and to educate, assist, and engage LGBTQ+ students ...
us know! Contact [email protected] with any suggestions. oSTEM Regional Conferences oSTEM Chapters are exploring Regional Conferences, and they are looking for committed sponsors who want to focus on growing a particular oSTEM region. This opportunity directly supports oSTEM Chapters and contributes to their future success. Corporate Advisory Board
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Give Now. CU Advancement | CU Foundation 1800 Grant Street, Suite 725 Denver, CO 80203 303-541-1290 | [email protected] Privacy Policy | Terms of Service - Jfk hospital medical records phone number
William Jewell College does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender, genetic information, national origin, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law (collectively "protected statuses"), in matters of admissions, housing, or services, or in the educational programs and activities it operates.
This award celebrates the achievements made by those chapters who are only just getting started. The first years of any student organization can be difficult and a test of true staying power. For those student leaders who are able to navigate that time and accomplish change on their campus that reflects the oSTEM mission, we want to recognize you. If you feel that your chapter matches this ...
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Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM). Hometown: Holmdel, NJ. Throughout college, I have experienced my biggest challenges and greatest rewards with my fellow...- Used auto parts nj
Joining a student organization or club can help you make friends, develop leadership skills, find others with similar values and passions, and get involved in meaningful projects. Our clubs and organizations, teams, association and society student chapters, and honor fraternities and sororities range from cross-college groups to those related to majors offered by the College of Earth and ...
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NEWEA: New England Water Environment Association, NU Student Chapter. The New England Water Environment Association is a dynamic organization of over 2100 highly qualified and motivated Water and Wastewater Professionals from throughout New England, who volunteer their time, energy and expertise in order to preserve, protect and manage one of our most precious resources here in New England ...


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Tag: Sarah Burton
FEATURED EXCLUSIVES, FILM + TV, INTERVIEWS
IAN BONHÔTE AND PETER ETTEDGUI BRING ALEXANDER MCQUEEN BACK TO LIFE WITH NEW DOCUMENTARY
From learning to tailor on Savile Row to impressing editor Isabella Blow with his Central Saint Martins graduate collection to helming Givenchy at only 27-years-old, the career and controversial work of late designer Lee Alexander McQueen has inspired and fascinated fashion lovers, art appreciators and critics around the world. Directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui…
Alexandra Pauly April 23, 2018
FASHION, LONDON
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN – LONDON – FALL/WINTER 2016 FASHION SHOW
Sarah Burton's newest collection for Alexander McQueen was a feminine dream with delicate ruffles, sheer knits, detailed embroidery and a ethereal touch. For Burton, the collection was opposite of the tough, punk, edginess for which McQueen was once known. Though a bit of darkness, beauty, and detailing remains, the pieces flowed off the body with…
The Untitled Magazine February 25, 2016
FASHION, LONDON, NEW YORK, THE GIRLPOWER ISSUE
WOMEN RULE THE RUNWAY – ARTICLE BY LIZ HAZARD FOR THE #GIRLPOWER ISSUE
"THIS IS A MAN'S WORLD," OR SO THE LINE GOES from a certain song. Well in today's wonderful world of fashion design, this couldn't be further from the truth. Women fashion designers are making their mark and proving there really is such a thing as having a woman's touch when it comes to fashion design.…
Elizabeth Hazard November 11, 2015
FASHION, PARIS
KATE MOSS AS NEW FACE FOR ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
Kate Moss and Alexander McQueen go way back. McQueen counted her as one of his muses to the point of transforming her into a hologram centerpiece for his 2006 fall/winter show, and she has continued to walk in current designer Sarah Burton's shows since McQueen's death in early 2010. However, Moss surprisingly has yet to…
FASHION, LONDON, MENSWEAR
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN LONDON MENSWEAR F/W 2014
Sarah Burton's autumn/winter 2014 Alexander McQueen menswear collection showed today in London and was staged in an unused church - paying ode to the iconic McQueen image. Models donned platform shoes - referencing Goth subculture and UK street-style while screen-print tees, slick jackets, and the signature McQueen tartan kilt made appearances on the runway. The…
BRITISH FASHION COUNCIL ANNOUNCES THE NOMINEES OF THE BRITISH FASHION AWARDS
This year, the British Fashion Council (BFC) approached over 300 members of the fashion industry, including international retailers and key opinion formers to vote for this year's accolades. Established in 1989, the British Fashion Awards celebrates the contributions of British designers, creatives, models and style icons that are renowned for their ability to set the…
THE BRITISH FASHION AWARDS 2012
THE BRITISH FASHION AWARDS 2012 The British Fashion Council today announced that Stella McCartney has been named Designer of the Year, receiving the highest accolade at the British Fashion Awards 2012. Stella also received the Designer Brand award on behalf of her eponymous label, picking up two awards on the evening, both of which recognize a momentous year…
The Untitled Magazine November 28, 2012
ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY GRADUATION FASHION SHOW AND AWARDS CEREMONY
Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton, haute couture milliner Philip Treacy, and Saudi fashion retailer HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud were the three honored guests at this year's Academy of Art University's Graduation Fashion Show and Awards Ceremony, receiving honorary degrees from the college. The ceremony was prefaced by a week of events and discussion panels, including a…
The Untitled Magazine May 14, 2012
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN – PARIS F/W 2012 FASHION SHOW
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN - PARIS F/W 2012 FASHION SHOW For the Alexander McQueen Fall 2012 collection, Sarah Burton incorporated McQueen's signature style, hoof-like shoes, dramatic silhouettes, and an intensity of detail, with Burton's lighter sensibilities. She described the collection by saying, "It's futurism with softness, not cold futurism." The traditional McQueen elements were all in place,…


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TheFilmFile
TheBluFile
TheFrightFile
1997 & previous
Dustin Putman
My First Mister (2001)
Directed by Christine Lahti
Cast: Leelee Sobieski, Albert Brooks, Carol Kane, Desmond Harrington, Mary Kay Place, Michael McKean, John Goodman, Lisa Jane Persky
2001 – 109 minutes
Rated: (for profanity).
Reviewed by Dustin Putman, October 13, 2001.
The directorial debut of actress Christine Lahti (1995's "Hideaway"), "My First Mister" features such a strongly developed and endearing first half that it comes as somewhat of a major disappointment when the entire project derails into a weepy, TV-movie-of-the-week melodrama. Featuring revelatory performances from Leelee Sobieski (her third feature in a month, after "The Glass House" and "Joy Ride") and Albert Brooks (1999's "The Muse"), the film creates two characters we grow to care about and then somehow transports them into a soppy, unfinished screenplay by the final hour. It's a shame, too, because the picture had a lot going for it up until that point.
Jennifer (Leelee Sobieski), who likes to be called "J," is a severely unhappy 17-year-old who dresses like a Goth, complete with an all-black wardrobe, innumerable piercings on her face, and a habit of self-mutilating her arms. Just having graduated from high school, she spends her time writing poetry and eulogies (her own), and longs to get out of the house of her Betty Crocker-wannabe mother (Carol Kane) and dense stepfather (Michael McKean).
While at the mall looking for a job, she spots a man working at a men's clothing store and is allured by him. His name is Randall (Albert Brooks), he's 49, and out of either mild attraction or pity, he hires J to be a stocking clerk in the back. Randall and J don't outwardly appear to have anything in common, but they gradually discover they are exactly alike: lonely, scared, and unsure of where they stand in life. They form a special bond with each other, becoming close friends, and have thoughts of maybe taking it a little further.
It is at this point that "My First Mister" stops being about a relationship between two fascinating outsiders, and forces in an out-of-the-blue twist that feels as if it has come from another movie altogether. Replacing its natural, lightly comical and sad tone with creaky plot machinations and cluttered subplots, the film becomes little more than a chance to work the actors' (and the audience's) tear ducts. Discredit director Lahti and screenwriter Jill Franklyn for this calamitous pitfall; they both should have known better.
What does manage to shine through are the lovely performances from nearly the whole cast. Leelee Sobieski has been working overtime lately, and out of her three pictures that have been released this year, this one holds her standout performance (the other two were excellent, as well) and, coincidentally, is the weakest of the trio. Usually cast as the nice, blonde-haired good girl, Sobieski's appearance and acting style is so radically different in "My First Mister" that it rarely feels as if we're watching her at all. She effortlessly paints J as a complex, sometime difficult individual whom we may not always understand, yet can't help but learn to love. Albert Brooks is every bit her match, and while he does fit in his usual barbed, funny comments, his character of Randall is far more subdued and true-to-life than his previous work.
In her meatiest role in years, the underrated Carol Kane (1999's "Jawbreaker") does strong, touching work as J's mother, a woman who masks her own feelings of doubt with cooking, cleaning, and a nonstop rosy attitude. Meanwhile, Mary Kay Place (1999's "Girl, Interrupted") makes an unpredictable impression as a friendly nurse. Rounding out the cast, John Goodman (2001's "One Night at McCool's") plays J's hippie-stoner father; Michael McKean (2000's "Little Nicky") is J's stepfather; and Desmond Harrington (1999's "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc") is Randy, a young man around J's age that enters into the proceedings near the end.
Aside from a reconciliation scene between J and her mom, and another set at a dinner table, "My First Mister" goes so wrong so quickly that the change is jarring. The incisive relationship formed between J and Randall loses its impact, and scene after scene suddenly rings with an unshakable falseness. At 109 minutes, "My First Mister" feels much longer, and doesn't know when to quit. The outcome of the film is unfortunate; so much promise was held, but the plot cruelly pulls the rug out from under the hardworking actors.
©2001 by Dustin Putman


When it comes to my list of haircare ranges that really do deliver results, Kérastase Chronologiste has always been up there as one of the best. But until this nifty gift set ($121 for a shampoo, masque and special limited-edition candle) landed on my desk I had forgotten what a big difference Kérastase's most luxurious collection really does make to hair. I've got a lot of hair and I often find that a lot of haircare isn't rich or nourishing enough. Fortunately, Chronologiste ticks all the boxes – hair is softer, more manageable and lustrous – which makes it a beauty splurge you won't regret. Buy one for the beauty buff in your life who's serious about their hair and buy an extra to keep for yourself.
Once I've found a great haircare range the next problem I tend to face is drying my lengthy tresses. Anything that promises to speed that process up always piques my interest, so when the AQUIS Rapid Dry Hair Turban ($47 from Mecca Maxima or shop online here) arrived, along with their brand-new haircare range Aquis Prime, I had to give it a go. The easy-to-use turban – just whip it on after washing and secure it with the clever button at the back – uses a special fabric that's said to be four times more absorbent than ordinary microfiber. And while it's not going to dry hair your completely – I still need my trusty ghd air hairdryer for that – it definitely eliminates that annoying dripping-wet stage making it a gym bag and summer holiday essential.
Lightweight, multitasking Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil ($149) is what skincare dreams are made of. It's packed with not one six powerful youth-restoring vitamins – from A right through to F – is suitable for all skin types and it can be worked into your AM and PM routine to keep skin hydrated around the clock and fight the signs of ageing. Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil glides onto skin without weighing it down and the oil is perfect for sultry summer getaways – wear it alone or use it to give your regular foundation a dewy, radiant finish.
Bondi Sands Coconut Beach Tanning Oil SPF15 ($25.99) is another must-have that's already secured a spot in my summer holiday beauty bag. I'll admit when it first launched a while back I was a little dubious – any sun-smart beauty buff knows lying in the sun slathered in tanning oil is well and truly a thing of the past. But self-tanning pioneers Bondi Sands are all about staying safe while enjoying the sun and the Coconut Beach Tanning Oil SPF15 contains self-tanning ingredients that work gradually to give you a healthy, golden glow. It just means you can save time by self-tanning and fending off the sun's harmful rays all in one spray.
If you love changing up your fragrance to suit the season, Jo Malone London Honeysuckle & Davana Cologne ($236 for 100ml) won't disappoint. The uplifting, radiant new addition to the Jo Malone London collection is the perfect scent for the warmer months. While I'm personally more fond of oriental scents, Honeysuckle & Davana is undeniably feminine and floral without being overpowering or old-fashioned – call it a modern take on a stroll through a spring garden.
When it comes to the fight against the dreaded signs of ageing there's not a lot that retinol can't do – from improving texture and tone to reducing the signs of wrinkles. Up until recently, this miracle ingredient has tended to come with a handful of side effects, namely dry and flaky skin. Fortunately, Elizabeth Arden has come to the rescue with Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum ($85 for 30 or $162 for 60) which preempts any negative impact retinol can have on skin. The unique capsule formulation also ensures that the active retinol remains stable right until you pop it on in the evening.
Given the Meghan Markle effect – everything that the Duchess wears tends to sell out almost instantly – it's really no surprise that all eyes were on the Duchess of Sussex's wardrobe during her official visit to Australia. Outfit changes were aplenty for both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but it's undoubtedly the former television star's choices that have caught the attention of fashionistas around the globe.
During the newlywed's recent outing at Kingfisher Bay Jetty in Fraser Island, the Duchess ditched her more formal attire in favour of a head-turning linen sundress by Reformation – a sustainable Los Angeles-based fashion house known for their feminine dresses.
While it's tempting to join the waitlist for the Reformation 'Pineapple' dress right here, we know we'll be waiting alongside the rest of the world's female population. Which is why we've rounded up some of our favourite Meghan Markle-inspired linen dresses in the gallery below.
The Duchess of Sussex wears a Reformation linen dress while visiting Fraser Island, Australia.
The sought-after Pineapple dress by Reformation retails for $218USD and is now sold out on the website.
Valerie dress, $395 from Well Made Clothes.
Silver Palms midi dress, $280AUD.


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You are here: Home / Mediterranean / Egypt: 5 islamic terrorists killed in Arish city, North Sinai
Egypt: 5 islamic terrorists killed in Arish city, North Sinai
17 Gennaio 2019 By Redazione Islamedianalysis
Egypt's Ministry of the Interior announced on Wednesday the killing of five members of a Islamist terrorist cell in Arish city, North Sinai.
According to the National Security Agency's investigations, the cell was planning to attack vital installations and officials in Arish.
A raid was launched at the cell's reported hideout. The terrorists fired heavily at police forces, who responded by returning fire and killing five terrorists.
Three automatic rifles, a gun, an IED, and an explosive belt were found in their possession.
Earlier this week, the Interior Ministry announced the killing of six other terrorists in a raid on a mountainous area on the western desert road between Assiut and Sohag. The security forces found firearms and leaflets in their possession.
Egypt has been battling a violent Islamist insurgency, mostly in North Sinai, that gained traction in 2013 following the overthrow of Muslim Brotherhood President Mohamed Morsi. The insurgents pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in late 2014.
Hundreds of security force members have been killed, as well as hundreds of militants.