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Worst Movies of 2015
December 29, 2015 December 29, 2015 | Rachel's Reviews
15. Fantastic 4- I didn't hate it quite as much as bigger comic book movie fans but it certainly isn't good. The characters are forgettable to muddled- especially the villain Dr Doom who's powers and abilities made no sense. The story didn't work and the acting wasn't good. But by far the worst part was the special effects, which were some of the worst I've seen in a comic book movie since Superman 4.
14. In the Heart of the Sea- A film I was looking forward too that was a big disappointment. It was gross, dull with surprisingly poor visual effects. I wanted an action adventure at sea and what I got was a grim survival story and not a good one at that. The acting is fine but other than that really didn't like it.
13. Minions- The cute sidekicks of Despicable Me movies can't carry their own film. It's supposed to be an origin story and yet we don't really find out anything surprising or new about them. Most of the jokes are about the 1960s and I'm not sure why that is funny? They didn't get one laugh from me; nor did any other part of the movie. I didn't like it after first watching it and disliked it even more on the rewatch.
12. Terminator Genisys- At best a forgettable entry into the terminator films but this made the huge mistake of going back into the timeline and altering some of the events of the good terminator movies! The acting is underwhelming, the plot is full of holes and it gives nothing new or different. Arnold is good and that's about all I can say for it.
11. Suffragette- Probably my biggest disappointment of the year. The acting is good but I hated how it was made so much. The extreme close-ups and shaky cam made me nuts. I wanted to leave the theater it bothered me so much. Also focusing on a fictional character made it all feel maudlin and predictable. It's a real shame when you have real life characters you could have focused on. Meryl Streep is completely wasted in the film.
10. Little Boy- I'm typically a defender of faith-based films but this one about a little boy with great faith in WW2 was a complete snoozefest. The little boy isn't a good actor and it definitely goes into the 'Jesus is magic' territory Christian films sometimes dip into. I don't care for that approach to faith.
9. Strange Magic- The script really sinks this animated film 'from the mind of George Lucas'. It's supposed to be a 'girl power' movie but all the girls are dopey and stupid. The songs are so on the nose that they became annoying.
8. Pixels- The premise for Pixels could have been fun and there are a few good moments but I just can't get over that in 2015 a woman is given to someone as a trophy for valor in a fight. The plot is full of holes and all the women are mopey, whiny, sad sacks that need Adam Sandler and crew to save them. Some of the visuals are cool but that's about it.
7. Home- What a stinker from Dreamworks. The plot makes no sense and the characters are inconsistent. The voice talent doesn't work. The music seems out of place. The ending made me roll my eyes. I explain more about my dislike for Home in yesterdays post
6. Walt Before Mickey- A movie I actually had a good time at because it is so so awful it made me laugh. There are so many scenes I couldn't believe what I was seeing like when Walt befriends a mouse and carries it around in his pocket talking to it. Then he loses the mouse and goes into a panic attack looking for it. Things like that are just too silly! So rent it if you want a good laugh.
5. Aloha- What happened Cameron Crowe? This movie is such a mess. It's baffling how with so many skilled actors and a place as beautiful as Hawaii he could make a movie as bad as Aloha. It all comes down to the editing. Most of the conversations seemed like they were spliced together from other conversations. So many of the plotpoints felt wedged in and then you have Emma Stone playing a Japanese woman because that makes sense…
4. Chappie- There are some interesting ideas Neill Blomkamp in Chappie but unfortunately it focuses on the wrong characters. There is a band called Die Antwoord who are some of the most shrill, awful, annoying characters I've seen in a film. I hated every time they were on screen and that was a lot of the movie. Plus, it is way more violent than it needs to be and the band takes you away from the interesting discussions and characters in Hugh Jackman and Dev Patel.
3. Paul Blart Mall Cop 2- I actually liked the first Paul Blart but this sequel is basically a giant ad for the Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas. We even get a tour at one point. Not a gag works and when they don't work they last forever. It's honestly like a bad Saved by the Bell episode without the warmth or charm of that series.
2. Hot Pursuit- A terrible buddy/road trip movie with Reese Witherspoon and Sofía Vergara playing shrill, unlikable, awful women. All of Sophia's bad behavior and traits are excused because she's Columbian or a hot latino which I found to be a little racist and uncomfortable. There's over the top gags that don't work and the lesbian jokes never stopped. I honestly don't understand how anyone making this movie thought this stuff was funny.
1. Ridiculous 6- How could there be something worse than Hot Pursuit? Well, leave it to Adam Sandler and company in this atrocious Western parody. It is gross, racist, bigoted, awful and way too long. The actors should all be embarrassed. Netflix should be embarrassed. No wonder Native American extras and representatives walked off the set. Even with how awful Adam Sandler movies have been of late, I couldn't believe how bad the Ridiculous 6 was.
I don't know if you guys enjoy end of the year lists as much as I do but it s always fun to see both the highlights and lowlights of the year of movies. Next week we will dive into the low but today let's talk about the best of the year! I ended up doing a top 15 because I had 15 films I felt were worthy of a shout out.
15. When Marnie was There-
Studio Ghibli's beautiful final film is a magical realism story of a family rescuing a girl from deep depression. Lush, beautiful animation with incredible sound design and an emotional core that stayed with me long after I saw it.
14. Testament of Youth-
An underrated film about a woman in World War 1 in Britain. She starts out with idealism and through working as a nurse she see's the reality of war including getting to serve the enemy for a time. Moving, beautiful and fine performances from all involved including Alicia Vikander.
13. Creed-
Creed is a wonderful boxing movie and a great Rocky movie to boot. Michael B Jordan brings heart as Adonis Creed and Sylvester Stallone is wonderful back as Rocky. The boxing scenes are shot seamlessly and it's a story that will make you want to cheer.
12. The Rewrite-
If you love old school romantic comedies then hunt down The Rewrite. It's the kind of movie I haven't seen made for so long. The kind of thing Nora Ephron used to write. With a terrific cast starring Hugh Grant, Marissa Tomei, JK Simmons, and Alison Janey, we get great writing about work, books, teaching, movies, writing and more. May be the movie from 2015 I rewatch the most because I loved it so much.
11. Mad Max Fury Road-
One of the most insane experiences I had at the theater this year. I felt exhausted after the intense experience but in an exciting way. It was something I had never seen before and the apocalyptic battles were so well done. I loved the strong female characters and the fact they weren't pandered too. They were just cool characters no girl power slogans required. Way out of my comfort zone but a great film.
10. Freetown
One of the best faith based films I've ever seen. Freetown tells the moving story of a group of missionaries who must be smuggled out of Liberia to Freetown. It is not a film of dogmatic, preachy like many faith based films. Instead it has characters that struggle with doubt under extreme pressure and stress and their faith helps them survive. Well made, acted and a good story make it a film I think anyone can respond too.
9. The Good Dinosaur
The second film from Pixar for the year was an emotional heroes journey of young Arlo trying to conquer his fears and find his way back home. I found the old fashioned Disney feel to be refreshing and something we haven't seen from Pixar yet. The animation was stunning and I loved the relationship between Arlo and Spot.
The moving story of an Irish immigrant in 1952 who tries to make a home for herself in Brooklyn. It really asks the question of 'what is home?' and I loved seeing the immigrant journey play out. The performances are great, it looks beautiful and it was a sweet, old fashioned story you don't see from Hollywood every day.
7. Paddington-
Paddington is probably my biggest surprise of 2015. I thought it was going to be a big stinker from the trailers but I ended up loving it. The journey of Paddington being left on the train station was surprisingly emotion and yet funny and sweet at the same time. The performances from Sally Hawkins, Hugh Bonneville and Julie Walters were so lovely and all the details like the sets and design of Paddington were wonderful. Most CG/Live action hybrid films are awful (think Smurfs, Yogi Bear) so that makes Paddington even more of an achievement.
6. Cinderella
Cinderella gave me hope for the Disney live action remakes. As a Cinderella aficionado I loved just about everything in this film. Lily James and Cate Blanchett are great and I loved the message of kindness and courage. The sets, art design and costumes were top notch. I liked they changed a few things from the cartoon but nothing that fundamentally altered the story.
5. The Peanuts Movie
This is how you do an adaptation of a beloved franchise! I was so worried this would end up like The Smurfs but I was completely charmed by The Peanuts Movie. I loved seeing Charlie Brown gain the confidence to talk to the Red Haired Girl. I loved Snoopy and the Red Baron. I loved all the other characters and the fact they stayed innocent and sweet. I loved the hybrid animation and how it looked both rich and flat at the same time. The voice acting was perfect and music worthy of Peanuts.
4. The Martian
I loved both the book and movie of The Martian. My favorite thing about both was what a nice guy Mark is- a lesser author would have made him all brooding and conflicted. Instead we get someone we want to see succeed and cheer for. Matt Damon is great as Mark and I loved seeing him tackle each challenge that came his way. Ridley Scott does a great job capturing the red planet and the entire cast does a magnificent job fleshing out characters out of small parts. It's a movie that will make you feel fantastic
The movie that inspired me the most in 2015. You'd think the story of the investigation of the Catholic priest molestation scandal would be depressing but while it is certainly sobering I left the theater wanting to do something for my fellow man. It was empowering and so well acted/written. It's as close to a perfectly executed film as I saw all year.
The most anticipated film of 2015 lived up to the hype. Some say it is the best Star Wars film ever. I don't know if I'd go that far but what a great return to form for a galaxy far, far, away. I loved all the new characters and how they meshed with the old. I loved the grittiness and some of the storylines we've never seen in a Star Wars film. I've seen it twice and each time walked away with a huge smile on my face. Great performances from all involved and a tremendous job by JJ Abrams as the director. It was the movie that entertained me the most so it gets 2nd on my list
Pixar made not only my favorite film of 2015 but one of the best animated films I've ever seen. I was so moved by both Riley's and Joy's journeys as they figured out what happiness and sadness mean. The world building was brilliant the heart was beautiful, the humor worked perfectly. I loved the animation and the ending gets me every time. A perfect film in my eyes that I like more every time I see it.
Best of 2014 Revisited
August 12, 2015 August 12, 2015 | Rachel's Reviews
At the beginning of the year I posted my 'best of 2014' but at that point I hadn't seen many films from 2014. Now that it is August I have gotten through most of the releases and my best of list has changed a bit. I still really like all of the films I picked but they have just moved to honorable mentions. Maleficent is still my worst of 2014. None of those have changed.
Here's the new video I made with my updated top 11.
And most of these we've hashed out to death but feel free to put your comments below anyway. Just one gals opinion!
My new picks are:
11. Captain America Winter Soldier
10. American Sniper
9. Interstellar
8. Lego Movie
7. Guardians of the Galaxy
6. Tale of Princess Kaguya
5. The Good Lie
3. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
2. Song of the Sea
1. Boyhood
Rachel's Top 50 Animation Countdown (10-1)
July 25, 2015 December 3, 2015 | Rachel's Reviews
10. Fantasia- Like going to the greatest concert and art gallery of your life together. It is a rich and textured experience that teaches me something new every time I see it. I notice new details or am inspired with how the music tells the story I hadn't seen before. It goes everywhere from Greek myths, to Mickey Mouse, to dinosaurs, to the Devil himself. That's why I don't get it when people say it is boring. I really don't. I think some people just don't like classical music but I do and I think Fantasia is a bold stunning achievement in animation. (I know I had Tangled higher in my ranking but only barely).
9. Secret of Nimh- Has one of my favorite protagonists of any movie ever. Mrs Brisby doesn't want to be a hero. She is scared, visibly shaking at times, but will do anything to save her son. The story is deep and has just enough magic to make it unpredictable. The animation is so lovely full of light when it needs to be and darkness when appropriate. It will make you cry, you will walk away inspired and wanting to discuss with your friends the wonderful story you've been a part of. Bravo Don Bluth! (Even if you did leave Disney to do this movie in a w ay you shouldn't have!)
8. Song of the Sea- This was a film that I sat in the theater for about 10 minutes and wept. Not just tears but all out cried. It made me think of my cousin and her little boy who she left behind. The journey Ben goes on to forgive his Mother (and his sister) is so moving. Like Nimh there is just the right amount of magic and mysticism with his sister being selkie and the owls and everything else. It tackles grief in such a loving beautiful way it is something I could watch as part of my Bible study (not a Christian film I'm just saying it tackles those weighty issues perfectly). It also looks so beautiful and perhaps the lack of 2D animation made it especially stunning. I wish I had been able to see it in 2014 because it would definitely have been my favorite animated film of the year.
7. Prince of Egypt- Dreamworks you made the top 10. Congrats! :). Prince of Egypt is Dreamworks masterpiece IMO. Take out the scheming priests and their song and I think it is a perfect film. I love the reverence and awe we feel at the burning of the bush and the parting of the red sea. I love the music and all the voice performances. I love how it focuses on the brothers and how painful it is for them to be at war with each other. It's another one that I could watch as part of my Bible study because it is from the Bible! I don't know why they don't have it on blu-ray. Get it together Dreamworks!
6. Toy Story- This may surprise you guys but I recently rewatched it and was so completely charmed by the story. In a way Woody is the CEO or President of the room when here comes this new shiny toy to challenge his leadership. The voicework is perfect as we all know. The jokes are funny. The scenes at Sid's house are touching and exciting. Toy Story is about the perils of jealousy and how we can forgive others who have seemingly wronged us. It also is about growing up and seeing things as they truly are not as we wish them to be. Both are Buzz and Woody's journey and I relate to their experiences, which is pretty amazing when you think they are toys. It has so many memorable lines and I guess when push comes to shove of the 3 Toy Story movies this is the one I've loved the longest. I can't think of anything I would change about it.
5. Cinderella- I love Cinderella. You guys all know that and Disney's Cinderella is such a special movie. The songs are perfection especially lesser known songs like Sing Sweet Nightangale. That sequence takes my breath away. The animation throughout is lush and layered and beautiful. Cinderella is a character who works so hard and so unlike other princeses who need to get rescued she brings her own rescue to her. When she gets her dress ripped to shreds it is completely devastating and she almost loses her faith and that's when the rescue comes. So it is for many of us. I love Lady Tremaine as a villain. I love the mice and Lucifer. Perhaps the scenes with the King and Duke go on a little long but it helps us get to know the Prince so that is good. I just love it!
4. Little Mermaid- If I was going on just nostalgia Little Mermaid would be #1. What can I say that I haven't already said about this movie. I love Ariel and relate to her quest to find where she belongs. I love the Ashman/Menken songs. I think Ursula is a brilliant villain unlike any other with her drag queen looks and trucker voice. I love all the bubbles and the ocean (you know I always love the ocean!). I think Eric is a really cool Prince who we get to see interact and be quite tender to Ariel. I just love it.
3. Spirited Away- Hands down the most original movie I've ever seen. I remember the first time I watched it I sat dumbfounded, mouth agape. I had no idea what was coming up next. Was it going to be the boy who turns into a dragon or a giant baby or the weird lady who ruled the bathhouse? Every scene is a surprise and delight. Everything is challenging and interesting. We get to see the young girl grow up, get a job, figure things out on her own and become strong through all of these spirits who are sometimes tough to figure out. Are they evil or good? Sometimes we don't know. The animation is breathtaking. The story amazing. It's a masterpiece in every way possible.
2. Beauty and the Beast- This is another movie that has a high sentimental value for me both because I loved it as a 10 year old girl and I went to see the Broadway show with my cousin Lisa on our trip 4 months before she passed away. There are a few little plotholes but it doesn't matter a bit. As far as fairytales in animation it doesn't get better than this. The animation is sweeping and beautiful. Belle is such a likable character who reads and is independent. The character of Gaston is interesting because he's basically the town hero and he lets one person not liking him eat at him until he is a mad man. All the side characters are a delight and the Ashman/Menken music is the best ever in all of Disney.
1. Up- This actually wasn't a hard decision for me to make. Up is my favorite movie, animated or not. The first 10 minutes of the life of Carl and Ellie is something I have seen countless times and it still makes me cry. What's amazing is we see Ellie for minutes and yet she is an active presence throughout the rest of that movie. Carl talks to her, he feels her there. That reminds me the people I love who have passed are an important part of my life even though they are gone. If you've ever felt weighed down by grief and loss you will relate to what Carl is going through. He feels so guilty for the life he gave Ellie. He has this regret that I think many of us experience no matter how much time we have with those we love. The movie is about how going on this great adventure helps him come to terms with that grief. But then it is also very funny and sweet with Doug, Russell and Kevin. Plus, a villain voiced by Christopher Plummer. Sign me up! It's beautifully animated and the music is perfect. It's a movie I could watch every day for the rest of my life and never get tired of. When Carl reads that note from his wife at the end it is almost as emotional as the beginning. Perfection.
My youtube review
Rachel's Top 50 Animation Countdown (20-11)
July 20, 2015 July 20, 2015 | Rachel's Reviews
Now we are getting down to the cream of the crop. Pretty much all of these movies could be first place on this list because I love them all for different reasons. So, don't get too caught up in the rankings from here on out. They are all most beloved to me. 🙂
20. Finding Nemo– A film that has it all- real heart, humor, gorgeous animation, amazing vocal performances and more. They manage to keep both storylines of Nemo's world in the tank and Marlin hunting for his son with Dory equally engaging and fun. So many moments surprise me like the AA sharks. It's probably Pixar's most rewatchable film and being a lover of the water it is a total delight.
19. Tale of Princess Kaguya– A movie that grows on me each time I see it. I loved it on an initial watch but have seen it several times since and now I LOVE it. Parts that seemed a little slow now feel like poetry. It's one of the most unique and visually stunning animated film I've ever seen and I love the way it uses music to tell the story. It's a very Japanese story of a woman who chooses to be obedient to her father no matter the personal cost. At times it is quite tragic and the ending is intriguing.
18. Wall-e– Another movie that grows on me each time I see it. I just reviewed it in my Pixar series but I think it is just about perfect. I love the love story between Wall-e and Eva. I love the artistry of their space ballet. I love the message about hope and that anyone can be a hero.
17. 101 Dalmatians- My favorite movie from the sketch era with one Disney's most iconic villains in Cruella Deville. What makes her so great is she has this insane plan of killing all these puppies. It's not a boring motive like Radcliffe or Clayton who just want money. No she just wants a dalmatian coat. She is also powerful and nearly wins time and again. I love little moments of humor thrown in and the real tension that is developed in scenes like when they are loading the van. Small characters like Sergeant Tibbs are a total delight.
16. Incredibles– a unusual combination of a movie about work and a superhero story. Bob is not happy in his life because he isn't doing what he is called to do. His unhappiness affects his marriage which is portrayed in such a realistic way that I think is great for kids to see. I love the messaging and the villain is very evil (again almost wins which makes him menacing). Great voice casting, terrific pacing and story. I wouldn't change a thing.
15. Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh– A criminally underrated film that is viewed by many as a movie only for small children. Each of the 3 stories is sweet and layered with great voice casting. They say Elmo means love whenever he is on stage and I think Winnie the Pooh means childhood. He is simple and yet thoughtful with a never ending desire for honey. We get the dry narration which is so funny and the ending in this film is perfect. It makes me cry every time I watch it. 'Will you ever forget me Pooh Bear". Not me! I won't forget you on this list! 🙂
14. My Friend Totoro- Perhaps Studio Ghibli's most iconic film and for good reason. It is in many ways like Winnie the Pooh, the story of in this case 2 little girls with a sweet lovable friend, the wood spirit Totoro. Totoro flies the girls around and just wants to protect them from harm or negative influence. It's so inventive and good-natured I don't mind the simpler story. Like Ponyo it is a Studio Ghibli film you can watch with even your youngest children and they will love it. It's an adorable movie.
13. Inside Out– Don't cry recency bias I loved Inside Out. I've seen it twice and the layers of character development are amazing. What Joy goes through in her understanding of happiness and Riley in dealing with the emptiness of having neither sadness or joy is so engrossing. I love how the entire world is 11 with Imaginationland changing and morphing before them. I love the islands of personality and their connection to memories. I love the other emotions especially Anger and Fear and how funny they were. The ending is perfection when Riley's parents see her as an emotional equal and they bond. What they were able to do with Bing Bong is remarkable. And it's also very funny to boot.
12. Princess Mononoke- One of Miyasaki's most ambitious works with a battle between the humans and the spirits of the forest. Princess Mononoke is torn between both sides of the battle and we feel it as viewers. All the characters are layered and interesting and it looks so beautiful. It's brutal at times and even violent but one of the most original fairytales I've ever seen.
11. Tangled– Disney's first romantic comedy is so well done. I love Flynn and Rapunzel's relationship. I love Mother Gothel and I think the songs are great. It has probably Disney's biggest plothole but I will forgive it. I love the lanterns and the artistry throughout. I saw it in 3D and it blew me away. Great side characters as well and just a terrific rewatchable movie with real heart and lovely message about finding a new dream.
July 15, 2015 November 18, 2015 | Rachel's Reviews
30. American Tail- The recent death of James Horner had me revisiting American Tail a few weeks ago, and I really do love it. Much like the great early Disney movies it has scares, laughter and a lot of tears. Horner's music is iconic in my childhood. I like the voice performances and the ending is so satisfying. I even like the sequel. It's really cool to have the first Jewish animated character that I am aware of and a lot of good educational opportunities for parents and kids with the immigrant story.
29. Nightmare Before Christmas- A groundbreaking stop motion movie with amazing Danny Elfman songs. I love the clever story of the man who swaps out Christmas for Halloween. Jack is a character we really root for because he has such pure intentions. I also love the romance with Sally and their bond throughout the film. It looks seamless and different and is scary in moments without being over-the-top. Great vocal performances and music. The rare movie which is great for Halloween and Christmas.
28. The Wind Rises- the final film from Hayao Miyazaki and perhaps his most grown-up . The story of Jiro who designs the airplane for the Japanese army in WWII. It is his dream to help people fly but then it is used for war, which is an interesting dynamic. He also falls in love with a girl who isn't well and that is moving. It is layered, moving film and subtle in how it portrays war, romance, life, and dreams. It also looks stunning and will make you cry but for all the right reasons. You almost forget you are watching animation for stretches but then the artistry will take your breath away. It makes me want to seek out my dreams.
27. Alice in Wonderland– the movie that embraces nonsense and I love it for it. It has a non-linear plot with eccentricities that are different and surprising. Basically its Alice meeting a bunch of colorful characters one after another and I like going on that journey with her. The music is so much fun with great voice performances throughout. Only part that doesn't work for me is when it throws in a narrative with the walrus and oysters which feels completely out of place.
26. Toy Story 3- Takes all the strengths of 1 and 2 and combines them into an extremely satisfying ending to the Andy part of the Toy Story chapter. Andy has grown up and the toys are given to a daycare which is full of peril, humor and real heart. The incinerator scene is shocking, gut-wrenching and extremely tense. My nieces hate it for those reasons but I was engrossed. The ending is perfect reminding us all of when we had to say goodbye to childhood and pass our memories on to others.
25. Lego Movie- One of the most inventive movies I've ever seen. It is for me what Wreck-it Ralph should have been. I love all the different worlds and how they capture a child's randomness in play. I love the journey Emmit goes on from following all the rules to trusting in his own ingenuity. I love the visual appeal and how every scene moves and feels like legos coming together. I love the voice performances and all the jokes. I love the live action scene which makes me tear up every time. It's a child trying to explain his world to his parents and that is beautiful. I was so skeptical going in but to me it is about perfect.
24. Jungle Book– I hate the ending but love the songs and characters. Baloo is one of my favorites in all of Disney and Shere Khan is a menacing villain. I also like Kaa with his creepy hypnosis. It doesn't leave any space to be bored but goes from one delightful scene to the next. All the voice performances are top notch and it's one of my favorites to rewatch and smile. I'm also a sucker for any film about friendship and how yes family is key but friends are pretty darn great too. 🙂
23. Ratatouille– I just reviewed Ratatouille a few weeks ago and it is such a lovely film. It looks gorgeous. I love how it captures Paris as the City of Lights. It makes me want to go there every time I see it. I love Remy and how he feels uncomfortable in his skin. He doesn't belong in the world he was born into and food is his way of leaving that world. He meets Linguini and finds a purpose. It is funny and Ego is one of my favorite characters ever in animation. His speech at the end is perfection. Ratatouille is also very funny particularly the interactions between Remy and his imaginary mentor Gusteau.
22. Sleeping Beauty– The lyrical look to this animated version of the Sleeping Beauty ballet is so unique and special. I love the faeries and how smart yet funny they are. I love Maleficent and her seemingly petty spat with Stephan leading to the curse of Aurora. She's such a great villain. Phillip is my favorite Disney prince because he is brave and shows a lot of spunk when dealing with Maleficent. My only flaw of it is Aurora is pretty bland. But look at this image and see how deep the trees are layered on to each other. It's amazing. The story is equally special.
21. Frozen– The opposite of Aurora is our two princesses in Frozen and I love both of them. Much like Ariel Elsa has this thing that makes her different than the world she is born into. She doesn't belong and is taught to fear her gifts and hide them. I was really moved by that. Meanwhile Anna is left to wonder what happened to her sister. I related to that as well because I have 3 sisters and sometimes it can feel impossible to get through to them- especially one that is particularly private and introverted. I love the relationship of the sisters as it grows and I love the ending. I think Olaf is in it for just enough comic relief (and one sweet moment). I love the songs and the vocal performances are some of the best ever in Disney. The way the villain was handled definitely surprised me and I thought the take on the traditional Disney romance was fun. I know the haters are out there but make your own list! This is mine.
Here is my youtube review
40. Aladdin- I know for some people Aladdin would make their top 10 but I've never been as big a fan as most people even though I do like it (hey it made this list!). It's a ton of fun with one of the most iconic performances in all of Disney. The Menken/Ashman/Rice songs are wonderful.
39. Batman Mask of the Phantasm- vastly underrated superhero movie with terrific vocal performances. Actually my favorite batman movie. I think the animation is also underrated. Get it on blu-ray studio!
38. Persepolis- One of most unique animated films I've ever seen. About a girl growing up in the Iranian Revolution. It looks striking, with an extremely likable lead character and a story with a lot of layers of family, personal and political drama.
37. Big Hero 6- I was really moved by the relationship of Hiro and Tadashi. A lovely film about grief and remembering those who have past on while also being a superhero movie with a diverse, funny group unlike any I've seen before. I love Baymax so much and SanFransokyo was so creative and beautiful.
36. Snow White and 7 Dwarves- I realize this is a little out of sync with my Disney rankings but this where I felt it fit in this list. Snow White is not just great because it was first but it holds up remarkably well. It's funny, sweet, scary and has great songs. I love how the Queen is the queen but it isn't enough for her. She also has to be prettiest in the land.
35. Iron Giant- A lovely animated story by Brad Bird about a boy in 1950s who finds a giant and has to keep it from the government. Love the animation, story, everything.
34. Mulan- Underrated Disney movie with a strong female heroine, good laughs, strong ensemble of characters, sweeping battle animation, great score and fun songs. Only weakness is lame boring villain.
33. Corpse Bride- a beautiful ghost story with haunting music and a visual style that I actually like even better than Nightmare Before Christmas. The story isn't quite as layered or interesting and the characters not as good as Nightmare but I still love it. There is enough story of the unlikely match thrown together for me to love it.
32. Lion King- Another one I'm sure people will be upset having so low but I love Lion King. That's why it beat out 18 other films. It's epic, beautiful, heartfelt and has an amazing villain. Some of the pop elements, juvenile humor and way they handle Can You Feel Love Tonight I could do without. Still hugely satisfying engaging film about whether we take the easy way out or the tough one that we are destined for. It's also some of Disney's most glorious animation they ever did.
31. Dumbo- It depresses me that so many outside the animation community see Dumbo as a racist Disney movie. That or it is 'too sad'. It has its perhaps questionable segments but at its core is a message about acceptance of people and their differences. The relationship between Timothy Q Mouse and Dumbo is sweet. The watercolor artwork is lovely capturing the bright colors of the circus. The elephants dream is weird and a delight. I love it!
Here's my video on this list:
July 5, 2015 November 5, 2015 | Rachel's Reviews
So I have a fun series I am going to be doing over the next 5 few weeks. I have meticulously came up with my top 50 animated films. This isn't the most impactful or the best made. It is just my favorite. For example, I know Pinocchio is a masterpiece and I do appreciate it. It's just not a favorite of mine. So you will disagree with many of these but you can make your own list ;)!
Nevertheless, love to hear your feedback. It was very tough to do. I also am still working through anime so there may be some of your favorites I haven't seen. Pretty much any movie on this 50 I would give an A too so I love them all even if it is 50th place.
I tried to keep this list in general order of my Disney Ranking but there may be a few things I've changed so don't hold me to that.
50. Watership Down- dark, disturbing, violent and has a lot to say about political systems, social structures and how we rationalize away the dignity of others.
49. Ponyo- Gorgeous take on Little Mermaid by Studio Ghibli is weird, different and incredibly creative. A movie I could watch with the sound turned off and still love. It is also cute and Ghibli's most child-friendly film outside of Totoro (which is coming later). You know me- I love anything to do with the ocean.
48. Lady and the Tramp– An underrated Disney gem. A sweet and simple story of the dogs from different sides of the track falling in love. I love the Norman Rockwell artistry and the jazz Peggy Lee soundtrack. And spaghetti is my favorite food so cant go wrong with that!
47. Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were Rabbit- Based on the characters from Nick Park's animated shorts, we get a witty, sweet claymation story of crazy inventor Wallace and his wise dog Gromit as they try to rid the town of a mutant rabbit eating all their vegetables.
46. How to Train Your Dragon 2- A rare sequel that is better than the original. The flying sequences are gorgeous, real heart with the family drama and an epic quality that is tough to pull off in animated films. For kids that are too young for Lord of the Rings this is a great option.
45. Charlotte's Web- EB White's story of the plucky pig and his spider friend comes alive with songs from the Sherman Brothers and great voice casting including Debbie Reynolds and Paul Lynde.
44. Atlantis: The Lost Empire– I know I'm in the minority on this one but I love Atlantis. I love the diversity of the team and how hilarious they all are. I love the fight sequences and the steampunk look to everything. I think the culture and language they created is great.
43. Paranoman- An underrated movie that is legitimately scary yet sweet and full of good laughs. Made more for teenagers than little children (especially the humor) but not too grown up. It's hard to believe it is stop motion it is so seamless. The message at the end is a unique take on bullying with the bullied girl becoming the bully and how they can talk her down.
42. Land Before Time- Beautifully animated tail of dinosaurs little one's making it to the promised land of sorts. Sweet, sad with nice music.
41. Toy Story 2– I know woefully low for this movie but what can I say this is where it landed. Toy Story 2 is a great movie. With great humor, camaraderie and an interesting dilemma for Woody about how he wants to live his life.
Get ready next week for the 40-31!
Here's my youtube video on it.
District Tag
March 23, 2015 March 23, 2015 | Rachel's Reviews
My friend over at the Lawn Gnome has just posted a neat tag based on the Hunger Games with different movies/books for each of the 13 Districts. I'm actually not a big Hunger Games fan (yes I know you can all be shocked…) but you don't really need to be to have fun with this tag. So, I thought I would bring it over to the blogging world and give you my picks for both movies and books.
First here is his video:
So here is the tag-
District 1 Luxury: Pick a (BOOK/MOVIE) with lots of opulence.
For movie I will pick Citizen Kane based on the life of William Randolph Hearst, one of the richest men in American history. It's wildly regarded as the greatest movie ever made and literally every shot can be studied for its lighting, subject matter, cinematography and everything else.
I had a hard time thinking about a book about opulence but decided on Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. In it a girl falls in love with a rich mysterious man and when she marries him she becomes the new head of an equally mysterious large grand mansion
District 2 Masonry/ weaponry: pick a (BOOK/MOVIE)with a great war or conflict.
There are a lot of good war movies but I'm going to go with a recent great movie, American Sniper. In Sniper I felt like I was down with the marines going house to house looking for people. It was a totally different kind of war than I have ever seen before and I was really moved by it.
As far as books about war in thinking about it I realized most of the books I have read about war are about prisoners or civilians during a war. As far as actual battle, soldier books the one that came to mind is Shiloh by Shelby Foote. Some people would probably find this book boring because it methodically takes you through one single battle in the Civil War that in Foote's opinion changed everything. It isn't the Antietam or Gettysburg that we know more about but the Battle of Shiloh. It's fascinating, gripping, tragic and will make you feel immersed in history like few other books.
District 3 Technology: Pick a(BOOK/MOVIE) with a technological twist.
A movie with a technological twist I will go with Gattaca. A science fiction film with tremendous heart and great performances about a society who has created genetically perfect people known as valids who are considered superior to traditionally conceived people who are invalids. Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law are great in it.
I'm going to give a little shout out to The Giver by Lois Lowry which is such a moving book that turned into a rather pedestrian movie. Kind of like Gattaca a perfect society has been created where all the best choices have been determined and diversity in the slightest is eliminated. People's senses are lulled except for a man named The Giver who knows all that has been forgotten about human experience. Jonas, our hero, becomes the apprentice to the Giver and as he see's the world in a whole new way it makes you think about your own world and the choices you have made. Great book.
District 4 Fishing: Pick a water based (BOOK/MOVIE)
I love to swim so movies in and around water are some of my favorites. Since you all know I love Finding Nemo, Little Mermaid and Song of the Sea let me dive a little deeper (excuse the pun…) and pick something more obscure. I love the little British movie On a Clear Day about a man who decides he is stuck in his life and is going to swim the English Channel. As an open water swimmer I relate to his story but on a slightly smaller scale
For my swimming books I will do another obscure read that I think would make a great movie- The Great Swim by Gavin Mortimer. This tells the true story of Gertrude Ederle, Mille Gade, Lillian Cannon, and Clarabelle Barrette who were the first women to swim the English Channel. It is fascinating for the stories of the 4 women, their personalities and histories, but also the differences in the press and celebrity then and now. A great read!
District 5 Electricity: Pick a powerful (BOOK/MOVIE) .
The first film that came to my mind when I thought of powerful movies is Hoop Dreams. This is an amazing documentary by Steve James where he follows the lives of 2 inner city boys who dream of becoming professional basketball players. It is heart wrenching and it goes places fiction couldn't go. It's so profound about how our dreams are our inspiration and also our undoing at times. It's about everything that makes up a life. It's without question one of the best movies ever made.
One of the most powerful books I've ever read is The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. It tells the true story of Dutch old maid Corrie and her sister Betsie who are sent to Auschwitz for hiding Jews from the Nazis. Her sister is unflappable in her determination to be grateful and positive in the absolute worst of situations while Corrie is a bit more of a realist, a little more sarcastic. In the end her message of courage, faith and forgiveness is one I will never forget.
District 6 Transportation: Pick a(BOOK/MOVIE) that takes place in many locations.
A movie that takes place in many locations I will go with the movie that has a map showing the characters zip around the globe- Raiders of the Lost Ark. Just in the first few minutes he goes from Boston, to Nepal, to Cairo.
There are a lot of travel narratives I love so I could have picked any of those but I will pick Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose about the Lewis and Clarke expedition. Kind of like Shiloh, Undaunted Courage is a historical narrative without any fiction. Just the history but it is gripping, well researched and gives you a new appreciation for America in its raw form.
District 7 Lumber: Pick a(BOOK/MOVIE) with manual labor.
This isn't farming but if you consider cooking manual labor then I love Babette's Feast. It's a Danish film about a woman who is a refuge and is welcomed in by 2 women and their friends who abstain from luxuries and eat very bland food. She wins the lottery and gets a chance to cook the way she has dreamed of. It's a beautiful movie about work and how when we find out what we are supposed to contribute to the world that is when we are really fulfilled even if it is just cooking one meal.
I could have picked Grapes of Wrath for my movie as well but thought I'd have a little variety. Nobody does a setting like John Steinbeck. You can feel the dust and sun pounding down on the Joads family. It is a book that is depressing in a way but it is also very unpredictable with a complicated notion of right and wrong and characters who wish they could work more than the land allows them too
District 8 Textiles: Pick a(BOOK/MOVIE) with amazing clothes!
The movie with amazing clothes I thought of is Anna Karenina with Oscar winning costumes by Jacqueline Durran. The entire visual style of this movie is so inventive and different. Joe Wright with his amazing cast and production values elevate it beyond the typical costume drama. A lot of that goes back to the amazing costumes.
The best book about clothes I am going to go with Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisenberg (I love the movie too) which is a great book/movie about work. Andy must learn to work with the devilish Miranda Priestly. It's a story about what you will sacrifice for work and how little choices bit by bit you can lose your soul to the office. It's also very funny with a lot of satire about the fashion world and everything else.
District 9 Grain: Pick a(BOOK/MOVIE) where food is hard to come by.
Interestellar is a really good choice but since The Lawn Gnome chose that I am going to go with Cast Away. Tom Hanks is brilliant as the man who is shipwrecked on an island and must learn to survive. When he gets fire it is a triumphant moment and the depth of feeling we get for a volleyball is profound. The film is weakened when he returns back to civilization and becomes more trite but the hungry part is great.
I couldn't really think of a good hunger book so I will go with the oldest of standby's The Bible. When the Children of Israel are starving and God sends them manna in the wilderness which was sweet as milk and honey. This kept them alive for 40 years but only if used within the guidelines set out by God. If those rules were broken it became rotten and bug infested. A great reminder that God will bless us if we are obedient and seek to follow Him.
District 10 Livestock: Pick a(BOOK/MOVIE) with an animal in it.
Got to go with Babe, one of the best family movies ever made IMO. A sweet simple story with real heart and humor about the pig that wants to be a sheepdog.
For books I will pick Black Beauty by Anna Sewell which is a simple book about a horse's life as he passes from one master to another. Some are cruel, some kind but always engrossing. She really does pack a ton of story into the life of a horse.
District 11 Agriculture: Pick a(BOOK/MOVIE) where a character comes to a harsh gritty reality.
I will say Les Miserables. Fantine realizes the lowliness she will stoop in order to save her daughter. It is only a last gesture by a kind man that saves her story from being 100% tragic but it is a harsh gritty reality for sure.
For a book I will go with a play, A Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. It's a gut wrenching story of a man who realizes his life is a failure, his son is mediocre and it is his fault. I normally don't like downers but since it is a brief play and its characters are so vivid I have always been drawn to it. I love movies, books, plays about work and this is certainly one of the most sobering. I guess you could call it a cautionary tale.
District 12 Mining: Pick a dark and sinister(BOOK/MOVIE) !
Well there aren't many dark and sinister movies I like as you all know. There's a few ghost stories I like and some funny scary movies like Ghostbusters but all of those have a certain lightness about them. Maybe since I haven't talked about it yet on the blog I will go with Strangers on a Train. It's a Hitchcock about two men who decide to murder for the other person. It's creepy and weird and one of his less well known films.
As few dark and creepy movies I like, there are even fewer books. I could pick the old Grimm's Fairytales but I will pick a very creepy scary children's book called Peppermints in the Parlor by Barbara Brooks Wallace about a girl who is orphaned and sent to live at the home she remembers fondly of her aunt and uncle. Now it is a strange home for the elderly but everyone is controlled by the evil Mrs.Meeching. Any of you read it?
I forgot about District 13 which is appropriate because it's The Forgotten District: Pick a(BOOK/MOVIE) that's "under ground" that not many people know about.
I will go with a film I bet none of you have heard of it is Lili starring Leslie Caron and Mel Ferrar. It is a lovely story about a girl who can't seem to relate to anyone except for some puppets but she forgets the man behind the puppets a brooding ex-dancer who lost his moment in the spotlight. It's got stunning dance sequences, Caron is at her best, Oscar winning music and a surrealist art direction.
As far as underrated books there are a lot but I love a little book called The Delicacy and Strength of Lace by James Wright and Leslie Marmon Silko. It is the correspondence between these two poets as they became friends through writing to each other. I love letter writing and love poetry so it is the hat trick of things Rachel likes. I also love that it isn't romantic but merely a friendship over words. It's out of print but if you can find a lovely little read.
Because he does both book and movie reviews I am going to tag Richard at https://velociraptor256.wordpress.com/.
Another blogger with an eclectic blog I will tag is the POMAD https://pomadness.wordpress.com/
And finally my book club leader and fabulous book blogger who also occasionally blogs about movies Suey's Books. http://sueysbooks.blogspot.com/
If you are tagged you can pick both or just do books or movies. Have fun!
And anyone else who wants to do it go for it!
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Join us at the 2019 Room at the Table Annual Breakfast!
This is our 15th annual free fundraising breakfast. We started this event to get the word out about the work we are doing in the community. There is no admission fee but you will be asked to make a donation.
We invite people through our network of Table Captains who are each responsible for filling up a table. If you would like to to attend or maybe even be a table captain, please contact Greg Moore at 302 654-8886, ext. 105, or click here to send Greg an email.
Each year over 300 people attend this breakfast and enjoy the fellowship while learning a little more about our less fortunate neighbors and the hand up (not a hand out) that LCS offers. The program includes a 7-minute video plus moving speeches and testimonies from clients whom we have helped. We get consistently good feedback about the breakfast and in many ways it serves as a celebration of the Lutheran identity and the Lutheran commitment to help "the least among us."
Please share this video link with others who would like to know more about LCS.


My group FamilyConnect Inc. exists to help strengthen marriages and families. We have a lower than 5% divorce rate amongst our clients (over 100 and counting!) Contact us today for a free meeting.
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Hallo, here is Jassica Cambell.
Hi Jassica, here is Dave.
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Dogs are considered to be the closest companions of humans. Veterinarians routinely advise dog proprietors to brush dog's teeth; I know my vet does. The ordinary suggestion is brushing your dog's teeth on a daily basis to keep food-related germs and microscopic organisms from working upon them, which can prompt plaque, gum aggravation, and diseases. In any case, do you really brush your dog on daily premises? I don't and my veterinarian conceded he doesn't either despite the fact that he completely plans to; it simply doesn't occur as regularly as he favors. So, for those of us with amazing expectations yet not as much as ideal finish, what else would we be able to do to keep our dog's teeth clean?
1 What Dental Issues do Dogs Undergo?
3 What can You do to Prevent Oral Health Issues with Your Dog?
What Dental Issues do Dogs Undergo?
Dental infection is a standout amongst the most widely recognized maladies analyzed by veterinarians. Influencing the dogs, it can happen in pets as youthful as 2-3 years old. Plaque and tartar start to develop on your pet's teeth. Terrible smell from the mouth is another issue that influences the canines.
Encouraging your dog to have a decent meal helps your dog from various perspectives, including dog's teeth cleaning and keeping them more strong and healthy. Quality food items, ideally made with whole food grains, will support his body, which additionally implies more grounded teeth. Maintain a strategic distance from food items made with artificial stuff like oat grains as they are well-suited to adhere to your dog's teeth. Rather, search for a nourishment produced using meats, vegetables, and natural products.
Dogs adore tidbits and proprietors cherish giving them. In any case, numerous tidbits are not that good for your dog's dental well being; particularly those that contain sugar, fats, and oat grains. Nonetheless, carrots or carrot cuts, apple cuts, or a piece of squash or pumpkin are great bites that most dogs appreciate and they are good for dog's teeth cleaning.
Rad More – Which Foods Can Your Dog Eat ?
In the event that your dog loves to bite on hard elastic or nylon bite toys, these are fantastic for scratching and cleaning teeth. Offer the toy after every feast and urge your dog to bite on it for a bit.
Much the same as a decent toy, bones will tidy up teeth, as well. The best bones are uncooked and extensive, ideally from a cow. A little bone (or a cooked one) will break or fragment, may stall out in your dog's mouth, or your dog may endeavor to gulp down it.
The bites or bones produced using starches (normally potato, corn, or rice flours) have a tendency to be stickier than vegetables or dried meat bites and hence are not good for dog's teeth cleaning. At the point when your dog's teeth rub up against this kind of stuff, it typically has the contrary impact as biting on a cow bone.
Regardless of whether you know where it counts in your heart that it is highly unlikely you'll brush your dog's teeth after each supper or even each day, endeavor to set up some sort of teeth cleaning schedule. In the event that you can take a couple of the proposals above, and afterward clean your dog's teeth in any event once every week, it's superior to nothing.
What can You do to Prevent Oral Health Issues with Your Dog?
Utilize a bit of dressing wrapped around your pointer, get it wet, and after that spot it in some heating pop or dog toothpaste for dog's teeth cleaning. Delicately rub it on your dog's teeth. Try not to endeavor to do the whole mouth at first; even a fourth of the mouth at any given moment is awesome. Simply each time you do it, turn around his mouth. With training, your dog will turn out to be additionally tolerating and you'll have the capacity to clean his whole mouth in only a couple of minutes.
Some of the time, even with all your earnest attempts, dental issues or dog's teeth problems can happen. The primary sign might be a bad smell from his mouth. In the event that a speedy sniff of his mouth makes you scowl, at that point investigate his teeth and gums. In a perfect world, your dog's teeth ought to be spotless and white and the gums pink. Different indications of dental illness in a dog incorporate dribbling, an absence of craving, trouble eating, or free teeth. Take your dog to the veterinarian on the off chance that you see any of these side effects.


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November 26, 2019 1:13pm
Accepted via email.
GMAT: 650. UK.
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Interview Invite via email.
GPA: 8.2/10. GMAT: 650. UK.
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GPA: 3.57. GMAT: 690. India.
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Applied via portal.
GPA: 6.6/10.
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GPA: 3.5. GMAT: 660. R.korea.
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GMAT: 650.
Applied via email.
GPA: 3.89. GMAT: 700. New York.
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Admitted: Michigan / Ross
GRE: 310 GPA: 3.2
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GMAT: 700 GPA: 3
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Visit Details: I was blown away by Kellogg's setting and faculty.
November 9, 2019 9:37am
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Candidate Status: Admitted
Visit Details: DAK was a wonderful opportunity to meet with the students at Kellogg who would become my future classmates and peers.
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Alliance Manchester Business School – University of Manchester
Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) is the graduate business school of the University of Manchester. It is located in the heart of Manchester's campus, right outside of the city of Manchester in northwestern England. MBA students can take advantage of being a part of the UK's largest single-site university, the University of Manchester, as well as being only a two-hour train ride from London. AMBS is well known for its global reach, international diversity, flexible time frame for completion, and highly customizable curriculum. Students have the option to complete a full-time MBA in either 12, 15, or 18 months. Part-time options include the Global Part-Time MBA (18 or 24 months), and joint MBAs with the Indiana Kelley School of Business (24 months), with the FGV Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration (24 months) and with the Tongji University School of Economics and Management (24 months).
Recommendation Questions
Manchester-ambs Q&A's
Manchester-ambs LiveWire and DecisionWire
MBA Financing
Manchester-ambs News
What is the tuition for AMBS's MBA program?
The tuition for AMBS's MBA program is 44,000 UK pounds per year.
What is the average GMAT score for admission to AMBS's MBA program?
The GMAT middle 80% range for the incoming class at AMBS is 550-700.
Does the AMBS MBA program accept the GRE?
Yes. The AMBS MBA program has accepted the GRE for a few years now.
What is the minimum number of years of work experience required for admission to AMBS's MBA program?
AMBS requires a minimum of 3 years of work experience. However, it is important for candidates to be aware that they are being considered against other candidates with an average of 6 years of experience.
What is the average number of years of work experience for admission to AMBS's MBA program? (or, What is the average age of an AMBS MBA student?)
The average number of years of work experience among students in AMBS's MBA program is 6. The average age of an AMBS student is 29 years old.
What is the average starting salary for graduates of the AMBS MBA program?
The average starting salary for AMBS MBA graduates is $124,178 median base annual salary. The salary will vary by industry, with consulting and finance jobs generally commanding the higher salaries.
How long is AMBS's full-time MBA program?
AMBS offers 18 month, 15 month, or 12 month MBA programs.
What are the application deadlines for the AMBS MBA program?
The Round 1 MBA application deadline is September 19, 2019. The Round 2 application deadline is October 10, 2019. The Round 3 deadline is November 7, 2019. The Round 4 deadline is December 5, 2019. The Round 5 deadline is January 6, 2020. The Round 6 deadline is February 6, 2020. The Round 7 deadline is March 12, 2020. The Round 8 deadline is April 16, 2020. The Round 9 deadline is May 21, 2020. The final deadline (for UK & EU nationals only) is June 1, 2020.
What percent of AMBS MBA students are women?
The percentage of the class at AMBS that are women is 39%.
The Class Profile
AMBS enrolled 113 students in the Class of 2020, which includes 39% women and a staggering 83% international students. The class had experience in a variety of industries before entering the MBA program, including 26% in financial services, 12% in manufacturing, 10% in consulting, and 10% in energy. The average age of the incoming student was 29, with an average of six years of prior professional work experience.
AMBS offers eight rounds of applications from September to June. International students who want to be considered for scholarships must apply by the February deadline. The last round is only open to EU/UK passport holders who do not need a visa to study in the UK.
Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, transcripts from previous institutions attended (the school notes it expects applicants to be in top 25% of class), CV, two required essays, a presentation, two professional references, GMAT or GRE score, three years of professional experience, name/photo page from passport, passport-sized head-and-shoulders photo, and English Language score report if applicable. If the initial application is successful, the admissions staff will contact applicants to arrange an interview. Manchester offers either on-campus interviews or Skype/video conferencing.
Admission essays and presentation
CV / Resumé
Two professional references
GMAT/GRE score report
English Language score report (if applicable)
Degree transcript and certificate
Photo / name page from your passport
Passport sized head and shoulders photo
Need help with your essays? Get our experts' advice.
Manchester / AMBS Essay Topic Analysis
The following essay topic analysis examines the University of Manchester / Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) MBA admissions essay for the 2019-2020 admissions season. You can also review essay topic analyses for other leading MBA programs as well as general Essay Tips to further aid you in developing your admissions essays. Manchester / AMBS Essay Topic […]
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Manchester-ambs Q&As
CLASS SIZE 113
GPA N/A
% Female 39%
% International 83%
Booth Street West
Manchester, M15 6PB, UK
Website: https://www.mbs.ac.uk/study/mba/
Twitter: @mbsnews
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Enrolled: Manchester / AMBS
Admitted: Manchester / AMBS, Other
Oxf
Enrolled: Oxford / Saïd
Admitted: Cornell / Johnson, Manchester / AMBS, Oxford / Saïd, Other
GMAT: 720 GPA: 4/4
Admitted: Cambridge / Judge, Manchester / AMBS, Oxford / Saïd
GMAT: 720 GPA: 4.6/5.0
AMBS employs 250 professors and lecturers across the entire business school. There are four major departments: People, Management and Organisations; Innovation Management and Policy; Accounting and Finance; and Management Sciences and Marketing. The school houses four research institutes, two centers, and five focused research groups, including the Management Sciences Group and Manchester Accounting and Finance Group.
Professors employ case studies, group work, and practice-based learning, referred to as the "Manchester Method," to teach the curriculum. Using simulations, real-life case studies, business competitions, internships, team-building exercises, and group work, the goal of the Manchester Method is to prepare students for the real business world.
Classes for each of the three full-time MBA options begin in September and end either the following September, December, or April, as students complete core courses in a trimester pattern. No matter which pathway a student chooses, everyone completes their core courses in the first nine months while concurrently working on live client projects, which include the Not-for-Profit Project, International Business Project, and Commercial Business Project.
New students are introduced to the MBA program through a three-week orientation, which includes team building exercises, information on life in the UK, career planning and a welcome party. After orientation, students will take five mandatory core courses: Leading and Managing in a Global Environment; Business Accounting and Finance, Strategy and Competition, Operations and Marketing, and Skills for Leaders. While this relatively small number of required core courses pales in comparison to many other leading MBA programs, the Manchester MBA compensates with its high number of required project hours and experiential work — four different mandatory consulting projects compose over 900 hours of live client work.
Because of the flexible, customizable nature of the Manchester MBA, there is no exact set number of credits or electives needed to graduate. Within all three full-time MBA paths, students have the option to choose between taking electives or completing business simulations or internships. For example, in the 15-month path, students who have finished their core course requirements can choose between either completing an internship, taking two electives, or taking one elective and a business simulation. While the core course cannot be waived, the rest of the curriculum is highly customizable depending on a student's individual interests and goals. Because of this, there are also no majors or specializations; the curriculum is focused on practical work, rather than a high level of classroom time.
Other MBA Degree Options
In addition to the full-time MBA, there are several part-time MBA options offered: a Global Part-Time MBA, a Kelley-Manchester Global MBA, a FGV-Manchester Global MBA, and various Executive Education courses for professionals looking to expand a particular area of knowledge.
The Global Part-Time MBA can be completed in 18 or 24 months and is intended to be a flexible program with only three on-campus workshops a year. The Kelley-Manchester MBA is a 24-month online hybrid program offered in conjunction with the Kelley School of Business within Indiana University. Finally, the FGV-Manchester Global MBA is a part-time, 24-month program designed to meet the needs of Latin America's most ambitious executives, offered jointly by AMBS and FGV-EBAPE, Brazil's most established business school.
Degree Offerings at Alliance Manchester Business School
FT MBA
https://www.mbs.ac.uk/study/mba/full-time/
Global Part-Time MBA
https://www.mbs.ac.uk/study/mba/global-part-time/
Kelley-Manchester MBA
https://www.mbs.ac.uk/study/mba/kelley-manchester/
FGV-Manchester MBA
https://www.mbs.ac.uk/study/ambs-worldwide/fgv-manchester-global-mba/
Clubs, Conferences and Competitions
MBA students can access more than 400 societies through the University of Manchester Students' Union. There are many related to business and management. One such group is ENACTUS (Entrepreneurial Action Through Us), which invites interested students to participate in social action projects.
The school also partakes in a wide range of student-led MBA activities, including socials, a sports tournament in Paris, an informal speaker series, and an International Football Challenge. Additionally, AMBA students can head to the HEC Paris campus for the annual MBA Tournament (MBAT), which mainly includes sporting competitions, but also festivities and cultural exchanges for 1,500+ European MBA students.
AMBS students participate in various competitions throughout the school year. Some popular ones include the Alliance MBS Case Competition, the European Business Plan Competition, and the Venture Capital Investment Competition. The school notes that it covers costs for several competitions to encourage student participation.
Campus Spaces
AMBS has recently undergone a massive renovation. Now under one roof as part of the campus masterplan, the AMBS building houses the full-time MBA program as well as new teaching areas and offices. In addition, there is a new library, a data visualization observatory, and three courtyards, among other features in the state-of-the-art building. AMBS is adjoined by University Green, a 40,500 square foot retail and leisure hub. The new, two-story Executive Education center and two hotels now sit adjacent to AMBS.
The University of Manchester has more than 8,000 rooms available for undergraduates and graduates, more university-owned accommodation than nearly every university in the country. There are a number of residence halls that are open to both undergraduates and graduates, with a limited number of halls open to only graduate students. Postgraduates are guaranteed university accommodation provided they are coming to university alone, have met the conditions of an admissions offer letter by August 31, are applying for accommodation for a full academic year, and will apply for accommodations for subsequent years by the advertised deadline. A limited number of rooms are available for students with partners or families. In addition, the university offers a resource called Manchester Student Homes, which showcases private accommodation for rent in the city of Manchester.
The AMBS careers team offers a five-stage personalized career journey: "you," "personal branding," "research," "planning," and "launch." Within these five stages, the careers team provides weekly skills workshops, individual meetings with expert career consultants, on-campus recruitment activities, networking events, business competitions, practice interviews, and more. Students can take advantage of an annual Careers Expo, guest speakers, industry experts, company recruitment presentations, and networking events around London and Manchester.
Within three months of graduation, 85% of the Class of 2017 had accepted a job offer. The plurality of graduates accepted jobs in the UK, with 45% of students choosing to remain in the same country as their post-graduate education. Following the UK, the most popular geographical choices for 2017 graduates were Asia at 16%, South America at 15%, continental Europe at 15%, Central America & Caribbean at 4%. The rest spread out across Australia and Oceana, Middle East and Africa, and North America
Technology was the most popular post-MBA industry, attracting 24% of the Class of 2017 graduates. The next most popular choice was manufacturing and engineering at 19%, followed by consulting at 16%, financial services at 15%, healthcare at 9%, retail at 6%, and other industries at 3%. Energy, transportation and logistics services, media and entertainment, non-profit, and real estate each claimed 1% of the class.
For the MBA program beginning in Fall 2019, tuition is £44,000, no matter which path a student chooses to take, and includes fees and stage one core course textbooks. Estimated living expenses for a single student, including accommodation, is £1,100/month, which brings the total estimated expenses to £63,800 for the 18-month option, £60,500 for the 15-month option, and £57,200 for the shortest, 12-month option.
All graduates of the University of Manchester will receive a loyalty bursary, which is a 20% discount on the tuition fees they are personally funding. For students who did not graduate from the University of Manchester, there are AMBS scholarships offered, some of which require a separate application and some do not, depending on the type of scholarship. The school notes that scholarships are rewarded on a rolling basis, so there is a significant advantage to applying as early as possible. AMBS offers both merit-based and need-based scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are awarded for outstanding academic backgrounds, high achievements in certain business sectors, and demonstration of exceptional leadership qualities. Alumni scholarships are made possible by generous alumni donors and require both a demonstration of financial need as well as an outstanding application. There are a number of other niche scholarships open to only UK citizens or females.
Tuition: £44,000
Estimated Living Expenses: £1,100/month
Recent Manchester / AMBS News
The Week Ahead: MBA Deadlines & Decisions – 5.13.19
Welcome back to the series, The Week Ahead. In this weekly series, we provide a brief rundown of what we know is happening in the week ahead, as far as admissions related MBA deadlines and decisions
The Week Ahead: MBA Deadlines & Decisions – 12.31.18
2018 Financial Times Ranking of Top European Business Schools
The 2018 Financial Times ranking of top European business schools was just released. After an in-depth review of schools across Europe, FT completed its list of the 95 schools including 25 in France a
From Lawyer to Leading at Waymo Google's Self-Driving Car Division: An Alliance Manchester MBA Journey
Sponsored Content What if five years into your career you could totally change directions? What if you could reinvent yourself and go from lawyer and internal auditor to working at your dream company
The following essay topic analysis examines the University of Manchester / Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) MBA admissions essay for the 2019-2020 admissions season. You can also review essa
Welcome to the series, The Week Ahead. In this weekly series, we provide a brief rundown of what we know is happening in the week ahead, as far as admissions related MBA deadlines and decisions are
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
@echo off
setlocal EnableDelayedExpansion
REM This bat file builds each module, by calling the Build.ps1 file in each underlying directory, these Build.ps1's are designed for building a shared library, to build an application see the samples Build.ps1 files.
set Clean=
set Target=
set DoNext=
set Performance=
set Module=0
set Mode=Release
set LWCore=0
set LWVideo=0
set LWPlatform=0
set LWAudio=0
set LWNetwork=0

for %%x in (%*) do (
if "%%x"=="Debug" (set Mode=Debug)
if "%%x"=="Clean" (set Clean=Clean)
if "%%x"=="Performance" (set Performance=Performance)
if "%%x"=="All" (
set LWCore=1
set LWVideo=1
set LWPlatform=1
set LWAudio=1
set LWNetwork=1
)
if "%%x"=="LWCore" (set LWCore=1)
if "%%x"=="LWPlatform" (set LWPlatform=1)
if "%%x"=="LWVideo" (set LWVideo=1)
if "%%x"=="LWAudio" (set LWAudio=1)
if "%%x"=="LWNetwork" (set LWNetwork=1 )
if !DoNext! equ 1 (
	set DoNext=0
	set Target=PlatformLevel' '%%x
	)
if "%%x"=="PlatformLevel" (
	set DoNext=1
	)
)
if %LWCore% equ 1 (
cd LWCore
powershell "./Build.ps1 'LWCore' '%Mode%' '%Performance%' '%Clean%' '%Target%'"
cd ../
)

if %LWPlatform% equ 1 (
cd LWPlatform
powershell "./Build.ps1 'LWPlatform' '%Mode%' '%Performance%' '%Clean%' '%Target%'"
cd ../
)
if %LWVideo% equ 1 (
cd LWVideo
powershell "./Build.ps1 'LWVideo' '%Mode%' '%Performance%' '%Clean%' '%Target%'"
cd ../
)
if %LWAudio% equ 1 (
cd LWAudio
powershell "./Build.ps1 'LWAudio' '%Mode%' '%Performance%' '%Clean%' '%Target%'"
cd ../
)
if %LWNetwork% equ 1 (
cd LWNetwork
powershell "./Build.ps1 'LWNetwork' '%Mode%' '%Performance%' '%Clean%' '%Target%'"
cd ../
)
if %LWCore% equ 0 (
	if %LWPlatform% equ 0 (
		if %LWVideo% equ 0 (
			if %LWAudio% equ 0 (
				if %LWNetwork% equ 0 (
					goto :error
				)
			)
		)
	)
)
goto :finished
:error
echo "Incorrect argument list, arguments: <Module(LWCore, LWPlatform, LWVideo, LWAudio, LWNetwork, all(builds all modules))> <Mode(Optional Debug mode, otherwise Release assumed)> <Performance(for optimized debug builds)> <Clean> <PlatformLevel=x>"
:finished

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Allowing distributors to take over some of your marketing functions lets you focus on manufacturing the products that most completely meet the needs of your customers. Within the distributor relationship, the distributor can carry out specific tasks that help with overall business performance. The key is to evaluate which of your functions the distributor can fulfill more effectively and at lower cost.
The principle function of the distributor is to make your products available in more markets. Making it convenient for potential customers to purchase your products is an important marketing function. Companies that specialize in distribution have contacts and business relationships with a wide variety of sellers and can ensure your products are present in outlets visited by your targeted consumers. Increased market coverage ensures customers can purchase your products whenever they need them.
While manufacturers often arrange for general publicity via press releases or articles about their products in trade magazines, distributors can take over targeted promotion. Advertising that promotes a specific product at particular retailers is often handled more effectively at the distributor level. Distributors can arrange for discount coupons and in-store promotions more easily because they have the contacts and contractual relationships at the retail level. You can compensate distributors directly for such initiatives, or increase their margin with the understanding that they will carry out local promotions.
Distributors seldom have the expertise or training to handle in-depth technical support, but they can be a good first contact for customer service. Some distributors have the personnel and communication facilities to allow them to handle customer service calls more effectively than a manufacturer. Others are focused on distribution and don't have such capabilities. As a manufacturer, you have to decide whether you want to handle general customer service calls yourself, have a distributor handle them, or outsource them to third parties. Your preferred customer service configuration can influence your choice of distributor.
Since the distributor is closer to the market than the manufacturer, distribution companies collect more market information in the course of their business. Feedback on trends, customer satisfaction and competitors' positioning is vital in markets that change rapidly and that require responses to market events on the manufacturing side. Because collecting and sharing data is costly, your distributor agreement has to specify what data you need. You can use market information from your distributors to develop new product features that your customers want and phase out obsolete products.
For large purchases, financially strong distributors often handle financing for customers. Offering advantageous rates and favorable re-payment terms can increase sales. Even distributors who can't offer financing themselves, may arrange it through third-party financial companies. Manufacturers with substantial capital expenses are insulated from the risk of consumer financing while benefiting from improved sales performance for their products.


text:
Here's What Really Bothers Shanna Moakler
Moakler says Prejean rewarded for being a victim
By Jonathan Lloyd and Cary Berglund	• Published at 4:27 pm on May 14, 2009
Enough is enough -- Shanna Moakler isn't about to let the pillow feathers fly over the controversy involving Carrie Prejean.
"I'm a grown woman -- I'm not a 21-year-old sorority sister going to have a pillow fight," Moakler said Thursday during an interview at NBC Studios in Burbank. "I'm here to take care of her. What happened after, it was like watching a runaway train. I would want to have helped her be more knowledgeable about what she was speaking about, so she didn't come across as ridiculous. In some interviews, she came across as ridiculous."
Moakler, 34, won the Miss USA crown in 1995. She called it quits as the state's pageant director Wednesday, one day after a meeting at which Donald Trump announced Prejean could keep her Miss California crown.
Trump said the state reps met with Prejean and her people for hours before the announcement.
"I don't want to say it was a heart-to-heart, but it was the first time we all had the opportunity to get together," Moakler said. "Carrie had handlers and PR people that were there. People we'd never dealt with before. It was very unusual circumstances. We're supposed to be her guidance, her handlers, her helpers.
"There was a lot of high tension because there was no communication and a lot of chefs in the kitchen. I think at the end of the day, everyone wants this to be resolved, everyone wants this to be a happy ending."
After the news conference, Moakler said she went back to her hotel room and cried.
"It was such an amazing opportunity for me to give back to other young girls," Moakler said. "I wanted to change the image of pageantry so these girls weren't looked at like dummies."
The controversy began April 19 at the Miss USA pageant when Prejean, 21, told celebrity judge Perez Hilton that marriage should be between a man and woman during the question-answer segment of the contest. Prejean later said she would be a part of a campaign opposing same-sex marriage for the National Organization of Marriage.
Then there were the semi-nude photos of Prejean. The beauty queen claimed the photos were leaked because of her same-sex marriage stance.
"I don't think the 1st Amendment was the core issue, I don't think gay rights was the core issue, and I don't think her sexy pictures are the core issue," Moakler said. "The issue is her contract, that she did breach, and there were no ramifications. She needed to own up to it.
"She will never take responsibility for herself. It's always someone else's fault. That's what she did at that press conference with Mr. Trump and she was rewarded for it."
At Tuesday's news conference, Trump also addressed the turmoil involving Prejean and the co-directors of the Miss California USA, Moakler and Keith Lewis.
"They were having some miscommunication with Carrie," Trump said. "The communication, I believe, is totally solved. They are really getting along very well. They've been meeting for hours in my office and I really think that they are and have developed a relationship that they didn't have before.
"And I think that Carrie will go down as somebody that Shanna and Keith will be very proud of in the end."


Citation: LOH JIA DA BENEDICT (2018-11-05). COMBINING INFORMATION FOR PROBABILITY FORECASTS: APPLICATION TO US RECESSIONS. ScholarBank@NUS Repository.
Abstract: There are two popular approaches for pooling information sets to produce forecasts: combination of information sets in a single model and combination of forecasts from different models. In this paper, I compare the pseudo out-of-sample accuracy of both approaches using probit models for US recession probability forecasts. For combining information sets, I consider combining estimated common factors underlying a set of macroeconomic and financial variables in addition to directly using the variables. Combination forecasts are derived from several univariate model forecasts with simple averaging, Bates-Granger (1969) weights, and Bayesian model averaging. Results indicate that combining the variables in a single model outperform the combinations, except when the former is not specified with variable lags selected on information criterion. However, the differences in accuracy are not statistically significant and the combination forecasts can still be reliably used as benchmarks, particularly in cases of possible model mis-specification.


Consumer Spending in Uganda increased to 42035 UGX Billion in 2017 from 41062 UGX Billion in 2016. Consumer Spending in Uganda averaged 36138.40 UGX Billion from 2008 until 2017, reaching an all time high of 42035 UGX Billion in 2017 and a record low of 29339 UGX Billion in 2008.
Consumer Spending in Uganda is expected to be 44473.03 UGX Billion by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Uganda Consumer Spending is projected to trend around 50348.23 UGX Billion in 2020, according to our econometric models.
This page provides - Uganda Consumer Spending- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news. Uganda Consumer Spending - actual data, historical chart and calendar of releases - was last updated on April of 2019.


text:
Local Regional News
Colton Moore defends his aggressive stances after being called out by Dade County commissioner
February 28, 2019 | by Tyler Jett | Copyright © 2022
Staff photo by Erin O. Smith / Colton Moore, 24, looks back and forth between the three doors that serve as exits for the floor of the House of Representatives waiting for State Rep. John Deffenbaugh, R-Lookout Mountain, to exit during a dinner break Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Ga. Moore will be running against Deffenbaugh in the upcoming race for District 1 and was invited by Deffenbaugh to the Capitol to shadow for a couple of days to learn what the job entails.
After a Dade County, Georgia commissioner warned that some of his unorthodox decisions could indirectly hurt his constituents, state Rep. Colton Moore said he isn't going to change his ways.
Moore, R-Trenton, has made a name for himself in his freshman session by publicly bucking prominent Republicans — particularly House Speaker David Ralston. Moore's was one of two "no" votes against a resolution to name a new judicial complex after former Gov. Nathan Deal. Ralston sponsored the resolution. Last week, Moore was also one of 10 representatives who signed a resolution asking Ralston to step down.
In response, Dade County Commissioner Robert Goff told KWNTV in Trenton in an email that he worried Moore's actions could lead to less state funding for the community. In particular, Goff said county leaders could find themselves whiffing on grant applications.
"It wouldn't be the first time that's happened," Goff told the Times Free Press on Thursday. "That's for sure. It happens all the time when money is to be given out and you've got someone fighting the system and the powers. We tried to build a relationship [with state leaders]. And it seems like things he's done is not helping that relationship."
Goff, who has been a commissioner since 2009, did not point to any particular grant he thinks the county has received because of a good relationship with leaders in the capitol. He said he has never seen the county punished because of unpopular actions by a state lawmaker. But he would prefer the county's representative not take that kind of risk. He argued Moore should pick his spots, and said his attack on Ralston was "the straw to break the camel's back."
"Choose your fights," he said. "Choose your battles."
Moore told the Times Free Press he does not believe his actions will cost Northwest Georgia state money. In the counties of Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield in November, Gov. Brian Kemp earned 82,800 votes, about 80 percent of the electorate in the region.
Statewide, Kemp beat Democrat Stacey Abrams by about 54,000 votes.
"[Goff] needs to remember that there's a new governor in town," Moore said. "His name is Brian Kemp. I don't think the governor is going to leave District 1 or Dade County behind."
Goff said his criticism is not a personal attack, that he would critique any freshman lawmaker who picked fights with the speaker of the house. It's not clear whether Goff's feelings are the consensus among Dade County's local lawmakers. No other commissioner returned a call seeking comment Thursday. (No member of the county school board returned calls for comment Monday, after Moore announced he would not introduce a referendum to put a cap on homestead exemption for property taxes, despite a request from the board.)
When asked by KWNTV if Moore would cost the community state funding, County Executive Ted Rumley said, "We won't know for the next few months."
Responding to Goff's criticisms, Moore defended his latest attack on Ralston. The speaker was the subject of an Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Channel 2 Action News investigation two weeks ago that examined his use of a law that lets him delay court cases. Ralston, an attorney, has called on the law 57 times over two years to push back dates in his clients' cases — even when the state Legislature is not in session.
On Monday, Ralston defended his right to use that law. At the same time, he called for a bipartisan committee to study the legislation and recommend potential changes.
On Feb. 22, Moore and nine other Republicans signed a resolution calling for Ralston to resign. Moore also wrote a letter to Ralston, asking him to consider stepping back from his legal practice. He told the Times Free Press he felt Ralston caused pain to his clients' accusers, delaying their days in court for too long.
"I don't think [Goff] could imagine if he was the father of a rape victim," Moore said. "The only person that can elect the speaker are the House of Representatives. I hope, if he was a representative, he would have the same moral opposition. Morality and the law do not always equate."
Contact staff writer Tyler Jett at 423-757-6476 or tjett@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @LetsJett.
Rains leave widespread road damage in Jackson County, Alabama
Chattanooga Marathon will complete Atlanta woman's goal of running race in all 50 states


Many self employed people are now setting up limited companies. Most mortgage lenders will require a minimum of 2 if not 3 years' accounts and will either average the last 2 years' or take the lowest. This can cause affordability problems as their previous years may be significantly lower.
However we have access to lenders who will base their lending on last year's accounts alone. This is a great help for start up businesses.


text:
Saint Of The Day For November 20: Saints Adventor, Octavius and Solutor
By Alessia Salani Last updated Nov 17, 2022
Saints Adventor, Octavius and Solutor are believed to be the first martyrs of Turin, belonging to the legendary Theban legion and martyred in the 3rd century.
In the capital of Piedmont, where they are particularly venerated, the Church of the Holy Martyrs is dedicated to them, and their relics have been kept there since 1584.
The Liturgical Memory
It is fixed at 20 November in the Roman Martyrology, on the anniversary of their death, while the archdiocese of Turin celebrates their memory on 20 January, the anniversary of the transfer of their relics.
It was the first bishop of Turin, Saint Maximus, who spoke of these martyrs.
Relics of Octavius and Solutor
Killed in the region of Turin, the bodies were recovered by the Christian matron Juliana and buried near Turin.
A first 'oratory cell', i.e. a small chapel, was built on the tombs, which was expanded into a basilica with an atrium by Bishop Victor, active in Turin towards the end of the 5th century.
Later Bishop Gezone renovated this basilica and incorporated it into a Benedictine monastery named after Saint Solutore, which had as its first abbot a certain Romanus, who was succeeded by Saint Goslin.
When the French ordered the demolition of the monastery in 1536, the bodies of the three martyrs were transferred to the sanctuary of the Consolata and finally, in 1575, the Church of the Holy Martyrs was erected, which still houses their relics today.
Saint Of The Day For November 17: Saint Elizabeth Of Hungary
Saint Of The Day For November 16: Saint Margaret Of Scotland
Saint Of The Day For November 15: Saint Albert The Great
A Life Dedicated To Others: Father Ambrosoli, Doctor And Missionary, Will Be Beatified On 20 November
COP27, African Bishops Call For Climate Reparations For Vulnerable Communities
The Future Of The Missions: A Conference For The 4th Centenary Of Propaganda Fide
Ghana, Bishops' Conference Supports Bill To Abolish Death Penalty
Saint Of The Day For November 19: Saint Matilda, Virgin
Saint Of The Day For November 21: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary


Race against your opponents in this 3D racing game with very nice graphics.
Gas and Sand is an exciting car driving game. Check it out on this page, free of charge. This game has been played by 343,794 people and has received a rating of 8.9 / 10 with 8,480 votes. Gas and Sand is built with Flash to run flawlessly in all modern browsers. Did you like playing Gas and Sand? Then check out our other car driving games or to Madalin Cars Multiplayer and 3D Car Simulator.


Just after saying that there wasn't any suspicious activity of late, an AOL visitor appeared to click a few times on the 14th. Google has recorded only one click, so no real harm done.
No click fraud here	Are there any really, truly, unconditionally free submission directories that actually accept your submissions (in a reasonable timeframe)?