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Islamic Studies: Home
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Islam in the United States
Islamic Studies: Welcome
This LibGuide was created to provide resources for students of Islamic Studies. Throughout this guide you will find links to databases, digital collections and recommended books.
Altafsir.com
"ALTAFSIR.COM is a completely free, non-profit website providing access to the largest and greatest online collection of Qur'anic Commentary (tafsir or tafseer), translation, recitation and essential resources in the world."
Edward William Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon
This website provides free online access to Edward William Lane's Arabic-English Lexicon. It allows users to browse through scans of the entire lexicon and also provides easy navigation and zoom functions.
MENALIB: The Middle East Virtual Library
MENALIB seeks to provide: Information about ongoing projects, conferences, digital humanities projects in relation to the Middle East and Islamic studies; access to catalogues with rich collections in the fields of Oriental studies; specialised tutorials and assistance for using our rich collections; new Acquisitions in the fields of Islamic and Area Studies as well as MENA Linguistics; access to Open Access Publications; access to MENAdoc Open Access Self-Publishing.
The Quranic Arabic Corpus
"The Quranic Arabic Corpus [is] an annotated linguistic resource which shows the Arabic grammar, syntax and morphology for each word in the Holy Quran. The corpus provides three levels of analysis: morphological annotation, a syntactic treebank and a semantic ontology."
American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences
AJISS, established in 1984, is a quarterly, double blind peer-reviewed and interdisciplinary journal, published by the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), and distributed worldwide. The journal showcases a wide variety of scholarly research on all facets of Islam and the Muslim world including subjects such as anthropology, history, philosophy and metaphysics, politics, psychology, religious law, and traditional Islam.
The Arab Studies Journal
Arab Studies Journal is a peer-reviewed, multi-disciplinary research publication in the field of Arab and Middle East Studies. Submissions are evaluated on their scholarly probity not on their theses.
British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies
The British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies is a refereed academic journal published for the British Society for Middle Eastern Studies (popularly known as BRISMES). The editors aim to maintain a balance in the Journal's coverage between the modern social sciences and the more traditional disciplines associated with Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies.
Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life
Contemporary Islam: Dynamics of Muslim Life focuses on topical issues and takes an interdisciplinary approach that benefits from a cross-cultural perspective: articles will explore the relationship between Islam and its contemporary cultural, material, gender, economic, political, and religious expressions from different socio-scientific perspectives, such as anthropology, sociology, education, politics, international relations, ethnomusicology, arts, film studies, economics, human rights, international law, diaspora minority studies, demography, and ethics.
" Der Islam provides a forum for the study of the history and culture of the Middle East before the age of modernisation in the 19th century, from the Iberian Peninsula to Central Asia. Articles present the latest research in the humanities and social sciences based on literary traditions, and archival, material, as well as archaeological evidence." DTL coverage: 2004 (Vol. 81, no. 1) - 2013 (Vol. 90, no. 1)
Die Welt des Islam
" Die Welt des Islams focuses on the history and culture of the people of Islam from the end of the eighteenth century until present times. Special attention is given to literature from this period. Over the last 40 years, Die Welt des Islams has established itself as a journal unrivalled by any other in its field. Its presence in both the major research libraries of the world and in the private libraries of professors, scholars and students shows this journal to be an easy way of staying on top of your discipline. Boasting a large international circulation, Die Welt des Islams takes care to supply its readers with articles in English, French and German. Detailed notes add to already highly descriptive articles. Extensive reviews of relevant books are written by specialists, giving a broader look into the field of Islam." The DTL coverage: 1913-2012 (Bd. 1, Issue 1 - Vol. 52, Issue 3/4) with a 5 year moving wall.
International Journal of Islamic Thought
"The INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ISLAMIC THOUGHT (IJIT) is an internationally refereed online journal) and printed journal jointly published by the International Society of Muslim Philosophers and Theologians (ISOMPT) and the Department of Theology and Philosophy, National University of Malaysia. The mission of IJIT is to encourage scholarly research in Islamic thought. The Journal provides a unique peer-reviewed forum to postgraduate students, scholars, professors, and researchers in various topics within Islamic thought."
International Journal of Middle East Studies
"The International Journal of Middle East Studies publishes original research on politics, society and culture in the Middle East from the seventh century to the present day. The journal also covers Spain, south-east Europe, and parts of Africa, South Asia, and the former Soviet Union for subjects of relevance to Middle Eastern civilization. Particular attention is paid to the history, politics, economics, anthropology, sociology, literature, and cultural studies of the area and to comparative religion, theology, law, and philosophy." DTL coverage: 1970-2012 (Vol. 1, No. 1 - Vol. 44, No. 4). For issues from 2012-2016 click HERE.
International Studies Quarterly
International Studies Quarterly (ISQ) is the flagship journal of the International Studies Association. It seeks to publish leading scholarship that engages with significant theoretical, empirical, and normative subjects in international studies
Islamic Africa
"Islamic Africa is a peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary, academic journal published by Northwestern University Press in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of Islamic Thought in Africa (ISITA), based at Northwestern University, Evanston. The journal incorporates Sudanic Africa, retaining its focus on historical sources, bibliographies, and methodologies. Islamic Africa promotes interaction between scholars of Islam and Africa across all continents and across historical periods. We welcome papers on any aspect of Islam and Muslim life pertaining to Africa and/or Africans from the humanities and the social sciences, especially those originating from the African continent." DTL coverage: 2010-2014 (Vol. 1, No. 1 - Vol. 5, No. 2
"Publishes research articles, notes, comments, review-articles and book-reviews in all disciplines of Islamic Studies including the Qur'an, Hadith, Tafsir, Sirah, 'Ilm al-Kalam, Jurisprudence, Fiqh, Law, Religion, Philosophy, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Culture, Civilization, Economics, Language, Literature, History, Science and Technology. Its contributors include some of the very best scholars from across the world." DTL coverage: 1962-2013 (Vol. 1, No. 1 - Vol. 52, No. 3/4) with a 2 year moving wall.
Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies
"The Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies (JAIS) is an international, peer-reviewed, open access, academic journal. It is also the world's most widely read journal in the field of Arabic, Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies. The main aim of the journal is to promote the study of history, language, literature and culture through the publication of research articles."
Journal of Islamic Ethics
The focus of Journal of Islamic Ethics is on the ethical approaches embedded in Islamic philosophy, theology, mysticism and jurisprudence as well as Islamic civilization in general, and, more particularly, on the principles and methods (to be) followed in applying these approaches to various sectors of contemporary social life. These fields include: Arts, Environment, Economics, Education, Gender, Media, Medicine, Migration & Human Rights, Politics and Psychology. The Journal will strongly focus on thematic issues on current events as well as on individual empirical case studies.
Journal of Islamic Studies
"The Journal of Islamic Studies is a multi-disciplinary publication dedicated to the scholarly study of all aspects of Islam and of the Islamic world. Particular attention is paid to works dealing with history, geography, political science, economics, anthropology, sociology, law, literature, religion, philosophy, international relations, environmental and developmental issues, as well as ethical questions related to scientific research. The Journal seeks to place Islam and the Islamic tradition as its central focus of academic inquiry and to encourage comprehensive consideration of its many facets; to provide a forum for the study of Islam and Muslim societies in their global context; to encourage interdisciplinary studies of the Islamic world that are crossnational and comparative; to promote the diffusion, exchange and discussion of research findings; and to encourage interaction among academics from various traditions of learning." - OUP
Journal of Qur'anic Studies
"The Journal of Qur'anic Studies ... aims to encourage and promote the study of the Qur'an from a wide range of scholarly perspectives, reflecting the diversity of approaches characteristic of this field of scholarship. In addition, JQS publishes articles both in English and Arabic, to encourage the bridging of the gap between the two traditions of Muslim and Western scholarship." For articles before 2005 click HERE
Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient
The Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient contains studies furthering our knowledge of the economic and social history of the Ancient Near East, the World of Islam, and South, Southeast, and East Asia by economic and social historians, historians of law and administration, philologists, ethnographers, anthropologists, archaeologists, theoretical sociologists, and other social scientists.
The Middle Eastern Quarterly
"Since its founding in 1994, the Middle East Quarterly has become America's most authoritative journal of Middle Eastern affairs. Policymakers, opinion-makers, academics, and journalists turn first to the Quarterly, for in-depth analysis of the rapidly-changing landscape of the world's most volatile region. The Quarterly publishes groundbreaking studies, exclusive interviews, insightful commentary, and hard-hitting reviews that tackle the entire range of contemporary concerns — from politics to economics to culture, across a region that stretches from Morocco to Afghanistan."
The Muslim World Journal
The Muslim World, founded in 1911, is dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of scholarly research on Islam and Muslim societies and on historical and current aspects of Muslim-Christian relations.
Oriens contains studies in the culture of Asia and North Africa from antiquity to the present, focusing on language, religion and art.
Studia Islamica
"Studia Islamica is one of the oldest academic journals published in the field of Islamic studies. Published in Paris since 1953, it has been co-edited by A. L. Udovitch and Houari Touati since 2003. Focusing on the Islamic lands around the Mediterranean Sea and in south-west Asia, it publishes articles (in English and French) in the fields of history, religion, law, literature and language, for both the pre-modern and modern periods." The DTL coverage: 1953-2014 (No. 1 - Vol. 109, No. 2) with a 3 year moving wall.
Recommended Introductory Resources
The Blackwell Companion to Contemporary Islamic Thought by Ibrahim Abu-Rabi'
"The Blackwell Companion to Contemporary Islamic Thought reflects the variety of trends, voices, and opinions in the contemporary Muslim intellectual scene, it challenges Western misconceptions about the modern Muslim world in general and the Arab world in particular; it consists of 36 important essays written by contemporary Muslim thinkers and scholars; it Covers issues such as Islamic tradition, modernity, globalization, feminism, the West, the USA, reform, and secularism; and it helps readers to situate Islamic intellectual history in the context of Western intellectual trends." – Wiley-Blackwell
The Blackwell Companion to the Qur'an by Andrew Rippin
"The Blackwell Companion to the Qur'an is a reader's guide, a true companion for anyone who wishes to read and understand the Qur'an as a text and as a vital piece of Muslim life. It comprises: over 30 original essays by leading scholars; provides exceptionally broad coverage - considering the structure, content and rhetoric of the Qur'an; how Muslims have interpreted the text and how they interact with it; and the Qur'an's place in Islam; features notes, an extensive bibliography, indexes of names, Qur'an citations, topics, and technical terms." – Wiley-Blackwell
Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World by Carl W. Ernst
"Avoiding the traps of sensational political exposes and specialized scholarly Orientalism, Carl Ernst introduces readers to the profound spiritual resources of Islam while clarifying diversity and debate within the tradition. Framing his argument in terms of religious studies, Ernst describes how Protestant definitions of religion and anti-Muslim prejudice have affected views of Islam in Europe and America. He also covers the contemporary importance of Islam in both its traditional settings and its new locations and provides a context for understanding extremist movements like fundamentalism. He concludes with an overview of critical debates on important contemporary issues such as gender and veiling, state politics, and science and religion." UNC Press
An Introduction to Islam by David Waines
"This wide-ranging account of the history and theology of one of the world's most dynamic religions tells the story of Islamic beliefs and practices as they developed from the earliest times down to the present day. For this revised and updated second edition, David Waines has added a long section tackling head-on the issues arising from Islam's place in the changing world order at the turn of the new millennium. The wars in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Israel, and the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, have raised global awareness of Islam at a superficial level - but little has been written which considers Islamic political and military extremism in relation to mainstream Muslim history and theology. Coming at the end of a book which has explored the ideas and traditions of Islam in depth, this new section offers thought-provoking reflections on the place of religion in the current conflicts." - CUP
Islam: A Worldwide Encyclopedia by Cenap Çakmak
"One of the most popular and widespread religions in the world, Islam has attracted a great deal of attention in recent times, particularly in the Western world. With the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and a pervasive sense of hostility toward Arab Americans, there is ever increasing need to examine and understand Islam as a religion and historical force. Islam: A Worldwide Encyclopedia provides some 700 entries on Islam written by expert contributors that cover the religion from the birth of Islam to the present time. The set also includes 16 pages of color images per volume that serve to illustrate the diverse expressions of this important religious tradition. Each entry begins with a basic introduction, followed by a general discussion of the subject and a conclusion. Each entry also features a further readings list for readers. In addition to supplying a comprehensive, authoritative overview of Islam, this work also specifically addresses many controversial related issues, including jihad, violence in Islam, polygamy, and apostasy." - ABC-CLIO
Islam: Faith and History by Mahmoud M. Ayoub
"Professor Ayoub of Temple University, Pennsylvania, is one of the best known scholars of Islam in America today. He firmly believes that it is important to learn about Islam, its history, beliefs, and practices from believing Muslims. In this book, he combines his objective scholarship with the insights of an insider, to present a unique introduction to Islam as a living religion. From the starting point of his own spiritual journey, Ayoub explores all aspects of Islam: from its origins to the modern-day challenges of the world; from the Qur'an and Islamic law to the epic poetry of the Sufis; and from the spread of Islam worldwide to the present role of Islam in the US and Europe. A unique blend of personal understanding and scholarly endeavour, this digestible account will enable the reader to gain an insider's perspective on Islam and experience its significance from within." - Oneworld
The New Cambridge History of Islam
"The New Cambridge History of Islam offers a comprehensive history of Islamic civilization, tracing its development from its beginnings in seventh-century Arabia to its wide and varied presence in the globalised world of today and focusing on the cultural, social and religious diversity of the peoples of the Muslim world." - Cambridge University Press
A New Introduction to Islam by Daniel W. Brown
"Covering the origins, key features, and legacy of the Islamic tradition, the third edition of A New Introduction to Islam includes new material on Islam in the 21st century and discussions of the impact of historical ideas, literature, and movements on contemporary trends. Includes updated and rewritten chapters on the Qur'an and hadith literature that covers important new academic research Compares the practice of Islam in different Islamic countries, as well as acknowledging the differences within Islam as practiced in Europe Features study questions for each chapter and more illustrative material, charts, and excerpts from primary sources" - Wiley
No God but God: The Origins and Evolution of Islam by Reza Aslan
"Though it is the fastest growing religion in the world, Islam remains shrouded by ignorance and fear. What is the essence of this ancient faith? Is it a religion of peace or war? How does Allah differ from the God of Jews and Christians? Can an Islamic state be founded on democratic values such as pluralism and human rights? A writer and scholar of comparative religions, Reza Aslan has earned international acclaim for the passion and clarity he has brought to these questions. In No god but God, challenging the "clash of civilizations" mentality that has distorted our view of Islam, Aslan explains this critical faith in all its complexity, beauty, and compassion." - Publisher
Islamic Studies LibGuide by Azeem Khan and revised by Christopher Crawford is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Next: Primary Sources >>
Last Updated: May 11, 2022 6:04 PM
URL: https://libguides.thedtl.org/islamicstudies


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All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep: Hope--and Hard Pills to Swallow--About Fighting for Black Lives
Andre Henry
Publication Date: March 22nd, 2022
Convergent Books
Available Formats Hardcover (3/22/2022)Paperback (Large Print, 3/29/2022)
A leading voice for social justice reveals how he stopped arguing with white people who deny the ongoing legacy of racism—and offers a proven path forward for Black people and people of color based on the history of nonviolent struggle.
"A moving personal journey that lends practical insight for expanding and strengthening the global antiracist movement."—Patrisse Khan-Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, bestselling author of When They Call You a Terrorist
When the rallying cry "Black Lives Matter" was heard across the world in 2013, Andre Henry was one of the millions for whom the movement caused a political awakening and a rupture in some of his closest relationships with white people. As he began using his artistic gifts to share his experiences and perspective, Henry was aggrieved to discover that many white Americans—people he called friends and family—were more interested in debating whether racism existed or whether Henry was being polite enough in the way he used his voice.
In this personal and thought-provoking book, Henry explores how the historical divides between Black people and non-Black people are expressed through our most mundane interactions, and why this struggle won't be resolved through civil discourse, diversity hires, interracial relationships, or education. What we need is a revolution, one that moves beyond symbolic progress to disrupt systems of racial violence and inequality in tangible, creative ways.
Sharing stories from his own path to activism—from studying at seminary to becoming a student of nonviolent social change, from working as a praise leader to singing about social justice—and connecting those experiences to lessons from successful nonviolent struggles in America and around the world, Andre Henry calls on Black people and people of color to divest from whiteness and its false promises, trust what their lived experiences tell them, and practice hope as a discipline as they work for lasting change.
Andre Henry is an award-winning musician, writer, and activist. He is a columnist for Religion News Service and the author of the newsletter "Hope and Hard Pills." He is a student of nonviolent struggle, having organized protests in Los Angeles, where he lives, and studied under international movement leaders through the Harvard Kennedy School. His work in pursuit of racial justice has been featured in The New Yorker and The Nation, and on Liturgists Podcast.
Praise for All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep: Hope--and Hard Pills to Swallow--About Fighting for Black Lives
"In vivid, thoughtful prose, Andre Henry illuminates the next chapter in the fight for Black lives and our collective liberation from state-sanctioned violence and the draconian laws that we are living under in the United States and around the world. All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep is a moving personal journey that lends practical insight for expanding and strengthening the global antiracist movement."—Patrisse Khan-Cullors, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, bestselling author of When They Call You a Terrorist
"Andre Henry's words come on like his music: pleasant to the ear, deeply moving to the heart. As he looks into himself in All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep with the same unflinching honesty he uses to examine an anti-Black world, he reveals a hard but ultimately joyful evolution, from complacency in understanding racism—even when aimed at people just like him—to embracing activism as a vital part of who he must be."—John Archibald, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and author of Shaking the Gates of Hell
"This book is militant, revelatory, and revolutionary in so many ways the world needs right now. But beware: Do not read this book if you are complacent about the status quo. These words will agitate you toward antiracist action."—Jemar Tisby, bestselling author of The Color of Compromise
"Poignant, urgent, and spot-on . . . In a narrative that is part memoir, part manifesto, and part how-to, Henry brilliantly weaves together his encounters with anti-Blackness and his political awakening with powerful observations about how nonviolent struggle can confront and transform racism. Don't miss this profoundly important book."—Erica Chenoweth, author of Civil Resistance
"I have been waiting for this book since the moment when the smartest guy in my Harvard class popped up onscreen in the form of Andre Henry, with his funky hair, smart-ass temper, and beautiful mind. From a personal journey that will inspire you to hands-on advice on how to turn your anger into practical engagement in fighting systemic racism, this book has it all."—Srdja Popović, co-founder of the Center for Applied Nonviolent Action and Strategies
"Incisive, honest, and deeply healing, All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep is profoundly necessary. Fight your trepidation, rise to the occasion, and give this a thorough read."—Blair Imani, bestselling author of Read This to Get Smarter
"A powerful examination of white assumptions about Black people and the obstacles that stand in the way of social justice . . . Henry demonstrates how white people can be allies, first by not declaring themselves to be so but instead awaiting acknowledgment of that status by Black people."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"In this rousing debut, singer-songwriter Henry mines his painful experiences talking with white people about anti-Black racism to chart a path forward for racial justice activists. . . . A timely declaration from an exciting voice, this is sure to inspire those in pursuit of radical change."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Busted in New York and Other Essays
Darryl Pinckney
A collection of essays that blend the personal and the social, from the celebrated literary critic and novelist ...
Soul Culture: Black Poets, Books, and Questions that Grew Me Up
Remica Bingham-Risher
Examines firsthand the lives of legendary Black writers who made a way out of no way to illuminate a road map for budding creators desiring to follow in their footsteps ...
Quilt of Souls: A Memoir
Phyllis Biffle Elmore
The Yellow House meets Hidden in Plain View in this multigenerational memoir that celebrates African American quilting, family, and honoring the past. ...
The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X
Les Payne, Tamara Payne
An epic, award-winning biography of Malcolm X that draws on hundreds of hours of personal interviews and rewrites much of the known narrative. ...
Erasing Institutional Bias: How to Create Systemic Change for Organizational Inclusion
Tiffany Jana, Ashley Diaz Mejias
All humans have bias, and as a result, so do the institutions we build. Internationally sought after diversity consultant Tiffany Jana offers concrete ways for anyone to work against institutional bias no matter what their position is in an organization. ...
Bessie Smith: A Poet's Biography of a Blues Legend
Jackie Kay
A beautiful genre-bending tribute to the larger-than-life blues singer Bessie Smith. Scotland's National Poet blends poetry, prose, fiction, and nonfiction to create an entirely unique biography of the Empress of the Blues. ...
Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County: A Family, a Virginia Town, a Civil Rights Battle
Kristen Green
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ...
Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist
Eli Saslow
From a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, the powerful story of how a prominent white supremacist changed his heart and mind. This is a book to help us understand the American moment and to help us better understand one another. ...
The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation
Anna Malaika Tubbs
Four Hundred Souls: A Community History of African America, 1619-2019
Ibram X. Kendi, Keisha N. Blain
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A chorus of extraordinary voices tells the epic story of the four-hundred-year journey of African Americans from 1619 to the present—edited by Ibram X. Kendi, author of How to Be an Antiracist, and Keisha N. ...
Maya Angelou's debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Her life story is told in the documentary film And Still I Rise, as seen on PBS's American Masters. ...
Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City
Wes Moore, Erica L. Green
"An illuminating portrait of Baltimore in the aftermath of the April 2015 death of Freddie Gray . . . Readers will be enthralled by this propulsive account."—Publishers Weekly ...
How to Be an Antiracist
Ibram X. Kendi
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the National Book Award–winning author of Stamped from the Beginning comes a "groundbreaking" (Time) approach to understanding and uprooting racism and inequality in our society—and in ourselves. ...
Inciting Joy: Essays
Ross Gay
"BRILLIANT." —Ada Limón, U.S. poet laureate An intimate and electrifying collection of essays from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Delights. ...
Richmond's Unhealed History
Benjamin Campbell
This Is Ear Hustle: Unflinching Stories of Everyday Prison Life
Nigel Poor, Earlonne Woods
A "profound, sometimes hilarious, often heartbreaking" (The New York Times) view of prison life, as told by currently and formerly incarcerated people, from the co-creators and co-hosts of the Peabody- and Pulitzer-nominated podcast Ear Hustle ...
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot
A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ...
The Love You Save: A Memoir
Goldie Taylor
*A Zibby's Most Anticipated Book of 2023**One of The Root's Most Anticipated Books of January**A Good Morning America Best Book of January?**An Essence Must Read Book of the Year*? ...
A Few Days Full of Trouble: Revelations on the Journey to Justice for My Cousin and Best Friend, Emmett Till
Reverend Wheeler Parker, Jr., Christopher Benson
The last surviving witness to the lynching of Emmett Till tells his story, with poignant recollections of Emmett as a boy, critical insights into the recent investigation, and powerful lessons for racial reckoning, both then and now. ...
killing rage: Ending Racism
"hooks's books help us not only to decolonize our minds, souls, and bodies; on a deeper level, they touch our lives." —Cornel West ...
Assata: An Autobiography
Assata Shakur
On May 2, 1973, Black Panther Assata Shakur (aka JoAnne Chesimard) lay in a hospital, close to death, handcuffed to her bed, while local, state, and federal police attempted to question her about the shootout on the New Jersey Turnpike that had claimed the life of a white state trooper. ...
Three Girls from Bronzeville: A Uniquely American Memoir of Race, Fate, and Sisterhood
Dawn Turner
A New York Times and Washington Post Notable BookA Best Book of 2021 by BuzzFeed and Real Simple ...
Cack-Handed: A Memoir
Gina Yashere
The British comedian of Nigerian heritage and co-executive producer and writer of the CBS hit series Bob Hearts Abishola chronicles her odyssey to get to America and break into Hollywood in this lively and humorous memoir. ...
Shout, Sister, Shout!: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Gayle F. Wald
New York Times Book Review Editor's Pick: The untold story of 2018 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sister Rosetta Tharpe, America's first rock guitar diva ...
Elegy for Mary Turner: An Illustrated Account of a Lynching
Rachel Marie-Crane Williams
A lyrical and haunting depiction of American racial violence and lynching, evoked through stunning full-color artwork ...
Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions
Tiffany Jana, Michael Baran
The first practical handbook that helps individuals and organizations recognize and prevent microaggressions so that all employees can feel a sense of belonging. ...
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together
Heather McGhee
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD • One of today's most insightful and influential thinkers offers a powerful exploration of inequality and the lesson that generations of Americans have failed to learn: Racism has a cost for everyone—not just for ...
For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color
This "electrifying debut" (Los Angeles Times) arms women of color with the tools and knowledge they need to find success on their own terms ...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


I first met Geoff Geever at Feetish Spa Parlor's Holiday Karaoke Brie Feast this past December. In a matter of minutes, my new 2nd floor neighbor had won the hearts of every comic book geek in attendance with his appreciation for the fiction of Neil Gaiman, and for his Superman socks (with attached capes). It was at this moment that Geoff was officially declared The Most Awesome CPA In All The Land.
Geoff works for RWCo CPAs. He's quite hilarious, and from what I can deduce, pretty damn good at doing taxes. His office is right down the hall from me. You two should meet.
on the 2nd floor of Emergency Arts!
My 2nd floor neighbor Geoff, hard at work.
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Twist Bioscience Corporation Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 30, 2018– Twist Bioscience Corporation (NASDAQ: TWST), a company enabling customers to succeed through its offering of high-quality synthetic DNA, today announced that it has priced its initial public offering of 5,000,000 shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $14.00 per share, before underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the shares of common stock are being offered by Twist. The shares are expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on October 31, 2018 under the ticker symbol "TWST." The closing of the offering is expected to occur on November 2, 2018, subject to customary closing conditions.
In addition, Twist has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 750,000 shares at the initial public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions.
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Cowen and Company, LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the proposed offering. Allen & Company LLC and Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated are acting as co-managers.
The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. A final prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained, when available, from: J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, or by telephone at (866) 803-9204; or Cowen and Company, LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Services, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, NY 11717, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone at (631) 274-2806.
A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with, and declared effective by, the Securities and Exchange Commission and can be accessed through the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.
About Twist Bioscience Corporation
We are leading and rapidly growing synthetic biology company that has developed a disruptive DNA synthesis platform to industrialize the engineering of biology. The core of our platform is a proprietary technology that pioneers a new method of manufacturing synthetic DNA by "writing" DNA on a silicon chip. We are leveraging our unique technology to manufacture a broad range of synthetic DNA-based products, including synthetic genes, tools for next-generation sample (NGS) preparation, and antibody libraries for drug discovery and development. We are also pursuing longer-term opportunities in digital data storage in DNA and biologics drug discovery. We make products for use across many industries including healthcare, industrial chemicals, agriculture and academic research.
Source: Twist Bioscience Corporation
for Twist Bioscience Corporation
Angela Bitting, 925-202-6211
media@twistbioscience.com


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Congress Seeks Answers on Defunct Airport Security Fast-Lane Company
Author: Ryan SingelRyan Singel
Federal lawmakers want to know what's going to happen to the sensitive data of more than 150,000 travelers left stranded after the country's leading airport secruity fast-lane company ceased operation last week.
The House Homeland Security committee asked the TSA in a letter last Thursday to explain what it knows about the privacy of the data of the 165,000 customers of the privately-issued Clear pass. Clear subscribers paid $200 annually to skip to the front of security lines at 20 of the countries largest airports, but they had to undergo a background check and turn over social security numbers, fingerprints and iris prints to get the card.
That data trove left a lot of unanswered questions after Clear closed abruptly last Monday night. The company, which was founded by journalist-cum-entrepreneur Steven Brill, belatedly told members it was seeking to sell its data to another fast-lane company. If a buyer wasn't found, it would destroy the data, according to the company's website.
But Democratic lawmakers, including committee chairman Bennie Thompson (Mississippi), Sheila Jackson-Lee (Texas) and Christopher Carnery (Pennsylvania), want to know more.
"WE are concerned about the security and safety of the inforrmation currently held by Clear," the lawmakers wrote in their letter (.pdf). "We need to understand the role TSA will play in assuring that adequate privacy protections are in place prior to any disposition of the personally identifiable information of over 165,000 people. Needless to say, the sale, disposal, transfer, or destruction of this type of data cannot be undertaken without safeguards designed to ensure that the information will not be compromised."
The lawmakers want an answer from the TSA by Wednesday, July 8.
Clear is facing a potential class action lawsuit in New York state over data retention and refunds.
Via Epic.org
Photo: Schill
Clear Plans to Sell Traveler Data
Clear Promises to Delete Sensitive Flier Data, but No Refunds ...
VIP Airport Screening Company Closes Lanes
Grounded Airport Fast-Lane Company Faces Class-Action Suit ...
TSA Undermining Registered Traveler Program, CEO Charges — UPDATED ...


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Call 24-7 Plumbing And Drain today at 951-428-1565 for emergency plumbing services in Temecula and Murrieta, CA.
Your home's plumbing may seem like a less troublesome system compared to HVAC units, but your pipes are not immune to damage. Even well maintained systems are subject to emergencies, requiring 24-7 Plumbing And Drains' expertise. With water's naturally corrosive effects, pipes wear down and leak over time.
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Burst pipes are considered a plumbing emergency because of their destructive results. As water flows, it erodes anything in its path. A burst pipe only becomes larger as water breaks away the pipe's structure. Inside the home, burst pipes contribute to floods, along with floor, furniture, and drywall damage.
You should be able to turn off your water at the main valve, which is typically located outside the home. Once you shut off the water to stop the burst pipe from gushing, your home will be left without water. 24-7 Plumbing And Drain will evaluate your property if any pipes burst, regardless of their location. Once the problem is fixed, we activate the main valve, providing water to all fixtures again.
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A slab leak often forms under your foundation. If an underground pipe bursts, the long-term effects are extremely damaging to the home itself. Flowing water within the soil creates soggy conditions. Concrete foundations resting on the soil will begin to heave from the unstable environment. If the burst pipe is not repaired, the foundation can heave so badly that structural damage occurs to the home itself.
To solve the problem, we begin by shutting off the water and evaluating the pipe. Once the burst area is identified, we can get to the pipe and fix it, or repipe the area. The moment the water stops flowing under the home, the soil has a chance to absorb the moisture and dry out from the burst pipe. If caught early enough, your home's structural integrity should remain firm.
How can you prevent having a clogged toilet?
Severely clogged toilets cause wastewater to backup onto your floor, creating unsanitary conditions. Prevent clogged toilet emergencies by being more aware of what you and the rest of your household puts into the drains. Save money, and prevent clogs, with less toilet paper use. Also, keep the toilet cover down to avoid foreign objects in the toilet, from toys to small toiletries.
One of the best ways to prevent a clogged toilet emergency is knowing where the nearby water valve is located. If you see the toilet filling quickly with water, close the valve immediately and give us a call.
If you'd like to see what other residents in Temecula and Murrieta are saying about our services, click here to see their reviews and testimonials.
If you're dealing with any plumbing emergency, contact 24-7 Plumbing And Drain immediately. Whether you are in Murrieta or Temecula, we serve both these communities and their surrounding areas.
Call us at 951-428-1565 for round-the-clock plumbing help. You will always get live help when you need us the most.


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Dance shines bright in Her Majesty The Queen's New Year's Honours list
Her Majesty The Queen's New Year's Honours list highlights the astounding contribution from the dance industry, congratulations to those honoured:
Darcey Bussell CBE – Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Robert Ramdhanie – Member of the Order of the British Empire
Lucille de Zalduondo Briance – Member of the Order of the British Empire
Akosua Boakye-Nimo – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire
Sonia Bond – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire
Benjamin Hammond – Medallist of the Order of the British Empire
Darcey Bussell CBE was awarded the Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). Darcey trained at the Royal Ballet School and started her professional career at Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet. After only one year she moved to The Royal Ballet, where she became a principal dancer at the age of 20 in 1989. She is widely acclaimed as one of the great British ballerinas. Although Darcey retired from a performing career in 2007, she remains highly committed to the dance world, becoming a much-loved television personality through her work as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
Robert Ramdhanie on the award of an MBE for services to dance, recognising his work championing the arts of the Black community in Britain for over five decades. He is an arts activist, visionary and pioneer, establishing dance companies including The Black Dance Development Trust, Kokuma Dance Company, and Danse de L'Afrique, and venues including The CAVE Arts Centre. His legacy nationwide, not only for dance but for the cultural sector as a whole.
Regina Akosua Boakye-Nimo has also been recognised for her services to dance in the community. A lecturer and PHD student at Canterbury Christ Church University investigating Ghanaian Dance Culture, Akosua is a previous recipient of the One Dance UK Trailblazer Fellowship, championing the organisation's work supporting dance artists. Her roles include Children's Casting Coordinator for The Lion King, and Founder and Director of AkomaAsa Performing Arts Academy.
Tags: The Queen's New Year's Honours list
Matthew Bourne's Cinderella is a strictly-fabulous sparkling spectacular not to be missed!
Style shift: From Classical Ballet to learning Modern at 20 years old
Wonderful News January 2, 2018


Avencis SSOX is an Enterprise Single Sign-On solution with a focus on flexible strong authentication and mobile device support. Combined with Avencis' own IAM platform, it provides a foundation for a long-term Identity and Access Management strategy for any organization.
Imprivata OneSign® is an integrated authentication and access management solution with a strong focus on the healthcare industry. It provides fast and secure access to workstations, virtual desktops and applications by combining strong authentication with enterprise single sign-on.


Christchurch International Airport is one of Rawlinsons many repeat clients with an involvement stretching over the last 20 years during which both international and domestic terminals have been completely modernised and redeveloped.
This was an ambitious and successful expansion project over two main stages. Commencing initially in 1995 doubling the size of the international terminal adding 28,000m² in a two storey extension plus basement and refurbished 11,000m² of existing building which made it one of Christchurch's largest construction projects.
Rawlinsons were also Project Quantity Surveyors for the Integrated Termination Project, which replaced a tired and dated domestic terminal with a new state of the art domestic facility incorporating an integrated check-in facility. Involved from the initial business case Rawlinsons saw the project through all phases of development until completion in early 2013 with construction continuing through post-February 2011 aftershocks. The project was delivered on time and within 1% of the budget!


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Tony D'Angelo gives members of his "family" a new status in Omerta ceremony: WWE NXT, June 14, 2022
"The Don of NXT" promotes "Stacks" and "Two Dimes" to soldiers in his family while initiating Legado del Fantasma with the Omerta oath. Catch WWE action on Peacock, WWE Network, FOX, USA Network, Sony India and more.
#WWENXT
Stream WWE on Peacock https://pck.tv/3l4d8TP in the U.S. and on WWE Network http://wwe.yt/wwenetwork everywhere else
Follow WWE on YouTube for more exciting action!
Subscribe to WWE on YouTube: http://wwe.yt/
Check out WWE.com for news and updates: http://goo.gl/akf0J4
Watch WWE on Sony in India: http://www.wwe.com/SonySportsNetwork
Watch WWE on Disney+ Hotstar in Indonesia: http://www.wwe.com/hotstar
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Carmelo Hayes, Channing Lorenzo, Cruz Del Toro
Tony D'Angelo vs Von Wagner: WWE NXT, April 26, 2022
Carmelo Hayes rejects Tony D'Angelo's offer: WWE NXT, June 7, 2022
Tony D'Angelo says family deserves an NXT Tag Team Title Match: WWE Digital Exclusive, July 26, 2022
Dijak and Tony D'Angelo encircle Wes Lee: WWE NXT, Dec. 6, 2022
by ispn 1 month ago 8 Views
Tony D'Angelo takes his place as the new "Don of NXT": WWE NXT, April 5, 2022
by support24 9 months ago 39 Views
The D'Angelo Family remembers: WWE NXT, Nov. 22, 2022
Carmelo Hayes vs. Tony D'Angelo – North American Title Match: WWE NXT, June 21, 2022
Tony D'Angelo graces What's NeXT with his presence: What's NeXT Jan. 20, 2022
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Tony D'Angelo deals with a traitor: WWE NXT, June 28, 2022
Xyon Quinn vs. Tony D'Angelo: WWE NXT, Dec. 6, 2022
Tony D'Angelo names Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo The Underboss of The Family: WWE NXT, Jan. 17, 2023
by ispn 1 week ago 9 Views
Dexter Lumis vs. Tony D'Angelo: WWE NXT, March 22, 2022
Santos Escobar vs. Tony D'Angelo: WWE NXT, May 17, 2022
Tony D'Angelo set to continue family tradition: WWE NXT 2.0, Sept. 28, 2021
Diamond Mine vs. Tony D'Angelo's Family — Eight-Man Tag Team Match: WWE NXT, July 26, 2022
Tony D'Angelo arrives with the newest members of his family: WWE NXT, June 7, 2022
Tony D'Angelo scolds Legado del Fantasma: WWE NXT, June 14, 2022
Tony D'Angelo and Stacks celebrate Stacks' new position in The Family: WWE NXT, Jan. 24, 2023
by ispn 1 day ago 5 Views
"The Don of NXT" promotes "Stacks" and "Two Dimes" to soldiers in his family while initiating Legado del Fantasma with the Omerta oath. Catch WWE acti...


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Amendments MNRE Needs to Consider for KUSUM Solar Pump Program to Scale
There is a need for larger participation from manufacturers for Component B of the program; stakeholders suggest
Markets & Policy, Solar
The government launched the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) in February last year. The objective of this innovative program is to help farmers achieve financial stability and water security. Stakeholders suggest the government make amendments to ensure broader participation and success of the program.
The KUSUM program consists of three components. Under Component A of the program, individual farmers, cooperatives, and farmer producer organizations with cultivable or barren lands can install solar projects of 500 kW to 2 MW in size. Under Component B of the program, individual farmers will get the government's support to install standalone solar pumps of up to 7.5 HP (horsepower) capacity. Solar PV capacity in kW equal to the pump capacity in HP is allowed under the program. Under Component C of the program, individual farmers will get support to solarize pumps of up to 7.5 HP.
According to Dinesh Patidar, Managing Director of Shakti Pumps, "Farmers using grid-connected solar pumps can sell their surplus solar power and generate extra income. Needless to mention, the program is a win-win for farmers and the government. The government can do away with the agriculture power subsidy reducing the burden on the DISCOMs."
The government has now expanded the program under Component B, and C. Component B now aims to install 2 million standalone solar pumps from its previous target of 1.75 million. Component C aims at solarizing 1.5 million pumps from one million earlier.
The program has opened new avenues for a stable source of income for rural landowners and farmers for 25 years by utilizing their lands. The project helps the farmers with irrigation and mitigates the cost of fuel used for running diesel pumps.
Speaking to Mercom, Devendra Gupta, CEO of Ecozen Solutions, said, "Farmers are benefitting from the program as they are getting irrigation systems that are consistent and are independent of erratic electricity supply. Furthermore, as states are providing subsidies, their contribution is less as well."
Speaking about the subsidy provided by the government, Devendra added, "Payments are not a concern; the ministry is reviewing this weekly and ensuring that state nodal agencies are releasing timely payments to system integrators."
Against a target of 108,000 solar pumps to be installed in the financial year, so far, only 5,000 pumps installed. While the program has great potential, some issues need to be addressed for its seamless implementation, accelerated installations, and ensuring higher participation, especially under Component B.
Simplify Eligibility Criteria
Currently, the location for the installation of pumps is divided into clusters (a group of districts). The bidders need to qualify or be eligible for installing each category of pumps under each cluster – 1, 2, 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 HP. Bidders who quote the lowest price (L1) + 15% are selected to install the pumps.
After the selection, the winning bidders need to generate leads, meaning they need to find farmers who are interested in installing the pumps and their size preference. If the bidder is qualified to install 1 and 3 HP pumps and the farmer is interested in a 5 HP pump, the lead will not be useful. They will have to go back and find a farmer who is only interested in a 1 or 3 HP pump to close the deal. If the farmer is interested in a 1 or 3 HP pump but doesn't belong to the cluster where the bidder is listed, the whole exercise is futile.
Confusing as it is, the whole exercise involves a lot of investment in terms of manpower required to generate leads and the financial obligation to arrange for the (earnest money deposits) bid.
Stakeholders suggest that the implementing agencies must allow eligible bidders to install all capacities of pumps under the tender in a cluster. They also suggest the state nodal share the list of farmers who already paid for the pumps and the capacity of pumps they would want to install.
Performance Bank Guarantee
The performance bank guarantee (PBG) required from the installers is generally 20% of the solar pumps' cost announced under each cluster. For example, if 200 solar pumps of 7.5 HP are to be installed in a cluster at a price assumed as ₹300,000 ($4,026)/pump. Each bidder must provide a PBG of ₹12 million ($161,073) to participate in the bid.
This criterion is a barrier for many to participate in bids in larger numbers. Instead, PBG could be restricted to the number of pumps the bidders intend to install in a cluster.
Allow Consortiums to Participate
Only a handful of vendors have the financial clout to take part in these tenders across the country. For the 10 HP solar pumps tender through EESL under Component B of the program, Tata Power, Shakti Pumps, Premier Energies, Span Pumps, Junna Solar, and Solex Energy were among the few who emerged as the leading names.
The stakeholders suggest that consortiums of manufacturers and system integrators be allowed to bid. Considering the scale of the program, manufacturers and installers have suggested that a consortium will have better financial, operational, and product capabilities.
Allow Blue Wafers
The solar modules used in the project are mandated to use black wafers, and very few manufacturers are making black wafers in the country. This has hurt the program's implementation and has led to a shortage of black wafers in the market. It has also increased the procurement cost of solar modules.
The manufacturers suggest that the government should permit blue wafers, as there are several players in the market manufacturing solar cells using blue wafers.
Component C of KUSUM program
"The solarization of existing pumps under Component C without replacing old pumps will not bring desired results as the existing pumps are old and consume a high amount of energy with poor output. Therefore, we suggest an amendment in Component C of the program to include replacing the existing pumps to get better results. To fund solar irrigation projects, state governments can approach the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for availing loans, which will further boost the implementation of the project," Patidar further added.
Commenting on the success of Component B of the program, Patidar noted, "We feel Component B is the core of the program that offers energy access to non-electrified areas with standalone off-grid pumps while on-grid solar pumps operate in electrified regions. The farmers who were earlier using diesel pumps, causing heavy damage to the environment, are now switching to solar pumps."
The program's objective is commendable, but there are many terms and conditions that the implementing agencies need to revise in consultation with the bidders who have participated in multiple tenders and understand the operational realities.
"The program needs to be amended to make it simpler, practical, and take into account the realities on the ground. The goal of all stakeholders, in the end, is the same – make this program a great success for rural India and the farming community," said Raj Prabhu, CEO of Mercom Capital Group.
AgricultureComponent BIn-depthKUSUM programMNRESolar Pumpssystem integrators
MNRE Hikes Central Assistance for Residential Rooftop Solar in Northeastern States
EV Makers Expect Tax Cuts and Incentives in Budget 2023
Daily News Wrap-Up: Solar Sector Pins Hopes on Budget 2023
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Solar Cold Storage Tech Company Ecozen Raises $25 Million for Energy Transition


This is the first of several installments concerning the contribution and origin of numerous breeds of cattle and their purposes for man. It doesn't include all breeds, as many are related and similar in type.
Cattle are divided into two origins, those north of the Mediterranean are Bos Taurus and those south are scientifically classified at Bos Indicus.
At an approximate date of Noah's flood of 2348 BC (Ussher date) the genetic seed stock walked off the Ark and multiplication begin. Of all the animals, cattle were of major assistance to human science and improved habitat existence. Originally cattle were used for beast of burden, trained pulling oxen and all forms of agricultural benefits. While pork, fowl, sheep and goats were major domestic food animals, cattle were considered more in the modern sense, like a tractor or piece of equipment. The final cattle service to man was to consume them for human food. For thousands of years cattle were basically pulling oxen including all steers, bulls and cows.
As cattle multiplied for hundreds of years their importance increased wherever civilization developed, all over the world, cattle were needed. As they spent hundreds of years in different environments the cattle were selected on stamina, fertility and their ability to adapt to the area. Northern cattle developed more hair for cold weather insulation and the hot climate cattle bred toward slick short hair enabling them to withstand hot tropical weather. Cattle more adapted were more useful, could pull longer and had more stamina. Therefore cattle were selectively bred for any performance needed.
Due to the world popularity of the Texas Longhorn breed of cattle most people believe the greatest cattle drives in history were from Texas to northern states during the late 1800s. History has other accounts. During the time of Alexander the Great (334 BC, the date he won the Battle of the Granicus River) the largest trail herds in history were assembled to follow his army. The greatest military of the era had to be fed well to fight well. (Napoleon said wars are won on soldiers stomachs) Although every student of Alexander disagrees on the numbers, his fighting men numbered between 150,000 and 1,000,000 men. That is a lot of food. Therefore, the food had to keep up with the battle, stay fresh and always be a supply ready when needed. These were no doubt the largest cattle trail drives in history. Cattle could pull war equipment and in the end become food for the battles.
As cattle served the people, unique breeds were selectively bred to fit the need and the area. World cattle for the last 6000 years were bred for large horn for many reasons. With all documentation, 4/5ths of the cattle of history were used for oxen with horn being the necessary fixture to hold the yokes in place. In the Bible, Matthew 11:30 the Lord Jesus said, "My yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Using the terms of the day, large horn allowed a yoke to loosely fit and not slide forward over the head. Therefore a loose yoke created less stress allowing more mileage for an ox. Horn was a necessary virtue for good genetics.
Until petroleum powered farm equipment was developed in the early 1900s, oxen were the tractors, the source of product handling and movement, the transportation of goods and provider of services. No fuel was required except non human consumable fibers of grasses and browse. This same source of power is still used all over the world and always will be.
*Thanks to Fabio Gayer for research and graphics.


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Movies to watch this week at the cinema: Trainwreck, Absolutely Anything, more...
By Total Film Staff 14 August 2015
Out on Friday 14 August
Amy Schumer teams up with Judd Apatow. Simon Pegg joins a sort of Monty Python reunion. Greta Gerwig is kooky step-sister in a kooky adventure. Yes, heres this weeks new releases. Click on for our reviews of The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Trainwreck, Absolutely Anything, Mistress America, Precinct Seven Five, Unity, Captain Webb, Pleasure Island, Theeb and The Confessions Of Thomas Quick. For the best movie reviews, subscribe to Total Film.
Things could get kind of messy, end of the world, you know, warns spy Napoleon Solo early on in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. They're apt words for a film that busily jets around the globe while chucking in car chases, femme fatales, Nazi scientists, clashing anti-heroes, a nuclear bomb and more innuendo than you can shake a meat truncheon at. Oh, and it all takes place in the 1960s, so trippy fashion, low-fi tech and retro automobiles are also added to the mix. Yes, things get kind of messy in Guy Ritchie's long-in-the-making TV update, but thanks to the Brit director's clear love of vintage Bond, the manic hodgepodge is often accompanied by winning nod-winks to the golden era of spy thrillers. We kick off in 1963 East Berlin, where CIA Agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) enlists the help of German auto mechanic Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander) in tracking down her missing father, Dr Udo Teller, who was Hitler's favourite rocket scientist. When they're busted by Russian KGB Agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), the pair manage to escape over the Berlin wall, only for Solo to discover he's been partnered with Kuryakin to take down an international crime organisation hell-bent on trashing the world with nuclear weaponry. Naturally, the pairing doesn't go down well with these alpha males, and the next 100 minutes finds the traditional enemies squabbling over game-plans, testing each other's limits, and grappling with the very real possibility that either could double cross the other at any moment. If Ritchie's (Sherlock Holmes films were optimistic buddy movies, U.N.C.L.E. (short for United Network Command for Law and Enforcement) is the anti-buddy movie. It's an enticing prospect, especially as the film imagines an origins story for Solo and Kuryakin that the '60s TV series (starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum) never bothered with. The problem is, (Sherlock had Robert Downey Jr., and U.N.C.L.E. doesn't. So while Cavill and Hammer are capable action men, the tight-wound rivalry doesn't always work. Cavill's blue-eyed and uber-coiffed, his Superman physique straining inside tailored suits, but he's little more than GI Joe crossed with 007, his art thief backstory acknowledged then dismissed. Meanwhile, Hammer's Red Peril, as Solo calls him, is prone to rages and can take out an entourage of armed cops without breaking a sweat even though he's sort of dressed like Del Boy. Your balls are at the end of a very long leash held by a very short man, he growls at Solo. The pair's tug-of-war is played for laughs early on see cute running gags about their fashion sense and competing tech but a lot of the quips feel stiff as an iron curtain, and it's unclear if some of the wobbly banter (I'll take top, you take bottom) is knowingly homoerotic or just a little bit lame. It's a relief, then, when the film's first-half preoccupation with OTT action and double entendre mellows into a more subdued and interesting paranoid thriller a holdover, perhaps, from Steven Soderbergh's pass at the script in 2012. It's here that the relationship between the duo shows any real edge, and builds to a surprisingly poignant moment involving a wristwatch. Not that this is a film particularly interested in edge. Ritchie who has a co-writing credit for the first time since 2008's (RocknRolla prefers the gold-hued kitsch of '60s Bond to the Cold War paranoia of (The Ipcress File or (The Manchurian Candidate. He revels in the period detail (split-screen, Nina Simone on the soundtrack), and it's a canny move to locate U.N.C.L.E. in the same period as the original show, setting it apart from franchises like (Bourne, (Mission: Impossible and even contemporary Bond. There are times Ritchie's film really feels like it's been sprung from a time capsule witness a remote mansion segment steeped in browns and burnt orange. Elsewhere, an underused Jared Harris as Solo's handler seems to have stepped off the set of (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, grumbling his lines (Inside every Kraut there's an American trying to get out) and emboldening some of the film's best scenes including a lovely moment in which every person in a busy lakeside cafe gets up and leaves at the same time he does. Meanwhile, Hugh Grant is a jovial addition as the titular Man, clearly having fun doing something different, though like Harris and the hugely likeable Vikander, he's ultimately little more than window dressing. Coming in the wake of battier Bond hat-tip (Kingsman: The Secret Service and just two months ahead of (SPECTRE The Man From U.N.C.L.E. can feel oddly tame. While it lacks a memorable villain, and the central pairing fizzes but never sparks, the film gets by on its vintage charm and a third act upswing and, for all its messiness, it'd be a shame not to see Solo and Kuryakin rutting horns again. THE VERDICT: When it takes a breather from the OTT action, Ritchie's period caper revels in double (and triple) crosses, Cold War intrigue and vintage kicks. Fun, but not quite the old-school Bond it wants to be. Director: Guy Ritchie Starring: Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, Hugh Grant, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, Jared Harris Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 Josh Winning
If you hadnt heard of Amy Schumer pre-2015, it wouldnt have been a pop culture faux-pas. Now, shes grown in popularity to the point where barely a week goes by without one of her sketch-show clips going viral. And as soon as she was tapped up to write and headline Judd Apatows latest, superstardom was pretty much a given. Its hardly surprising that the comedy kingpin gravitated towards Schumer: like him, she blends crude, gross-out gags with acute observations and moments of vulnerability. And where Apatow often casts his own wife and kids in his films, Schumer similarly puts her life on screen, her sketch-show persona a heightened version of herself, also named Amy. In Trainwreck she again plays Amy, a magazine journalist enjoying a monogamy- free lifestyle in New York. A prologue sets up Amys philandering fathers excuses as the cornerstones of her attitudes, but who cares? Shes enjoying her life, career and sexual freedom. When shes assigned to profile sports doctor Aaron Connors (Bill Hader), a relationship blossoms and she starts to question her commitment phobia. The film is at its funniest during the first half when Schumer unapologetically cuts loose. Theres filthy dialogue and racy humour aplenty, not least between Amy and her semi-regular fling Steven (WWEs John Cena). A foulmouthed force of nature and likeable with it, Schumer also has decent dramatic chops. Threatening to steal the show from under her is basketball player LeBron James, happily skewering his image by playing himself as a Downton Abbey superfan, and an unrecognisable Tilda Swinton is sensational as Amys ghastly editor. Like Schumers sketch show, Trainwreck is peppered with great moments, but some jokes work better on paper. The second half is less satisfying, as Amy and Aarons budding relationship hits the rocks according to standard-issue romcom formula, and the tone becomes uncomfortably judgemental of Amys previous ways. And as with all Apatow films, its simply too long given its on such a predictable path: losing 20 minutes might have alleviated the dips for a steadier stream of laughs. The pace picks up for the final act, with a painfully hilarious sequence involving Ezra Millers intern, and a glorious, grin-inducing feelgood climax thatll leave you beaming. Once that feeling wears off though, youre left with the disappointment of such a bold, interesting character going down such a conventional route. THE VERDICT: Amy Schumer is a force to be reckoned with but despite some belly laughs Trainwreck doesnt quite transcend the romcom formula like the best of the genre. Director: Judd Apatow Starring: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, LeBron James, Tilda Swinton Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 Matt Maytum
With great power comes total irresponsibility, learns jaded schoolteacher Neil (Simon Pegg) when he is granted God-like powers. Its a lesson played out with glee in Terry Jones charmingly silly Britcom, but one the Monty Python veteran should perhaps should have heeded himself: with a fantastically talented supported cast at his disposal, the director neglects his duty to set them free to allow them to create something far funnier. Semi-delivering on its promise of reuniting the Pythons on screen, Absolutely Anything has them voicing the cartoonishly CGI-ed Intergalactic Council: a group of bickering aliens who set out to determine the worthiness of the human race by granting one randomly chosen person the power to make anything they wish come true. If they use this ability for good, Earth can join the ranks of the Council; but if the power is used selfishly, the planet will be destroyed. And so it falls to Peggs hapless loner Neil Clarke to unwittingly decide the fate of humankind, something that seems far less secure once Neil discovers his new gift and immediately uses it to get closer to his neighbour Catherine (Kate Beckinsale) and to give his dog Dennis the voice of Robin Williams. Theres fun to be had watching Neil bumble his way through the unfortunate consequences of his magical mischief not least when his wishes end up being interpreted slightly too literally (Give me the body of a great man, Neil says, shortly before transforming into... Albert Einstein). Throughout, Pegg is on fine form, with exaggerated reactions and comic exasperation all dialled up to levels that meet the films audaciously absurd plot. Sadly, while Beckinsale is commendably committed as Neils bemused love interest, other big-name co-stars get short thrift. Robin Williams in particular with this being sold as his final film, its sad to see a comic genius end his career with more of a good-hearted chuckle than an uproarious belly laugh. Voicing Neils suddenly cognizant and articulate pooch Dennis, Williams offers some of the best scenes, but it always feels like the great improviser is being forced to stick to the script rather than being allowed off the leash (so to speak). As such, its all on Pegg and his goofy charisma to keep things moving. He may not be omnipotent, but hes gifted enough to save the day. THE VERDICT: Pegg works wonders, but youll wish the concept had been pushed further, that there was more to the Pythons reunion and that Robin Williams had found a funnier swansong. Director: Terry Jones Starring: Simon Pegg, Kate Beckinsale, Robin Williams, Rob Riggle, Sanjeev Bhaskar Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 Matt Looker
Rarely has a film promised so much and delivered so little. Appealing to retro-gamers who grew up on arcade staples like Pac-Man and Space Invaders think Independence Day crossed with those 80s coin-op classics Pixels is all high concept and hot air. A race of attack-minded aliens decides to invade Earth after intercepting a time capsule blasted into space back in 1982; inside were some of the aforementioned games, seen by these E.T.s as a declaration of war. The aliens shape-shift into giant, marauding game characters, challenging humanity to a winner-takes-the-planet contest. Manning our defenses is one Sam Brenner (Adam Sandler, in major autopilot mode), a flatscreen TV installer who, back in the day, was the master at videogames. Hes called to arms by his old pal Will Cooper (Kevin James), who happens to have risen from watching his friend play Donkey Kong to, er, President of the United States. Yes, Paul Blart: Mall Cop is now leader of the free world, a notion thats so ridiculous, its almost funny. Except it isnt. Joined by geeky friend Ludlow (Josh Gad), Brenner is soon blasting giant Centipedes from the sky while trying to romance Lt. Col Violet Van Patten (Michelle Monaghan), one of several two-dimensional military types (Brian Cox, Sean Bean) barely fleshing out the background. Also joining the fight is Brenners childhood gamer-rival Eddie Plant (Peter Dinklage). Armed with a mullet, a self-appointed nickname (the Fire Blaster) and lines like, Its totally tubular, hes the films saving grace. From the arrival of Q*bert to the sight of a giant Pac-Man chomping New York, director Chris Columbus smoothly integrates the visuals, even if these pixilated characters of old rather jar with their sleek surroundings. Theres a neat idea involving the aliens communicating via old videos (Hall and Oates, Fantasy Island, Madonna), but it turns what was meant to be a nostalgic look at old-school games into a lazy free-for-all blitz on 80s pop culture. THE VERDICT: Any goodwill generated by all the 80s callbacks is soon zapped away, leaving a witless mess that gives geeks a bad name. Director: Chris Columbus Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Brian Cox, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage Theatrical release: 12 August 2015 James Mottram
Writer/director Noah Baumbach is mellowing into middle age, his recent pictures (Frances Ha, While Were Young) infused with more warmth and laughs than his earlier, bleaker work (The Squid And The Whale, Margot At The Wedding). Hes also beginning to tip his hat to cinematic forebears as surely as Ben Stiller tilts his trilby in While Were Young: Woody Allen and the French New Wave have been major influences of late, and now, in Mistress America, hes fashioned a screwball comedy built around a glorious performance from Greta Gerwig. Also not bad at all is Lola Kirke (the trailer-trash woman in the motel in Gone Girl), here playing a freshman student, Tracy, who aspires to be a writer. Upon the advice of her soon-to-be-remarried mom (Kathryn Erbe), Tracy hooks up with Brooke (Gerwig), her stepsister-to-be, and the pair connect as they ricochet through the New York night or rather Tracy is in awe of Brookes crazed energy and the older woman feeds off the admiration. Events escalate towards an extended showdown in one location that also involves a small crowd of supporting players buzzing in and out, with Baumbach hitting the farce-forward button. Its all rather affected and there can be no doubting that Brooke is just too perfect a kook in her carefully crafted follies and foibles unable to enter her loft apartment through the front door, she must repeatedly climb out of her neighbours window to clamber up the fire escape but its all beautifully played. And, crucially, Baumbach and Gerwig dont forget to keep a finger on the emotional pulse. Even better, this is a film centred on two women that dont behave like every other woman written by men in Hollywood. Mistress America might cleave to an established sub-genre and be very much a writers creation, but theres no telling where these leading ladies are heading or how theyll get there. THE VERDICT: Heart-racing stuff, this is a doc that plays more like a thriller. It may make you feel queasy, but youll be hard-pressed to tear your eyes away. Director: Noah Baumbach Starring: Greta Gerwig, Lola Kirke, Heather Lind, Kathryn Erbe Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 Jamie Graham
PRECINCT SEVEN FIVE
Addictive from first til last, Tiller Russells documentary dishes an extraordinary tale of unbridled police corruption. Chief culprit and the movies main motor is Michael Dowd, an NYPD officer so brazen, bad lieutenant barely covers it. The film begins with Dowd at the Mollen Commission, set up back in 1992 to investigate corruption in Brooklyns 75th Precinct. Already regarded as a hotbed for crime in New York City, with Dowd on the beat, it soon got worse. As he admits in front of the panel, his crimes theft, extortion, drug trafficking numbered into the hundreds. Largely using fresh to-camera interviews, Russell builds up a potent picture of how an ordinary cop became so corrupt he was pocketing $4,000 a week on the payroll of a local drug kingpin. A crook who ended up wearing a cops uniform, as were told, Dowd didnt do it alone, of course. His partner Kenny Eurell, reluctantly at first, gradually became lured into this world of shame. Others along the way included the violent ex-cop Walter Yurkiw and Henry Chicky Guevara, who wisely resigned from the 75th before things got out of control. Then there was Adam Diaz, the dealer with whom Dowd was in cahoots (and who appears in the film like a vision of pure evil). But the star is undoubtedly Dowd himself, who appears entirely unremorseful for his wealth-building crimes. Director Russell who keeps the pace ticking like a time bomb does seem to admire this crooked boy in blue (and his associates) a little too much; as such Precinct Seven Five is arguably guilty of glorifying its subjects. Despite or maybe because of that, its a highly compulsive watch. THE VERDICT: Heart-racing stuff, this is a doc that plays more like a thriller. It may make you feel queasy, but youll be hard-pressed to tear your eyes away. Director: Tiller Russell Starring: Michael Dowd, Kenny Eurell, Walter Yurkiw, Adam Diaz Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 James Mottram
Itd probably be quicker to name the stars who didnt sign on as narrators for this film essay than those who did; indeed, this seven-year labour of love from director Shaun Monson could be the most stellar eulogy to vegetarianism ever committed to film. The question, of course, is whether it should have been: theres little in Monsons sermon that his 100-strong celebrity tag-team can energise. The conclusion? That wed be nicer to each other if we were kinder to animals, a message that could have been conveyed equally well without screen-saver visuals and gratuitously emotive stock footage. Director: Shaun Monson Theatrical release: 12 August 2015 Neil Smith
CAPTAIN WEBB
Now that kids, OAPs, paraplegics and David Walliams have swum the English Channel, it doesnt seem that much of a big deal. But back in 1875, no one had managed it, earning Captain Matthew Webb the title of the greatest Englishman when he flopped onto a French beach after 22 hours in the open water. In the context of Justin Hardys film, its a dubious title, with Luther s Warren Brown playing Webb like a dead fish in a docudrama that flounders through a sea of flashbacks, boring conversations about cramps and shots of moustached men standing in ponds. Director: Justin Hardy Starring: Warren Brown, Steve Oram, Terry Mynott, Georgia Maguire, Hannah Tointon, Tom Stourton Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 Paul Bradshaw
A soldier (Ian Sharp) returns from Afghanistan only to find a new war against the dealers and pimps that run his native Grimsby. Pleasure Island is, essentially, Dead Mans Shoes, but Mike Doxfords film packs nowhere near the power of Shane Meadows; the storys trite and the characters underwritten. Its a shame, as this British indie is not badly made. Doxford drapes Grimsbys seaside theme park in mood and menace, and the cast deliver especially Gina Bramhill, who is far better than the role of Jess, a stripper turned damsel in distress. Director: Mike Doxford Starring: Ian Sharp, Gina Bramhill, Rick Warnden, Nicholas Day, Michael J Jackson, Samuel Anderson, Conner Chapman Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 Stephen Kelly
THEEB
Or, Theeb Of Arabia. An answer to David Leans classic, Brit-Jordanian first-timer Naji Abu Nowars controlled epic tethers monumental vistas to a boys and a cultures seismic growing pains. As Bedouin sibling guides Hussein (Hussein Salameh) and Theeb (Jacir Eid) become entangled with a Brit soldier during WWI , ambush and death follow. Universal themes of brotherhood, conflict and change emerge, their punch drawn from historical specifics and a taut cast focus: its remarkable non-pro lead Eid who dominates a lean survival story told with tremendous emotional clout. Director: Naji Abu Nowar Starring: Hussein Salameh, Jacir Eid Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 Kevin Harley
THE CONFESSIONS OF THOMAS QUICK
A Nordic noir set-up swerves into something like The Imposter via a Gone Girl-ish twist in Brian Hills promising but patchy crime doc. When Sture Bergwall confessed to multiple murders in the 90s, police welcomed the plea. We had our own Hannibal Lecter, somebody gloats but a mid-film shock says otherwise. A rigorous psych profile emerges, but what lets Hill down is his failure to develop key implications (no spoilers) in favour of weak re-enactments: a long, wrong way of proving that truth is stronger than fiction. Director: Naji Abu Nowar Starring: Hussein Salameh, Jacir Eid Theatrical release: 14 August 2015 Kevin Harley


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Portadown FC bound Jack Smith bids emotional farewell to Derriaghy
He did it in style by leading his hometown club to a first ever Border Cup
Maxie Swain
Derriaghy players celebrate winning the Border Cup last Tuesday against Rathfriland
Jack Smith admits it was an emotional farewell to Derriaghy after he signed off ahead of his move to Portadown by leading his hometown club to a first ever Border Cup.
Ethan Taggart grabbed the only goal of the game in front of a big Seaview crowd, firing past Bryan McMullan in Rathfriland's goal midway through the first half.
And Derriaghy defended superbly in the second half to keep the Whites at bay, enabling Smith to raise the trophy in his last act for the club before returning to the Premiership, where he played before for both Crusaders and Carrick.
"Winning the Border Cup would be right up there in my career," said the 24-year-old winger.
"In terms of winning the trophy, it's probably my best day, and it was some way to go out. I couldn't get a better way to leave, on a high.
"It means a lot, especially with all us coming through together, and as captain, it meant the world to lift the trophy for the club and all the people there, and especially because they hadn't won anything in such a long time."
Despite his obvious love for the club, and his affinity with his team-mates, many of whom he has played with for most of his life, Smith admits it was a "no-brainer" when he first heard Portadown were interested.
He is cup-tied for the Irish Cup this weekend, but is hoping to be involved when the Ports travel to Coleraine on Saturday week.
Smith said: "To be honest, it was a tough call in the way that I really did love it at Derriaghy, and all the people there had a lot of time for me.
"But in terms of me pushing myself career-wise, it was a no-brainer, I had to go for it.
"I only heard about it a couple of weeks ago but nothing was said about it because we had a cup final to win first and that was my priority.
"I'm buzzing for it, and I think Tippy (Matthew Tipton) will improve me as a player. I've still a lot to learn and I can't wait now."
Smith's departure, while encouraged by his manager, still comes as a body blow to Derriaghy.
The skipper was the club's leading scorer this season on 24 goals, and their main creative outlet.
Thomas Roscoe is also on the move, after swapping the Amateur League for the Championship with Dundela, so Smith reckons Owen Forsythe will now be in the hunt for some reinforcements.
"They've still got a good squad there but you need to have big squads to win leagues and to win trophies," said Smith.
"I would say Owen will be bringing people in, he's a good manager and knows a lot of people so I would say he'll be on the ball now."
Jamal Dupree, who was at Derriaghy last season before switching down south to Waterford, has also moved to Portadown in the January window.
Lee Bonis price tag doesn't add up for former Irish League midfielder
Ards Rangers ready to 'give it everything' in Irish Cup
Northern Amateur Football League
Portadown FC
Derriaghy


If I had to use one word to describe Calle, it might be supercallefriendlyexpertandtenacious. While I don't think he sings like Mary Poppins, that's probably the only thing he can't do. Calle worked with me extensively on finding a new home in a tight market. It was definitely a journey and I trusted him completely to have my best interests at heart. Only a few chocolate bars into our relationship we could both evaluate houses and have a great time in the process – very much needed in making exciting yet stressful life decisions! Calle also listed my previous home for sale and was a great guide in being proactive and reasonable in the process as a seller. It was a give & take which he navigated for me well and in the end the home sold quickly for a good amount over asking, which were my two goals. I would recommend him hands down.


I've always admired origami. Without the benefit of scissors, a small square of paper is folded again and again, until something familiar takes shape. Gradually, that shape becomes something remarkable, such as a crane.
Similarly, and with the same loving care, the filmmakers of the company LAIKA Animation have crafted Kubo and the Two Strings, without the benefit of shortcuts of any kind. They have produced a work of art with countless layers of meaning.
First and foremost, Kubo and the Two Strings is a story about storytelling. Every character has a story to tell in this film, but the protagonist Kubo, a child of eleven, is the most powerful storyteller of all. Kubo uses the magic of his stories to captivate a village. His powerful words magically animate paper as he plays the stringed shamisen, creating an enactment in origami of the story playing out in midair.
His own story is full of magic, and heartbreak. Kubo cares for his mother, whose memories and sense of herself ebb and flow like the tide near the cave where they take shelter. When she is lucid, she uses all her magic to protect her son from eminent danger: her own sisters, and father, seek to kill her and harm Kubo. The boy's own grandfather, a powerful spirit being, stole Kubo's eye when he was just a baby and killed his warrior father. Meanwhile, his aunts, horrible witches, want to take Kubo up to the heavens with them, where they can seal themselves off from the humanity they despise.
Danger eventually finds Kubo. On the run from the witches and his grandfather, he must find his late father's magic armor if he is to save himself and vanquish the otherworldly evil. He is not alone in his journey: a monkey brought to life from a charm given to Kubo by his mother, and a beetle with samurai skills, accompany Kubo on his hero's journey.
Along the way Kubo realizes his deep connection with his past, his reverence for his ancestors, and the power of his memories, kept alive through stories. This is far more than any average protagonist of a children's film accomplishes. This is what makes Kubo and the Two Strings extraordinary.
The fact that every element of every frame in this movie is crafted by hand gives us all the more reason to marvel at the finished product. It might not be a traditional narrative, and it's certainly far from formulaic, but it's one that can be appreciated by the young, the old, and everyone in between.
LAIKA'S previous films include Coraline and Corpse Bride. The films feature darker story lines than your average children's films. Some of the battle scenes in Kubo are epic, intense and violent, and are probably too scary for very young viewers. I recommend the movie for ages seven and up.


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Every afternoon these days a family of finches come to my house to frolic, dance, and pirouette in the birdbath. Other feathered folk arrive to bathe in the morning and some late afternoons. Grackles usually land in pairs, and then stage a battle with one another like we kids used to do playing "king of the mountain." Robins and cardinals come one at a time to soak and splash to their heart's content. Likewise, neighborhood squirrels show up for a drink any time of the day. They all teach me great lessons about true faith and freedom. I watch them with great reverence and deep gratitude, knowing His eye is on us all.
Gentlemen may cry Peace, Peace -- but there is no peace....The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775, St. John's Church, Richmond, Virginia.
Calvary's cross and the empty tomb are our great Year of Jubilee! This is what we celebrate! A literal rendering of Galatians 5:1 is, "For freedom Christ freed us." But the only ones "proclaiming" this are the children of God. This is no Fourth of July celebration. It is far greater! It is a year by year, day by day "celebration" of victory in Christ! It is totally foreign to all sinners, till regenerated by the Spirit of God. And Paul admonishes us, "Stand fast therefore in this liberty, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of slavery." "Stand fast" indeed! "It is finished." "Blow loud the trumpet." "Christ is not here, but is risen." And some sweet day, "at the last day," even the graves of God's people will burst open, at Christ's return, and glorification of all the saints will occur, and we shall then sing in eternal triumph, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" [I Cor 1: 55]. William F. Bell in a sermon, Year of Jubilee.


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