text:
Charlotte's fashion outfit in "Plan Cœur"
The third and final season of the French Netflix series, "Plan Cœur", has been released on the platform. We follow the adventures (and misadventures) of Elsa, Charlotte and Émilie, three inseparable Parisian friends. In the previous two seasons, Elsa was depressed after her breakup with her boyfriend, and got caught up in a bad plan, created from scratch by her two best friends. The latter, tired of seeing her rehashing her old love story, decide to hire a gigolo, Jules, in order to draw a line under her ex for good. In this last season, the friendship between the three friends is put to the test between successes, sorrows and love.
The character of Charlotte: a bubbly young woman
Charlotte – played by Sabrina Ouazani – is one of Elsa's best friends. Thirty-something living in Paris, she is a bubbly, funny and resourceful young woman (not always good, we grant you). Charlotte Ben Smires has a strong character and does not allow herself to be walked on, but she struggles to find a job in which she fully blossoms. So much so that she does odd jobs, sometimes selling cabbage or ice cream. She fears commitment and refuses for a time to have a serious relationship. But that was without taking into account her crush on Maxime, with whom she ends up in a relationship during the second season, and who is none other than the ex who broke the heart of her best friend Elsa.
Her wardrobe: typical "Parisian" looks
Charlotte's style of dress is the very example of that attributed to the cliché of the Parisian or the Frenchwoman internationally, that is to say the relaxed but chic, and above all simple style. Slightly casual, minimalist and seemingly effortless, Charlotte's "French" look is ideal for everyday life. In his wardrobe, we find beautiful essential basics, such as perfectly cut straight jeans, a pair of classic sneakers (Gazelles from Adidas for example), a chic chain bag, faux leather shorts, a beautiful gray blazer plaid, a white suit jacket, and quality sweaters with a few touches of color. We add a good dose of t-shirts with a vintage pattern or logo that give a cool or rock touch to a simple outfit, and voila: we have the perfect dressing room for the sparkling character of "Plan Cœur". But the protagonist manages to twist these outfits thanks to some more daring and original clothes. We think in particular of her coat with a pink sheepskin effect, which she wears several times in the second season of the series. If the material of the jacket is all the trendiest this season – with the return of faux fur on our bags, shoes, cardigan collars, coats etc. – its color is less classic and more pop, but is ideal for sprucing up basic outfits. Charlotte can also adopt more streetwear looks, for example by combining a denim mini-skirt with a pair of skater-style Vans sneakers, or by daring the classic bomber jacket which energizes an outfit. His versatile but always relaxed and stylish style is a real source of inspiration.
© Remy Grandroques / Netflix
The good inspirations
If you want to copy Charlotte's outfits, nothing too complicated. We look at recent fashion shows, in particular that of Celine, whose universe of the fall-winter 2021/2022 collection fits perfectly with the style of the character. The brand's casual and casual chic silhouettes represent the French style par excellence. There are straight jeans, slightly oversized blazer jackets, casual jackets made from noble materials, bomber-style parkas and chunky sweaters with high collars. We also steal a few pieces from Saint Laurent's fall-winter 2021/2022 collection – such as iridescent mini-skirts or blazer jackets – or even that of Isabel Marant over the same season, where bombers, straight jeans, waist shorts high top and colorful knits combine wonderfully and perfectly match Charlotte's silhouettes. Here is a selection of pieces to shop if you want to copy the looks of the character.
© Stéphanie Branchu / Netflix
A cellar in Alsace produces two alcohol-free wines
COVID will be endemic by the end of the year, according to studies in Germany


Well, slightly more accurately, Belfast born Gareth Dunlop has seen one of his songs make it into the last ever episode of the TV series (which is quite popular around parts of the Americana UK publishing conglomerate). Quite appropriate really as he splits his time between Belfast and Nashville where he recorded his most recent EP. The song 'Dwell in my soul', which can be seen in a live video below, was selected for the show by the Executive Music Producer of Nashville Tim Lauer.


Travel to Israel with Mart DeHaan and hear from biblical scholars as they discuss the "whys" of suffering.
From the darkness of the agony of the cross even Jesus asked why. And in a world filled with suffering, many are echoing his words. Why would a good God allow you to suffer and abandon you in the midst of your pain?
In this DVD Mart DeHaan takes you on a journey of discovery to explore Jesus' claims about suffering. As he guides you through a maze of questions, you'll hear from biblical scholars who have given thought to the "whys" of suffering and the apparent silence of God.
Examine the words of Jesus that reveal his response to human anguish. Consider whether you have reason to embrace what Jesus said about suffering.


Explanation: AAA is used for authentication, authorization, and accounting. Answer c is incorrect because adapting is not part of the security options available with AAA.
Q2. What IOS command must be issued to start AAA on a Cisco router?
Explanation: The aaa new-model command starts authentication, authorization and accounting (AAA). Answers a, b, and c are incorrect because they represent invalid IOS commands.
Q3. What algorithm initiates and encrypts a session between two routers' exchange keys between two encryption devices?
Explanation: When using encryption between two routers, the Diffie-Hellman algorithm is used to exchange keys. This algorithm initiates the session between two routers and ensures that it is secure. Answer a is incorrect because the routing algorithm is used for routing, not for encryption. Answer c is incorrect because a switching engine is used to switch frames and has nothing to do with encryption. Answer d is incorrect because the stac compression algorithm is used by PPP; it compresses data on a PPP WAN link.
Q4. Can you configure RADIUS and TACACS+ concurrently on a Cisco IOS router?
b. Yes, provided you have the same lists names applied to the same interfaces.
c. Yes, provided you have the different lists names applied to the same interfaces.
d. Yes, provided you have the different lists names applied to different interfaces.
Explanation: List names and interfaces must be different.
Q5. How do you enable a RADIUS server to debug messages for Cisco Secure on a UNIX server?
Explanation: You can enable debugging on a UNIX host running Cisco Secure by editing the syslog.confg and csu.cfg files.
Q6. What RADIUS attribute is used by vendors and not predefined by RFC 2138?
Explanation: Attribute 26 is a vendor-specific attribute. Cisco uses vendor ID 9.
Q7. RADIUS can support which of the following protocols?
Explanation: RADIUS supports PPP and none of the multiprotocols listed in options b, c, d, or e.
Q8. When a RADIUS server identifies the wrong password entered by the remote users, what packet type is sent?
Explanation: RADIUS sends an access-reject error if the password entered is invalid.
Q9. Identify the false statement about RADIUS.
a. RADIUS is a defined standard in RFC 2138/2139.
b. RADIUS runs over TCP port 1812.
c. RADIUS runs over UDP port 1812.
d. RADIUS accounting information runs over port 1646.
Explanation: RADIUS does not deploy TCP.
Q10. What is the RADIUS key for the following configuration? If this configuration is not valid,why isn't it?
c. This configuration will not work because the command aaa new-model is missing.
Explanation: Because aaa new-model is not configured, this is not a valid configuration and no requests will be sent to the RADIUS server.
Q11. What is the RADIUS key for the following configuration?
Explanation: The key is case-sensitive; the IOS command, radius-server key IlovemyMum, defines the key as IlovemyMum.
Explanation: There is no Cisco Extended TACACS+ support.
Q13. TACACS+ is transported over which TCP port number?
Q14. What is the predefined TACACS+ server key for the following configuration?
Q15. What does the following command accomplish?
Explanation: The IOS command to define a remote TACACS+ server is tacacs-server host ip-address.
Q16. Which of the following protocols does TACACS+ support?
Explanation: TACACS+ has multiprotocol support for PPP, AppleTalk, NetBIOS and IPX.
Q17. Kerberos is defined at what layer of the OSI model?
Explanation: Kerberos is an application layer protocol defined at Layer 7 of the OSI model.
Q18. What definition best describes a key distribution center when Kerberos is applied to a network?
Explanation: The KDC is a server and database program running on a network host.
Q19. What definition best describes a Kerberos credential?
Explanation: A credential is a general term that refers to authentication tickets, such as ticket granting tickets (TGTs) and service credentials. Kerberos credentials verify the identity of a user or service. If a network service decides to trust the Kerberos server that issued a ticket, it can be used in place of retyping a username and password. Credentials have a default lifespan of eight hours.
Q20. What definition best describes Kerberized?
Explanation: Kerberized refers to applications and services that have been modified to support the Kerberos credential infrastructure.
Q21. What definition best describes a Kerberos realm?
Explanation: The Kerberos realm is also used to map a DNS domain to a Kerberos realm.
Q22. What IOS command enables VPDN in the global configuration mode?
Explanation: To Enable VPDN in global configuration mode, the correct IOS command is vpdn enable.
Q23. What is the number of bits used with a standard DES encryption key?
Explanation: DES applies a 56-bit key. The documented time taken to discover the 56-bit key is 7 hours on a Pentium III computer, so DES is not a common encryption algorithm used in today's networks.
Q24. What is the number of bits used with a 3DES encryption key?
Explanation: Triple DES (3DES) is today's standard encryption with a 168-bit key.
Q25. In IPSec, what encapsulation protocol only encrypts the data and not the IP header?
Explanation: ESP only encrypts the data, not the IP header.
Q26. In IPSec, what encapsulation protocol encrypts the entire IP packet?
Explanation: AH encrypts the entire IP packet. The time to live (TTL) is not encrypted because this value decreases by one (1) every time a router is traversed.
Q27. Which of the following is AH's destination IP port?
Explanation: The AH destination port number is 51.
Q28. Which of the following is ESP's destination IP port?
Explanation: The ESP destination IP port number is 50.
Q29. Which of the following is not part of IKE phase I negotiations?
Explanation: IKE phase II negotiates SA parameters.
Q30. Which of the following is not part of IKE phase II?
Explanation: IKE phase II updates SAs at periodically-defined intervals.
Q31. Which is the faster mode in IPSEC?
Explanation: Aggressive mode is faster than Main mode but is less secure. They can both occur in Phase I. Phase II only has Quick mode. Fast mode does not exist in the IPSec standard set of security protocols.
Explanation: CEP uses the same port as HTTP, port 80.
Q33. Define the AAA model and a typical application on a Cisco IOS router.
Answer:Authentication, authorization, and accounting (pronounced triple A) provides security to Cisco IOS routers and network devices beyond the simple user authentication available on IOS devices.
AAA provides a method to identify which users are logged into a router and each user's authority level. AAA also provides the capability to monitor user activity and provide accounting information.
Typically, AAA is used to authenticate and authorize Cisco IOS commands, and provides accounting information to the network administrator.
Q34. Can you allow a remote user authorization before the user is authenticated with AAA?
Answer:Before authorization occurs, the remote user must be authenticated. Cisco IOS routers allow you to configure AAA authorization, but no access will be permitted until the remote user is authenticated.
Q35. What IOS command is required when enabling AAA for the first time?
Answer: aaa new-model must be entered globally before additional IOS commands are entered.
Q36. What is the privilege level of the following user? Assume AAA is not configured.
Answer:The privilege level ranges from 0 to 15 (the higher the level, the more commands are available). Because the user is not in PRIV exec mode, the default privilege level for an EXEC user is 1. Only basic show commands are available in priv level 1.
Q37. Define four possible RADIUS responses when authenticating the user through a RADIUS server.
REJECT—The user is not authenticated and is prompted to reenter the username and password, or access is denied. The RADIUS server sends this response when the user enters an invalid username/password pairing.
CHALLENGE—The RADIUS server issues a challenge. The challenge collects additional data from the user.
CHANGE PASSWORD—The RADIUS server issues a request asking the user to select a new password.
Q38. What are RADIUS attributes? Supply five common examples.
Answer:RADIUS supports a number of predefined attributes that can be exchanged between client and server, such as the client's IP address. RADIUS attributes carry specific details about authentication.
RFC 2138 defines a number of RADIUS predefined attributes.
Q39. What protocols does RADIUS use when sending messages between the server and client?
Answer:RADIUS transports through UDP destination port number 1812.
Q40. What predefined destination UDP port number is RADIUS accounting information sent to?
Q41. What does the following command accomplish on a Cisco IOS router?
Answer:The aaa authentication ppp user-radius if-needed group radius command configures the Cisco IOS software to use RADIUS authentication for lines using PPP with CHAP or PAP, if the user has not already been authorized. If the EXEC facility has authenticated the user, RADIUS authentication is not performed. User-radius is the name of the method list that defines RADIUS as the if-needed authentication method.
Q42. What is the RADIUS server IP address and key for the following configuration?
Answer:The radius-server host command defines the RADIUS server host's IP address. The IP address is 3.3.3.3.
The radius-server key command defines the shared secret text string between the NAS and the RADIUS server host. The key is case-sensitive like all passwords on Cisco IOS devices, so the key is defined as GuitarsrocKthisplaneT.
Q43. TACACS+ is transported over what TCP destination port number?
Q44. What information is encrypted between a Cisco router and a TACACS+ server?
Answer:All data communication between TACACS+ devices is encrypted, excluding the IP header.
Q45. What are the four possible packet types from a TACACS+ server when a user attempts to authenticate a Telnet session to a Cisco router configured for AAA, for example?
ACCEPT—The user is authenticated and service can begin. If the network access server is configured to require authorization, authorization will begin at this time.
REJECT—The user has failed to authenticate. The user can be denied further access or will be prompted to retry the login sequence, depending on the TACACS+ daemon.
ERROR—An error occurred at some time during authentication. This can be either at the daemon or in the network connection between the daemon and the NAS. If an ERROR response is received, the network access server typically tries to use an alternative method for authenticating the user.
CONTINUE—The user is prompted for additional authentication information.
Q46. What is the significance of the sequence number in the TACACS+ frame format?
Answer:The sequence number is the number of the current packet flow for the current session. The sequence number starts with 1 and each subsequent packet will increment by one. The client only sends odd numbers. TACACS+ servers only send even numbers.
Q47. What does the following IOS command accomplish?
Answer:The aaa authentication command defines a method list, "default," to be used on serial interfaces running PPP. The keyword default means that PPP authentication is applied by default to all interfaces. The if-needed keyword means that if the user has already authenticated through the ASCII login procedure, PPP authentication is not necessary and can be skipped. If authentication is needed, the keyword group tacacs+ means that authentication will be done through TACACS+. If TACACS+ returns an ERROR during authentication, the keyword local indicates that authentication will be attempted using the local database on the NAS.
Q48. What IOS command defines the remote TACACS+ server?
Answer:To define the TACACS+ server, the IOS command is tacacs-server host ip address.
Q49. What are the major difference between TACACS+ and RADIUS?
Answer:The following table lists the major differences between TACACS+ and RADIUS.
Multiprotocol support None TACACS+ supports other protocols, such as AppleTalk, NetBIOS, and IPX.
Router management RADIUS does not allow users to control which commands can be executed on a router. TACACS+ allows network administrators control over which commands can be executed on a router.
Q50. Kerberos is a third-party authentication protocol operating at what layer of the OSI model?
Answer:Kerberos is an application layer protocol, which operates at Layer 7 of the OSI model.
Q51. What delivery methods and destination ports does Kerberos support?
Q52. What does the Kerberos realm define?
Answer:A Kerberos realm defines a domain consisting of users, hosts, and network services that are registered to a Kerberos server. The Kerberos server is trusted to verify the identity of a user or network service to another user or network service. Kerberos realms must always be in uppercase characters.
Q53. Applications that have been modified to support Kerberos credential infrastructures are known as what?
Q54. Define the two steps required in an L2F connection terminating a PPP connection?
Step 1 Establish a tunnel between the NAS and the Home Gateway (HWY). The HWY is a Cisco router or access server (for example, an AS5300) that terminates VPDN tunnels and PPP sessions. This phase takes place only when no active tunnel exists between both devices.
Step 2 Establish a session between the NAS and the Home Gateway.
Q55. Define the two steps for setting up L2TP for tunneling a PPP connection.
Step 1 Establish a tunnel between the LAC and the LNS. The LAC is an L2TP access concentrator that acts as one side of the L2TP tunnel endpoint and has a peer to the L2TP network server or LNS. This phase takes place only when no active tunnel exists between both devices.
Step 2 Establish a session between the LAC and the LNS.
Q56. What are the steps taken for a VPDN connection between a remote user and a remote LAN?
Step 1 The remote user initiates a PPP connection to the ISP using the analog telephone system or ISDN.
Step 2 The ISP network access server accepts the connection.
Step 3 The ISP network access server authenticates the end user with CHAP or PAP. The username determine whether the user is a VPDN client. If the user is not a VPDN client, the client accesses the Internet or other contacted service.
Step 4 The tunnel endpoints—the NAS and the home gateway—authenticate each other before any sessions are attempted within a tunnel.
Step 5 If no L2F tunnel exists between the NAS and the remote users' home gateway, a tunnel is created. Once the tunnel exists, an unused slot within the tunnel is allocated.
Step 6 The home gateway accepts or rejects the connection. Initial setup can include authentication information required to allow the home gateway to authenticate the user.
Step 7 The home gateway sets up a virtual interface. Link-level frames can now pass through this virtual interface through the L2F or L2TP tunnel.
Q57. What are the three most common threats from intruders that network administrators face?
Packet snooping (also known as eavesdropping)—When intruders capture and decode traffic obtaining usernames, passwords, and sensitive data, such as salary increases for the year.
Theft of data—When intruders use sniffers, for example, to capture data over the network and steal that information for later use.
Impersonation—When an intruder assumes the role of a legitimate device but, in fact, is not legitimate.
Answer:DSS is a mechanism that protects data from an undetected change while traversing the network. DSS verifies the identity of the person sending the data just as you verify your license signature to the bank manager.
Q59. What is hash in encryption terminology?
Answer:A hash is defined as the one-way mathematical summary of a message (data) such that the hash value cannot be easily reconstructed back into the original message.
Q60. Name the two modes of operation in IPSec and their characteristics.
Answer:The two modes are transport and tunnel mode.
Transport mode—Protects payload of the original IP datagram; typically used for end-to-end sessions.
Tunnel Mode—Protects the entire IP datagram by encapsulating the entire datagram in a new IP datagram.
Q61. What does IKE accomplish?
Answer:IKE negotiates and provides authenticated keys in a secure manner. IKE was developed by the company previously known as ISAKMP Oakley Key Resolution.
Q62. Certificate Enrollment Protocol is transported over what TCP port?
Answer:CEP is transported over TCP port 80 (same as HTTP).
Q63. The following debug output is seen on R1 after the network administrator pings remote network 131.108.100.1 from Router R2's console port.
Why will the IPSec tunnel not negotiate properly?
22:58:55: CryptoEngine0: generate hmac context for conn id 1.
During the IKE negotiation, the router reports a message that identifies the fault as the share password. R2 is configured with the password, CCIe (should match R1's pre-shared password set to CCIE). See example 5-21, and code line 7.
23:12:22: CryptoEngine0: generate hmac context for conn id 1.!!!!
The first Ping packet fails because the IPSec tunnel has not yet been created. Then, the IPSec tunnel is successfully brought up between R1 and R2.
Q64. What subnets will be encrypted between Routers R1 and R2?
Answer:Access-list 100 on both routers defines the IP subnets that need to be encrypted between R1 and R2. Packets flowing between subnets 131.108.100.0/24 and 131.108.200.0/24 will be encrypted.
Q65. What IOS command produced the following display and from which router?
Answer:The show crypto map IOS command displays the remote peer address and the transform set. The previous displays are taken from R1 because the remote peer address is displayed as 131.108.255.2 (R2's serial 0/0 IP address).
Answer:Yes, because IPSec has nothing to do with routing IP data, IPSec will encrypt only data as configured. R1 has a remote entry to the network residing on R2 and R2 has a remote entry to the network residing on R1.
Q67. To allow the IP subnet 131.108.101.0/24 attached to R1 Ethernet 0/1 interface to be encrypted over the IPSec tunnel and to communicate with the remote PC IP address 131.108.200.5, what configuration changes are required on which router?
IP routing is already configured and working. IPSec will ensure only that IP data is encrypted.


The Camosciata guinea fowl was developed in 1922.
The neck and throat skin are blackish, the pens are white with pearl stains, and the tarsus coloration varies from orange to grey. The Camosciata breed is small and at maturity, females are usually larger than the males.


MyMyelomaTeam is the social network for those living with myeloma. The goal of MyMyelomaTeam is to offer perspective and validation of others by sharing one's own personal story. MyMyelomaTeam aims to create a safe place where members feel comfortable discussing their experiences.
To protect the overall community and intention of MyMyelomaTeam, we've created features that enable all members to report content when guidelines are broken.
What are our community guidelines?
No posting with a judgmental tone. Accept and respect differences.
No promotion, or asking for members contact information to sell products, websites, fundraisers, or seminars.
No repetitive posting of the same content or links. This has the appearance of spam.
No selling or distributing of any product including pharmaceutical products.
No petitions of any kind may be conducted or promoted on the site.
No solicitation of funds for any reason.
No prescribing or instructing what others should do. We are not a medical site, and all members should avoid prescribing medication to other members. This should only be done by a trained physician.
No references to illegal activity, professional malpractice or health code violations.
No research of any kind may be conducted or promoted on the site.
No proselytizing. Please respect members' point of view, religious or not.
No all caps. Shouting on the internet is known as all caps.
No horribly offensive language directed at others.
No posting of hate, misogynistic, sexist, or racist content.
No posting pictures, profile pictures, or text that contain offensive material and/or bodily harm.
No posting of hostile content towards any member of the community, including those who work here.
No unwanted advances either sexual or romantic in nature with a focus on dating.
No screenshots of member content on MyMyelomaTeam and then posting elsewhere on the internet.
No trolling. Learn more about trolling.
What is our process behind account removal?
While our process is not perfect in addressing all violations, we always strive to put the well-being of the entire community above all else. In reviewing actions of members that may violate our guidelines, we always err on the side of removing content of members who may jeopardize the environment of the site as a safe place for people to connect and share their daily experiences.
Anytime a member's action is reported for violating community guidelines or terms of service, MyMyelomaTeam will send an email warning to that member, indicating which guideline has been broken. If the warned member continues to break the same guideline or any additional guideline, MyMyelomaTeam will immediately deactivate that person's account. An email will be sent indicating the nature of the second violation, and the fact that the person's account was terminated.
We aim to swiftly respond to violations of community guidelines to ensure that the site fosters a welcoming and supportive environment. Member-reported violations are one way we are able to maintain the integrity of the site.
What warrants immediate account removal without warning?
Thank you for helping us create a safe social network.
You have our guarantee that we will never betray your confidence in us. We believe in transparency, we let our members know exactly what we do or do not do with their information.
If you sign up to support your spouse or child, you acknowledge that you have their consent or legal authorization to do so.
Be aware that this is a public forum, and as such all information you post is available to all members on MyMyelomaTeam.


text:
Boku no Hero Academia 2nd Season
Buy on Manga Store
English: My Hero Academia 2
Japanese: 僕のヒーローアカデミア 2ndシーズン
Aired: Apr 1, 2017 to Sep 30, 2017
Premiered: Spring 2017
Producers: Dentsu, Yomiuri Telecasting, Movic, Sony Music Entertainment, TOHO animation, Shueisha
Studios: Bones
Genres: Action, Comedy, Super Power, School, Shounen
Ranked: #512
Popularity: #34
Favorites: 15,419
Boku no Hero Academia 2nd Seas...
Ranked #51Popularity #34Members 890,769
Spring 2017TVBones
Shouto Todoroki + Fumikage Tokoyami PV
At UA Academy, not even a violent attack can disrupt their most prestigious event: the school sports festival. Renowned across Japan, this festival is an opportunity for aspiring heroes to showcase their abilities, both to the public and potential recruiters.
However, the path to glory is never easy, especially for Izuku Midoriya—whose quirk possesses great raw power but is also cripplingly inefficient. Pitted against his talented classmates, such as the fire and ice wielding Shouto Todoroki, Izuku must utilize his sharp wits and master his surroundings to achieve victory and prove to the world his worth.
Preview Manga
Adaptation: Boku no Hero Academia
Prequel: Boku no Hero Academia, Boku no Hero Academia 2nd Season: Hero Note
Side story: Boku no Hero Academia: Training of the Dead
Sequel: Boku no Hero Academia 3rd Season
Midoriya, Izuku
Yamashita, Daiki
Todoroki, Shouto
Kaji, Yuki
Bakugou, Katsuki
All Might
Miyake, Kenta
Uraraka, Ochako
Sakura, Ayane
Iida, Tenya
Ishikawa, Kaito
Asui, Tsuyu
Yuuki, Aoi
Aizawa, Shouta
Suwabe, Junichi
Kirishima, Eijirou
Masuda, Toshiki
Toga, Himiko
Nagasaki, Kenji
Mima, Masafumi
Ishihira, Shinji
Theme Song Lyrics, Theme Song Performance
#1: "Peace Sign (ピースサイン)" by Kenshi Yonezu (eps 1-13)
#2: "Sora ni Utaeba (空に歌えば)" by amazarashi (eps 14-25)
#1: "Dakara, Hitori ja nai (だから, ひとりじゃない)" by Little Glee Monster (eps 1-13)
#2: "Datte Atashi no Hero. (だってアタシのヒーロー。)" by LiSA (eps 14-24)
ZephSilver (All reviews)
-Minor plotting events will be addressed and forwarned in advance-
It's easy to point the finger at Boku No Hero Academia and label it as just one in the same with any other shounen that populates the medium. To make broad statements like the characters themselves are just repackaged personalities with only a fresh coat of paint and appearance to their name. Or something to the effect of its story being recycled. And if you were to choose that stance, defendants would be hard-pressed to argue against it. But if you did decide to adopt that stance, that then calls into question the very essence of critiquing a shounen in such restrictive terms, to begin with.
If a shounen isn't allowed to be about the fundamental fight between good and evil with said fights being carried out through the proxy of colorfully decorated personalities, then at what point does it cease to make sense for it even to be made at all? Or better yet, why bother to scrutinize it for doing what that genre has been predicated on since its inception? At what point does valid criticism capsize towards the side of pointless nitpicking? You won't always discredit comedies for having situational humor nor will you shame an action movie for delivering on its promise of cool fights and chase scenes. So why then is that benefit not allotted to shounens for being just that; a shounen? What I'm trying to say, in more words or less, is if a shounen isn't allowed to be a shounen without being reprimanded, what purpose does it even serve anymore?
With all that being said, couldn't a shounen that operates within the realm of its genre commonalities be allowed to revel in it, even if it may air on the side of self-indulgence at times? I say it should. Not every shounen could escape its role to become Fullmetal Alchemist nor should it be required to. In the same way, not every action movie is expected to be a seminal time marker in the way The Matrix did for bullet-time effects and stylized violence or Inception for its audiovisual craftmanship and technical proficiency. Sometimes, being the byproduct to ride the wave of other tentpole entries is just fine. And in that regard, Boku No Hero Academia has proven to be a steady entry in the ever-expanding superhero/shounen canon, and I see no reason to ostracize it because it isn't overly ambitious.
What can and will be critiqued, however, is the eternal mechanics of its universe and the functionality of all the moving parts—characters and their purpose notwithstanding. No matter the demographic or genre it services, poor writing isn't autonomous to critique, and in my opinion, that's the space where a reviewer is needed to occupy. The utilization of literary devices is something all storytelling media shares, and it's in this truth that we can adequately gauge quality-control in a fair manner. We don't need critics to tell us that "SPOILER ALERT, shounens have very simple themes." Anyone with a modicum of common sense could do that on their own. But what's usually beyond the general knowledge of the viewing audience is the inner-workings that drive the content they consume. Basically, how well does the title in question use the tools at its disposal? And with that in mind, Boku no Hero Academia has some kinks it needs to iron out before it occupies any shelf-space alongside the genre's cherished entries. Thankfully, this 2nd season shows promise of that possibly coming to fruition if they handle the content properly moving forward.
But before we open that can of worms, let's get everyone up to speed.
Coming off season one's finale, our group of young heroes finds themselves becoming in-house celebrities on their school's campus, and for good reason. They fought against real-world villains, a situation that's already rare enough for students but made all the more alarming given that the face-off took place on school grounds. This places everyone on high alert as they move forward with the calendar year. And as new challenges emerge to face them, this period of their lives will serve as their first jumping off point into finding out what it truly means to be a hero.
These set of challenges first starts off with a genre staple, the tournament arc. And let's just be honest here, this 1st arc is only paying lip service to having a plot while the true intent is allowing physical alterations to happen, and that's fine. Of course, the writers conjure up a reason to justify this event, and wisely, they made sure their pretext reflected in the show's in-world rationalizing as well, taking the edge off for anyone that may have noticed it for what it was. Since being a superhero is its own profession in this world, many agencies choose this event to scout new talent, which also doubles up as a national sporting competition for regular civilians to enjoy. Which I must add is a far better excuse for this setup than what most people would give it credit for. And while this arc came with all the bells and whistles that make any shounen tournament fun, it was also the weakest part of the 2nd season for the reason that's pivotal to making the whole thing work.
The thing that plagues this portion of the show's run was something I praised the 1st installment of getting right the first time around. And no, it has nothing to do with the self-evident cliché of the arc's existence. As I mentioned earlier, a shounen doing "shounen shit" is not my concern here. You don't need me telling you how overused tournament arcs are, that point will already be reiterated to death by every pseudo-critic that will see this as an opportunity to attack "low-hanging fruit." Instead, what I plan to address is the functionality of the show's premise in this arc. And to address that, what needs to be called into question is something that's perhaps the easiest for everyday viewers to comprehend: proper buildup and payoff.
The idea is simple, throughout the show, the creators will attempt to build up several things—whether it be story or character-centric—and then proceed to pay off their efforts through the natural metamorphosis of the narrative. That "payoff" can either be the central climax of the story or just the resolution of a subplot within it.
To get a sense of this idea in action, let's take a look at the following scenario:
Let's say there's a superhero introduced who is explicitly stated to have the power to spawn water cannons from his arms. With the explanation of that character's ability, it's reasonable to expect that the buildup will probably revolve around the use of said power or the resolve of the character being tested at a crucial moment. Whether against someone in specific or an event that calls for his particular ability, as long as that hero accomplishes or fails whatever the writers pit him against, it will serve as the payoff for his prominent introduction and highlighted power.
This doesn't always mean there needs to be a payoff right away, but if the story dedicates time away from its central focus to build up something or someone else, it's usually meant to foreshadow a future event later down the line where that knowledge the audience is given will be reincorporated. Pretty self-explanatory, right? Now, let's look at an example of that being done correctly in the 1st season of Boku no Hero, most notably with our protagonist Midoriya.
He's shown as an astute kid that studies the anatomy and abilities of other heroes. This has become so synonymous with what defines him as a character that it's even caught the attention of those around him. The buildup established has constantly been paid off with every physical altercation Midoriya finds himself in, as he's continuously shown using his opponent's strengths to his advantage, while also working with the limitations of his own power.
The buildup: his excessive studying.
The payoff: his tactical prowess on the battlefield.
Now this is where the problem rears its ugly head in this season, throughout the entirety of the tournament arc, almost every buildup that doesn't revolve around Midoriya or Todoroki, significant or otherwise, was poorly delivered upon, and in some cases, completely abandoned altogether. And no, this has nothing to do with antiquated terms like Chekhov's gun, but more so an inability to reconnect with things previously established.
To help you spot this on your own, I will highlight a minor event in season 2 episode 3. Obviously, if you haven't seen up to this point, there will be light spoilers ahead. Skip these two merged paragraphs if you want to avoid them.
In episode 3 at around the 4-minute mark, characters Kirishima and Tetsutetsu are shown crushed under a gigantic robot, something that both characters ended up walking away from unscathed, thanks to their quirks. One could harden like a rock while the other hardens like steel, a quirk that makes them both the ultimate armor against things that would usually cause harm, or in some cases death, to any other student that found themselves in the same predicament. What's important here is that the show took time to pause during the tournament arc to specifically highlight this, subconsciously signaling to the audience that it will come into play later on.
Not even a full 7-minutes later into the same episode, at around the 11-minute mark, the show introduces an obstacle for the students to get through. This obstacle is a minefield covered with non-lethal explosive charges, a fact the announcer reinforces. It can harm the students but not to the point of endangering their lives. Now, this is very important to note, because like we already established 7-minutes prior, two students survived what would in any other case be life-threatening injuries to other students without a quirk explicitly designed to counteract it. So it stands to reason, this obstacle would be perfect for two students who can quite literally become armor, right? Wrong, because as far as the show is concerned, the only characters that matter, at this point, is the three main ones. And even without zeroing in on those two characters in specific, everyone else, from the likes of Uraraka who've been shown to defy gravity to Hatsume who had gadgets made specifically for courses like this, are all left not using their advantages to overcome the obstacle.
And this kind of logic occurs throughout the entire runtime of the tournament arc. Where the 1st season paid extra attention to its characters quirks and how they can be utilized in combat, in this arc, these secondary characters are now just used as dick-measuring extras to place the main ones on a pedestal. What I just highlighted was only one of several times this occurred.
With that kind of logic, it would be like if the water cannon superhero previously mentioned were to end up finding himself in front of a burning building, but instead of using his Quirk to put out the fire, he stands there looking at it instead. If framed in the mindset that Boku no Hero does with its supporting cast, he would do nothing as the building catches ablaze, not out of negligence but out of failed returns on initial investment towards the character's introduction and build up.
Thankfully, the 2nd half of this season balances the power mechanics again. Something that's complimented further with the far more exciting scenario they're placed in.
What gives intrigue to the 2nd arc of Academia is how it chooses to challenge the notion of justice in a world overpopulated by quirk users. If 80% of the world have quirks, how can there be any stability in the superhero job sector? Well as it turns out, the answer to that question has already been pre-written into the show, but it's only now that the idealism of the classroom environment has been traded out for the reality of the world they live in that we get to see the answer. Just because someone could run doesn't automatically qualify them to be an Olympic athlete. In the same way, their quirks, the one thing they thought made them unique, doesn't matter all that much if its usefulness becomes pigeonholed to limited tasks. So beyond the students being challenged to use their skills in inventive ways in season one during all their physical exams, what the school environment was really prepping them for was adapting in a world that doesn't always play to their strengths. And this kind of thing can lead to compromise, and sometimes that's not for the best.
This realization for those with an advantage could breed vanity, while others may grow in resentment to those at the top. So in that sense, justice in a world full of superheroes like this one could just amount to a rat race to profit and self-benefit. The idea of standing for what's right could become lost in a world where the bottom dollar might be all that matters for some. A diluted cesspool of what it means to be a "hero" has effectively worked its way into the mix. And in a system where the good guys can become no more distinguishable from a business person thinking with a capitalist mindset, radical ideas of reform can begin to emerge. Ideas that may be voiced by a fanatic but may still contain some semblance of truth behind it. This is something that seems to be interwoven into the subtext of this 2nd arc while all the hero shenanigans happen on the surface. And perhaps a glimpse of future storylines to come. Either way, what's important is seeing all the students hone their skills while realizing there's much more to becoming a hero than what presumptions they may have had prior.
And yeah, a lot of this is based on conjecture, but going off the clues that the show keeps hinting towards, I wouldn't be surprised if the future installment of this series finds itself tackling the same sociopolitical dilemma that other superhero stories like Concrete Revolutio and Samurai Flamenco attempted to highlight. Either way, the future is looking bright for Academia if it manages to pull this off.
Of course, I don't have to tell you that the art and animation look great; it's Bones, good art, and animation is within their wheelhouse. If you liked the comic book apparel of the 1st season, this season just doubles down on that. I could go on and on about how much fun the fights were or how catchy the soundtrack is but honestly, you don't need me to tell you that, the work speaks for itself. But what I do want to get across is that this season seems to show the efforts of its prior storylines finally starting to pay off. Where the 1st installment helped set up the world and characters that live in it, here, all that establishment is finally being used to craft something far more interesting than the sum of its parts.
So no, I don't think Academia is quite at that level to be celebrated just yet, but the groundwork has certainly been laid for future installments to come in and shake things up. But until that time comes, let's just enjoy a shounen that's comfortable in just being itself.
Stark700 (All reviews)
After watching the first season of Boku Hero no Academia (My Hero Academia), I can't help but feel wanting for more of this series. The first season consisted of only 13 episodes. It adapted the general premise of the story and had its character roster in set. However, it missed the opportunity to expand more and build on those elements. Have no fear. Season 2 is here and it's set to fill the gaps for you diehard fans of this classic shounen adventure.
One major part of the sequel is that the length is almost twice the duration of the first season. It consists of 25 episodes (including an anime original) as part of its storytelling. Therefore, expect almost twice as much as details. As an avid fan of the manga, I'm also rather impressed by the faithfulness of its adaptation standards. Expecting this show to hit a lot of its marks is no easy task and I had some doubts at first. Still, the sequel does a splendid job at crafting the essence of its story. At its core, the show is about heroes in a fictional world. Protagonist Izuku Midoriya (nicknamed Deku) tries to make a difference in his world by trying to become a hero.
Something that I often found appealing about Boku Hero no Academia is how stylish it establishes itself. It's a typical shounen series yet is able to spread its themes and knows how to do so. The second season asks a question: what really makes a hero? From the first half, we get a tournament (U.A. Sports Festival Arc) that pits the best of the best between classes. While this may seem like a generic battle tournament you can find in many shounen series, Boku Hero no Academia sets itself to establish characters within its tournament. Prominent characters such as Deku, Ochako, Bakugo, and Todoroki gives the audience their insight on their reasoning for fighting. While some of their principles can be disputed, they sent a clear message that becoming a hero is no easy path. At least for these characters, being a hero is more than just about saving others. The Sports Festival arc also examines the background story of Todoroki, a character that we knew little about from the previous season. It invites moments of sympathy as we see how tragic his past has influenced his character in the present.
Meanwhile, the show still maintains its presence of antagonists. Perhaps the most prominent of these is Hero Killer Stain, a new villain with his own objectives and morals. Again, his character ties with the question of "what makes a hero". In his mind, there are certain rules that establishes what a "true hero" is from the "fake ones". Season 2 has psychology that makes antagonists such as Stain feel meaningful as a character. It motivates other heroes to realize what they are and what to fight for. Don't believe me? Just ask Tenya.
As I watched more and more of season 2, I can't help but realize that the sequel serves as a way to prepare for the characters/heroes for what's really ahead. What I mean is that while the second season is rich in content, it still leaves some gaps to fill. Mainly, prominent villains such as Tomura Shigaraki and his right-hand man Kurogiri play very minor roles despite establishing themselves as a dangerous threat from the first season. All Might also plays a lesser role in this season despite still being the main hero. Although his role is still important for Deku's development, it feels that his character dynamics with the boy is less. As a show loaded with characters, don't expect everyone to get the same development as the main cast. While most characters gets some time to shine, others are left with less memorable moments or comic relief. (yes, I'm looking at you, Mineta) Finally, season 2's storytelling can occasionally feel stale at times with the academy setting and themes. Luckily, the comedy gives the fans its entertainment value that's deceptively fun to watch.
Bones studio (known for their adaptation of other super power and hero theme shows) returns with their animation quality. I must admit, season 2 sets the bar for is stylish animation. Battle scenes from the Festival Arc particular stand out that is simply mesmerizing. The fight between Deku and Todoroki is especially noticeable that captures the stellar choreography as I'd expect from this studio. Camera angles feel smooth with vibrant colors and body movements. However, there are a few scenes that feel stagnant especially during the fight with Stain. Perhaps some of those can be fixed later in BD/DVDs but it's nothing too distracting. Character designs in this sequel also remains memorable for characters ranging from the barbaric design of the Hero Killer, pro heroes, and our main cast.
When listening to the soundtrack, I can't help but feel that everything is on point. From character voice mannerisms to the battle OST, it succeeds far more than it fails. I can honestly say that the voice mannerism of the characters really brings out the personalities of the cast. Characters such as Stain, All Might, Bakugo, and Todoroki especially stand out this season whenever they speak with dynamism and purpose. The theme songs offers a classic hero-like tune that's hard to miss.
If you're going to watch this second season, just know that it will be a thoughtful experience beyond the colorful battles. Everything has a reason ranging from the story, themes, morals, and even character names. I can't say this enough but season 2 really bought out what I had expected as an adaptation. It's faithful on most parts and leaves me hunger for more each episode. That being said, season 2 is still far from resolving the end story. It actually feels more like building up for more as certain characters are foreshadowed and more threats looms in the horizon for the main characters. However, I came into this show with high expectations and left with awe. With season 3 announced, this sequel is nothing short of been a classic.
DarthInvader (All reviews)
*Minimum Spoiler Plus Ultra Review*
If you did not watch BNHA S1 then go watch that ASAP.
TL;DR: Hype Hype, Finally a Shounen Anime worth watching Plus Ultra Hype! BNHA S2 is basically Naruto and DBZ's illegitimate child, Hunter X Hunter's bastard child raised by the all mighty Bones STUDIO that has stayed true to the manga and doing the show justice it really deserves! Definitely Binge-Worthy!
[Story: 8/10 , Characters: 9/10, Art: 9/10, Sound: 8/10, Enjoyment: 10/10]
"So many to kill, so little time. None of you are worthy. None of you are All Might" - Stain
If there is one genre that can always hype people up time after time, it's the classic shounen genre in anime. It's like scrambled eggs. The recipe is very simple yet the execution to get it consistently right day after day is difficult. Luckily, fans of one of the most acclaimed manga, BNHA, can rejoice that studio Bones have done yet another great job in beautifully adapting it their own way without deviating away from the manga to give the viewers total indulgence over a shounen anime people will remember for years to come. If you thought season 1 was good, well this season they just went PLUS ULTRA!
The story is great. The anime being 25 episodes long is able to cover 3 different arcs from the manga. In season 1 we mostly focused on the character development of Deku. However, most of the supporting characters this season underwent major character development, especially characters like Todoroki, Iida and even Bakugo. That being said, the overaching development of Deku is ever present feeding off from the development of others. Really embodying the "All for One" motif as the show goes on. Aside from the characters, the art and animation is bold and vibrant. Nothing short from studio Bones standard. Even the OST and the OP & ED songs are just outright catchy and worth listening to over and over again. It's really hard to find flaw in such a good anime when even the two filler episodes are done so well that it catered to the fans long-time needs & curiosity! With that being said, let's dive deeper into the anime to really get a good grasp of what all the hype surrounding the anime is. Keep in mind, some spoilers might be revealed!
*Minimum Spoilers Zone Begins*
"If you wanna stop this, then stand up! Because I've just got one thing to say to you! Never forget who you want to become!" - Todoroki
There is no point revisiting the premise of the show. It hasn't changed since season 1. We know the end goal is Deku learning how to fully use All for One. The real plot is the whole journey to get there. This season had three different arcs. First we have the ever cliche shounen tournament arc; where all of the UA students battle it out from team battles to finally 1v1 battles. Surprisingly, the tournament arc actually ends with someone actually being declared a winner. No major interruptions or surprise villain gank happens. Now that's a surprise. This arc also features one of the fan favourite episode: Todoroki: The Origin. Next, we have the Stain arc, where Stain, a new villain or anti-villain, that has taken it upon himself to purge the world of fake heroes. It's a really dark arc and one of fan favourite arcs to be adapted. Lastly, we have the much rushed UA Final Hero Examination Arc, where UA students must fight against their teachers (Heroes) to pass their final exam. It also features the second fan favourite episode: Bakugo the Origin. In between these three arcs we are revealed more about the power of All for One and it's origins as well as League of Villains intentions and who is really pulling the puppet strings. Needless to say, Bones, with the help of Yoshihiko Umakoshi (Tournament Arc) and Takahiro Komori (Stain Arc + Exam Arc), did a great job adapting them in anime format. The only major issue was how different each directors take on how they adapted the arcs. Viewers will notice significant difference in battle sequences and camera angles from one director to the other.
"Needless to say... I'll be a hero that even surpasses you (All Might)" - Bakugo
Aside from the plot, the major highlight of this season is the character development. Besides Deku, other characters like Todoroki, Bakugo, Iida, Uraraka and even All Might goes through great lengths of character developments. Just as the two major side characters, Todoroki and Bakugo acts as great foils for Deku, actually all three personify the different attributes of All Might that establishes him as the best superhero of all time that not only saves lives but inspired the next generation to be the hero the nation deserves. Deku wants to save people with a smile. Todoroki wants to be his own person and not a prisoner of his blood. Bakugo wants to be the strongest and win with overwhelming force. This just goes to show you why Endeavor could never be the number one hero. It's never been about how many villains you beat or how strong you are. To be the number one hero means you have to be the beacon of hope and inspiration for all of Japan. The show's main running theme of quirk strength vs physical & mental strength is again revisited through this. The reason pros are good is because of their skills and judgment not because of their quirks. Besides the heroes, the most interesting character of the season has to be the villain or anti-villain, Stain. His motives are good because he wants to restore the title of Hero to something more respectable and pure. However, the method he uses to achieve this is similar to of a villain. Because of this, he starts a chain reaction of inspiring villains similar to how All Might inspiring heroes. All the parallels and juxtaposed characters in this series really adds to the depth and complexity of the show.
*Minimum Spoiler Zone Ends*
"Meddling when you don't need to is the essence of being a hero" - All Might
Beside the linear plot and dynamic characters, the technical aspects of this show really makes it stand out from other shounen animes. The animation quality from studio Bones is just Plus Ultra. The characters, the fight sequences, the background cinematography are all beautifully hand-drawn. The vibrant colour palette gives it a rich warm tone that resonates throughout the anime. If that wasn't enough, the background OST coupled with the epic OP/ED songs slowly grows on you the more you listen to it. Out of the two OP songs, I think Peace sign is still my favourite. Lastly, the seiyuus of this show does a phenomenal job. There isn't a single character who did not benefit from having a star-studded seiyuu cast in BNHA. Kudos to them. Everything as a whole, really sets the mood and the hype each episode brings to the table.
Overall, BNHA S2 is probably one of the best shounen animes we've been blessed with in the last decade. The shounen anime recipe have been replicated numerous times however it hasn't been executed to this degree in quite a while. The last great shounen anime of this calibre was FMAB. Oddly enough, it was actually studio Bones who also adapted it. They know that staying true to the manga is the ultimate rewarding experience for both new viewers and manga viewers. Nevertheless, I personally really enjoyed this anime and I can see myself easily binging this show again with my friends. It's just that type of show. Also Season 3 has been confirmed. Anyways, I recommend this show to all shounen anime fans and new fans wanting to venture into the shounen anime genre. Check it out let me know later how you like it as well as share with me your favourite quote from the anime! Plus Ultra!!!
P.S. Thank you for reading. I hope you found this short and supaishi review helpful!
LiaNF (All reviews)
This is a two-part review where I'll be weighing in the positives and negatives of this show.
Starting with what I thought it did right:
Despite Boku no Hero Academia's rather familiar and simplistic premise, its thematic consistency and high production value made it possible for this title to gain recognition and significant following among the anime community. Season 1 managed to deliver in an impressive note and thankfully, that didn't waiver at all in its continuing season. Much like its predecessor, Boku no Hero Academia 2 looks and sounds just as good—if not, even better. While it still didn't take any risks, it did capitalize on the tried and tested formula in battle shounen that never failed to appeal to this genre's fans and took the liberty to put its own creative spin to it—which I daresay has been pretty successful: Solidly executed action-packed superhero show with a competitive school life and comedy on the side. The tone shifts felt natural and it didn't fall into the trap of forcefully incorporating dark, tragic themes nor did it get too hung up on its more serious tone just to make it look deep or mature. This anime is fortunately devoid of any of that pretentiousness and instead, it embraced its simplicity, which resulted to a cohesive storytelling. It's a show that knows what it wants to do and doesn't go beyond its limitations. At least, not yet anyway.
Although Boku no Hero Academia also happens to lump in almost every character archetype in shounen, it was at least able to turn them into a colorful bunch with just the right amount of exposure. More importantly, there has been better characterization amongst its main cast, which I guess is to be expected since this season delved further into the actual plot where it opened more room for character growth. Our protagonist grew from a cry-heavy (it's not really a word, I know) underdog to an impressive hero in-training who now has more control over his power. His progress felt smooth and his worth as All Might's successor was constantly tested and proven in all of the arcs covered. Todoroki also had a more significant role, wherein we also learned about his backstory, motivations, and we saw the shift in his dynamics. As did Ida, who was a key player in the second arc that involved the Hero-Killer, Stain. All Might is just as majestic and his power display against Deku and Bakugo in the exam arc was nothing short of spectacular. Their fight was awesome and arguably the best in this season.
Bakugo is still a mixed bag to be honest. He was still quite obnoxious with few redeemable moments, who also couldn't seem rid himself off of the insecurity and hostility that he had always felt towards Deku. But on another note, he was absolutely hilarious and entertaining this season and I find it hard not to enjoy his chemistry with other characters, especially when he becomes the object of their mockery. His rage reactions are comedy gold and I wouldn't be surprised if people actually consider him a walking meme at this point. There were also subtle hints of his development thrown here and there to keep us at the edge of our seats whenever he's on screen. The rest of the supporting cast, most especially the class A students, also had their fair share of the spotlight. Though some may complain about how little exposure the rest of the class A students had in the sports festival, I'd argue that it worked out for the story given that the focus of the arc were meant to be Deku and Todoroki in the first place.
I also want to commend how superb the sound, visuals, and animation were in this anime. This was mostly displayed in the Sports Festival arc, which in my opinion, is also this season's highlight. Hats off to the voice actors as well, who did a phenomenal job conveying the characters' emotions in the most intense moments. They truly didn't hold back in making this season a spectacle, contributing further to the anime's general appeal.
My issues with this show:
First that comes to mind is the underwhelming antagonists, given that there seems to be a tad few legitimate threats whose characters also managed to be interesting – Stain (granted that we haven't seen the last of him) and a couple of new villains introduced by the tail end of the season might draw some intrigue back. In contrast to them, Tomura Shigaraki and his other minions in the League of Villains, ever since their introduction up to the most part of this season, are honestly just really—for the lack of better word—bleh. Second, it's still lacking in world-building. I was hoping to see even just a glimpse of how the rest of the world fairs in this storyline, but I guess it's too early for that. Note that those I mentioned above are just very minor issues that I have with this season, hence, I'm not going to elaborate on it further. I'm aware that this is one of those overarching series that would take a little more time to explore its full potential; and that is fine, so I'll just leave it at that and that I'm not docking off points because of that. I will still keep these in mind as I tread further into the series, however.
Having all that said, my actual gripe with it is that it feels too comfortable. While Boku no Hero Academia is certainly one of the better battle shounen anime out there today, its generic or rather ordinary nature is also why I can't consider it to be great. Besides its very impressive technical presentation and solid delivery, the story simply lacks the ingenuity or in other words, the "wow" factor that makes anime like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood or Hunter x Hunter, in my honest opinion, the pinnacle of the genre. Don't misunderstand though—I don't intend to draw comparisons just to glorify those aforementioned titles nor to put BnHA down. I'm also not necessarily implying that it's automatically mediocre just because it doesn't have complex themes or isn't unique. I simply want to make a distinction that justifies my score for this given that I also use the rating scale differently. While I believe that storytelling and execution are what separates the good shows from the bad, I also believe that a compelling narrative with equally compelling characters are what separates good shows from the elite. BnHA is simply lacking in that department.
As mentioned beforehand and despite its stylish, cartoon-esque style and my initial praise for its well-delivered plot and colorful characters, it doesn't have any trait that makes it truly stand out and incomparable to others. As such became more apparent this season as we continue to witness yet again some very familiar and overdone concepts in shounen: the underdog protagonist who continues to work hard and also tries to seek acknowledgment from the rival who hates his guts; the good ol' tournament that actually serves as a stage for the protagonist to inspire and subsequently "soften" another rival who has parental issues; a chance encounter with the murderous villain with misunderstood intentions to help a friend who was in a quest for revenge; the mysterious big bad lurking in the shadows; etc. That's not a fault in itself considering that it's normal to have shared themes or tropes in this genre. It does what shounen anime do after all. That said, such idea unfortunately doesn't save it from being predictable, run-of-the mill story wherein we can only look forward to how the creators will put their own spin to these tropes. And since it took inspiration from other well-known titles, it also suffers from the inevitable comparison due to it having very similar concepts that have already been done and outdone (arguably) by some of its predecessors.
It is still a good show for those who appreciate simple, solid, and well-animated shows though. I generally like action anime, so I was consistently invested. But for those who are not a fan of this genre or have seen almost everything it has to offer, it takes more than what BnHA presented to keep them genuinely impressed—which I really couldn't blame them for.
To wrap it up:
I still think that Boku no Hero Academia 2 is a fun-filled, easy to watch show with so much potential and it seems to tread in the right direction. Whatever it may lack in story, setting, or characters, it still kind of makes it up with its consistency and entertainment value. Not to mention, its excellent animation and sound. It's an eye candy that's still worth the watch.
* To anyone who's interested, this is the actual breakdown of my score:
Story: 5/10 | Execution: 8/10 | Characters: 6/10 | Presentation: 8/10 | Enjoyment: 7/10
One Punch Man3 Users
Naruto3 Users
Hunter x Hunter (2011)2 Users
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu 2nd Season2 Users
Fairy Tail2 Users
World Trigger2 Users
Shokugeki no Souma: Ni no Sara1 User
Little Witch Academia (TV)1 User
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu1 User
Made in Abyss1 User
Haikyuu!!1 User
Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou - The Last Song1 User
Ueki no Housoku1 User
Katekyo Hitman Reborn!1 User
Black Clover1 User
One Punch Man 2nd Season1 User
Dragon Ball1 User
Baby Steps1 User
Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho1 User
North American Anime & Manga Releases for April
Here are the North American anime & manga releases for April Week 1: April 3 - 9 Anime Releases Boku no Hero Academia 2nd Season Part 1 Blu-ray & DVD Combo B...read more
Apr 2, 2018 10:50 AM by Sakana-san | Discuss (5 comments)
'Boku no Hero Academia' Franchise Gets Anime Movie
The 2nd and 3rd combined 2018 issue of Weekly Shounen Jump magazine has announced on Monday that Kouhei Horikoshi's Boku no Hero Academia manga series will get ...read more
Dec 10, 2017 5:15 PM by tsubasalover | Discuss (34 comments)
Can we all agree Mineta is the worst character in this series? ( 1 2 )
SuperRed - Sep 8, 2017 64 replies by Lz_Mystery »»
Poll: Boku no Hero Academia 2nd Season Episode 23 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 )
Stark700 - Sep 16, 2017 159 replies by TicklingThoughts »»
Jun 24, 8:27 PM
Boku no Hero Academia's Problematic Journey to Hollywood
Hollywood has yet to master how to make successful live-action adaptations of anime, and they've chosen to take on what may be their biggest challenge to date.
by Shymander
Why Main Characters Sometimes Have to Lose
Despite the potential satisfaction of seeing the main character succeed, sometimes a loss is far more beneficial than a win.
by MAL_Articles

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


everal criteria were developed and used to assess mine location likelihoods at sites across the county, including the suitability of St. Peter sandstone for mining, access to transportation networks, and land use regulations. These criteria were researched through several different methods, including GIS, field work, and statistical modeling. This highly interdisciplinary project brought together students and faculty from diverse fields and resulted in products that contributed to Winneshiek County's ability to make decisions about engaging with the frac sand mining industry.


text:
Fantasy Football Diehards | FootballDiehards.com
AugustUpdate Camp News | Staff Rankings | Config Cheat Sheet | STOMP
Draft Strategies | Depth Charts | Mock Drafts | SOS | Tools | ADP
Diehards Staff Experts Poll | Draft Simulator | University Videos
Click Here to:
Select another article by Matthew Cherrin
Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 16 (12/21/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 15 (12/13/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 13 (11/29/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 12 (11/22/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 10 (11/15/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 9 (11/1/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 8 (10/26/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 7 (10/18/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 6 (10/11/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 5 (10/4/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 4 (9/27/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 3 (9/20/22) Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 2 (9/13/22) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 17 (12/29/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 16 (12/23/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 15 (12/15/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 14 (12/8/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 13 (12/1/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 12 (11/24/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 11 (11/16/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 10 (11/9/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 9 (11/3/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 8 (10/27/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 7 (10/19/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 5 (10/5/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 4 (9/29/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 2 (9/21/21) Dollar Free Agents 2021 Week 1 (9/14/21)
Select Another Writer
Tod Burros Jamie Calandro Joe COLONNA Gary Davenport Kyle Dvorchak Bob Harris Reginald James KC Joyner Emil Kadlec Brad Kruse John Laub Justin Lonero Alex McCarthy Damon Moffa Adam Pfeifer Drew Phelps Tera Roberts Jen Ryan Evan Tarracciano Home About Contact
Dollar Free Agents 2022 Week 18
By Matthew Cherrin
Jarrett Stidham- QB- Raiders
If you need a quarterback for the last week in the playoffs, Jarrett Stidham should be available. Last week against the 49ers, he threw for 23 completions, 365 yards and three touchdowns. The Raiders face the Chiefs on Saturday, whose pass defense has given up the 4th most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Stidham is also a great prospect as a keeper for next season. You can get him for a buck today.
K.J. Osborn- WR- Vikings
Even though the Vikings had a terrible fantasy game against the Packers in week 17, K.J. Osborn was one of the bright spots. He recorded seven receptions for 549 yards and a touchdown. The Vikings face the Bears on Sunday, whose defense has given up the 17th most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. If you are desperate for a wide out in your championship game, Osborn is a solid free agent who won't get benched if the games turn out to be unimportant to final standings. Get him today.
DeeJay Dallas- RB- Seahawks
Although DeeJay Dallas is behind rookie running back Kenneth Walker, he was able to put up a decent fantasy day last week against the Jets. He recorded seven carries for 43 yards and caught four passes for 55 yards. The Seahawks face the Rams to end the season, whose defense has been horrible since Aaron Donald's injury back in week 12. He's not someone you would normally put into your lineup, but if you are desperate and in a deep-roster league, he should be someone to consider this week.
Trey McBride- TE- Cardinals
Rookie tight end Trey McBride looked like an all-pro vet last week against the Falcons. He caught seven receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. It was a season high for targets, receptions, and yards this season. The Cardinals face the 49ers this week, whose has given up the 7th fewest fantasy points to tight ends this year. He may not be worth starting this week, but he's worth stashing on your bench in keeper and dynasty leagues. Get him today if he available and start him if you need REALLY a tight end.
Damien Harris- RB- Patriots
While the Bills have one of the better defenses in the league, it might be a good idea to look at picking up Patriots running back Damien Harris this week for a dollar. Harris finally returned to the field last week, recording nine carries for 32 yards. Last year when Harris played the Bills, he had 214 yards and four touchdowns in two games. He is a flyer this week considering it's his second back from injury. He is also behind Rhamondre Stevenson on the depth chart, but if you need someone, Harris could be a good option. He should be available for a buck.
Richie James- WR- Giants
Giants' wide receiver Richie James should be picked up if he's available this week. He has at least seven receptions in three of the last four games, and last Sunday he recorded seven receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown. He has been one of Daniel Jones' favorite targets in the second half the season. The Giants face the Eagles in the finale, and James should continue to see a good amount of targets. Pick him up and start him in your championship game.


This is Freud's greatest and most important work in which he introduces his theory of the unconscious with respect to dream interpretation, and also first discusses what would later become the theory of the Oedipus complex, and it is widely considered one of his most important works. Freud said of this work, "Insight such as this falls to one's lot but once in a lifetime." Dreams, in Freud's view, are all forms of "wish fulfillment" — attempts by the unconscious to resolve a conflict of some sort, whether something recent or something from the recesses of the past. Because the information in the unconscious is in an unruly and often disturbing form, a "censor" in the preconscious will not allow it to pass unaltered into the conscious. Freud refers to dreams as "The Royal Road to the Unconscious". He proposed the 'phenomenon of condensation' - the idea that one simple symbol or image presented in a person's dream may have multiple meanings.Content:THE SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE ON THE PROBLEMS OF THE DREAMMETHOD OF DREAM INTERPRETATIONTHE DREAM IS THE FULFILMENT OF A WISHDISTORTION IN DREAMSTHE MATERIAL AND SOURCES OF DREAMSTHE DREAM-WORKTHE PSYCHOLOGY OF THE DREAM ACTIVITIESSigmund Freud (1856-1939) was an Austrian neurologist and the father of psychoanalysis, a clinical method for treating psychopathology through dialogue between a patient and a psychoanalyst.


Several pure component properties must be known, e.g., for the design of chemical and separation processes. It is very important not only to have the vapor - liquid equilibrium information for distillation processes, but also decisive to know the pure component vapor pressure curves, temperature and pressure dependent density data or transport properties. The same is true for melting points in the frame of crystallization processes. To perform the simulation of heat balances, enthalpy changes and heat capacities are required as well as heat effects of phase changes (condensation, precipitation, absorption, etc.).


Why should you choose BC Holdings for your financial wellness needs? That's easy!
BC Holdings has an award-winning financial wellness plan that is effective and affordable. Our program is unique in many ways to include offering one-on-one financial coaching, tailored products and programs, fusion of company benefits during workshops and coaching, high standards for financial coaches, and a business to business sales/relationship model.
Personal attention to a Wealth Builder's specific financial health is essential to assisting them to building healthy habits and strategies for success. One-on-one personal financial coaching sessions are one of the cornerstones of the company's services. Coaching is available in thirty (30) minute or one (1) hour intervals, by appointment only.
All seminars, workshops and materials can be tailored or customized for our clients. The extent of customization will depend on the needs of both clients and Wealth Builders which can be determined using verbal feedback or benchmarking services.
Seminars, workshops and coaching sessions infuse your company benefits. The employer is a critical part of the employee's financial team and BC Holdings presenters and coaches make sure each Wealth Builder is aware and exposed to our client's benefits package that will help them complete and achieve their financial goals.
BC Holdings's personal financial coaches are held to very high standards. They must be knowledgeable, nurturing, caring, non-assuming, understanding and non-judgmental. The role of the coaches is to further empower and guide the Wealth Builder to their goal.
BC Holdings does not sell directly to the Wealth Builder. Our business model is business to business. Therefore, our fees are paid by the institution and not the Wealth Builder. This model ensures maximum effectiveness for our clients and Wealth Builders by fostering an environment of trust, eliminating the possibility of conflict of interest, and limiting other liability concerns. BC Holdings is in the business of empowering Wealth Builders through education only.
BC Holdings provides evidenced-based, activity-driven financial education programs to businesses, agencies and individuals. Fulfilling dreams, financial freedom, lifestyle goals and retirement security for our clients is why we work every day. We are totally inspired by the inroads made with your companies, employees, students and bottom-lines as a result of our partnership. Additionally, we are equally driven by your success stories and life challenges that you often, and unselfishly share with us, reaffirming our overall purpose and mission.


text:
Posts Tagged 'The Decemberists'
Live Review: The Decemberists at Merriweather Post Pavilion, Columbia (MD) – June 13, 2011
Posted in Alternative, Classic Rock, Concert, Folk, Progressive Rock, tagged acoustic guitar, Americana, Chris Funk, Colin Meloy, double bass, fiddle, Jenny Conlee, John Moen, lap steel guitar, Merriweather Post Pavilion, Nate Query, Portland, Sara Watkins, The Decemberists on June 21, 2011| 1 Comment »
July, July!
Rise to Me
The Bagman's Gambit
Annan Water
Won't Want for Love (Margaret In The Taiga)
The Crane Wife 3
Don't Carry It All
All Arise!
The Rake's Song
Rox in the Box
O Valencia!
The Perfect Crime #2
This Is Why We Fight
January Hymn
When U Love Somebody
The Chimbley Sweep
June Hymn
The arrival of warmer weather heralds the start of the big concert season in the northeast US, taking full advantage of the many capacious outdoor venues of the region, as well as the usual indoor venues of every size that are available throughout the year. Obviously, concerts are also held during the colder months, but especially in the summer the offer of live music is so plentiful that even the most dedicated fans must pick and choose what gigs to attend – unless they have an endless supply of time and money.
According to our original plan, at the end of this week my husband and I would have headed out to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, for our third NEARfest. As most of my readers know all too well, the event was not meant to be, but we found ways to fill the gap in the month of June, picking and choosing among the vast range of live gigs scheduled in our area. Our choice fell on two bands that, in their own very different ways, have become mainstays of our listening routine: The Decemberists and Black Country Communion – one an established outfit with six studio albums under their belt, the other the latest supergroup to take the rock scene by storm. Neither of those bands, strictly speaking, are 'prog', though they have quite a few points of contact with the genre, and both have often been covered by magazines and websites geared towards prog fans.
We had been so lucky as to see The Decemberists for the first time on their celebrated 2009 tour in support of their fifth studio album, The Hazards of Love, a monumental achievement that won them many fans among the often rather conservative ranks of prog lovers. On that occasion, they were joined by Becky Stark and Shara Worden, the two amazing female vocalists that had guested on the album – which was performed in its entirety, much to the audience's ecstatic reaction. On the other hand, their latest recording effort, The King Is Dead – a slice of song-oriented Americana, offering very little of the intriguing eclecticism of its predecessors, released at the very beginning of 2011 – had left me somewhat cold. We were nonetheless delighted to learn that they would be playing the same venue as two years ago – the quaintly bucolic Merriweather Post Pavilion, a largish outdoor theatre deep in the Maryland woods, almost a stone's throw from Baltimore.
Such rustic surroundings seem to be the perfect complement for the warmly engaging music of the Portland-based quintet, a seamless blend of articulate, often challenging lyrics and eclectic music rich with diverse influences. In sharp contrast with the suffocatingly humid heat of the previous week, the cool, dry weather of the evening of June 13 made being outdoors a real pleasure – to the extent that some of the people sitting on the lawn rather than under the pavilion were longing for warmer clothing. Our excellent seats allowed us a great view of the stage, and the two big screens placed on either side were a boon to those who were sitting at the back. If compared to the prog gigs and festivals that we usually attend, the nearly sellout crowd was much younger on average, with a definitely higher proportion of women to men. Even if, in my personal view, The King Is Dead is probably be the weakest of the band's releases, it has undoubtedly been a relatively major commercial breakthrough for them, exposing them to a much larger audience. It also shows a band refusing to get stuck in a rut or taken for granted, and more than willing to surprise their audience with bold changes of direction.
After a short opening set by supporting band Best Coast, a rather nondescript, female-fronted indie/garage rock outfit who nonetheless seemed to have their own loyal following, The Decemberists came on stage at 9 p.m., greeted deliriously by the crowd. Stripped down to their basic line-up of Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Nate Query and John Moen, with bluegrass artist Sara Watkins standing in for Jenny Conlee (who is undergoing treatment for breast cancer), they delivered a strong, invigorating set, mainly revolving around The King Is Dead (performed almost in its entirety, with the exception of one track), but also including a number of songs from their back catalogue. According to Meloy, the songs on the setlist had been chosen for their affinity with the summer season – the show opening with the infectious "July! July!" (from their 2006 album The Crane Wife), and closing with "June Hymn" (from The King Is Dead), performed as a second and final encore.
Though, from a prog standpoint, The Decemberists' music is not as mind-blowingly complex as the genre's most beloved bands' – relying as it does on conventional song structures and the occasional catchy hook – there is no denying that the band's members know their business, and then some. Watching bassist Nate Query swing a double bass around with the nonchalant ease of a consummate old-school jazz player, drummer John Moen add subtle, intriguing percussive touches, or guitarist Chris Funk wring poignantly wailing sounds from his lap steel guitar, was a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. Sara Watkins (a recording artist in her own right, and already part of the tour prior to the announcement of Conlee's illness) is also an outstanding multi-instrumentalist, though favouring the fiddle rather than the keyboards. She is also a fine singer, as proved by solo performance of "Won't Want for Love" – though her voice has more of a gutsy rock feel than Becky Stark's ethereal soprano, featured in the song's original version. Indeed, while the distinctive rumble of Conlee's Hammond organ may have been missing, Watkins' talented contribution complemented the alt.country slant of the newer material quite perfectly.
In spite of his nerdy, bookish appearance (this time around tempered by a full beard, which made him look somewhat older and more rugged), Colin Meloy is an outstanding frontman, not afraid to dive into the audience together with his acoustic guitar to be hauled back on stage by the crowd during the rousing encore of "The Chimbley Sweep", and not averse to peppering his between-song banter with bits of pointed political commentary. While his voice may be an acquired taste, it fits the band's music to a T, and his witty raconteur personality is undeniably pivotal to their appeal. Furthermore, he is an extremely versatile interpreter, conveying a sense of genuine menace in the stunning rendition of "The Rake's Song" (one of the highlights of the show, drenched in dramatic red light, and enhanced by Sara Watkins and Chris Funk's energetic drum-banging), while pleading heartbreakingly in "Annan Water", and orchestrating the crowd's enthusiastic response in the eminently catchy "O Valencia!" and "The Perfect Crime # 2".
As I previously pointed out, I was not as impressed by The King Is Dead as I had been by The Decemberists' other albums, which all get regular spins in our player. However, the same songs that had sounded a tad flat and uninvolving on CD came alive on stage, and acquired an appealing edge that the polished production did not always adequately get across. For all the polite, somewhat highbrow mien of their music, once on stage they rock with an endearingly old-fashioned intensity, getting the crowd to sing along, clap, dance and wave their arms in tried and true rock'n'roll fashion. Even in the absence of elaborate trappings and gimmicks, and relying only on a good light show and their own stage skills, The Decemberists are one of the most entertaining live acts on the current scene, capable of imbuing their musical output with a rare sense of warmth and genuine emotion. The more listener-friendly approach displayed on The King Is Dead may have attracted a younger, hipper audience, but this has not turned them into one of those countless "here today, gone tomorrow" bands. With a solid catalogue, a cohesive, highly accomplished line-up and a great songwriter and frontman in Colin Meloy, The Decemberists are a force to be reckoned with, and – regardless of those pesky tags and labels – a band firmly rooted in that great rock tradition that prog sometimes seems to have forgotten.
From the Vault: The Decemberists – Castaways and Cutouts (2002)
Posted in Folk, Progressive Rock, Review, tagged accordion, Carson Ellis, Chris Funk, Colin Meloy, Guitar, Hammond organ, Jenny Conlee, Portland, The Decemberists, Theremin on October 31, 2010| 1 Comment »
1. Leslie Anne Levine (4:12)
2. Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect (4:31)
3. July, July! (2:51)
4. A Cautionary Song (3:08)
5. Odalisque (5:20)
6. Cocoon (6:48)
7. Grace Cathedral Hill (4:28)
8. The Legionnaire's Lament (4:44)
9. Clementine (4:07)
10.California One / Youth and Beauty Brigade (9:50)
Colin Meloy – lead vocals, guitars, percussion
Chris Funk – guitars, pedal steel, theremin
Jenny Conlee – Hammond organ, Rhodes piano, regular piano, accordion
Nate Query – upright bass
Ezra Holbrook – drums, percussion, backing vocals
Many of those people who (sometimes in spite of themselves) were won over by The Decemberists' award-winning 2009 release, the sumptuous rock opera The Hazards of Love, will certainly have felt the impulse to delve into the Portland band's back catalogue, and thus come across their debut, Castaways and Cutouts. Though the specialized press has often placed the band under the 'progressive rock' umbrella (as was definitely the case with the first article I read about them, in the autumn of 2006), true-blue prog fans are sharply divided about this issue. While the more conservative set often refuse to acknowledge anything not sounding like the Seventies bands, the more open-minded fans have equally often embraced the band as a firm favourite.
As is the case of all Decemberists releases but The Hazards of Love (and possibly their 2004 EP, The Tain), Castaways and Cutouts is an effort that can only in part be called progressive. In fact, a good proportion of the songs follow in the footsteps of the great American folk tradition, influenced by its European counterpart, yet at the same time noticeably different. It is nevertheless an album that prog fans can definitely find appealing (unless they are of a seriously close-minded disposition), and even features a couple of tracks that might be tagged as 'epics'. Based on a series of vignettes often focused on the plight of the less fortunate members of society (as the title implies), handled in terms that range from the downright grotesque to the deeply compassionate, the album undeniably possesses a powerful lyrical impact – which has become a constant of the band's output, making very effective use of Colin Meloy's fertile, erudite imagination and remarkable skill as a wordsmith.
Meloy's stories, deeply rooted in the folklore of both the Old and the New World, are not meant to leave the listener cold, even resorting to shock tactics in their stark description of seedy milieus and events. Indeed, some of the situations depicted on Castaways and Cutouts are not for the faint-hearted, even without resorting to excessively graphic detail. Luckily, not all is not doom and gloom on this album. Meloy approaches his subject matter, no matter how sordid or depressing, from a perspective of poetic realism, presenting the events with a compassionate stance, avoiding the almost masochistic wallowing in misery that, for instance, seems to be almost the rule for progressive metal bands. His voice, with its somewhat nasal twang and precise enunciation, may be an acquired taste for some, but is also quite perfect for the sort of storytelling displayed on the album.
I have always been impressed by The Decemberists' ability to produce memorable opening tracks – in my view, one of the real strengths of a band in compositional terms – and "Leslie Ann Levine" is no exception. A hard-hitting account of suicide and stillbirth, told from the point of view of a dead baby, it is the follow-up to "We All Go Down Together" (featured on Picaresque, the band's third studio release), which, however, does not pack the same punch, either musically or lyrically. While its folksy, accordion-driven tune, with its vague French flavour, is only mildly wistful, the lyrics drip with sadness and regret. Some of the songs are straight-up acoustic folk numbers, where the music seems to take a back seat, and as such might appear too 'simple' to those craving the complexity (whether authentic or fake) of 'mainstream' progressive rock. The profoundly disturbing, dirge-like "A Cautionary Song" (a tale of prostitution motivated by abject poverty), and the wistfully romantic love songs "Grace Cathedral Hill" and "Clementine" belong to this group, where the minimalistic musical accompaniment allows the narrative component to emerge, driven along by Meloy's plaintive, nostalgia-filled vocal style.
On the other hand, the upbeat "July! July!", whose deceptively optimistic mood conceals another disquieting tale of violent death, and the haunting dreamscapes of "I Dreamed I Was an Architect" display a catchier, more listener-friendly approach, with memorable choruses and a richer instrumental background. The aptly-titled "Cocoon", a dreamy, almost slow-motion number inspired by the science fiction of the late Kurt Vonnegut, feels almost reassuring in the midst of so much turmoil; while "The Legionnaire's Lament" is an infectious divertissement sporting some of the wackiest rhymes this side of Lewis Carroll. That leaves the two aforementioned epics, though in terms of running time only album closer "California One/Youth and Beauty Brigade" might be described as such. However, the mesmerizing, Hammond-drenched strains of "Odalisque" – another pitch-black, convoluted tale of sexual perversion, rape and (probably) infanticide – are such a towering achievement as to give the impression of a much longer song. "California One", on the other hand, celebrates the beauty of nature and youth with a deep vein of nostalgia for a bygone past – its almost 11 minutes, driven by piano, pedal-steel guitar and touches of theremin, evoking a distinct Sixties West Coast feel.
An outstanding debut album, lavishly packaged in a booklet graced by the quirky illustrations of Carson Ellis (Colin Meloy's then-girlfriend, now his wife, and a professional graphic artist), Castaways and Cutouts is highly recommended to those who are constantly seeking for both lyrical challenges and music that manages to be catchy and thought-provoking at the same time. Though here they will not find the myriad complexities and head-spinning changes of canonical progressive rock, open-minded (and curious) prog fans could do much worse than get acquainted with the wild and wonderful world of Colin Meloy and The Decemberists.
http://www.decemberists.com


text:
> Skip to content
View All Our Lists
Teen and YA
View All Young Readers
Extracts & Features
Search Penguin Random House
Hi-Res Cover
The Terror Nation
By Loretta Napoleoni
Society & Culture / Politics & Law
From its birth in the late 1990s as the jihadist dream of terrorist leader Abu Musab al Zarqawi, the Islamic State (known by a variety of names, including ISIS, ISIL, and al Qaeda in Iraq) has grown into a massive enterprise, redrawing national borders across the Middle East and subjecting an area larger than the United Kingdom to its own vicious brand of Sharia law.
In ISIS: The Terror Nation, world-renowned terrorism expert Loretta Napoleoni takes us beyond the headlines, demonstrating that while Western media portrays the Islamic State as little more than a gang of thugs on a winning streak, the organization is proposing a new model for nation building. Waging a traditional war of conquest to carve out the 21st-century version of the original Caliphate, IS uses modern technology to recruit and fundraise while engaging the local population in the day-to-day running of the new state. Rising from the ashes of failing jihadist enterprises, the Islamic State has shown a deep understanding of Middle Eastern politics, fully exploiting proxy war and shell-state tactics. This is not another terrorist network but a formidable enemy in tune with the new modernity of the current world disorder. As Napoleoni writes, "Ignoring these facts is more than misleading and superficial, it is dangerous. 'Know your enemy' remains the most important adage in the fight against terrorism."
Formats & editions
Seven Stories Press
Find your local bookstore at booksellers.co.nz
Also by Loretta Napoleoni
Love Isis? Subscribe to Read More to find out about similar books.
Sign up to our newsletter using your email.
name@email.com
By clicking subscribe, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Books New Zealand's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thank you! Your subscription to Read More was successful.
To help us recommend your next book, tell us what you enjoy reading.
Add your interests
@PenguinBooks_NZ When was a word first used in print? Some of these are definitely surprising! 🤣 https://t.co/XOLObHwgT4
Penguin Books New Zealand


Published 04/19/2019 06:53:04 am at 04/19/2019 06:53:04 am in White Cal King Bed.
white cal king bed antique white calking bed cal king bed in a bag king bed quilt size in cm king bed comforter cal king bed in a bag king bed comforter sets king down comforter soft and white cal king bed.
simple relax perfectchoice versailles pcs ivory bone white cal simple relax perfectchoice versailles pcs ivory bone white cal king bedroom set, amazoncom premium thread count pc sheet set long premium thread count pc sheet set long staple cotton clearance white california, california king bed comforter sets king down comforter soft and california king bed comforter sets king quilts brilliant cool king bed comforter sets bedding and quilt california king bed , french style rococo royal carved white california king bed french style rococo royal carved white california king bed liked on polyvore featuring home furniture beds king size headboard ca king bed , white king bedroom set delhiartinfo white king bedroom set furniture king bedroom set bedroom set furniture bedroom set furniture white bedroom, bedroom white king bedroom set new antique king bedroom set bedroom bedroom white king bedroom set fresh brook pc cal king bedroom set white orange, franco collection franco antique white california king bed franco collection franco antique white california king bed, cal king bed sets classic ornate fabric king bed set in antique cal king bed sets bed set cal king medium images of king bedroom sets cal king cal king bed , california king quilt sets king comforter white cal set oversized california king quilt sets king comforter white cal set oversized quilt sets cheap california king quilt, yes white california king beds headboards bedroom malibu distressed white cal king panel bed, simple relax perfectchoice chantelle rose gold pu pearl white cal simple relax perfectchoice chantelle rose gold pu pearl white cal king bed.