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I struggle with letting go. When I attend yoga class, and the instructor urges us to release our tongues from the roof of our mouths, I purposely keep mine in place out of spite. So when I decide to try “The Class,” Alicia Keys’s favorite workout class led by Taryn Toomey, I already feel uncomfortable.
Essentially, “The Class” involves repeating a single movement throughout a song to generate body heat and encourages participants to observe their emotions. Natalie Kuhn, Co-CEO & Founding Teacher at The Class, explains that unlike other practices, participants are guided to be aware of their movements rather than zoning out. Alicia Keys is a dedicated fan and has collaborated with The Class for Mental Health Awareness Month and her Athleta launch in January.
I’m not sure if I’m willing to let go, but I’m curious enough to give it a try. I focus on one of Toomey’s mantras, repeating after her: “Show me.”
I try The Class at home on a sunny Sunday in Arizona, feeling slightly anxious but pleasantly surprised as the 60-minute session begins with a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a psychedelic yoga disco. Opting for a session taught by Toomey herself, I join the class in bouncing and shaking. Toomey encourages us to embrace unique movements, giving us permission to let go.
One of the aspects I enjoy most about The Class is the opportunity to move freely throughout a whole song. I find joy in the playful and somewhat absurd experience of prancing around my living room.
After the initial burst of movement, there is a pause for observation. I notice my heart racing, but the rest of my body remains still. It seems like there’s nothing more to express.
Despite incorporating guided meditation, The Class maintains a genuine physical practice. Many movements resemble yoga poses, and the repetition allows me to establish a strong mind-muscle connection and experience the expected burn. I am slightly thrown off by unconventional instructions like “soften your scalp.”
Sound plays a significant role in The Class. Toomey guides us to make deep, guttural sounds from the root to counter tension and demonstrate a willingness to evolve. Even though I’m alone in my living room, I feel a bit embarrassed.
Midway through the class, I realize with dread that we are building up to a full song of burpees. It feels strange to hear a spiritual mentor like Toomey use such a casual term, like seeing a teacher outside of school. I wonder if it’s just a segment meant to challenge our discipline, but I soon realize I’m mistaken. When Toomey asks what I would like to express during mid-burpees, I respond with anger.
If my body was quiet before, it is now protesting loudly. In a subtle act of rebellion, I take a 10-second water break, considering it payback for the burpees. It takes time to rebuild trust, but as we progress through planking and curtsy lunges, I reluctantly admit that endorphins are flowing. Eventually, we return to my favorite segment of free movement.
Whether it’s the colorful shadows through my stained glass window film or the absence of burpees, the final round of dance unlocks a new level of uninhibited play that I’m not accustomed to in my usual workouts. I let my hair down and fully embrace the moment, even though I am alone. The class concludes with a meditation, using our arms to release and redirect any lingering energy.
Letting go can be uncomfortable, as Kuhn acknowledges, but it is not impossible. She explains that everyone struggles with letting go because of the different ways they seek safety, recognition, security, and love. These mechanisms become attachments, and being asked to let go can feel like being asked to abandon a life raft in the middle of the ocean.
The Class is aware of this. Toomey acknowledges that the first step in any new endeavor, such as trying a new workout class, can throw a person off balance. The practice involves practicing and acquiring the necessary tools for success. I acknowledge that there is still much I would like to release, and I understand that it won’t happen in a single workout. However, The Class provides me with the space, freedom, and perhaps the willingness to recognize the work that still lies ahead.
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This article from popsugar.com
The recent incident involving the circulation of sexually explicit deepfake images of Taylor Swift created using artificial intelligence (AI) has shed light on the growing menace of deepfakes and digital harassment. While Swift may have the resources and fanbase to address such issues, it is crucial to recognize that many victims of pornographic deepfakes lack these advantages. This incident has prompted increased attention and has even spurred federal legislation to combat the abuse. Here are our tips about how to defend yourself from sexual abuse!
Addressing Nonconsensual Deepfake Pornography:
In response to the escalating threat of nonconsensual deepfake pornography, US senators introduced the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024 (DEFIANCE Act). This bipartisan bill aims to allow victims of “digital forgery” to sue perpetrators civilly, providing them with an opportunity to seek justice. Previously, victims had limited success in pursuing legal action due to the novelty of the technology and the gaps in existing laws.
Advancements in AI Technology:
AI technology has rapidly evolved, making it easier for anyone to create realistic-looking nonconsensual deepfake pornography. Previously, individuals required technical expertise and extensive victim photos for convincing results. However, with the current advancements, perpetrators can create deepfakes using just one or two photos and readily available apps or websites. Consequently, instances of sexual violence against individuals have surged, affecting everyday people, especially women.
Implications for Women and Marginalized Individuals:
Nonconsensual deepfake pornography has disproportionately damaging effects on women, perpetuating violation, trauma, objectification, and potential harm to professional opportunities. The prevalence of deepfake content targeting celebrities has expanded to include individuals whose images can be easily obtained from platforms like LinkedIn or social media. This issue extends beyond personal harm, impacting how women are perceived and treated in various spheres of life.
The Taylor Swift Incident and Platform Responses:
In the case of Taylor Swift, the deepfake images originated from platforms like 4chan and Telegram. Microsoft’s AI generator, Designer, was reportedly used to create the nonconsensual content. While Microsoft closed the loophole allowing Designer to produce AI-generated celebrity porn, the images quickly spread on social media platforms. Content moderation efforts by these platforms, such as temporary search blocks and user reports, have been instrumental in combatting the dissemination of such harmful content.
The Importance of Legislative Action:
Legislation is crucial in providing recourse for victims of nonconsensual pornography. Currently, such content is often not considered defamation since it is acknowledged as fake. To address this issue effectively, both societal and legal efforts are necessary.
Preventing and Combating Nonconsensual Deepfakes:
Conclusion:
The incident involving Taylor Swift highlights the urgent need to address the threats posed by AI deepfakes and nonconsensual pornography. Legislation, awareness, and responsible digital behavior are essential elements in combating this issue. By taking proactive measures and supporting initiatives aimed at preventing and addressing nonconsensual deepfakes, individuals can contribute to a safer online environment.
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The Netflix movie “May December” draws inspiration from the real-life relationship between Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau, leading to a depiction of stereotypes of Asian men that closely mirrors reality. The portrayal raises concerns about the impact of the woman’s race on her ability to groom an Asian American boy and the public’s reaction to the story. This perpetuates the harmful stereotype of Asian men as compliant and submissive, contrasting with the typical depiction of white men as dominant and assertive. The film exposes how gender and racial roles can make sexual abuse more acceptable to the public.
In a particular scene, Joe reveals that while other girls at school didn’t show much interest in him, “Gracie saw me and I wanted that.” It’s evident that he has internalized the white-savior complex. Gracie capitalized on the perception of Joe as an “other” to her advantage, especially as he grew up in a predominantly white community. It becomes apparent that Gracie had a fetish for Joe from the beginning, initially noticing him solely because his family was the only Asian family in the neighborhood.
In contrast to Joe, Gracie is much more controlling, treating him more like a tool or dehumanized servant than her husband. She also weaponizes her traditional “victim” role as a white woman, portraying herself as constantly under attack and hurt. She even tells Elizabeth, “I am naive. I always have been. In a way, it’s been a gift.” Despite clearly being in control of the relationship, she maintains a narrative of victimhood. She explains to Elizabeth that Joe “grew up very quickly,” while she herself was “very sheltered.”
There is also explicit and implicit fetishization of Joe’s Asianness at “May December”.
When Joe’s suppressed feelings about their relationship’s origins come to light, he approaches her more like a child than an equal partner and husband, asking, “Why can’t we talk about it?” Despite being only 13 years old at the time and unable to consent, Gracie continues to feed him a false narrative, telling him, “You seduced me. I don’t care how old you were. Who was in charge? Who was the boss?”
This situation brings up the “hot for teacher” trope often depicted in movies and TV shows. When a male teacher engages with a female student, it is universally seen as problematic and predatory. However, when the roles are reversed, the perception is vastly different. This framing obscures the truth that Gracie is a pedophile and an abuser.
There is also an explicit and implicit fetishization of Joe’s Asianness at play here, which can be harder to identify as it often manifests as so-called yellow fever and the objectification of Asian women. However, it also happens to Asian men in the form of exoticization or emasculation.
Gracie is not the only one to fetishize Joe’s Asianness. As Elizabeth reviews audition tapes for who might play Joe in the movie within a movie, she comments that the kids are “not sexy enough. You’ve seen him. He’s got this, like, quiet confidence. Even as a kid, I’m sure.” Similarly, she is able to use her white womanhood to seduce Joe herself.
The movie, and Letourneau’s real-life crime, reveal a disturbing truth: if Joe had been a white girl and Gracie an Asian man, the story would be perceived very differently. It’s hard to imagine American audiences accepting the idea of an emasculated Asian male teacher manipulating and seducing a young white female student. The relative acceptance of Gracie’s actions and the treatment of Joe reaffirms the perception of Asian men as “less than” in American society. They are often seen as emasculated and fetishized, serving the whims of the white majority without a voice or identity.
In real life, Letourneau and Fualaau legally separated in 2019 after 14 years of marriage and two children. Letourneau passed away from cancer in 2020 at the age of 58, leaving much of her estate to Fualaau. The conclusion of “May December” raises unanswered questions worth exploring.
The media’s portrayal of the real-life story relied on conventional gender stereotypes. Letourneau was depicted as a social victim, and her relationship with Fualaau was often described in terms of love. Her criminal actions were almost excused in the court of public opinion, while Fualaau’s trauma was overlooked. Similarly, in “May December,” gender stereotypes are prominent, but the racial implications are not scrutinized to the same extent. The power imbalance is attributed to the dynamic between an older woman and a teenage boy, rather than examining the impact of whiteness and Asianness.
The film’s conclusion leaves uncertainty about Gracie and Joe’s future, suggesting that she still has a hold on him and he remains trapped in their relationship, with his desires unimportant.
Source: popsugar.com
KBS2’s “The Matchmakers” continues to dominate the ratings, maintaining its top position with an average nationwide viewership rating of 4.3 percent, the same as its previous episode. On the other hand, episode 7 of tvN’s “A Bloody Lucky Day” experienced a slight decline in ratings with an average nationwide rating of 2.1 percent.
Additionally, episode 5 of ENA’s “Tell Me You Love Me” saw a slight decrease in ratings, earning an average nationwide rating of 1.9 percent, compared to its previous episode’s personal best score of 2.0 percent. Are you currently watching any of these dramas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
The Matchmakers is a Korean historical romantic comedy drama that premiered on October 30, 2023 on KBS2 and Viu. It stars Rowoon and Cho Yi-hyun as two widowed matchmakers who team up to help four young maidens find their husbands in Joseon era. The drama has 16 episodes and is rated 91/100 by AsianWiki users.
Sim Jung-Woo (Rowoon) is an intelligent and handsome young man. He was the youngest to place first in the state examination, but he was picked to become the princess’ husband. During their wedding ceremony, the princess suddenly died. Sim Jung-Woo’s life changed and he became the most unfortunate man. According to the Joseon period custom, he is not able to take the government post and he can’t remarry. He then becomes involved with Jung Soon-Deok (Cho Yi-hyun). Jung Soon-Deok is a widow whose late husband was the second son of the first vice-premier. She secretly leads another life under the pseudonym of Yeojoo-daek. As Yeojoo-daek, she works as a matchmaker and also peddler of women’s items like cosmetics and accessories. She is the best matchmaker in the capital city of Hanyang. Sim Jung-Woo and Jung Soon-Deok become involved with each other and they try to get older single men and women to marry as matchmakers.
Rowoon and Cho Yi-hyun are the main actors of The Matchmakers, a Korean historical romantic comedy drama. They play the roles of Shim Jung-woo and Jung Soon-deok, two widowed matchmakers who try to help four young maidens find their husbands in Joseon era.
Rowoon is a singer and actor who debuted as a member of the boy group SF9 in 2016. He has also appeared in dramas such as Extraordinary You, She Would Never Know, and School 2021. He is known for his handsome appearance and tall height (191 cm).
Cho Yi-hyun is an actress who debuted in 2017 with the web drama Somehow 18. She has also starred in dramas such as School 2021, Nobody Knows, and Live On. She is known for her cute and charming personality and acting skills.
Rowoon and Cho Yi-hyun have shown great chemistry in The Matchmakers, both on and off screen. They have received praise from viewers and critics for their comedic and romantic scenes. According to the news, they have also launched three unique matchmaking operations in the drama. You can watch the latest episodes of The Matchmakers on KBS2 and Viu. ?
The other side, A Bloody Lucky Day’, the most fun and touching K-Drama I’ve watched recently. This drama is a fantasy romance about the love between a vampire and a human. The male protagonist, who became a vampire, decides to marry a human woman to change his fate. Is this marriage going to bring luck to both of them, as the title suggests? Or is it going to cause misery? You’ll have to watch it yourself to find out. I felt so many emotions while watching this drama.
Everything was perfect: the direction, the acting, the music, the story. Especially, the male protagonist’s character was so attractive. He had human feelings and struggles despite being a vampire, and he expressed his love sincerely to the female protagonist. And she also responded to his love and brought changes to her life. Their romance was full of sweet and thrilling scenes. But, the love between a vampire and a human is not easy. They face conflicts with each other’s worlds, families, friends, and go through dangers and pains along the way. The drama shows how they overcome these difficulties and find happiness. I laughed and cried and was immersed all day while watching this drama. I think this drama is a very well-made work. You won’t regret it if you watch it once.
The last one, “Tell Me You Love Me” is a K-Drama that will make you feel a lot of emotions, from anger to sadness to sympathy. It is not a typical romance drama, but rather a mature and realistic one. If you are looking for a drama that will challenge you and make you think, then you might want to give this one a try.
“Cozy fantasy” has quickly become one of the most popular niches in the fantasy genre, and there really is a lot to love about this style. It’s hard to pin down a single definition for cozy fantasy, but in general, it tends to avoid the enormous scope of epic or high fantasy while also steering clear of gritty, urban elements. Instead, these books have a vibe that’s more like your favorite comfort-watch TV show or a warm and cozy sweater, with a softer approach alongside stakes that can vary from small to large. They’re usually focused on familial, friendly, and/or romantic relationships just as much as — if not more than — the actual fantasy elements.
With such a broad definition that hinges a lot on “vibes,” there’s a wide range of books that fall into the cozy category. Found family is a common theme, as in “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” by Sangu Mandanna or “Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree, while others, like “The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy” by Megan Bannen or “Witchful Thinking” by Celeste Martin, lean more into romance. Grab your favorite warm drink, find your favorite reading spot, and enjoy these cozy fantasy books!
And to discover even more great genres and books, check out the 2024 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge.
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Set in the early 1900s, “The Fairy Bargains of Prospect Hill” ($14) by Rowenna Miller takes place in a small farming community where, according to tradition, only a thin veil separates the humans from the world of the fae. Alaine Fairborn’s family still adheres to the old superstitions, so when her sister Delphine admits that her marriage is not what it seems, Alaine will do anything to save her sister. Unfortunately, deals with the fae are slippery, and they may have to sacrifice more than they ever expected.
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In “Witchful Thinking” ($16) by Celestine Martin, charms and magical beings are the norm in the mystic seaside town of Freya Grove. High school teacher Lucy finds herself suddenly under a particularly tricky spell, which won’t allow her to say no to anything. Complicating matters further is the return of Alex, her high school crush (and a merman) who is struggling with a hex on his own house, and he needs Lucy’s help to lift it.
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A magical island and a mysterious history are at the center of “The Magician’s Daughter” ($15) by H.G. Parry. After washing up on the hidden island of Hy-Brasil as a child, Biddy has grown up there under the care of magician Rowan and familiar Hutch. When Rowan doesn’t return from a trip off the island one night, it’s up to Biddy to venture into the unknown outside world, where she discovers secrets and conspiracies she never imagined — including ones that put her and her loved ones right in the middle of it all.
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An isolated witch finds family and love in “The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches” ($14) by Sangu Mandanna. When witch Mika posts a silly video “pretending” to be a witch, it catches the attention of Nowhere House, a remote home where three young witches need help controlling their magic to avoid notice. Mika reluctantly agrees to journey to the house, where she finds herself immediately entwined in the lives of the witches and the other residents, including the prickly and protective librarian Jamie.
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If you prefer your cozy fantasy books to veer more towards magical realism than out-and-out fantasy, then you might like “Natalie Tan’s Book of Luck and Fortune” ($12) by Roselle Lim. When Natalie returns home to San Francisco’s Chinatown after her mother’s death, she’s surprised to see how much the neighborhood has changed. She’s even more surprised to inherit her grandmother’s restaurant, and despite the prophecies of the neighborhood’s seer, she’s not actually sure if she wants to revive the old restaurant or leave the tough memories behind and never look back.
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“The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy” ($14) by Megan Bannen feels like “You’ve Got Mail” crossed with a quirky Western-inspired fantasy setting. Hart, a marshall patrolling supernaturally dangerous territory, and Mercy, an undertaker trying to keep her family business open, rarely have a kind word for each other. What they don’t realize is that they’re each other’s anonymous pen pals. When magical dangers threaten to encroach on their town, they’ll grow closer — but the reveal of their true identities could spoil the bond that’s been building through letters.
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“That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon” ($5) by Kimberly Lemming just might have one of the best titles of any book, ever! This short and sweet, cozy, and comic fantasy centers on Cinnamon, a spice farmer who accidentally saves the demon Fallon. Then, she finds out he’s actually not so bad — he’s trying to stop an evil witch who’s targeting his people, and now Cinnamon is getting pulled along on the adventure, too.
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While K-pop has been around for decades, it’s become especially popular in recent years. Groups like BTS and Blackpink are always at the top of the music charts. Seeing as K-pop is on everyone’s mind right now, it’s no surprise that a lot of authors have drawn inspiration from the K-pop industry and fan culture to pen their latest stories. So many books about K-pop focus on aspiring idols chasing their dreams and learning what it really takes to survive in the K-pop world. There are also stories about forbidden love between K-pop idols, as well as K-pop stars unexpectedly falling for non-famous people.
For those who prefer nonfiction, there are also plenty of books about K-pop dedicated to real-life groups. They often document stars’ journey to fame — from their humble beginnings as trainees to their experiences as full-fledged K-pop idols. So if you’re eager to learn more about the industry, here are 16 books about K-pop that you’re sure to love.
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“How to Speak K-Pop” ($12) is a guidebook that helps you learn and understand the most popular Korean words and phrases used in Korean popular culture. In addition to the definitions, the book provides the pronunciations and cultural backgrounds of the words as well. It even gives you real-life examples of how slang could be used among K-pop fans or in your favorite Korean dramas or movies.
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Elena Soo and Robbie Choi are childhood best friends who promised each other they’d go to prom together. However, after Robbie moves to Korea and becomes a famous K-pop idol, Elena thinks they’ll never see each other again. That all changes when Robbie shows up at her door hoping to fulfill their childhood promise. Although she wants nothing more than to accept his invitation, Elena can’t help but hesitate due to Robbie’s legion of fans and the paparazzi that constantly follow him. Read how the story ends in “Once Upon a K-Prom” ($12).
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“Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” ($24) documents the past decade of BTS’s career, from their time as trainees to becoming the world’s biggest K-pop stars. The group’s success story is told through interviews with all seven members of BTS, which were conducted by journalist Myeongseok Kang. The book also features unreleased photos of the group and over 330 QR codes that’ll take readers directly to all the videos, songs, and blog posts mentioned by the members throughout the interviews.
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“XOXO” ($11) centers on an aspiring cellist named Jenny who falls for a cute boy named Jaewoo after spending a magical night with him in Los Angeles. Jenny is forced to say goodbye to him when he returns home to Korea. However, when she begins attending an elite arts academy in Seoul, Jenny is surprised to run into Jaewoo at her new school and is even more shocked to learn that he’s actually a famous K-pop idol. Because his company forbids him from dating, Jenny must choose whether she should follow her head and forget about Jaewoo or follow her heart and give their love a chance.
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“K-Pop Confidential” ($11) follows a Korean American girl named Candace Park who has always dreamed of becoming a K-pop idol. One day, she decides to audition for a music label that represents SLK, her favorite K-pop group. However, with so many people competing for a spot in the company’s new girl group, Candace never expected to actually be one of the lucky ones picked. When she’s asked to become a trainee, Candace excitedly moves to Korea to follow her dreams — but quickly realizes that there’s more to being a K-pop idol than just fame and glory.
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“Fireworks” ($10) is about a 17-year-old girl named Lulu Li whose neighbor and childhood friend Kite Xu grew up to become a member of the K-pop group Karnival. After it’s announced that Kite is taking a break from his group for unknown reasons, Lulu is surprised to learn that he’s returned home and wants to reconnect with her. The two eventually develop feelings for each other, but Lulu questions whether they can make a relationship work with the pressures of fame looming over them.
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In “I’ll Be the One” ($11), Skye Shin is determined to become the first plus-size K-pop idol. After nailing an audition for a major televised K-pop competition, Skye joins the show and tries her hardest to turn her dream of debuting into a reality. Although Skye learns that being in the spotlight isn’t easy, especially with everyone having an opinion on her body, she’s able to rely on her new friends, including fellow competitor Henry Cho, for support.
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What good is a living room without at least a few of the best coffee-table books? Whether or not you ever actually crack them open, they double as both home decor and signifiers of your taste, an answer to the question, “Who lives here, really?” Although a select few become inescapable—cough, Tom Ford, cough—there are so many options out there, a volume for every interest, style, and reader. And yes, they all make stellar gifts for everyone on your list, especially if you’re shopping for a housewarming present.
Art and design lovers have almost too many options to choose from, including guides on curating interiors and compendiums on movements like Afrofuturism and artists like Diane Arbus. Anyone with an interest in fashion needs a work on their favorite designer, whether it’s Virgil Abloh or Collina Strada. If you’re more of a music person, some of our favorite books dive into hip-hop jewelry and Taylor Swift’s wardrobe. And there are so many picks for foodies (like this manifesto on dinner parties), cinephiles (like this Wes Anderson explainer), and pet parents (like this collection of dog photos). Plus, Christmas coffee-table books also abound this time of year. ’Tis the season.
Like area rugs, reading chairs, and scented candles, every living space needs the right oversized volumes. Whether you’re building out your own library or shopping for a loved one with impeccable taste, these are the best coffee-table books that Glamour editors own, covet, and recommend.
How to Live With Objects$60 $38AmazonThis one throws out the traditional rules of interior design, making the case for simply surrounding yourself with gorgeous objects. (And even if you never crack it open, that cover is gorgeous.)Save on the best coffee-table books with these Amazon promo codes.
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Black Futures$40 $19Amazon“What does it mean to be Black and alive right now?” This popular collection of photos, essays, recipes, poetry, and more—all from the Black creators shaping culture today—works to answer that question.Save on the best coffee-table books with these Amazon promo codes.
Our very own coffee-table book chronicles three decades of Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards, including inspirational words by luminaries like Reese Witherspoon, Michelle Obama, Malala Yousafzai, Billie Jean King, and more.
Save on the best coffee-table books with these Amazon promo codes.
Library of Esoterica: Tarot$40 $32AmazonAnyone with even a fleeting interest in tarot needs this compendium, which features a huge array of deck designs, the meaning behind each card, and essays on the practice.Save on the best coffee-table books with these Amazon promo codes.
Molly Baz knows her way around a photogenic cookbook. We recommend you keep this one in the living room, not the kitchen.
Save on the best coffee-table books with these Amazon promo codes.
The Wes Anderson Collection: The Grand Budapest Hotel
This book companion to The Grand Budapest Hotel, one of Wes Anderson’s most beloved movies, features behind-the-scenes photos and interviews with the director—perfect for any devoted fan.Save on the best coffee-table books with these Amazon promo codes.
While Dolly herself once famously said, “It costs a lot to look this cheap,” her new book, an exploration of her iconic style, is pretty much exactly the opposite.
Save on the best coffee-table books with these Amazon promo codes.
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“Castaway Diva” is a South Korean television series that aired from October 28 to December 3, 2023, on tvN, with episodes available on Netflix in select regions. Here are the synopsis:
The family members are all living under false identities. Mok-ha’s old friend Jung Ki-ho is pretending to be Bo-geol, and Sang-doo is not their real dad.
Sang-doo rescued Ha-jung from her abusive husband Jung Bong-wan (Lee Seung-joon) when he was a government employee and she was trying to get away from him. He left his own life behind and took her and her kids to Seoul, where they took the names of another missing family.
But when Mok-ha comes back to society and becomes famous, Bong-wan, who is still violent, finds them.
He reveals their lies to the public, but Sang-doo has already confessed his crimes.
Bong-wan is a weak and clichéd villain in the series. He is easy to hate, but he is also irrelevant. There were many potential antagonists for Mok-ha, but the show relied on a cartoonish character like Bong-wan instead of focusing on Mok-ha and her music career.
The family wins against Bong-wan in court, but he tries to get his revenge by stabbing Sang-doo and killing himself. Since Sang-doo and Ha-jung were not legally married, Bong-wan’s death would make him the legal father of the family again.
The weirdest part is that the family seems more upset about being legally linked to a dead man than about losing Sang-doo, who sacrificed his life for them and was always there for them.
Luckily, Sang-doo survives and we can move on without thinking too much about the family’s values.
We go back to Mok-ha’s story, as she releases her first song and performs on stage for the first time, at the same event where she sang “Someday” with Ran-joo as a backup singer at the start of the series.
She sings “Fly Away”, a nice song, but like all the other songs in the show, it does not match the quality of “Someday”.
Mok-ha, played by the charming Park, is a joy to watch, but she did not face many challenges in her new life. She was supported and loved by everyone around her, and she did not have to struggle much.
She became Ran-joo’s mentor and friend, and she got several free places to live, including a fully furnished studio from Ki-ho. Her few rivals, like the pop star Eun Mo-rae (Bae Gang-ree), quickly became friends with her.
This may seem unfair to a character who almost died at sea and lived alone in the wild for half her life, but the story was not about her survival, it was about what happened after that.
Castaway Diva was a fun series to watch, from beginning to end. Park was great, as was her relationship with Ran-joo, and there were many satisfying moments along the way.
But, with such a strong premise, the show ends with a feeling of regret, not for its characters, but for its viewers. It feels like there was a better show possible. Maybe we’ll find it, “someday”.
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Disney movies, whether animated or live-action, are an essential part of our lives, bringing joy and entertainment to audiences of all ages. These films often come with high production costs and expectations. While some have not performed well at the box office, they have still managed to accumulate impressive budgets. If you’ve ever wondered about the process of making a film, our list of the 7 most expensive Disney movies ever made will provide some insight.
The world of entertainment has undergone significant changes over the years. From the Lumière brothers’ first projection of moving pictures to the rise of movies, television, live streaming, and subscription-based services like Netflix and Disney+, the industry has evolved in terms of filming methods, sound processing, editing, and technology. Today’s movies and shows are a testament to this constant evolution, captivating audiences with their wonders.
As the quality of films improves, so do the budgets and costs involved. Disney’s first full-length traditionally animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, had a budget of USD 1,488,422.74 when it was released in 1937. While this was a significant sum at the time, it pales in comparison to the budgets of today’s productions. For example, Disney’s upcoming release Wish has a budget of USD 200 million, and it’s not even the studio’s most expensive film to date.
With massive budgets and high expectations, it’s no surprise that Disney has produced some of the highest-grossing movies in recent years. In 2023 alone, two of the top 10 highest-grossing movies were distributed by Disney. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 earned USD 845.6 million, The Little Mermaid earned USD 569.6 million, and Avengers: Endgame holds the record as the second highest-grossing movie of all time, earning USD 2.798 billion. Despite their box office success, these three movies had a combined production cost of USD 903 million.
While all productions strive to stay within budget, overspending is not uncommon in the complex world of moviemaking. In the 2023 fiscal year, Disney spent USD 27 billion on content and plans to reduce its spending by at least USD 2 billion in 2024. While some big-budget movies have proven to be successful investments, others have flopped. The question of whether the end result justifies the cost will always be debated, but there’s no denying that quality comes with a hefty price tag.
Now let’s take a look at some of Disney’s most expensive movies:
These are just a few examples of Disney’s most expensive movies. Each one showcases the studio’s commitment to creating visually stunning and captivating films, even if they come with a hefty price tag.
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Wish (2023) adalah sebuah film animasi musikal yang dirilis untuk memperingati ulang tahun ke-100 Walt Disney. Ceritanya mengikuti Asha (Ariana DeBose), seorang perempuan cerdas dan idealis yang tinggal di kerajaan sihir di pulau Rosas di Semenanjung Iberia.
Setiap warga Rosas memberikan harapan mereka dalam bentuk gelembung kepada Raja Magnifico (Chris Pine), seorang raja terhormat dan ahli sihir, dengan harapan bahwa satu hari nanti harapan mereka akan dikabulkan oleh sang raja.
Namun, ternyata Raja Magnifico tidak sebaik yang diharapkan oleh warganya, dan Asha menyadari hal tersebut. Suatu malam, Asha mengungkapkan harapannya kepada langit dan bintang.
Keajaiban terjadi saat harapan Asha dijawab oleh kekuatan kosmik dengan pertanda dari alam. Langit Rosas bercahaya terang, dan Raja Magnifico serta warga lainnya menyadari hal itu.
Pada malam itu, sebuah bola kecil bernama Star turun ke Asha dengan kekuatan tak terbatas. Banyak keajaiban dan konflik terjadi setelahnya, termasuk pengalaman Valentino, kambing peliharaan Asha, yang juga mendapatkan keajaiban setelah bertemu dengan Star.
Nama Asha dalam film Wish memiliki kesamaan dengan frasa “asa dan harapan” dalam bahasa Indonesia. Film ini disutradarai oleh Chris Buck (Frozen 1 dan 2) dan Fawn Veerasunthorn (Raya and the Last Dragon).
Wish menampilkan animasi campuran antara 2D dan 3D dengan gaya watercolor seperti buku cerita klasik yang dihidupkan melalui teknologi CG. Animasi dalam Wish mengingatkan pada film-film Disney zaman dulu seperti Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Pinocchio (1940), dan Sleeping Beauty (1959).
Seperti film animasi musikal Disney lainnya, Wish juga menampilkan gaya menyuarakan gagasan melalui nyanyian, seperti yang terjadi pada film Aladdin. Lagu-lagu yang dinyanyikan oleh para karakter dengan animasi yang indah menambah warna dalam film ini.
Namun, meskipun Wish menghadirkan beberapa konflik, konflik tersebut terasa sedikit tergesa-gesa dan emosi yang dihadirkan oleh Asha sebagai tokoh utama tidak sepenuhnya tersampaikan kepada penonton.
Wish menyajikan berbagai konflik yang sering terjadi dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, seperti pengkhianatan teman, kepemimpinan yang sewenang-wenang, dan perasaan putus asa warga dalam menghadapi situasi yang menakutkan. Film ini memberikan pelajaran bagi penonton dari segala usia tentang konsekuensi keserakahan, seperti yang terjadi pada Raja Magnifico.
Raja Magnifico menikmati perannya dalam memenuhi permintaan, dan dia merasa berkuasa atas harapan-harapan warganya. Asha berusaha untuk tetap mempertahankan harapannya meskipun sering kali harapannya hancur. Pesan yang ingin disampaikan adalah bahwa tidak ada kekuatan yang lebih besar di alam semesta selain seseorang yang memiliki keinginan sejati di hatinya.
Film Wish menampilkan suara Ariana DeBose sebagai Asha, Chris Pine sebagai Raja Magnifico, dan Alan Tudyk sebagai Valentino, kambing peliharaan Asha. Film ini memiliki cerita dan karakter asli, dengan tujuh lagu baru yang ditulis oleh Julia Michaels dan Benjamin Rice.
Wish telah tayang di seluruh bioskop di Indonesia sejak 22 November 2023. Selain Asha, kehadiran Star dan tingkah laku unik Valentino juga turut menyajikan hiburan dalam film ini.
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