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Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey questions your entire existence in Pixar’s new “Soul” movie

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Directed by two-time Academy Award-winner Pete Docter, co-directed by Kemp Powers and produced by Academy Award-nominee Dana Murray, Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” opens in theaters on June 19, 2020. According to Docter, the idea for the story is 23 years in the making. “It started with my son—he’s 23 now—but the instant he was born, he already had a personality,” says Docter. “Where did that come from? I thought your personality developed through your interaction with the world. And yet, it was pretty clear that we’re all born with a very unique, specific sense of who we are.”

“Soul” introduces Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz. “I think Joe is having that crisis that all artists have,” says Powers. “He’s increasingly feeling like his lifelong dream of being a jazz musician is not going to pan out and he’s asking himself ‘Why am I here? What am I meant to be doing?’ Joe personifies those questions.”

In the film, just when Joe thinks his dream might be in reach, a single unexpected step sends him to a fantastical place where he’s is forced to think again about what it truly means to have soul. That’s where he meets and ultimately teams up with 22, a soul who doesn’t think life on Earth is all it’s cracked up to be. Jamie Foxx lends his voice to Joe, while Tina Fey voices 22. “The comedy comes naturally,” says Murray. “But the subtle emotion that reveals the truth to the characters is really something special.”

Photo Gallery: Steel Panther with Stitched Up Heart at Toronto’s Rebel

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All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com

Steel Panther
Steel Panther
Steel Panther
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Stitched Up Heart
Stitched Up Heart
Stitched Up Heart
Stitched Up Heart
Stitched Up Heart

Duff McKagan Releases New Video For “Cold Outside” In Support Of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission

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Today, Duff McKagan has released a new video for the track “Cold Outside” with the video addresses the growing homeless crisis facing the U.S. and is being released on “Giving Tuesday”.  The release coincides with a Propeller campaign that benefits Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

The video was designed to help raise awareness and support during the holiday season for the Mission and their work to provide emergency care and long-term recovery services to the hurting and homeless people in the greater Seattle area.

Cold Outside” was featured on Duff McKagan’s new solo album Tenderness (UMe) released earlier this year. The album was produced by and features recent Grammy winner Shooter Jennings.

“In my early days I was in similar situations” recalls Duff McKagan, “so I know what it’s like to not have anyone to turn to and sometimes need a helping hand to get back on my feet. I know many know others in need” Duff continues, “and I am hoping that, if we come together, we can help make a real difference.”

Duff McKagan has given much of his own time to this campaign and has donated memorabilia as part of the Propeller campaign with all proceeds going to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission.

Through the Propeller platform, fans will be able to earn points as they “take action” by volunteering at the Union Gospel Mission, donating to the Mission, sharing the campaign info on social media to help spread the word, and buying donated memorabilia. Items include a signed Litho, a signed Tenderness Deluxe LP, as well as a Tenderness U.S. Tour t-shirt, wristbands and more.

All donations made on Tuesday, December 3rd will be matched dollar for dollar (up to $60,000) by an anonymous donor.

For more information on Propeller go to: https://www.propeller.la/coldoutside.

For more information on Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission go to: https://www.ugm.org

 

Silver Screen – The UK’s emerging boujiee cinema culture

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As an increasing number of people begin to pivot away from stagnating cinemas, opting to view at home on their often higher quality televisions, and through streaming services. The movie-going experience is having to pivot into an event like it used to be when first introduced, something more than simply going to watch a film and paying over the odds for popcorn and a soft drink.

Here are some examples of cinemas around the UK, each with their own unique, attractive features and designs that help to separate them from the average screening.

The BFI London IMAX

Owned by the British Film Institute, the London IMAX Is the biggest cinema screen in the country, and certainly one to keep in mind for booking the biggest blockbusters of the year. Situated in the heart of the capital city, it’s an extremely popular destination for watching films in the highest possible quality, and features the proprietary film projection that you just can’t experience at home. Many cinemas throughout the country have adopted the IMAX moniker with a lower quality, digital version, and so if wanting the most authentic version it’s important to do your research on the cinema you’re going to.

F.A.C.T Liverpool

Liverpool’s F.A.C.T Picture House cinema is a great one to go to if wanting something a little different from your traditional cinema experience. Embedded within a modern art gallery and museum, there’s always a unique exhibition on worth visiting in addition to the film, and they also run Q&A sessions and more with directors and cast members. Most recently, Yesterday director Danny Boyle visited the cinema to introduce his Beatles-centric summer hit.

Liverpool’s cinema scene is extremely popular, and its multiple theatres seem to encompass every different type of movie going experience. The city has the Woolton Picture House, opened in 1927 and one of the oldest in the country, the Everyman cinema in the Metquarter, offering a traditional yet modern vibe with luxury screens and a cocktail bar, and even the Odeon IMAX in Liverpool ONE, offering the standard experience with a massive HD screen for your superhero flick.

Additionally, in popular student cities across the UK such as Liverpool, cinema areas and rooms are a growing communal trend in apartment buildings and student accommodation. Property investment companies such as RWinvest offer cinema-quality screening rooms as part of the features in their purpose-built student builds, and they are extremely popular among students.

Cinemas around the country also usually give students exclusive offers and membership perks. The E4 Slackers club is a great scheme to get involved in if you’re a student, as it allows you to see films for free, and often even before they have been released to the general public.

The Electric Birmingham

Hailed as the ‘oldest working cinema’ in the UK, the Electric in Birmingham has been heavily renovated since its original opening in 1909, but still offers a unique and quirky experience for filmgoers. With leather sofas available at the back of the venue, you can even get a waiter service to deliver food and drinks as the movie plays. That does sound a little distracting, however.

 

Windscreens and MOT Checks

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Windscreens, or windshields as they are called in most of North America, have been around as long as cars themselves. Originally, car windscreens were made from just the same sort of glass as early 20th century motorists had in their car windows. Over the years, the design of windscreens has changed considerably, and now toughened safety glass is used as standard. The windscreen is one of the most important aspects of the MOT checks as the inspector has to be absolutely sure that you can see through it properly. There are however plenty of things which drivers regularly do which could lead to a MOT failure.

Tinted Windscreen

They were all the rage in the 80s, and some drivers still like the look of heavily tinted windows. Tinted windows aren’t illegal, but there are restrictions on the level of tinting allowed on the windscreen, and the front windows on both sides. The law states that for the windscreen and front windows, at least 70% of light must be able to pass through the windows. Any level of tinted film added to the window is going to take your windows under that 70% limit. If you are stopped by the police, you will probably be given a vehicle defect notice. This isn’t a fine or points on your licence, it’s just an instruction to fix your windows by pulling off the film as soon as possible. Similarly, a mechanic will not be able to pass your vehicle if there are tinted films on the window.

Cracks and Chips

Stone chips and cracks in the windscreen are often unavoidable, as they’re thrown up off the road by the traffic in front as you are driving along. The exact location of the chip or crack in your windscreen will determine whether the car passes the MOT or not. The testing guidelines state that there can be no chips or cracks larger than 10mm in the direct line of vision of the driver, or 40mm elsewhere on the windscreen. The problem with stone chips and cracks is that they can get much bigger, very quickly. This is especially an issue in cold weather due to water expansion when it freezes. The good news is that chips and small cracks can usually be repaired rather than replacing the entire sheet of glass. Many insurance policies will cover the cost of chip repair in the windscreen. If not, expect to pay around £200 for someone to come to you and repair the chip. If you need a whole new windscreen, the cost will depend very much on the make and model of your car.

Stickers and Obstructions

Vehicles have also been known to fail their MOT because there are just too many stickers and other items on the windscreen. This is particularly a problem with satellite navigation equipment which fixes onto the windscreen with a suction cup, or other technology like dash cams. Drivers are allowed to use this sort of tech in their cars, as long as the units are positioned in a way so that the view is not obstructed. If you are using a satnav, then get rid of any stickers and other objects before taking your car in for the MOT. If you need a parking permit or other type of sticker for work, then use the spot at the bottom left of the windscreen, where the old-style tax disc used to go. That’s the spot which will cause least obstruction to your view when driving. If you can’t bear to part with your car stickers, use them on the rear windscreen rather than at the front.

Washers and Fluid

During the MOT the mechanic will also check to make sure that your windscreen washers are working properly. This means turning the engine on and testing the jets to make sure that fluid comes out onto the glass. The MOT doesn’t stipulate what type of liquid you should be using in the windscreen wash reservoir. Plain water will do the job, but freezes readily during the winter months, and isn’t great at removing grease and dirt from the glass either. A budget-busting tip is often to add washing up liquid or other domestic cleaning products, but this isn’t great advice either. All of the large supermarkets and car superstores will sell a range of windscreen wash fluids. There’s no need to buy the top of the range, a mid-market fluid will work just as well. For winter motoring, try to choose a windscreen wash which will stay liquid to low temperatures. If your jets are faulty or blocked, get them seen to before the MOT date.

Before you take your car to the garage for its MOT, check the levels of windscreen wash in the reservoir. It doesn’t have to be full to the brim, but should be around half full. It’s best to get into the habit of topping up your windscreen wash on a weekly basis. Look also at the condition of the wiper blades. They should remove the water clearly and efficiently from the windscreen. If the blades leave smears, or stick as blades move, it’s probably time to get them replaced. This isn’t a big job, and a new set of wiper blades can cost as little as £20.

Getting Problems Fixed

If you have identified problems with your windscreen before the MOT, this gives you the opportunity to put things right first. If you know you need work done, you can take your time finding the best price for the job rather than being forced into making a decision on the spot when you get that call saying your car has failed the MOT. If your car does fail, then have the repair done and then put the car back through a partial re-test. This is cheaper than another full test, and will just look at the items which failed the first time. Take advice from your mechanic if you are not sure whether your windscreen is up to scratch.

 

 

Why Artists and Musicians Should Be Patient when Securing Press Coverage

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The music industry is growing at an astonishing rate. With the advent of smartphones, people can now listen to music while playing casino games UK. The past decade has also seen massive growth in independent musicians and singers. These musicians also need press coverage in order to draw a wider audience to their content. This blog post will explain to you why artists should have more patience while securing press coverage.

Finding the Right Place to Promote Your Music Takes Time

There has been an astounding 510% increase in independent artists making their living from music in the past decade. There are more musicians than ever in the industry and they all release music on various popular platforms. The social media channels have created unlimited opportunities for exposure and creating a fan base, yet engagement and promotion are increasingly rare. There are numerous blogs, podcasts and YouTube channels that claim to have the best content, but most struggle to create a loyal fan base. There are various reasons for this, but they largely come down to being driven by what gets clicked over what is engaging.

Many independent artists will tell you it has never been easier to get press coverage and this is true up to some extent. There are a number of outlets and if you try to contact them, you will find several who are willing to post about your latest release. However, posting alone will take you nowhere.

It takes a lot to be successful in the music industry, including creativity and patience. Yet, many artists think that they will go on by just filling some information in a press release template. The problem with this type of approach is that other artists are also using this strategy and it is not working for them either. Knowing that promotions take time can help you in ensuring that your press releases will get you the required audience.

Use of Various Channels for Press Release

Press releases can be submitted to more than newspapers and magazines. You can do a little research and look for local places that are likely to get you the appropriate audience. Artists can also consider local publications that are specifically designed for music. Websites that cater to the music industry are also great places to send press releases, as are blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, online magazines and webzines.

Getting coverage in the middle of a media campaign can be quite good for the success of your release. Journalists and bloggers love catching new trends. If you are not in the middle of a press campaign, you can start one by contacting journalists and media outlets that might be interested in covering you.

You must treat every update as the biggest thing that has happened to your music career till now. You can’t build a loyal fan base if you don’t feel something different and enticing about your last activity. Take your time to plan everything and position your next release to be the one that changes everything.

Which is the new trend watch for men?

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With continually changing design patterns, it is fitting for style fans to stay up with the latest. Markets invite new patterns and reject old patterns. In the event that you really and completely put stock in staying up with the latest with the most popular trend patterns, you might need to consider the most recent assortments that the Watch Market brings to the table. There is no uncertainty that a man looks fragmented without a clock. By wearing one, it gets it full, and by wearing the most recent clothing, it gives it the edge it needs.

Rolex Cosmograph Dota watches

Rolex can’t be overlooked with regards to gathering wrist watches. Individuals are energetically standing by to dispatch what they are creating in a specific season. The Rolex Cosmograph Dota 116500ln comes furnished with just 290 parts, equipped for accomplishing exactness and precision, significantly less than other such watches. Indeed, the exhibition is 100% momentous. When this watch is on your wrist, you don’t need to stress over bastards, in light of the fact that the blue-chrome hair in this watch stuns and opposes obstruction in the attractive field. It can control for as long as 72 hours. The clock is energized to run consistently with simple developments.

Tag heuer watches

With regards to wrist watches, Tag Heuer is a main brand. The best part is that they as of late propelled a watch that is refined and refined. Propelled by engine hustling, Tag Heuer includes Stupendous Carrea Grande Diet GMT to its potential clients. This watch utilizes the Tag Heyer Bore 8 RS programmed development, which got its development from the turning framework with the GT motor Cottes de Genu. The manly watch is made of tempered steel with a distance across of 42.5 mm and a flimsy 13 mm.

Glouche designs

It is consolidated with a sapphire precious stone which shields it from any plausibility of tingling. This dial is accessible in dim with roundabout glouche designs. The brand logo is handcrafted and the face is in a bended shape with a twofold finish. It is finished with an agreeable 8.5 inch long tie, which utilizes a snare with push fastens on it.

Unique testing features

It is COSC affirmed and has been exposed to thorough testing for 15 unique days and medium-term at five distinct positions, this, however it has figured out how to withstand three unique temperatures. It is additionally intended to withstand pressures up to a large portion of a huge amount of weight up to 500 cm. Its chronicled highlight enables the client to quantify slipped by time with normal speed figuring’s.

Platinum watches

The chronograph can be worked, and can work with two drive catches, with a tick sound connected to them. With 404mm distance across of 404mm on the clock, hardened steel, gold and platinum are accessible in cases equipped for withstanding the erosion of the sea and brutal conditions. Aren’t these watches exactly what you have to gather yours? I’m certain they are. Their depiction is sufficiently enticing to boost them to get them.

My Next Read: “The Jackass Whisperer: How to deal with the worst people at work, at home and online―even when the Jackass is you”

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A rallying cry for everyone tired of keyboard commandos and people who use speakerphones in open plan offices, The Jackass Whisperer is your guide to dealing with the worst people on earth. Jackasses are those who make our lives needlessly harder. They drive too slowly in the fast lane and too quickly in the slow lane, reply all, heat up fish in the microwave at work and share way too much information about their cleanse on Facebook. They live in our homes, work in our offices and shop at our stores. Jackasses are among us, and we have some bad news for you: if you can’t spot the Jackass at the (enter literally any place on the planet), then the Jackass is you. After a lifetime of research, Scott and Alison Stratten offer the definitive guide to surviving the Jackassery in your life and making the world a better place, one set of noise-cancelling headphones at a time.

You can get it here, and you should, you jackass. Or am I the jackass for saying that? Christ, I need this book now.

Top-Rated Bluetooth Amplifier Buying Guide & Review

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If you are a music lover, you must have discovered a countless number of ways to listen to your favorite songs. Due to advancement in technology, there are lots of ways to listen to songs in today’s world. While these many ways are effective, some are more efficient than others. One of the most effective ways to listen to songs as a music lover is by making use of a Bluetooth amplifier.

Making use of a Bluetooth amplifier is considered better than other methods of listening to music because of the level of convenience associated with it.

Gone are the days you have to make use of amplifiers with several wires. The world is at a point where lots of amplifiers are Bluetooth enabled. So, all you need to make use of them is to connect them to a Bluetooth enabled device.

Will you be buying a Bluetooth amplifier soon? You can rely on the guide in this article to help you make the right choice.

That said, below are factors to consider when buying a Bluetooth amplifier.

Look Out for Size

The size of a Bluetooth amplifier is one thing you need to consider when shopping for one. If you have ample space in your living area, you can go all out and get a Bluetooth amplifier that is large and occupies a lot of space. However, if you have limited space, you will have to make do with a small Bluetooth amplifier.

Go Through Reviews

Every Bluetooth amplifier comes with its own features. If you have not made use of it before, it might be difficult to tell what exactly its features are. While the best way to know what a Bluetooth amplifier has to offer is by making use of it, you can always depend on reviews from other users to get a clear idea of what it has to offer.

Come up with a Budget

You do not have to spend so much money on purchasing a Bluetooth amplifier before getting one that comes with the features you desire.

The truth remains you might spot a Bluetooth amplifier that you love and might be willing to pay whatever amount for it. It, however, might not come with the features you need.  To ensure that you make the best choice when buying a Bluetooth amplifier, make a budget and search for all Bluetooth devices that fall in that price range. This will help you easily discover one that has the features you look pout for and is affordable.

Best Bluetooth Amplifiers

Will you be buying a Bluetooth amplifier soon? You should know what the best Bluetooth amplifiers are. Some of them are;

Douk Sound Nobsound Tone Audio Amplifier

This Bluetooth amplifier features a great Hi-Fi sound. You, however, do not need to go out of your way to enjoy all the features that it comes with as it is affordable. This device does not just make it possible for you to enjoy great sound at an affordable cost, it also makes it possible for you to make a choice of the colors you want to purchase as it can be gotten in three different colors. These colors are pink, blue, and black.

Although famous as a Bluetooth amplifier, this device is not limited to just functioning as a Bluetooth amplifier. It can function as a PC sound card, a wireless receiver, and a headphone amplifier.

This device is not just very functional, it also features perfect aesthetics. It has an integrated aluminum case that is free from noticeable screws. Furthermore, it features a mirror pane, as well as an LED display. These attributes go a long way in helping it have a great appearance.

If you do not want to make use of the Bluetooth function of this amplifier, you can decide to make use of the USB port that it comes with.

While this device comes with lots of favorable features, its major downside is when restarted, it does not automatically connect to a Bluetooth device that it was connected to prior to getting restarted.

Fosi Audio Stereo Audio Amplifier

This Bluetooth amplifier is compact and small. It has a design that is practical and very simple. It is a perfect device for anyone that has interests in a Hi-Fi sound.

This speaker is about 17 pounds in weight and measures 10.1 x 8.1 x 2.8 inches. It has its controls at its front and its antenna at it back. Although small, its antenna goes a long way in making it very effective in receiving Bluetooth signals from mobile devices.

You can connect to this Bluetooth speaker from a distance of 33 feet. If you get farther than 33 feet, it will be impossible to connect to it as its farthest distance is 33 feet. Furthermore, when you make use of this device, you can enjoy a low signal delay as this is one of the guarantees it comes with. That’s not all, you will not have to deal with an audible noise or a pop when the Bluetooth connection is made.

Featured by this Bluetooth amplifier is a warranty of 18 months. This implies that if something goes wrong with your amplifier before 18 months elapses, you will get a replacement.

Facmogu F900 Mini Bluetooth Power

This Bluetooth amplifier features a very sturdy design and is very portable.  It weighs about 1 pound and has dimensions of 3 x 2.7 x 1.5 inches. Due to its small size, you do not need a bag to move around with this Bluetooth amplifier. You can conveniently hold it in your hand.

This device is not just Bluetooth compatible. It is also AUX and USB compatible. If you intend to connect cables to this Bluetooth amplifier, you have to be aware of the fact that the moment it gets wired, it will stop functioning wirelessly.

Once you purchase this Bluetooth amplifier, you can always get your money back if anything goes wrong with it in a period of 30 days.

How “Weird Al” Yankovic Got His Start in Song Parodies

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“Weird Al” Yankovic traces his career from Dr. Demento’s radio show to getting permission from Paul McCartney and Kurt Cobain to parody their hits during his 2016 interview with Howard Stern.