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Celerity
Celerity's Journal
Celerity's Journal
March 23, 2022
Comes two months after winning Australian Open
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/23/ash-barty-announces-shock-retirement-from-tennis-at-25
Ash Barty, the world No 1, has stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement from the sport at the age of 25.
An emotional Barty delivered the bombshell news in an interview with Casey Dellacqua via her social media channels on Wednesday.
“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” Barty wrote in a post on Instagram, alongside a video of the interview.
“I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me. I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled.
snip
World No 1 Ash Barty announces shock retirement from tennis at 25
World No 1 announces shock news on social mediaComes two months after winning Australian Open
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/mar/23/ash-barty-announces-shock-retirement-from-tennis-at-25
Ash Barty, the world No 1, has stunned the tennis world by announcing her retirement from the sport at the age of 25.
An emotional Barty delivered the bombshell news in an interview with Casey Dellacqua via her social media channels on Wednesday.
“Today is difficult and filled with emotion for me as I announce my retirement from tennis,” Barty wrote in a post on Instagram, alongside a video of the interview.
“I wasn’t sure how to share this news with you so I asked my good friend @caseydellacqua to help me. I am so thankful for everything this sport has given me and leave feeling proud and fulfilled.
snip
March 23, 2022
Two Republican Senate candidates field-test a new message honed in the cable-news studio.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/magazine/tucker-carlson-politician.html
https://archive.ph/Kc8Hm
There are legal rules that govern political ads — say, the one that requires federal candidates to appear onscreen and “approve this message” — and then there are aesthetic rules. A candidate who’s touting education proposals, for instance, will invariably be shown sitting awkwardly in a kid-size chair, reading to elementary-school students. A promise to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States must be accompanied by footage of the candidate, preferably in a hard hat, nodding meaningfully at someone in a factory. The candidate should always appear with people — talking, listening, shaking hands — except when speaking directly to the viewer, which should be done from a living room, with a credenza cluttered with family photos in the background.
Blake Masters, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, ignores these rules. In a series of online videos for his campaign, he appears all by himself, far from hearth and home, to make a slew of dire pronouncements. In one, Masters stands in the desert, flanked by cactuses, and declares: “Psychopaths are running the country right now.” In another, he’s in the middle of a hayfield, saying, “Our military leadership is totally incompetent.” In a third, he appears to have just walked out of a forest at twilight to announce, “Our schools are making our kids dumber.”
This is Masters’s first campaign. He is 35, and before entering politics, he spent eight years working for the billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel. The unsettlingly intense gaze and untucked chambray shirt in his videos leave him looking more like a venture capitalist than a politician; even his name sounds like something Bret Easton Ellis might have dreamed up for a Silicon Valley novel. It’s clearly tempting to view Masters’s videos through that tech- and Thiel-inflected lens. When they hit Twitter, a Motherboard writer joked that it seemed like Masters would “flay you and wear your skin” if Thiel commanded it, while The Washington Post’s Michael Scherer observed that the spots were less like political ads and “more like MoMA installations, made to broadcast on the museum wall. It is always dawn or dusk, the tech oracles have returned from space and half of your countrymen want to destroy you.”
https://twitter.com/bigblackjacobin/status/1486183177098080261
But these campaign videos actually have a different, more prosaically political antecedent: Tucker Carlson’s monologues. Five nights a week, Carlson offers his populist message to more than three million Fox News Channel viewers. He tells them that the people who run our country, namely Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, are “a senile man and an imbecile”; that our military leadership, in the person of Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is “not just a pig, he’s stupid”; and that in our schools, “your children are being taught by some of the most ignorant people in the country.” Now Masters — along with another former Thiel employee, J.D. Vance, who’s running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Ohio — is trying to convert this rhetoric into an actual political campaign.
snip
The Rise of the Tucker Carlson Politician
Two Republican Senate candidates field-test a new message honed in the cable-news studio.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/magazine/tucker-carlson-politician.html
https://archive.ph/Kc8Hm
There are legal rules that govern political ads — say, the one that requires federal candidates to appear onscreen and “approve this message” — and then there are aesthetic rules. A candidate who’s touting education proposals, for instance, will invariably be shown sitting awkwardly in a kid-size chair, reading to elementary-school students. A promise to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States must be accompanied by footage of the candidate, preferably in a hard hat, nodding meaningfully at someone in a factory. The candidate should always appear with people — talking, listening, shaking hands — except when speaking directly to the viewer, which should be done from a living room, with a credenza cluttered with family photos in the background.
Blake Masters, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, ignores these rules. In a series of online videos for his campaign, he appears all by himself, far from hearth and home, to make a slew of dire pronouncements. In one, Masters stands in the desert, flanked by cactuses, and declares: “Psychopaths are running the country right now.” In another, he’s in the middle of a hayfield, saying, “Our military leadership is totally incompetent.” In a third, he appears to have just walked out of a forest at twilight to announce, “Our schools are making our kids dumber.”
This is Masters’s first campaign. He is 35, and before entering politics, he spent eight years working for the billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel. The unsettlingly intense gaze and untucked chambray shirt in his videos leave him looking more like a venture capitalist than a politician; even his name sounds like something Bret Easton Ellis might have dreamed up for a Silicon Valley novel. It’s clearly tempting to view Masters’s videos through that tech- and Thiel-inflected lens. When they hit Twitter, a Motherboard writer joked that it seemed like Masters would “flay you and wear your skin” if Thiel commanded it, while The Washington Post’s Michael Scherer observed that the spots were less like political ads and “more like MoMA installations, made to broadcast on the museum wall. It is always dawn or dusk, the tech oracles have returned from space and half of your countrymen want to destroy you.”
https://twitter.com/bigblackjacobin/status/1486183177098080261
But these campaign videos actually have a different, more prosaically political antecedent: Tucker Carlson’s monologues. Five nights a week, Carlson offers his populist message to more than three million Fox News Channel viewers. He tells them that the people who run our country, namely Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, are “a senile man and an imbecile”; that our military leadership, in the person of Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is “not just a pig, he’s stupid”; and that in our schools, “your children are being taught by some of the most ignorant people in the country.” Now Masters — along with another former Thiel employee, J.D. Vance, who’s running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in Ohio — is trying to convert this rhetoric into an actual political campaign.
snip
March 23, 2022
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/us/politics/adam-laxalt-election-fraud.html
Adam Laxalt, the former Nevada attorney general, talking to reporters outside the Clark County Election Department in November 2020. Credit...John Locher/Associated Press
Nevadans still have 231 days until they head to the polls in November. But Adam Laxalt, the former attorney general of Nevada and a Republican candidate for Senate, is already laying detailed groundwork to fight election fraud in his race — long before a single vote has been cast or counted.
In conversations with voters at an event at his campaign headquarters this month, Laxalt explained how he’s vetting outside groups to help him establish election observer teams and map out a litigation strategy. “I don’t talk about that, but we’re vetting which group we think is going to do better,” Laxalt told an attendee, according to an audio recording obtained by The New York Times from a person who attended the event and opposes Laxalt’s candidacy.
At the event, Laxalt criticized the 2020 Trump campaign and outside groups for their handling of election-fraud claims, saying that they went on the offensive too late. “In 2020, it was nothing,” he said, according to the audio recording. “And then the campaign was late and the party was late. So, it’s just different now. There’s a lot of groups that are saying there’s election fraud.”
And should he be unable to find help, Laxalt pledged that his campaign would shoulder the cost of bringing in lawyers and mapping out a strategy, even at the expense of other core programs necessary to run a campaign. “If I get into July and I’m like, ‘Dear God, no one’s going to do this right,’ we will pay from our campaign, which means less voter contact for the reason you said,” Laxalt told an attendee. “If someone’s not going to do it, we’ve got to do it. And I’m willing to lose on the other side because we’re going to take it off.”
snip
How They'll Try To Steal: A Republican Fights Voter Fraud in His Race (231 Days Before Election Day)
In an audio recording obtained by The New York Times, Adam Laxalt, a Republican running for Senate in Nevada, said he’s already gearing up to fight election fraud.https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/us/politics/adam-laxalt-election-fraud.html
Adam Laxalt, the former Nevada attorney general, talking to reporters outside the Clark County Election Department in November 2020. Credit...John Locher/Associated Press
Nevadans still have 231 days until they head to the polls in November. But Adam Laxalt, the former attorney general of Nevada and a Republican candidate for Senate, is already laying detailed groundwork to fight election fraud in his race — long before a single vote has been cast or counted.
In conversations with voters at an event at his campaign headquarters this month, Laxalt explained how he’s vetting outside groups to help him establish election observer teams and map out a litigation strategy. “I don’t talk about that, but we’re vetting which group we think is going to do better,” Laxalt told an attendee, according to an audio recording obtained by The New York Times from a person who attended the event and opposes Laxalt’s candidacy.
At the event, Laxalt criticized the 2020 Trump campaign and outside groups for their handling of election-fraud claims, saying that they went on the offensive too late. “In 2020, it was nothing,” he said, according to the audio recording. “And then the campaign was late and the party was late. So, it’s just different now. There’s a lot of groups that are saying there’s election fraud.”
And should he be unable to find help, Laxalt pledged that his campaign would shoulder the cost of bringing in lawyers and mapping out a strategy, even at the expense of other core programs necessary to run a campaign. “If I get into July and I’m like, ‘Dear God, no one’s going to do this right,’ we will pay from our campaign, which means less voter contact for the reason you said,” Laxalt told an attendee. “If someone’s not going to do it, we’ve got to do it. And I’m willing to lose on the other side because we’re going to take it off.”
snip
March 22, 2022
Dozens of well-known leaders in Jamaica including professors and politicians are demanding an apology and slavery reparations as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prepare for a trip to the former British colony.
The group is rejecting the visit of Prince William and Kate scheduled for Tuesday, part of a larger trip to the Caribbean region that coincides with the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence and the 70th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
“We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind,” read a letter published Sunday ahead of the couple’s visit and signed by 100 Jamaican leaders.
The week long royal tour of Central America and the Caribbean that began on Saturday was taken at the behest of the queen, who is William’s grandmother. The trip aims to strengthen Britain’s ties with Commonwealth countries, but it’s off to a rocky start and comes as some countries consider cutting ties to the monarchy like the eastern Caribbean island of Barbados did in November.
snip
Jamaicans shun UK royal visit, demand slavery reparations
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/europe/300546709/jamaicans-shun-uk-royal-visit-demand-slavery-reparationsDozens of well-known leaders in Jamaica including professors and politicians are demanding an apology and slavery reparations as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prepare for a trip to the former British colony.
The group is rejecting the visit of Prince William and Kate scheduled for Tuesday, part of a larger trip to the Caribbean region that coincides with the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s independence and the 70th anniversary of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
“We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, have perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind,” read a letter published Sunday ahead of the couple’s visit and signed by 100 Jamaican leaders.
The week long royal tour of Central America and the Caribbean that began on Saturday was taken at the behest of the queen, who is William’s grandmother. The trip aims to strengthen Britain’s ties with Commonwealth countries, but it’s off to a rocky start and comes as some countries consider cutting ties to the monarchy like the eastern Caribbean island of Barbados did in November.
snip
March 21, 2022
https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/the-best-whiskeys-for-your-money
When it comes to our beloved brown spirit, going big doesn’t have to mean dropping half your tax return on 750 millilitres of the good stuff. Because for every dusty bottle of black market Pappy van Winkle, there’s a whole hoard of ambitious anklebiters ready to flex atop your home bar for a fraction of the price. “Good whiskey doesn’t have to be expensive,” concurs John McCarthy, the man behind the swanky sticks at San Francisco’s Gibson and the co-author of Be Your Own Bartender: A Surefire Guide to Finding (and Making) Your Perfect Cocktail. “Just because a bottle is labelled as 18 years, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than something labelled 15 years—often, I actually prefer a younger whiskey. Spending more time in wood doesn’t always make whiskey better, but it does make it more expensive.” We enlisted McCarthy’s expert help to compile these readily available picks, each studded with international awards, so you can safely leave those shady Craigslist Pappys for the suckers.
snip
The 20 Absolute Best Whisk(e)ys for Your Money
Top shelf booze with mid-shelf prices.https://www.thrillist.com/drink/nation/the-best-whiskeys-for-your-money
When it comes to our beloved brown spirit, going big doesn’t have to mean dropping half your tax return on 750 millilitres of the good stuff. Because for every dusty bottle of black market Pappy van Winkle, there’s a whole hoard of ambitious anklebiters ready to flex atop your home bar for a fraction of the price. “Good whiskey doesn’t have to be expensive,” concurs John McCarthy, the man behind the swanky sticks at San Francisco’s Gibson and the co-author of Be Your Own Bartender: A Surefire Guide to Finding (and Making) Your Perfect Cocktail. “Just because a bottle is labelled as 18 years, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than something labelled 15 years—often, I actually prefer a younger whiskey. Spending more time in wood doesn’t always make whiskey better, but it does make it more expensive.” We enlisted McCarthy’s expert help to compile these readily available picks, each studded with international awards, so you can safely leave those shady Craigslist Pappys for the suckers.
Kavalan Distillery Select
Price: $59.99
“Kavalan, out of Taiwan, is making some really elegant, sophisticated whiskies,” McCarthy says. While most of this polished fleet sports top shelf prices to go along with their top shelf pedigree, this entry level, cocktail-friendly expression provides all the tropical bang for less of the buck. The island’s balmy climate accounts for much of the juice’s enticingly fruit-forward aroma, which is backed up by rich praline, dried fruit, and lightly toasted oak on the palate.
Price: $59.99
“Kavalan, out of Taiwan, is making some really elegant, sophisticated whiskies,” McCarthy says. While most of this polished fleet sports top shelf prices to go along with their top shelf pedigree, this entry level, cocktail-friendly expression provides all the tropical bang for less of the buck. The island’s balmy climate accounts for much of the juice’s enticingly fruit-forward aroma, which is backed up by rich praline, dried fruit, and lightly toasted oak on the palate.
Suntory Toki
Price: $33.07
This blended whisky shows off the best of Suntory’s three distilleries is Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Toki, which translates to “time” in Japanese, blends the single malt from Hakushu and the grain from Chita for form a subtly sweet, clear gold product. Tasting notes include green apple, grapefruit, white pepper, vanilla oak, and ginger. Ideally, you’d have this whisky on hand to whip your friends a classic Japanese highball.
Price: $33.07
This blended whisky shows off the best of Suntory’s three distilleries is Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Chita. Toki, which translates to “time” in Japanese, blends the single malt from Hakushu and the grain from Chita for form a subtly sweet, clear gold product. Tasting notes include green apple, grapefruit, white pepper, vanilla oak, and ginger. Ideally, you’d have this whisky on hand to whip your friends a classic Japanese highball.
Brenne French Single Malt
Price: $64.99
This unique addition hails from France’s Cognac region and, as one might imagine, carries over some of the profiles found in the area’s beloved spirit, most notably crème brûlée, almond, and Bananas Foster thanks to its sojourn inside used Cognac barrels. As if that weren’t enough, a distinctly floral, coconut-laced aroma ensures this is a far cry from anything birthed on American shores.
Price: $64.99
This unique addition hails from France’s Cognac region and, as one might imagine, carries over some of the profiles found in the area’s beloved spirit, most notably crème brûlée, almond, and Bananas Foster thanks to its sojourn inside used Cognac barrels. As if that weren’t enough, a distinctly floral, coconut-laced aroma ensures this is a far cry from anything birthed on American shores.
snip
March 20, 2022
Russian joke: "We are now entering day 24 of the special military operation to take Kyiv in 2 days."
https://twitter.com/Kasparov63/status/1505026512210345988
March 20, 2022
Label: Albion Records – ITS 999
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1981
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave, Punk
999 - Concrete (Full Album)
Label: Albion Records – ITS 999
Format:
Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1981
Genre: Rock
Style: New Wave, Punk
March 20, 2022
https://twitter.com/natalie_allison/status/1504957031932907523
This is not an episode of Jerry Springer. It's tonight's Ohio Republican Senate debate.
“You’re dealing with the wrong guy,” Mandel says to Gibbons before calling him a “pussy.”https://twitter.com/natalie_allison/status/1504957031932907523
March 20, 2022
Label: Comorbid Records – CORE002
Format:
4 x File, MP3
Country: Sweden
Released: 2009-08-17
Genre: Electronic
Style: Dark Electro
https://owlvision.se/
Tracklist
1 Darkness 3:15
2 Darkness (Owl Vision Remix) 3:13
3 Darkness (Distrakt Remix) 4:24
4 Darkness (Vektorkat Remix) 3:30
Owl Vision - Darkness EP (2009) Swedish Dark Electro
bangers all
the mid to last half of the noughties (2003/4 to 2009/10) was just sick for electroclash/electro house, skweee, grime/sinogrime, tecktonik, bloghaus, dubstep (non commercial), witch house/drag, etc etc
Label: Comorbid Records – CORE002
Format:
4 x File, MP3
Country: Sweden
Released: 2009-08-17
Genre: Electronic
Style: Dark Electro
https://owlvision.se/
Tracklist
1 Darkness 3:15
2 Darkness (Owl Vision Remix) 3:13
3 Darkness (Distrakt Remix) 4:24
4 Darkness (Vektorkat Remix) 3:30
March 19, 2022
Label: Psychout Records (2) – 064 998-2, Universal – 064 998-2
Format:
CD, Album, Copy Protected, Red booklet
Country: Sweden
Released: 18 Sept 2002
Genre: Rock
Style: Garage Rock, Alternative Rock, Rock & Roll, Hard Rock
The Hellacopters - By The Grace Of God (Peacemaker OST)
Label: Psychout Records (2) – 064 998-2, Universal – 064 998-2
Format:
CD, Album, Copy Protected, Red booklet
Country: Sweden
Released: 18 Sept 2002
Genre: Rock
Style: Garage Rock, Alternative Rock, Rock & Roll, Hard Rock
Profile Information
Gender: FemaleHometown: London
Home country: US/UK/Sweden
Current location: Stockholm, Sweden
Member since: Sun Jul 1, 2018, 07:25 PM
Number of posts: 43,328
