Marriage

Beyoncé and Dolly Parton’s versions of Jolene represent two sides of southern femininity

Retrieved on: 
星期二, 四月 23, 2024

On her new album, Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé puts a new spin on Dolly Parton’s classic song, Jolene.

Key Points: 
  • On her new album, Cowboy Carter, Beyoncé puts a new spin on Dolly Parton’s classic song, Jolene.
  • Some people commenting online were vocal about not liking Beyoncé’s version, often citing its lack of vulnerability when compared to Parton’s version.
  • There are upwards of 80 covers of Jolene, but Beyoncé’s is a departure from the rest.
  • The Houston native’s Jolene is decidedly Black, and therein lies the crux of the different reactions towards the song.
  • It is important to examine the story Dolly Parton tells on Jolene because it, too, is rooted in her racial and gendered identity as much as Beyoncé’s Jolene is.

How is Beyoncé’s story the same but different?

  • Towards the end of the song, Beyoncé and her partner turn a corner and offer hope against the disruption that Jolene represents.
  • Beyoncé’s Jolene is introduced by Dolly Parton herself in a short interlude.
  • Parton makes a clear association between her experience with Jolene and Beyoncé’s experience with “Becky with the good hair” (or “hussy” as Parton says).
  • But the term has evolved to encompass racially ambiguous women with European or Asian features, lighter skin and loose curls or straight hair.
  • Why would we expect the song to be the same when these two women are far from?


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Kadian Pow does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Friend breakups: why they can sometimes feel as bad as falling out of love

Retrieved on: 
星期四, 四月 18, 2024

Though we tend to think of bad breakups as the end of romantic relationships, losing a friend – especially one who has been close to you – can be just as hard.

Key Points: 
  • Though we tend to think of bad breakups as the end of romantic relationships, losing a friend – especially one who has been close to you – can be just as hard.
  • In a recent session of a personal development group I run, several participants in their 20s and 30s got talking about being dumped by a friend.
  • Most thought things were okay, then received a long text in which the friend explained they were unhappy and wanted no further contract.
  • This is part of our genetic design, readying us to grow up and build adult lives independent of our parents.
  • This article is part of Quarter Life, a series about issues affecting those of us in our 20s and 30s.
  • The articles in this series explore the questions and bring answers as we navigate this turbulent period of life.
  • Research shows that the most common method of ending a friendship is by avoidance – not addressing the issues involved.

Why friendships break up

  • A serious romantic relationship or starting a family means the time and focus given to the friendship will naturally decrease.
  • Friendships don’t have to end over changes like this, if you can try to empathise with what your friend is going through rather than judging them or taking it personally.
  • Long friendships will naturally go through fluctuations, so it’s normal if sometimes you feel closer and other times further apart.
  • This can cause your feelings of closeness to suffer.
  • Even worse, the friend could try to make you feel bad about yourself – guilt-tripping you for developing other relationships or interests.

How to cope

  • You can help yourself get through such waves by practising diaphragmatic breathing, which is evidenced to reduce stress.
  • Discussing the situation with someone else can help, and might allow you to see what you can learn from it.
  • When coping with any type of breakup, traits of resilience (optimism, self-esteem and grit) will help you adapt.


Sonja Falck does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Bollywood is playing a large supporting role in India’s elections

Retrieved on: 
星期三, 四月 10, 2024

The BJP claims India as a Hindu nation.

Key Points: 
  • The BJP claims India as a Hindu nation.
  • The use of Indian popular cinema for political ends has a long history – one that predates Indian independence.
  • Since the 1980s, it also set in motion a nationwide trend of using cinematic means to capture the attention of voters.

Mobilizing film fans for electoral campaigns

  • She discusses case studies of film fans who even worship their favorite celebrities as deities by creating temples to these stars within residential and commercial spaces.
  • Srinivas found that film fans can make or destroy the careers and lives of stars.
  • If a star decides to venture into politics, these film fans can become active participants in the star’s political campaigns.
  • But if the star does something that the fans disapprove of, they will as easily boycott his films and even destroy the star’s career.

An alignment of cinema and politics


The cinema industry in Tamil Nadu, more than any other in India, has evolved closely with political and social developments in the region since the 1940s. The ideals of Tamil nationalism, a political movement that changed the course of history in Tamil Nadu, were powerfully communicated through the medium of entertainment films. Often, the personalities associated with these films were physically present alongside politicians at party meetings.

  • In my research, I found that the alignment of cinema and politics in Tamil Nadu was helped by the use of identical advertising media.
  • A favored publicity medium of both the cinema industry and party members was the hand-painted plywood cutout.
  • In this way, they helped to transfer the power of the cinematic star image to the image of the leader.
  • I argued that these advertisements played an important role in visualizing, and shaping, the identity politics of Tamil nationalism.

Cinema’s role in divisive politics

  • Another series of films in the biopic genre showcases the historical legacy of right-wing Hindu nationalist organizations and their leaders.
  • “PM Narendra Modi,” which reminded voters of the prime minister’s rise from poverty, was scheduled for release just before the 2019 elections.
  • The film, which demonizes Muslims and shows them committing extremely barbaric and cruel acts, is among those publicly endorsed by the prime minister himself.


Preminda Jacob does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Love, Dating & Marriage Ministry Host Love, Dating and Marriage Conference Tour Across 22 Cities

Retrieved on: 
星期六, 三月 30, 2024

Dr. Kingsley And Mildred Okonkwo Trigger Enthusiastic Responses Highlighting Growing Demand For Relationship Enrichment Conferences.

Key Points: 
  • Houston, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - March 29, 2024) - Love, Dating and Marriage Conference Tour, hosted by Love, Dating & Marriage Ministry is proud to announce that it has begun its 2024 tour.
  • Renowned experts in family life and relationships, Dr. Kingsley and Mildred Okonkwo trigger enthusiastic responses as they embark on a transformative global journey with their Love, Dating, and Marriage conference tour.
  • The LDMWITHPK TOUR for 2024 is anticipated to meet the same expectations as more tour dates will be announced on https://www.ldmwithpktour.com/ .
  • The organizers are thrilled to see such an incredible level of interest and enthusiasm for the Love, Dating, and Marriage Conference tours.

One-Two Punch of Wireless and PLC Set to Transform IIoT

Retrieved on: 
星期二, 四月 9, 2024

Reliable communication is a critical piece of industrial systems becoming "smart," as it facilitates remote monitoring and management capabilities.

Key Points: 
  • Reliable communication is a critical piece of industrial systems becoming "smart," as it facilitates remote monitoring and management capabilities.
  • Making this all possible is the marriage of two powerful communication technologies: Power Line Communication (PLC) and wireless mesh networks.
  • Together, they create a hybrid network that combines the reliability of PLC with the accessibility of wireless, forming the backbone of a robust IIoT ecosystem.
  • As technology continues to evolve, the adoption of PLC and wireless hybrid networks is expected to grow, unlocking new possibilities and driving innovation across industries.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Partners with Mike’s Hot Honey® to Debut First-Ever Deep Dish Pizza Collaboration in Celebration of National Deep Dish Pizza Day

Retrieved on: 
星期五, 四月 5, 2024

Available starting on National Deep Dish Pizza Day (April 5), Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria will introduce Lou’s x Mike’s Hot Honey Pizza, a limited-time offering in both deep dish and thin crust for dine-in, carryout and delivery at all Lou Malnati’s locations in Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Phoenix.

Key Points: 
  • Available starting on National Deep Dish Pizza Day (April 5), Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria will introduce Lou’s x Mike’s Hot Honey Pizza, a limited-time offering in both deep dish and thin crust for dine-in, carryout and delivery at all Lou Malnati’s locations in Chicago, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Phoenix.
  • Pairing Lou’s legendary deep dish pizza and signature ingredients with the sweet heat drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey combines the flavors of two iconic pizza cities.
  • The new legendary deep dish features mozzarella, sausage, giardiniera and cupped pepperoni topped with a drizzle of sweet and spicy Mike’s Hot Honey.
  • "We are thrilled to be partnering with the oldest family name in Chicago pizza to create our first deep dish pizza collaboration," said Mike Kurtz, founder of Mike's Hot Honey.

Bit Origin Ltd Explores the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Crypto Mining

Retrieved on: 
星期四, 四月 4, 2024

NEW YORK, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bit Origin Ltd (NASDAQ: BTOG) ("Bit Origin" or the "Company"), an emerging growth company engaged in the crypto mining business with diversified expansion strategies, today announces that it actively explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in crypto mining.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, April 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bit Origin Ltd (NASDAQ: BTOG) ("Bit Origin" or the "Company"), an emerging growth company engaged in the crypto mining business with diversified expansion strategies, today announces that it actively explores the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in crypto mining.
  • As the world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve and innovate, the crypto mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the integration of AI.
  • The marriage of AI and crypto mining offers unprecedented opportunities for optimization across the entire mining process.
  • As the crypto mining industry undergoes this transformative shift, Bit Origin is determined to explore the potential of AI-driven solutions to unlock value and drive sustainable growth.

Ultimate Medical Academy Celebrates Commencement for Thousands of Healthcare Student Graduates

Retrieved on: 
星期一, 四月 1, 2024

The live-streamed ceremony honored students who completed or will complete their programs between October 23, 2023, and April 28, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • The live-streamed ceremony honored students who completed or will complete their programs between October 23, 2023, and April 28, 2024.
  • The event was live-streamed so UMA graduates, their friends and family members across the nation were able to join the celebration.
  • While commencement signifies the culmination of academic endeavors, UMA remains committed to supporting its graduates beyond graduation day.
  • These invaluable services extend throughout the professional journeys of all UMA alumni, ensuring their continued success in the evolving healthcare landscape.

NATIONAL SURVEY: Two-Thirds of Middle-Income Americans Feel School Failed Them on Financial Education, with Youngest Most Challenged

Retrieved on: 
星期二, 四月 9, 2024

“Gas price increases are often immediately felt by middle-income Americans, with a direct impact on their purchasing power with every fill-up.

Key Points: 
  • “Gas price increases are often immediately felt by middle-income Americans, with a direct impact on their purchasing power with every fill-up.
  • Middle-Income Financial Security Monitor™
    Schools fall short on financial education, with generational divide.
  • The majority (66%) of middle-income Americans feel the education they received during their upbringing didn't equip them to manage their finances as adults.
  • More than a third of middle-income Americans (38%) are more concerned about their credit card debt compared to a year ago.

Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad, Noted Relationships Expert on Racism's Impact on Black Intimacy, to be a Featured Speaker at TEDxCharleston 2024

Retrieved on: 
星期二, 四月 9, 2024

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad, international speaker and author, will illuminate the TEDxCharleston 2024 stage on April 17 at the Charleston Music Hall from 12:30 - 5PM. The independently organized event, licensed by TED, will feature local voices, performers and TED Talks videos under the theme "Uncharted." Dr. Jeannelle will speak on how racism negatively impacts the emotional and mental health of Black couples.

Key Points: 
  • CHARLESTON, S.C., April 9, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad, international speaker and author, will illuminate the TEDxCharleston 2024 stage on April 17 at the Charleston Music Hall from 12:30 - 5PM.
  • The independently organized event, licensed by TED, will feature local voices, performers and TED Talks videos under the theme "Uncharted."
  • Dr. Jeannelle will speak on how racism negatively impacts the emotional and mental health of Black couples.
  • For more information about TEDxCharleston and to buy tickets, please visit https://tedxcharleston.org/ or contact the Charleston Music Hall box office at 843-853-2252.