After 7 long years I've finally finished my hand painted game, The Master's Pupil!
Here's the trailer: youtu.be/7qyE8_3zSMI
Here's the Steam page: store.steampowered.com/app/2082320/The_Masters_Pupil/
Solve puzzles and wander your way across the iris, and through the life of the famed Impressionist painter. Although about Monet, The Master’s Pupil is not a direct biography. No language, written or spoken, describes the man or his life. The player experiences the ups and downs of his timeline over the course of the whole game. Fragments and emotions are filtered down and portrayed with an intricate soundscape and score.
Hand-painted with real paint and paper. Outside of Monet’s masterpieces, hundreds of hours have been spent painting backgrounds, foregrounds and assets to sculpt a world that fits with Monet’s changing style across his life.
Inspired by the likes of Braid and Limbo, no elaborate control system or twitch reflexes are needed. The twelve levels of The Master’s Pupil slowly lay out sixteen main mechanics, including colour combining, flowing drafts, and breakable crystals, along with physics-based balls, blocks and actual pieces of paintings.
Coming to PC, Mac, and Switch very soon!

As a black woman who wears their hair in a pineapple 24/7, I am so lost when it comes to my wedding hair. Online, the most styles I see executed are straight which doesn’t really represent me.
I would rock my natural hair but I am at a really awkward length and on my length journey so I do not want to cut it. I do updo’s all the time, (and the nape of my neck looks sparse), so I would prefer to do something a little new.
As a result, I am thinking of doing goddess braids or Senegalese twists, but I have not seen too many brides with this style.
I am stuck in the respectability politics of knowing, are braids a bridal enough style? Also, in your experience, would braids still lay nicely if I got them done two weeks before the wedding? Any other styles you ladies recommend?

ExpressBeautyOnline has revolutionized the way we approach hairstyling and empowers individuals to create stunning Ghana Passion Twists from the comfort of their homes. While installing Ghana Passion Twists is an exciting process, it's equally important to know how to maintain and care for them to ensure their longevity and keep your natural hair healthy. In this informative article, we will share essential tips and tricks provided by ExpressBeautyOnline to help you maintain and care for your Ghana Passion Twists with ease.

Moisturize Regularly:

Keeping your Ghana Passion Twists moisturized is crucial to prevent dryness and maintain the health of your natural hair. Use a water-based leave-in conditioner or a moisturizing spray to hydrate your twists and seal in the moisture with a natural oil or butter. It's recommended to moisturize your twists every two to three days or as needed to avoid dryness and breakage.

Protect Your Edges:

The delicate hairline and edges require special attention when it comes to maintaining Ghana Passion Twists. Use a lightweight edge control gel or cream to smooth and protect your edges, reducing tension and preventing breakage. Be gentle when styling your twists around the hairline, avoiding tight pulls or excessive manipulation.

Sleep with a Satin or Silk Bonnet:

To protect your Ghana Passion Twists while you sleep, use a satin or silk bonnet or sleep on a satin or silk pillowcase. These materials help reduce friction, maintain moisture, and prevent frizz and tangles. Secure your twists in a loose bun or pineapple style before bed to minimize disturbance.

Cleanse Your Scalp:

Keeping your scalp clean is essential for the health of your hair and the longevity of your Ghana Passion Twists. Use a diluted clarifying shampoo or a scalp cleanser to remove buildup and sweat. Gently massage the product onto your scalp, focusing on the roots, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid excessive scrubbing or manipulating your twists to prevent unnecessary unraveling.

Avoid Excessive Heat:

Heat can cause damage to your Ghana Passion Twists and your natural hair. Minimize the use of heat-styling tools such as flat irons or curling irons. If you need to style your twists, opt for heatless methods like braiding or using flexi-rods. When using a blow dryer, set it on a low or cool setting and use a diffuser to minimize direct heat exposure.

Limit Manipulation:

Excessive manipulation can lead to frizz, unraveling, and breakage of your Ghana Passion Twists. Avoid constantly touching or pulling at your twists, as this can weaken the hair and cause premature unraveling. Be gentle when styling or adjusting your twists, using minimal force to prevent unnecessary strain on the hair.

Protect Your Twists during Physical Activities:

If you engage in physical activities or exercises, take precautions to protect your Ghana Passion Twists. Wear a headband or scarf to keep your twists in place and prevent excessive sweating. Consider putting your twists in a protective style, such as a bun or updo, to minimize movement and friction.

Regular Maintenance and Touch-Ups:

Over time, your Ghana Passion Twists may experience natural wear and tear. Schedule regular maintenance sessions to retouch any loose or frizzy twists. Secure loose ends with bobby pins or small hair ties, and consider re-twisting sections that have become unraveled. This will help maintain a neat and polished look.

Conclusion

Maintaining and caring for your Ghana Passion Twists is crucial to ensure their longevity and the health of your natural hair. With the guidance and tips provided by ExpressBeautyOnline, you can confidently care for your twists and enjoy the benefits of this stunning hairstyle. Remember to moisturize regularly, protect your edges, sleep with a satin or silk bonnet, cleanse your scalp, avoid excessive heat, limit manipulation, protect your twists during physical activities, and schedule regular maintenance sessions. By following these essential tips and tricks, you can keep your Ghana Passion Twists looking flawless and maintain healthy hair throughout your styling journey.

ExpressBeautyOnline has become a go-to platform for beauty enthusiasts seeking the latest trends and innovative haircare techniques. Among the numerous hairstyles gaining popularity, Ghana Passion Twists have emerged as the hottest hair trend of the year.

In this informative article, we will explore the reasons behind the immense popularity of Ghana Passion Twists and how ExpressBeautyOnline has played a vital role in making this trend accessible to all.

Versatility and Style:

One of the primary reasons Ghana Passion Twists have taken the haircare world by storm is their incredible versatility and undeniable style. Whether you prefer a classic and elegant look or a bold and edgy statement, Ghana Passion Twists can be tailored to suit your personal style and preference. From long and flowing twists to chic updos and creative braided styles, the options are virtually limitless. ExpressBeautyOnline showcases a plethora of Ghana Passion Twist hairstyles, providing inspiration and step-by-step tutorials to help individuals achieve the desired look with ease.

Protective Benefits:

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Ghana Passion Twists offer excellent protective benefits for natural hair. These twists act as a barrier between your delicate strands and external factors such as harsh weather, friction, and excessive manipulation. By keeping your hair tucked away and minimizing exposure to damaging elements, Ghana Passion Twists help prevent breakage, retain moisture, and promote healthy hair growth. ExpressBeautyOnline emphasizes the importance of protective styling and educates users on how to properly care for their Ghana Passion Twists to maintain the health and integrity of their natural hair.

Low Maintenance:

Busy individuals and those looking for a low-maintenance hairstyle have gravitated towards Ghana Passion Twists. Once installed, these twists require minimal daily upkeep, allowing for effortless styling and reduced styling time. ExpressBeautyOnline provides tips and tricks for maintaining Ghana Passion Twists, such as protecting the twists while sleeping, moisturizing the scalp, and addressing any potential frizz. By following these guidelines, individuals can enjoy their Ghana Passion Twists for an extended period without compromising the health of their hair.

Empowerment and Accessibility:

ExpressBeautyOnline has played a pivotal role in making Ghana Passion Twists accessible to individuals of all skill levels. The platform provides step-by-step tutorials, product recommendations, and a supportive community that fosters learning and creativity. ExpressBeautyOnline empowers individuals to take control of their hair journey, encouraging experimentation and self-expression. By democratizing the hairstyling process, ExpressBeautyOnline has allowed individuals to achieve salon-quality results without the need for professional assistance.

Fashion-forward and Trendsetting:

Ghana Passion Twists have garnered attention not only within the natural hair community but also in the fashion and beauty industries as a whole. Celebrities, influencers, and fashion-forward individuals have embraced this trend, showcasing stunning Ghana Passion Twist hairstyles on red carpets, social media platforms, and runways. ExpressBeautyOnline keeps pace with the latest trends and offers a curated collection of Ghana Passion Twist hairstyles, ensuring users stay ahead of the fashion curve and have access to the most stylish and sought-after looks.

Conclusion

ExpressBeautyOnline has established itself as a trailblazer in the beauty and haircare industry, and the popularity of Ghana Passion Twists is a testament to its impact. The versatility, protective benefits, low maintenance, and trendsetting appeal of Ghana Passion Twists have made them the hottest hair trend of the year. With ExpressBeautyOnline's guidance and resources, individuals can confidently embrace this trend, experiment with various styles, and make a statement with their Ghana Passion Twists.

ExpressBeautyOnline has revolutionized the way we approach hairstyling and empowers individuals to explore a multitude of stunning looks from the comfort of their homes. If you've recently fallen in love with Ghana Passion Twists, you're in for a treat. In this informative article, we present you with 10 gorgeous Ghana Passion Twist hairstyles that you can try today. With ExpressBeautyOnline's guidance and inspiration, you can effortlessly achieve these stunning looks and turn heads wherever you go.

List of 10 Gorgeous Ghana Passion Twist Hairstyles to Try Today-

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1. Classic Long Ghana Passion Twists: Go for a timeless and elegant look with long Ghana Passion Twists. Let your twists flow freely down your back, creating a striking and voluminous hairstyle. Experiment with different partings, side-swept styles, or add accessories for a touch of personal flair.
2. High Bun with Ghana Passion Twists: Create a chic and sophisticated updo by pulling your Ghana Passion Twists into a high bun. This style is perfect for formal occasions or when you want to keep your hair off your neck during warmer months. Use a hair tie or pins to secure the bun, and leave a few twists loose around your face for a soft, romantic look.
3. Half-Up, Half-Down Ghana Passion Twists: Achieve a stylish and versatile hairstyle by pulling the top section of your Ghana Passion Twists into a half-up, half-down style. This look combines the elegance of the twists with the freedom of wearing your hair down. Add some embellishments or accessories to enhance the overall look.
4. Ghana Passion Twist Ponytail: For a sleek and polished style, gather your Ghana Passion Twists into a high or low ponytail. Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail and wrap a small section of twists around the base to conceal the hair tie. This hairstyle is perfect for both casual and formal occasions, giving you a sophisticated and put-together look.
5. Side-Swept Ghana Passion Twists: Create a glamorous and asymmetrical look by sweeping your Ghana Passion Twists to one side. This style adds a touch of drama and showcases the length and texture of your twists. Secure the twists with bobby pins or small hair ties to keep them in place.
6. Ghana Passion Twist Updo: Elevate your Ghana Passion Twists with an intricate updo. From braided buns to twisted updos, the options are endless. This style not only looks incredibly stylish but also keeps your twists protected and neatly tucked away. Add some hair accessories or adornments to enhance the overall aesthetic.
7. Ghana Passion Twist Bob: If you're looking for a shorter and more playful style, go for a Ghana Passion Twist bob. This trendy hairstyle offers a fresh and modern look while maintaining the protective benefits of the twists. Experiment with different bob lengths, such as chin-length or shoulder-length, to find the perfect fit for your face shape.
8. Ghana Passion Twist Top Knot: Create a trendy and effortless look by styling your Ghana Passion Twists into a top knot. Gather all your twists on top of your head and twist them together into a voluminous knot. This hairstyle is perfect for both casual outings and formal events, adding a touch of sophistication to your overall look.
9. Ghana Passion Twist Crown Braid: Add a regal touch to your Ghana Passion Twists by incorporating a crown braid. Part your hair down the middle and braid each section, wrapping them around your head like a crown. This hairstyle is elegant and eye-catching, making it perfect for weddings, special occasions, or when you simply want to feel like a queen.
10. Ghana Passion Twist Mohawk: For a bold and edgy look, try a Ghana Passion Twist Mohawk. Shave or tightly pull back the sides of your hair, leaving a strip of twists down the center. Style the center section into voluminous twists or braids to create a dramatic and head-turning hairstyle.

Conclusion

With the guidance and inspiration provided by ExpressBeautyOnline, you can explore a variety of stunning Ghana Passion Twist hairstyles. From classic and elegant to trendy and bold, these hairstyles allow you to express your unique style while enjoying the protective benefits of the twists. Whether you opt for a high bun, a stylish updo, or a side-swept look, ExpressBeautyOnline empowers you to achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home.

I really don't know how to say this but..
I'm a self hating mixed black and I wish I was a different race.
I hate my natural hair so fucking much. It's tangled, nappy, dry, brittle and damaged. I can't have long lasting straight hair or even just non nappy and non tangled hair because of how sensitive it is with moisture. Everyday at school my hair just looked like shit. I remember getting my hair done would take hours because of how damaged and nappy it was but all I heard was "you have such beautiful hair, your hair is so thick" I didn't agree and the only way I felt beautiful enough if I had those weave braid extensions.
Culture-wise I feel so awkward. I've been raised in a white area almost all my life and so being in black dominant areas are hard. My aunt lives in the hood and so we visit here and the people there are ghetto. I never had a blaccent and so I'd get teased by my friend for it. He uses AAVE a lot and sometimes teases me about how I don't know what slang is.
He wasn't trying to be mean but deep down it kinda hurt. I get called white, a "watered down black" "whitewashed black" and "white woman" it makes me feel fucking horrible because how I don't even look, sound like or "act" my race apparently.
All my life it's "but you don't look black, you're not black, dude you're white, (my name) you're so white, wait you're black?, I'm not racist but you don't look black" too light enough to be black, too white sounding to be black"
"I'm not black enough to be pretty"
I see some black women wearing their natural hair and it looks so pretty, cute ponytails, afros, those afro pom pom hair styles etc but I never looked good in those. I barely looked good even with styled hair.
It gotten so bad that I was trying to change myself.
I was changing my personality into this ghetto girl I started wearing "ghetto" clothing to try and fit in I was trying to act ghetto and even disrespected people.
But that wasn't me, it didn't feel like me. Nothing feels like me.
My family members are what I've described above. I really don't know how to explain it but they just seem black enough. While I don't look like them or talk like them. I know not every black person is "hood" ofc but regardless I just don't feel black.

Let's make a list for the last 10 Years!
So I wanted to look at the last ten contests to draw out the essence from those shows, or at least what was the most enjoyable moments for me personally. At first I thought it was too big of a task to make one big mega ranking, giving points all over again to songs I've almost forgotten, but then I decided to do this a little methodically, so it became a little more doable. So first thing, I had to listen to all the songs. Or maybe not all songs, that would take weeks, but let's at least do the short version: recaps.
Nominating
My first task was to watch recaps from all shows to remember what songs were worthy and who was not good enough for such a list. I nominated X amount of songs from each year, depending on the quality of the songs. Then I ended up with 94 songs. The spread per year was as follows: 2014: 7 songs, 2015: 14 songs, 2016: 4 songs, 2017: 13 songs, 2018: 7 songs, 2019: 7 songs, 2020: 13 songs, 2021: 8 songs, 2022: 11 songs, 2023: 10 songs. Please note that since there was no contest in 2020 I was less familiar with these songs, so I had a lower threshold for nominating songs from this year. Also the number of songs nominated doesn't necessarily reflect my overall ranking of that contest as a whole.
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Giving points
After finding what songs was nominated I watched each and every song (that I had nominated) once again in its entirety, then giving a somewhat honest score of how much I enjoy the song now. I used a 1-20 score, meaning I had more increments than I normally do when I score Eurovision songs on a 1-12 (-9&11) scale. That was to be able to make more distinctions between songs that were close to another, avoiding too many "point lumps". I also tried to avoid influence from how I initially rated the songs when they were released. I was actually quite happy to see that I both rated some songs higher and lower than what I did initially, meaning that my opinion on a song can change over time. I even found myself rating songs from 2023 different than how I rated them just a couple weeks ago. As for versions, I always try to find the best version, whether it's the music video, national final, semi final or grand final version. The lowest I ranked any song in this ranking was 9 points. Any song lower than that would not be able to make the nomination. Again most of the lower ranked songs was from 2020, since that was the year least familiar to me, with the most amount of songs falling outside my quality criteria. The average amount of points was 13,7. The median was actually right between 13 and 14. The spread was as follows: 9 points: 2 entries, 10 points: 4 entries, 11 points: 4 entries, 12 points: 12 entries, 13 points: 24 entries, 14 points: 17 entries, 15 points: 13 entries, 16 points: 9 entries, 17 points: 4 entries, 18 points: 3 entries, 19 points: 1 entry, 20 points: 1 entry
Fine tuning
Since this was about finding a top 20 list I then went back on all the songs I put up around 15-20 points and tried to split hairs between the different songs I had listed that high. This was the most enjoyable part, since the songs up there are so good, but it's also so difficult to distinguish different types of songs when you have a ballad, a medium tempo bop, an industrial techno song and a singer song writer folk song. I did end up with a list I feel good about though, so I will list it below from number 1-20 with a small text to why I like each song. I first make the list, then write a text to each below the list.
The List

1. Belgium 2017, Blanche - City Lights, 20 points
2. Estonia 2015, Elina Born and Stig Rästa - Goodbye to Yesterday, 19 points
3. Azerbaijan 2021, Efendi - Mata Hari, 18 points
4. Slovenia 2015, Maraaya - Here for You, 18 points
5. Serbia 2022, Konstrakta - In Corpore Sano, 18 points
6. Sweden 2014, Sanna Nielsen - Undo. 17 points
7. Iceland 2019, Hatari - Hatrið mun sigra , 17 points
8. Azerbaijan 2017, Dihaj - Skeletons, 17 points
9. Montenegro 2015, Knez - Adio, 17 points
10. Czechia 2023, Vesna - My Sister's Crown, 16 points
11. Italy 2015, Il Volo - Grande Amore, 16 points
12. Norway 2019, Keiino - Spirit in the Sky 16 points
13. Estonia 2017, Koit Toome and Laura - Verona, 16 points
14. Bulgaria 2016, Poli Genova - If Love was a Crime, 16 points
15. Portugal 2017, Salvador Sobral - Amor pelos dois, 16 points
16. Cyprus 2022, Andromache - Ela, 16 points
17. Ukraine 2021, Go_A - Shum, 16 points
18. Georgia 2015, Nina Sublatti - Warrior, 15 points
19. Austria 2016, Zoë - Loin d'Ici, 15 points
20. Spain 2015, Edurne - Amanecer, 15 points

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Other songs that almost made the list: (Sweden 2022 Cornelia Jakobs-Hold me closer), (Ukraine 2016 Jamala-1944), (Denmark 2018 Rasmussen-Higher Ground),(Moldova 2020 Natalia Gordienko-Prison), (France 2022 Alvan and Ahez-Fulenn),(The Netherlands 2022 S10-De Diepte),(Finland 2023 Käärija-Cha Cha Cha), (Georgia 2023 Iru-Echo),(Latvia 2023 Sudden Lights-Aija),(Norway 2023 Alessandra-Queen of the Kings), (Spain 2023 Blanca Paloma-Eaea), (Ireland 2015 Molly Sterling-Playing with numbers), (Armenia 2017 Artsvik, Fly with me)
About each song

1. Blanche-City Lights. It was actually quite easy for me to put this on top, and it was the song I was the most sure about. I consider this song pure pop magic. Blanche's dark toned down vocals to the dark minor chords and the effective beat in a sort minimalist electro production is so effective on so many levels I don't know where to begin. I have listened to some of the other songs she has released after Eurovision, and she is a really gifted musician.
2. Elina Born and Stig Rästa-Goodbye to Yesterday. This almost cinematic singer songwriter tune with it's relatively trad arrangement reminds me of Lee and Nancy (Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra) who made some pretty cool albums back in the 6os and 70s. It almost has this road movie feel to it and is an ubercool feel and very melodic verse. Stig's toned down voice and Elina's emotional performance made it an instant hit. If you want to see where Elina got her idea from her Grand finale costume, take a look at Tura Satana from Russ Meyer's Faster Pussycat Kill Kill.
3. Efendi-Mata Hari. Actually everything about this song screams The Netherlands. It's song written by Dutch people about a Dutch spy performed in the Netherlands, it even charted in the Netehrlands. I wouldn't be surprised if Efendi actually has a Dutch grandfather or mother...;) Jokes aside, this oriental-ish bop is about as catchy and fiery and visually seductive as they come. There's no shortage of spice and sauce on this quality song or it's visual presentation. I still get thrown back in my chair everything I hear the "MATA HARI" opening.
4. Maraaya-Here for You. The opening suggests some sort of jazz ballad with Marjetka's vocal fry "When you're down down low..."over the minimalist piano intro. But then comes the drums and the key changes and the vocal sound and style changes just like that to a darker, more energetic melody before we get a more orchestrated version of the intro now as a chorus. The el violin, piano licks highlights this great song along with Marjetka's great voice. The bridge is not too bad either. There's actually a lot going on here so it's kind of hard to analyse, but the result is great. And you just gotta love Marjetka's head phone coupled with the wind machine with her ginger hair blowing in the wind.
5. Konstrakta-In Corpore Sano. This must be one of the more curious ESC songs of all time with it's relatively minimalist melody with Serbian lyrics about health and body fixation with its electronic choir like background vocals but it's the ultimate clap release chorus that makes us go "Biti zdrava" while we frenetically do a robotic golf clap that shows this strange song its appeal. It's just very cool and catchy, and it shows us all a side of ourselves we didn't know we had in us. Pure art, pure performance, pure magic.
6. Sanna Nielsen-Undo. A fantastic pop ballad with beautiful minor moods and a dramatic chorus, plus the archetypical modulation towards the end. One of those songs that simply stands the test of time and I can listen to over and over again. Sanna is a very good singer who focuses a lot on schlager type music in her repertoire. I prefer this over many other songs from Sweden. It might have to do with my preference for drama and sadness over joyful and cheery songs. If you look at the heritage of Abba and what made them good songwriters it had a lot to do with their knack for making these bittersweet type songs with both sadness and joyfulness to them. This is a good example of such a song.
7. Hatari- Hatrið mun sigra. How about sending an industrial techno song about how society will collapse? Why not? Iceland did it and they got away with it...;) At least almost as they got fined during the voting for showing a Palestinian flag during the voting. So the fine wasn't about the song. The song is very intense with it's hard electronic bassline with Matthias Haraldsson's distorted shouting in the verse, then to Klemens Hannigan's seductive and high, melodic singing in the chorus, making the contrast between the two singing styles extremely enjoyable and almost refined. The synth licks complementing the singing is also very well arranged. A true classic. Oh and I didn't even mention the visuals with the red blinking lights, the fire, the BDSM outfits that makes it look like some kind of alternative from East Berlin 1982.
8. Dihaj-Skeletons. 80s electro style pop tune with jet like bass synths backing an angelic voice and baroque like synth licks that comes in at the pre chorus part before it explodes into an energetic chorus. Very cool. Dihaj is also a very good singer with a good range. I never quite understood the staging at the contest though. I expected something completely different.
9. Knez-Adio. For me this is the quintessential Balkan ballad. The string arrangements, the soothing rhythm, the harmonic background vocals and the strong melody just blend together so well, and gives you images of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and works well into this mid tempo ballad with pretty minor chords and a pretty, sentimental delivery from Knez, who I think is one of the stronger vocalists the contest have seen.
10. Vesna-My Sister's Crown. So onto this year's only entry on this list. As much as I liked a lot of the songs from 2023, a lot of them ended around the 30th spot in this list. Vesna was my lone candidate actually ending up on the list. To me they were always this year's number one, with their anthem about sisterhood, whether it was about slavic sisterhood or not is not so important to me. It was the song itself that got to me. It probably hit at the right time since I've become very interested in Czech history, culture and language the last years as well. As someone who is into harmonic music with folk elements this really hit the spot for me. I was so happy to see their final performance with their long braids and pink jumpsuits, plus very good choreography. The dancing at the end of the song really got to me, and I still have to focus really hard not to get emotional everytime I see that part. Dobra prace, holky!
11. Il Volo-Grande Amore. Is it possible to get more Italian than this? And I mean it as a compliment. With great drama, big time forte this operapop schlager with grand voices hit big time in 2015 and won the popular votes of the contest. Some wondered if it would be too kitchy to send something so rooted in an ancient music style from the 17th century to a modern song contest that focuses greatly on visuals. The answer was an absolute no. I must admit that this was not among my favourites initially in 2015, but it slowly grew on me and now I really love it. The arrangement here is also interesting with a relativley monotonous bassline topped with the grand string arrangements that leads us to the crescendo.
12. Keiino-Spirit in the Sky. My own country's only entry for this list. Combing EDM and joik actually works, and it's mindblowing how catchy this song gets when all the voices come together in the chorus. The melody in the chorus is slightly similar to Saara Alto's Monsters from 2018, but the song itself is very different. The Sami culture is quite exotic and far away even for us Norwegians, and even though the song is not a Sami song per se, all the elements of joik, Northern lights and shaman symbolism sends us into this mystical journey into the far north of ice, snow and winter darkness.
13. Koit Toome and Laura-Verona. This pop love drama that uses Romeo and Juliet's city as it's background, was absolutely robbed of a place in the grand final when televotes gave it a 6th place in the second semi final while the juries only gave it 16 points, ending up 17th on the jury ranking, ultimately ending up only 14th on the combined list. As you can see, I have it higher on my Song of the decade-list than juries had it in that semi final. I also remember how bad the sound was, microphones not working, maybe even monitors not working when they were to perform in the semi final. For the best version of this song, watch the music video. The video of the semi final performance only makes me angry. Now, about the song itself, it's super catchy, almost anthemic in it's "o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o, we lost and we found our Verona" chorus. A great pop composition that has really stood the test of time.
14. Poli Genova-If Love was a crime. Another song that I didn't love at first, but that has really grown on me over time. A quite dance friendly pop tune with almost soul like elements in the chorus, with it's unison singing and that trademark dance that come along with the performance. The song starts with a piano backing track, drums and that flute like synth that plays some infectious riff that sounds like a bird whistle or something. The true genius of this song is the pre chorus when she sings the title of the song. That part has some fantastic harmony arrangements and a great melody. It also took me a while to understand that the chorus was sung in Bulgarian. I never really understood why she sang "All I'm in Luther, I'm in Luther"...;)
15. Salvador Sobral-Amor pelos dois. The only winner song on this list. When I made this list I didn't actually believe that this song would make it onto the top 20, but here it is! Some look at this as a sentimental journey back to old style Eurovision with no electronic music, no dancers, no smoke machines, basically nothing fancy going on whatsoever, and to some people, maybe even boring. I just look at this as a very pretty song about love that is sung in the prettiest and most heartfelt way possible. At the time of the final Salvador Sobral was due to a heart transplant caused by a weak heart, so at the time of the performance there where doubts about how long he could survive. Fortunately this looks like it has succeeded, and the performances I've seen of him since he looks a lot more healthy than he did in 2017. Thank god.
16. Andromache-Ela. My second NQ on the list. It's claimed that the reason she didn't go the final was due to a bad vocal performance in the semi final, but it was the juries that really put her down with only giving her 9 points, and juries don't go off the televised performance do they? Or was it only in the grand finale that there's an extra jury performance? Anyhow, this beautiful Greek-balkan style pop song really deserved a lot more than it got from the juries and should have been in the grand finale. Pretty and delicate strings opens up before a pop track emerges with Andromache's pretty voice singing a heavenly melody and the super catchy chorus sends us straight to the Greek gods of lush voices and soft femininity. Nice use of echo and reverberation in this track.
17. Go_A-Shum. Ukrainian techno folk sang entirely in Ukrainian is just one of these things I never imagined myself that I would enjoy, and going into then final I considered this song more of a curiosity than a song that I would thoroughly enjoy, but I was wrong. Folk music always takes a bit of a different ear to enjoy than "normal pop". The style of singing and the rhythm has a monotonous, almost chanting feel to it, and can sound off to many western ears. Yet this song really hit a nerve with me eventually. I just love what Ukraine has done to Eurovision, and I hope they keep sending great songs like this.
18. Nina Sublatti-Warrior. A very powerful song with great attitude. A bumblebee like synth opens up before we have tribal drums and Nina singing about fighting and something about "oximated". It doesn't matter cause I believe everything she sings anyway. The chorus comes in hard and powerful with Nina singing her heart out and again those big drums. A pretty straight forward angry war-pop song, but very haunting and no-nonsense. My ESC universe is better with songs like these. Arguably the best song from Sakartvelo we've had, even though Iru challenged her pretty good this year.
19. Zoë-Loin d'Ici. How many entries has there been that is sung in a language that is not a national language that is not English? I have watched the movie The Piano Teacher which is an Austrian movie where the dialogue is in French, but I've never had the impression that Austria had this thing about the french langauge or what? Nevermind, Zoë's tune Loin d'Ici is a dreamy, heavenly pop song with an amazing melody and stellar rhythm arrangement. I recognise her vocal style more as French than Austrian, but that could be the language. Anyway I'm not complaining, cause I'm a big fan of french vocals in the first place. This would fit in a movie I think with it's rich colourful style it could paint a faraway country in your dreams in a very nice way.
20. Edurne-Amanecer. The sixth entry from 2015, so I guess that year wins it for me. And even though this song sounds very Spanish to me it's actually composed by Swedish composers. It has an ethnic style with a big dramatic chorus and a melody in minor chords. This is the same year Grande Amore from Italy and even though the songs are quite different I do also see similarities with the big crescendo like chorus and the songs being sung in each country's national language. It didn't perform very well in the final with only 15 points, of which 8 came from neighbours France and Portugal. Big countries also have neighbours! However in my opinion this is the best Spanish entry the last 10 years, even though I both nominated 2022 and 2023 also, so it's safe to say that things are moving in the right direction.

i’m 21F and i feel like i have no hobbies.
my boyfriend plays video games and can easily get into new ones. i play with him every now and then but never feel compelled to just play on my own. i played stardew valley a lot and i enjoy it, i just haven’t picked it up in a while.
i’ve always been a creative person, but blocks are so real and very draining - especially when i feel like i’m not a “real” artist with no style and can never create anything original.
i’d like to get into exercising but that doesn’t feel like a hobby really either. i know i’m just making excuses but it’s hard to start and it’s expensive to get into a gym. i could workout at home but i really want to get out of the house, and there’s not a whole lot of area where i live to ride bikes. i’m also scared of it becoming my personality because i loathe those people.
most things i think i would be interested in are expensive or i feel like i can’t do them alone - hiking, concerts, etc.
i enjoy reading and am in a book club but we’re comically inconsistent about meeting. i recently began to learn to crochet but i guess my tiktok brain doesn’t like to focus for too long. i’m bad about starting something and never finishing it.
i just feel stuck and lame. there’s so many cool and niche things that people are into and spend their free time doing and i just stare at my phone. i hate it. i want to do things.
edit - i listen to a lot of music and podcasts too, but those are things i do while doing other things (getting ready, driving, cleaning, etc)

It's a mobile game, for IOS and Android, which I found via YouTube ads. One of the images for it is a girl with long braided hair, holding a book, and a grey filtebackground. It's anime/Japanese art style. Could also be from a Korean, or Chinese company though.
There is instrumental (ish) music to it, which is a female voice humming/making soft wordless sounds.

I don't think there was really any smut, at least as far as I had read, but I could be wrong and would not be remotely surprised if that's the way it went.
Basically he doesn't want them but they're insistent and he isn't willing to bodily remove them, nor is he quite willing to shout at them in a language they don't understand until they go away.
He is deeply uncomfortable with having women draw him baths and trying to bathe him - which he does not accept. He allows them to braid his hair in dothraki style as much as they can, but immediately undoes it when they leave. And I'm pretty sure he got Davos to help him undo it, because apparently it takes a while and he wanted it done asap or something.
 
Anyone recognize this?

I've never really been one for hair. This means it's never been styled or braided, and it's usually just left as it is. Since the pandemic, I've decided to really take care of its health and length, but it's recently started to annoy me. I've been looking all over the place for hairstyles that will hold it up, but I've seen no hope as the tutorials feature those with thinner, shorter hair. Does anybody know of non-damaging (preferrably buns) hairstyles that will perform well on long, thick hair? Cutting isn't an option. I am southeast/east asian with pin-straight hair. I'm willing to buy any products/clips to keep it up. Thank you!!

A simple guide to perfect the beard braid

Fully admitting I’m a big nerd here, but is anyone else using ChatGPT to have it make capsule wardrobes for fictional characters and celebrities to mine the lists for style inspiration (and also just cause it’s a fun way to waste time)?
I find that the lists get a bit better if I ask it think think about capsule wardrobes principles first. For example, here’s one I did for Sally Owens from the movie Practical Magic.
“What are the capsule wardrobe principles of Anushka Rees?”
And then after it responds I ask it to apply those principles to the character and develop a 20 item capsule wardrobe. It helps to tell it specifically what level of detail you want.
“For each of the items above, tell me how Sally Owens from Practical Magic would respond. Following that and based on those responses, develop a 20 item capsule wardrobe for Sally Owens. For each item mention what it is, the cut, the color, and a store where she might purchase something this style”
And then here’s the response! It even got the crochet top lol. Try it with different characters!
”Certainly! Based on Sally Owens' bohemian and earthy style in Practical Magic, here's how she might respond to each item and a 20-item capsule wardrobe that reflects her character:

1. Flowy Maxi Dress - Sally would love the ethereal and free-spirited vibe of a flowy maxi dress. She would prefer a loose, flowing cut in earthy tones like a floral-printed maxi dress. She might find something like this at Free People.
2. Patchwork Denim Jacket - Sally would appreciate the unique and artistic nature of a patchwork denim jacket. She would choose a relaxed-fit, cropped cut in a variety of denim washes. She might find a suitable option at Anthropologie.
3. Lace-Trimmed Blouse - Sally would adore the romantic and feminine touch of a lace-trimmed blouse. She would go for a loose, bohemian cut in a soft neutral color like ivory or blush. Spell & The Gypsy Collective might have a perfect match for her.
4. High-Waisted Flared Jeans - Sally would embrace the vintage-inspired and figure-flattering style of high-waisted flared jeans. She would opt for a wide-leg cut in a medium blue denim wash. Madewell might have a suitable pair for her.
5. Embroidered Boho Top - Sally would be drawn to the intricate and artisanal details of an embroidered boho top. She would choose a loose, flowy cut with vibrant embroidery in earthy tones. Free People might have a great selection for her.
6. Wrap Midi Skirt - Sally would appreciate the versatility and bohemian elegance of a wrap midi skirt. She would prefer a flowing cut in earth-toned prints or solid colors. Reformation might offer options that align with her style.
7. Off-the-Shoulder Romper - Sally would embrace the playful and carefree nature of an off-the-shoulder romper. She would choose a loose, boho-inspired cut with a vibrant floral print. Show Me Your Mumu might have a suitable romper for her.
8. Crochet Cardigan - Sally would adore the handmade and cozy feel of a crochet cardigan. She would prefer an oversized, bohemian cut in natural or earthy tones. Urban Outfitters might offer a suitable option for her.
9. Floral Print Sundress - Sally would love the feminine and whimsical charm of a floral print sundress. She would choose a loose, flowy cut with a mix of vibrant and muted floral prints. Anthropologie might have a sundress that matches her style.
10. Wide-Brim Hat - Sally would appreciate the bohemian and sun-protective nature of a wide-brim hat. She would choose a floppy, straw hat in a natural or neutral color. Lack of Color might have a suitable hat for her.
11. Bell-Sleeve Blouse - Sally would embrace the flowing and bohemian style of a bell-sleeve blouse. She would opt for a loose, breezy cut with intricate patterns or prints. Free People might offer a suitable blouse for her.
12. Distressed Denim Shorts - Sally would embrace the casual and laid-back feel of distressed denim shorts. She would prefer a relaxed, mid-length cut in a light to medium blue denim wash. Levi's might offer a suitable pair for her.
13. Embroidered Maxi Skirt - Sally would be drawn to the colorful and detailed embroidery of a flowing maxi skirt. She would choose a loose, bohemian cut with vibrant embroidery. ASOS might have a suitable option for her.
14. Boho Kimono - Sally would appreciate the flowing and boho-inspired nature of a kimono. She would opt for a lightweight, fringed kimono.
15. Embellished Sandals - Sally would gravitate towards sandals with unique embellishments or beading. She would choose a comfortable, bohemian-inspired pair in neutral or earthy tones. Free People might have suitable options for her.
16. Bohemian Tunic Dress - Sally would embrace the loose and breezy style of a bohemian tunic dress. She would opt for a flowing, relaxed-cut dress with intricate patterns or prints. Anthropologie might offer a suitable tunic dress for her.
17. Wide-Leg Jumpsuit - Sally would appreciate the relaxed and effortless feel of a wide-leg jumpsuit. She would choose a loose-fitting, bohemian-inspired jumpsuit in earthy tones or a vibrant print. Free People might have a suitable option for her.
18. Crochet Halter Top - Sally would love the bohemian and handmade feel of a crochet halter top. She would choose a halter-neck style with intricate crochet details in earthy or natural tones. Urban Outfitters might have a suitable top for her.
19. Printed Wrap Dress - Sally would embrace the feminine and flattering style of a printed wrap dress. She would opt for a flowy, wrap-style dress with a colorful print. Reformation might offer a suitable wrap dress for her.
20. Suede Fringe Bag - Sally would adore the bohemian and textured nature of a suede fringe bag. She would choose a medium-sized crossbody bag with fringe details in a rich earthy tone. Free People might have a suitable option for her.

Please note that these suggestions are based on Sally Owens' style in the film and are fictional examples. The mentioned stores and specific items aim to represent the overall aesthetic and may have variations in availability or designer preferences for the character.”

Is there any way to treat dry brittle relaxed hair that will hold absolutely 0 water or products. I wear braids a lot because its the only way I can style it. I live in an area where theres hardly any black people or any salons really that help with curly or coily hair. All of them are typically in the neighboring county which is like 45min -1hr away. ( no I can’t cut it my mom is telling me its “normal” and I’ll look like a boy. I have coily and dense hair and shes never done hair in a day in her life and is proud about hating my natural hair texture) But it makes me insecure and my hair falls out even more because I have severe stress. I at least want to have hair by time I’m 20 lmao.