The Chicago Journal

Your Gateway to the Heartbeat of Chicago

Trifonas Samaras’s new Muse for 2024 Calendar is Corinna Tsopei Fields, Celebrating Her 80th Birthday in Athens, Greece

Renowned hairstylist Trifonas Samaras pays a remarkable tribute to the captivating beauty, extraordinary talent, and timeless grace of the legendary Corinna Tsopei Fields. Drawing inspiration from her iconic status as the Greek Miss Universe, Samaras embarks on a creative journey that celebrates her unparalleled charm and elegance.

Soon to be 80yo Corinna Tsopei Fields will be his muse for the highly anticipated 2024 calendar. As Corinna Tsopei Fields celebrates her 80th birthday, the shooting for this extraordinary project will take place in the enchanting city of Athens, Greece. This collaboration between two icons promises to capture the essence of timeless elegance and celebrate the enduring spirit of beauty.

Corinna Tsopei, a woman symbol of grace and sophistication, gained international acclaim as Miss Universe 1964. Since then, she has graced the silver screen, becoming a prominent actress and a symbol of beauty across generations. Trifonas Samaras, like all Greeks, recognizing her remarkable journey and mark on the world, decided to pay homage to her through his celebrated annual calendar.

The Power of a Muse:

Muses have long been a source of inspiration for artists, propelling their creativity to new heights. Trifonas Samaras, renowned for his visionary hairstyling, found in Corinna Tsopei the perfect muse to bring his artistic vision to life. Her timeless beauty, elegance, and poise make her the embodiment of grace, and through their collaboration, Samaras seeks to create captivating visuals that transcend time.

A Celebration of Beauty and Age!

The choice to feature Corinna Tsopei as the muse for the 2024 calendar celebrates beauty at every stage of life. As she turns 80, Tsopei Fields defies conventional notions of aging, radiating a vibrant, undiminished spirit. This collaboration challenges societal norms and embraces the idea that beauty transcends age, inspiring individuals of all generations to embrace their unique beauty.

Enthusiastically embracing the idea, Corinna expressed her love for the project on one non-negotiable condition: that all the proceeds from the calendar would be generously donated to SHARE for Children, an organization she passionately serves as President.

Athens: The Perfect Backdrop:

To enhance the visual narrative and pay homage to Corinna Tsopei’s Greek heritage, the shooting for the 2024 calendar will take place in the captivating city of Athens. Known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and majestic landscapes, Athens will provide a breathtaking backdrop for the calendar’s artistic vision. From ancient landmarks to picturesque streets, Athens will infuse each photograph with an aura of timeless beauty.

Capturing Timeless Elegance.

Trifonas Samaras, known for his ability to create hairstyles that embody elegance and sophistication, will work closely with Corinna Tsopei to craft mesmerizing looks that showcase her timeless allure. Each photograph will capture the essence of her spirit, evoking a sense of grace and beauty that transcends age and inspires individuals worldwide.

Trifonas Samaras's new Muse for 2024 Calendar is Corinna Tsopei Fields, Celebrating Her 80th Birthday in Athens, Greece.

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The collaboration between Trifonas Samaras and Corinna Tsopei was conceived through the visionary guidance of their esteemed friend, Mr. Francesco Vitali. As an executive producer, business advisor, and acclaimed author of the book “Message For Success,” Vitali played a pivotal role in bringing this extraordinary project to fruition. Joining forces with the esteemed Greek American entrepreneur Louis Apostolou, a prominent multimillionaire, both Apostolou and Vitali will serve as executive producers, lending their expertise and support to creating the calendar.

Trifonas Samaras's new Muse for 2024 Calendar is Corinna Tsopei Fields, Celebrating Her 80th Birthday in Athens, Greece.

Sourced photo

In the presence of Corinna Tsopei Fields, one thing becomes abundantly clear: Beauty transcends the boundaries of youth and radiates its brilliance throughout a lifetime. Her timeless allure is a testament to the enduring power of beauty, proving that its essence knows no age limit and remains captivating in every stage of life.

Bruna Sampaio: A Journey from Portugal’s Heart to London’s Limelight

Growing up in the historically rich city of Guimarães, Portugal, Bruna Sampaio never imagined that her childhood fascination with ballet would one day take her to the grand theatrical stages of London. Her hometown, with its iconic castle and vibrant culture, kindled a magical spark in her that was impossible to ignore. By the age of four, this spark ignited a passion for ballet, an art form she rapidly mastered with the support of the renowned Royal Academy of Dance.

However, ballet was just the beginning. By twelve, Bruna’s artistic curiosity had expanded to theatre. Memories of her creative plays during Christmastime solidified her desire to pursue the stage. By seventeen, she courageously traded the comfort of Guimarães for the bustling city of London, enrolling in Theatre Arts.

Throughout her journey, Bruna often speaks of the unwavering support she received. Her parents, champions of dreams and happiness, alongside her elder brother and dedicated teachers, formed her foundational support system. Their belief in her abilities propelled her forward, even when facing challenges or doubt.

London presented Bruna with opportunities that shaped her as an artist. Notably, her portrayal of a 1930s mobster in “Arturo Ui” stands out. Initially uncertain about embodying a male character, Bruna immersed herself in the role, making it one of her most memorable performances. Another humorous chapter in her career revolves around her fixation on mastering an American accent. However, she eventually learned the importance of celebrating her unique voice and identity.

Bruna Sampaio: A Journey from Portugal's Heart to London's Limelight

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In recent ventures, Bruna delved into science fiction, taking on pivotal roles in “Endings” and “Coordinates.” Venturing beyond the stage, she also explored the world of filmmaking, bringing her artistic vision to the silver screen.

Bruna’s advice to budding artists is both pragmatic and motivational. She encourages embracing rejection, understanding it as an avenue for growth. She sees auditions as triumphs, moments that acknowledge an artist’s potential. Training, she says, is paramount – as is the knowledge of one’s craft, the art of collaboration, and the importance of a professional portfolio.

But at the core of all her insights, Bruna emphasizes continuous learning. In an ever-evolving industry, broadening one’s horizons can lead to serendipitous opportunities and transformative career moments.

Bruna Sampaio: A Journey from Portugal's Heart to London's Limelight

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Bruna’s aspirations extend beyond the stage and screen. Inspired by the belief in the transformative power of kindness, she dreams of leading a movement that promotes compassion and understanding. And as her stardom ascends, she hopes to one day converse with her idol, Selena Gomez, reflecting on the shared ideals of benevolent success.

As Bruna Sampaio continues to shine, her story remains a beacon of inspiration, proving that with passion, support, and resilience, dreams know no boundaries. To witness her awe-inspiring journey, visit www.brunalisasampaio.com or connect with her on Instagram @brunalisasampaio.

The Thick Asian Revolution: How ITSEUNCHAE Is Reshaping Beauty Standards on TikTok

In South Korea’s capital, Seoul, a quiet revolution is happening. It’s not in the streets or the government, but on TikTok, where a woman named Eunchae is using her viral content to fight against narrow Asian beauty ideals. Meet ITSEUNCHAE, the influential content creator, IG model, and Internet personality who is reshaping what it means to be beautiful in today’s digital era.

 

Eunchae began her content creation journey three years ago, blending cultural narratives from South Korea and the United States. She used her platform to juxtapose divergent beauty standards, body shaming culture, and fashion trends. And her story doesn’t stop there. Eunchae is also a world traveler, visiting more than 20 US cities, with more Asian travel plans ahead. Her travel stories now inspire millions.

 

In one of her most viral videos, Eunchae deftly confronts the “Thick Asian girl” stereotype. She doesn’t consider herself ‘thick’ but sees her body as normal with slightly muscular legs. Her unique look shows how beauty standards, especially in Asia, are influenced by stereotypes. In a world where media often highlights thin, pale girls, Eunchae’s videos offer a fresh viewpoint.

 

And these videos have hit millions of views, showing Eunchae’s message is striking a chord and resonating with others. Within two years, she has grown her follower count to 1.5M on TikTok and over 500K on her two Instagram accounts—an incredible feat given the competitive digital landscape.

 

Eunchae’s mission draws from her own struggles with her body image. As a teenager, she overheard boys labeling girls who weighed over 130 lbs as ‘orcs’ or ‘pigs.’ Shaken, she starved herself down to 105 lbs. But the feeling of ‘fatness’ clung to her. Today, she celebrates her healthy 150 lbs body, equipped with strong legs that reflect her inner strength. Her story offers solace and inspiration to young girls across Asia who face similar pressures to be extremely skinny.

 

However, Eunchae is not against the K-pop girl groups often spotlighted as idols. She simply wishes for the media to broaden its portrayal of beauty, embracing more normal weights and fit bodies to prevent young girls from struggling with eating disorders in their quest to emulate their idols.

 

Looking toward the future, Eunchae is determined to expand her brand. Next year, she plans to launch a clothing line and start YouTube channels that delve into Korean culture, language, and travel tips. Her ultimate goal is to become a major Korean influencer, a renowned YouTuber, TikToker, and an actor who collaborates with big brands and features in commercials. Eunchae’s ambition is simple yet profound: when people think of Korea, she wants to be the first name that comes to mind.

 

As ITSEUNCHAE continues to redefine beauty and challenge stereotypes, her reach grows exponentially. She’s not just an influencer or content creator; she’s a beacon of self-love, celebrating the “anime build,” the strong legs, and the “Korean Chun Li” in every young Asian girl. So, follow Eunchae’s journey on social media as she champions the Thick Asian Revolution one viral post at a time. After all, this is just the beginning of her story.

 

 

 

6 Best Drama Series on HBO Max

HBO Max contains a vast library of popular movies and TV shows which the audience gets more than hyped up to stream any chance they get. We are not going to lie, as we have also been one of them in the past.

Since HBO Max isn’t available in most countries, you can easily stream it there using a VPN. With that, you would be able to watch HBO Max in Philippines as well as many other countries. This site is geo-restricted.

That being said, we have shared with you some of the best drama series on HBO Max, which you would undoubtedly love and spend hours bingeing, just like we did. Read on below to get to know what they are!

1. Game of Thrones

So far, one of the best TV series in the current era has taken the public by storm. This show’s stunning cinematography and incomparable plotline have everything you could ever expect from a mediaeval-themed show.

With dragons, swords, nudity, violence, and an impeccable sense of wit, the cast had done impeccable justice to their roles. Regardless of the controversy which followed its season finale, Game of Thrones will always remain the best show and on top of the list, at least for us.

2. Six Feet Under

If you are someone who enjoys dark humour, then this show is perfect for you. Laced with the plot of death and the horrors which follows it, the show focuses on the Fisher family, who own and run a funeral home in Los Angeles, USA.

When your family is in a gore but legal business, you may be pulled into it, with or without your consent or happiness. We won’t spoil the show for you, so make sure that you go ahead and stream it online now!

3. House of the Dragon

Another masterpiece by George R. R. Martin, the creator of Game of Thrones (or The Song of Ice and Fire), is a show worth watching as soon as it’s released.

House of the Dragon is a prequel to Game of Thrones, focusing on the history of the Targaryen clan in all its glory, 200 years before the reign of Daenerys Targaryen, the last Targaryen alive (or so it seemed. Spoiler alert!).

The show is everything you would expect, from dragons to gore violence to incest. It is among the best work of George R. R. Martin, and thankfully, without the possible influence of D&D.

4. Station Eleven

Who doesn’t like watching a thrilling series about the events following a dangerous apocalypse? That’s right, neither do we. Station Eleven is perfect if you are intrigued by such storylines.

In this show, the scenario focuses on events 20 years after an apocalypse hit the earth, leaving very limited survivors to fend for themselves.

However, not all those who survive are looking to make peace with their fellow survivors, as the game of ‘survival of the fittest’ takes a brutal turn, leaving no stone unturned in making this show push you to the edge of your seats till the very end.

5. I May Destroy You

There are various shows which focus on the sensitive topic of sexual abuse/violence/harassment. I May Destroy You is among such shows that would engage you in its storyline with all it has to offer, including the much-needed representation of black women and their struggles.

The plot revolves around a woman who experiences a horrible situation during her time having fun at a party, and this changes the course of events for her in the following days. Watch this show if you are into social issues; we hope it won’t disappoint you.

6. The Wire

Finally, this show is a great one with its thrilling plot revolving around the abuse of drugs and the role of police in combating it. With the police and dealers trying to deal with the drug operations on their own, things seem to hit a rut.

The show also exposes the supposedly just legal system, which has very much played its part in letting the corruption hit the root for their benefit and cheat on the public through misuse of their power and authority.

This is a great show for people interested in thriller and drama, as it would make a great watch on your next sleepover with friends.

Wrapping Up

To sum it up, we hope that the best HBO Max drama series we have shared with you will provide you with a great streaming experience. Instead of searching for which show to watch, you can now simply choose from this list.

Feel free to share your favourite drama series on HBO Max in this list and share them with us, so we can all binge them this weekend. 

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Saeed: The Melodic Maverick Reshaping Hip Hop Culture

Richmond, California’s homegrown talent, Saeed, is rapidly becoming a household name in the hip hop industry. An independent artist, signed to his own label, Saeed embodies the revolutionary spirit and invigorating artistry that Hip Hop culture was built upon. Using his unique blend of East Coast lyricism, Bay Area slanguage, and an inspirational narrative, he’s curating a space for himself in the hearts of his audience. You can catch the rhythm of his art on Spotify, or follow his journey on Instagram.

Saeed – The Melodic Maverick

Saeed’s music is an intricate balance of relatability and uniqueness, a mosaic of his rich lineage and his environment. His sound takes cues from a host of successful figures in his family, as well as Hip Hop’s pioneers like Tupac, E 40, Mac Dre, The Lox, Nipsey Hussle, Messy Marv, The Jacka, Jay Z, Rick Ross, OutKast, and others. He refers to his musical style as “Playa Activism music mixed with a Neo Mob sound,” lacing his tracks with witty wordplay and uncanny lyrics that depict the struggles and solutions of life.

In Saeed’s words, his music is designed to “invite the listener into the story like they are there in real time.” It’s the kind of motivational music that propels you from the couch to the street, pushing you to “stop making excuses and start making it happen.”

Collaborations and Momentous Experiences

Saeed collaborates selectively, prioritizing organic and impactful partnerships over status or follower count. His association with artists and producers is driven by shared artistic visions, an inspiring track, or a beat that sparks an immediate writing urge. And sometimes, these collaborations lead to extraordinary moments that stay etched in the memory.

One such unforgettable experience was Saeed’s participation in Nipsey Hussle’s Mailbox Money Tour. Being the only Bay Area artist on the LA lineup not only boosted his recognition but also inspired him to venture into business. Consequently, he launched his company, Live From Paradise LLC, just four days after the tour ended.

The Empowering Voice of Saeed

Saeed’s music oozes passion, persistence, consistency, resilience, determination, and motivation. His lyrics are a testament to the struggles and victories of the everyday inner-city life, aiming to provide hope and purpose to his listeners. As a devoted student of the game, Saeed’s music is deeply influenced by the hip hop culture, which has continuously pushed him to challenge societal norms and alter the negative stigma attached to it.

Saeed is no stranger to the challenges in the music industry. From dealing with writer’s block to understanding the need for a strategic plan and marketing, his journey has had its fair share of hurdles. However, he believes in the power of consistent content and learning from these experiences.

Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Saeed’s recent projects “Touch Of Sol”, “Consistency”, and the #All4Siah series, a tribute to his late cousin Josiah Shabazz Lightfoot, have significantly boosted his career. These projects are fan favorites, portraying Saeed’s versatility and his commitment to deliver fresh, impactful music.

In the future, Saeed plans to release a full-length album with some significant features and aims to surpass one million streams in a year. He also looks forward to working with international artists, venturing into music business, and making big announcements soon.

Music is Saeed’s sanctuary, his therapy, and his motivator. It’s his passion and drive that make him a standout artist in the hip-hop landscape. As he continues his journey in the music industry, Saeed assures his fans and followers that he will remain consistent in his efforts, setting new milestones and goals, all while moving forward with pure intentions. Stay tuned to see this Melodic Maverick take the hip-hop scene by storm.

Who Is the Number One Streamer in The World? Wallie Sue and Weeb Emperor

With the ever-growing popularity of social media influencers through TikTok trends and the curiosity with Subscription-based content platform, the social media game has never been tougher. However, among the pool of influencers, one particular duo stands out the most.

With spicy content that calls to the intended audience, the Weeb Dynasty has made its mark in the streaming influencers’ community.

But behind every success, there is always a story. After all, it doesn’t come easy. Today, let’s peer into the life of Wallie Sue and Tirus Kimble and see how they rose to the top. 

Contrary to popular belief, social media is one of the most difficult fields to leave your mark in. People often assume that you upload a video, it goes viral—and boom! You’re on Jimmy Fallon. This is certainly not the case. In order to create content, you need to have a vision and a certain goal in mind. In the case of Tirus and Wallie Sue, their endeavors comprise self-expression and how one should be confident in their skin and continue to do what one wants to, despite the naysayers.

To say Tirus and Wallie Sue faced friction fresh into their careers would be an understatement. If you didn’t already know, Wallie was part of a big family, yet she felt small, and her voice wasn’t heard, impacting her self-worth. 

This was the time when things began to change for Wallie Sue.

At the age of 24, she did something every great entrepreneur requires in their books. She decided to leave her old life behind, taking her fate into her own hands and putting her faith in Tirus Kimble—the Weeb Emperor.

Tirus was already blazing it up in the entertainment industry with his comedy and skits. With Wallie as his partner, he became unstoppable.

The duo skyrocketed to the 0.1% earners on the Subscription-based content platform and became a viral sensation online. They’re live streams have clocked in hundreds of thousands if not millions of views and followers.

They’ve achieved this feat under the pressure of other top creators being the competition maintaining an average of 30 to 60k views on their streams 6 days a week.

Eventually, their creative geniuses together formed the Weeb Dynasty, which rules the TikTok scene to this very day. 

The Struggle

Every content creator has their own set of issues and obstacles to overcome. However, what makes Tirus and Wallie’s struggle so unique is how the two persist through all the friction from Wallie’s parents. They had limited resources to work within an industry that gives you quite a run for your money. The mark of a successful social media influencer is how they can look past all the hate and the troubles and remain true to their goal. 

Sure, Ninja Blevins, the number one Esports streamer in the world, had his fair share of struggles, but Wallie Sue and Tirus were up against an entire system. Think we’re exaggerating? Let us furnish you with the fact that the couple was banned 119 times on TikTok and four times on Instagram. What really helped them through it all were their dedicated fans.

Just like Ninja has his own fanbase that sticks with him in the good times and the bad, the Weeb Dynasty established their very own army called the Legions.

And this is another reason why the couple are so successful in their endeavors. In life, there are people who will be with you in the happy moments, but those who stick with you through the dark ones are your true allies. Similarly, there will be fans who will be there for you through all the glory, but the loyal ones (Legions) will be by your side in the hard times. 

Tirus and Wallie didn’t just establish a fanbase but a movement. These are people unafraid of taking the leap, unfazed by change and innovation.

Just as Tirus and Wallie stick by each other through all the opposition and hatred, Legions, too, stand up for each other. They represent freedom of self-expression, that you can be who you wanna be, even though the people closest to you will tell you otherwise. They believe in self-independence and striving to achieve something big.

That is what separates you from the crowd of influencers and content creators trying to get their fifteen minutes.

Tirus and Wallie have made it. The Weeb Dynasty has never been stronger and continues to grow. Now with AI on the horizon, Tirus has highlighted its potential.

We can’t wait to see where the dynamic duo of Tirus and Wallie will head next.

From Blooming to Streaming: Stuart Ross Carlson’s Rose-tastic Journey!

Stuart Ross Carlson stands out as the modern-day Renaissance man of the music business in a world where artists come and go like the seasons. Get ready, music lovers—his most fascinating song to date, “The Last Rose of Summer,” has arrived on our playlists at last!

Imagine a heartfelt symphony that a crazy musical scientist created by fusing several genres. This is just what Stuart offers with his brand-new tune. They claim he doesn’t back down from challenges, but we have a sneaking suspicion he’s a musical conjurer who mixes sounds and melodies with beguiling precision.

However, there’s still more! Hold on to your headphones as we announce the cherry on top of the musical cake: KTWU’s 4-part TV series, “The Last Rose of Summer,” will include “The Last Rose of Summer” as a featured song in 2024. Kansas PBS has just discovered the secret to winning our hearts! We’re eager to hear how this catchy song fits into the TV magic.

The song is now being promoted by Spotify in an effort to reach as many people as possible in the music industry. Imagine flowers in blossom, vines writhing, and Spotify playlists bursting with Stuart’s mastery of melody. A rose-tastic extravaganza, indeed!

So, my friends, let’s band together to celebrate the success of “The Last Rose of Summer” and give Stuart Ross Carlson a musical toast. He is prepared to create a symphony of emotions by painting the globe with his unshakeable commitment and love of music. We’re here to enjoy the smell of Stuart’s musical accomplishment as you’ve bloomed.

To stream his music or learn more about Stuart please visit his website. 

Four Thirty Four: A New Force in Rock Music Soars with ‘High Roller’

Exuding raw talent and an unwavering dedication to their craft, Four Thirty Four, a hard rock band originating from Central Virginia, is steadily carving out their name in the music industry. On May 30th, their single ‘High Roller’ was released to radio, making waves nationwide and stirring excitement among fans and critics alike.

As the end of the week of July 11th, 2023 approached, ‘High Roller’ catapulted to the number 37 spot on the SMR Top 50 Mainstream/Active Rock chart. The single’s achievement is an attestation of the band’s tremendous growth and potent sound that resonates with the contemporary rock scene.

Adding to their success, ‘High Roller’ was the most-added single to radio stations in secondary markets on its release day. It outpaced notable new releases by artists such as Corey Taylor, Black Stone Cherry, Halestorm, Pop Evil, Seven Dust, and more. This achievement was not confined to secondary markets; the single was also the top added to Mediabase, a music industry service that monitors radio station airplay in 180 US and Canadian markets. Mediabase is a division of iHeartMedia and has a significant influence in the music industry, providing analytical tools and music data for professionals.

Stryker Records released ‘High Roller,’ which was then distributed worldwide by Ingrooves, a Universal Music Group company, to all major music platforms on June 9, 2023. The band’s management is handled by Jason Schrick of Extreme Management Group (EMG).

Four Thirty Four has evolved into a powerful quartet since its inception in late 2019 when Mike Vernon, Craig Coyner, and Scott Jordan welcomed drummer Greg Baker. Their moniker represents their home in the Central Virginia area, where all members reside. The band resists fads and gimmicks, preferring to let their music speak for itself.

With their distinctive spin on sound and songwriting, Four Thirty Four entered the studio in 2021 to record their EP, ‘The Gold EP.’ Their successful year was highlighted by their closing stage performance at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, Shred Fest in Fredericksburg, VA, and Trash and Splash in Bumpass, VA. The following year, they signed a management deal with EMG and have been on an upward trajectory ever since.

Among the band’s key members is frontman Michael Lee Vernon, or Mikey V. Vernon’s diverse upbringing, which saw him living in multiple states and attending several schools before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, undoubtedly shaped his unique musical style. He pulls inspiration from all decades and genres of music, channeling this creativity into his performances with Four Thirty Four.

Guitarist Scott Jordan brings a broad range of influences to the band’s sound. Having started his music career in the Virginia-based band Sedamentreous, he’s now one of the key forces behind Four Thirty Four’s unique sound. His experience as a show booker and tour manager, along with his relationship with Jason Schrick from EMG, continues to contribute significantly to the band’s success.

The release of ‘High Roller’ was an experience that the band will remember for a long time, especially given the opportunity to work with multi-platinum record producer Malcolm Springer at East Iris Studios. This step signaled a shift from their DIY operation into a realm where they worked with industry professionals, bringing a unique dimension to their music.

In the world of rock, Four Thirty Four has positioned itself as a force to reckon with. Their recent accomplishments signify their arrival in the mainstream, proving that they are more than capable of holding their own against well-established acts. With their unique sound, dedication to their craft, and the backing of a powerful team, the journey of Four Thirty Four is one to watch closely. This is just the beginning for the quartet, who are gearing up for what promises to be a remarkable journey in the music industry.

The Magician of the End Times

The apocalypse is nigh. Will you choose the boat? 

Armenian-American writer, filmmaker, and magician Garin Hovannisian is a major new talent – a completely original voice and vision. His recent City of Cards is not merely a magic special that’s full of hypnosis, breathtaking musings on the city of Yerevan, and whooshing card tricks. Above all else, it is a 35-minute spellbinding examination of your soul – something that is harder to do in these times when self-reflection often does not go beyond a self-ie.  

Who’s going to be the next Noah is something that Hovannisian intends to decipher through his gripping ceremony of hypnosis in City of Cards. And while the ceremony itself is worth being sung about, what really stands out is its fundamental question. Hovannisian knows how to go into the pit of the dragon – the deepest corner of the human subconscious – angering the beast with the sharp edge of this ultimate question. Who’s the modern-day hero, the prophet, the messiah that will save us from the apocalypse brewing under our feet? 

In this modern age, when human progress is no longer the extension of the glorious deeds of eminent few with valor, unwavering resolve, and intelligence, but a product of immeasurable many in their rightful place in this pipeline of life, who can be the new Noah? 

Hovannisian starts from the very beginning with his singularly poetic sequence where he’s laying out on the table the different archetypes of characters bustling through his city of Yerevan. “And here in this city, living side by side, were the heroes and the cowards, the rich and the poor, the two-faced and the single-minded. … And we are shuffled into the destiny of the place.” 

Destiny, or as Armenians call, “Chakatagir” (the writing on your forehead) seems to be the highway to the answer of this and other questions. From the destiny of the place and the destiny of the ancient Armenian king Arshak II to the destiny of the very participants of this magic happening, Hovannisian walks the audience through the magnetic power that this writing seems to have in our lives, in which “every accident is carefully planned.” And while this destiny may seem to be overruling and omnipotent, Hovannisian unravels to the audience the mechanics behind it, making the subconscious conscious. Making it into a spectacle to remember. 

The Magician of the End Times

Photo Credited to: Suren Tadevosyan. Photo of: Writer, filmmaker, and illusionist Garin Hovannisian.

And yet, is there a way to overrule your destiny or is this a thin gruel? Perhaps there is. Perhaps the only real way of overruling it is to make a covenant with it, to nail your life to the cross you need to carry. Or in this case, to pick the boat you are willing to build, because, as Hovannisian prophetically puts, “The truth is, there is a storm coming to our city of Yerevan. The world is actually about to end. And all the people who mocked you, you laughed at you. All those people need you now. We need you now. Only you can save us. Only you can bring a new world. ” 

City of Cards ends leaving us with inquiries that surely deserve an idle hour and rekindling our bond with our soul and sovereignty of mind. 

Writers’ Strike Impact: How Your Favorite TV Shows Will Change

Television has been a constant in the lives of many during the pandemic, providing a much-needed escape from reality. However, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) announced on May 1 that it had not agreed with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on a new contract to provide tenable working conditions for its members. As a result, the WGA has called for a general strike that includes TV and film writers across the United States. This news has left many wondering what the strike means for their favorite shows. Here’s what you need to know.

What Happens to Late-Night Talk Shows?

Late-night talk shows are written on an extremely tight schedule to stay topical, which means that they cannot have any episodes banked for future use. As a result, shows such as The Daily Show, Real Time with Bill Maher, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and NBC’s Tonight have all shut down production. This also means no more Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert, or Saturday Night Live. Fans of late-night shows may need to find a new source of entertainment for now.

Cable Television and Major Network Shows

Network TV is also being affected by the strike. Shows such as NBC’s Night Court and Starz’s The Venery of Samantha Bird and Power Book III: Raising Kanan have closed their writers’ rooms. CBS’s Evil wrapped production early after picketing writers disrupted filming. Cable television is also being affected, with Disney Channel’s Bunk’d and Freeform’s While You Were Breeding shutting down production due to the strike. While most major-network TV shows have already wrapped for the summer, if the strike extends as long as the 2007–8 run, it would eat into the prep time for those shows before they return in the fall. The strike also affects pilot season, meaning we may not get many new shows in the fall.

What about Soap Operas?

Soap operas have many episodes at their disposal, with many filmed months in advance. This means that the genre has a stockpile of episodes before it runs out of new ones. Days of Our Lives has content until the fall, while General Hospital has a month of prerecorded episodes. The Young and the Restless will likely pause first, with less than a month of episodes remaining. During the previous strike, soaps mostly stayed on due to prerecorded episodes and the efforts of writers in the guild’s “financial core.”

Streaming Services 

Streamers like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime tend to bank many more shows than network TV, so it would take longer for them to feel the real effects. However, shows such as Hacks, Unstable, Big Mouth, Cobra Kai, and Yellowjackets have all closed their writers’ rooms. The Community movie for Peacock is also reported to have been delayed. The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, announced that they would postpone production on the final season due to the strike. While Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has stated that they have a large base of upcoming shows and films worldwide, it’s unclear how much they rely on American staff writers. Streamers may have to be more informed about the pace at which they put out new content.

To Wrap Up

The Writers’ Strike will undoubtedly have consequences for the entertainment industry. Fans of late-night shows and linear TV may need to find alternative sources of entertainment for the time being. While soap operas have a stockpile of episodes, streamers such as Netflix may need to be more careful about the pace at which they put out new content. However, if the strike extends as long as the 2007–8 run did, it could eat into the prep time for shows before they return in the fall. The strike also affects pilot season, meaning we may not get many new shows in the fall. Fans must wait and see how the entertainment industry weathers the storm.

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