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The fall of the two fat ladies: how bingo lingo went woke

Two fat ladies – three little words that mean decidedly different things, according to when you were born. Older readers will recognise the term as referring to the number 88 in bingo, with a nod to the number’s robust curves. Younger readers will recoil in horror at terminology considered to be outdated, disrespectful and unwelcome.

It may seem unlikely, but there’s a quiet battle going on for control over the nicknames given to bingo numbers. On the one hand we have the traditionalists, who love the strange, funny and occasionally quite naughty phrases announced by the bingo caller. And on the other side are millennials, who have an entirely different take on what constitutes acceptable language.

Where do bingo calls come from?

Every number in bingo comes with its own unique word or phrase, known as a ‘call’, but it’s unclear exactly where they originated. The general opinion seems to be that numbers often sound very similar, especially when there’s background noise. Trying to distinguish between ‘15’ and ‘50’ is just one instance where confusion could arise – and in a game that relies on quickly identifying the correct number, mistakes could be costly!

Traditional bingo calls

The Imperial War Museum’s website hosts a transcript from a World War I veteran talking about his memories of playing early bingo games in the trenches, although it was known as housey-housey in those days. WWII soldiers created a few bingo calls of their own, including ‘number 9 – Doctor’s orders’ which relates to a laxative handed out for most common ailments.

Another army contribution is ‘Dirty Gertie – number 30’, which references a popular ditty sung by Allied forces in North Africa – ‘Dirty Gertie from Bizerte’! These are not things the average young person is likely to know, along with ‘PC – 49’, which refers to the title of a 1940s radio series based around a young police constable.

A new lease of life for bingo

Bingo has traditionally been seen as a game aimed primarily at the older generation. Regular visits to the local bingo hall were built into the post-war social scene, representing a cheap night out packed with entertainment and the possibility of winning some prizes. But data from Statista shows that revenue from bingo halls has been steadily decreasing over recent years, fuelled in part by the pandemic lockdowns.

Bingo certainly hasn’t gone away though! Bricks and mortar bingo halls may have been falling into decline, but online bingo is alive and well – and positively thriving. According to a recent article produced by IGC, a youth-oriented igaming site, online bingo has caught the imagination of young, cool, tech-savvy players. And this is a generation with very definite ideas about the language they find acceptable.

Bingo calls continue online

A caller at a land-based bingo hall adds to the fun, with top callers known as entertainers in their own right. There are a few traditional responses where the players are expected to join in – the number two is said to resemble a duck, so the caller announces ‘ 2 – one little duck’ or ’22 – two little ducks’, to which the correct response is ‘quack’ and ‘quack, quack’ respectively.

Playing online doesn’t quite replicate that atmosphere, but a bingo host will be keeping the calls coming in the online chat rooms – and everyone can join in the fun. Most bingo sites offer an introductory bonus so you can get started straight away, but be sure to check the terms of the offer. Wagering requirements tucked away in the small print can eat into any winnings, so look out for no wagering bingo sites that let you keep what you win. You’ll quickly get the hang of things, and it doesn’t take long to pick up on the most popular bingo calls.

Is this the end for traditional bingo calls?

Every number has its own call, but as we’re discovering, modern sensibilities can be offended by some of the phrases in use. Those ‘two fat ladies’, for example, are no longer considered polite in this day and age. Online bingo callers tend to prefer ’88 – Wills and Kate’, although a few callers are opting for ‘two body positive ladies’, in an attempt to keep everyone happy.

It’s not just potentially offensive language that younger players are pushing back against –  ’77 – Sunset Strip is a reference to a 1960s TV show that will be meaningless to anyone younger than 65. These days it’s the older players who are having to relearn some of the calls, as outdated ones are replaced with modern versions that seem more relatable for a digital audience.

Updated bingo calls

Head for an online bingo chat room nowadays and you’re likely to find an entire collection of new bingo calls. From ‘Number 8 – Tinder date’ to ’86 – Instagram pics’, the calls are becoming as woke as the players, especially with the rise of video bingo, which is bound to cause a certain amount of upset among the more traditional bingo fans.

But bingo has to remain culturally relevant if it’s going to continue to be enjoyed by as wide an audience as possible. And with statistics indicating that there’s a definite shift towards a younger membership, it’s only natural that the operators will want to adapt and change to account for the corresponding shift in attitudes.

Bingo has evolved from being a lotto game played between friends to a global online phenomenon. The bingo calls may be adapting to appeal to a more woke generation, but one thing’s absolutely certain – bingo calls will continue to be a major part of the fun for many, many years to come!

Jin of BTS performs “The Astronaut” with Coldplay in Argentina Makes Fans Cry

Before taking a long hiatus for their mandatory military service, Jin of BTS performed his debut solo single, The Astronaut, with Coldplay during the Music of Spheres World Tour in Buenos Aires. It was a beautiful moment for Jin, Coldplay, and all the fans that were present during the concert. Many BTS ARMY felt emotional during his performance; even Chris Martin, the lead vocalist of BTS, felt moved by Jin’s voice.

In the middle of his song, Jin ran towards Chris with his arms wide open. Chris then welcomed him with a smile on his face. They hugged each other, and Chris gave him a kiss on the head while they continued to sing The Astronaut. This song was also co-written by Chris Martin, who later shared that they both had a conversation a few months ago, leading to the unexpected collaboration.

Jin did not forget to thank BTS ARMY for their unwavering support. At the end of his performance, he said, “And I love you, ARMY, you all,” as he bowed his head and walked off the stage. After the performance, Jin took to social media to thank Coldplay for the opportunity. He also expressed his gratitude to the fans who have always supported him and BTS.

You can watch the clip on BTS’ official YouTube channel. Fans are hoping that, like other singers, BTS’ concert documentaries will also be available on streaming services, like Netflix.

BTS and Coldplay

This show was not the first time Jin was able to perform with Coldplay. In fact, they had shared the stage several times before, with other BTS members, with their song My Universe – another big hit that topped the charts for a long time. The fans who were at the said concert said that it was an unforgettable moment and expressed their feelings on social media.

Why Is BTS So Famous?

BTS, or Bangtan Sonyeodan, is a Korean pop band that has taken the world by storm. The seven-member boy band has a huge international following, thanks to their catchy tunes, impressive dance moves, and great stage presence. But BTS is more than just a pretty face – the members are also known for their positive messages about self-love and acceptance.

What many people don’t realize is that BTS has revolutionized social media as its main marketing platform. Now that high-speed internet is a necessity for most households, it’s not impossible for their videos to at least reach anyone browsing any social media platforms.

The K-Pop boy group has always been very active on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, which has helped them build a strong connection with their fans – making it one of the reasons why they are so successful. If you’re not already a fan of BTS, you simply need a fast internet connection, like Spectrum Internet, and you can already binge-watch their videos. You’ll definitely fall in love with the charm and uniqueness of every member.

BTS is currently on hiatus as all of its members are set to fulfill their mandatory military service. However, they are set to make a comeback in the near future.

What’s Next for Jin?

Jin is the second member of BTS to release a solo album after announcing their hiatus. He is also set to enlist in the military later this year. In the meantime, fans are hoping to see more of him in a variety of shows and other projects while waiting for military service. Nevertheless, his appearance at Coldplay’s concert is definitely a treat for all BTS ARMY.

Kim Seokjin is the oldest member of BTS, nicknamed the World Wide Handsome by his fans. He’s one of the kindest, most accepting, and warmhearted members of the BTS. That’s why Jin stans can’t get enough of him. Surely, his appearance at Coldplay’s concert is definitely a treat for all BTS ARMY.

Final Thoughts

It was a momentous performance for Jin, especially since most fans are used to seeing BTS altogether. His voice sounded amazing, as always. The performance was also a special moment for Coldplay, who are known for their amazing live performances. They were able to share the stage with one of the world’s most popular boy band members and give them a memorable experience.

Best Thanksgiving Movies to Binge-watch with Your Family

Thanksgiving is just around the corner — you can already smell the roast turkey and pumpkin pie in the air! Aside from that, it also means that you’ll get to spend time with the people you love while enjoying a big feast to celebrate all your blessings for the entire year. Of course, there’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by watching some of the best Thanksgiving movies with your family.

Here are our top picks for the best Thanksgiving movies to watch this 2020:

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

This classic animated movie is the perfect Thanksgiving film for kids and adults alike. It tells the story of Charlie Brown and his friends as they celebrate the holiday with a simple meal of popcorn and toast. Despite its simplicity, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is a heartwarming movie that always brings a smile to our faces.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

If you’re up for another classic movie, then you might want to check out this movie. This Woody Allen film follows the lives of three sisters (played by Mia Farrow, Dianne Wiest, and Barbara Hershey) as they navigate their complicated relationships with each other. While the movie is set during Thanksgiving, it’s not really about the holiday — but it’s a great film to watch with your own sisters or any female relatives nonetheless.

Home for the Holidays (1995)

Jodie Foster’s directorial debut is a hilarious yet relatable movie about a family coming together for Thanksgiving — even though they can’t stand each other most of the time. If you’re looking for a film that will make you laugh and cry, then this is the perfect Thanksgiving movie for you.

Pieces of April (2003)

This dark comedy follows April, played by Katie Holmes, a rebellious teenager who invites her estranged family to Thanksgiving dinner at her apartment in the city. However, things take a turn for the worse when April’s oven breaks down, and she has to rely on her sketchy neighbors for help. Despite its lighthearted moments, Pieces of April is a touching movie about family, forgiveness, and acceptance.

Holidate (2020)

If you’re looking for a more recent Thanksgiving movie, then you might want to check out Holidate. This romantic comedy follows the story of two single people, Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, who agree to be each other’s plus-ones for all the holidays, so they don’t have to suffer through them alone. While the movie is set during the holidays, it’s not really about Thanksgiving — but it’s a feel-good film that’s perfect for watching with your family nonetheless.

Garfield’s Thanksgiving (1989)

This animated movie is a Thanksgiving classic. It follows the story of Garfield, the lazy but lovable orange cat, as he tries to outsmart his owner, Jon Arbuckle, so he can eat an entire turkey by himself. “Garfield’s Thanksgiving” is a hilarious film that’s perfect for the whole family.

Best Streaming Services to Watch Thanksgiving Movies

You might get overwhelmed with choosing where to watch these movies because there are many excellent platforms out there. So, to help you with your search, we’ve listed the top streaming services you can choose from.

  • Netflix

This platform has a wide selection of Thanksgiving films, from classics like “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” to more recent releases like “Holidate.” You can watch all of these movies on Netflix.

  • Dish TV

You can also watch Thanksgiving movies on Dish TV. It offers more than 60,000 on-demand titles, which include various Thanksgiving movies that your family will surely enjoy.

  • SLING TV

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, then you might want to try Sling TV. It’s a streaming service that also offers live TV channels.

  • Go Latino TV

If you like Spanish TV shows and movies, then Go Latino TV is your best choice. It offers a wide range of films and live TV channels to choose from.

  • Hulu

Hulu, Netflix’s biggest competitor, also offers a promising selection of Thanksgiving movies that the whole family can watch.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! These are some of the best Thanksgiving movies that you and your family can watch together. Make sure to bookmark this list so that you have the best movies to watch after feasting on a sumptuous meal. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Redeem Team: Getting Inside the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team

The Redeem Team is a Netflix documentary that revolves around the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball team. The team, made up of NBA superstars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, was assembled in an attempt to redeem America’s honor on the world stage after a disappointing performance in the 2004 Olympics.

The 2008 U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team was a star-studded group featuring some of the best players in the world. Led by Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, the Redeem Team cruised through the Olympics, winning all eight of their games en route to the gold medal. But while they may have looked like a team of destiny on the court, there was a lot more going on behind the scenes.

During the documentary’s opening scene, the two basketball legends were asked many questions by interviewers regarding the upcoming Beijing games, a league that gives the opportunity for the US Olympic Men’s Basketball Team to redeem themselves. Just a quick note,

That said, Bryant was asked what it would mean for them to get a gold medal and how it differs from winning an NBA championship. Bryant then responded, stating that the restoration of national pride came before all things, and he sensed that even Celtics supporters wearing Kevin Garnett jerseys could set their loyalty aside and support the great Lake for a single game.

While watching the documentary, you’ll notice that it highlights Kobe’s incredible work ethic and focus – even his teammates are in awe of what he’s capable to do to win. He may not be as loud and vocal as LeBron, but he sure is deadly on the court. As what others would say, he’s silent but deadly.

If you’re planning to watch The Redeem Team on Netflix, make sure to have fast home internet so you don’t have to endure buffers and low-quality video resolution while streaming. The last thing you want is to have your experience ruined by a slow internet connection.

Unfortunately, this documentary is only exclusive on Netflix as of now. However, many basketball fans are hoping to see this documentary on other streaming services in the near future.

Mike Krzyzewski and Kobe Bryant

As the head coach of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball team, Mike Krzyzewski had the daunting task of wrangling a group of superstar players and getting them to buy into his system. But he was up for the challenge, and he had a secret weapon in Kobe Bryant.

Bryant had played for Coach K at the 2006 FIBA World Championships, and the two had formed a close bond. So when it came time to select the players for the 2008 Olympics, Coach K made sure to include Bryant on the team. And it paid off, as Bryant was one of the most important players on the Redeem Team.

However, Bryant was far from perfect. In fact, Bryant had his own issues with his team, specifically with his poor shot selection that prevented his team from winning an exhibition game versus Australia. Shot selection is often one of the main criticisms leveled against him, and Coach K knew he had the responsibility to reel him in.

Stream The Redeem Team Now

The Redeem Team is a must-watch for any basketball or sports documentary fan. It’s an inside look at one of the greatest teams ever assembled, and it tells the story of how they came together to win the gold medal. If you’re looking for a great documentary to watch on Netflix, this is it.

However, before anything else, you should make sure that you have a stable internet connection. If your internet provider is giving you a headache due to throttling or constant downtimes, we recommend you switch to a different provider, like Verizon or HughesNet.

Final Thoughts

The Redeem Team is an excellent documentary that tells the story of how the United States Men’s Basketball team won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics. It’s an inside look at the team, and it features interviews with Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Coach K, and the rest of the team. This is a must-watch if you’re a fan of basketball or sports documentaries.

Narrow Head Announce New Album ‘Moments of Clarity’, Release New Song

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The Houston-based band Narrow Head has announced a new album, Moments of Clarity, sharing a video for its title track. The follow-up to 2020’s 12th House Rock is set to drop on February 12 via Run for Cover. Check out the Katayoon Yousefbigloo-directed visual for ‘Moments of Clarity’ below.

The new album was recorded, produced, and mixed by Sonny DiPerri (NIN, Protomartyr, My Bloody Valentine). Reflecting on the title Moments of Clarity, frontman Jacob Duarte said in a press release: “The phrase created a space for me to reflect upon my own life, since our last record I’ve had plenty of moments of realization like that… when you experience friends dying, you’re forced to see life a little differently.”

Moments of Clarity Cover Artwork:

Moments of Clarity Tracklist:

1. The Real
2. Moments of Clarity
3. Sunday
4. Trepanation
5. Breakup Song
6. Fine Day
7. Caroline
8. The World
9. Gearhead
10. Flesh & Solitude
11. The Comedown
12. Soft to Touch

Jordana Shares Video for New Single ‘You’re in the Way’

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Jordana has unveiled ‘You’re in the Way’, the latest single from her upcoming EP I’m Doing Well, Thanks For Asking. “It’s about getting to know yourself again after seemingly wasting time investing in someone else,” she explained in a press release. Check out the song’s video, directed by Molly and Judson Valdez, below.

I’m Doing Well, Thanks For Asking arrives this Friday, Noevember 11. It includes the previously shared tracks ‘Is It Worth It Now?’ and ‘SYT’.

Artifacts Rapper Tame One Dies at 52

Tame One, the New Jersey rapper best known for his work in the hip-hop trio Artifacts, has died, NJ.com reports. No official cause of death has been provided. Tame One was 52.

Born Rahem Brown in New Jersey, Tame One was drawn to graffiti art from an early age, and became a graffiti writer himself. “As a general person, I’m the quiet type,” he said when asked about his moniker in a 2004 interview. “I sit back in the cut. In my younger days, I was a regular terror but I’ve mellowed out. For the name, I just carried it over from my graffiti days. That was the name I was writing on walls. So, when I started rhyming, I didn’t want people to be, ‘Who are you?’ Everyone was coming out with these astounding names like MC Killer Rapper and all that other nonsense. I had to be me. I had to be myself. I wanted people who knew me on the street, to know me on a record. So they could say, ‘Oh, that’s the Tame-One dude? That’s the dude who has his name everywhere!'”

Tame One co-founded Artifacts with El Da Sensei and DJ Kaos in 1988. The group released their debut album, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, via Atlantic’s Big Beat imprint in 1994. They put out another album, That’s Them, in 1997 before breaking up shortly after. Following their dissolution, Tame One remained a presence in the underground scene and issued his debut LP, 2003’s When Rappers Attack on Eastern Conference Records. He also joined Weathermen, a rap supergroup formed in 2002 by Cage Kennylz and El-P, and featured on a number of tracks on their 2003 mixtape The Conspiracy.

Tame One continued releasing solo albums, EPs, and singles throughout his career. He teamed up with Cage for the 2004 record Waterworld, released under the name Leak Bros, Dusted Dons for the 2006 collaborative LP Slow Suicide Stimulus, and Del the Funky Homosapien for the 2009’s Parallel Uni-Verses.

Paying tribute to the rapper on Instagram, El-P wrote: “I don’t even know what to say. Rest in peace to Tame One. The Artifact, the Weathermen crew member, the leak brother, the legend, and undoubtably the friend and family of many broken hearted people.”

This Week’s Best New Songs: Yo La Tengo, Yves Tumor, BROCKHAMPTON, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have the gothic, intoxicating new single from Yves Tumor, ‘God is a Circle’; BROCKHAMPTON’s vibrant, chaotic banger ‘Big Pussy’, the first single from the group’s final album; ‘Fallout’, the driving, fuzzed-out, and intimately comforting lead single from Yo La Tengo’s new LP; Miss Grit’s ‘Follow the Cyborg’, a striking introduction to the cinematic vision of their debut album; Caitlin Rose’s poignant collaboration with Courtney Marie Andrews, ‘Getting It Right’; Gladie’s catchy, exhilarating new single ‘Born Yesterday’; and Acre Memos’ ‘Another Bird Song’, a gentle, sunny track featuring Lomelda’s Hannah Read.

Best New Songs: November 7, 2022

Song of the Week: Yves Tumor, ‘God Is a Circle’

BROCKHAMPTON, ‘Big Pussy’

Yo La Tengo, ‘Fallout’

Miss Grit, ‘Follow the Cyborg’

Caitlin Rose feat. Courtney Marie Andrews, ‘Getting It Right’

Gladie, ‘Born Yesterday’

Acre Memos feat. Lomelda, ‘Another Bird Song’

Low’s Mimi Parker Has Died

Low’s Mimi Parker has died. Alan Sparhawk, her partner and the band’s other half, revealed the news on social media, writing: “Friends, it’s hard to put the universe into language and into a short message, but… She passed away last night, surrounded by family and love, including yours. Keep her name close and sacred. Share this moment with someone who needs you. Love is indeed the most important thing.”

Parker was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in late 2020. She first spoke publicly about her diagnosis on the Sheroes Radio podcast in January of this year, and the group recently canceled a run of scheduled tour dates as Parker was undergoing treatment.

Parker was raised in Duluth, Minnesota, where she and Sparhawk would form Low in 1993 alongside bassist John Nichols. Her mother was an aspiring country singer who taught herself how to play guitar, as did one of Parker’s sisters, and they would often sing around the house growing up.

Recalling how she was brought on to play drums for Low, she said in a 2001 interview: “I guess it was always kind of a dream, not something I ever thought I’d do, but every once in a while I’d have the thought that playing music would be fun. So Alan and I talked about it and then he and John Nichols got together and came up with the idea of the band — slow and quiet.” She continued, “Around this time Alan was working at the arena in Duluth and he was in the basement and they had tons of old equipment from the orchestra that was there years ago. There was a drum down there and a cymbal. So he asked about it and this woman said, ‘Oh, I can’t give it to you, but why don’t you just take it.’ So he brought home a snare drum and a cymbal and kinda laid it on me. ‘You could just play drums in this band! It would be really easy!'”

Low released their debut album, I Could Live in Hope, in 1994 on Virgin Records’ Vernon Yard imprint. Favoring minimalist arrangements and dynamically subtle performances, the record helped define the genre that would become known as slowcore. Zak Sally replaced Nichols for 1995’s Long Division and its follow-up I Could Live in Hope, which brought the band further acclaim.

After three LPs on the independent label Kranky – 1999’s Secret Name, 2001’s Things We Lost in the Fire, and 2002’s Trust, Low signed with Sub Pop Records and issued their first album for the label, The Great Destroyer, in 2004. Sparhawk and Parker remained in the band through various lineup changes and continued diversifying their sound, which underwent a radical reinvention when they teamed up with producer BJ Burton for 2018’s Double Negative. Burton also produced its follow-up, last year’s HEY WHAT, which marked Low’s first album as a duo and was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical category.

Watch Steve Lacy Perform ‘Bad Habit’ and ‘Helmet’ on ‘SNL’

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Steve Lacy made his Saturday Night Live debut last night (November 5), performing ‘Helmet’ as well as his chart-topping single ‘Bad Habit’. Watch it below.

‘Helmet’ and ‘Bad Habit’ are both taken from Lacy’s second album, Gemini Rights, which came out in July. The 24-year-old singer is currently on a North American tour in support of the LP and will head to Europe next month.