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Spiritual philosophy and memory in the art of Zibeyda Seyidova

Light next to dark on a canvas may seem like opposites, but one cannot exist without the other. If there are no lighter colours to compare it to, how can the richness of the darker elements be evocative? It’s this dual harmony and tension that lies at the centre of the work of Azerbaijani artist Zibeyda Seyidova. 

Works such as ‘Threshold of Night’ bring to mind those of the Abstract Expressionists and Colour Field paintings, particularly Mark Rothko’s Seagram Murals at Tate Modern. Both his works and those of Seyidova’s draw you in with the depths of their darkness, and the longer you stare into the darkness, the more they peer into your soul. Are they doorways to somewhere spiritual or something altogether darker?

Limiting her work to the lens of Western art history only highlights half the story. Her works draw upon Islamic philosophy, particularly the dialogue between ẓāhir (the manifest) and bāṭin (the hidden). Heavily layering her works gives them a sense of texture. Still, her process also involves scraping back layers to reveal what’s beneath, prompting questions about what she has revealed to us through her paintings and whether more elements will reveal themselves the longer we gaze at them. 

Islamic art has a long history of excluding figures, a practice known as aniconism. Through Seyidova’s abstract works, she is channelling human emotions through abstraction in a process known as dhikr, or remembrance.

Her abstract works do feature representational elements, as we see in her work ‘Point of Equilibrium’, where the dark triangle slashing across a pale canvas suggests something in the foreground is casting a shadow. It’s a recognition that there are architectural elements in abstract art, and she uses this to significant effect when she displayed her work in a hospital with the pale colours and clean lines mirroring those of the institution where they were housed. 

The interplay of light and shade continues in her representational works, including ‘Veil’, in which a cloth is lit by sunlight streaming through a window. The haziness of the light suggests a moment captured in a dream, while the thick impasto texture suggests we can reach into the painting and grab the cloth.

We see this again in her work ‘Transmission’, exploring the textures of a rug that makes you want to run your fingers along it. ‘Carried by Duration’ is the one piece where a human figure does appear, but it’s subtle, as it may not be noticed on first glance. Yet in the work, it feels less about the figure and more about how the light interacts with the textures of her hair and skin.

Spirituality is an essential part of Seyidova’s work, and these pieces, with their use of light, evoke the religious paintings of the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Whether viewing her abstract or more representational works, we’re asked to look deep into them, to discover what sits between the manifest and the hidden. Combining Islamic philosophy and Western art history gives her a unique voice within the world of abstract contemporary art.

Marvel’s Wonder Man: Release Date, Cast, Plot, Trailers and More

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Auditioning to play a superhero is difficult enough on its own. Doing it while secretly being one is where the official trailer for Marvel’s Wonder Man drops us into. For a Marvel TV series set to arrive in January 2026, Wonder Man has flown unusually under the radar, with the studio keeping details close to the chest until now. The recently released official trailer for the series finally pulls back the curtain on Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Simon Williams, an “aspiring actor” with superpowers who finds himself auditioning to play a superhero in a big studio remake.

The movie in question is an in-universe Wonder Man reboot, set in motion when a legendary filmmaker comes out of retirement and opens the casting call to the public. Marvel is using the classic “film-within-a-film” (or here, film-within-a-series) trope to poke fun at where superhero stories are right now, and honestly, it looks absurdly entertaining, and far more self-aware than a standard origin story. With the series now just a few weeks out from its release, here’s everything we know so far about Marvel’s Wonder Man, including its release date, plot, cast, trailers, and more.

Marvel’s Wonder Man: Release Date

Marvel’s Wonder Man is set to premiere on January 27, 2026, on Disney+, making it one of the first MCU releases of the year. The eight-episode Disney+ series is co-created by Destin Daniel Cretton, who previously directed Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and the currently in-production Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and was developed alongside Andrew Guest, who’s also serving as the series’s showrunner.

Marvel’s Wonder Man: Cast

The cast lineup for Wonder Man features familiar MCU faces alongside actors making their Marvel debut. Leading the series is Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams, an actor trying to make a living in Hollywood. This marks Abdul-Mateen II’s third live-action comic book role, following his work on HBO’s Watchmen and his turn as Black Manta in DC’s Aquaman films.

The most recognisable Marvel return comes from Sir Ben Kingsley, who reprises his role as Trevor Slattery. Kingsley first appeared as the character in Iron Man 3 and later returned in 2014’s Marvel One-Shot short film All Hail the King and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Also returning is Arian Moayed as Agent P. Cleary, representing the Department of Damage Control, who we also saw in Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The supporting cast also includes Demetrius Grosse as Eric Williams, Simon’s brother, and Ed Harris as Neal Saroyan, Simon’s agent, alongside a broader group of actors. Here’s the currently confirmed cast for Marvel’s Wonder Man:

  • Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as Simon Williams aka Wonder Man
  • Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery
  • Zlatko Burić as Von Kovak
  • Arian Moayed as P. Cleary
  • Demetrius Grosse as Eric Williams aka Grim Reaper
  • Ed Harris as Neal Saroyan
  • X Mayo
  • Olivia Thirlby
  • Byron Bowers
  • Lauren Glazier
  • Béchir Sylvain
  • Manny McCord
  • Simon Templeman
  • Joe Pantoliano
Wonder-Man-plot
Image Credit: Marvel Entertainment

What Will Marvel’s Wonder Man Be About?

Marvel’s Wonder Man is very much a superhero series, though it’s told from an unusual perspective. According to the official logline, the series follows “aspiring Hollywood actor Simon Williams is struggling to get his career off the ground. During a chance meeting with Trevor Slattery, an actor whose biggest roles may be well behind him, Simon learns legendary director Von Kovak is remaking the superhero film “Wonder Man”. These two actors at opposite ends of their careers doggedly pursue life-changing roles in this film as audiences get a peek behind the curtain of the entertainment industry.”

The Disney+ series is releasing under Marvel’s Spotlight banner, which essentially means the story will be more self-contained, with fewer ties to the wider MCU. Moreover, Marvel has been clear that this is not a typical superhero series and will instead focus on character work, performance, and the realities of trying to make it in Los Angeles.

Studio boss Kevin Feige has described Wonder Man as “extremely different than anything we’ve done before,” while executive producer Brad Winderbaum has called it a sincere and “beautiful” project that is a love letter to filmmaking and acting as a profession.

Winderbaum told Collider, “It’s a very new flavour for Marvel. It’s straight from the minds of (co-creators) Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Guest. Honestly, it is one of my favourite things ever. I think it’s the best show no one’s ever seen, and I’m very excited to see the audience reaction to it. I think it’s a love letter to what we do as filmmakers.” He went on to add, “It’s a love letter to acting as a profession, and it’s a very sincere, beautiful show.”

Is There A Trailer For Marvel’s Wonder Man?

Marvel kicked off the new year with the first official trailer for Wonder Man, offering a closer look at the upcoming Disney+ series. The footage introduces Simon Williams (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), an aspiring actor struggling to break through in Hollywood, and Trevor Slattery (Sir Ben Kingsley), a washed-up performer whose biggest roles are long behind him. Their paths cross when legendary director Von Kovak announces a reboot of the in-universe superhero film Wonder Man, giving both men what could be their first or last real shot.

The catch is that Simon is clearly hiding a rather large secret. When he shows up for an audition, he’s asked to sign a disclaimer confirming he doesn’t have superpowers. He answers with a casual “Yeah,” even though he’s clearly not telling the whole truth.

We also see Arian Moayed returning as Agent Cleary from the Department of Damage Control, who wastes no time in calling Simon an “extraordinary threat,” so it looks like keeping his abilities hidden might be the real challenge ahead for Yahya Abdul-Mateen II’s Simon.

Are There Any Other Shows Like Marvel’s Wonder Man?

While you wait for Wonder Man, you can check out Loki or WandaVision on Disney+, both of which are more meta in nature. Outside the MCU, Prime Video’s The Boys pushes the meta angle even further, with a far darker, more cynical spin on superheroes.

Choosing Within Constraints: Time, Belief, and Control in Kairós

Entering the space of Kairós: Between Choice and Fate at Batsford Gallery has a very charged yet subtle quality. The gallery’s atmosphere seems more akin to a threshold than an empty box for exhibiting artworks. This feeling of being suspended is deliberate, and it makes perfect sense. The exhibition is based upon Kairós, the Ancient Greek term that refers to that critical juncture where chance, choice, and destiny are aligned. At first glance, the show sets itself up in that fragile space of uncertainty and choice as being experientially lived, as opposed to merely stated.

Kairós: Between Choice and Fate was organized by PA Art; PA Art is a long-standing supporter of contemporary visual art, curator experimentation, and the growth and development of artists. As such, PA Art functions within the changing landscape of London’s art community as a connective tissue between artists, ideas, and larger cultural conversations. That attitude is very apparent in this exhibition. The exhibition does not express one unified idea. Rather, it provides a platform for multiple voices to converge, intersect and sometimes contradict each other.

Hui Qi and Huan Zhou curated Kairós: Between Choice and Fate and have resisted the urge to represent freedom and fate as mutually exclusive. Instead, the exhibition treats freedom as an interdependent entity; as something that is often compromised and influenced by factors including our psychological habits, social structures, technology, and inherited stories. Therefore, the exhibition serves as a meditation on how choices emerge under constraints, and how the decisions we make are rarely as autonomous as we would prefer them to be.

Anatomy of a Belief by Yu Yu (Spencer) is perhaps the most psychologically engaging work in the exhibition. The work is exhibited as a diptych composed of mixed media and relates to the phenomenon of confirmation bias. An abstract behavioral concept is rendered in a tactile and unsettling way. The left side of the panel is compact and restricted. Red yarn is threaded throughout fractured material and creates a visual enclosure which illustrates how information-based environments can confine thought and identity alike. The sense of confinement experienced here is similar to the experience of being surrounded by an algorithmically-supported belief system.

Credit: Jiaqing Chen

The right panel does not provide release, instead it creates disruption. The figure is broken apart and remade, with an additional eye symbolizing awareness rather than escape. Spencer portrays self-awareness as a laborious and disorientating process. To see is not to be free immediately, but to face the discomfort of realizing your cognitive boundaries. Within the exhibition’s overarching structure, the work represents the relationship between agency and inevitability. We perceive our beliefs as being selected by us, however they are frequently unconsciously constructed well prior to our recognition of them.

While Spencer examines the structural influences of belief, Manlin Zhang examines the origin of thought. Intelligence in Motion-Dreaming Butterfly is an oil-on-claybord painting that depicts intelligence before it develops into language or logical constructs. The surface is alive, and holds the forms of both intuition and computation in a state of ambiguity. Everything is fluid. Thought appears to be recursive, incomplete, and inconclusive.

Credit: Jiaqing Chen

A fragile equilibrium exists in the work, and there is an indication that meaning is forming, but that it has not made a decision as to what form that meaning will take. In the context of Kairós, this is a pivotal moment. It is the point of transition before a decision is articulated, and before an action evolves into a consequence. Zhang’s painting reminds us that freedom may be most active in those pre-symbolic realms where intelligence remains in flux and results remain undefined.

Bob Holmes’ use of a more obvious symbolism is evident in Broken Continuum. Two female bodies are merged into a single fragmented body, eliminating the distinction between the self and others, memories and perceptions. Blindness and awareness are present in an uneasy balance, indicating that insight is never total, and that vision is always incomplete. Animals and botanical motifs appear throughout the composition, referencing ancestral memories, folkloric traditions, and myths.

Credit: Jiaqing Chen

Holmes appropriates the visual elements of Classical Portraits; however, he disrupts them through their fragmentation, layering and disjointedness. As such, the portrait appears to be both solidified and at the same time disconcertingly unrecognizable. Justice, inner sight, and internal blindness to the divine emerge, but they do so without finality. In this way, the work occupies a state of ambiguity as opposed to one of moral clarity; thus, it is consistent with the exhibition’s reluctance to represent choice as being either positive or heroic. Ultimately, the work demonstrates that choice is intertwined with what we inherit, what we forget and what we fail to see.

The opposition between apparent control and structural constraint is made visually explicit in Direction Illusion by Henryk Terpilowski. Compressed seed pods are a powerful symbol of growth and possibility which are embedded in a steel lattice grid. On top of the seed pods lies a found steering wheel; while the steering wheel is a ubiquitous symbol of human agency and direction, it is stationary. Therefore, it has no ability to turn.

Credit: Jiaqing Chen

The visual impression is immediate and subtle yet disturbing. Within a single object exist natural capacity, human intent and structural constraint. The work posits that our gestures of control are merely ritualized motions that occur within systems that determine the parameters of all possible outcomes. While the steering wheel implies choice, it provides none. It serves as a stark illustration of how quickly symbols of agency can camouflage structural limitations on freedom.

The presence of multiple artists (Alice Boot, Anastasia Neff, Eskild Beck, Gera Dunachie, Luke Bacon, Marian Obando, Rachel Barlow, Xiaohan Sun, Xiaoxiao Chen, Xiwen Xu, Yao Feiyun, Yilun Liu and Jiawen Zin Zhang) adds additional dimensions to the exhibition as opposed to each artist vying for attention. Their contributions collectively create a multilayered context of viewpoints. The overall atmosphere of the exhibition is conversational as opposed to didactic with each artist adding a unique nuance to the central inquiry of how choice functions in today’s society.

A live performance by Jay Mistry contributes to the temporal element of the exhibition. Performances take place solely in the present. They cannot be completely captured or replicated. The addition of performance reinforces the notion that certain types of agency are ephemeral, embodied and irreversible.

Credit: Jiaqing Chen

Ultimately, it is the exhibition’s willingness to leave questions unanswered and to avoid defining freedom and providing ways to regain lost freedom that distinguish Kairós: Between Choice and Fate. The exhibition creates a space in which ambiguity regarding freedom is both accepted and celebrated. Through the careful curation of Hui Qi and Huan Zhou, the exhibition develops into a space of reflection rather than conclusion.

Given the current cultural obsession with optimization, clarity and control, the refusal to provide answers or solutions to the dilemma of freedom seems relatively radical. The exhibition suggests that perhaps true freedom will not come about when individuals master systems, but rather when they recognize the points of intersection between decision and destiny. When choice does not cancel out fate, but instead comes close to it, there occurs a temporary shift.


Artists include Alice Boot, Anastasia Neff, Bob Holmes, Eskild Beck, Gera Dunachie, Henryk Terpilowski, Jiawen Zin Zhang, Luke Bacon, Manlin Zhang, Marian Obando, Rachel Barlow, Xiaohan Sun, Xiaoxiao Chen, Xiwen Xu, Yao Feiyun, Yilun Liu, and Yu Yu (Spencer).

The special performance is by Jay Mistry.

The exhibition is curated by Hui Qi and Huan Zhou.

Photography is by Jiaqing Chen.

Exhibition support is provided by Chün-Tse Chang and JiaJun Huang.

A Complete Guide to Stopping Breastfeeding: When, Why, and How to Wean Comfortably

Birth is a miraculous part of any parent’s life, along this is the privilege of breastfeeding. Offering comfort, nourishment and strengthening the connection between mother and child. For some reasons, whether you may choose to stop breastfeeding early or after several years it’s important to have an understanding of this phase of parenthood. This transition can be approached gently and feel empowering if done with the proper knowledge and emotional preparedness. For a lot of families, everyday routines like using an infant carrier while walking or just for bonding moments can become an opportunity of reflection on their feeding patterns. This transitional phase of parenthood can help you have a better understanding of how you are able to transition into stopping breastfeeding in a comfortable and not forced way at all.

Deciding When the Time is Right to Stop Breastfeeding

The journey of breastfeeding, the connection mothers have with their child is unique on their own. And so is the decision about when stopping breastfeeding is necessary for them. For some parents, the decision can be based on health, personal comfort, emotional readiness and work commitments, some others follow through with their child’s natural pace and allow weaning to organically happen. Based on the World Health Organization’s recommendation, babies should be breastfed for at least the first 6 months and encourages to continue with breastfeeding alongside the solid foods for up to two years or longer. But it will really depend on each family’s preference.

There are signs that shows that your child may be ready to wean and closer into stopping breastfeeding, is when they aren’t that interested into nursing anymore, feeding sessions become shorter, a natural shift in their routine and better acceptance of solid foods. What matters most in this decision of stopping breastfeeding is that it comes from a place of balance and consideration, considering both your needs and your baby’s needs in this process.

The Gradual Approach: Slow Weaning for Comfort 

The gradual approach won’t always be the gentlest method if you’re considering in stopping breastfeeding. But with this approach you can definitely minimize any discomfort, decrease the risk of mastitis and engorgement, slow weaning is the way to go. Other than reducing the risks and possibilities of discomfort, and other complication, it also helps your baby to adapt into the new routine gently. Keep in your mind that you should feel comfortable while doing this transition and also considering the feelings of your child that they won’t feel that they’re being deprived of comfort and love. Ensuring your comfort and that your child won’t feel deprived of their comfort.

To do this, you can start with eliminating one feeding session every few days or weeks, well, depending on how your body and your baby will respond to this change. Some mothers start with decreasing with the midday or non-essential feeds. This leaves bedtime or wake-up feeds for last due to the emotional importance of these sessions.  

Aside from the balance that gradual weaning can help provide, there are other important advantages that it could help with. Like maintaining hormonal balance, preventing abrupt mood changes and decreasing risks of severe breast fullness. Other than this, it also allows flexibility for you to keep track on how your body is reacting to the change so you can adjust the pacing according to how your body and child reacts.

Managing Engorgement and Discomfort During Weaning

When you’re stopping breastfeeding, it comes with the concern of how to properly manage full and sore breasts. As your milk supply decreases, your body needs time to adjust to the change in how much it produces. Some strategies that could help,

  • Cold compresses to reduce the swelling
  • Hand expression or brief pumping only for comfort and avoid emptying the breast.
  • Wear a supportive bra that is firm but not too tight that it feels uncomfortable
  • Cabbage leaves are known to soothe inflammation
  • Using anti-inflammatory pain relief prescribed by your doctor.

It’s important to remember not to pump excessively and completely empty the breast, as this can signal the body to keep on producing milk since the milk supply is based on demand and supply principle. With the gentle, minimal relief, you can push through the process all while keeping the discomfort manageable.

Emotional Adjustments for Both Mother and Baby

More than the physical process, weaning is also deeply emotional. Those precious moments of holding your little ones close while breast feeding fosters the emotional bond which somehow turns into a comforting routine not only for the child but for the mother as well. Contrasting feelings, sudden outbursts, just some feelings that can make you feel uncomfortable, like guilt, longing and a feeling of relief that washes over you can be overwhelming. But these are normal when you’re transitioning into stopping breastfeeding.

At this transition period, babies too feel the need of emotional support. From a source of comfort and security, nursing is something that your little ones find familiarity the most. During this time, offering those extra cuddles, one-on-one time, and bonding activities like singing rocking, or gentle skin-to-skin contact is a great form of supporting them. 

There are times when you’re going to experience and notice emotional swings and sudden changes. Keep in mind that hormonal shifts are a part of this weaning process. Don’t be afraid to lean on your support system. Taking good care of yourself and allowing these changes to flow through physically and emotionally can help you make peace with this transition. 

Strategies for Weaning a Toddler or Older Child  

When weaning or stopping breastfeeding for older children or toddlers it can be quite different from weaning an infant. Older children can be more invested and have stronger bond and feelings on breastfeeding, which makes the process needs more patience. Some effective strategies include, 

  • Setting boundaries, like nursing only at specific times
  • Offer alternatives, like water, snacks, or hugs.
  • Some distraction techniques can also help, like playtime or outdoor activities.
  • Communicating openly, using simple explanations like “milk will be for later”
  • Introducing comforting routines like bedtime stories instead of bedtime nursing

Toddlers can have a better understanding of routine changes when you keep your calm, be consistent with it and empathetic with them.

Practical Tips for Reducing Feeds and Dropping Sessions 

You may be weaning an infant or a toddler; the key is to stopping breastfeeding smoothly is planning and consistency. The gradual drop in feeding can help minimize the emotional pushback and physical discomfort.

Helpful tips for you, 

  • Shortening each feeding session slowly.
  • Lengthening the time in between feedings to naturally reduce the demand
  • Offering more solid foods or other milk alternatives, if age-appropriate
  • Avoid nursing triggers, like certain chairs or activities that they associate with feeding
  • Staying engaged during the typical nursing times to redirect their attention

Over time, being able to incorporate these changes can be of great help for your little ones to guide them gently without feeling too overwhelmed.

Maintaining Breast Health After Stopping Breastfeeding

Even after you’ve completed weaning, at times your breast may continue adjusting and can look different. It’s important to keep your breast health in mind during this stage. Let me tell you, if you want to know more about post-weaning breast care, here are things you can do,

  • Redness or fever are possible symptoms of mastitis so watch out for them
  • Monitor for clogged ducts. Gentle massages can help if really needed.
  • Allow your breasts time to naturally shrink
  • Avoid any abrupt compression, as it can cause inflammation.

If you’re experiencing intense pain or suspecting infection, consult with a healthcare provider immediately. Most discomfort can resolve on its own within weeks as your milk supply continuously reduces until it has completely stopped. 

Alternatives for Comfort and Nutrition After Weaning

Stopping breastfeeding doesn’t mean that you’re going to stop nurturing your little ones, it’s really a common misconception for many moms, they feel like they have to detach themselves with their child to stop them from asking milk. But don’t make this harder for you emotionally, as there are other ways that you can easily provide comfort, strengthen your love bond and keep them nourished as they grow stronger. For alternatives you can,  

  • Rocking or gentle swaying
  • Skin-to-skin contact
  • Singing or reading together
  • Using transition objects like soft blankets or stuffed toys 

If your baby is under one year old, it’s of utmost importance to keep breast milk or formula milk as the primary source of nourishment. Now when we shift and focus on older babies and toddlers, having a balanced diet with appropriate milk alternatives like a whole cow’s milk after age one, fortified plant-based milk or nutrient-rich solid foods can help them to continuously grow and keep them healthy and thriving.

When gracing your way into stopping breastfeeding, it’s important that you bring consistency, and security along in this period to help your little ones adapt to the change. 

Conclusion 

Breastfeeding is a wonderful but also an emotional journey, especially when you’ve decided in stopping breastfeeding. It’s a phase very different and unique from one person to another.  Whether you start with gradually weaning, child-led weaning, or having a planned schedule, what matters the most is that this process supports your comfort and your child’s needs emotionally and physically.

Give yourself a break, there is really no “right” or “wrong” way when you’re into stopping breastfeeding. There’s only a way that can work best for your family and yourself, it’s not selfish to consider yourself when making decisions like stopping breastfeeding. With sufficient support, unwavering patience, and being mindful of these adjustments for your child, weaning can be as smooth and empowering transition for you to the next stages of parenthood

The Twilight Sad Announce New Album ‘It’s the Long Goodbye’, Share New Single

The Twilight Sad have announced their sixth LP: It’s the Long Goodbye arrives March 27 via Rock Action Records. Following the lead single ‘Waiting for the Phone Call’, the band has released a nervy, grandiose new track called ‘DESIGNED TO LOSE’. Check it out below.

It’s the Long Goodbye marks the Twilight Sad’s first album in seven years. “It had to contain every element of emotion I was feeling,” singer/lyricist James Graham remarked, adding: “In the past I’ve used a lot of metaphors within my lyrics. With this, there’s not as much. The record is heavily influenced by my mental health, grief and loss, and the need to be strong in positions where you’re not feeling it. It’s a very human story, I think – this is just my version of it. I feel that everybody goes through something like this. Everybody loses somebody. Everybody questions life.”

In 2016, upon returning from a tour with The Cure, James discovered that his mother had been diagnosed with early-onset frontotemporal dementia. In November 2023, another tour with The Cure came to a halt as his mental health deteriorated. “And then my mum passed away in the January afterwards,” James said.

In addition to guesting on the record, The Cure’s Robert Smith – who provided additional guitars on ‘Waiting for the Phone Call, guitars/“Tron keys” on ‘Dead Flowers’ and six-string bass on ‘Back to Fourteen’ – offered “invaluable input on the demos.” “Then we had to piece together a band,” Andy MacFarlane recalled. Sometime Arab Strap player David Jeans and Mogwai live member Alex Mackay play drums and bass respectively. The LP was produced by MacFarlane at Willesden’s Battery Studios, with additional production from Andy Savours (My Bloody Valentine) and mixing by Chris Coady (Slowdive).

It’s the Long Goodbye Cover Artwork:

It's the Long Goodbye cover artwork

It’s the Long Goodbye Tracklist:

1. GET AWAY FROM IT ALL
2. DESIGNED TO LOSE
3. ATTEMPT A CRASH LANDING – THEME
4. WAITING FOR THE PHONE CALL
5. THE CEILING UNDERGROUND
6. DEAD FLOWERS
7. INHOSPITABLE/HOSPITAL
8. CHEST WOUND TO THE CHEST
9. BACK TO FOURTEEN
10. TV PEOPLE STILL THROWING TVS AT PEOPLE

Rick Owens & That Fish Sneaker Situation

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Los Angeles’ luxury darling Maxfield decided it was time to do sneakers with Rick Owens, naturally. Fashion’s appetite for exclucivity and rarity clearly isn’t satisfied yet, so the boutique’s debut footwear comes in 24 pairs and… well, fish. Exotic, I guess.

It seems creativity wasn’t exactly evenly split here. A generous portion went into the material, so by the time the collaboration’s name was due, it must’ve run out. “Vintage Sneaks by Rick Owens for Maxfield”, you judge. Nothing really crazy happened with the design either, it’s that familiar Concordians silhouette doing its best Vans impression, in a far more interesting finish this time, I’ll give them that. The sneaker sits low, laces up, has a toe cap, and a small leather detail on the side, nothing you haven’t seen before. The shark-toothed bumper sole steps in to carry the Rick Owens signature, while a red insole stamped with both names makes sure to remind you exactly who you’re paying for. Who knows, if I were Owens, I’d probably gatekeep the good stuff too, volumes, sky-heights, metallics, studs, and the list goes on.

Rick Owens X Maxfield pirarucu leather sneakers - @maxfieldla via Instagram
@maxfieldla via Instagram

And that brings us to the fish, pirarucu leather, to be exact. Or arapaima. Or paiche. Enormous, freshwater, and frankly overqualified for sneakers. Its skin usually ends up on cowboy boots with scales that are thick, durable, and in lighter colors, borderline unsettling. So, of course, it’s black, it’s Rick Owens after all. Pirarucu is native to the Amazon, fished for food, its skin tragically wasted until fashion stepped in to save the day. Today, its capture is legally restricted to protected reserves, and the leather is reborn as a virtuous by-product, creating jobs, supporting Indigenous communities, and funding biodiversity preservation, all while conveniently ending up on a possible luxury sneaker. To be clear, this ethical framework comes from other Rick Owens products that used that leather. The sneaker itself arrives without much explanation, so fingers crossed. Same fish, same ethics, one would hope.

Common Defenses Used in Sexual Assault Cases

Among the many experiences, facing an accusation of sexual assault is one of the most overwhelming, particularly in Virginia, where the legal system can be complex. The emotional and social weight may be too much to bear. Understanding your legal options and available defenses is crucial during this difficult time.

“At moments like this, it is hard not to feel as though the deck is stacked against you, but let me be clear: An accusation is not a presumption of guilt, and every accused deserves a robust defense,” says Virginia assault lawyer Karin Riley Porter from Karin Riley Porter Criminal Defense Attorney. With the right legal representation, you can navigate these charges effectively.

You can beat sexual assault accusations with the following strategies, along with having professional legal help.

Consent

Probably the most salient question regarding sexual assault is, did both parties give consent to the act in question? If the act was an intimate activity between two consenting adults, a charge is unlikely to hold up under scrutiny.

Here is where it gets tricky: Virginia law defines consent as voluntary, active, and sober. Even the absence of clear verbal resistance can muddy this issue. An attorney may utilize testimony, written messages, or a timeline of events to prove that the act was not forced/coerced.

The problem in these cases is the gap between perception and reality. A court may hear two people describe the same event in completely different ways, underscoring the importance of presenting objective evidence of consent in the defense. Documentation such as text messages, emails, or witness accounts of the relationship dynamics can play a crucial role in establishing that consent was present.

Mistaken Identity

Sometimes it is a case of mistaken identity; the accuser has the wrong person in their mind. Though shocking, mistaken identity is a real problem and relatively common in sexual assault cases.

Think of cases where the scene was chaotic, poorly lit, or involved strangers. Eyewitness misidentification has led to wrongful convictions in the past, and attorneys generally make it a focal point of their defense. According to research from Cornell Law School, eyewitness misidentification is a leading cause of wrongful convictions in the United States.

That’s where modern technology can come in handy: surveillance footage, records of cell phone use, or DNA evidence that proves the accused wasn’t there at the time of the alleged incident. Even timelines can either confirm or reject a mistaken identity claim.

False accusations

While rare, there are, in fact, cases where someone will make a false claim of sexual assault. The reasons for doing so range from personal vendettas to custody battles to simply manipulating a situation.

What is particularly tragic about a false accusation is that it not only affects the person being accused but also brings doubt to actual victims of sexual violence. A reasonable defense attorney will scrutinize motivations or inconsistencies in the accuser’s story.

Things such as timeline discrepancies, conflicting testimony, or a lack of corroborating evidence can reveal a false accusation. It is not meant to demonize the accuser; instead, it seeks the truth. A thorough investigation into the accuser’s background, prior statements, and potential motives can uncover inconsistencies that support this defense strategy.

Lacking Evidence

Sexual assault cases, especially those without physical evidence, cannot stand on accusation alone. The state must prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Without formidable evidence, it may not stand in court.

Insufficient evidence does not prove the incident did happen; it only means the prosecution has failed to prove guilt. The defense can point to loopholes in police investigations, a lack of forensic evidence, and untrustworthy witness testimony.

Everything counts in court; even the tiniest error, such as mishandling a piece of evidence, can inject reasonable doubt into the case. The burden of proof rests entirely on the prosecution, and any gaps in their evidence can be grounds for dismissal or acquittal.

Constitutional or Procedural Violations

This defense focuses on whether the police acted within the rules. If they did not, this might mean that the case collapses. For example, if evidence was obtained illegally, such as through an improper search and seizure, it might be barred from trial entirely.

Other constitutional rights violations of the accused may involve Miranda rights violations or an interrogation process that was not conducted as it should have been. An experienced attorney will review all aspects of the case handling for mistakes. 

What’s more, procedural errors-such as failing to meet a court deadline or not turning evidence over to the defense-can weaken the prosecution’s case. In Virginia, more so than perhaps anywhere else in the country, the devil is in the details. Chain of custody issues, improperly documented evidence collection, or violations of the accused’s right to counsel can all serve as grounds for challenging the prosecution’s case and potentially having evidence suppressed or charges dismissed.

Conclusion

Facing sexual assault charges requires a strategic and well-informed defense approach. Each case is unique, and the defenses outlined above—consent, mistaken identity, false accusations, lack of evidence, and constitutional violations—can be powerful tools when applied correctly.

The key is working with an experienced attorney who understands the nuances of Virginia law and can identify the strongest defense strategy for your specific situation. Remember, an accusation is not a conviction, and everyone deserves their day in court with proper legal representation to protect their rights and future.

Xbox Game Pass Reveals New Games for January 2026

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Xbox Game Pass has officially shared the first lineup of games for 2026. In particular, the wave of new offerings combines fresh titles and returning games.

According to Xbox Wire, 11 titles are coming to the service this month.

Arriving in Early January on Xbox Game Pass

  • Brews & Bastards

Launch Date: January 6

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Platforms: Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

  • Little Nightmares Enhanced Edition

Launch Date: January 6

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass

Platforms: Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

  • Atomfall

Launch Date: January 7

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium

Platforms: Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC

  • Lost in Random: The Eternal Die

Launch Date: January 7

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium

Platforms: Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

  • Rematch 

Launch Date: January 7

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium

Platforms: Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

  • Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine (Master Crafted Edition)

Launch Date: January 7

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium

Platforms: Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

  • Final Fantasy 

Launch Date: January 8

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass

Platforms: Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

Arriving in Mid-January on Xbox Game Pass

  • Star Wars Outlaws 

Launch Date: January 13

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Platforms: Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

  • My Little Pony: A Zephyr Heights Mystery 

Launch Date: January 15

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass

Platforms: Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC

  • Resident Evil Village 

Launch Date: January 20

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Ultimate, and PC Game Pass

Platforms: Cloud, Console, and PC

  • MIO: Memories in Orbit 

Launch Date: January 20

Game Pass Tier(s): Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Platforms: Cloud, Handheld, PC, and Xbox Series X|S

Leaving on January 15 from Xbox Game Pass

Of course, the cycle continues. When the new batch of games lands on the subscription service from Microsoft, a set of titles will be removed from the catalog. This time, the games set to exit include Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, Neon White, Road 96, The Ascent, and The Grinch Christmas Adventures.

What’s Next?

In the Xbox Wire announcement, Senior Community Lead Megan Spurr said that there will be more offerings very soon. Similarly, a report from Game Rant showed that there are four more Xbox titles arriving after the wave 1 roster. Particularly, the games to look forward to are Nova Roma (January 22), Menace (February 5), High on Life 2 (February 13), and Replaced (March 12).

A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Getting to Know Wuthering Waves Resonators by Attributes

If you’re just getting started in Solaris-3, you will soon notice how each and every Resonator feels unique the moment they join your team. Wuthering Waves Resonators have distinct fighting styles. Their powers awakened in different ways, shaped by the moment they first resonated with the world. Some hit hard, some control the battlefield, and some move like the wind.

Their Awakening leaves a Tacet Mark tied to their Rabelle’s Curve, hinting at their origins and how their abilities might grow. All that energy becomes the foundation of their playstyles, whether they awakened naturally, through sudden change, or from birth. Outside the game itself, players may choose to support their progress through top-up platforms like BuffBuff, but understanding these basics always come first.

So before you build a team, it’s helpful to understand the six main attributes Wuwa Resonators fall into. Each one has its own rhythm and role. Learning them early makes it much easier to spot which characters fit your playstyle. Let’s break them down!

Fusion Resonators

Specializing in heat, explosions, and fiery burst damage, Wuthering Waves Resonators with Fusion attributes have bold and flashy playstyles, perfect for beginners enjoying aggressive combat. Fusion also has distinct damage windows, so learning when to unleash skills becomes a simple rhythm: press, combo, boom.

Some of the Wuthering Waves Resonators with Fusion attributes you will meet include Brant, Changli, Chixia, Encore, Galirune, Lupa, and Mortefi. Most of them have straightforward kits built around damage, making them great early-game anchors. If you want a team with punch, Fusion Resonators rarely disappoint.

Glacio Resonators

Wuthering Waves Resonators with Glacio attributes use cold, frost, and control-style combat. Since many Glacio effects trigger after consistent attacks or applying Frost Chafe-like debuffs, the attributes often reward patient play. For beginners, this means Glacio often feels safe and steady because they freeze enemies, strike, and stay in control.

Baizhi, Carlotta, Lingyang, Sanhua, Youhu, and Zhezhi are all familiar names. They each bring a different approach, be it supportive resonance or clean, icy DPS. Glacio teams often work well when you prefer a slower, thoughtful fighting rhythm with reliable survivability.

Aero Resonators

Aero characters are all about Mobility and swirling wind-like attacks. Their movement feels lighter, their combos feel breezy, and many of their skills let them move around enemies easily. This Resonator Wuthering Waves is forgiving for new players, thanks to their fast movement. It naturally helps them avoid damage while learning boss patterns.

Key Wuthering Waves Resonators with Aero attributes include Jiyan, Jinhsi, Calcharo, Yangyang, Aalto, and Yinlin. Helping with practice spacing and timing, they’re super helpful in the early game. That’s why they’re perfect for players liking agility over raw damage.

Electro Resonators

Electro brings energy bursts, chaining hits, and stacking debuffs called Electro Flares. Even if you’re still learning the basics, it’s satisfying to watch their attacks get more powerful as each stack boosts the damage they deal. Electro also has good habits of pressuring enemies and rotating skills efficiently.

Wuthering Waves Resonators with Electro attributes’ lineup features Aguilla, Bailu, Cachalot, Lume, Xiangi Yao, Yinlin, and Yuanwu. Their kits range from consistent DPS to utility-heavy options, so Electro Resonators can always slot into almost any team. If you enjoy “build-up into big payoff,” Electro is a great starting point.

Spectro Resonators

Resonator Wuthering Waves with Spectro attributes is basically the definition of precision, balance, and clean energy manipulation. In triggering bonuses like Spectro Frazzle or DMG amplification, these Resonators focus on hitting enemies at the right moment. For new players, the rhythm feels natural. Just follow up correctly and your damage will increase.

Spectro Resonators include Jianxin, Jinhsi, Rover, Shorekeeper, Verina, and Luan. Many WuWa Resonators with Spectro attributes are flexible when experimenting with different team setups because they bring supportive utility on top of damage.

Havoc Resonators

Havoc is the “dark edge” of the Resonance spectrum: dangerous, powerful, and sometimes a little risky. Havoc Bane and stacking effects are the main features of their kits hitting extremely hard. Beginners should also pay attention to timing so they don’t accidentally overclock these Wuthering Waves Resonators with Havoc attributes’ potential. Still, Havoc Resonators feel incredibly rewarding once you get them going.

Camellya, Carlotta, Danjin, Primo, Rover, Taoqi, and Risha are among WuWa Resonators with Havoc attributes. They bring a unique combat flavor that no other attribute can match, so beginners should give it a try at least once.

Tips for Building Your First Team

As a beginner, think of attributes as playstyle personalities when choosing your first squad. Fusion hits hard, Glacio controls the field, Aero dances around enemies, Electro builds momentum, Spectro rewards precision, and Havoc unleashes raw force. Just forget about chasing the “perfect meta” and pick the attribute that feels fun.

Keep in mind that all WuWa Resonators come with a Forte Examination Report outlining their strengths. Don’t rush; try different characters as you get them from Convene and mix attributes until you find the flow you enjoy. Wuthering Waves shines brightest when you find your own rhythm, one Resonator at a time.

Final Thoughts

You have plenty of room to grow at your own pace in Wuthering Waves. As you get more comfortable with the combat flow and attributes, you will naturally notice which characters feel right for you. The most exciting part here is finding your own rhythm as the world slowly opens up around you.

It’s also great to check wuwa redeem codes once in a while, especially during events, since those small rewards can make your progress feel a bit smoother. They’re simple boosts that help you keep progressing while exploring Solaris-3 with your growing team.

How to Choose the Right Traded Currency Pair as a Beginner

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Currency trading introduces beginners to a wide network of price relationships shaped by global finance. A currency pair mirrors the strength of its economies, the stance of policy, and the mood of the market. The selection of a suitable pair plays a major role in early trading stability. A thoughtful choice reduces confusion and supports better decision discipline.

Many newcomers begin by observing the (cặp tiền được giao dịch nhiều) most traded currency pairs because these pairs show steady price flow and high participation. Broad activity creates reliable pricing and narrower transaction gaps. Strong volume also supports smoother order execution across varied market sessions. This article explains how beginners can evaluate liquidity and professional access support when choosing a suitable traded pair.

Market Liquidity as a Selection Guide

High liquidity allows fast order placement without sharp price distortion during entry or exit. Active volume reflects constant interaction among banks, funds, and private market participants. Liquid pairs usually maintain narrow bid ranges across most trading hours. Beginner exposure remains stable due to smoother price behaviour.

Brokers provide direct access to liquid order books through real-time pricing systems and consistent execution speed. Trading platforms supplied by brokers display depth, spread size, and price flow clarity. Reliable infrastructure ensures fair exposure to active markets. Stable connectivity protects beginners from avoidable execution delays.

Price Movement Without Excessive Shock

Moderate price motion supports learning without constant sharp reversal pressure. Extreme volatility tends to overwhelm inexperienced position control. Balanced movement allows gradual understanding of chart behaviour. Predictable ranges help maintain emotional stability during early practice.

Brokers apply spread control during volatile intervals to support orderly execution. Risk management tools from brokers help maintain consistent exposure limits. Stop controls and margin displays remain essential teaching aids. Platform alerts further support a timely response during active price movement.

Trading Hours and Time Zone Alignment

Pair behaviour shifts across Asian, European, and American market hours. Some pairs show strong movement only during limited sessions. Time alignment between trader availability and pair activity supports better observation. Session overlap usually produces the highest price action depth.

Brokers publish session calendars and volatility schedules for reference. Time zone conversion tools offered by brokers assist with schedule planning. Platform servers synchronise price feeds with session activity. Reliable session mapping strengthens early trading comfort.

Economic Information and News Sensitivity

Economic data drives valuation through employment, inflation, and policy reports. News-sensitive pairs react quickly to official releases. Beginners benefit from pairs linked to widely covered economies. Information clarity reduces uncertainty during high-impact data periods.

Brokers supply economic calendars and release forecasts within trading dashboards. News alerts from brokers highlight scheduled high-impact events. Integrated data tools assist early interpretation of market reaction. Structured information flow improves entry preparation.

Cost Structure and Platform Access Quality

Transaction cost plays a major role in early trade performance. Narrow spreads reduce immediate position loss after entry. Execution speed preserves intended pricing during active market phases. Clear order confirmation supports accurate record review.

Brokers structure pricing models that define spread behaviour and fee transparency. Execution technology from brokers protects order accuracy during swift movement. Account dashboards display transaction charges in real time. Transparent access tools strengthen early trust and discipline. Order history records supplied by brokers support performance review and method refinement.

A suitable traded pair requires attention to liquidity depth, price movement balance, active hours, news sensitivity, and transaction structure. Professional access systems and market information further support controlled exposure. The most traded currency pairs continue to attract beginners due to their stable participation, clear pricing behaviour, and dependable global activity patterns. These widely followed pairings also allow beginners to compare price behaviour across sessions with greater clarity and confidence.