An actress produces a stirring novel about her unreliable father
Every idol delineates an absence. We make statues to the gods because they are not here — and to memorialize the moments when we were sure they were. In this sense, 'Lion,' the first novel by the actress Sonya Walger, is less an undisguised work of autobiographical fiction than a sort of shrine. The deity at its center is Walger's father — a criminal, addict and adrenaline junky, always irresponsible to a fault — and he is never really there, even as he, like an effigy shrouded in incense, whispers that he always has been. Walger's story reminds us that loss braids elegantly with reverence, and it is a demonstration of how painfully irresistible it can be to construct your life around an enticing void.
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Geek Vibes Nation
a day ago
- Geek Vibes Nation
'Thundercats' (2011): The Complete Series Blu-Ray Review - Reboot Series Blazes An Entertaining New Path
The ThunderCats are back! A generation after becoming beloved animation icons, the mighty survivors of Thundera returned for a bold, new re-imagining that mixed the best of the past with the boldness of the new. After the destruction of the cat civilization of Thundera by the evil Mumm-Ra, young Prince Lion-O leads a small band of survivors to safety. As the threats of Mumm-Ra ring in their ears, these determined cats know what they must do: find the Book of Omens. Using his powerful Sword of Omens, Lion-O guides his friends, facing vicious foes and making fantastic new allies while racing towards a showdown with Mumm-Ra. Now all 26 episodes are available in 'sight beyond sight' 1080p HD on Blu-ray Disc as they were meant to be seen. So get ready to rip into the action with Lion-O, Tygra, Panthro, Snarf, Cheetara, Wily Kit, Wily Kat and hear the battle cry of 'ThunderCats Ho!' once again, for the very first time! For thoughts on Thundercats: The Complete Series, please check out my thoughts on No Streaming Required: Video Quality Thundercats looks pretty wonderful on Blu-Ray with its 1080p transfer in 1.78:1 originally released in 2014. The series consists of 26 episodes and is given two discs. Even with so many episodes packed on a disc, there is never a sense that the disc is struggling to hold everything, as compression artifacts are far from a common occurrence. While the streaming version on Hulu is also a good option, these Blu-Ray discs help refine the image even further by eliminating any unwanted compression artifacts or digital nuisances of that nature. There is the occasional odd animation anomaly or background banding, but deficiencies in the transfer are kept to a bare minimum. There is no visible damage or shortcoming that was spotted while checking out these episodes. Everything looks impeccably clear for a favorable viewing experience. Colors are exceptionally vibrant and bold throughout the entire run. The animation aesthetic lends itself to creative character outlines brought to life with firm lines, along with some very imaginative backgrounds that look lovely in high definition. Black levels tend to be very deep with no crush detected. This presentation treats the series well on Blu-Ray. Audio Quality The Blu-Ray set comes with a formidable DTS-HD 2.0 Master Audio track that serves the show well. Sound effects from action scenes and other kinetic moments provide a memorable force in the low end that is appreciated. The show deploys some effective environmental sounds that render well in the stereo mix. Dialogue is given the proper prominence in the track with a clear presentation in the center speaker that holds firm even when different environments are being engaged. Music is momentous without drowning out other important elements. This presentation delivers what you need for the experience, even if a full surround sound track may have buoyed things a bit. Optional English SDH subtitles are available. Special Features There are no special features provided on these discs. Final Thoughts Thundercats is a very entertaining update to the original series that brings more of a mature tone to the proceedings while doing its best to respect what came before it. Some characterization choices appear to be a bit misguided, but we largely appreciate the depth brought to the characters. The anime-inspired animation is gorgeous throughout the season, and the vocal performances add some gravitas to the material. It is not a perfect continuation, but it definitely deserved more than one season to grow. The Blu-Ray set from Warner Archive delivers in the A/V department, but it does not bring any supplemental features to the table. Fans of the franchise with an open mind should give this a shot. Recommended Thundercats: The Complete Series can be purchased directly through MovieZyng or various other online retailers Note: Images presented in this review are not reflective of the image quality of the Blu-Ray. Disclaimer: Warner Archive has supplied a copy of this disc free of charge for review purposes. All opinions in this review are the honest reactions of the author.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Yahoo
The Making of Henry Pollock
By James Toney You'd be forgiven for thinking Henry Pollock was born in Bundaberg rather than Banbury, because in many ways he is a prodigious, swashbuckling talent straight from Aussie central casting. Swaggering confidence and an unstinting self-belief beyond his years combine with a natural flair for getting under the skin of his opponents. Advertisement He even has the makings of a very strong mullet and is every bit the viral baller – the sort you love to play for you but hate to play against. Think David Campese, but with muscles. Pollock's journey from schoolboy rugby to becoming the youngest forward to play for the British & Irish Lions since 1968 may seem meteoric – he's played barely 40 games at senior level – but it comes as no surprise to him or anyone who knows him. 'It's been mad, the last year's just come so fast,' he said. 'It's been crazy and I'm just trying to enjoy every moment of it, take it all in, and just enjoy rugby and enjoy the moment. 'I've got a great family unit around me and I always look to them and friends whenever I'm on my own or in a dark space. Advertisement 'I'm just working hard and giving everything to my rugby now, no distractions. I'm trying to put more muscle on, working on attack and defence, and across my whole game. I'm definitely not the finished article, so there's definitely more to come. 'I'm here to play Test rugby, that's what I'm pushing for, but I'm also trying to enjoy the journey and just take in all the moments that come with being a Lion.' Those who played a part in Pollock's journey universally speak of his single-mindedness to improve, pushing himself in every training session, beyond the limits of most team-mates. Andrew Porter, Pierre Schoeman and Henry Pollock (©INPHO/Ben Brady) His strength and conditioning coach at Northampton, Jason Sivil, has witnessed the 20-year-old's hard work with awe. Advertisement He has bulked up to over 100kg, can squat 230kg for three reps and bench press 140kg. His aerobic capacity means he can cover the lung-burning 'broncho' – a 1200-metre shuttle run dreaded at clubs up and down the country – in just four minutes and 25 seconds. 'He always wants more, always wants another challenge. All Henry wants to do is push himself further and harder,' said Sivil. Pollock's memories of the last Lions tour to Australia in 2013 are sketchy – though in fairness, he'd only just started playing for the minis at Buckingham Swans, where his first coach, Nick Glister, was quick to identify his raw promise. 'I just remember how strong he was, and super-fit too,' he recalls. 'He was confident, a bit cheeky and very local, but a great team-mate. You could see he was a natural leader.' Advertisement Former Northampton player Grant Seely helped take Pollock's game to the next level at rugby institution Stowe School, while he joined the academy at Saints in his early teens, crediting coach Will Parkin as his biggest influence. However, it wasn't until his sixth form that those guiding his career realised his potential to become a generational player for club, country and – though perhaps a little quicker than even they thought – the Lions. Pollock, like the Wallabies' brilliant rugby league convert Joseph Sua'ali'i, will arrive in Australia as one of the most talked-about players in the game, such has been his rapid ascent. Some might label him a 'bolter' – but in truth, when his name was revealed to fans by Andy Farrell at London's O2, there were universal nods of approval and not a single arched eyebrow of surprise. Advertisement His last 12 months have seen him win the Under-20 World Cup and score two tries on his England debut against Wales, quickly glossing over the fact that, with two Scottish parents, he grew up preferring a thistle to a rose. Henry Pollock is the youngeset player in the Lions squad. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland) He has forced his way into Farrell's selection thoughts not just on the strength of his personality, but the power of his play. Players may be tracked to the inch by their GPS data, but Pollock's game is about more than just those cold, hard metrics – which is perhaps why Maro Itoje, when asked to describe him in one word, couldn't decide between 'annoying' and 'pest', while being quick to add it was meant as a compliment. Advertisement 'I'm going to be the nuisance, I'm going to get up in your face because I'm at my best when I'm confrontational, that's just key to my game,' adds Pollock. 'I'm aggressive – it's been that way since my brother and I were in the back garden and we both liked to win. I'm not looking for trouble, but I'm not shying away from it either. I'm still grafting and still really learning my game.' This is more than just fighting talk, as anyone among the 6,000 at the Stoop for his England A debut last November will testify. Towering Aussie flanker Tom Hooper had given the then-teenager a couple of cheeky digs in an attempt to assert some authority, and Pollock wasn't having it. Advertisement Despite the height, weight, age and experience difference, he stood up to the Exeter-bound blindside flanker, hurling his scrum cap across the pitch as a scuffle ensued. Following a stern word from the referee, Pollock jogged back to his team-mates with a broad grin – mission accomplished. And then there are the celebrations: the basketball lob, or now-trademark 'pulse' – two fingers held to the neck as if to check for signs of life. Australian rugby has a proud history of showmen, including current star Nick Frost, arguably the Wallabies' most athletically gifted lock forward since the great John Eales. Pollock might be from half a world away, but he is cut from similar cloth. Advertisement Hard work has got Pollock to this point, but genetics have helped too – he credits his mum, Hester, with instilling his love of sport, with swimming and triathlon taking equal focus alongside rugby in his early teens. 'My brother, sister and I just all lived for sports – there was no pressure on us, we just played without fear or commitment,' he added. Of course, being the youngest tourist brings additional responsibilities. Pollock will have sole guardianship of the stuffed toy Lion, aptly named 'BIL', and there are serious consequences should it go missing – not easy when more experienced hands have been known to steal and hide him at every available opportunity. Pollock will be in charge of mascot BIL. (©INPHO/Billy Stickland) 'I'm thinking of sewing an AirTag in him,' joked Pollock – a very Gen Z solution to a tradition that started in 1950, with now-captain Itoje taking the role eight years ago in New Zealand, a challenge he jokingly described as more stressful than battling the All Blacks. Advertisement Pollock isn't sure he's going to get much support from Northampton team-mates Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith in his quest to keep 'BIL' safe, but there is no doubt about the tight bond between the four Saints. 'It's so nice to have the boys with me – they're some of my best mates,' he added. 'It's so special to do this with them. They're amazing players and they deserve this. I'm just so happy for them and so happy to be there with their journey, and just looking forward to seeing them rip in.' Rip in? He just might be an Aussie after all. Tap into the Lions Clubhouse App. All you need to do is tap the Smart Tag on your new Lions jersey to access content and join a community of passionate fans for the 2025 Tour of Australia.
New York Times
30-05-2025
- New York Times
Does a Lion Concern Itself With Memes?
If people on your social media feed are suddenly referring to themselves in the third person — and as lions no less — you're not alone. The Sigma Lion meme, in which people refer to 'the lion,' often as a veiled reference to themselves, has become somewhat ubiquitous online. If that makes no sense to you, here's some helpful background. OK, where did this come from? To understand the usage of 'the lion,' you have to first understand 'sigma grindset,' a TikTok trend that gained popularity in 2022 and merges two subcultures. A 'sigma,' in social media slang, is a successful and highly independent man. The concept was popularized in the 'manosphere,' a corner of the internet largely populated by young men that frequently promotes anti-feminist and misogynistic rhetoric, and it has spread out from there, becoming frequent slang in high schools and middle schools. The second subculture is made up of people who commit to a 'grindset' lifestyle, which glorifies a specific type of hard work that prioritizes self-improvement, productivity and discipline at the expense of leisure. Think Ashton Hall's viral morning routine. Sigma grindset takes the mentality of the sigma world and combines it with the commitment to hustle culture from the grindset, and that all manifests in the discussion of 'the lion.' Why is a lion involved? The usage of a lion in this context is nothing new. A popular saying in sigma grindset circles is 'The lion does not turn around when the small dog barks,' which has been attributed to a supposed African proverb. But there is also a famous line from 'Game of Thrones' in which Tywin Lannister says, 'A lion does not concern himself with the opinion of a sheep.' Similar constructions are abundant, and they are rarely attributed to specific sources. As with so many memes, the quotations were originally shared earnestly, before being co-opted by those who wanted to satirize and mock the concept. Some interpretations were outlandish, some were funny and more than a few carried racist or offensive messages. The meme took on a life of its own when people began discussing even odder things the lion does or does not do, like not concerning itself with child labor laws or not tipping minimum wage workers. In a short period of time, it has morphed, for some, into a way to share more petty grievances, like not having asked for pickles. I still don't get it. Fair! The meme and its variants require a slight sprinkle of brain rot, meaning you have to spend a lot of time on social media — primarily in Gen Z and Gen Alpha circles — to truly grasp them. Honestly, the less you know the better — after all, the lion does not concern itself with stories explaining memes.
