usher raymond songs

 Usher Raymond

Usher Raymond (born October 14, 1978) is an American singer, songwriter and dancer. Primarily performing in the R&B genre, he released his self titled debut album Usher(1994), and rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way(1997). It spawned his first U.S. Billboard Hot 100number one single "Nice & Slow", and the top singles "You Make Me Wanna..." and "My Way".His third album, 8701(2001), produced the number one singles "U Remind Me" and "U Got it Bad", as well as the top three single "U Don't Have to Call". It sold eight million copies worldwide and won his first two Grammy Awards as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2002 and 2003.

Confessions (2004) established Usher as one of the best selling musical artists of the 2000s decade, containing four con consecutive Billboard Hot 100 number one singles--"Yeah" (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris), "Burn", "Confessions Part II", and My Boo" (with Alicia Keys)-- and the top ten "Caught Up". It sold over 20 million copies worldwide and was certified Diamond by the RIAA. After splitting from his manager and mother in 2007, he released the album Here I Stand (2008) and Raymond v. Raymond (2010), both of which debuted atop of the Billboard 200 chart and respectively produced the number one gingles Love in This Club" (featuring Young Jeezy) and OMG (featuring will i am). The EP Versus  produced the top five single "DJ Got Us Fallin in Love" (featuring Pitbull) before the release of the top ten fifteen single "More". Looking 4 Myself  (2012) also debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart with the top ten Single "Scream". The R & B ballads "There goes my Baby" and "Climax" received Grammy Awards in 2011 and 2013. "I Don't Mind" (featuring Juicy J.) also reached the top fifteen in 2014, while Hard II Love (2016) peajed at five on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2018 he released A, a collaborative album with record producer Zaytoven.

Referred to as the "King of R&B" by various media outlets, Usher has sold 23.8 million albums and 38.2 million digital songa in the United States, Internationally he has   sold 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best selling music artists of all time. At the end of 2009, Billboard named him the second most successful artist of the decade, the number one Hot 100 artist of the decade of and ranked Confessions as the top solo album of the decade. The same magazine placed him at number 6 on their list of "Top 50 R&B/Hip-Hop Artists of the Past 25 Years" and number 14 on their "Greatest of all Time Hot 100 Artists" list. Usher has earned 9 number one singles. Considered an popoicon and sex symbol, he has been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame, Sound Exchange Hall of Fame, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Usher has won numerous awards and accolades including eight Grammy Awards, 34 ASCAP Awards, nine Soul Train Music Awards and eight American Music Awards. With 18 awards Usher is the fifth most awarded artist at the Billiboard Music Awards. he owns the record label Raymond Braun Media Group, a joint venture with talent manager Scooter Braun that includes Canadian singer Justin Bieber. Along side a successful music career, Usher is also acclaimed for involvement in humanitarian causes and is the founder of Usher's New Look foundation.

Early life

Usher Raymond  was born on October 14, 1978 in Dalls, Texas. His parents were Jonetta Patton (nee O'Neal, from Tennessee) and Isher Raymond III. He spent the majority of his young life in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His father left the family when was a year old. Usher grew up with his mother, then stepfather and half brother James Lackey (born 1984). Directed by his mother, Usher joined the local church yough choir in Chattanooga when he was nine years old. There his grandmother discovered his ability to sing, although it was not until Usher joined a singing group that she considered he could sign professionally. Believing that a bigger city would provide greater opportunities for showcasing his talent, Usher's family moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where there was a more conducive environment for beginning singers. While in Atlanta he attended North Springs High School.

Career

At age ten, Usher joined an R & B local quintet called the NuBeginnings which was organised by  local music promoter Darry Wheeler. Usher recorded ten songs with the group in 1991 and the ensuing album Nubeginning Featuring Usher Raymond IV was only made available regionally and by mail order. However, Patton took him out because to her it was a "bad experience". The album was re-released nationally in April 2002 by Hip O Records.

At age 13 Usher met A.J.Alexander at a local talent show in Atlanta. Alexander, who at the time was Bobby Brown's bodyguard would take Usher around and have him perform in parking lots and talent shows. Alexander invited Bryant Reid and A & R representative from La Face Recodrs to see Usher perform on the television talent show Star Search. Following the performance he arranged an audition for Usher with L.A.Raid, the co-founder of La Face, Reid signed Usher on the sopt to a contract with the record company after Usher sand Boyz II Men hit record "End of the Road". Usher mother left her job as a medical technician to manage his career. Usher was introduced to the public on "Call me a Mack", a song he recorded for the soundtrack album to the 1993 drama romance film Poetic Justice. During this time period the young Usher first met Chilli of TLC his label mate whom he would later date.

Preparing for his debut album, Usher lost his voice, Usher was going through puberty and had a difficult time adjusting his voice. LA Reid became skeptical of Usher and put his album on hold, he thought about dropping him from the label. Usher pleaded with the label to keep him and they did. From this point Reid didn't know what to do with Usher so he sent him to New York in the Spring of 1994 to live with record executive Puff Daddy to "attend" what Reid called "Favor Camp". Usher quickly adapted to the lavish lifestyle of Puff Daddy although in an interview with Rolling Stone, he described this period as the "hardest days" of his life. "I had to knuckle up, figure shit out in New York" he said.

On August 30, 1994 La Face released Usher's self titled debut album behind the co-executive production of Sean "P Diddy" Combs. Usher peaked at unmber twenty five on the Billboard Top R & B/ Hip-Hop Albums chart and was accompanied by three singles: "Can U Get wit it", "Think of You" and "The Many Ways" The album has sold over 500,000 copies to date. The album received backlash bacause Usher was singing was singing about sex and him only being 15 years old, the public had a difficult time believing that time was so. Again La Face had their reservations about signing Usher because the album was not as successful as they anticipated. At this time Usher's mother took control of his career and put him in more talent shows the summer of 1995 building Usher a larger fan base and ultimately giving L. A. Reid More confidence in Usher.

            

     

     

  

                                                                                 

      

alix earle tiktok

Alix Earle

Alix Earle, a University of Miami student, is captivating social media with her viral TikTok content. Her her nine essential facts about the rising star.

Everyone seems to be talking about Alix Earle lately unless you are not on TikTok. For those who are up to date, Alix Earle has become a sensation with around 1,500,000 dedicated fans. This rising star in the world of social media went viral for engaging content on beauty, fashion and lifestyle. If have not already, prepare to here the name "Alix Earle" everywhere.

Hailing from Florida, this influencer quick gained a devoted following on TikTok and Instagram within a few months. She follows in the footsteps of other famous TikTok creators such as Addison Rae and the D' Amelio sisters, who captivate audiences with there relatable and down to earth personalities, Alix's TikToks make you feel like you are on a casual video call with your closest friends, as she updates you on her life with applying white eyeliner. A glimpse at the comment sections of her videos reveals her genuine connection with fans on a daily basis. If you are curious to learn more about this newest mega influencer here is a rundown of everything you need t know about Alix Earle.

Who is Alix Earle?

Dupre, a former call girl who gained notoriety for her relationship with former Alix Earle is a 22-year-old marking student at the university of Miami who has gained a massive following on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Her TikTok handle, @alixearle, has over 4.1 million followers, while her Instagram account, @alix_earle  has 2.4 million followers. In her bio Alix describes herself as a  "hot mess", which seems to be a big part of her relatable appeal to her audience. 

Originally from New Jersey, Alex comes from an interesting family that has already had it is share of fame. Her father Thomas "TJ" Earle is a high ranking executive at a construction company and her stepmother is Ashley New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. After Dupre and Earle got together they went on tto have three more children. Alix often features her student life in her viral videos.

What is Alix Earle's Job?

Alix, a 22 year old beauty and lifestyle influencer based in florida, is quickly gaining popularity as one of the app's fastest growing creators. By May 2023 her TikTok account boasts over 5.1 million followers while her Instagram account has amassed a following 2.6 million. Alongside her studies at the University of Miami  Herbert Business School, Alix works as a marketing intern for Earle her family's road construction and paving company based in New Jersey. Within this role, she actively contributes to the company's social media post and newsletter. Notably, the company upholds a longstanding tradition established after the September 11 attacks, requiring every piece of  construction equipment to prominently display the American flag. Additionally, Alix's family operates a foundation primarily dedicated to combating upload addiction.

How did Alix Earle get famous?

Alix Earle joined TikTok in 2020 and has gained nearly tow million followers in the last month due to the popularity of her videos. Her content covers various topics such as vlogs showcasing her daily life sharing her favorite Amazon finds, revealing her Erewhon purchases, providing updates on her struggle with acne, and discussing the challenges she faces in college. However, she is best known for her candid makeup vlogs title "Get Ready With Me". In one of her recent GRWM videos. Alix casually chats with the camera while applying contour and mascara, mentioning her just completed photoshoot and her first ever interview. She  jokingly acknowledges that since she shares a lot on TikTok, the people she worked with that day some playfully teasing will probably see the video. Many fans commented on the video with her about not having a Lip Liner Sharpener and one fame admitting. "I know your makeup routine better that my own." 

What kind of content is she known for ?

Her rise to fame at the age of 22 is evident through her popular "Get Ready With Me" videos. These videos which she consistently shares on TikTok almost every day, have played a crucial role in expanding her fanbase. Alongside showcasing her latest product recommendations, she openly discusses various aspects of her life with her followers. From her choice to undergo breast augmentation to her unfortunate encounter during sorority recruitment, she candidly shares her experiences.

How many followers does Alix Earle have ?

Earle's popularity on TikTok and Instagram continues to soar. By May 2023, her TikTok following has exceeded 5.1 million, while her Instagram followers have reached 2.6 million.

A video documenting Earle's rapid growth demonstrated that in just six days in December 2022, she acquired 600,000 new TikTok followers. Similarly, with a 30-minute timeframe her Instagram account gained more than 3000 followers.

Is Alix Earle dating anyone ?

In her personal life, Earle had recently been romantically linked to MLB player Tyler Wade. She documented their relationship on TikTok sharing moments of them attending weddings together and featuring him in her "Get Ready With Me" videos.

However, during her weekend long birthday celebration in December, Wade was noticeably absent leading fans to speculate about the state of their relationship. Just three days after her 22nd birthday, Earle posted a highly viewed video on TikTok, lip-syncing to an audio clip that hinted at a breakup. She later confirmed the split during a TikTok live session and mentioned that the lack of social media posts about their relationship was a contriburing factor.

In early January, Earle traveled to Los Angeles where she coincidentally met up with Wade for lunch. A fan spotted them together and shared the news on TikTok, prompting Earle to confirm their breakup but also reveal that they had met on friendly terms. She expressed that they had managed to end things amicably.

Alix Earle was honored as a guest in "The Howard Stern Show"

On May 2, 2023 Earle made an appearance on The Howard STern Show. Prior to the interview she expressed her nervousness about her first ever podcast interview in a TikTok "get ready with me" video. She stated that she planned to be herself during the interview and had no idea what Howard Stern would ask her. During the interview, Stern inquired about Earle's plans after finishing college. Earle responded that she aspired to start her own business. The conversation then shifted toward Earle's decision to share her breast augmentation journey on social media. Earle explained that it was a personal choice and felt that she had an obligation to be truthful with her audience. She also emphasized the importance of being genuine on the internet and not lying to one's followers.

Young influencer attended New York Fashion Week and the 2023 Super Bowl

Earle participated in New York Fashion in February 2023 and documented her experience on Instagram, sharing photos from the event. Among the pictures she showcased herself wearing a flowing white shirt dress and elegant gold heels. Accompanying the post, she added the caption "This is a first for me"

Additionally the influencer attended the Super Bl\owl during the same month and uploaded video content from the exciting day on TikTok. She also shared snapshots on Instagram, featuring scenes from the stadium and the Sports Illustrated Super Bowl Party.

In a post on Instagram, she mentioned "I am finally starting to recover from the weekend's festivities enough to put together an Instagram post."

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

       

             

 

   

jawan movie

Jawan Movie

"Jawan" was produced by the star and his wife Gauri Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment production company, so it is not surprising to see how well worn and carefully navigated the movie's contrived plot and conventional mood swings tend to be. This is a Shah Rukh Khan vehicle, and by now that conjures certain formulaic expectations. Still, the makers of  "Jawan" spend a little to much trying to convince viewers that we do not really know Khan's mysterious antihero, who after an overproduced but still rousing flashback action sequence, takes a train-ful of commuters hostage.

Khan's character soon revealed to be Azad, the warden of a women's prison, seemingly executes a woman in a burqa, all while wearing a goofy bald cap, which he soon rips foo. Khan, in character, rasps out his expectations flouting demands to the generically incensed negotiator Narmade (Nayanthara): get the Agriculture Minister to pay off starving farmer's extortionate loans, or more people will die.

"Jawan" careens from onetwist to the next fast enough that it almost doesn't matter how familiar and ultimately staid its story and set pieces often are. A few plot twists are also easy enough to anticipate. Azad romances Narmada and charms her impressionable ten-year-old daughter Suji (Seeza Saroj Mehta). He denounces various government officials and combats their corruption with a handful of bloody, media-amplified demonstrations. Azad speaks for the common people but behaves erratically, performing a little soft-shufflt dance surrounded by terrified commuters. He proudly and laboriously explains that he is actually a good guy fighting the real enemy: public servants who do not serve the republic.

There is an involed and agreeably goofy subplot that ties Narmada and Azad's story with the movie's opening scene, set 30 years prior in an unnamed village that may or may not be Tiben (some where near "India's border", terrorized by Asian soildiers in white star studded green caps). If you have seen Shah Rukh Khan movies before, you would not be especially surprised at how these two subplots tie together, though you may be delighted anyway. It is a major plot twist that predictably takes over the back half of the plot and re-orients Azad's plot so that viewers know that this time, unlike all the other times, it is personal.

This time there is a nefarious weapons dealer, Kalee (Vijay Stthupathi), who is as malicious as he is violent. There is also a surprise cameo from a big Bollywood star, whose presence is not really a spoiler if you pay attention during the opening credits. And be on the lookout for a duet dance number led by Khan and Deepika Padukone, who have great chemistry possibly because they know that by now they do not have to really compete for viewers' affection. Oh, and a couple of the fight scenes are maximalist show stoppers despite being over edited and under directed. Loud and rote, sure but never boring.

The main reason "Jawan" doesn't deliver more than what Khan has previously delivered it because its creators seemingly included every masala style subplot they could think of. Still, "Jawan" is unlike Jhan's last two comeback trail stops because its creators are better at navigating its many hairpin twists and turns. Kudos to director Atlee, a formet assistant director whose credits include the Rajinikant vehicle "Enthiran" and tis sequel and his creative team.

Most importantly in "Jawan" Khan looks more relaxed than in years past, toggling leisurely through his repertoire of tics and poses. He looks especially comfortable in undemanding musical numbers and he still gives great Blue Steel looks every time he turns on a slow-mo heel to pout at viewers' and or co-stars. Shah Rukh Khan is still a star, baby and "Jawan" uses his about as well as his fans might hope.

Khan even looks good delivering a corny but impassioned speech later in the movies. As Azad, Khan reminds us that he is just like you and me the apatheirc public who despite our best intentions have not always exercise good judgment when voting for government officials. There is general election in India next year and while the makers of "Jawan" could have otherwise taken bigger risks, their efforts are appreciated.

 

 

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The Oldest Russian Memorial Museum of Music

Surprisingly I've got strongly attached attached to Klin,"-- this is what the composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) wrote about the town he lived the last eighteen months of his life. He moved to a house in the outlying district on May 5, 1892. It was an ideal place for his creative work: there he finished correcting scores of the opera lolanta and ballet The Nutcracker, wrote a vocal quartet The Night, pieces for piano, romances and the Third Piano Cencert. Today, this house is a memorial museum.

"PRESERVE EVERYTHING AS IT IS"

     In Klin, Tchaikovsky wrote symphony No.6, which he considered his "best and most sincere" composition. On October 7, 1893, he left Klin for his last concert trip to St. Petersburg to perform the symphony for the first time. But, unfortunately, he got sick and died. Tchaikovsky never returned to Klin, and today short scores of symphony No.6 are kept at his House.

     A bright idea--"to preserve everything in the house as it is" --was proposed by a younger brother of the outstanding musician Modest (1850-1916), who was a well-known playwright, translator and librettist of those times. It was he who established the first musical memorial museum in Russia, in cooperation with his nephew Vladimir Davydov, holder of the copyright inherited from Pyotr Tchaikovsky, and Alexei Sofronov, composer's servant and the last owner of his property.

     The museum was opened on December 9, 1894--the date when the first entry was made in the visitors' book. Since then, tens of such books were filled in by visitors. In the early period of the museum, they only signed their names there and later on left words of gratitude and comments.

     Modest Tchaikovsky and Vladimir Davydov settled down in Klin in 1897. In order to preserve personal rooms of the composer untouched, they built an annex to the house and llived there. With no special funds available, they were forming a Tchaikovsky center as his museum for twenty years. They gathered Tchaikovsky's archives, collected his personal belongings, library, biographical materials, documents representing a history of performing of his compositions in Russia and abroad. Composer's closest friends and his students--Herman Laroche, Nikolai Kashkin and Sergei Taneev--were also of great help.

     Modest Tchikovsky planned almost all basic lines of development of the museum, first of all, preservation, collection, scientific work and promotion activities. In 1915 he bequeathed the museum to the Moscow Branch of the Russian Musical Society provided that it will be managed as Mozart's house in Salzburg and Beethoven's house in Bonn, thus presenting one of the most original monuments of musical to Russia.

State House-Museum of Pyotr Tchaikovsky

THE MUSEUM AFTER 1916

     From 1916, the museum was managed by Nikolai Zhegin, its first director, a man of surprising life staunchness and commitment, appointed by the recommendation of Modest Tchaikovsky. His efforts to defend the house in the early stormy days of the October revolution were not in vain. In the autumn of 1917, he, upset by the unpredictable political situation, moved the composer's archives and most valuable artifacts to the library of the Moscow Conservatoire. All these rarities were returned to Klin only in 1924. A few years before , in 1918. Zhegin managed to obtain a pass for this unique museum at the Museum Department of the People's Commissariat of Education. It was he who did a lot to replenish the museum collection with personal belongings and archives of many famous coevals of the great musician. He also managed to expand the collection with personal belongings, letters, manuscripts, photos and documents of Tchaikovsky found by him.
     In 1920 Zhegin organized the Society of Friends of the House-Museum of Pyotr Tchaikovsky. He used to hold cordial receptions on the first floor of Tchaikovsky's house and in the annex. Later on , a special guest house was constructed in close proximity to the museum. Among the guests were famous singers Leonid Sobinov and Antonina Nezhdanova, the composer Yuri Shaporin, conductor Nikolai Golovanov, prominent musicologist Vasily Yakovlev.
     The museum was also visited by the physiologist Kliment Timiryazev (1843-1920), St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences Corresponding Member (1890), Member of the British Royal Society (1911); prominent Moscow architect Fyodor Shekhtel, sculptor Mikhail Anikushin, in the Soviet times--cosmonauts German Titov, Valentina Tereshkova, Vitaly Sevastyanov and many others.
     The Society of Friends of the House-Museum of Pyotr Tchikovsky was rapidly becoming popular. In the first year of its existence, 275 men became its members, including many outstanding men of arts--Anatoly Brandulkov, Konstantin Stanislavsky, pianists Alexander Goldenweiser and Konstantin Igumnov, the actress Olga Knipper-Chekhova, sculptor Vera Mukhina, etc. The society committed to preservation of this memorial place, expansion of museum funds with new materials and popularization of Tchaikovsky's heritage, was led by the composer Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov. Earlier, in May 1921. Zhegin was appointed as the museum curator (1921). The same year, by the Decree of the RSFSR Council of People's Commissars, the Tchaikovsky House-Museum was declared public property.
     The museum was financed out of budget funds and royalty paid to perform compositions of Tchaikovsky and stage plays of his brother. The Society of Friends of the House-Museum of Pyotr Tchaikovsky also contributed a lot of money used to buy new materials for the museum archives, carry out scientific studies, restore the house, and hold concerts and exhibitions.
     In the 1930s, on the eve of the hundredth birthday anniversary of Tchaikovsky that was celebrated in 1940, systematic studies of his musical heritage were initiated. The chronicle of his private and creative life was published, including letters.

EVACUATION OF THE EXHIBITS TO VOTKINSK

     In the beginning of the Great Patriotic War, almost all valuables were moved to Tchaikovsky's native town of Votkinsk in Udmurtia. In August 1941 two railway cars filled with the valuable cargo left Klin: it consisted of a piano, personal belongings and unique manuscripts of the composer, his library and articles of the museum interior--the most valuable artifacts of the museum collection.

     Thus, the museum was temporarily divided into 2 parts. In Votkinsk its employees organized an exposition and returned to every-day activities. Those who stayed in Klin tried to arrange dispatch of scientific and auxiliary materials--photocopies, designs, books and remaining furniture owned by Modest Tchaikovsky, but, unfortunately, nothing came of it: on November 22-23, the town was captured by German invaders. They occupied the composer's house and tailored it to their needs: the first floor was turned into a motorcycle garage and a shoemaker's workshop, the second floor was occupied by soldiers--more than 100 men. On December 15, 1941, the Red Army entered the town and Klin was the first town and the museum--the first monument of culture liberated from the fascist invaders. On December 19, a diplomatic mission headed by Anthony Eden, the then Foreign Minister of Great Britain, Ivan Maisky, USSR Ambassador to the UK, a member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, as well as more than 20 foreign correspondents visited Klin. On March 1, 1942, they participated in the opening ceremony of the museum and welcomed its first visitors. The museum organised exhibitions, excursions, scientific sessions and conferences, a study group of music. In those difficult times the museum was headed by Margarita Rittikh, an employee of the museum, musicologist and Cand. Sc. (History of Arts),
     In the end of 1944, the evacuated valuables returned from Votkinsk to Klin, and on May 6, 1945, on the eve of the composer's birthday, a renewed House-Museum was again opened for public. It was its second birth.

THE MUSEUM'S SECOND BIRTH
     It is worth saying that today the State House-Museum of Pyotr Tchaikovsky in Klin is one of the most valuable monuments of national culture of the world significance. It receives annually a lot of visitors who "come to visit Tchaikovsky" from different countries. In fact, judging by the scope and value of its collections (about 200,000 units), research activities and its status in the world, it is, in substance, the Tchaikovsky National Center.
     The memorial house the composer lived and worked in has fully preserved its interior; the adjacent park and estate facilities; personal archives of Pyotr Tchaikovsky (first of all, his musical autographs) together with other collections of the museum represent a unique memorial complex that has been carefully preserved by its employees.
     As the owner of such a rich documentary fund at present, museum is arranging and holding exhibitions both in Russia and abroad, promoting the art of the great Russian composer and our national culture as a whole.

 

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Russia

 
 Having made river cruise through the European part of Russia one can explore this part of the country. Cruises from Moscow to Saint Petersburg and routs along the Volga River are also offered. Volga is the biggest river of the European Continent. It is mentioned in national songs and legends. The river runs through the fields and hills of the Central Russia and flows into the Caspian Sea. Volga is called the Great Russian River. Since the old days, Volga has been the major transport and trading artery of Russia. The cities founded on its banks in different centuries have become the largest cultural and industrial centers of the country. Having made travel along. Volga you can explore the cultural heritage of Russia and enjoy the beauty of its nature.

     Cruise over Volga starts from Moscow. The ship goes to the north through Moscow Canal and then stops in some towns of the Golden Ring - Uglich, Myshkin, Tutaev, Yaroslavl, Kostroma. Some of the cruises go through Tver. This old Russian town was rebuilt after the great fire in the 18th century. It is known with beautiful temples and manors of the 18th-19th centuries in the styles of baroque and classicism.

     Ancient Russian village Krasnoe-na-Volga is known for the jeweller's art. Picturesque small town on the bank of the Volga River is known for the outstanding Russian artist Levitan who lived there. He has reflected the beauty of local places in this pictures.

Volga River

   

  Moving to the east down Volga, we will come to Nizhni Novgorod. Old wood carving and painting traditions were carefully kept in Gorodets -- a small town located not far form Nizhniy Novgorod. Nizhniy Novgorod is the third large city in Russia a big industrial and cultural centre. It is worth visiting a magnificent monument of Russian arcitecture -- the Kremlin in Nizhniy Novgorod. Ancient stone fortress with 13 towers -- the Kremlin of Nizhniy Novgored - raises on the bank of Vloga. Each of the fortress towers has its own name and history. Local authorities, art museum, philharmony and park are located on the territory of the Kremlin. The city is rich with theatres and museums. Many cultural festivals are held there.

   

     The next point of the route - city of Kazan - is located at the place where Vloga flows from the east to the south. Kazan is the capital of Republic of Tatarstan. It is 1000 years old. This city is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic and the centre of the Muslim culture in Russia. The Kazan Kremlin is included into the list of the World's Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.   

     The Kazan Kremlin is the main sight of the city. Main and the brightest Kremlin sight is seventier Tower Suumbeki, Kazan spiritual symbol and historical pride. The tower name is connected with the name of the last Kazan tsarina. According to the legend she fell from its peak after Kazan invasion by Ivan the Terrible.

   
    Suumbeki Tower is recognized as the falling tower. Its peak deviates from the vertical line almost for 2 meters. The town of Sviyazhsk is located on the the small island of the Volga River near to the capital of Tatarstan. The town was founded by tsar Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century. Originally Sviyazhsk was built as an important military town, then became a big centre of trade, but by the 20th century it became a silent town-monastery. The town has been neglected for a long time.

     Today Sviyazhsk is a reserve rich with beautiful monuments of church architecture of the 16th century.

     Moving south along Volga we are to Samara -- one of the largest cities of the Volga Region. Historically it was the city of merchants. Important commercial roads passed through the city.
     Perfect collection of Russia avant-guard of the 20th century beginning is exhibited at the Regional Art Museum of Samara. Picturesque views of the Volga Rivet open from the river embankments. Old towns of the Volga Region -- Syzran and Saratov are rich with architectural monuments and museums -- are located down the river. The bridge over Volga near Saratov is one of the longest bridges in Europe. On the 12th of April, 1961 the first cosmonaut - Yuri Gagarin - landed near Saratov. The main cities of the southern Volga region are the cities of Volgograd and Astrakhan.
    

 Firstly Volgograd was called Tsaritsyn, later from 1925 till 1961 it had been called Stalingrad. The city of Volgograd is inseparably tied with the most important events of the Great Patriotic War. In 1942-1943, in the city then called Stalingrad, a series of crucial and forest combats between Soviet Army and Nazi troops took place. Grandiose memorial complex of Mamaev Kurgan was erected in honor of the defenders of the city. Its dominant is the monument of the Motherland, which is one of the tallest statues all over the world made of reinforced concrete (the height of the statue is 85 meters).
   

   Astrakhan is located in the top part of the Volga River delta. It is the farthest point of the cruise down the Volga River.This old town on the south of Russia has been the large trading and industrial centre for a long time. The trade routes from Asia to Europe passed through Astrakhan. The city is located on the islands of the Volga delta and divided with branches and channels of the river. Valuable monuments of architecture were kept in the central historical part of Astrakhan. Main of them are Astrakhan Kremlin with white stone walls and towers and also the Assumption and Troitsky Cathedrals of the 16th century. The farmsteads of the east merchants,the mosques and Catholic church are well preserved in the central part of the city. Each of the Kremlin towers has its own name and history.
  

     

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India's North East

Sikkim 'The Vally of Rice'. But its original inhabitants - the Lepchas understood this land best - for them it was simply 'Nye-mae-el lang - abode of the Gods.

Spread over 7096 sq km, it enfolds the upper valley of the Teesta River, the major tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Its southern borders with West Bengal are shared with the Rangit and Rangpo Rivers; Singhalia Range acts as a natural barrier with Nepal in the west and the Dongkhya Range runs along the borders from the north to the north east. Elevations range from 270 m above sea level in the south to over 8589 m in the north and north-western region.

The land of intense natural beauty, imbued with a mystic aura, is steeped in legends and history. The profusion of lofty peaks, holy lakes, ancient monasteries, orchid nurseries, heli-tours and stunning trekking routes make Sikkim a multidimensional holiday destination.

Gangtok (1572 m), the capital city in the east district, is the seat of governance and the primary hub of commercial activity. The drive up the Teesta gorge to this prettily located first town of Sikkim is spectacular. The pile of white water rafting equipment near the river bank, at one point, reminds you know popular this tumultuous waterway is becoming for adventure sports enthusiasts. Situated a short distance from it is the ancient Rumtek Monastery. The town is convenient base for trips to the enthereal environs of the mystical Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La.

Flower-filled meadows and hot springs, splendid vistas and tribal culture lure travellers to the north district just perfect for cultural tours and tribal village visits.

The stunning environs of the west district are adventure sports country. There's white water rafting down the Teesta and Rangit Rivers and trekking through rhododendron forests amongst the mountainous tracts. The misty, fairytale-like village of Pelling, the great tourist attraction, has sensational views of Mt Kanchendzonga. Close by is the sacred, prayer-flag encircled Khecheopalri (wishing) Lake. Some of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim are located its south district, which is the starting point for treks of Maenam and Tendong Hill. This is mountain biking country and a haven for naturalists. 

GANGTOK: Perched at a height of 5500 ft. Gangtok 'top of hill' lures visitors with its fabulous views of magnificent Mt. Khangchendzonga. Its strategic location, a strong Buddist presence and heady cultural offerings are a tempting insight into this stimulating land. Sample some of its treasures before heading out of town to savour Sikkim's other delights. One of the most delightful ways to do this is to sign up for one of the heli-tours. A good time to be here is around Buddha Purnima (May) to enjoy the famous Saga Dawa festivities. Walking in colorful pro-cession, the holy monks carry the holy books of Buddha's teachings from the Tsuklakhang Monastery in the palace to different parts of town. 

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: This world renowned centre for Buddhist philosophy and religion, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is the world's largest treasury of invaluable old Tibetan books and manuscripts on science, medicine, astrology, etc. It attracts Buddist scholars form around the world.

The centre also has a wide range of Lepcha and Sanskrit manuscripts and scrolls of ancient vintage. The museum attached to it contains over 200 icons, old tankhas and some ritual vessels amongst the various objects d art on display. Upstairs you can observe the cataloguing and restoration of these treasures

Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms: You can spend a leisurely time at the Directorate of Handcrafts and Handlooms. You can see craftsmen in the process of weaving, woodcarving and painting typical Sikkimese designs. Handsome souvenirs to take home are hand-woven carpets, blankets, shawls and carved magnolia-wood tables.

Himalayan Zoological Park: Covering an area of 205 hectares, the Himalayan Zoological Park (8 km) is the semi-natural habitat of the endangered red panda, barking deer, spotted deer and bear.

Enchey Monastery: One of the most important monasteries of Sikkim and the Nyingma order of Buddhism, the Enchey Monastery (5 km) is constructed on a site blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, a revered tantric master reputed for his power to fly. Over 200 years old. Enchey has within its precincts many icons and religious artifacts of great veneration and antiquity.

Khangchndzonga Viewing: Tashi View Point (8 km) is a popular picnic spot offering grandstand views of Khangchendzongs. The Enchey Monastery too has one of the best views of the entire mountain range.

the holdovers

The Holdovers Movie

The Holdovers review - Alexander Payne and Paul Giamatti reunite for charming comedy.

The director makes a welcome return to form with a warm and melancholic 70s-set comedy drama led by a trio of note perfect performances.

As annoyingly cliched as it might be when someone (usually after a deep, dramatic sign) complains that they just dose not make them like they used to, it dose not make any less true. I fact, It is truer than ever fight now, with streamers focused more on smartphone content than movies for cinema screens, When someone actually does make one like  they used to, it is hard not to get a little moony.

So, indebted to his noble nostalgic mission, director and cinema restoration enthusiast Alexander Payne has made a film set in the 70s that could also have been made in the 70s, from the more gimmicky vintage idents at the start right down to the overall aesthetic from camera angles to fades to casting choices to film stock. But The Holdovers, which premiered at this year's Telluride film festival in Colorado before heading to Toronto film festival is far from pastiche; it is a sensitively acted and delicately written comedy drama that has a life all of its own. Not only it does it recall intimate, character led films of the time but also the sorts of 90s and noughties Miramax indies that broke out at Sundance and charmed all those who saw them on their route to the Oscars (it was in fact acquired for distribution by the once-illustrious ex-Weinstein company before production).

It is simplicity is one of its many aces, especially after the uncharacteristically convoluted silliness of Payne's last film, 2017s high-concept, low-reward escapade Downsizing. He is on far less precarious ground here, a film closesr to Nebraska or The Descendants that makes for a welcome return to the fold.

For only the second time in his career, Payne is working from a script he has not written himself. TV writer David Hemingson makes for an idealpartnet, modulating the sweet with the sad without indulging in sentimentality in a way that feels as if Payne did write it. His story of three characters forced to spend Christmas together also has the texture of a great American novel, a world that you imagine existing in full before the start of the film and carrying on without us for a long time after.

Payne's Sideways right hand man, Paul Giamatti, plays Paul a history teacher with a strict moral compass wrangling rich kids at a well-to-do boarding school, aware that he is disliked but unafraid to continue his mission to prioritise fairness over financial sway. He is froced into being a holdover an adult tasked with overseeing students who have nowhere else to to over the Christmas period and is lumped with a smart yet rebellious teen, Angus (newcomer Dominic Sessa). The pair are left alongside a grieving mother and cafeteria manager, Mary (Da 'Vine Joy Randolph), and the three create an unlikely unit.

Paul is a longer focused on his job and very little else, constantly aggrieved by school politics and choosing to soak his concerns in Jim Beam while disappearing in pulpy mystery books. Angus has been abandoned at the very last minute by his mother and her new husband who have demanded a honeymoon over the festive period and he is itching to play up, Mary's son died not long ago after being sent off to fight in Vietnam and she is facing her first Christmas without him, again choosing whiskey but pairing it with reruns of The Newlywed Game.

The ways in which the trio come together apart and back together again are far subtler and less conflict and monologue driven than they could have been in the hands of a less talented writer. There is no makeshift family created here, just three lost people finding commonalities at what fells like the end of the world hunkered down at a snowy New England school as every else enjoys what is allegedly the most wonderful time of the year.

Payne understands that there is a great sadness to the Christmas period for many people and that is felt most poignantly by Mary, a deservedly more substantial role for Randolph, an actor who has been impressing on the outskirts since breaking out in 2019's Dolemite is My Name. She is excellent here given far more to do than what she is usually afforded and gives so much more even during scenes in which she is working with very little. A shot of the tipsily reminiscing at a Christmas party thinking of her son as an Artie Shaw record plays and a brief scene where she unpacks her son's baby belogings are both shattering enough to secure her a best supporting actress nomination come next year.

She is one of three moving parts that move effortlessly together: an A-game Giamatti is convincing as a certain teacher, easily judged from a far but with unseen vulnerabilities close up; and Sessa, a genuine knockout in his first film role confidently going toe-to-toe with his more experienced co-stars, a believably petulant teen in search of something to moor him. There is an emotional restraint in both the performances and the film surrounding them, despite the time of the year and when a light sprinkling of sugar does come in the last act it feels earned. The recent churn of Christmas films, more than ever it seems year by year, has yet to offer us one worth revisiting but there is something about The Holdovers and its misty-eyed melancholy that feels worth adding to the rotation.

The Holdovers is screening at the Toronto film festival  and will be released in the US on 10 Noverber in Australia on 11 January and in the UK on 19 January.