@nickycinema #1
(Originally Published in 2022)
The King (2019)
I’ve realized I need to accept the fact that I’m a huge Timothee fan. I’ve watched all his movies out of order so don’t have a good grasp on his character development/arch but that face he always does when his eyes are filled with tears but a tear hasn’t fallen yet and you can almost feel his pain through the screen is consistentttt (and gets me every time). In this movie, he plays Henry V, a defiant young king trying to manage the kingdom and its endless politics after the death of his tyrannical father. Throughout the movie, he struggles to really find his place but is well supported by his bff/drunkard (peasant?) but also ex-war vet. I really enjoyed their dynamic together and Henry’s leadership altogether, despite all the pushback. My fav scene is towards the end when he’s talking with his prospective wife, Lily-Rose Depp, about war, in the scene she’s so painfully honest but clearly everything he needs. Also, apparently, they were(are?) a couple which is kinda cool given their interactions in the movie. Overall I loved the movie, there were moments where it was clear this was earlier in Timothee’s career, but he still did a phenomenal job.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
Honestly and truthfully this movie is the only movie in a very very very long time that has reshaped my perspective on all things life and America. Disclaimer that I am pretty impressionable, especially when it comes to a good movie, but gotdamn this wrecked me. I felt like it lit a flame inside of me that can never die out lol (it also made me slightly nihilistic and depressed.) The lineup alone is incredible, but surprisingly no one really outshined over anyone else and the roles everyone played were so fitting but also so different than what I expected? Everything about this movie just felt so perfect to me, the lineup, the story, the dialogue, the ridiculous- ness of the plot and how everything was carried out, and the timing of the release, etc. It’s extremely fatalistic and satirical and honestly depressing but also so funny and this dichotomy parallels nicely with the state of the world right now. I’d highly recommend watching if you’re not sensitive to how tragic life is and likely will continue to be.
The French Dispatch (2021)
For some reason I feel like the film community collectively hates on Wes Anderson for his textbook indie movie vibes and his particular focus on colors, aesthetics, and cinematography, but every movie is so good. I don’t think I can even rank them because they all feel so unique and perfect. The French Dispatch was no different and it doesn’t make it any better that the lineup was sooo good with Timothee, Frances, Jeffrey Wright, and the classic Anderson lineup. The storyline was perfect and the French sprinkled throughout also helped. Definitely worth the watch and special shoutout to the last two stories but esp the middle one. I could write more about it but really I’ll let it speak for itself.
The Batman (2022)
I have never been into superhero movies unless they’re showing they’re focused on the grunge dark and emo side of the character so of course I loved this movie. I’m a big fan of Robert Pattinson, I think they could’ve added a bit more depth to his character though, although even without I think the message got across well. He was portrayed as this misunderstood recluse who had some character development throughout but mostly not. Robert did a great job portraying this side of Batman aka an emotional and tormented little boy. Zoe and Paul Dano were incredible too. The Riddler perfected the “white school shooter” aesthetic and Zoe was a star as well. My absolute favorite scene was when they first played “Something in the Way” as he rides off into Gotham – truly set the tone for emo Pattinson and was just a perfect creative decision/scene.
Crystal Ballin #1
(Originally Published in 2022)
Here at bigFACTS, we reject any type of trend or fad. We believe that fashion is timeless and good style is universal. Trends and fads occur when the general population becomes aware of a niche interest or item and is then infatuated with it for a short time before finding a new thing to latch on to. In this column, we will examine some to look out for in the near future.
MULLETS!!
Even though mullets have enjoyed a small resurgence over the past few years as the go-to bisexual haircut, I don’t think they have reached their cultural peak yet. once considered a haircut reserved for hair rockers and hillbillies, I have a feeling that mullets are going to have a big moment in the next few years. Highly influential mononymous celebrities such as Rihanna and Zendaya have been seen sporting this look in recent years, implying that it will break through to the mainstream soon. Is Beyonce next? On the Masc side of things, Shia Labeouf(thumbs down) has been sporting this style on and off for quite a few years. The recent film Last starring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Adam Driver features the lead characters wearing an array of mullets. Whether or not this style will crossover though, depends on the levels of worldwide absurdity we experience in the next few months.
Turbans
Yeat is the biggest rapper in the world. Okay, that’s not exactly true in any sense but it sure feels like that in certain rooms. After releasing three back-to-back projects in 2021, he has started 2022 off with a bang with 2 Alive, having his release party shut down by LAPD due to the massive amount of people trying to get inside the venue. The people in the crowd were the typical Soundcloud rapper fanbase. Plenty of teenage white kids with a few brown kids sprinkled in between. One thing that set these kids apart though, was that they were all wearing turbans. Turbans are a prominent feature of most of Yeats videos, whether he’s using them to hide his face or simply drape over his body. This is why I think we are up for a huge turban wave. As someone who has been wearing turbans and scarves for years now, I welcome it. headwear has gotten stale in recent years. There are only so many ways you can style a baseball cap or a beanie. Turbans are the future.
bigQuestions #1
How do you push forward with the painful awareness that the world is going to shit?
I maintain a strong inner belief that I am here to fulfill a purpose and the path that I am on is the right one. Things look especially bleak at the moment but it is nothing that has not happened before. Learning more about history is a good way of understanding how we got where we are. I cannot predict the future but I can live a life that is enriching to myself and those around me.
Message to younger you!
I am 27 at the moment and will be 28 by the time this is published so I will address this to my 17-year-old self: Follow your dreams & never doubt yourself. There will be times when you think you should give up or change focus, but don’t. People will try to project and live through you, don’t allow them. Always remember what your father told you, “You are the only person that will live your life, no one can live it for you”
How do I attract cute artsy girls?
As someone who does not attract as many cute artsy girls as I would like, I don’t think I am the most capable in this department but I will make an attempt. I’d say the first step is clothing choices, it is your first chance to make an impression and nothing says I know about art more than a Uniqlo brand KAWS t-shirt. Get yourself a few of those and I’m sure you’ll be drowning in cute artsy girls.
How do we exist without being complicit in other humans suffering(sustainability/labor)
Childbirth is one of the most painful experiences that humans go through in their lives. We can only come into the world through the suffering of another human. Is suffering human nature? Buddhism believes that suffering is an innate part of our lives. So to answer your question, we don’t. Even if you decide to move to a farm in the middle of nowhere, your environmental impact will eventually affect someone, somewhere, someday.
bigFACTS Volume 1
Over the next few weeks, we will begin populating this blog section with articles and features from bigFACTS volume 1 starting with the letter from the editor.
life is not black and white
big facts goes beyond that
there is always an ethical side in every conflict
if you look deep down and far back enough there is always a victim and oppressor (someone started that shit)
nuances exist, but at the end of the day,
there is a clear difference between right and wrong
that is why we want to learn and explore root causes
the color white represents the search for raw truth
(uncut)
bigFACTS is one with the oppressed. bigFACTS stands on the right side of history
bigFACTS is the complete truth every time.
Our tenets are
Exestentialism
Epistemology
Absurdism
Mortality
Satire
This is our inauguaral issue.
UK RAP. BEST OF 2023
Bawo - Same Team (feat. Reek0)
Crowd Control Collective, Saiming & KD - Bugz Bunny
El Londo -I'M PISSED (feat. Namani)
Fimiguerrero - Lights Camera Action (feat. Dom Corleo)
J Hus - Who Told You (Feat. Drake)
Kibo - Mr. Lamborghini Deathslide
Kwengface - For One (Feat. SL)
Lancey Fox - MMM HMM (Feat. Sexyy Red)
Len - BEBE (Feat. Odunsi (The Engine))
Nines - Fuck The Worl (Feat. Kojey Radical & Tiggs Da Author)
Oscar #Worldepace - Never Know
Pretty V - Chanel (feat. Jadasea)
Pretty V - WE the BEST (feat. Dav1d)
Rushy - Back 2 Basics Freestyle
Unknown T & Knucks - Right Hand
Auto Lola: Idiomatic (Review)
The Latest EP from one of the most enigmatic artists in Washington DC’s underground scene is a breathtaking introduction from a kid who wears his influences on his sleeve without ever sacrificing his voice.
You would be excused for mistaking Auto Lola for a more established artist. A regular figure in the DC underground, Auto has been honing his craft over the past few years, frequently appearing on tracks with fellow DC natives such as NAPPYNAPPA & WiFiGawd. On Idiomatic, he is joined by 3 of the Districts most innovative producers: Pat Cain, Jelani Kwesi, and Black Moses. Together they are able craft a project that exists in a space all by itself.
The EP starts off with a heartbeat-like pulsing instrumental on Carte Blanche as Auto rattles of the qualities are unique to him alone. The combination of an off-kilter start-stop flow with occasional stream of conscious singing hearkens back to the days of 808s & heartbreak with slightly obvious hints of Young Thug.
One of the hallmarks of a well-produced album is the quality of the song outro’s and Auto does not disappoint, his indecipherable autotune crooning flows perfectly into the next song.
Leap of Faith is his announcement to the world. Everything you thought you knew about Auto goes out the window on this project. “Leave the old me to sleep he ain’t waking up” he sings. This is an artist ready to take the next step and leave the past where it belongs. A key theme throughout this EP is the wide array of vocal effects used to express different feelings in each of the songs. On Luciform, The effects are stripped down as he is joined by fellow artist young peas. Auto speaks on his journey up to this point over lush production paired with beautiful vocal samples that would fit seamlessly on a drain gang album. Auto’s verse is pretty short, wisely allowing the production to live and breathe for most of the track.
The second half of the album begins with the Rumination Interlude with a beat that sounds like alien boom-bap or something you might hear on an Adult Swim bump. This combined with a powerful speech from an Indigenous People’s day event is the perfect transition to the second half of the album. Rumination is probably his best vocal performance on the project. The synth heavy production and vocal effects will have you checking the song credits for Kevin Parker’s name but this is Auto Lola in his element. Crooning about love and pain, his voice contains so much emotion that you can’t help but get pulled into his world.
Wayward is Auto at his most confident, questioning others for not taking chances and wasting time. He stresses the importance of friends, family and their protective nature, “only opps I see round me is opportunity, diplomatic shit I got immunity, I got community”. Community is the word that encapsulates this EP. “It’s a combination of all the shit I been on” says Auto, “I’m inspired by everything”. Idiomatic is a Fantastic EP with well crafted songwriting, lush vocals, and sophisticated production. It is an eye-opening debut from an artist with so much more to offer. Available on April 22nd, 2022 via Future Times
Advice Column
How do you push forward with the painful awareness that the world is going to shit?
I maintain a strong inner belief that I am here to fulfill a purpose and the path that I am on is the right one. Things look especially bleak at the moment but it is nothing that has not happened before. Learning more about history is a good way of understanding how we got where we are. I cannot predict the future but I can live a life that is enriching to myself and those around me.
Message to younger you!
I am 27 at the moment and will be 28 by the time this is published so I will address this to my 17 year old self: Follow your dreams & never doubt yourself. There will be times when you think you should give up or change focus, don’t. People will try to project and live through you, don’t allow them. Always remember what your father told you, “You are the only person that will live your life, no one can live it for you”
How do I attract cute artsy girls?
As someone that does not attract as many cute artsy girls as I would like, I don’t think I am the most capable in this department but I will make an attempt. I’d say the first step is clothing choices, it is your first chance to make an impression and nothing says I know about art more than a uniqlo brand KAWS t-shirt. Get yourself a few of those and I’m sure you’ll be drowning in cute artsy girls.
How do we exist without being complicit in another humans suffering(sustainability/labor)
Childbirth is one of the most painful experiences that humans go through in their lives. We can only come into the world through the suffering of another human. Is suffering human nature? Buddhism believes that suffering is an innate part of our lives. So to answer your question, we don’t. Even if you decided to move to a farm in the middle of nowhere, your environmental impact will eventually affect someone, somewhere, someday.
Spring 2022 Horoscopes
Ahh, Aries — the fountain of youth. We’ve been sprung from the primordial Pisces’ wintery mix, landing in awareness of our naked individuality. The glyph of Aries, the ram’s horns, represents more than the Lamb of God. It depicts potential energy that splits the singularity into two (or more, depending on what you do in your free time.) It’s also the fallopian tubes that hold the seeds of humanity. The first outward act which obligates a spirit to crudely imitate its creator.
The lamb seeks itself, “remind me that I’m alive!” Now more than ever, nature pulls from the latent force from last year's cycle. The Sun exalts in Aries, since it’s tasked with warming up the earth after it’s been frozen by long nights. Now, all is resurrected. Look around — you’ll see flowers budding, eggs hatching, and bare skin on windy days. The same is happening within you.
It’s no coincidence that the astrological New Year ushers in the month of Ramadan. During this time, the beloved Prophet (an Aries), received divine revelation on earth. Holy seeds planted for divine work. Season’s change calls you to toil your inner pastures and start planning. What seeds do you have leftover from your last harvest that you can multiply? You might be starting from scratch, hoping the wind blows something edible into your garden. What is it about you that shapes your world? Let your individuality dictate your path.
Regarding Horoscopes
Astrology, the study of the stars, is a system of categorization, used in antiquity for medicine, sciences, and social work.
While it is entertaining, sun sign astrology is dangerously general. Its popularity arose in the 1970s, when American magazines and newspapers appealed to their patrons with provocative forecasts. It was a total disservice to the western world. Sun sign astrology over simplifies the horoscope, and leads to lumping together of signs.
Here are some forecasts from the stars (for fun.) As always, check your rising sign for the most accurate prognosis. And of course, no horoscope is accurate without the full picture. There’s the whole sky to consider.
Aries sun + rising
Recommended songs: Maluco by Sango
Simultaneously aware of your limitations and potential; you’re in a pressure cooker. This is major teeth grinding energy. It’s invigorating just being around you, as your self-confidence leaves a strong impression with others. Still, you might hear that you’re doing too much.
This isn’t the time for compromising yourself. Use your limits as the floor, not as your ceiling. The planets are supporting your mental powers, with your wittiness at its peak. Spend as much time around others as you can bear. And that person that always has something to say about your energy? Leave them behind.
Taurus sun + rising
Recommended stone: Diamonds, brimstone
The unfathomable ups and downs of the past year might have you down, but anyone would have trouble keeping up. If you haven’t been forced to surrender yet, now’s the time. It’s the only thing that’ll offer reprieve. You’re being asked to relinquish some of the rigidity and control in your life that you cling to, because it doesn’t give you the space to lead with your individuality. Don’t underestimate the power of a new morning routine. Change is good. Change makes dollars.
Gemini sun + rising
Recommended reading: BloodChild by Octavia Butler
There’s been a lot of shifting in your self-concept since the start of the pandemic. Maybe you’ve cycled through partners or hair colors more than anyone you know. Or maybe you’ve had an internal shift, heightening your sense of empathy with others and forcing you to relate to your inner child more than you would like to. It’s common for intellectual types to redirect their internal chaos into the world around them, rather than sit and reflect.
Before you plant any seeds, take the past off of its pedestal and hold it in your hands. You’re more powerful than your experiences, and the younger you inside will benefit from hearing that right now.
Cancer sun + rising
Recommended tea: Mustard Seed tea with rosewater
It’s always something with you, isn’t it? Self-awareness is key this season, and that means not dealing with those who require more than you’re willing to give. Whoever is demanding competitive energy from you is a teacher, and nothing more. Dominating someone is a lost cause, and a waste of your energy to boot. Placing too much importance on things going your way consequently prevents unseen blessings.
Is it really worth the fight, or can you compromise?
Leo sun + rising
Recommended song: Besito by Bia ft G, Herbo
It’s literally party time. The energies of socialization and free flowing connections are in your favor. Have you done something new yet? New cities, new romance, new mentorships — the choice is yours. People will be drawn to you and feed off of your positive expansiveness. It’s an especially good time to try your hand at social mobility. Success in your career is yours, if you seek it.
Try asking someone for something you’d never otherwise. Ask your boss for a raise, or your lover for some shoes. You’ll be surprised.
Virgo sun + rising
Recommended stones: Brimstone, ocher
People who say they never judge are liars. Proper judgment helps us to understand right and wrong. Just avoid holding others to your morality, even yourself. At first, relinquishing judgment feels discombobulated — out of control. It may help to know that you don’t control anything external. Don’t lose yourself to a string of unfortunate events, by becoming cynical. Offering yourself and others genuine love and understanding takes your attention away from the ever intangible “perfect.”
The lack of softening forces in the stars creates a foreboding feeling. But that’ll probably go away if you stop trying to create a reason for everything.
Libra sun + rising
Recommended reading: All About Love by Bell Hooks
Love and relationships of all kinds are in your focus now. When aren’t they?
There's an opportunity to make important social connections that’ll elevate you closer to your desires. Try to listen more than you talk to others right now. People say more than the words they speak, and you’re sure to hear enlightening facts about who you attract and how you treat them.
tScorpio sun + rising
Recommended tea: Nettle tea with onion water (if you can tolerate it)
Nobody is deliberately trying to make your life unstable. It may feel like it, though. Any hidden tensions in your relationships will surface from murky waters, making you feel like you’re fighting everybody. Uranus is very impolitely asking you to revamp your relationship dynamics, or it will change them for you. And you probably won’t like it.
Exercise freedom and independence. Take some alone time this season to explore yourself. Go with the flow as much as possible, because testing the waters creates more opportunity for disruption in your life.
Sagitarrius sun + rising
Recommended song: Ordinary Guy by Toro Y Moi
Everything is expanding for you; the sun is shining, the wind is flowing through your hair. Feel your vitality? Get as much sunshine as you can these days. You can get everything checked off your to-do list with your optimistic attitude.
You’re at a peak of faith and spirituality — whatever that means to you. The energy inside you comes across as ease to others. People are charged by being around you, and inspired to be themselves.
Capricorn sun + rising
Recommended stone: Bloodstone, firestone
You know nobody is an island, but you’re finally discovering the importance of companionship. It’s important to have someone to talk to, as you’re planning things out. You may not want to give all your schemes away, but know that you can glean inspiration from the most mundane conversations. Like Libra, it’s important for you to listen more than you talk. You have a selfish streak that can threaten people, so issues may come to a head during this time. There’s conflicts of authority in your orbit, where it’ll be best to strive for compromise when possible.
Do something nice for your friends, and genuinely enjoy the art of sharing.
Aquarius sun + rising
Recommended reading: Zami by Audre Lorde
Team-effort, you may find, takes you far (as long as you’re in charge.) Right now, you’ll be respected for your collaborative leadership style. With high energy, you’re leading a team of people who know how to take initiative. It’s already starting to pay off, too.
There’s a magical opportunity to stand up for your morals and demand fair treatment for yourself and your loved ones. People want to hear what you have to say, and more importantly, how you’d like to be treated.
Pisces sun + rising
Recommended tea: Hemp tea. Really, you should just smoke it. Smoke sum.
You may not want to stay where you are, so it’s important to take stock of the bright side of things. Enjoy your free time — it only belongs to you. Embrace openheartendess and generosity during Aries season. As you receive gifts, do the same for people less fortunate than you.
There are many strangers in your not-so-distant future that will teach you the heights and depths of your self-value. Through it all, exercise tolerance, excitement, and gratitude over pride, greed, and fantasy. This is the perfect time to change your expectations of what you deserve.
DC Mayoral Race
The race to become DC mayor is heating up as most candidates have now officially put their names on the ballot. Like we always do at this time, we will be picking each candidate apart and laying out the FACTS. One thing that immediately jumps out is the lack of women on the ballot. Of the 6 democratic candidates, only one is a woman, the incumbent mayor Muriel Bowser. Interestingly, of the remaining 6 candidates, 4 are women.
Muriel Bowser will be the most familiar to readers outside of DC as the first mayor to establish a “Black Lives Matter Plaza” after protestors (some of our dear friends) painted the street in front of the White House to say “Black Lives Matter\Defund MPD” referring to the DC Metropolitan Police Department. The second part was conveniently left off the sanitized version of the street art that was unveiled to the world as Muriel’s response to President Trump, who at the time was being blamed(deservedly) for violence that was being carried out by the secret service, park police, and MPD on peaceful protestors. This is the same police department that Bowser wants to reinforce if she is re-elected. She seems to be determined to be the Mayor that brings statehood to DC, potentially guaranteeing a spot in the governor’s seat. It will surely be a difficult journey, she has faced plenty of criticism unrelated to her love of police. DC has experienced dangerously high homicide rates in the last few years of her term. That combined with a growing lack of affordable housing makes it hard to see her becoming the first DC mayor to win a third term since the legendary Marion Berry.
Trayon White is another fairly familiar name having been on the city council since 2016 as a representative of ward 8. Since then he has stayed in the headlines through a variety of interesting stunts. Announcing his candidacy through the @washingtonianprobs comment section is just the latest in a long line of interesting online behavior. There was the time he posted a facebook video claiming that a prominent Jewish family controls the weather. Or the time that he staged a protest at a construction site to complain that jobs are going to immigrants instead of residents of the ward. There’s also the countless times that he has posted anti-vax content on his social media despite being vaccinated. He is in fact the only council member to have voted against a vaccine mandate for council members and their families. Despite having no clearly defined agenda, White has criticized Bowser for her response to gun violence and inadequate affordable housing.
Robert White(no relation) is also a current council member though slightly more progressive than his colleague. Robert has been responsible for passing bills to charge higher taxes to the wealthy and enact a paid parental leave. He was strongly against Bowser’s decision to clear homeless encampments during hypothermia, claiming that the goal of her initiative was to “move” them with no concern for permanent housing. He is a big advocate for police reform and wants to DEFUND the police in order to allocate funds to more effective crime prevention tactics.
James Butler is a former ward 5 ANC commissioner who considers himself a departure from the status quo. He lost the 2018 Mayoral race by 54,000 votes and he must believe that he
has a chance to close that gap. James aims to combat gentrification and provide more resources to vulnerable populations. He plans to do this by supporting reparations for black residents, providing temporary housing, social services, behavioral, and mental health resources people experiencing homelessness. He believes that he can do this while increasing the number of police, creating a gun unit, and enforcing no loitering laws...James is severely mistaken.
Another hope...ful candidate is Michael Campbell who is a pastor at Kingdom Driven Ministry, a “non-profit public charity established to advance the Kingdom of God, with specific emphasis on East Africa”. He has done plenty of work with gun violence prevention as part of Rev.Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. He is an advocate for a $20 minimum wage and wants to build a tiny homes village to help homeless people transition to permanent housing. Oh and he also believes that increasing police salaries will help to reduce crime.
Rounding out the democrats is Andre Delontae Davis, a former teacher who is obsessed with performing arts according to his website. Andre supports affordable housing and education reforms. He plans to reallocate the police budget as well as demilitarizing the police, especially during peaceful protests.
DC is an overly democratic city so it is unlikely that any outsiders will fall through the cracks but just in case we’ve got you covered:
Corren Brown: Statehood Green Party\Correctional Officer for 6 years\wants to change policing. Lori Furstenberg: Republican\wants to end mask and vaccine mandate\coined “mandate muriel” Stacia Hall: Republican\wants to reopen schools and churches\family values. Dustin Canter: Independent\trauma survivor training for cops\teaching kids cooperation with cops. Rodney Grant: Independent\comedian\educational equity\supports statehood.