The bamboo dreamer

Meet the man who is creating eco-friendly toilet paper made from 100% bamboo. His name is Mr. Chen Qian, managing director of WR Fibers BV, and he is working to bring this innovative idea to Europe.

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  • The Disenchantment Voice Cast Has A Little GBBO Energy

    Animation fans, get ready: after over a year of waiting, Disenchantment is finally back on Netflix. Unlike BoJack Horseman and Big Mouth, however, the Mark Groening series features a few familiar faces — and a slew of voices viewers of The Simpsons and Futurama will recognise. Set in Dreamland, a medieval fantasy land, Disenchantment follows the rebellious and heavy-drinking princess Bean (Abbi Jacobson), her aptly-named elf companion Elfo (Nat Faxon), and personal demon Luci (Eric Andre). The first season, which was split into 2018’s part one and 2019’s part two, saw Bean trying to get over the death of her mother, Queen Dagmar (Sharon Horgan) and learn that life isn’t just about partying. Bean was finally able to bring Queen Dagmar back to life, but only with the sacrifice of Elfo. Queen Dagmar, however, was secretly pretty evil — she turned everyone in the kingdom into stone and blamed it on Queen Oona (Tress MacNeille), her husband’s new wife. While Bean has no clue her mother is evil, it appears that in season 2 she’ll try to rectify Elfo’s fate as she and Luci dive into Hell to revive him. In addition to Jacobson, Andre, and Great British Bake Off host Noel Fielding, all voices fans can easily put a face to, Disenchantment’s voice cast is a who’s who of the animation world. John DiMaggio (who played Futurama’s Bender), Maurice LaMarche (the Brain in Pinky & The Brain), and Tress MacNeille (Dot from Animaniacs and Daisy Duck) all lend their voices to the series. Click through to see who else is featured in Disenchantment’s voice cast — before you get turned into stone.Abbi Jacobson Voices BeanWho Is Bean?Bean, full name Princess Tiabeanie Mariabeanie de la Rochambeau Grunkwitz, is a flawed but lovable princess who loves to drink. She was having difficulty getting over the death of her mother, and is pretty clueless to her mom’s evil tendencies, but seems to be dedicated to getting Elfo back.Abbi Jacobson Essential ViewingYou probably best know Jacobson from Broad City, the web-series-turned-show she co-created and co-starred in with Ilana Glazer. Disenchantment isn’t her first foray into animation — she’s also voiced characters for BoJack Horseman and Bob’s Burgers. Photo: Courtesy of Focus Features.Eric Andre Voices Luci & PendergastWho Are Luci & Pendergast?Luci is Bean’s personal demon — literally. While his intention is to bring Bean down a dark path, the two have a very close bond, and he’s willing to help her out. Pendergast, on the other hand, is the head of King Zøg’s knights.Eric Andre Essential ViewingComedian Eric Andre is best known for his Adult Swim series The Eric Andre Show and his Netflix standup special Legalize Everything. He’s appeared in a number of TV shows during his career, including Don’t Trust The B In Apartment 23 and 2 Broke Girls. Photo: AFF-USA/Shutterstock.Nat Faxon Voices ElfoWho Is Elfo?Elfo is an elf (what a surprise) who completes Bean’s closest trio. He and Bean have feelings for each other, but it’s revealed he’s half-non-elf — and, by the end of season 1, most definitely dead. Will Bean and Luci be able to save him? Where You’ve Seen Nat FaxonNat Faxon has been on all sides of the camera — he’s written, directed, and acted in movies and TV shows in addition to voice acting. He won an Oscar for co-writing 2011’s The Descendants, and is known for starring in the shows Ben and Kate and FX’s Married. Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images.John DiMaggio Voices King ZøgWho Is King Zøg?King Zog is Bean’s father, the ruler of both Dreamland and the Royal House of Grunkwitz. After the death of Queen Dagmar he remarried Queen Oona (until she had other royal ambitions, that is). Where You’ve Seen John DiMaggioWhile you might not recognize John DiMaggio’s face, you’ll definitely recognise his voice. DiMaggio has voiced numerous animated characters, including Futurama’s Bender, Adventure Time’s Jake The Dog, and Kim Possible’s Dr. Drakken. Photo: Jerod Harris/Getty Images.Tress MacNeille Voices Queen Oona & OthersWho Is Queen Oona?Queen Oona was King Zøg’s second wife, making her Bean’s stepmother. An amphibian, she married Zøg to unite the kingdoms — but later divorced him so she could become a pirate queen. MacNeille also voices Bonnie Prince Derek, Zøg's and Oona's son; the Fairy, who Bean turns to for advice; and Arch Druidess, Dreamland’s religious leader who secretly wants to take over with Odval. Where You’ve Seen Tress MacNeilleTress MacNeille is another voice actor who is behind several iconic animated characters, including Dot from Animaniacs, Babs Bunny from Tiny Toon Adventures, Daisy Duck since 1999, and various Futurama characters including Mom. Photo: Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images.Matt Berry Voices Prince MerkimerWho Is Prince Merkimer?Prince Merkimer is a prince from the Brentwood kingdom who was supposed to marry Bean, but was instead turned into a pig thanks to Elfo’s blood. Where You’ve Seen Matt BerryMatt Berry is an English actor and comedian who is currently starring in the TV reboot of What We Do in the Shadows. He’s also known for his work in The IT Crowd, The Mighty Boosh, Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace, and co-creating and starring in Toast of London.Photo: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage.David Herman Voices The Herald & OthersWho Is The Herald?The Herald is Dreamland’s announcer who proclaims both arrivals and the news — essentially a Dreamland's reporter. Herman also voices Guysbert, Price Merkimer's older brother; Jerry, Cloyd and The Enchantress’ assistant; and Superviso, Elfwood’s supervisor. Where You’ve Seen David HermanDavid Herman has done voice work for various animated shows including Bob’s Burgers, Brickleberry, Futurama, and King of the Hill. He also appeared in Office Space and was one of MADtv’s original cast members. Photo: Gary Miller/Getty Images.Maurice LaMarche Voices Odval & OthersWho Is Odval?Odval, Zøg’s three-eyed advisor, is the prime minister of Dreamland who wants to take over with the Arch Druidess. LaMarche also voices Big Jo, a very, very creepy exorcist, and Leavo, an elf who ditched Dreamland to be a pirate captain.Where You’ve Seen Maurice LaMarcheMaurice LaMarche is a Canadian voice actor who has played some well-known childhood characters, including the Brain from Pinky and the Brain and Big Bob in Hey Arnold!. He’s also voiced various Futurama characters including Kif and Calculon. Photo: Robin L Marshall/Getty Images.Lucy Montgomery Voices Bunty & The EnchantressWho Are Bunty & The Enchantress?Bunty is Bean’s simple lady-in-waiting and Stan the Executioner’s wife. Montgomery also voices The Enchantress, a mysterious woman who gave Luci to Bean — only to be revealed as Dagmar and Cloyd’s sister Becky.Where You’ve Seen Lucy MontgomeryMontgomery is a comedian, actor, and writer who has appeared in a number of English shows including Bo Selecta!, The Mighty Boosh, and The IT Crowd. Her work isn’t just limited to TV, however — she also appeared in Viva Forever!, the Spice Girls musical Photo: Ian West/PA Images/Getty Images.Billy West Voices Sorcerio & OthersWho Is Sorcerio?One of King Zøg's advisors, Sorcerio is a wizard who’s not very good at being a wizard. West also voices The Jester, who says “Oh no!” when he falls through trap doors or windows; Mertz, a knight; Pops the Elf, Elfo’s father; and King Rulo, Elfwood’s leader.Where You’ve Seen Billy WestBilly West is an actor who has voiced some of the best-known animated characters, including Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, and Popeye, Doug from Doug and the title characters on The Ren & Stimpy Show. He was also a cast member on The Howard Stern Show during the ‘90s.Photo: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic.Noel Fielding Voices Stan the ExecutionerWho Is Stan the Executioner?Stan is Bunty’s good-natured husband and Dreamland’s royal executioner who manages the torture chamber. Noel Fielding Essential ViewingThe English comedian is probably best known lately for co-hosting The Great British Bake Off. He’s also known for The Mighty Boosh (where he played the merman Old Gregg, among other characters), as well as The IT Crowd, and Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy.Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage.Sharon Horgan Voices Queen DagmarWho Is Queen Dagmar?Dagmar was Zøg’s (not-so-secretly evil) first wife who was turned into a statue by a potion she created that was intended for her husband. Upon coming back to life, she turned everyone into stone at the end of season 1 and blamed it on Oona.Where You’ve Seen Sharon HorganSharon Horgan is an Irish actress best known for Catastrophe, which she co-wrote and stars in, and creating the HBO series Divorce. She’s also appeared in the movies Valiant, Imagine Me & You, and Game Night. Photo: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.Rich Fulcher Voices CloydWho Is Cloyd?Cloyd works with The Enchantress but about halfway through season 1 an assassin reveals that he’s actually Emperor of Maru. Where You’ve Seen Rich FulcherRich Fulcher is a comedian who has worked with several of Disenchantment’s other voice actors including Noel Fielding and Matt Berry. He played various characters on The Mighty Boosh and appeared in Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy, Drunk History, Marriage Story, and both wrote and starred in Snuff Box with Berry. Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images.Jeny Batten Voices Kissy the Elf & OthersWho Is Kissy the Elf?Kissy is Elfo’s first love interest, friend, and coworker. Batten also voices Ursula, a bear who can turn into a woman and falls in love with Zøg; Tess, a giantess with only one eye; and Miss Moonpence, Odval’s servant who is only ever seen as an eye. Where You’ve Seen Jeny BattenJeny Batten is a writer and actor who has worked on Superstore, the TV show Hoops, and also co-executive produced and wrote several episodes of Disenchantment. Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Animated Shows For When You Just Can't With LifeStart Your Disney+ Simpsons Marathon With These EpNetflix's 2021 Movie Slate Is...A Lot

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  • Melania Is Celebrating Her “Be Best” Campaign, Even Though It Was The Worst

    Mandatory Credit: Photo by Andrew Harnik/AP/Shutterstock (11030657k) First lady Melania Trump stands next to the 2020 Official White House Christmas tree as it is presented on the North Portico of the White House, in Washington Trump, Washington, United States – 23 Nov 2020 Shortly after the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, her husband’s second impeachment, and reports that she has not reached out to future First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Melania Trump is bidding farewell to her “Be Best” initiative with a video that still doesn’t exactly clarify what the campaign accomplished. “‘Be Best’ is a platform that helps children achieve their fullest potential and also highlights the people and organisations that are doing extraordinary things in our country and around the world,” Melania says over footage of herself speaking and posing with children. “As the legacy of ‘Be Best’ comes to a close at the White House, we must continue to give a voice to our nation’s children and the issues that impact their lives.” As the legacy of #BeBest comes to a close at the @WhiteHouse, we must continue to give a voice to our Nation’s children & the issues that impact their lives. It’s the values & spirit of the American people that inspired Be Best & it’s those values that will carry on its mission. pic.twitter.com/fRBTWphmlj— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) January 15, 2021 The obvious question here is: what legacy, exactly? Michelle Obama, as the leader of “Let’s Move!,” partnered around 3,500 chefs with schools in America, successfully pushed Walmart to lower the costs of fruit and vegetables, and helped the U.S. Tennis Association build more than 6,000 tennis courts across the country. Former First Lady Laura Bush co-founded a national book festival and started a foundation that directly provides funds to libraries in low-income areas. Meanwhile, “Be Best” has been without any specific legislative or quantifiable goals since 2018. Meanwhile, Melania has met with many children and visited schools and hospitals, but according to the White House’s website, the initiative’s achievements mostly include Melania speaking at events and “promoting” the importance of practicing online safety, encouraging children’s well-being, and preventing opioid abuse. While these are important topics, Melania is most proud of raising awareness about topics like online safety and opioid abuse — and it’s hard to take those accomplishments seriously when Trump has consistently harmed the very causes Melania claims she’s championed. For one, her website states, “Opioid dependence, addiction, and abuse are an epidemic in this country. ‘Be Best’ will support the families and children affected by this crisis.” However, her husband — and stepson Donald Trump Jr., too — infamously mocked President-elect Joe Biden’s son Hunter for his fight with addiction. And then there’s the topic of safe internet practices. At the Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Cyberbullying Prevention Summit in 2018, Melania said that social media can be “positive,” but it can also be “destructive and harmful when used incorrectly.” No one has caused more destruction online than her husband, a man she has consistently supported throughout his presidency. It feels very surreal to listen to Melania now promote her work emphasising positive ways to use the internet when, just last week, Trump’s Twitter was deactivated after he fanned the flames of a violent mob attack on the U.S. Capitol. Melania captioned her video with a call to “continue to give a voice to our Nation’s children.” She didn’t explain how she plans to do this, but maybe it’s not the children she should focus on. She says she already helped kids “understand their self-worth is not defined by social media,” and that might be a lesson Trump needs, too. (If he’s ever allowed back online, that is.) Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?Melania Trump Refuses To Welcome In Jill BidenMelania Trump Speaks Out On Capitol AttackMelania Trump Went Maskless At Children's Hospital

  • The Stars Of Netflix’s Bling Empire Are Just As Glamorous Off-Camera

    (L-R) Kim Lee and Christine Chiu in episode 5 “Private Lies” of Bling Empire: Season 1. c. Courtesy of Netflix © 2021 In Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians and Jon M. Chu’s stunning film adaptation, we were introduced to a fabulous world of wealth and intrigue. From private jets to billion dollar wedding ceremonies, it all seemed to good to be true, but Netflix’s Bling Empire confirms that there are people living that large in real life. The brand new reality series, which hit the streaming service on Friday, follows the daily lives of a tight knit and very exclusive Asian community in the heart of Los Angeles. Filthy rich and not ashamed to flaunt it, each episode of Bling Empire sees its stars living their best lives, including, but not limited to throwing extravagant parties, jet setting around the world, and shopping at a whim. But all that glitters is not gold, not even for the one percent. The show also offers a candid glimpse into the personal problems of this circle of friends. If you’re already fully obsessed with the cast of Bling Empire, you’re not alone — I need a second season! But until we’re reunited with these crazy rich Asians (and Kevin), here’s how you can keep up with the gang on social media. Kevin Taejin Kreider View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Taejin Kreider (@kevin.kreider) In this world, professional model Kevin Kreider serves as our reliable narrator and introduction into the exclusive circle of the Bling Empire. Born in South Korea but raised in Philadelphia by his adopted parents (who are white), season one of the Netflix reality series sees Kevin gathering the courage to connect with his roots as he navigates the tight knit L.A. community. (Oh, did I mention that he’s fine as hell, too? Because he is. You see the material.) Kane Lim View this post on Instagram A post shared by kane lim (@kanelk_k) Kane Lin is a billionaire (yes, billionaire) born into a family of wealthy Singapore entrepreneurs who have their hands in oil, shipping, tanking, and real estate. But Kane’s has earned some of his riches, too. When he was 17, his dad gave him a five-figure loan to invest in stocks, and Kane paid it all back and then some, earning his very first million. Following in the footsteps of his father, Kane is also working on establishing himself in L.A.’s real estate scene. Christine Chiu View this post on Instagram A post shared by Christine Alexandra Chiu (@christine_chiu88) Known throughout Beverly Hills for throwing killer parties and generally being fabulous, Christine Chiu is a socialite, collector of couture, and philanthropist. She splits her time between shopping, raising her son Baby G, and running the super popular Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery practice alongside her husband Dr. Gabriel Chiu (an alleged 24th generation direct descendant of the Song dynasty). But Christine’s life isn’t all diamonds and Chanel; season one of Bling Empire follows an intense struggle with her fertility and living up to the conservative Chinese values of her husband’s family. (And beefing with Anna Shay.) Anna Shay View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna Shay (@annashay93) Every reality series needs an HBIC, and Bling Empire has found one in the ridiculously wealthy Anna Shay. The heiress to a huge fortune (Anna is the daughter of the CEO of defence services contractor Pacific Architects and Engineers), her only job is being rich, and she’s very, very good at it. Her heart for the people around her is as big as her bank account. From her son Kenny Kemp to her closest friends, Anna spares no expense when it comes to making her loved ones happy. But watch out — if you cross Anna, you’ll regret it. Just ask Christine. Kelly Mi Li View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kelly Mi Li 李弥 (@kellymili) Kelly Mi Li works as a production company executive, and business is booming even mid-pandemic; projects that she’s worked on include the Netflix series Cypher and the action film Echo Boomers (starring Michael Shannon and Patrick Schwarzneggar). Unfortunately, her thriving career is eclipsed by the perpetual drama going on in her love life. Kelly’s ex-husband was indicted as part of a multi-million dollar “auto-subscribing” scam, landing him in jail and leading to his divorce from the media professional. In season one of Bling Empire, Kelly has found love again with actor Andrew Gray, but trouble isn’t too far behind. Andrew Gray View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andrew Gray (@andrewgray) You might have seen Andrew Gray on TV before, but you probably didn’t know it; the 33-year-old starred in Nickelodeon’s Power Rangers Megaforce series as the Red Power Ranger. His IMDb page also shows that worked alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in the 2019 war film Shadow Wolves and is wrapping up a short film that he produced called Spilt Milk. Kim Lee View this post on Instagram A post shared by ᴋɪᴍ ʟᴇᴇ (@kimlee) Described by her cast mates as the “Asian Calvin Harris,” Kim Lee is a premier DJ and lowkey the most famous cast member of Bling Empire. When she’s not spinning tunes for crowds of thousands around the world, Kim dabbles here and there in acting (Entourage, The Hangover II) and modeling (L’Officiel India, Wonderland, ELLE, and more). Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?10 Asian Fashion Influencers Who Are Crazy RichIRL Crazy Rich Asians Instagram Accounts To Follow What Does Seeing Asians As “Crazy Rich” Achieve?

  • The world's greatest cities for music lovers

    For all the perils of the past 10 months, music has been a great constant – the firm friend who has stayed with us, providing solace with inspiring songs and favourite tracks; a consolatory sound-track to tough times that is never inaudible, however hard the wind is howling outside the door. It will be that way when normality returns, for it is almost impossible to travel and not encounter the sounds and rhythms that help define a destination. Indeed, the planet is dotted with cities that dance to, delight in and listen to their own particular musical style – whether in a beachfront bar, a gleaming club or a noble opera house. Here, we take a look at 25 of them, both as a reminder of the fabulous artists and creative geniuses who have come before – and as an encouragement to take holidays and make journeys in future times. Because if troubled days need a soundtrack, a happier aftermath will certainly demand it. The USA New York Where to start with the Big Apple’s contribution to music? The soul and gospel that has spilt from Harlem for over a century? The ghostly tones of Charlie Parker’s saxophone, which poured from the same district? The Greenwich Village folk scene into which Bob Dylan slipped in 1961? The punk scene that crystallised around CBGB in the East Village during the late 1970s, just as disco was glitter-balling at Studio 54? Any of it. All of it.

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