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Caspar Battegay’s book “Leonard Cohen’s Voice”

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Cohen wurde 1934 in Montreal in eine wohlhabende jüdische Familie geboren, der früh gestorbene Vater war Kaufmann, der Großvater der aus Russland immigrierten Mutter war Rabbiner, der Großvater väterlicherseits lange Präsident der Montrealer Shaar-Hashomayim-Synagoge. In Cohens jüdischer Herkunft erkennt Battegay ein zentrales, nie abwesendes Moment seines Werks, das er im Buch einprägsam herausarbeitet. Dabei ist Cohens Jüdischsein kein affirmativer, sondern ein ständig befragter, von Zweifeln durchdrungener, immer wieder in Selbstironie bis hin zum Sarkasmus gebrochener Glaube, dem er zeit seines Lebens treu geblieben ist.

Hinzu kommt seine Auseinandersetzung mit dem Christentum, vor allem in der Person von Jesus. Schon im Song „Suzanne“ begegnen wir Jesus, veröffentlicht 1967 auf seinem ersten Album „Songs of Leonard Cohen“: „And you want to travel with him, and you want to travel blind / And then you think maybe you’ll trust him / For he’s touched your perfect body with his mind“. Oder nehmen wir den christlichen Gott fünf Jahre später in „Joan of Arc“, einer mystischen Vermählung der Jeanne d’Arc mit dem Feuer ihres Scheiterhaufens. Die Flamme, das Licht als göttliches Signum, ist ein lodernder Kern von Cohens Lyrics.

Die Grundlage aller politischen Kunst

Der Literatur- und Kulturwissenschaftler Battegay, Jahrgang 1978, wählt einen akademischen, dabei keineswegs kühlen Weg, sich Cohens Stimme zu nähern. Er sondiert zunächst unterschiedliche Facetten des Phänomens: die „Stimme als Inspiration“ (hierher gehört das Zitat aus „Tower of Song“ von 1988: „I was born like this, I had no choice / I was born with the gift of a golden voice“), die „Stimme als Erinnerung“, weil ein Song eine Zeitmaschine sei, durch die wir die Vergangenheit immer wieder erinnern und neu erleben können, schließlich noch „Stimme und Gemeinschaft“ – inklusive der „utopischen Kraft“, die Cohens Stimme zu vermitteln versuche.

Caspar Battegay: “Leonard Cohen’s Voice”. Verlag Klaus Wagenbach, Berlin 2024. 160 pages, illustrations, hardcover, €22.Wagenbach Publishing House

Battegay follows lucid interpretations of individual songs, combining elements of close reading with materialistic analyzes in the spirit of advanced cultural theory. On the other hand, he avoids any hermeneutical contortions; instead, like Cohen himself, he repeatedly refers to the Bible. The analysis of “Story of Isaac” is impressive: “The voice orders Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Abraham is already swinging the knife when an angel appears and holds the father back. In Leonard Cohen’s early song ‘Story of Isaac’, from his second album ‘Songs from a Room’ (1969), it is not the angel but the son who raises his voice and protests. He is protesting not just this specific patriarch, but all sorts of authorities who want to sacrifice their children for a higher purpose.”

In short, the listener comes to the realization “that one can raise one’s own ‘voice’ in order to resist an order and change reality and society. This is the basis of all political art, in this case in the form of the protest song.” So this is the birth of the protest song from the spirit of Genesis 22 – with the “Binding of Isaac”, one of the “basic narratives of the monotheistic religions” , as a foil. This is also a legacy of Cohen.

Poetic force, fragility and humility

In his verses, Cohen, despite all his spirituality, constantly plays with self-reference, especially when it comes to sex (not to be confused with sexuality). The love of God and the love of women come together, autofictionally and mostly broken by melancholy or irony. This happens from the beginning of his career as a singer (previously also as a writer), then also in the indestructible “Hallelujah,” which appeared on the 1984 album “Various Positions.” Cohen’s self-chosen role as a “ladies’ man” contributed not least to his impact, especially on stage, and not coincidentally was often accompanied by female voices. Battegay describes him as the “shaman of pop music”.

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At the same time, there is no need to weigh in with the assessment that Cohen has become more and more of a “prophet”, at the latest with the album “The Future” from 1992. And, mind you, not “because he could predict the future, but because he has an alternative perspective on history. This counter-narrative is based on the marginalized Jewish perspective, on the experience and tradition it invents, as well as Jewish mysticism. This perspective is carried by Cohen’s voice, which is both colored by a dark cynicism and speaks of hope.” Battegay does not see a “horizon of redemption” in this, but rather the “context of late modernity and its perception of crisis.”

This sound of the prophet, in possession of his poetic force, fragility and humility, informs Cohen’s latest studio album, October 2016, You Want It Darker. He seems to be negotiating directly with his God until the end: “If you are the dealer / I’m out of the game / If you are the healer / I’m broken and lame / If thine is the glory / Then mine must be the shame / You want it darker / We kill the flame”. The “Hallelujah” and the flames of Joan of Arc return, where once “the blaze of light in every word” blazed, where the union took place in fire, now stands: “I’m ready, my Lord.” The male choir of the The synagogue in his Canadian birthplace accompanies this. On November 7, 2016, Leonard Cohen died in Los Angeles.

Caspar Battegay is a devoted fan and knows how to channel this passion in his book. In doing so, he provides a prime example of what inspired reading supported by cultural studies can achieve. Anyone who has had the privilege of experiencing Leonard Cohen live several times over the course of three decades (like the author of this review) will never forget the voice of the “Godfather of Song” in all its expressions and incantation rituals, nor the direct charisma of his appearance.

Caspar Battegay: „Leonard Cohens Stimme“. Verlag Klaus Wagenbach, Berlin 2024. 160 pages, illustrations, hardcover, €22.

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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A young badminton player realizes his deceased father’s dream

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Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.

My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.

Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.

Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.

Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.

He would be really happyhe believes.

Dreaming of badminton

The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.

: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.

Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.

Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Although the family was devastated by Sumesh Pulavathil’s death, there was never any question of the teenager quitting badminton. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.

He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.

: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.

A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.

Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas

Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.

Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values ​​of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.

I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.

With information from Janani Whitfield

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Our Expert’s Pick of the Day: Bet on the Steelers and Lions

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Are you ready for two NFL betting suggestions for Week 6?

CHOICE #1

My first choice is the game between the Pittsburgh Raiders defeated Chargers in final play in overtime”>Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders. In this game, I’m betting on the first half point spread in favor of the Steelers.

I like the Pittsburgh club’s chances in this matchup, but a three-point spread for the entire game doesn’t reassure me much. It’s hard to bet on a team that has averaged 18.4 points per game and is favored by three points in an away game. For this reason, I chose to bet on the lead in the first half.

The Raiders are a disaster. Wide receiver Davante Adams has asked to be traded, and there are rumors that some players are unhappy with their coach, Antonio Pierce. Maxx Crosby played through a sprained ankle last week, but the team will be without Christian Wilkins on Sunday. Additionally, three of their offensive linemen are currently questionable cases.

After surprising the NFL world by beating the Baltimore Ravens, the Raiders followed with a horrendous 36-22 loss at home to the weak Carolina Panthers. They then took advantage of DeShaun Watson’s largesse to win, before losing 34-18 to the Denver Broncos last week.

For me, it comes down to the fact that Pittsburgh’s defense is much better than Vegas’. The Steelers weren’t very impressive on offense against the Dallas Cowboys last week, but things will be easier against the Raiders.

The state of mind is probably much better on the Pittsburgh side. After starting the season 3-0, they lost their last two games, and I think they will get back to winning ways this week. They will start strong against a rusty Aidan O’Connell, who will make his first start in 2024.

CHOICE #2

We have a great NFC game taking place at the beautiful AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In this game, I am betting on the Detroit Lions.

Jared Goff lacks mobility, so he tends to struggle under pressure. When he has time to analyze the field, he dissects the defense.

Knowing this, who will put pressure on Goff in this matchup? The Cowboys will be without their two best quarterback hunters, Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Even defensive end Marshawn Kneeland will not be in the game. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Linebacker Eric Kendricks made a big impact in his first month with his new team. However, he is hampered by calf and shoulder injuries, so he could be sidelined. It would be a big blow for this defense.

Meanwhile, Detroit’s offense is healthy, while their defense will have safety Brian Branch back.

I’ve read statistical reports that show that elite teams after their bye week tend to perform well. In other words, they really benefit from the extra time. Also, the away favorites after their bye week beat the point spread at a high rate.

The Lions meet both of those criteria, so I like our chances of winning this bet.

The little extra is the “revenge” factor. Do you remember last year’s meeting between these two teams? The Lions scored a touchdown with 23 seconds left and trailed by one point. Instead of attempting the extra point to send the game into overtime, they decided to attempt a two-point conversion.

Offensive lineman Taylor Decker caught a pass on what appeared to be the game-winning play, but he was ruled ineligible as a receiver. The video shows him talking to the referee before the play, so it looked like a bad call. Coach Dan Campbell still seems upset about the game, which should add some extra motivation.

I also think the Cowboys will play under pressure. After winning 16 straight home games, they lost their first two home games this season.

Detroit’s offense wasn’t in great shape through the first three games, averaging 18.7 points scored per game. But they ultimately exploded for 42 points against the Seattle Seahawks, so I think they’ll continue that momentum. I don’t think Dallas can stop them with all these missing pieces on defense.

Have a great and lucrative weekend, my sports bettor friends!

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