The Anticipated Gilmore Girls Return

With Netflix finally confirming that all new episodes of the Gilmore Girls will be returning to the screen on the 25th of November, it is no surprise that fans all around the world are highly anticipating its debut. Titled Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, the series will feature four 90-minute episodes, each named after one of the four seasons.

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The Cast
Much to the delight of many, a large number of the original cast will be appearing on the show once again, from the three Gilmore girls to their variety of love interests. Several of the supporting characters will also be making an appearance, from Liza Weil, who plays Paris Geller, to Liz Torres, who plays Miss Patty. Unfortunately, as Edward Herrmann passed away in 2014, Gilmore patriarch Richard will not be back on the show, but this loss, which will definitely be felt by many, will be addressed by the cast. For those who have been wondering about Sookie St. James, played by Melissa McCarthy, the actress will definitely be returning to the show, even though, for many months, this was denied, meaning that Lorelai will have her best friend back. The four episodes will also feature a few actors that are new to the show, including Sutton Foster and Mae Whitman, the latter of whom is a star in hit television show Parenthood.

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Nine Years Later
At the end of season seven, there were a number of memorable events, from Lorelai getting back together with Luke, to Rory rejecting Logan’s marriage proposal and being offered a job covering the presidential campaign of Barack Obama. While fans are still speculating about where the new season will pick up the storyline, many think that it will be in the present day, around nine years after the previous season ended.

The Trailer
For those who have not yet seen it, the trailer for the new season is available to be watched online, giving you a sneak peek into the upcoming season. While the trailer does take viewers on a trip back to previous seasons, it also shows snippets of the characters in their new lives, from Rory traveling the world but struggling for money, to Emily remaining as witty as ever, despite having to deal with the death of her beloved husband.

While many may be initially disappointed that the series will only be featuring four episodes, these episodes are much longer than usual, meaning that you will still get your Gilmore Girls fix. Netflix will not be releasing all of the episodes together, as they do not want spoilers to ruin the ending for fans who are not able to immediately watch it, so for those who were hoping to binge watch the series, you may need to wait a while. For everybody else, the 25th of November is a date that you need to clear in your diary, so that you can relax and settle down in front of your TV for the much anticipated Gilmore Girls return.

Top US Films of All Time

America may have released a staggering amount of movies throughout history, but only a small number of these films have staying power, and continue to be watched and talked about to this day. From classic dramas to crime thrillers, these are some of the top US films of all time.

Citizen Kane (1941)
Written, directed and produced by Orson Welles, Citizen Kane is considered by many critics to be the greatest film ever to be made. Welles was given a huge amount of creative freedom with this movie, and its success is perhaps due to the fact that so much of it came from such an artistic genius. With a number of incredible performances, as well as creative cinematography and narrative structure, Citizen Kane is considered to be extremely innovative and ahead of its time. The movie features Welles playing the role of Charles Foster Kane, with the movie depicting his life in the publishing world, as well as his subsequent pursuit of power. Although the film was not a commercial success at the box office, largely due to its delayed release and limited distribution, it received unanimous praise from critics and special editions are still being released today.

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The Godfather (1972)
Unlike Citizen Kane, The Godfather was the box office leader for the year that it was released, and is regarded by many to be one of the greatest films in world cinema. The film stars Al Pacino and Marlon Brando as the leaders of the fictional New York Corleone crime family, and every role in the movie has been so perfectly cast that you simply cannot imagine anybody else playing those characters. The movie resonates with many due to the way in which it focuses on immigrant life, bringing the gangster theme into it in an extremely clever way. The cinematography is also widely revered, as is the overall moral message that the movie conveys.

Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca, an American romantic melodrama, finds its way onto so many different top ten film lists, and while it may not have done spectacularly well when first released, it earned its reputation over time. The movie stars Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, and, set during the second world war, depicts a love triangle in which both men are vying for the love of the same woman. While the film may focus on something quite inconsequential when compared to the war going on in the background, it is full of loaded political messages that give viewers a fantastic insight into the military situation at that time. The dialogue boasts several memorable lines, and the musical score is full of suspense, adding a rich element to the film. Whether you enjoy a romantic movie plot or not, Casablanca’s charm is sure to steal your heart.

Not only are these movies the top US films of all time, but they are also considered to be some of the greatest films in the world. Each of these movies have had a huge impact on its viewers, and, with such strong staying power, they are likely to continue having an influence on generations to come.

Tips to Make Entertaining at Home Easy

Even the most introverted person occasionally wants company, but having people over is its own special kind of stress. What do you do? How do you set things up? Do you even have all you need to do this? How long will it last? What if unexpected people show up? These and countless other question tend to dominate any would-be host or hostess the moment they start thinking about planning a get-together. OROGOLD fully acknowledges that these are all very valid questions to ask. You have to consider a number of things before actually putting a plan into motion, but they shouldn’t prevent you from trying in the first place. To help cut the stress out of getting people together for a special occasion or “just because”, here are a few tips to ease the pains of entertaining at home.

Issue Your Invites
You can take a lot of the stress out of numbers simply by personally issuing invitations instead of simply saying you’re having a gathering and telling people to pass it along. This can work well in smaller social groups, but the larger they get the more likely it is to spiral out of control. Consider your social circle when issuing invitations though. Are they the sort that would like a thematic invitation card or are they the kind who just want a friendly chat and a verbal invitation? Plan for a few extra people regardless of the method you choose for inviting people to your gathering. There will likely always be one or two unexpected guests at a gathering in all but the smallest of social groups. You’ll probably already know them and they’ll simply be coming along with a friend who didn’t know if they could bring a mutual friend or not.

Plan Ahead
Part of the stress about numbers is due to the need to know that you have enough food to entertain properly. OROGOLD suggests preparing a meal that you can slow-cook the day of the gathering or that you can cook ahead of time and simply warm again when it is the appropriate time. A sufficiently large meal like this means you can devote more time to your guests without feeling rude and that you’re ready for the unexpected. You can even do the same with any desserts you have prepared that have predetermined portions. Keep them arranged and ready for bringing out after the meal for anyone who wants them. It reduces the hassle and, once again, keeps you active and engaged with your guests rather than away from them. Everyone is there to appreciate each other’s company after all.

Decorate
The time of year often governs why a gathering is happening due to the popularity of holiday parties. You can use this to your advantage. A few clever accents here and there can transform a space into something perfect for a seasonal party. By contrast, you can opt for a more timeless approach with floral arrangements or candles offering the main aesthetic. An important point to make is that you shouldn’t forget that serving pieces for appetizers can be just as much a part of the decoration as aesthetic only pieces. A well-prepared plate of appetizers make an excellent centerpiece for the casual center of a gathering and make the space instantly inviting. It also gives people something to snack on while they pass the time until the main meal.

Entertaining doesn’t have to be a nightmare of planning that makes you constantly doubt your own capabilities. You’ll likely find it one of the most rewarding things you’ve done when it all comes together. Just remember that everyone has felt that stress before and that you can get past it. Try remembering these few tips from OROGOLD and you may even manage to stop feeling stressed before the doorbell first rings. There are no promises on whether it will help deal with that last minute panic when you have to open the door for your first guests though.

Most Influential Films of All Time

The film industry is one of the many ways that humanity has sought to immortalize its ideas. Story after story goes from page to screen every year. Most of them get forgotten before the next summer rolls around and fail to make any lasting mark. This isn’t true of all films though. Some of them appear and make a mark that ensures they keep being watched decades later. These are the ones with lasting influence that tease the minds of generations as they find their own meaning in the images flickering across the screen or simply renew a universal understanding or fear. There are a lot of ways to rank the most influential films and it has to pick from just one. OROGOLD has simply taken a simply of some of the movies universally agreed to be true landmarks in film.

The Wizard of Oz
The transition from black and white to color is one of the highlights of film, and no film really captured the sense of wonder quite like “The Wizard of Oz”. It’s famous transition from the drab normal world to the technicolor dream world of Oz remains embedded in the cultural memory even long after color film has lost its novelty. The story itself is simple, but compelling enough to keep the attention of people of all ages. Dorothy and her friends travel across the strange lands of Oz trying to find what they need the most as people. The storybook feeling contributes to the sense of timelessness that keeps the film being played on television even now. Special effects may have come a long way since the movie first came out in 1939, but this film helped pave the way.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Stanley Kubrick is a name well known to film enthusiasts for a good reason. His eclectic yet perfectionist style for film created films most consider modern masterpieces. Dr. Strangelove (1964) is his ode to the surreal and unnerving absurdity of the Cold War. In a desperate bid to figure out how to stop the end of the world, top men gather in a secret in the United States to discuss the actions of a rogue general that could very well result in nuclear armageddon. The black comedy twists and turns as Kubrick and his viewers try to come to grips with the strange yet then familiar absurdity of living in a world where any moment could be the end. Some aspects of the movie are considered to be incredibly funny, but Kubrick never truly eases up his message on how truly wrong the world of the film is and the world he was living in was.

Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Animation is an art that waxes and wanes in its popularity. Disney typically restores interest in traditional animation whenever it starts to get low. This 1988 film was one such occurrence. Based on the novel “Who Censored Roger Rabbit?”, the film takes viewers on a wild ride through a world where humans and cartoon characters live side by side in Hollywood. It differs a great deal from its literary source, but the film is actually more beloved than its predecessor. It circles around a private eye, Eddie Valiant, doing his best to unravel a conspiracy blaming Roger Rabbit, an anthropomorphic cartoon rabbit, for the murder of Toon Town’s primary benefactor. They stake keep getting higher as a mysterious man known as Judge Doom takes over pursuing Roger with intent to be both the jury and the executioner as well.

What makes a lasting film is hard to say. Live action and animated films are each found among the most influential films in the world. Something in them speaks to people and calls out to something that is timeless. As a result, people continue to watch films to laugh and cry along with the characters. OROGOLD recommends seeing each of these films and looking at other lists for influential films. Each genre practically deserves its own list. Think of it as a way to while away the increasingly long fall nights and enjoy quiet, warm evenings at home.

The World’s Best Casinos – OROGOLD Reviews

Casinos have always been a place where dreams can come true, and, these days, casinos are about more than just making a quick buck. From opulent gondola rides to gaming classes for beginners to luxurious mega resorts, here are some of the best casinos in the world.

Foxwoods Resort Casino, Connecticut, USA
America’s biggest casino, The Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut, lies in the fourth biggest hotel in the world, and welcomes over 40,000 visitors each day. In addition to its 6 different casinos, offering every game imaginable, the resort also has a massive 38 restaurants, 2 golf courses and exclusive designer villas with private butler service. There are also 2 spas, a nightclub, a comedy club, and plenty of high-end shopping, making it no surprise that it is considered to be one of the best casinos in the world.

The Venetian, Macau, China
A luxury casino resort on Macau’s Coastal Strip, The Venetian is inspired by its sister casino in Las Vegas, influenced by the romantic canals and winding streets of Venice. Spread out over 530,000 square feet, The Venetian is the largest casino in the world, grandly decorated on the outside with an intricately furnished interior. When you want a break from the gaming action, the resort offers 3000 suites, each measuring at least 750 square feet, as well as its own canal, where guests can take gondola rides through the fantastically recreated canals of Venice. The resort also hosts many top entertainment acts from around the world and has an impressive spa and wellness center with Venetian-style pools.

Sun City, South Africa
Sun City, a Las Vegas-style resort located about 2 hours from Johannesburg, in the middle of the African bush, is one of South Africa’s most glamorous gambling destinations, with two extravagant casino areas, one of which contains a gaming school offering complimentary lessons on game techniques, as well as table etiquette. The resort aims to be family friendly, and offers a wide range of facilities, including a state-of-the-art water park, a 1.2 mile zip line, a crocodile sanctuary, and game drives and hot air balloon rides over the Pilanesberg National Park.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore, is known all over the world for its breathtaking infinity pool that soars over the city, providing incomparable views of the skyline. It is also home to an extravagant casino, one of the biggest and liveliest in the country, and is spread out over 3 floors. When you want to relax, the Banyan Tree Spa provides many rejuvenating treatments, and you can also visit the 50,000 square foot ArtScience Museum, as well as the many large scale art installations. The dining options are some of the best in the world, with restaurants from Mario Batali and Wolfgang Puck.

Whether you’re a seasoned high roller or are just trying your luck for the first time, the best casinos in the world offer games that everyone can play. Pair this with a multitude of mouthwatering dining venues, as well as world-class entertainment facilities, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable casino experience.

Best Los Angeles Beaches – OROGOLD Reviews

Thanks to warm weather all year round, and 75 miles of coastline, Los Angeles is a magnet for beach lovers from all over the world. With almost two dozen beaches in the county, LA has something to offer for everyone, from families with young children to surfers looking for the best waves. OROGOLD reviews the best Los Angeles Beaches here.

Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach is among the most beautiful beaches that you will find in Los Angeles. The beach, located at the northern tip of Malibu, stretches out for about one and a half miles, meaning that there is plenty of space if you want to get away from the crowds. Since the waves are quite tame here, it is great for longboarding, although not so great for surfing. The beach is dotted with sea caves and tidal pools, both of which are always fun to explore, for adults as well as children. It is also one of the only beaches that you can bring your dog to, as long as you keep him on a leash. If you want to spend the night under the stars, there is a camping ground on site that you can use, as well as picnic areas and showers.

Venice Beach
Venice Beach is arguably one of the most famous beaches in the world, thanks to its trendy boardwalk, bikini-clad women on roller skates, and an endless array of street performers. For those who like to people-watch, Venice Beach is the one for you. Due to its popularity, it is usually always crowded, but because the beach is quite spaced out, there are still areas to go if you want some peace and quiet. The boardwalk has plenty of shops, selling beachy clothing and surfing equipment, and there is also a huge choice of places to eat and drink. There are lifeguards stationed throughout the beach during the day, but because the waves are quite inconsistent here, it is not the best spot for surfers.

Malibu Surfrider Beach
As you can tell from the name, the Surfrider Beach in Malibu is the best one for surfers. The sandstone reefs at the north of the pier help to create the perfect break, so that surfers can ride the waves all the way down the coast. There are three different surfing points to choose from, meaning that beginners, as well as the more advanced surfers, can all take part in the action. Don’t worry if you aren’t a surfer, as it is still a great beach to relax and be a spectator. There are also plenty of eating options, so you could easily spend the whole day on the beach.

El Matador State Beach
El Matador State Beach is a secluded pocket beach, located north west of Malibu. The beach is considered to be a hidden gem, especially when compared to the more well-known LA beaches, and is famous for its ridged cliffs and rocky outcrops. Since the beach is quite rocky, be sure to bring shoes with you, as well as any food or drink that you may want, as there are no facilities here. However, don’t let that put you off, as it is a great beach to visit when you want some privacy, and its location makes it perfect for watching a beautiful sunset.

Los Angeles, with its endless summers, sparkling ocean and swaying palm trees, will never disappoint those who want to spend some time on gorgeous sandy beaches. With so many to choose from, you could easily spend each day at a different beach and still not have time to visit them all, so make sure to do some research beforehand in order to find the LA beach that is perfect for you.