#Advanced Beat Juggling

[brolicarmydjschool]

Advanced Beat Juggling DJ Course For Men’s

COURSE DESCRIPTION

After learning the 10 root moves of Beat Juggling, this course addresses how to combine the 10 Root Movements. Our goal is to help you reach the next level of Beat Juggling, find your unique style, come up with new patterns and create more interesting routines and DJ sets.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

4 lectures and 4 hours of content!

Information packed practical training learning how to become creative with beat juggling techniques.

Best suitable for advanced level users and who are looking to become more expressive and creative in their beat juggling.

Have a question? send us an email to and one of our team members, or Rob Swift himself will help you out!

[detectivestucks]

Let Us Walk You Home

18+ content, Minors do NOT interact

Pairing: Kakashi x F!Reader x Obito

Summary: Takes place in modern day, your friends Kakashi and Obito run into you at the local bar and offer to walk you home.

Warning: NSFW, Alcohol, Oral, Anal, DP, Threesome, Too Hot to Handle

Word Count: 2.7k

It was another Friday night and you needed to unwind after an extremely stressful week at work. You had done an extra 10 hours of overtime and just needed a few drinks and some dancing to clear your mind. You met up with your friend Sarah who was always a good time and signed you up for karaoke. You were on stage rapping to your favorite song when your friend/crush and his roommate walked in. He was tall with silver hair, a lean muscular figure, a scar over his eye, and a secretive lower face covered by a midnight mask that brought nothing but intrigue. His roommate was almost as tall, buff, with dark hair and a scarred right half of his body that enhanced his rugged masculinity in a mouth-watering way. They owned the place the second they walked in. Usually that was the effect you had on the room, but you were nothing compared to how gorgeous they both were standing together. You played it cool and finished your song giving them a wink when you were done. You and Sarah went over to the pool table knowing the two boys would meet up with you. You started to play, leaning over the table to aim at the cue ball. Feeling Obito’s hand on your waist, you strike the ball. “Hello, Obito. Wanna play?”

“Only if you’re asking.”

You smirk. You know he likes you but he’s an emotionally unavailable playboy always going on about his beautiful ex in another country. Kakashi comes over to join in. 

“You wanna start over and do teams?”

You look at Sarah and nod. You and Sarah loved to play pool together. You’d hustle tourists all night long on the table between dancing and karaoke. You loved dancing on men and then inviting them to play. You’d dominate the game, making them feel inferior and emasculate them before taking them home. It always made them rough with you. They had something to prove and you loved how it fueled them. 

Kakashi and Obito were different though. They were really good so it was unlikely that the two of you could beat them. Obito offered to be on your team, Sarah on Kakashi’s team. The four of you placed wagers. Loser drinks. Unfortunately, Obito wasn’t carrying his weight so the two of you steadily got drunker. Kakashi locked eyes with you, smiling as he watched you lose your usual composure. You were one person who rarely lost control of the situation so it brought him great satisfaction to be the cause of your undoing.

He admired you. You worked really hard and he’d often come visit your office to bother you. He liked that you were so caring and generous. You always looked out for others, even though you juggled many responsibilities and roles. You were very serious about your work, yet you knew how to have fun and could hold your liquor. He also liked that you weren’t a lovesick puppy who fell head over heels for him. He knew you liked him, but you didn’t act desperate like the other girls. He didn’t want to settle down with a girlfriend just yet. He was like you, having fun playing the field but that didn’t mean you couldn’t play in the field together.

Near the end of the fourth game Obito’s hands were all over you. You smiled, having fun with his obvious lust. He was still gorgeous and it’s not like Kakashi was trying to get with you, that you knew of, so you played along with Obito’s advances. He came up close behind you and you backed up into him, pushing your ass into the developing boner you could feel in his pants before getting up to go around the other side of the table. It didn’t bother Kakashi that you would flirt with his best friend. He knew he was more handsome than Obito and he knew you wanted him more. 

Starting to feel too drunk, you decided it was time to walk home. You’d come by in the morning to get your car. As your friend, Kakashi asked to walk you home, to make sure you got there safe. You smiled and accepted. Obito naturally tagged along. 

Since it was a quarter mile walk, the three of you staggered along the road laughing and flirting. They asked how many men you seduced that month and you asked them the same question about the number of girls they’d been with. Obito came up and put his arm around your shoulder while you talked to Kakashi. You put your arm around his waist but your eyes never left Kakashi’s face. He noticed this and smiled smugly. 

Back at your house, the men went to your kitchen and grabbed the vodka and tequila, asking you to make them some drinks while they poured shots. Though you knew you should go to bed, you couldn’t help it. You loved hanging out with them. It made you feel special and they were impossible to say no to. The three of you took shots and put on the TV. Continuing to drink around the table, you and Kakashi laughed as Obito got more and more drunk. He decided that tonight, he’d have fun with you. Screw Obito, it was his turn to take a shot at you. 

You wanted a change of pace so you decided to pull out the old Nintendo and play some Mario Kart. You and Kakashi started to gang up on Obito during the race and it pissed him off. He threw down the remote and went to the bathroom to take a leak. While he did, Kakashi leaned in for a kiss. You were taken by surprise. He was always flirty but you assumed nothing would ever happen cause that’s just how he talked to girls. You closed your eyes and leaned into the kiss, dropping your remote. This was your chance. Alcohol making you brave, you got on your knees and straddled Kakashi’s lap. You started to grind on him, feeling the friction of your clothes rubbing together. 

Completely forgetting that the two of you were not alone in your home, you began to remove all your clothes, moving over to the giant bean bag chair in the living room. You were naked and he moved down to your folds sucking and licking them. You began to moan and squeeze your own breasts while he worked his tongue around your heat. He was so hot and he was actually between your legs. You had wanted this for months, little did you know he had been thinking about it for months too. 

You ran your fingers through his silver hair, petting him as he licked up and down your sex. He gave your clit a suck that made your head lull backwards only to be met with Obito’s cock stuck in your mouth. When he re-entered the room, you did not know. Honestly you had totally forgotten about him till that moment. You looked out of the corner of your eye, seeing Kakashi still sucking away, now looking up at you with a devilish grin. 

The alcohol making you compliant, you kept Obito in your mouth, hollowing your cheeks and bobbing up and down. He grunted and put his hand on the back of your head. You began gushing all over Kakashi’s face as the size of Obito’s cock had your pussy wet and your eyes watering. It was a challenge to suck him off. You changed your angle to deep throat him, loving how the curve of his dick treated the back of your throat. You swallowed and breathed through your nose. Kakashi could see the bulge in your throat where Obito’s dick occupied. He was impressed. 

Obito took himself out of your mouth to kiss you. He was ravenous. He had been wanting you for months and your careless flirting was driving him mad. He knew who you really wanted and he knew you would flirt to try and make Kakashi jealous, but he knew eventually he’d get his chance with you. Sure he wasn’t a pretty boy like Kakashi, but he knew he was better in bed. Tonight he was going to prove that to you. He continued to kiss you upside down while Kakashi lined up his tip with your entrance. He slid his member along your folds, coating himself in your slick. He spit on your cunt, rubbing it in with his length before sliding in. You moaned into Obito’s mouth. 

“That’s right” Kakashi said, “Take the whole thing Y/N”

“Mmmm” you hum and you tug on Obito’s hair and pull him into you.

Obito reaches for your tits, kneading them with his fingers. He had been anxious to touch them. Always seeing them concealed in your tight shirts and dresses. He longed to see them naked and here they were in his palms.

Kissing Obito became harder and harder as Kakashi began railing into you. Obito decided that giving his dick back to your mouth would be a better use of it. You opened up, holding out your tongue ready to accept him in your mouth. “Fuck” he said as he slid back inside. He slid in and out of your mouth at the pace of Kakashi’s thrusts. Feeling the vibrations of your whining and moaning on his tip. 

Tired of being on your back, you got on all fours and faced Kakashi, giving him bedroom eyes as you grabbed his cock in your hands. You stoked him up and down, licking his balls as you did, watching his face from below. You fit both of them in your mouth, sucking and licking on them, letting your tongue pay special attention to the space between them, licking up and back. When you could tell he was enjoying himself, you closed your eyes enjoying your opportunity to show off your skills. 

While you did, Obito, shamelessly ate your ass. Moaning and groaning at your taste. He dug his tongue into your hole making your eyes shoot open as he entered. Kakashi could feel your moan vibrate on his ball sack and he groaned at how good it felt. 

You may be sucking on Kakashi’s nuts but it was Obito that was making you vocal. Any groan Obito elicited from you was a prize won. Kakashi might have been his best friend, but he was going to win you from him by the end of the night. 

You continued to play with  Kakashi’s balls while you stroked him. He reached fisting your hair, “Fuck that feels good.” He could see the smile in your eyes before you released to move up to his dick. You insert the entire length in your mouth, giving him the same deep throat experience as Obito. A long groan came out of his mouth. He held the back of your head as he thrust in and out between your lips. While your throat was being stretched by Kakashi, Obito got to work fingering both your holes. You squealed a muffled squeal from your full mouth. 

“That’s right baby, I knew you’d like that.” Obito gruffed

Keeping his pinky in your ass, he finally inserted his length in your sopping wet entrance. You moaned again as he filled you. Once more making Kakashi’s head lull backwards with pleasure at your noisy vibrations. 

You were a sight to behold. Cock stuffing both ends. It was fucking hot and they were beginning to lose their patience. Obito pulled you backwards off of Kakashi and began ramming you brutally from behind. His enormous length shredding up your greedy cunt, you began to scream with pleasure. “Oh fuck!” you yelled. It was so good, you couldn’t remember a partner who ever treated you so well. Your entire body tingled with pleasure as he slammed his hips into you, making your ass shake with each thrust. You never expected this out of Obito. Kakashi, beginning to feel jealous, pulled you off of Obito and inserted his length back in you, hammering into your hips to elicit the same kind of screams. Not wanting to be left out, Obito began playing with your little asshole again. Rimming and stretching it. First his pinky, then his middle finger, then two, then three, prepping you to take his cock in the back. 

At this point you had become a ragdoll, doing whatever they boys wanted, accepting whatever they did to you. It was paradise and you enjoyed every second of it. 

Obito spit on his cock before laying on his back. He pulled you onto him so your back was against his muscular chest. He slowly inserted himself into your rear. You let out a long moan as you stretched out to fit him. Kakashi stood to the side stroking himself, watching your eyes squeeze shut as you felt the intrusion. Obito lightly thrust into you, helping you adjust to his girth but your eyes shot open. He was brushing a sweet spot with each stroke. “Ahhhhhh!!!” you moaned. 

Obito whispered in your ear, “You like that baby?”

“Ahh! Yes!”

“I knew you would”

He began kissing your ear and neck. 

Kakashi came over and inserted his length back into the gummy walls of your cunt. The two of them stroking together as you lay sandwiched between them. Your mind was numb with pleasure. Your eyes were glazed as you were completely blissed out. Obito kissing your neck and Kakashi kissing your lips. Your legs shook from the rapid fire orgasms you were experiencing thanks to Obito in your backdoor. 

You became too dumb to speak, all you could keep saying was “fuck” on repeat. 

Kakashi sped up his pace, turned on by the ring of cum you left on his shaft. He stroked harder and harder while Obito supported you from underneath. He pulled out and shot you in the face, wiping some of his ropes into your slutty mouth begging to taste his cum. 

Obito pulled out of your rear with a long moan from you and entered into your gaping cunt. He flipped you over so that you were back on all fours while he took you from behind. Kakashi’s seed dripped down your face as Obito too picked up speed ready to cum. He railed you without mercy, making sure you’d never forget this night. He pulled out of you and yanked on your hair so you’d turn and face him. He stuffed himself in your mouth making sure you swallowed every last drop. Holding your head down on his length while your nose kissed his belly. 

“Fuck, Y/N, I knew you could fuck but I didn’t know you could fuck like that!” Obito praised

“Look who’s talking” you say to Obito as soon as he released your head. You got up off the bean bag chair and started walking towards the bathroom.  “I need to shower, who’s coming with?” Your eyes dart between them.

Both boys follow you to the shower. Obito holding your hips against his as Kakashi turns on the water. You grab the body wash while Kakashi lathers soap onto a washcloth, cleaning his sticky spread off your face before giving it a kiss. You smile at him while Obito plays with your tits from behind. You close your eyes and hum. You take turns stroking and kissing them both, sometimes letting one of them slip back inside you. You toy with each other the entire time. You admire how cute they both look all lathered up. Finally having your fill you each rinse off. As you turn off the water Obito slaps your ass just as Kakashi grabs your face to kiss you. 

The three of you pile into your king size bed to spend the night. Kakashi on your left and Obito on your right. One of your hands holding Kakashi’s hand, while the other cups his cheek. Obito however has taken full control of your waist and has forced you to be his little spoon. He buries his whole face in your neck. You let him since he was such a good fuck. Your exhausted bliss knocks you out minutes after all  of you lay down.

You knew nothing would change between the three of you. You would continue to be friends and it wouldn’t be weird. At least now you had some closure on your crush with Kakashi and you knew to bring Obito around when you had that itch only he could scratch. 

Masterlist

[dewinthestars]

How to Stay Organized When You’re Juggling College, Relationships, Social Life, and Personal Life

Hey there, overachievers (and fellow burnt-out humans)! Life can feel like a never-ending balancing act when you’re trying to keep up with college classes, maintain a relationship, hang out with friends, and still make time for you. It’s a lot—but balance is possible. Here’s a breakdown of how to organize your life so you don’t feel like you’re drowning:

1. Time Blocking Is Your Best Friend

Your calendar is more than just a tool—it’s a lifeline.

• Block out time for classes, assignments, and study sessions first (non-negotiable).

• Schedule quality time with your partner, even if it’s just a FaceTime study date or a coffee run between classes.

• Add “you” time to the calendar—self-care is just as important as deadlines.

Pro Tip: Use color coding for different areas of your life (blue = school, pink = relationship, yellow = social life, etc.) so you can visually see how balanced your week looks.

2. Prioritize Like a Pro

You can’t do everything at once, and that’s okay.

• Academic deadlines come first. Late essays = late-night stress. No thanks.

• If you’re overwhelmed, communicate! A quick “Hey, this week is hectic, can we catch up later?” goes a long way in relationships and friendships.

• Be honest with yourself about what truly needs your attention and what can wait.

3. The Power of Small Moments

If you don’t have hours to spare, make the most of minutes.

• Text your partner or friends during study breaks to stay connected.

• Listen to a podcast, meditate, or journal for 10 minutes to recharge.

• Little moments of effort show the people in your life (and yourself) that you care.

4. Learn to Say No

It’s tempting to say yes to everything, but overcommitting will drain you.

• Politely decline plans if you’re running on empty. Your true friends and partner will understand.

• Think of it this way: when you say no to something, you’re saying yes to what matters most (like your mental health).

5. Sunday Reset = Your Secret Weapon

Use Sundays to get your life together for the week ahead.

• Plan outfits, meals, and study sessions in advance.

• Check in with yourself: How are you feeling? What’s your focus for the week?

• Clean your space—nothing feels more chaotic than trying to study in a messy room.

6. Give Yourself Grace

Some weeks will feel balanced, and others won’t—and that’s okay.

• Life isn’t about perfect balance; it’s about being intentional.

• Celebrate your wins (no matter how small), and don’t beat yourself up if you drop a ball.

[bwoahtastic]

Seb making his directorial debut and he has a vision for the way he wants it to go. The studio keeps sending him audition tapes for the omega lead role but none of them are right. Seb goes through thousands of audition tapes before he gets to Nico's and right away it's like fireworks in his brain. Nico is so perfect for the role, this crazy mix of sweet and sultry and intelligent and icy and vulnerable all at once. Seb calls Nico in for an in person audition and a chemistry read and he's even better in person. Once Seb has seen Nico he doesn't want to see anyone else for the role because he knows that Nico is the one. But the studio doesn't want Nico, he's spent most of his career in supporting roles as the pretty young arm candy and he isn't the kind of draw that they were hoping for, plus he's just had a baby, so they tell Seb to choose someone else. Seb argues for Nico for weeks, refusing to do the movie without him and eventually he manages to wear down the execs to let him cast Nico.

Nico is so appreciative when he finds out how hard Seb fought for him. This is his first serious role and he wants to do it justice both for himself and for Seb. He takes so many careful notes of the script and shyly asks to speak to Seb to discuss it, which he of course agrees to. Acting and storytelling is a craft that they share and both care about immensely. Seb is so impressed with Nico's dedication to the role, and feels so at ease talking about the deeper meaning and symbolism of the film.

And then he sees him with little Maxy and just falls completely for Nico. He sees how much care and attention and love Nico devotes to Max, even as he's juggling work, and all he wants to do is make Nico's life easier and better, and they prove to be such a good team, on and off the camera

9h plss yes! Seb watching a million audition tapes and even declining on some pretty big names which the studio isn't happy with. Nico's agent allowed hik to send a tape because Nico has been saying he wanted more serious roles and the agent assumed Nico would stopped asking if they tried and failed for this role that is way too advanced for Nico in his opinion.

But seb sees the tape one night and it all just clicks seeing Nico. He is the exact crazy mix of vulnerable and icy, pretty but also incredibly intelligent and it is perfect for what seb envisioned! The studio is against it tho, Nico is hardly a big name and only ever plays dumb armcandy. He could never play this right. Ans besides, he just had a pup and probably cant commit to the filming and when they say he probably also will not look good on camera, too fat anf worn after having the pup, Seb sees red and cheqs them out for it. Seb argues and threatens until he is allowed to have nico come in for an in person read. And not even the studio people can say no when they see what a good fit Nico is and what a good chemistry they have!

Nico being so in awe when he learns how hard seb fought to have him get this role and he is honoured, wanting to do it justice so so bad! He goes toctalk to seb about he story and script until late at night, bringing maxy so he can hold his pup and also take breaks to nurse him and pls the tiny cutie is so sweet and seb is so nice with the little one!

They work so well together on and off camera and Nico is very protective of Maxy but has no problem with Seb watching Maxy, trusts him fully!

Also their roles having an on screen kiss? Or maybe even a sex scene too👀 and its a lot ofocurse. Seb makes sure to have the best intimacy coaches, values it a lot but it's still intense foe both of them. The kiss already leaves both blushing after 'cut' is called and Nico isna little shy arkunf Seb after. For the sex scene they are both nervous (pls Seb placing nicos hand on his chest so he can feel seb's heart is beating like crazy too!) And sure it's fake and they are wearing these weird garments but it's still a lot of skin on skin and nico smells a lot like seb after and he doesn't want to shower and lose it...

[randomstoryenjoyer]

Hey Can I request a scenario where a gingerbrave, his friends, and pure vanilla cookie get save by the reader/Spider-cookie

Plot: After GingerBrave and his friends Recruited Moonlight cookie they decided they needed a break. so they decided to visit new dough city with pure vanilla cookie by their side (because if I remember correctly mostly everyone is a child besides chili pepper I think) but they were not expecting some members of the cookies of darkness to be there and with some members from the sinister 6. They tried beating them but there were too many of them to take down. They are now cornered in a alleyway thinking that they are in danger but then new dough city's hero Spider-cookie arriving in the speed of time.

Your friendly neighbourhood Spider Cookie! (Spider-Man reader)

Idk what variation of the sinister six is the main one so I’ll just use the original one

It’s been a few days since the whole ordeal at the City of Wizards, and with yet another ally on their side, Gingerbrave’s gang was finally starting to get a bit tired from the constant ordeals they’ve went through with each of their previous quests.

So, in order to take a well deserved break, the whole group had taken a trip to New Dough City, which was a recently founded small metropolis with architecture so grand that it even rivalled that of places such as the Crème Republic. Pure Vanilla was tagging along with the group to stay by their side due to Chili Pepper Cookie making it clear more than once that she was going to be spending most of her time pickpocketing unsuspecting citizens of the city. Besides, he was also interested on visiting this new place that he barely knew anything about, even warning it of the looming danger of Dark Enchantress Cookie if need be.

However, while they were busy admiring the towering skyscrapers and mighty landmarks of the city, Pure Vanilla noticed that many cookies were all running away from the area, screams and howls of panic littering the air. The reason for this became crystal clear once the group saw some few familiar faces…

It was the Cookies of Darkness, again! Pomegranate Cookie, Licorice Cookie and Poison Mushroom Cookie appeared before the group with the same determination as always, but that wasn’t all…

Despite still only having been founded recently, New Dough City was apparently important enough to already have its own team of evil cookies: Doctor Octopus Cookie, Vulture Cookie, Electro Cookie, Kraven Hunter Cookie, Mysterio Cookie, and Sand Cookie! Having teamed up with the Cookies of Darkness for now, they were all wreaking havoc to the streets, daring the group to try and stop them.

Try as they might, Gingerbrave’s gang was not prepared to handle such an advanced group, let alone managing to beat them. Gingerbrave couldn’t even focus on a single target to take down when he was getting assaulted by robotic claws, or getting constantly hit with sand, and trying to juggle it all against Licorice Cookie’s minion horde. Having been pushed back and cornered into an alleyway, Pomegranate Cookie was having the time of her life, claiming about how the darkness would always prevail as it seemed that the Gingerbrave and his friends truly were in danger now, until she heard an odd sound behind her…

Cue a few seconds later, she’s already stuck to the wall, restrained by a sticky substance that resembled a spider’s silk. Licorice Cookie and Poison Mushroom Cookie are confused as to who did this, but the Sinister Six already had enraged expressions as knew very well who had arrived…

New Dough City’s hero: Spider Cookie!

Arriving just in the nick of time with your vibrant red and blue suit, you got straight to business, showcasing your acrobatic skills and doing constant turns around the evil cookies to strike them at high speed. All it took for Licorice was a few jabs and kicks to the head for him to go down and ending up glued to the wall in a web next to Pomegranate Cookie, who was now visibly irritated from your constant taunts and playful remarks against them, as if brawls like these were something you were already more than used to.

Knowing that they had a slim chance to win this fight, the Sinister Six resorted to playing dirty as Mysterio Cookie created a group of illusions to distract the group and Doctor Octopus Cookie used his metallic tentacles to capture Pure Vanilla Cookie with the group exfiltrating from the site. Despite his best efforts, he only managed to get a small distance away from the alleyway before you swung right over to him and shot a web in his face and attached another web to his back, yanking his tentacles away from Pure Vanilla Cookie and launching him into the distance as you let go of the web attached to him.

Pure Vanilla Cookie screamed for help as he fell down from above after the tentacles let go of him, only to suddenly find himself being carried by one of your arms as you swung back to the alleyway with him clinging closely to you. He could already feel his cheeks reddening…

As you got back to the group, Gingerbrave was already running over to you, stars twinkling in his eyes as he gushed about how awesome you were, asking so many questions about you and thanking you for the billionth time for the help. You’re just so cool!

Strawberry Cookie was already pulling her hoodie strings to the limit as she tried to hide her reddening face, feeling very shy and thankful for you having arrived in the nick of time and having saved them.

Wizard Cookie, on the other hand, was extremely fascinated with your web shooters and with how you were able to predict the Sinister Six’s movements so easily. What kind of magic was this?!

As for Custard Cookie |||, he was all over praising you for protecting a great king such as himself, already granting you as many titles he could think of such as “King’s honourable protector”

And Chili Pepper Cookie? She was probably off still swiping from random citizens

Similarly to the group, Pure Vanilla Cookie is also fascinated at your strength and web-shooting skills, getting right up close to you and thanking you diligently for devoting yourself towards keeping New Dough City and other cookies safe. But as he kept contemplating his circling thoughts on his head over you, he remembered something. And judging from Gingerbrave’s face, he had remembered the same thing too…

Suddenly putting on a solemn face, Pure Vanilla Cookie faced you straight in the eyes and told you that a great shadow was hanging over Earthbread, and that if it succeeded, more than only New Dough City would suffer and crumble. With the expertise of a soliloquy, he went on about how he and his fellow group of cookie travellers were scouring all over Earthbread to seek brave, determined cookies who would be willing to assist them in the ending the darkness so peace and prosperity prevail, and to keep everybody they cared about safe, friends and family…

His plead reminded you of someone… a certain cookie who you had lost… the one who led to you taking up the hero role you now have and granting safety to the vulnerable… and so without a second thought, you agreed, causing the group to erupt into another excited chatter of thank-yous and admirations.

And so, Gingerbrave and friends left New Dough City with a new ally, one who would stand by their side on their final stand against Dark Enchantress Cookie…

[tlbodine]

Ask you anything! Ok. I’ve skimmed through your stuff. You seem sane. How are you holding up?

Personally, I’m running a little low on motivation, and now is not the time.

I want to start and anti-fascist book club. My thinking is that community is incredibly important. There are good reasons for me not to do it but I am still compelled… but not so much to be able to think through the brain fog of depression to work it out.

If you’ve found a way to keep a handle on things and would like to share, I would ask that of you.

Best of luck out there, stranger. 💛

Hey friend. Thanks for reaching out! You seem like a good egg.

I am posting through it, as they say. I feel like I did in early 2020 when the pandemic was new and every day I checked the death logs. Which is to say, feeling like I am going crazy while juggling terror and uncertainty with the simultaneous feeling of being...basically fine, day by day? These are very weird times.

I think building community is always good, in whatever capacity you are able. I think mutual aid is more important than ever, and it is increasingly important to have connections offline.

As for survival tips, lol. Um. Let me think:

- Community, like we said. I run a discord server for writers and we help keep each other sane. I also have offline connections.

- Putting bumpers on doomscrolling. Know when your news consumption tips from "being informef" to "self harm" and have an offline activity ready to switch to and wind down.

- Get involved at a grassroots level with whatever you are comfortable doing.

- Stay safe and do not post about anything you are doing offline (ie, don't take selfies at a protest)

- Do not listen when people say doomy defeatist stuff. Do not comply in advance. Do not mistake arguing with strangers online for praxis.

I guess basically decide what it is you can reasonably do, make a plan to do it, then don't beat yourself up for living your life outside of that. Good luck out there.

[miloscat]

[Review] Sega Pocket Arcade: Ecco the Dolphin (1995)

A rare dolphin treat.

A while ago I bought the Sega Pocket Arcade: Ecco the Dolphin from 1994 (pictured on the left, below). Much to my dismay, problems with the unit design caused hardware issues that rendered the game unplayable. Still, it’s a great collector’s item in a unique form factor. However, a much rarer item is the second Ecco the Dolphin handheld from 1995-according to the back of the unit (pictured on the right)-or 1997 going by the packaging. Although Tiger is often credited for the initial “red label” games in this line, their branding is absent from the packaging so Sega of America may have internally developed the first model and manufactured it in the US, but the 1995 blue label model was certainly and proudly developed by the experienced LCD game company Tiger and made in China… and by the way, the hardware did not almost instantly fail on me.

Sega’s initial Pocket Arcade line had a few different case designs, some with slide-out screens. Their clamshell units included Ecco, Columns, and Football. When Tiger took over, all of their line, such as this second Ecco, Nights, and the enticing Panzer Dragoon, used the screen-protecting clamshell design. They also seem to universally use a much smaller inset screen compared to the first lineup, no doubt a cost-saving measure that unfortunately hampers playability somewhat.

Now, observe the two units side by side. Note the differences in screen layout and button distribution. These are in fact two completely separate games with differing design, graphics, and controls. Both have Ecco auto-swimming to the right, avoiding hostile sea life over a number of levels, but each has unique features. The first game has an active sonar mechanic, which can reveal tunnels to swim through (similar to the OG dolphin game, Activision’s Dolphin) and interact with glyphs. It has a speed control mechanic, hazardous seagulls above the waves, and dolphin family members to rescue, not to mention descriptive level write-ups in the manual.

By contrast, this second unit seems simpler, more of a straightforward survival game. But there’s enough depth for an LCD game, with three planes of action and the life/air bars to juggle. Surfacing for air is necessary but sometimes blocked by a jellyfish, and health can be refilled by tapping the Eat button on the lower lane when a fish comes along amongst the coral. There are many hazards on the bottom layer to be wary of, though.

The biggest foe is the octopus who emerges from the right to menace two lanes with tentacular ferocity! Combine this with a jelly up top and you’re in a right pickle. However, a back-dodge can grant temporary sanctuary especially when chained together. More types of sharks appear as the levels progress to threaten each lane, and other, more difficult to identify, creatures add to the dangers of the deep. This game features a passive sonar to help you avoid the larger threats, with a sort of status bar that displays the direction of imminent attacks.

There are six levels in total (compared to the first unit’s seven), with the action speeding up as you advance. Beat level six and you win the game, or so the cardboard insert claims. The pace of gameplay and the intense rate at which your air depletes at this stage meant that I couldn’t manage to clear it. Your number of lives resets to 3 on each stage, so there’s no way to stock up or lasting penalty for taking a few dings. The game also tracks your score, which as far as I could tell just increases naturally as you progress regardless of your actions. It seems a little pointless, especially because it maxes out at 9990 partway through level five!

The soundscape is a few mere beeps and dare I say boops governed by your actions, and the majority of the backdrop is just a blue gradient… of course, this means it doesn’t obscure sprites like some other LCD games’ busy backgrounds. Those sprites are lovely, distinctive and detailed. Well, most of them anyway; some of the enemy critters don’t show up well on this tiny screen.

From what I could tell of the first unit, it tries to make each level somewhat distinctive, with an adventure feel as you can start from any stage you’ve unlocked, while this second one is content to just up the speed and add a couple of new enemy types as you advance, making it more of a score-chasing action game. It does have some nice little touches though, like the land edges that border each stage, and the lightning storm in the skies above, while the printed sandy coral layer on the sea floor mitigates the lack of the stunning sky vista the first game had. The two complement each other well, and I feel a lucky collector indeed to now own both, even if the first one is busted and the second has an ever so small screen. I just love dolphin games that much!

[jinxhallows]

ᴄʜᴀsɪɴɢ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀs | sᴇᴏ ᴄʜᴀɴɢʙɪɴ x ғᴇᴍ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

☾ – ᴄʜᴀsɪɴɢ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀs

sᴇᴏ ᴄʜᴀɴɢʙɪɴ x ғᴇᴍ!ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: ʙʀɪᴇғ ᴀʟᴄᴏʜᴏʟ ᴜsᴇ, ʙʀɪᴇғ ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴ ᴏғ ᴅᴏᴍᴇsᴛɪᴄ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ɪᴛs ᴍᴇ sᴏ ɪᴛs ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ɴᴏɴ ɪᴅᴏʟ ᴀᴜ

ᴡᴄ: 𝟺.𝟹ᴋ

Yall....FINALLY, amirite???? Changbin is officially in my wheelhouse now <3

---

You had built a life for yourself in the bustling city, juggling various roles and responsibilities to keep yourself busy and your rent paid. But tonight, as you lounge on the couch of your cozy one-bedroom Jersey City apartment, a restlessness gnaws at you.  

This was the other side of living alone in a city where you had no family and barely any friends. Sure, you loved parading nude around your space while watering your monsteras to the early Sunday morning tunes of lofi; but then again, you wished you had somewhere to be on a late Friday night like tonight.  

If you ruminated on the existentiality of it at this moment, you’d probably fall into an unnecessary panic attack. 

Quick—use a coping skill from therapy before it gets too bad. 

Distraction. 

Your ankle taps your foot forward with a constant bounce, and you nibble on your inner lower lip. You pick up your phone lying next to you, scrolling through your contacts to see which friend you felt like putting up with this time. As you pause on Seo Changbin's name, memories of laughter and shared moments flood your mind, bringing a genuine smile to your face.  You can still remember when you met him two years ago, when you first moved to the city. 

You had signed up for a Thai boxing class, a random attempt to meet new people in your local area. As you stepped into the enormous gymnasium, your eyes widened at the sight of people flinging each other down onto a mat with thudding echoes. It must've shown on your face because an instructor, Changbin, stopped you before you talked yourself back out the door. 

"They're very advanced, don't worry," he grinned, extending his hand. "I'm Changbin, one of the Thai boxing instructors, and you are?" 

Changbin was a sight to behold. He stood matching your own height, with a muscular physique that was accentuated by the sweat-wicking athleisure shirt and shorts he was wearing. His hair was short, stopping just above his ears, damp with sweat, with strands sticking to the crown of his head. 

You introduced yourself as Y/N and explained that you were there for the Thai boxing 3-pack trial classes. 

"Ah, great," he said, a teasing glint in his eye. "That's Jiu-Jitsu, not boxing; you looked pretty terrified of it. I won't go so hard on you." 

His words made you smile, and you retorted, "Who says I need you to go easy?" 

Changbin's features lit up with amusement, and you noticed the way his expressive eyes added to his charm. As the class progressed, you found yourself drawn to his fluid movements and natural grace, and you were impressed by the way he effortlessly demonstrated the techniques. 

After class, Changbin approached you, a hint of sweat still visible on his brow.  

"You did great," he said with a genuine smile.  

"Are you coming back for the other trial classes?" 

Changbin steps out of the dimly lit underground venue, still hearing the echoes of the crowd ringing in his ears. He takes a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill his lungs, and pulls out his phone. His finger hovers over your name in his contacts, the memory of your easy laughter and sparkling eyes making his heart skip a beat. He knows he shouldn't be feeling this way about a friend, but he can't help how he feels. 

As he types out the message, his mind races with thoughts of what he wants to show you tonight, wanting to bring you to a side of the city you haven't seen before. He hits send, and as he waits for your reply, he feels a nervous sense of anticipation, wondering if tonight will be the night that he finally tells you how he truly feels. 

Your phone buzzes just as you decide to text him, and your heart races when you see the message is from him. You tap on the notification and open the message thread, your excitement mounting as you see the nickname you forced onto him for the both of you. He could act like it was corny all he wanted, but he surely locked you in his phone with yours with no hesitation at all. 

solar eclipse: idk if you're up right now, but if so, txt me if you're up for a late-night adventure. 

You reply immediately, accepting his invitation. 

As Changbin waits for your response, the three dots indicating your reply blink twice before your message appears. He grins, feeling relieved. 

lunar eclipse: you know damn well I'm up right now, Changbin. Where am I meeting you? 

You grab your jacket and step out of your apartment, ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant city atmosphere. As you walk towards the PATH train, you hear the distant sound of live music from a nearby bar, adding to the anticipation of the night ahead. The city is alive with endless possibilities, and you're curious to see where he's going to take you tonight. Changbin stayed busy with his job and going to school part time for mixed medium art, so he didn’t suggest a random late night adventure very often. 

solar eclipse: lol, you take lots of naps! You couldve been sleep. I'll send the location. 

solar eclipse: it's in Eastwood. 

- solar eclipse has sent a location - 

lunar eclipse: Brooklyn?! This late? The PATH stops running in 2 hours, I won't have a way back home. 

solar eclipse: I WOULDNT LEAVE YOU STRANDED 

You suppress a laugh as you stand in the station. It's relatively empty at this hour, with only two other people waiting for their trains into the city. 

lunar eclipse: Why are you yelling at me through a text message? 

solar eclipse: Because you said you're coming and then made it complicated again.  You do that when youre about to cancel. 

As you start to type a reply, another message from him comes through. 

solar eclipse: You can stay with me. I'll sleep on the pullout couch. 

You erase what you were going to say and reply to his offer instead. 

lunar eclipse: Deal :) 

You tuck your phone into your bag as the train rushes through the tunnel, emerging and blowing your hair back as it comes to a stop. You board it for the thirty-minute commute to Eastwood, Brooklyn, pulling your headphones over your head and nestling into your seat. 

As the train hurtles through the darkness, your head leans against the cool window, a blur of lights streaking past outside. The steady rumble of the tracks reverberates through your skull, creating a gentle vibration that lulls you into a drowsy trance. 

Seo Changbin. 

As you lazily open up your files, memories of him flood your mind, taking you back to the early stages of your now failed relationship. It was during that time that Changbin became the man who’s infectious laughter and magnetic personality drew you in, leaving you unable to resist spending time with him whenever he asked. You signed up for more classes, and with each passing day, you grew stronger, more confident, and with better endurance. His presence not only made you feel good, but he was also good for your body. 

You tap on one of his songs, 'ForeverDraft.MP3,' and his voice fills your ears. You close your eyes, allowing yourself to be carried away by the rhythm and melody of his music. Changbin's rap skills had taken you by surprise when you were still with your ex-boyfriend. You ex was a battle rapper from the Bronx, and you had unknowingly watched your new friend go bar for bar against your boyfriend at a popular underground venue in Brooklyn. The look of shock on your face must have been evident when Changbin emerged victorious, wiping the floor with your boyfriend's ego. 

At the time, Changbin had no idea that he was battling against your partner, which made things worse when your dejected boyfriend stormed off the stage in a fury. You couldn't resist rushing over to Changbin, however, shocked by his talent and tackling him in an excited hug, leaving your boyfriend to wonder if you had set him up. 

The argument that followed that night was intense, and even though you made up the next day, things were never the same between you two. Your ex had always had a tendency towards a short fuse, but that night, he blew up in ways that you had never experienced. He shoved you against the wall twice, and you felt the pain of the concussion, making him realize how far he had gone. He apologized profusely, trying to help you back to your feet as you held the back of your head, wondering if things would ever be the same between you two again. 

“HE DID WHAT?!” Changbin’s voice erupted in anger, spewing out a torrent of Korean curses and vivid death wishes that made you hold the phone away from your ear. Despite the gravity of the situation, you couldn't help but find his passion strangely attractive. It was the first time you had smiled all night, a small but genuine grin that spread across your face. 

“Are you still there?!” he asked, sounding frustrated. 

“Yes, Changbin,” you replied, bringing the phone back to your ear. 

“I’m still here.” 

He sighed heavily, clearly exasperated. “Just one time--” 

“Stop. We’ve been over this. If you were just an average guy, I’d let you give him a taste of his own medicine. But as a mixed martial arts instructor, I don’t want to risk going to jail over this. I don’t have any fucking friends here already, I just--” You didn't expect to get emotional, but a tear trickled down your cheek as you wiped it away. 

“Hey, calm down. I won't do anything to him, okay? I promise.” Changbin's voice softened, and you hugged your hoodie a little tighter as a cool evening breeze blew through the thin fabric. You had left with just the clothes on your back to avoid any further escalation for the night. 

“Do you want to come over? My Xbox is collecting dust, and you're the only one who can keep everyone alive in House of Ashes.” 

“Oh, we haven't played that in a while! There's a new one out! You should download it. If you start now, it'll be done by the time I get there. It's called--” 

As you continued to excitedly talk about the newest installment in the gaming series, Changbin relaxed on his couch. He had convinced you to get away from the situation, at least for the night, and he loved to hear you like this—happy, excited, and passionate about something. He knew every last detail, and he wanted to see it as clearly as you did. 

Running his hand through his hair, he listened to you with a smile. He wasn't going to lay a finger on your boyfriend—no, he had friends to take care of that for him.  

Seo Changbin. 

You chuckle to yourself, swiping to the next track he had sent you from his upcoming mixtape. He was incredibly talented, and you two bonded over music, spending long days and nights creating together for the sheer joy of it. 

As you disembark from the train, you check your phone, which is still without service while you are still underground. The crowds in New York City are overwhelming, but you walk to the beat of the track, one of your favorites, with a Camp Lo instrumental that he seemed to float on. 

When you emerge out of the subway station, you pull up your navigation app and follow it towards the three-minute destination. When your app tells you that you arrived, you see a plain office building, but the list of businesses were all entertainment venues. You take a few steps back from the entryway and call him. 

“Yo,” he answers. 

“Yeah, I think I'm here? At some office building?” You look around at the bright lights above you and then again through the glass doors. 

“Oh, I'll be out,” he says. 

Half a minute later, he comes from the dimly lit halls, too far to see from where you stood. He unlocks the door, pushes it open, and lets you walk inside before locking it behind you. 

“What kind of adventure did you drag me out here for?” you ask as he pulls you into a big, firm hug. His thick, muscular arms squeeze your body tighter than anyone else, making you laugh, and his short, wavy black hair tickles your face.  He finally releases you, looking at you with a smile. 

“Food and art.” Changbin says proudly, he waves his hand, “Follow me.” 

You follow him into a recording studio, the walls adorned with a massive graffiti mural that immediately captures your attention. The colors are bold and vibrant, and the designs intricate and eye-catching. It's clear that this was the work of a skilled artist, and you’re captivated by it.

"Who did this?" you ask, turning to him with wide eyes. 

Changbin grins proudly. "This is the work of my friend, He Li. She's an incredible artist. I knew you'd appreciate it." 

You nod in agreement, still admiring the artwork. "It's amazing. I've never seen anything like it." 

He motions towards the Chinese takeout sitting on a small table in the corner. "I got your favorite," he says with a grin. 

You smile back at him, grateful for the gesture. "Thanks, Changbin. You always know how to make me feel better." 

He walks over to the table and grabs a container of food, motioning for you to join him. "Come on, I’m hungry and I waited forever for you to get here." 

“That’s your stupid ass fault.” You sneer, sitting down next to him and grabbing a container for yourself. He cuts his eyes at you making you giggle, “I never told you you had to wait for me to start eating.” 

“In that case,” He takes the food back from your hands, digging his chopsticks into it and stuffing the lo mein in his mouth.  You yell at him, snatching it back while he’s covering his mouth to catch a stray noodle from falling during his bout of laughter. 

You lift your fist, threatening to punch him. 

“Don’t fuck with my food, asshole.” 

“Duly noted.” He laughs. 

The two of you enjoy the Chinese takeout while admiring the mural, discussing its intricate details and the story it tells. As the night wears on, you feel your spirits lifting. Spending nights like this with a friend and enjoying the art around you is what you needed to take your mind off of the loneliness you felt living alone at home. 

“He Li, huh?” You sit back after you’ve both finished your food and toss the empty container in the nearby trashcan.  “I’ve got to look into more of their work, you know, I’ve always found graffiti when turned into art, super interesting.” You nod, looking over the mural again. 

Another fact to store in the back of his brain. 

Changbin stands up, stretching and pulling on his jacket.  “Ready for the next stop?” 

You place your hand to your chest, feigning shock at his eagerness to switch locations like this.  Usually when you two hung out it was at restaurant, maybe a bar, each other’s places, but gallivanting around the city together? This was new. 

“Born ready.”  

The evening air of the city is thick with warmth, a sign that summer is just around the corner. It's a pleasant night to be walking to catch the train. You and Changbin saunter down the street, playfully goading each other and joking around. It feels good to be with someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously, someone who's not afraid to be silly in public. You pass a street performer and Changbin can't resist the urge to bust a move, causing you both to erupt in laughter. The energy between you two is electric, full of carefree joy and a sense of adventure. 

You rest your head on Changbin's shoulder, the rhythmic swaying of the train lulling you both into a peaceful state. Your fingers tap away on your phone, scrolling through your Instagram DMs. 

"I learned a new Korean word today," you say, glancing up at Changbin with a mischievous grin. 

"Oh really?" he asks, turning his head to look at you. "Tell me." 

You swipe through your phone, pulling up a direct message from a friend. "Sshi—sshibal," you say, struggling to pronounce the Hangeul characters. 

Changbin's eyes widen, and he quickly moves over, causing you to lift your head.  

"That means fuck," you clarify, a small smile playing on your lips. 

"I know what it means, I—" he interrupts, grabbing your phone from your hands. His brow furrows as he scrolls through your messages. "Who is this guy? Random Korean guys teaching you curse words? I can do that," he says, his tone both possessive and playful. 

You bite your lip, trying to hold your laughter at his reaction. It's cute how he can be so protective over you, even when it's just harmless language exchange. You watch as he taps on the user's profile and starts scrolling through his photos, his upper lip curling in disgust. 

Despite his faux-anger, you can feel a flutter in your chest at his attention. You try not to think about how cute it was when he got like this, almost possessive over you, like he liked you or something. 

“First of all, he’s my tutor, not some ‘random Korean guy’,” You take your phone back, locking it and tucking it back into your pocket as you lift a brow, “and besides, since when do you care what ‘random Korean guys’ I’m talking to?” 

Shit 

He must think quickly to avoid suspicion. 

“Tch,” He scoffs, “I just feel like you can do way better than that, I mean, he looks boring.” 

Your eyes twinkle in that way that made his stomach flip, he just knew some bullshit was about to follow. 

“Really? Wow, tell me Changbin,” You lean forward onto your leg, 

“How exactly does a person look boring?”  

Changbin gestures to your phone hidden in your pocket, “I just saw your conversation, he asks you if you ate, you tell him yes, you ask him if he ate, he tells you yes, how was your day, blah blah blah, Y/N we never talk about that shit, you know you love to talk about all kinds of things, you’re into things so much cooler than what you ate today,” 

He realizes he’s starting to steer the conversation back to himself a little bit too quickly, a level of self-awareness not many Leos inherently carry.  “But, I guess, for a tutor, he’s cool.” He shrugs, “But I can tutor you better.” 

“And how will you tutor me better?” 

“I mean, for one, before you start learning to curse, you should probably start with putting sentences together, you know, like ‘I eat food’ and ‘I drink coffee’, that would get you somewhere.  Sshibal isn’t going to get you anywhere, it’s gonna get me in a fight with the random asshole you spout it to.” 

As you sit next to him, you notice how his features scrunch up in annoyance when he catches you staring. But you can't help it; you love looking at him. You love the way his hair falls in his face, the way his eyes crease when he smiles, and the way he's always there to protect you. 

"Ya. What are you staring at?!" he asks, and you grin. You know he thinks you're up to something, but you're not. Not this time, at least. You just enjoy looking at him, and it's making him uncomfortable. 

As he shifts in his seat, you notice the way his eyes dart around the train car, not wanting to meet your gaze. You know he's insecure, and it breaks your heart. You wish he could see himself the way you see him: kind, caring, and so, so attractive. 

"You're protective over me, huh?" you ask softly, trying to draw him out of his own head. You can see the way his jaw tenses as he considers his response. 

"Someone has to be," he finally says, and you feel a pang of sadness. You wish he could see that you want to be that someone. But for now, you'll settle for the way his eyes light up when he talks about protecting you. 

As you follow Changbin through the streets of Brooklyn, you feel a sense of excitement and adventure. This is a part of the city you hadn't explored before, and the anticipation is palpable. The sidewalk is lined with trees, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze, creating a soothing and calming atmosphere. 

Despite being a bustling metropolis, you were surprised to see how suburban the neighborhood felt. The quaint houses and manicured lawns reminded you of a small town, a stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers that dominated Manhattan. 

As you turn the corner, you see a small park nestled between two towering buildings. The brick walls loom above you, casting shadows that seem to dance in the flickering light. You're drawn to the wall that takes up an entire side of the building, covered in a stunning graffiti mural that's illuminated by spotlights installed in the ground. 

“This is by my other friend, Theo.” 

The colors and designs on the mural captivate your attention. Its a true masterpiece of graffiti art. The wall seems to come alive with every stroke of the spray can, blending shades of red, blue, and green together in a way that is almost magical. 

The mural is an intricate work of art, depicting a chaotic and beautiful scene. There are faces and figures interwoven with abstract designs. You wonder how many hours of work went into creating such a stunning piece. 

Changbin smiles as he notices your expression. “It's amazing, isn't it? Theo is one of the best graffiti artists in the city, and this is one of his best works." 

You nod. It's as if the wall has come alive, the colors and designs pulsing with a vibrant energy that you can feel in your bones.  You’re only interrupted by the cool bottle of soju that’s pressed against your arm, 

“Want some?” 

When have you ever said no to soju? 

“I had no idea something this beautiful existed right in the city like this.” You say, “Do that spinny thingy.” You twirl your finger and he laughs. 

You revel in the sound of Changbin's laughter, the corners of his lips lifting up to reveal his pearly whites. With a flick of his wrist, he spins the soju bottle, creating a miniature tornado inside that leaves you in awe, like a child seeing magic for the first time. 

"How cool," you gush, cracking the bottle open and taking a big gulp. The wooden bench in front of the colorful mural creaks as Changbin sits down beside you. "I needed this." 

He cocks an eyebrow at you. "You do? What's wrong?" 

You shrug, waving your hand dismissively. "Nothing's wrong. School is just kicking my ass. I don't know why I decided to go back so late. I feel too old." 

"I've never seen a young veterinarian," he teases, and you playfully punch him in the arm. 

"Ouch! You've been training with me so you're fucking strong. Be careful, sheesh." He rubs his arm, then takes another swig from the bottle. You punch him again, and he spills some soju onto his black shirt. 

"Oops, my bad." You giggle, knowing you've just started something. He gazes at you with hooded eyes as he wipes the droplets from his chin. Slowly, he nods as if plotting his next move, and you know you're in for it. 

"I swear I didn't mean to spill it," you plead between laughs as he sloshes the soju at you, splashing your hoodie. 

"I didn't mean to spill it," he mocks, grinning as he dodges your retaliatory strikes. He finishes the rest of the bottle himself, tossing it into the trash can with a clatter. "Hey, hey, now we're even, right?" He tries to pacify you, his hands on your shoulders, though it's clear that you're the one who started it all. 

"One more stop," he says. 

You raise an eyebrow. "Another one? What is this, you're gonna propose to me or somethin?" you tease, unzipping your hoodie and taking it off as you two leave the park together. 

"Don't say shit like that, because if I were, you just ruined the surprise," he responds, his voice low and smooth. He stops his pace to help you take the hoodie off your shoulders and you tie it around your waist. 

You nod, feeling a little flustered. He has a way of making you feel special, like you're the only person in the world that matters. You try not to get butterflies at the fact that he didn't just outright reject the idea in disgust. 

"Don't worry, the next one is near my place," he explains, his hand brushing against yours. You have no idea what that means in proximity to where you two are at now, but at this point, you'd follow Changbin anywhere. Your heart races a little at the thought. 

As you walk, you manage to get the weight of school lifted a little by ranting about it to him while he laughs at your stories of being sprayed in the face with dog anal glands and finds himself amazed at the fact that you performed your first cystocentesis. You're chattering so much that you don't even realize you're in front of another magnificent mural until you finally ask, 

"All these other people's murals are beautiful, but did you ever get a chance to revisit your own art like you had wanted to?" 

Changbin's brawny arms are casually crossed over his broad chest as he gazes up at the wall towering above you both, his intense eyes taking in every intricate detail. You slowly turn and look up to see a graffiti mural on the side of a white building. The mural is a work of art, bursting with colors and intricate details. At first glance, it looks like a chaotic blend of shapes and images, but as you take a closer look, you start to see the deliberate patterns and messages woven into the piece. 

The mural celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage, with bold calligraphic characters in vibrant hues that spell out powerful words and phrases. Symbols of cultural heritage are scattered throughout, including the colorful lanterns that light up Chinatown streets, the delicate cherry blossoms of Japan, and the intricate mandalas of Southeast Asia. 

In the center of the mural, a majestic dragon coils around the words "AAPI Pride", its scales shimmering in shades of gold and emerald green. The dragon's eyes glint with fierce determination, a reflection of the strength and resilience of the AAPI community. 

You’ve gotten the kind of chills that make the hair stand up on your arms. 

"Jesus Christ, Changbin, you fucking…. you…you did this?!" you stammer, rushing forward to get a closer look at the vibrant colors that adorn the brick wall. As you run your hand over the painted surface, your fingers glide over the hangeul characters that spell out his name. 

서창빈 

Seo Changbin. 

"They asked me to do it for Asian American Heritage Month," Changbin explains, his voice tinged with excitement. "I wasn't sure if I could, I had never done anything this huge before, but I wanted to try." 

You step back, taking in the breathtaking mural in its entirety. It is more magnificent than any artwork you have ever seen, and the fact that it was created by the handsome man standing next to you only adds to its allure. 

"I bet your parents are proud," you say, admiring every detail of the mural and wondering about the meaning behind each symbol. 

"I sent a picture to them, my mom freaked out, she loves it," Changbin replies. "She didn't know I was capable of something like this. Shit, I barely knew myself, but the last time we talked about stuff we had given up on, even though we loved it… I kept thinking about it, and then the Korean Women's Leadership Institute contacted me, and I thought, fuck it, no time like the present." 

As you gaze at him, your heart pounding in your chest, you act on the liquid courage left in your system and take the opportunity to kiss him. It's a quick, soft kiss, but it's enough to make his head spin. You both pull back, staring at each other with wide eyes. 

Changbin can hardly believe what just happened. You cover your mouth with a laugh, and he relaxes, smiling in relief before he leans in to kiss you again. The sensation of his soft lips on yours is like nothing you've ever experienced before. He doesn't move too fast, taking his time to savor the moment he's wanted since he first met you. 

"Yes, it's you," he whispers, pulling back to look at you, the knowing feeling settling in his core.  

"It's always been you." 

Your breath has been stolen directly from your lungs. You smirk and shake your head, echoing his words from earlier. 

"Fuck it, no time like the present."       ☾ – fin

[toomanyf4ndoms7]

Justice League Versus The Legion of Doom character concept: Green Lantern. (John Stewart.)

Biography: Amidst the universe spanning protectors known as Green Lantern Corps, two of which are members of the Justice League. One is Hal Jordan, the other is John Stewart. After fighting off a Mahunter following his discharge from the military, John earned the responsibility of Green Lantern, and soon joined the Justice League in Earth's defence. With a will strong as steel and one of the most powerful weapons in the universe on his finger, Green Lantern will never back down.

Play style:

Ground Combos: 8.

Air combos: 7.

Unique moves:

Lantern Grasp: John grabs the opponent with a green energy hand. A unique move that puts the opponent in a grab state with multiple follow up attacks.

Light attack: Tighten the hold for small damage and a restand.

Medium attack: Throw them up in the air for an air combo.

Heavy attack: Slam the opponent onto the ground. Enhance to have John throw them back up for an air combo.

Special moves:

Power of imagination: John creates a mech suit around himself and marches forward. Trait: John will absorb two projectiles before being stopped.

Advancing Firepower: John creates an automatic rifle from lantern energy and fires. Trait: Adds three extra shots.

Lantern’s shield: John creates a shield to bounce back projectiles.

Willpower Charge: John flies across the screen with a green aura. Trait

Rocket fire: John shoots a missile of energy as a projectile attack.

Grip of Will: John grabs the opponent with lantern energy, slamming them behind him. Enhance for an additional slam that lets the opponent juggle for a ground combo.

Character Trait:

Lantern's light: John charges his ring, increasing his damage and enhancing some special moves.

Super move:

Beware My Power: Begins with John blinding the opponent with light, he then encases the opponent in a bubble of lantern energy, tossing them into the air before throwing them like a baseball across the sky, batting them back across, before using a final swing to send them back down to the arena.

Victory cinematic:

John looks down at his ring, which is dim, he then charges it in a lantern, raising his arm up as his ring glows a bright green.

Some dialogue:

Green Lantern: Back again, Sinestro?

Sinestro: You sound disappointed.

Green Lantern: I thought you were Hal’s mess to clean up.

Green Lantern: Remember our first kiss?

Hawkgirl, fondly: That Havanian prison cell wasn’t exactly our best pick.

Green Lantern: Let’s fix that after this fight.

Green Lantern: I hear you’re a good shot.

Deadshot: The best, Boy Scout.

Green Lantern: Tough talk doesn’t prove anything.

Story dialogue:

John: Remind me again why you’re not showing up to the meeting?

Hal: The guardians need me to train the new recruit. She was in our crew, if you remember.

(John rolls his eyes, having heard the story a couple dozen times.)

John: I remember. How’s she going?

Hal: She almost beat Kilowog in close range training. Got a video.

John: Send it later, I’m pulling up to the Watchtower.

@ohbee-whatcanyoube

[mashithamel]

Full spoilery reactions to S2E1 below the cut

- The Xray says this is TAR. How does someone bring their child to TAR? Why would someone bring their child to TAR? Or maybe she just dreamed herself there somehow and it’s not actually her mom?

- A while back I saw a really cool theory that it was in Amadicia and it was her house. It was based on the house being star shaped, and the map of cultures inspiring costumes for the Westlands.

- I miss the opening credits so much.

- I do not think I could be adequately motivated to take a bath if I had to haul that much water that far. Sponge baths only for me! She doesn’t really do this every day, right? Like, how would she get anything else done?

- I love the bath scene from S1E1 so much; this is such a sad parallel to that relatively happy scene.

- Rafe knows what his audience wants. Daniel does such a nice job showing how Lan is handling this without a word.

- Adeleas is all of us.

- I like that Moiraine is getting her visitors from TDR. And we actually get to have an idea of just what information they are bringing.

- Bayle Doman! I saw someone was unhappy he didn’t have the book facial hair. I didn’t think anyone would be disappointed in much of RJ’s hairstyle ideas being avoided. At the very least the Cairheinin and Maidens of the Spear are upgraded.

- This is not subtle Egwene foreshadowing with the Amyrlin dress.

- “I have enough character.” Yes you do, girl!

- I’ve seen plenty of people comment that learning a weave to decontaminate water is so much more useful for girls who may never advance beyond novices than juggling balls of light, but it’s so true it deserves yet another mention.

- I love that Nynaeve has no ability to meditate on a flower bud opening. I don’t think I could either.

- Interesting Nynaeve hasn’t channeled at all. She’s never been mad enough? Find that hard to believe.

- Nynaeve is my QUEEN. Don’t let those Aes Sedai boss you around.

- I wonder if Liandrin was the one who beat Moiraine, instead of Elaida like I assumed? Is that how a Novice died under her?

- Sheriam’s hair swirl on her chignon is amazing.

- Perrin’s clothes are definitely a step up.

- I fully support swapping in Elayas for Hurin. It works with canon and is a great way to introduce him.

- Yes, make the audience love Uno. This definitely will not come back to bite us later.

- I don’t see the fuss about Masema being hot. But the religious undertones are spot on.

- I love how they are visually showing us Perrin’s wolf-sense with the ability to see recent events. Also how he has to learn to not react to them.

- Does this mean the girl is still alive? Will we see her again? Will we have a child Darkfriend???

- I love how Lan bites off “she’s afraid,” as if even admitting to another Warder that his Aes Sedai is ever afraid is a betrayal, and he regrets the words slipping out. Daniel and Rosamund just get their characters so well.

- Is that how you pronounce Adeleas?

- Is it cool to say you’re available to be Warder for another Warder’s Aes Sedai’s? It seems like that would be super rude.

- A moon dial outside Cairhein, you say???

- That was a cool/cold move, Moiraine! At least she follows up her bargaining with genuine concern and just passes him ten marks like it’s nothing.

- How many takes did Rosamund need to say “The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills” that fast?

- I like Nynaeve with the Warders. She actually has some friends of her own in the Tower, unlike in the books. I love that they seem to care about her too.

- This Alanna scene is hilarious. Maddie playing up Egwene’s awkwardness and discomfort so physically is terrific.

- Egwene is wearing her hair like the other Novice’s do. It makes Nynaeve stand out more with her braid that she’s refusing to adapt, rather than that Egwene so readily adapts to whatever culture she is in. Or both, I guess.

- Kate Fleetwood kills in this kitchen scene. A very nice change from Suiane doing this to Liandrin. Ups the intensity because Linadrin is the more threatening one currently. Her distain for Warders—what great line delivery. But insult/threaten Lan and you (finally) provoke Nynaeve enough to make her channel.

- She saw it once and copied it!

- Nynaeve shielded is reacting an awful lot like Moiraine last season. Further support for the inverted weave shield theory! (I think it’s going to unravel on it’s own, like Asmodean’s, instead of Rand or Nynaeve fixing it. But I’m terrible at predicting the show.)

- “I want to see you become so powerful that no man, no woman will ever be able to take that away from you.” Such a great motivation. Probably not the right one for Nynaeve, but I think Linadrin really wants Nynaeve to succeed.

- “Why are you doing this for him?” “All men deserve a proper burial…Does it bother you that I’ve bestowed this small mercy on him?…Anger won’t bring my men back.” Random other fandom thought: this makes me think of the end of The Black Cauldron—it’s easy to judge good and evil unmixed.

- More Perrin struggling with his rage and violence.

- “Perhaps Fain had a reason for doing what he did.” What’s that Intar? Taking this conversation a bit personally, perhaps?

- Dang, Moiraine is cold. Couldn’t she, like, make up a mission to send Lan away on? Instead of trying to be so mean he leaves on his own?

- “Make it yourself. And have it wherever you want.” That would be a really cool line to storm out on if you didn’t immediately follow it up by making her a plate.

- How is it Bel Tine already?

- Perrin may not talk much, but the man can write a good letter.

- Liandrin just straight up lied here, right?

- Oh, my poor Mat. It’ll get better!

- I’m glad Perrin keeps his ring. And that he has a lantern for Rand.

- What, is it pick on Lan night? I mean asking them to wait is annoying. And he has kept trying to throw himself pity parties. But Moiraine is making it really personal for him! He’s justified in being frustrated and angry.

- “I think that’s the first time in my life someone’s told me I need to be quiet.”

- I want some na’an bread.

- Can Lan not sense the Fades because he doesn’t have the bond? Or were they shielded like the Drakhar like in the book?

- I was annoyed that Lan couldn’t take on two Fades, but then a read a thread of Fade encounters and two at once is a lot even for Lan. One at a time is doable but not guaranteed in canon.

- “Wing flutter” in the captions made me think maybe we’d get a Drakhar anyway.

- “What aren’t you telling me?” is a pretty heartbreaking way to end this scene.

[prakashbangar]

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[brolicarmydjschool]

Best DJ School for Mens in NYC

Welcome to the Brolic Army DJ School by Rob Swift. A DJ platform where expert instructors and informative lesson plans provide a customizable path of learning for beginner, intermediate and advanced DJs!

“The Brolic Army DJ School helps students cultivate the skills it takes to forge their own unique trail to success.”

“Learning to mix, scratch and beat juggle takes a combination of effective teaching and hard work. There is no shortcut to becoming a well-rounded DJ, but having the techniques and styles of practice broken down for you sets you on your journey to long-term success. This is why I created the Brolic Army DJ School. Whether you have no experience DJing and are excited to learn, or if you’re struggling to improve your current DJ game, my courses will take you on an exploration of all I’ve learned throughout the past 30 plus years of creating, mastering, performing and teaching the art of DJing.“

Brolic Army DJ School Courses:

All courses are included in each membership level.

9 Courses:

Basic DJing (4 Videos)

Basic Scratching (4 videos)

Fundamentals of Beat Juggling (10 videos)

Advanced Beat Juggling (3 videos)

Training Camp with DJ Rob Swift (16 videos)

Workshop Archives (24 Videos)

Advanced DJing (2 Videos)

Masterclass (23 Videos)

Advanced Scratching (3 Videos)

Each video is a fully comprehensive guide and contains easy to understand instruction so that members get a total learning experience. Tutorials in scratching and juggling include full history and context taught by one of the OG’s of the game.

More courses are on the way!

Whats Included in the Brolic Army DJ School Membership?

FREE DOWNLOAD pack of original scratch beats

Full access to ALL EXCLUSIVE HD DJ Tutorials, Scratch Workouts and Masterclasses

Access to our MEMBERS ONLY EVENTS such as the Brolic Army Civil War Annual Online DJ Battle + Seasonal online showcases

SITE-WIDE DISCOUNT on all merchandise and branded products

Access to the online community: Forums + opportunity to get featured on the @brolicarmy IG page.

BROLIC ARMY ALUMNI

The Brolic Army has a host of accomplished alumni. Many began with little to zero knowledge of DJing, or had only experienced DJing on controllers. Rob Swift’s Brolic Army DJ School and Community has transformed the abilities of thousands of DJs. Alumni range from from popular Club DJs, to Nationally and Internationally known Battle Champions. The Brolic Army has seen its’ students along their journey to creative expression and mastering the art of DJing.

Join the Brolic Army Dj School and community Now!

BROLIC ARMY DJ SCHOOL COURSES

Course 1- Basic DJing with Rob Swift

Hip Hop icon and pioneer DJ Rob Swift teaches fundamental DJ techniques. You will learn everything hand mechanics to listening and basic mixing techniques. This course will help you manually control the tools of the trade. You will also hone in on your listening and learn basic mixing styles.

Lecture A: Hand mechanics

Examining how to manually control the tools of the trade (turntables, mixer, needles, headphones etc.)

Lecture B: Listening

Analysing the importance of understanding bars, bar structure and quarter, eigth and sixteenth notes.

Lecture C: Mixing and Dropping on Beat

Demonstrates how to transition from one turntable to the other seamlessly by performing straight drops and “baby scratches”

Lecture D: Building a DJ Set

Arrangement: comprehensive details example on how to build a set. Together we explore how to apply fundamental DJ techniques in arranging a fluid DJ set.

Genre and BPM: understanding how to organise various styles of music.

Best suited to beginners or those wanting to improve their turntable instincts.

Course 2- Basic Scratching

In this course we review the 9 cornerstone scratch techniques, the baby, scribble, tear, forward release, forward stab, forward drag, reverse drag, transformer and chirp scratches.

As well as learning each technique, this course is designed to help you learn how to phrase scratches so that you can take your knowledge to the next level, creating scratch routines, improving social media content and more.

Lecture A: Faderless Scratches

Baby, Scribble and Tear and Scratch Workout

Lecture B: Forward Scratches

Forward Stab and Release and Scratch Workout

Lecture C: Intermediate Scratches

Chirp, transform, reverse drag and Scratch Workout

Lecture D: Phrasing scratches

Combining the nine cornerstone scratches.

Each lecture has an accompanying Scratch Workout aka ‘Training Camp’ designed and hosted by DJ Rob Swift to help you practice your scratches and improve your confidence and fluidity.

Course 3- Rob Swift’s Fundamentals of Beat Juggling

Rob Swift explains how to manipulate drum beats, words, etc. on both left and right turntables simultaneously through the application of the 10 Root Movements of “Beat Juggling”. This course is our most popular course from DJ Rob Swift. As a pioneer of beat juggling and creator of the ‘Swing Pattern’ there is no one better to teach these techniques.

1. Backspinning + Backspinning with 1/8th and 1/4 note fills

2. Breakdown Pattern

3. Snare Pattern

4. Offset Backspin

5. Rock the Bells Pattern

6. Swing Pattern

7. Chase/Strobe Pattern

8. 8th Note Linear Single Fills

9. 8th Note Linear Double Fills

10. 8th Note Linear Triplet Fills

Course 4- Advanced Beat Juggling

This advanced beat juggling course will help you take your skills to the next level. Now you have learned the root moves, you will learn to create your own patterns, how to combine all of the root moves to become a more creative beat juggler. The emphasis in this course is creativity and self expression. Beat Juggling is not just being able to do somebody else’s pattern, but creating your own unique patterns and combinations too.

1. Chase pattern with 8th note fills

2. Snare Pattern (Level 4)

3. Total Eclipse’s Rolling Fills

Course 5- Training Camp with DJ Rob Swift

Training Camp with DJ Rob Swift is a practice based course. This course contains four Scratch Q&A practice videos to help those who already understand the fundamentals of the scratch techniques improve and elevate their scratching.

1. Faderless Scratches

2. Forward Scratches

3. Intermediate Scratches

4. Combining the 9 Cornerstone Scratch Techniques

5. Fader Grip

6. The Mix Master Ice Scratch

7. A Guide to Composing a Battle Routine

8. Applying the Mix Master Ice Scratch

9. Orbit Flare Scratch

10. Articulating the Crab Scratch

11. Articulating the Boomerang Scratch

12. Combining multiple scratching patters in a solo

13. Scratch Phrasing

14. Listen and Modify

15. Negative Space Perception

16. Christmas Scratch

Course 6- Workshop Archives

This courses “Workshop Archives” is a hub for past academic, or teaching events and lectures that Rob has hosted and will host in the future. These talks are done in collaboration with other organizations broaching topics that Rob teaches in his courses on the Brolic Army DJ School.

BACKSPINZ DJ WORKSHOP PART 1: Tips for Building a DJ set

MIT Lecture: The 5 Tenents of DJing

BACK SPINZ DJ Workshop Part 2: Personalizing Beat Juggling Patterns

BACK SPINZ DJ Workshop Part 3: Comparing DJ Scratch’s and Steve Dee’s Linear Fills

BACK SPINZ DJ Workshop Part 4: History of Beat Juggling

BACK SPINZ DJ Workshop Part 5: Hand Explosiveness

BACK SPINZ DJ Workshop Part 6: Keep Calm and Composed

BACK SPINZ DJ Workshop Part 7: Why are DJ fundamentals important?

The Mechanization of DJ Art Part 1: Introduction

BACK SPINZ DJ Workshop Part 8: Tips on mastering the “Crab” scratch

The Mechanization of DJ Art Part 2: Learning to DJ the organic way

The Mechanization of DJ Art Part 3: Importance of community amongst DJs

SCRATCH (Directed by Doug Pray) Dr. Butcher & Steve Dee Interview Outtakes

Cali, Colombia’s Binantional Center Lecture

X-Ersize: X-Men Documentary

SHURE In-Store

How To DJ with Honda, Roc Raida and Mista Sinista

The Value of Mentorship in DJing

Perfecting “Chase” patterns with 8th note fills

Table Talk with Rob Swift part 1

Table Talk with Rob Swift part 2

Table Talk with Rob Swift part 3

Table Talk with Rob Swift part 4

Table Talk with Rob Swift part 5

Course 7- Advanced DJing

DJ Rob Swift teaches advanced DJ techniques in this course on Advanced DJing. This course focuses on elevating DJ sets and routines and features tutorials on advanced mixing techniques, and ways of incorporating the three main facets of DJing (mixing, scratching and beat juggling) into your work.

More lessons to come…

EQ Mixing and Looping

Music Editing and Programming

Course 8- Masterclass

This course is a hub for tutorials by our guest teachers. We strive to give a holistic approach to DJing at Brolic Army and how better to do that than bringing the pioneers straight to you.

From Battle routines, to beat juggles and scratches. The ‘Masterclasses’ course is an exciting added feature to help diversify your learning experience.

“It’s important to absorb multiple perspectives on the material taught on DJing. From techniques, to history, to making a career of DJing or just expanding your skill and mindset. The more you listen to and absorb, the more well-rounded you will be as a DJ, carrying the torch into your work, and the next generation.”

Total Eclipse: DMX Routine

DJ Johnny Juice teaches Curating and Composing Scratches

John Swan: “Hit Me Wit’ Da Horns” Scratch Routine

DJ 8-Ball teaches “Tone Play”

Mista Sinista: “S.W.A.T.” Routine

Grandmaster Supreme teaches Body Tricks

DJ P teaches how to DJ on Vinyl

DJ P teaches how to mix Acapellas

DJ P discusses trusting your creative instincts

DJ P discusses curating an energetic set

Grandmaster Supreme on how to build a battle routine

John Swan breaks down Scratch Drumming

Branden Creado on improving your hand control

Mista Sinista: “Method Man” Routine

Mista B: “Mophono” Routine

DJ P teaches the basics of multi-track recording

Mike C teaches fundamental Trick Mixing

Critical examination of composing a Beat Juggle routine with Mike C

Mike C’s guide to recording studio scratches

Framing a Scratch routine with Branden Creado

Mixing in Key with DJ Wigginz

Total Eclipse’s “Ante Up” Routine

Stems DJing – A Beginner’s Guide With DJ Wigginz

Course 9- Advanced Scratching

DJ Rob Swift leads this Brolic Army DJ School course on Advanced Scratching techniques. Expect to learn scratches such as DJ Disk’s “Orbit Flare”, The Invisibl Skratch Piklz’ “Crab Scratch” and other techniques. Each Brolic Army course is updated regularly with new tutorials on a regular basis!

In line with DJ Rob Swift’s typical teaching style, he focuses his tutorials on both the history and the execution of these techniques. Rob Swift aims to empower the next wave of DJs in becoming active participants of the culture, passing down the knowledge for generations to come. Advanced Scratching is no exception.

““This was very clear, concise, and easy to understand. This in turn makes me more excited to practice now that I know what to focus on. Thank you Sensei Swift ?”

DJ Disk’s Orbit Flare Scratch

DJ Q-Bert’s Crab Scratch

DJ Flare’s Boomerang Scratch

I’m ready to start my Brolic Army Journey!

And for a cat like Swift—who has worked with everyone from Linkin Park to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Mike Patton to Herbie Hancock—truly forward-thinking, revolutionary music just seems to come naturally.

Where it all began…

After years of honing his skills on the wheels of steel under the tutelage of his older brother, father and mentor, Rob Swift was tapped, in 1991, by a Harlem-based DJ crew called the X-Men to join their ranks. Within a year he won the coveted DMC East Coast title and became known, worldwide, as a masterful DJ and a force to be reckoned with.

Their 1997 debut album X-Pressions (Ashpodel) served notice, with dirt-funky tracks like “Word Play” making it clear that Swift the recording artist was on the rise. Five years later, the group’s first major-label debut Built From Scratch (Loud/Columbia) generated the huge hit “It’s Goin’ Down” featuring Linkin Park.

Breaking out as a Solo Artist

After 13 years with the X-Ecutioners, Rob was inspired to establish himself as a soloist and break through with a series of genre-busting albums of his own. The first being 1998’s The Ablist. Sound Event (2002), his second solo effort, set the tone for his ascendant multi-faceted production style, mapping dark jeep beats (“Hip-Hop on Wax,” with Large Professor), Latin Jazz (“Salsa Scratch,” with Bob James) and ambient-electronic funk (the psychedelic “Interview with Colored Man,” with Supernatural) accompanied by the deft touch of a seasoned studio hand.

“Whether it’s as a solo artist or collaborating with other like minded artists, I just want to push the boundaries of what I do”, Rob says. “I’m just trying to figure out different avenues to introduce people to the true art of DJing. However I reach people, the main thing is that we all get to enjoy that musical connection.”

DJ Rob Swift

Rob Swift Today…

Today, Rob Swift has continued his relentless pursuit of fresh directions, expanding his palette into the stratosphere of the academic world. Today Rob spends his time teaching DJ art world wide. He’s lectured at Case Western Reserve University and Cuyahoga Community College (Cleveland, Ohio), Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana). Participated in on site and virtual workshops for entities such as Backspinz (Charlotte, North Carolina), American Embassy Tajikistan and Colombia. Ran summer camp classes in the art of DJing for inner city youth at Progressive Arts Alliance (Cleveland, Ohio). What’s more, most recently Rob taught accredited courses in the art of DJing at The New School University (NYC).

The Brolic Army DJ School

“Teaching the art of DJing has been nothing short of a blessing from God. To say I’m grateful would be terribly understating the gratitude I feel in my heart towards the opportunity to pass on an art form that has helped me facilitate the opportunity to experience myself as a mentor now. DJing has never been a commodity for me. I’ve never been in it for the money. I do this for the sense of purpose this artform has brought me. It’s helped me create a way to feel useful to people and for that I am enormously thankful.” Needless to say, Rob Swift is always in perpetual motion, continuing to push the boundaries of teaching DJ are with his new online platform, Brolic Army DJ School and connecting with students from all walks of life on a global scale!

Have a question? send us an email and one of our team members, or Rob Swift himself will help you out!

[trinaphleb]

10 Essential Skills Every Successful Medical Assistant Must Master in 2023

10 Essential Skills Every Successful Medical Assistant ⁢Must Master in 2023

As the healthcare industry ‍continues to evolve in 2023, ⁤medical assistants play a crucial role ⁢in ⁣ensuring smooth operations within clinics, hospitals,‌ and other healthcare settings. The demand for skilled medical assistants is at an ​all-time high, with job satisfaction and growth opportunities that are‍ hard to beat.‍ To be truly successful in⁣ this dynamic field, there‌ are ‍10 essential skills every medical assistant must master. Let’s ​dive into each one!

1. Clinical Skills

Medical assistants must possess fundamental clinical skills, including ⁣administering medications, ⁢performing basic lab tests, and assisting physicians with procedures. Mastery in these areas‍ improves the efficiency of healthcare delivery, ensuring patients receive the‌ best care possible.

Administering injections

Taking vital signs

Preparing patients for examinations

2.⁢ Administrative Skills

Along with clinical‍ proficiency,medical assistants should be⁣ adept at various administrative tasks. This includes scheduling appointments, managing patient records, and billing insurance companies. Being organized and detail-oriented is essential for success.

3. ‌Communication Skills

Excellent communication skills are paramount. Medical assistants must be able to interact effectively ​with patients, families, and healthcare staff. This includes verbal and writen‌ communication,and also active listening skills.

Clear verbal communication

Empathy and‌ understanding

Documenting patient interactions accurately

4. Time Management

in a fast-paced healthcare surroundings,effective time management can make all the difference.Medical assistants often juggle multiple tasks, from patient‌ care to administrative duties. Mastering this skill helps in managing workloads efficiently.

5. ​Technical Proficiency

With⁢ advancements in healthcare technology, becoming tech-savvy is essential.Familiarity with electronic health‍ records (EHR), medical billing software, and telemedicine platforms is vital for modern medical assistants.

6. Teamwork and Collaboration

Healthcare is a⁣ team-driven environment. Medical ​assistants must work well with others, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. Building strong relationships improves overall‍ patient care and workplace efficiency.

7. Adaptability

The⁢ healthcare landscape is ever-changing. Medical assistants need to be adaptable, ready to learn new procedures,⁣ and cope with fluctuating patient loads. this flexibility can significantly enhance a medical assistant’s professional profile.

8. Patient Advocacy

As the frontline representatives of‌ healthcare, medical assistants frequently enough serve as patient advocates. This involves ensuring that patients understand their care ⁣plan ‌and helping them navigate through the healthcare system.

Providing education about treatments

Assisting with patient queries

Ensuring ⁢accessible healthcare

9. Critical Thinking ⁢and Problem Solving

Medical assistants face unique challenges that require sound critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Whether assessing patient needs or resolving administrative issues, critical thinking helps ​in making informed decisions quickly.

10. Professionalism and Ethics

Maintaining professionalism and adhering to ethical standards are non-negotiable in⁤ healthcare. Medical assistants should demonstrate integrity, respect⁣ patient confidentiality, and comply with healthcare regulations.

Benefits of Mastering These Skills

Mastering these essential skills not only makes a medical assistant more effective in their role but also opens up various career advancement opportunities. Here are some benefits:

Increased job satisfaction

Enhanced employability and job security

Opportunities for specialization

Practical Tips for Developing These Skills

Here are some practical tips for honing the necessary ‍skills to become a successful medical assistant:

Participate in continuing education courses.

Seek mentorship from experienced professionals.

Practice active listening during patient interactions.

Real-Life Case‍ Study:‌ A Successful Medical Assistant’s journey

Consider the case of Sarah, a medical⁤ assistant who began her career with a modest skill set.Through dedication to ongoing professional growth and networking, Sarah mastered the​ essential skills listed above. Within three ​years, she ⁤advanced to a supervisory role, ultimately affecting positive changes in patient care ‌within her clinic.

First-hand Experience

Having ‌worked alongside numerous⁢ medical assistants in⁤ different settings, I can attest to the importance of‌ these skills. Observing how adept medical assistants navigate challenges with a combination of technical know-how and compassionate patient care⁤ has been inspiring. They serve as the backbone of healthcare ‍facilities,ensuring that patients receive ‌timely and effective treatment.

Conclusion

mastering these 10 essential skills is vital for anyone aspiring to thrive as a medical assistant in⁢ 2023.​ The combination of clinical and administrative expertise, along with personal attributes like communication and adaptability, positions⁤ medical ​assistants for long-term success. If you’re striving to enhance your ⁢career in this rewarding field,‍ focus on developing these skills, and you’ll reap the benefits.

https://phlebotomyschoolsonline.org/10-essential-skills-every-successful-medical-assistant-must-master-in-2023/

[boatlifestyle]

Stay Connected, Always: How boAt Smartwatches Help You Manage Life on the Go

In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected and managing life on the go is more important than ever. From juggling work commitments to staying fit and keeping in touch with loved ones, having the right tools can make all the difference. Enter smartwatches—a revolutionary gadget that has seamlessly blended functionality and style to help us stay ahead in life. Among these innovative devices, boAt smartwatches stand out as a perfect companion for your daily adventures.

With their advanced features, sleek design, and user-friendly interface, boAt smartwatches have redefined what it means to stay connected. Let’s dive deeper into how these devices can transform your daily routine and help you take charge of life like never before.

Effortless Communication with a Calling Smartwatch

Gone are the days when you had to fumble through your bag or pockets to find your phone for an important call. A calling smartwatch ensures that you’re always within reach, no matter where life takes you. With Bluetooth calling functionality, you can answer calls directly from your wrist—whether you're stuck in traffic, on a run, or multitasking at home.

The convenience of a calling smartwatch extends beyond just calls. With notifications for texts, emails, and social media updates right on your wrist, you’ll never miss an important message. This seamless communication feature not only enhances productivity but also helps you stay in touch without disrupting your flow.

A Big Display Smartwatch for Maximum Clarity

When it comes to managing life on the go, visibility is key. A big display smartwatch offers unmatched clarity, making it easier to read notifications, track fitness stats, and even browse apps. These large, high-resolution displays ensure you can access essential information at a glance, even under bright sunlight or during high-intensity activities.

Whether you’re checking your heart rate during a workout or glancing at your schedule for the day, the big screen offers an intuitive and immersive experience. It’s not just about functionality; the vibrant, customizable watch faces also let you express your personal style effortlessly.

Smartwatches: Your Ultimate Fitness Partner

Fitness enthusiasts, rejoice! Modern smartwatches are designed to be your ultimate fitness companion. They track a wide range of activities, including steps, calories burned, heart rate, and sleep patterns. Advanced features like SpO2 monitoring and stress tracking ensure you’re always on top of your health.

Imagine setting personalized fitness goals and receiving real-time updates on your progress, all while keeping your hands free. Whether it’s monitoring your morning jog or analyzing your recovery after a workout, a smartwatch empowers you to stay fit and focused without missing a beat.

Stay Organized with Smart Features

Smartwatches aren’t just about fitness and communication—they’re also excellent organizational tools. With features like alarms, reminders, and calendar notifications, you can manage your schedule effortlessly. Many boAt smartwatches come equipped with voice assistants, allowing you to set tasks or check updates with simple voice commands.

Moreover, these smart devices are perfect for controlling your music on the go. Whether you’re commuting or working out, you can change tracks, adjust the volume, or pause your playlist right from your wrist. With such smart features at your fingertips, staying organized and entertained has never been easier.

Durable and Stylish for Any Occasion

While functionality is crucial, boAt smartwatches are also a fashion statement. With sleek designs, premium materials, and customizable straps, they are crafted to match any outfit or occasion. Be it a formal meeting, a casual outing, or an intense workout session, these smartwatches are built to impress.

Durability is another highlight of these devices. Most smartwatches are water- and dust-resistant, making them suitable for all kinds of adventures. Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym or caught in an unexpected downpour, you can rely on your smartwatch to keep up with your lifestyle.

The Perfect Blend of Technology and Lifestyle

BoAt smartwatches epitomize the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and modern lifestyle needs. From the intuitive interface to long-lasting battery life, every feature is designed to enhance convenience. By integrating fitness, communication, and organization in one compact device, these smartwatches empower you to live smarter and better.

Investing in a smartwatch is not just about owning a gadget; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes connectivity, health, and productivity. With a boAt smartwatch on your wrist, you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead.

[beatverse1]

Resilience Through Music: How Artists Are Adapting in a Changing World

The world has witnessed unprecedented challenges in recent years, and the arts community has not been immune. Despite these difficulties, musicians and artists have continued to create, inspire, and connect people through their craft. From overcoming logistical hurdles to adopting new technologies, the resilience of artists shines brighter than ever. In this article, we delve into the inspiring stories of adaptation and innovation that highlight how music continues to thrive.

How the Pandemic Sparked Creativity in Music

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives globally, but it also fueled a wave of creativity among artists. For musicians, staying connected with audiences during lockdowns meant embracing digital platforms. Among the most inspiring stories are Indian artists beating corona by using their art to spread hope, awareness, and solidarity. Online concerts and virtual jam sessions became lifelines for artists and fans alike.

Affordable Ways to Create Professional Music

Advancements in technology have democratized music production, enabling more creators to pursue their passion. Many musicians have turned to the best alternatives to record a professional music track, such as home studio setups, budget-friendly audio interfaces, and cloud-based collaboration tools. These solutions not only reduce costs but also provide flexibility and convenience.

Making Music as a Student: Challenges and Opportunities

For college students, juggling academics with creative pursuits is no easy feat. However, learning how to make music when in college can be a transformative experience. Many student musicians find unique inspiration from campus life, while also using university resources like music labs and peer collaborations to hone their skills.

Financial Support Systems for Musicians

The financial struggles faced by musicians, particularly during crises, have led to innovative support initiatives. One such initiative is the establishment of Corpus Funds for Indian Musicians, which provides much-needed relief and resources to struggling artists. These funds are often used for healthcare, equipment, or other essentials, allowing musicians to focus on their craft without added stress.

A Glimpse at the Pioneers of Hip-Hop

As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s worth celebrating the visionaries who have shaped it. Hip-hop, in particular, has experienced a meteoric rise, with artists breaking boundaries and challenging norms. The Top 10 Hip Hop Artists serve as a testament to the genre’s enduring power, offering inspiration to aspiring musicians worldwide.

Conclusion

Music has always been a medium of resilience and transformation, and the recent years have underscored its significance. Artists across the globe are finding innovative ways to adapt, inspire, and connect with their audiences. From leveraging technology to exploring financial support systems, musicians are proving that creativity knows no bounds. As we move forward, the stories of these resilient artists will continue to remind us of the unifying power of music.

[brisbane-removals]

Moving Brisbane? Here’s How to Make Your Move Quick and Easy!

Moving to a new home can feel like an exciting new chapter, but it also comes with its challenges. If you’re planning on moving to Brisbane, you might already be thinking about how to pack up, transport everything, and settle into your new space without a hitch. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the logistics, but don’t worry! With the right tips and the support of reliable removal companies Brisbane, you can turn what seems like a daunting task into a smooth and stress-free experience. Whether you’re relocating across town or to a new neighborhood, this guide will help you make your house moving journey as efficient as possible.

Plan Your Move Like a Pro

The key to a quick and easy move lies in early preparation. Start by organizing your belongings well in advance. Decluttering your home before packing can save you time and effort. Sort through your items and decide what to keep, donate, or discard. Interestingly, research shows that nearly 80% of people move things they don’t need, which not only adds unnecessary effort but also increases costs. Imagine how much lighter your load will be if you only take what’s truly essential.

Once you’ve minimized your belongings, it’s time to create a detailed moving checklist. This should include booking house movers Brisbane, purchasing packing supplies, and notifying utility companies of your change of address. A well-structured plan can help you stay on track and avoid last-minute surprises.

Hire Professional Removalists

Hiring experienced removal companies Brisbane is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Professional movers not only handle the heavy lifting but also ensure your belongings are packed, transported, and unloaded safely. Look for affordable movers Brisbane who offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

Did you know that many Brisbane house removals services offer additional perks like packing assistance and storage solutions? These extras can be a lifesaver if you’re juggling a tight schedule or need a place to temporarily store your items during the transition. By working with experts, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your move is in capable hands.

Make Packing Easy and Efficient

Packing is often the most time-consuming part of house moving, but with a few tricks, you can speed up the process. Start by gathering sturdy boxes, tape, and labels. Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This small step can save you hours of confusion when it’s time to unpack.

Another tip is to pack strategically. Place heavier items at the bottom of boxes and lighter ones on top to prevent damage. Fragile items like glassware and electronics should be wrapped in bubble wrap or soft materials to ensure they’re protected during transit. If packing feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask your house movers Brisbane for advice — they’ve seen it all and can offer expert tips.

Timing Your Move for Success

Timing is everything when it comes to moving to Brisbane. If possible, schedule your move during off-peak times to avoid traffic and higher costs. Weekdays are often less busy for removal companies Brisbane, making it easier to secure a booking that fits your schedule.

Seasonal considerations also play a role. Brisbane’s mild winters are a great time to move, as you’re less likely to encounter extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, summer moves might require extra planning to beat the heat and ensure a comfortable experience.

Budget-Friendly Moving Solutions

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. By choosing affordable movers Brisbane, you can keep costs in check while still enjoying top-notch service. Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best deal, but remember to look beyond just the price. Reputation, reliability, and customer reviews are equally important when selecting a mover.

Another way to save money is by handling certain tasks yourself, like packing or disassembling furniture. However, keep in mind that professionals have the expertise to complete these tasks faster and more efficiently. Striking the right balance between DIY efforts and professional help can make your move both cost-effective and hassle-free.

The Importance of Adapting to Your New Space

Once you’ve arrived at your new home, take time to settle in and make the space your own. Adjusting to a new environment can be an emotional process, especially if you’re leaving behind familiar surroundings. Embrace this change as an opportunity to start fresh.

If you’ve opted for removal homes Brisbane, ensure everything is set up correctly. Double-check that your utilities are working, and begin unpacking room by room. This organized approach will help you settle in faster and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Interesting Facts About Moving

Did you know that the average Australian family moves house every five to seven years? Another surprising fact is that moving is ranked as one of life’s most stressful events, alongside marriage and starting a new job. But with the right preparation and the help of professional Brisbane house removals services, you can turn this potentially stressful event into a seamless experience.

One fun tidbit is that moving can actually be a great way to kickstart a minimalist lifestyle. Many people report feeling more organized and at peace after decluttering their old home and moving only the essentials to their new one.

Final Thoughts

Moving doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. With careful planning, the support of trusted removal companies Brisbane, and a positive attitude, you can transform the experience into an exciting new adventure. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a change of scenery, embracing the process with the right mindset will make all the difference.

So, if you’re moving to Brisbane, remember to plan ahead, hire professional help, and enjoy the journey of creating a new space to call home. Your next chapter awaits, and with the tips shared here, you’re all set to make your move quick, easy, and stress-free!