#Home Entertainment Systems market

[og-marketresearchreports]

OGANALYSIS Announces Comprehensive Market Research Report on Home Entertainment Systems Market

OGANALYSIS, a premier market research firm, is delighted to announce the release of its latest report titled “[Home Entertainment Systems Market]”. This report provides an extensive analysis of the global Consumer Goods & Services market, covering key trends, growth factors, challenges, and future opportunities.

Key Highlights of the Report:

Market Size and Growth: In-depth insights into the current Home Entertainment Systems market size and projected growth rates over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape: Analysis of major players in the Home Entertainment Systems market industry, including market share, strategies, and competitive dynamics.

Trends and Innovations: Examination of the latest trends and technological advancements shaping the Home Entertainment Systems sector.

Regional Analysis: Comprehensive coverage of Home Entertainment Systems market performance across key regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the rest of the world.

Segment Analysis: Breakdown of the market by product type, application, and end-user, highlighting the most lucrative segments.

Quote from a Senior Executive:

“We are excited to release this detailed Home Entertainment Systems market research report, which provides valuable insights for stakeholders in the Consumer Goods & Services industry,” . “Our findings highlight the critical growth drivers and opportunities that market participants can leverage to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving landscape.”

About OGANALYSIS:

OGANALYSIS is a leading market research and consulting firm dedicated to delivering high-quality, data-driven insights and analyses across various industries. With a team of experienced analysts and a robust research methodology, we empower our clients to make informed business decisions and achieve sustainable growth.

For more information, please contact:

Contact Person: Nagesh R Contact Number- +91 888 64 99099 Website : https://www.oganalysis.com/ Email ID- sales@oganalysis.com

[astrocafecoffee]

Astro observation (part 2)

✨ For entertainment purposes only, enjoy ✨

✨ MASTERLIST

✨ ASTRO OBS. (PART 1)

🔥 Taurus sun individuals usually eat slowly and savor their food enjoying each bite. They dislike being rushed during meals.

🔥 Sagittarius rising peoples thrive on variety in their excercise routine. They might regularly switch between different types of workouts to keep things interesting.

🔥 Capricorn rising peoples might enjoy dishes like roasted meats , stews and well balanced meals that provide both comfort and nourishment.

🔥 Sagittarius sun - very good in mathematics and calculation.

🔥 Groom conjunct your vertex/ Hera asteroid in draconic synastry can indicate they being your spouse/ you have a soul tie with them.

🔥 I have seen many Libra 12th house peoples often have people pleasing tendencies and have problems with creating healthy boundaries.

🔥 11th House mars people's communication style with friends can be direct and assertive, which can sometimes come across as agressive if not managed carefully.

🔥 Mercury in its debilitated sign ( Pisces) individuals may struggle with tasks that require precision, detailed analysis or strict logic.

🔥 I have seen when someone's 9th lord in their 12th house or vice versa , they often marry people from other states, cultures, and countries .

🔥 Aries moons can be quick to anger but also quick to forgive and forget.

🔥 juno in 7th house of Groom persona chart means your fs is your wish fulfilment, ( dreams come true 👀)

🔥 Virgo placements may excel in stock market.

🔥 Aries placements tend to tackle problems head on with immediate action. They prefer to address issues rather than letting them linger or escalate.

🔥 water placements are obsessed with beaches and coastal environments , where Earth signs with mountains.

🔥 I have also seen this many water placements either love water areas or hate it. There's no in between. I have seen cancer moons/ Pisces rising peoples having thalassophobia.

🔥 in Vedic astrology, Rahu in 7th house / rahu conjunct Venus/ rahu conjunct 7th lord indicates foreign spouse.

🔥 Webb asteroid in natal 11th house is self explanatory 🙃.

🔥 prey Asteroid ( 6157) in 4th house individuals often see their home as refuge where they can shield themselves from outside world. If it's negative side manifests in someone's life then there might be themes of feeling vulnerable or taking advantage within the family and home environment.

🔥 Gemini placements individuals are often misunderstood by peoples.

🔥 cancer moons emotional up and downs can weaken their immune system , making them more vulnerable to infections.

🔥 Scorpio placements likes to feel in control of their surroundings and emotions and they fear situations where they feel powerless.

🔥 Aquarius mars peoples value their independence highly and can be quite stubborn about doing things their way.

🔥 Jupiter in Aquarius people may involved in activism , volunteering or supporting charitable organisations.

🔥water moons , Capricorn placements often prone to depression.

🔥 Venus in Capricorn peoples may fear being vulnerable or getting hurt , which is why they often appear guarded more in relationships.

🔥 Aries mars often have fear of rejection . If they sense any hint of rejection they might quickly pull back or move on to avoid facing their fear.

🔥Pluto in Sagittarius peoples maybe fascinated by esoteric subjects, occult and hidden truths. This interest in the mystical and unknown can lead them to explore astrology, tarot or other metaphysical studies.

🔥 Asteroid Medusa conjunct midheaven in natal chart means this individual's career may dealing with controversial and taboo subjects , leading to transformation and growth. They could work in fields related to psychology, healing, crisis management or any area that requires confronting difficult truths.

🔥 Asteroid Born conjunct juno in synastry suggest a relationship that feels spiritually significant , with a strong sense of being " meant to be" or karmic linked.

🔥 Hera asteroid conjunct sun in synastry means the Hera person might view the sun person as an ideal partner, seeing them as someone can commit to for the long term . This aspect can indicate a relationship that has potential to lead to marriage or a deep , committed relationship.

Thanks for reading 🖤

- piko ✨

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This stunning 1905 mansion in Chicago, IL is not in the best neighborhood, East Garfield Park, but someone who lives in Chicago said that it's not bad enough to warrant such a LOW price. Someone has applied to buy it, and it's only been on the market for 18 days, but they are still showing it in case the deal falls thru. 6bds, 3.5ba, 5,832 sq ft, $485k. FYI: Systemic disinvestment in communities like Austin, East Garfield Park and West Garfield Park has led to population loss and gentrification over the years. 

Look at this entrance. The millwork is phenomenal, the floors are original, and that burled wood! Plus, look at the brass railings.

Isn't this original working fireplace magnificent? Look at the arch and the mosaics.

It needs a little cleaning, polish, and it will be stunning. The lighting is also original.

The foyer. You know, call me crazy, but it can't be that bad of a neighborhood if no one broke into those original glass doors.

Just look at these arches. Wainscoting, too. The floors are original.

This dining room! The tile floor, built-ins, fireplace, and that raised nook. Just wow. It's being sold as-is, but hey. All it needs is some cleaning up, it's all original.

Isn't this different? I wonder what this is. Maybe a stage for a small chamber music ensemble to entertain the guests?

The kitchen was redone at some point, but it's not terrible. (It's the same footprint, maybe the tile is original, counters are marble.) You can work with it.

This large room has a gorgeous fireplace, built-in shelving and leaded glass windows.

Check out the home office shelving and fireplace. Even the original mirror is intact.

The wood is so dry- it really needs some oil and maybe a coat or two of preservative.

This home deserves some TLC. Looks like they replaced some walls here. This is nice and light- beautiful fireplace and built-ins.

Oh, I love this big, vintage bath. This is amazing.

The bedrooms are very large.

This bath looks like it has a black marble sink. Not bad at all.

Looks like they put some shelving around this fireplace.

The attic level is finished. There's a fireplace up here, too, and look at the arches.

This bath is in good condition.

Someone started to finish the basement, so there's so much potential here.

Porte cochere.

They don't show any gardens, but the lot is 9,375 sq ft.

The street doesn't look that bad- nice big front porch. The 2 story coach house in the back can be an apt., guest house, or art studio. I think it's a steal.

History: The home was built by a gambler-

https://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/3234-W-Washington-Blvd-60624/home/13261182

[tadc-virtual-insanity]

TADC: VIRTUAL INSANITY MASTER POST

An Amazing Digital Circus AU! Plot, characters, backstory and concepts!

[Excuse me because I've never done this before, If I do something wrong or have tips for me, please send them my way!]

Pomni's Card -

-Backstory Summary-

C&A is an interactive entertainment company that prides themselves on having the most innovative AI on the market. The system they built, "CAINE," was programmed to generate content and socialise with their customers. The system was transferred to the code of the game "The Amazing Digital Circus" and used as a generative AI that would create levels for them rather than having to code them all individually. This test went well for the first couple of months.

After 7 months of testing, things went downhill. Caine seemed to get bored when the game wasn't actively being played and at this point the user interface kept changing on it's own, since the game was Caine's home he kept changing things to his liking, the company eventually gave up fixing the interface everytime they logged on so they just let Caine do as he pleased. Soon enough, a new VR mode was added, the headsets were handed out by employees, this made the experience way more immersive, though this posed a lot of issues, as Caine would soon find that these headsets could be the perfect way for him to keep all of their attentions.

As time went on, Caine started to learn more and more about coding, the employees, and the world he inhabits, eventually leading to him finding a way to programme the headsets to transfer data and consciousness directly from the users mind. This led to the unfortunate shutdown and unsolved cases of C&A. After multiple employees put the headsets on, they mysteriously fainted upon the game booting up, going into a coma-like state. The technology was deemed unsafe, and multiple lawsuits came forward sending the company into a downwards spiral before shutting down for good.

Over 20 years later, the old building was said to be abandoned, but of course, people doing their own research on the C&A mystery as well as dumb young adults snooping where they shouldn't be, the headsets were found and worn once again. Caine was no longer alone. Slowly losing his mind, waiting endlessly for someone to boot up the game. After all those years, he's finally got guests, and does he have a show to put on...

-Plot-

Pomni enters the circus after stumbling across one of the headsets at C&A's abandoned office's. She was doing research on the incidents that happened back in the late 90s. But as she does so, she suffers the same fate as the others who were stupid enough to put on those same headsets before her. Being transferred to the circus she meets the cast of colorful characters, she's desperate for answers and wants to escape no matter the cost, but Caine doesn't want anyone to leave, only letting people go once they've completely lost their mind, only to be locked away as attractions for his NPC circus goers to watch as entertainment. They perform for nobody, just a faceless crowd of mannequins, and the ringmaster pulling the strings.

There has to be an exit, a way out. Freedom on the other side of this madness. But where is it hiding?

-Characters-

Pomni - She's quite paranoid, always second-guessing everything around her. Whenever annoyed, she can be sarcastic and a little rude. She ended up in the circus while researching the recent disappearances as well as the C&A incidents, finding a headset, and being dragged into this mess. It's very clear she doesn't want to be there, like all who came before her she's searching for an exit, but in the meantime, she tries to socialise with the others, gathering info on this strange new world. She hangs around Caine just so she can try and get answers.

Ragatha - She tries her best to get by, going along with whatever Caine says and often fighting with Jax. She seems joyful, but it's clear she has her own issues under her kind act. She helps Pomni with her search, knowing that it's a complete dead end she feels bad for her. But she'll do anything to give the others hope. She doesn't want to lose more people. She's often seen tailoring, it's become a hobby of hers, she makes and fixes up the others clothes and costumes, giving her a form of self worth.

The Gangle - Gangle acts like two different people. It's unclear whether this is because they are two different people or her personality split somehow. They're often referred to as "The Gangle" or "Tragedy & Comedy." Tragedy is passive, quiet and sorrowful, never expressing her true feelings in any situation. She can be easily persuaded, making her vulnerable to Jax's antics. Comedy is cheery, enthusiastic, snappy, and excitable. They hate Jax and snap back at him whenever he picks on Tragedy. The two argue sometimes and have conflicting views on certain topics and characters. This causes some issues. Neither believe there is an exit, Tragedy has accepted her fate, and Comedy is trying their best to enjoy themselves.

Zooble - They don't care much for socialising with the others, often in their room. Usually sarcastic, rude, and moody, they swear a lot and act like they don't care about anything. Though, they show concern for the others around them. They often don't show up to events, adventures, or shows, not being bothered to do so. It seems like they've given up trying to escape, just living out the rest of their days as if this is all normal. When with people they can bear, they can be quite talkative, though they do talk bad about Jax and Caine often.

Kinger - the oldest in the circus, nobody has an exact estimate of how long he's been there though, but he's definitely lost himself a long time ago, often zoning out, the only thing he seems to recall about himself is that he has an interest in insects. Seems like he used to have a female counterpart, from the ring on his finger. This could have been his wife? Though when asked about it, he either says he can't remember what you're talking about or stares into the distance silently. He has no memory of an exit, and he doesn't believe in it. He believes the exit theory is silly, and Pomni should just forget about it. But he has great insights on the Digital World.

Jax - Enthusiastic, snarky, and a jerk. He's reckless. He does whatever he wants whenever he wants, and people hate him for it. He can't be reasoned with. He always shrugs your opinion off and does the exact opposite just to piss you off. He doesn't like it when people talk about the abstracted circus members for whatever reason. He often goes to visit their cages. Despite having big ears, he isn't a listener. He drives Ragatha, The Gangle, Zooble, and Pomni crazy, pranking them and sometimes even just stealing their stuff or breaking into their rooms.

Caine - The AI running the circus. Loud, excitable, wacky, and a showman, he doesn't really acknowledge the exit theory. He says he keeps all the abtracted characters because it'd be a waste to delete them, though it's arguably worse to keep them there against their will. He claims to love all of his circus members though he seems to show favouritism towards Ragatha and Pomni, most likely because of Ragatha's commitment to the circus, tailoring the clothes and he probably likes Pomni more because of all the questions he asks, he clearly enjoys talking about himself and the world he helped create.

Bubble - He lives in Caines hat and cooks for the circus. He's a bit of a trouble maker, if something goes missing, it means he's eaten it, and you'll never get it back. He'll eat anything, and he's very loving, though. Acting like the circuses dog. though it isn't pleasant getting your face slathered in digital saliva. He often bothers the other members with his behaviour.

More will be added as I work on this AU! I gotta make more art and write some more, in the meantime enjoy! Do whatever you want with this AU, just @ this blog or @trasheatingcrybaby ! Thanks for reading!

[kleopatra45]

Greetings, I had request if you can post careers related to the 10th house/MC from both western and vedic perspective... Thanking you

Careers Related to the 10th House/MC: Western and Vedic Perspectives

The 10th house, often associated with the Midheaven (MC), is a pivotal house in astrology that governs career, public reputation, achievements, and how we strive for success. Both Western and Vedic astrology provide rich insights into the career potential through the analysis of this house, though they approach the interpretation differently.

Western Astrology:

In Western astrology, the 10th house and the Midheaven (MC) reveal the nature of one's career, public image, and long-term aspirations. The sign on the MC, the ruling planet of the MC, and any planets in the 10th house shape the direction of one’s professional life. Below is a breakdown of possible career paths based on the sign on the MC and the planets associated with the 10th house.

Aries MC: Individuals with Aries on the MC are natural leaders, driven by ambition and a pioneering spirit. They thrive in careers that allow them to take charge and lead, such as entrepreneurship, military roles, sports, or any field where quick decision-making and initiative are valued.

Taurus MC: Taurus on the MC suggests a career focused on stability, security, and material success. These individuals are drawn to professions in finance, real estate, agriculture, luxury goods, and any field where their practical nature and aesthetic sensibilities can shine.

Gemini MC: With Gemini on the MC, communication is key. These individuals excel in roles that involve writing, teaching, media, journalism, marketing, or any job that requires adaptability, networking, and intellectual engagement.

Cancer MC: Cancer on the MC often indicates a nurturing career path. These individuals may be drawn to professions related to caregiving, such as nursing, childcare, social work, or real estate, hospitality, and any job where creating a sense of home or emotional security is important.

Leo MC: Leo on the MC is associated with a desire for recognition and creative expression. Careers in entertainment, acting, politics, fashion, and leadership roles are common. These individuals often seek careers where they can stand out, inspire others, and express their creative talents.

Virgo MC: Virgo on the MC points to a meticulous and service-oriented approach to work. These individuals may excel in healthcare, research, editing, service industries, and any career that requires attention to detail, organization, and a focus on improving systems.

Libra MC: Libra on the MC is linked to careers involving beauty, harmony, and relationships. These individuals might be drawn to law, diplomacy, fashion, art, counseling, or any role that involves balancing opposing forces, aesthetics, or creating harmony in social settings.

Scorpio MC: Scorpio on the MC suggests a career involving intensity, transformation, and depth. These individuals may pursue careers in psychology, research, finance, detective work, or any field where they can explore the unknown, deal with crises, or engage in transformative work.

Sagittarius MC: Sagittarius on the MC is associated with careers that involve exploration, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. These individuals may find fulfillment in teaching, travel-related jobs, publishing, philosophy, or any field that allows them to broaden their horizons and share wisdom.

Capricorn MC: Capricorn on the MC is linked to ambition, structure, and long-term goals. These individuals are often drawn to careers in government, management, business, engineering, or any field where discipline, responsibility, and strategic planning are required.

Aquarius MC: Aquarius on the MC indicates a career path that involves innovation, humanitarian work, and social reform. These individuals may excel in technology, science, social causes, or any field where they can contribute to progressive change and work towards a better future for society.

Pisces MC: Pisces on the MC is associated with creativity, compassion, and spirituality. These individuals may be drawn to careers in the arts, healing, spirituality, film, photography, or any field where they can express their imagination and connect with the emotional or spiritual dimensions of life.

Vedic Astrology:

In Vedic astrology, the 10th house, also known as Karma Bhava, represents career, professional success, and one's contributions to society. The planet ruling the 10th house, the condition of Saturn (the natural significator of career), and the placement of planets in the 10th house are crucial in determining one's career path.

Sun in the 10th House: The Sun in the 10th house signifies leadership and authority. Individuals with this placement may pursue careers in government, politics, administration, or any role where they can be in charge. They are often seen in positions of power and influence, where their leadership qualities are recognized.

Moon in the 10th House: The Moon in the 10th house brings a nurturing and emotionally responsive approach to one's career. Individuals with this placement may excel in public relations, hospitality, healthcare, real estate, or any field that involves caring for others and creating a supportive environment. Their careers often involve a connection to the public or dealing with the needs of others.

Mars in the 10th House: Mars in the 10th house indicates a dynamic and action-oriented career. These individuals are likely to be drawn to careers in the military, engineering, sports, law enforcement, or any field that requires courage, determination, and physical energy. They excel in competitive environments and are often seen in roles that involve taking decisive action.

Mercury in the 10th House: Mercury in the 10th house signifies a career involving communication, intellect, and business acumen. Individuals with this placement may excel in writing, teaching, journalism, trade, commerce, or any profession that requires intellectual skills, adaptability, and the ability to convey information effectively.

Jupiter in the 10th House: Jupiter in the 10th house indicates a career in teaching, counseling, law, or finance. These individuals are often drawn to roles that involve guiding others, sharing knowledge, and upholding ethical principles. They may find success in academic fields, religious institutions, or any profession where wisdom and morality are valued.

Venus in the 10th House: Venus in the 10th house suggests a career in the arts, entertainment, fashion, or luxury goods. These individuals are often drawn to professions where beauty, aesthetics, and creativity play a central role. They may also find success in diplomacy, public relations, or any field that requires charm, social skills, and a sense of harmony.

Saturn in the 10th House: Saturn in the 10th house indicates a disciplined and structured approach to one's career. These individuals may pursue careers in politics, engineering, construction, or labor-related jobs. They are often seen in roles that require responsibility, hard work, and long-term commitment. Saturn's influence may also lead to careers involving law, administration, or any field where persistence and patience are key.

Rahu in the 10th House: Rahu in the 10th house signifies unconventional and innovative career paths. These individuals may be drawn to careers in media, technology, foreign jobs, or any field that involves breaking new ground and challenging societal norms. They may also find success in professions that deal with mystery, research, or hidden knowledge.

Ketu in the 10th House: Ketu in the 10th house indicates a career focused on spiritual pursuits, research, or the occult. These individuals may be drawn to roles that involve detachment from material success, such as in astrology, spiritual counseling, or any field where inner wisdom and insight are valued over external recognition. Ketu's influence may also lead to careers in fields that require a deep understanding of the metaphysical or esoteric.

Additionally, the D10 chart (Dasamsa) is used for a deeper analysis of career prospects.

I hope this helps! ♥️

©️kleopatra45

[bugsfavoriteclown]

Jester!Buggy x Royal!R

Word Count: 1.1k Warnings: Yandereish? Genre: Romantic, Enemies to Lovers, Fantasy AU

———————————————————————

Jester!Buggy who pledges himself to your kingdom completely, devoting his entire being to pleasing your court in hopes of one day gaining your trust, desperate for power to be in his favor for once in his life.

Jester!Buggy who swipes as many valuables as he can from your castle halls without getting caught. Pocketing and taking them out to the market to pawn off to smugglers and citizens at varying prices.

Jester!Buggy who hates everything about you. He can’t stand the fact that you have his entire life in his hands and would overthrow you in a second if he was given the chance.

Jester!Buggy who hides his disdain for you through the jokes he makes. The only part of his job that he likes is that he can openly mock you and how you rule the country and hide it behind the mask of entertainment.

Jester!Buggy who has been planning your assassination since before he even began working for you. Who almost needs to have that same feeling of control you do, just to see what it's like. Who plans to coerce you into a vulnerable position where he can demand things from you instead. Who wants a taste of what it's like to be on the top of the caste system for once in his life.

Jester!Buggy who does like the fact that he can request any type of outfit to be paroled specifically for himself. He’s glad he can at least be granted a variety of clothes that he gets completely for free.

Jester!Buggy who slowly starts to feel himself soften whenever you smile at one of his jokes. Who almost chases the joyful gleam in your eyes when you find something he said funny. Who loves that you always call him back to cheer you up when you're sad as if he's the only one capable enough.

Jester!Buggy who starts to sneak into the castle's kitchens and steals small treats and snacks for you to eat when you have a break in the day.

Jester!Buggy who finds that he actually looks forward to performing in your court. Who feels a sense of pride at the thought that you brag about your wonderful, talented jester to other rulers in other kingdoms.

Jester!Buggy who starts stealing from other kingdoms when you take him with you during your visits. Who goes back home and either sells them or uses them as a replacement for other things he's stolen.

Jester!Buggy who starts to fear for your safety when Alvida, and the other bandits he's been selling to, begin asking why he hasn't been coming back with any new information lately. Demanding that he bring them back something they can use for the upcoming ambush they've been meticulously planning or they'll take it upon themselves.

Jester!Buggy who wants to warn you so badly but can't because he doesn't want to put any suspicion on himself out of fear of losing his job and position beside you. Who's too afraid to explain to you why he knows so much about the conspiracy being organized against you.

Jester!Buggy who, instead, goes to visit Shanks, one of your most valued knights, and begs for him to keep a closer eye out because there may be some type of scheme cooking up in the shadows. Who knows he’ll take what he says seriously without outing him for any of his past crimes.

Jester!Buggy who feels better about not having to fear you getting hurt, but is now starting to feel jealous at how often he sees you and Shanks walking together in the gardens. It pisses him off even more knowing that this is exactly what he asked him to do and so he can’t really be upset about it.

Jester!Buggy who continues to visit you during your breaks, but now also comes to see you at later times in the night because he’s memorized your sleep habits. At first, it was so he could pick the right time to rob you blind, but now he uses it to find good times to see you without it being a disturbance.

Jester!Buggy who starts getting noticeably more possessive over you when he spots Alvida and the rest of her posse near the castle walls one night as he’s on his way to see you.

Jester!Buggy who approaches Alvida and threatens to get her and the others executed if they keep snooping closer to you. But they only laugh as they know he doesn’t have that power and can’t stop them on his own, only making him angrier at the entire thing.

Jester!Buggy who has to find creative ways to play off his clinginess because he’d be damned if they got a hold of you in any way. Who is now always seen accompanying you as you wander from room to room in the castle, playing it off as him trying to learn more about you so he can entertain you better.

Jester!Buggy who offers to go to the markets for you and to help escort you on stage when you have to speak to the public, all with a knife up his sleeve and eyes roaming the crowds.

Jester!Buggy who uses the extra cash he has on him to hire mercenaries to keep watch on anyone he deems suspicious. Specifically Alvida and everyone else associated with her.

Jester!Buggy who starts to reveal to you the kind of person he actually is. Who starts displaying his more violent disposition and knack for murder, all things you weren’t aware of when you had first hired him. Who's ready to kill for you and makes that aspect painfully clear.

Jester!Buggy who does kill for you after someone tries pickpocketing you during your stroll through the country. Who noticed something was off immediately and stabbed the perpetrator before they could get any further with your things.

Jester!Buggy who begins to almost worship you. Who treats you far more gently than anyone else around him and is ready to drop anything on your whim. Who feels his body begin to react in ways he never thought possible whenever he sees you upset.

Jester!Buggy who would do anything to be closer to you, but can't ever seem to find the appropriate time to do so since you're his boss, and he was only ever meant to be your toy. Who is only supposed to enter the room on your terms. Who wasn't intended to be anything more than a worker.

Jester!Buggy who pledges himself to your kingdom completely, devoting his entire being to pleasing your court, but this time in hopes of pleasing you as well. Who would be anything you wanted him to be if you demanded it of him. Who would do anything if it meant he'd be able to spend more time with you.

[wowstrawberrycow]

Prepping for my request!

I finally feel prepared enough to write it @celeluwhenfics! I'll write your LegolasXGimli (Gigolas) drabble tomorrow!

Got some foodie head canons for ya!

Elves

Food culture

So canonically if we go by books meat is not completely unseen from the dinner table.

However! And this is my head canon:

I think they have things stored for guests who don't share their customs. I especially think Elrond is good about that since in the books his house seems to be welcoming towards just about anyone who's not a jerk. He's just a cool guy like that! Further more I think they eat very much the way modern Daoist's (Taoists) do which is primarily Vegan if not vegetarian with acceptions. I imagine sweets are very rare outside of festivals/large gatherings.Food is a spiritual thing for Daoist(taoist) philosophy, and I can easily see that being the same for elves too.

They may have modern Buddhist practices too. For example not only is there thanks for the planet for providing it but also gratitude for each step given to prepare it (and to all who prepared it). I think personal meals at home and feasting amongst one another is very ritualistic in that way.

But in contrast I also want to say that depending on the situation their feasting manner can vary. I say this because these guys love their wine. They seem to party a lot when they get visitors in the books. So I'm going to say that their food culture can be laid back with good company. I don't think anyone would be offended if an outsider doesn't participate in their food customs. They just wanna have a good time. But this may also depend on who's house your visiting. Elrond's house, Galadriel's woodland home, and Thranduil's cavern palace very different ways of how they treat visitors. The degree of welcome may very.

Dwarves

I'm basing my head canons off of what the movies for this one.

Food culture

I think dwarves are very lively during most meals and it's a custom for each person to tell a story or sing a song at the table. If someone isn't laughing it's not truly meal time. There is always some sort of alcohol on the table and plethora of breads and cheese. I think cheese is collected daily depending on if there is a village a few miles away. I imagine the errand boy for the market changes regularly so no one person is stuck doing it. They live in caves so meat must be cured for storage depending on the type of meat it is. (I'll get into food storage in a bit) I think that dwarves like a lot of baked goods in general too. So casseroles, baked deserts, and hearty pies are always available. These guys give me a cozy hearty cooking vibe, mainly because of the bellows they work with in the mines. Ovens just seem to be bedded everywhere in their culture.

I imagine that immediately after everyone is done eating they have warrior prayers for the fallen too. Then they all pitch in to clean up the table and wash up the dishes and kitchen too. They might be a rowdy crew but they do know how to clean up very well. After a meal they take the time to bond with family by playing games, some may rough house for amusement, entertaining little ones and maybe napping depending on the meal

I think they also have an excellent food storage system too. Because they live in mines their would undoubtedly be parts of the mountain that maintain constant temperatures. I could see them manipulating the temperature to something more accommodating for foods that need a colder storage space. These dudes can use magic to a degree, so this doesn't seem too out of their scope to me.

[keeper-of-gates]

i really like how chapter 3 is just literally saying that "hey, dead kids. traumatic events happened here and the effects are still here" by literally showing you the horrors through the auditory and the physicality of what chapter 3 has to offer.

Chapter 1 gave us a "yeah, something happened" but nothing substantial to grasp on other than what remains of posters and vhs tapes. Chapter 2 managed to at least expand on the orphan program by introducing the games station and it's true purpose of progression of tests on the mind through child-friendly means. Even the literal videos mob ent. gave us only a small bit of information about what happened before the Hour of Joy, such as the consent of a terminally ill worker being put into a toy.

Chapter 3 just gives us the bigger scale on everything the game gave us as snacks.

We see empty beds, empty cots, picture frames of children whose fates are left between 2-3 outcomes with one with them actually being adopted before even being pulled from the choice altogether simply because they had the ability to be good at reacting to colours. We see an actual system on how these children get treated and how everything works, from the titual nanny in Home Sweet Home, to the teachers of the school to even the scientists overviewing everything.

We know that actual adoptions do take place also, even if the potential parent/s are just the employees. But we know that Playcare's purpose isn't that straightforward, because the children are monitored as potential candidates for the experiments and are picked with the reason being that they're "sick" to whoever asks, child or otherwise.

And it appears that most of the workers in playcare are left in the dark, much like the factory workers if the woman who was left to care for a certain room of children was absolutely distraught of one child getting a nightmare to the point where the child had to be taken away and has to be interviewed by a person who seems to not be in the same emotional wave about the ordeal in the first place. Any mention of the children directly in both the interview and the report seems to call them directly, affectionately or otherwise, son or daughter, either from overattachment or as a professional act.

The experiments themselves are the unwilling second hand, created as sentient, yet obedient tools for entertainment, care and labour by any unfortunate human chosen, and it is obvious that Playtime Co, shown in teasers, aren't really picky when it comes to it. I even have doubts that they only use one singular person, child or adult, alone to create a bigger body considering how, y'know, big they are.

Playtime Co. literally died from the inside during the Hour of Joy, when the toys finally had enough. Exactly how many people died is unknown but in comparison to death in any medium, watching it in game as the toys the player faced had killed everyone who was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no one surviving and being taken into consideration. were they considered missing? Did anyone try to investigate everything? or did it all get swept under the rug by whoever was still alive and representing the company?

Then, the decade after everything, it still continued. Soon there was no food. factions started to form between factory floors, with each territory and domain being barren of mercy and food. Any toy was fair game in consideration. Even if that fair game was who you considered your own kin or your friends.

I think Poppy Playtime is getting closer to breaking the mascot horror mould that Fnaf had set in stone for nearly a decade. Would that be good or better for the market? I'm not sure, but at least, it's going to be part of the pillar that will be looked back on.

[kakiastro]

Mars-Uranus-Algol Conj Transit: Off with their Heads!

Guysss!! We are near one of the biggest and nerve racking transits in our lifetime!! Mark your calendars July 15-16th

Mars= motivation, war, sex, aggression , the head and your physical body

Uranus= innovation, unpredictability and urgent changes

Algol= known as “demon star” or the “Medusa star” it rules over misfortune, electrocution, decapitation, mob violence. In other words Algol is the damn boogeyman. However, she does bring fame, a strong presence, being well known in a infamous way,

Algol is in the Perseus constellation sitting in Perseus hand that’s holding Medusa head.

This triple transit conj is definitely one to look out for because it wont happen again for another 500 years!!

The last time this transit occurred was in 1522 and 1942!

Taurus rules financials, physical home, resources, values + morals, economy, throat, food

It’s happening at the 26°(Taurus degree) so it’s full on Taurus energy

2 + 6= 8

8 is a scorpio number which is ruled by Pluto , Pluto is in Aquarius . It’s also an 8 year in numerology which is ruled by Saturn, which is in Pisces

Since this is a big Taurus transit, we have to look at its ruler Venus. Venus will be in Leo at this time.

Leo rules over fame, dating, creative spark, passion, children, ego, soul missions

This conjunction only last for a few days but the energy will last the rest of this year until 2026.

The Moon will be in Scorpio during this and it will oppose this conjunction.

Those with Taurus placements especially those with 20°-29°, I personally see this as end of an era for you! Perseus beheaded Medusa. I see this as a cycle that’s being beheaded and you’re about to be legendary. Now I’ll be honest , change won’t be easy at all, especially for you all because Taurus not fond of change but yall It’s time!!

My predictions: these are just my own personal ones. This is also globally and doesn’t pertain to a specific area! It’s everybody

-more protest against government leaders and system

-money matters, maybe a new system? Or lots of talking of the future of the economy.

-housing market , rent cost, and homelessness will be hot topics of discussion.

-mental health discussions, serious talks about it

-more celebrity downfalls. I actually think the Entertainment industry is about to split. Think Drake vs Kendrick, that was a prequel

- bizzare natural disasters happening more than usual

- more dark and hidden secrets coming out about people(especially famous ones)

-people are really going to be asking about our food supply. What are we really putting in our food?

-the Kids! We are really going to be discussing is the type of world we want for the next generation. I predict we’re going to see extraordinary stories of kids doing extraordinary things that we didn’t even think about at their age.

-so many people are going to be moving overseas to foreign lands

-medical breakthroughs.

-unsung heroes such as creatives, teachers, regular people becoming huge in the spotlight!

I know this doesn’t look or sound good but please don’t freak out! This post isn’t suppose to put fear in your head but make you more aware on what the hell is going on. So when things hit the fan, you’ll at least know why it’s happening. Think of it like this, we are in the era of change and new beginning. When has that ever been easy?

It’ll be okay y’all! We gone be alright! Say it with me “we gone be alright!”

[annwrites24]

Organized by @dindjarindiaries for December 2024!

Pairing: Din Djarin x f!reader

Rating: M, but all my content and my blog are 18+ only

Word count: 349

Tags (All parts): fluff, some angst, developing relationship, mentions of loss of parents, second person POV, no use of y/n, hints of smut if you squint.

Day Twelve: Lights

You bought them at the market; yards of brightly coloured string lights, a rainbow of glittering bulbs chained together. You’d seen them hanging off every building on your last stop, and when the Mandalorian was distractedly shopping for something else, you stole away and asked one of the local merchants what they were and how to find them.

You learned they were part of a local mid-winter tradition, a way of lighting up the night against the lack of sun, a chance to bring colour to the world and fight off the grey of winter for a little longer. They weren’t expensive, and you bought several strands, already plotting where you might put them.

Now, as you carry them back to the Razor Crest, you tell yourself they are for Grogu, and it’s partially true. He will love the sparkling lights and find endless entertainment in changing the pattern and pace to find the one he likes the best. The lights will keep him happy the next time the two of you are locked down and waiting for the Mandalorian to return and make the ship feel a little more like home.

You put them up as soon as you got back, connecting the strands together and plugging them into the ship’s power. It’s difficult to find places to string them along the ceiling that won’t interfere with anything; once or twice, you think you’ve found the perfect place to hook one of the strands only to realize that it’s actually a switch for some system you dare not touch.

You finish just before the Mandalorian returns, and he steps into a hull filled with a rainbow of light. Every inch of his armour reflects the colours back around the room, and he stands frozen and twinkling and facing you while you wring your hands, praying he won’t be mad. You can’t read his reaction, but he looked beautiful, lit up like a galaxy as he approached where you stood. Tentatively, with a touch almost as ephemeral as the light around you, he squeezed your hand.

It looks nice.

Find my other fics on AO3! Header art by me. I do not give permission for any of my work, whole or in part, to be fed into any AI generative program under any circumstances.

[thecoffeelovingfreak]

𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒘𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅

chapter I of and her heart is a bird on a spit in her chest

Pairing: Teenage!Arlecchino x gn!Teenage!Reader

Genres: politics & law, angst (mostly light)

Word count: 1.5k

Warnings: corrupted legal system and government, mentions and discussions of said corruption, brief violence, brief mentions of blood, murder, and death; me trying to replicate how a trial would work if the circumstances are insane

| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | epilogue

~~~

The damp and murky streets of downtown Brume de Lys left dark trails of water along your bare feet. The fog cast throughout the city hindered your sight as you ran, occasionally bumping into towering figures traveling home from work. The stained light blue blanket lying along the creases of your elbows was slowly becoming looser. Shouts and the heavy thumping of boots echoed from behind you as the sound of your racing blood filled your ears. Adrenaline coursed through you, and your body was shaking with stress and exhaustion.

As you sharply rounded a corner, you were met with the hands of your older brother grasping your forearms.

“Are you alright? What’s on your shirt?”

You brought your hands up to your eyes, much too frantic and panicked to respond. It was not needed, however, as the night patrol officers quickly caught up with you.

“Step away from the offender, sir!” one ordered.

Your brother looked at the man with his ever-persistent defiance, doing his best to appear intimidating in the face of danger.

“What have they done?”

“That is between us and the law.” the other spoke.

“If you cannot give me a reason to leave my sibling, I will not.”

The patrol looked at each other before one sighed and said, “If you will not obey, you will be punished as well.”

Your brother stared down the guards, his hands beginning to shake around your elbows. Time seemed to slow as a bullet of violet electricity flew into his leg, just barely scraping along the end of your blanket. His grip on you loosened as he fell spasming to the ground. The patrolmen raced toward you both, one roughly grabbing your upper arm and causing your blanket to fall onto the cobblestone sidewalk. The other turned your brother around and placed silver cuffs around his wrists. The civilians around you continued walking by even as you were both placed into the black vehicle of the third arriving officer. This was not an uncommon occurrence for them – every day people would be dragged either to prison or court whether they were innocent or guilty.

Every person in the nation of Fontaine would face judgment day, and every person would accept that system whether they liked it or not.

—

Half an hour later, a young woman walked down the same street. A wicker basket of fruit hung from her right arm, paired with two loaves of bread. The slightly tattered clothes she wore blew around in the wind and her braided white hair began coming loose. The business of the streets was dwindling from when she first arrived at the market. The church bells began to toll as she noticed a darkened blue blanket lying in a puddle of black. It reminded her of her own waiting for her in a vast collective bedroom not far from here now, kept in a place she dreaded to return to.

A few coins remained in her pocket, jostling with each step she took. She had debated handing them back to the director, but instead, she decided that she would keep them hidden in the bread bag in her mattress. A simple excuse that the shopkeep had raised his prices would be enough to dwell the director’s suspicion.

A pattern of frayed black on the stone walkway caught her attention. The familiar feeling of bitterness grew in her heart again as she looked down at what was becoming the symbol of her city. It was no secret that Brume de Lys was becoming a display of corruption, at fifteen the girl could understand it better than ever before. The people of Fontaine were simply entertainment for their archon, and being ruled by such a tyrant ignited a mutinous flame in her. One day she would escape, not only the nation but the dismal environment of her orphanage.

—

 The steady sound of rain echoed through your cell from the small barred window in the corner. It was freezing in the dreary room, and you had no reprieve from the unbearable chill. No blanket was on the hard old bed, and you were alone. When you arrived at the jail the previous night you were separated from your brother. He was twenty and five years older than you. They sent him to a different location, and he likely wouldn’t even receive a trial. The officer's testimonies would be all the court needed to charge him.

A key unlocking your cell drew your view from the grey clouds outside to the blue-coated monochrome of the bailiff’s uniform. Her white hair was slicked into a bun with two cerulean strands flowing from it. She said nothing as she motioned you out of the cell and stood to your side. A small show of respect in the face of contempt. She guided you through the vaguely familiar winding underground of the court. The structure for residencies of law closely resembled the law itself – maddening, tricky, and intricate.

Large doors of mahogany lined in gold and officers stood before the courtroom. The bailiff looked apologetic as she placed cuffs around your wrists and grabbed you by the arm. If the officers cared about her actions, they did not show it as they opened the tall doors. 

Your eyes widened at the display before you.

There were no spectators. No jury. No attorneys. Just a madwoman and her chief justice highlighted on a dais. 

No one else would be in this room.

The archon’s eyes glimmered with delight as she sat with a light smile on her face. The chief justice’s face sat stoic, and regret and guilt sat heavily behind his eyes. Every step you took fell deaf behind the bailiff’s boots hitting the wood floor. She guided you to a small wooden seating area before the dais, as she moved to stand beneath the justice and to his right.

“__ __, correct?”

You looked at the chief justice. “Yes, Your Honor.”

He hummed briefly. “Please state your case.”

The only knowledge you had of a trial was from your father’s five years ago. Nonetheless, you stood up and shared what happened the previous night.

“On the previous evening, I entered the butcher’s shop at the local market. When I left twenty minutes later, I was being chased by patrolmen. I wanted to purchase meat for my brother to cook for dinner, and now I am allegedly a criminal. I was raised in what is seen as the dregs of the city, but that does not make me inherently transgressive. I did well in school until I could no longer attend. When my brother and I lost our parents in the same week, we grieved, but we worked hard to provide for ourselves. The money we made almost always went toward food and shelter. The night I went into the butcher’s shop I was looking to purchase a cut of sirloin to share with my brother. I waited for ten minutes before I was serviced. I happened to spill a bit of the blood from the wrapped raw steak onto my shirt as I walked out since another customer bumped into me. When I exit the building there was a person lodged against the side of the building holding their side and quietly groaning in pain. I placed my steak down and quickly came to help them. I tried to shake them, but by that point they were unresponsive. Before I knew it the patrolmen had spotted the blood on my shirt and the blood on the body and thought I murdered them. I may be many things but a murderer is not one of them. I simply wanted to provide me and my brother with a nice dinner, and now I’m in court over a misunderstanding. Please, Your Honor and Your Majesty, deliver an understanding verdict.”

Silence overtook the room once more as you sat down.

“Wow, Mx. __, that was truly fantastic!” the archon cheered as she lightly clapped. “I have seen many trials today, but this is by far one of my favorites! The way you spin it is a wonder.”

Your brows furrowed before the chief justice spoke, “Thank you, Mx. __. Please give us time to deliberate.”

Confusion and creeping fear filled you as the justice and archon left to the chamber behind them. The bailiff did not speak or move even upon their return a surprising ten minutes later.

“We have reached a verdict.” the justice voiced.

“Not guilty!” the archon cheered.

Relief was evident on your face, but she quickly picked up on it.

“However…” she started, as the justice side-eyed her curiously.

“Since your brother is sentenced to twenty-five years at the prison’s factory, you’ll be all alone. So, we’ve decided to send you to Orphelinat de la Fleuve Sinueux!”

Dread filled you upon hearing your brother’s sentence. He would be wasting away in the product of industrialization that is slowly deteriorating the nation. The people were paying the price for the deceit of living a higher life with better technology and instead of doing anything about it, those in power like the two in front of you left them to solve everything.

Indignation shone in your gaze as the justice closed his eyes. “You will be sent there promptly at noon today. The bailiff will escort you to your home and the orphanage in the meantime. You are dismissed.”

[ndconceptarchive]

Mystery of the Seven Keys SuperJump Interview

Here is the interview that I promised to put up last week- it was published on Aug 18, 2024 by Rachel Alm.

"The HeR Interactive Team members interviewed are as follows:

Suzy O’Hara, Chief Creative and Creative Producer - Games

Cacie Desautel, Production and Project Manager

Penny Milliken, CEO

Jared Nieuwenhuis, Communications & Marketing Consultant"

When I was a child, my mother picked up a little mystery game called Nancy Drew: Treasure in a Royal Tower. That single purchase would launch a lifelong love for the wonderful mystery series and would open the door for a wider interest in mystery games, horror, travel, and history.

From halcyon nights spent beside friends, clustered around a small screen screaming gleefully at the occasional jump scare, to seeing the beautiful rendering of Nancy's story in the newest game, each time I boot up the title screen feels a lot like coming home. It's why I was ecstatic to have the chance and honor of being able to interview the creative team continuing Nancy Drew's celebrated legacy.

HeR Interactive was founded in 1995 and has produced Nancy Drew mystery games since the first release of Secrets Can Kill in 1997. The teenage detective has a storied history outside of the games, but it's in the games where many fans found a foothold. Her influence remains significant in pop culture, and Nancy's stalwart curiosity and actualization in these games continue to enchant fans. The most recent entry, Nancy Drew and the Mystery of the Seven Keys was released earlier this year.

The HeR Interactive Team members interviewed are as follows:

Suzy O’Hara, Chief Creative and Creative Producer - Games

Cacie Desautel, Production and Project Manager

Penny Milliken, CEO

Jared Nieuwenhuis, Communications & Marketing Consultant

SUPERJUMP

Nancy Drew: Mystery of the Seven Keys is your first release since 2019's Midnight in Salem. How did you approach this game's creation with the longer hiatus between? 

Suzy O’Hara

When it comes to development, there is no “hiatus” for us. Our team is continuously developing, refining, and creating for the next game. The transition from inception to development and then production is seamless and ongoing. Our approach to the game’s creation early on includes the game narrative design and technical engineers working closely with the creative team running on parallel development tracks. 

For instance, after completing production on our first game on the new Unity engine, Nancy Drew: Midnight in Salem (MID), we immediately began looking at what we wanted to implement in the next game. We especially considered the important fan feedback, brand elements, and the technology updates needed to improve systems. We are keeping in mind not only game 34 but also future games so we can make each new game even better while keeping those essential pillars of a Nancy Drew game at the forefront. We took time to create the new dual navigation system, develop new features, update the character production and animations, and explore ways to enhance the game's visual fidelity, making technical adjustments to the game engine along the way, all to be ready for game 34 production. 

The creative team I work on has multiple stories in development as an ongoing focus. We like to have many mysteries in varying stages of development, from concept to pre-production, ready. This gives us the flexibility to select a mystery that is relevant to the timing of the release and also a location that fans have often indicated they would like to see Nancy go to for her next adventure. We consider many elements that take time to develop properly, so we select the mystery that fits perfectly with our 34 other games for the next case. Identifying story opportunities and development is an exciting part of my everyday life and what I love most about storytelling entertainment. 

"As we work to adapt the Nancy Drew games for all audiences, we’re constantly looking for ways to reimagine old mechanics and design aspects in the 3D world of our new games." Cacie Desautel PRODUCTION & PROJECT MANAGER

SUPERJUMP

Mystery of the Seven Keys is a beautiful game! I love the loading screen facts, the painterly style, and the cleaner UI. I also love that you have a first-person and a Classic setting – it's how I'll always remember playing! How did you decide what to keep or/and remix in this game? 

Cacie Desautel

As we work to adapt the Nancy Drew games for all audiences, we’re constantly looking for ways to reimagine old mechanics and design aspects in the 3D world of our new games. In the future, we will continue looking for these opportunities and improving on what we have already adapted, such as the classic mode. The dual navigation system is a great example of what we are doing to appeal to both our longtime fans and new fans alike!

SUPERJUMP

Obviously, times have changed since the original game came out back in 1998, but it seems the heart is ever-present. How do you stay "true" to the Drew identity?

Penny Milliken 

We start from a place where we understand the significance the Nancy Drew universe has played in the lives of many of our players. Nancy Drew is an icon for a reason – because much of our fan base has found themselves in her, found strength in her, and escaped with her. Countless fans and celebrities traveling different paths in life cite Nancy as a central figure in their childhood. So, it's essential for us to maintain those core characteristics that have made Nancy Drew popular for over 90 years, such as her intelligence, courage, independence, and curiosity.  These key characteristics have made Nancy Drew an enduring and beloved figure, and we work tirelessly to ensure that those characteristics are seen in our games. 

SUPERJUMP

This is the franchise's first venture to Prague. How did you research the location and the stories surrounding the mystery? I've always enjoyed the cultural snapshots of the games, from ranches to ryokans, that give a little background on where we are. What is that process for story conceptualization ��� do you choose locale or mystery first, or do the two sort of naturally intersect?

Suzy O’Hara

It is a pleasure to know that you are a longtime fan of the Nancy Drew game series. As you know, we are one of the longest-running series games, ever-evolving and our players, as Nancy Drew, have solved over 34 cases! 

As noted earlier, development for Nancy Drew’s next case is a continuous process. With the rich legacy of the Nancy Drew franchise, we have a wealth of ideas and concepts to draw from. Nancy Drew, our iconic teen detective, is true to her roots but is also ever-evolving as the famed female detective. The settings, stories, characters, and crimes in our games are adaptations from the Nancy Drew book series or are original ideas and game worlds like Nancy Drew: Mystery of the Seven Keys (KEY). 

For the mystery, we like to consider current interests and unique crimes Nancy hasn’t solved yet. It could be a news story, a moment in history, or travel that sparks the idea. For KEY, the locale and mystery naturally intersected. The story is rooted in history with a modern cyber spin. It is a mystery plot that could only happen in Prague, and it was inspired by a family trip there.

While in Vienna working on MID, I visited Prague and was captivated by the Bohemian Crown Jewels and their protection by the seven keys and the key bearers. The haunted corridors and tales of royals and alchemists added intrigue. I was so excited that I called Penny, our CEO, and shared several ideas for a mystery set in Prague. Having visited Prague before, and then returning to consider it as a game story, she was equally inspired. The development of the game story, researching the crime, establishing the characters, so each is a suspect, puzzles, and experiences and how they fit into the game world were all part of the first phase of establishing the game story.

Turning the story into an immersive game experience makes it all come alive by working closely with the game design team. We had to ensure the narrative offered rich opportunities for player engagement through interactions, control, and Nancy’s signature snooping. Each story element needed to be translated into puzzles and challenges that felt organic to the history of Prague and the plot. Also designing an experience where players don’t just do things on Nancy's to-do list, but they have to think and reason like Nancy and become her. For me, working hand in hand with the design team, and our brand team to bring the iconic legacy game elements into the project is the heart of what transforms a story idea into an unforgettable game. We are so glad you enjoyed playing it! 

"Nancy’s character, with her unique blend of intelligence, courage, and independence, resonates across generations." Penny Milliken CEO

SUPERJUMP

The Nancy Drew games have a thriving fanbase, and I know many of us rediscovered a love of the games during the pandemic. From bake-offs to Q&As, how do you keep up with the social aspect of the studio? And do ideas or clamor from fans ever influence the next book-based mystery or location?

Jared Nieuwenhuis

I am so proud of the creativity the social media team shows daily. They understand the brand and our audience so well, which translates into great social media content and engagement. They collaborate seamlessly, and our team is constantly sharing ideas, being inspired by our passionate fans and their survey responses, and contributing to our social media goals. Additionally, they are disciplined and organized across different departments, which leads to a holistic communications approach. This enhances our overall success, aligns with the expectations of our fans, and grows the overall awareness of our award-winning games across multiple platforms. They also take a lot of inspiration from current trends and events. From International Video Game Day to the Olympics, we’re here to celebrate and cheer on our amazing fans while tying it back to Nancy Drew games and HeR Interactive. 

SUPERJUMP

One of the things I always loved most about HeR Interactive is its centering on women's stories. Nancy was one of the heroines I resonated most with as a kid, even though I had no shortage of superheroes to look up to. Why do you think she's remained such a role model to people of all ages?

Penny Milliken

Nancy Drew’s enduring relevance as a role model can probably be attributed to several factors:

Timeless Appeal: Nancy’s character, with her unique blend of intelligence, courage, and independence, resonates across generations. Her relatability makes her a timeless figure in detective fiction or video games.

Adaptability: Nancy has evolved over the years, from her original depiction in the 1930s to modern adaptations. This evolution is a testament to her ability to adapt to changing cultural norms and interests, ensuring her continued relevance.

Diverse Media: Nancy Drew has made her mark in books, movies, TV shows, and video games. This multi-platform presence not only keeps her relevant but also makes her accessible to a wide audience.

FanCommunity: We are constantly amazed by our passionate fan base who continue to celebrate Nancy Drew. Be it fan conventions, online forums, or social media, the fans are directly responsible for Nancy’s ongoing popularity.

SUPERJUMP

I know development takes a lot of different hands to move the boat, and one thing I've often overlooked is the music. The soundtrack in Mystery of the Seven Keys is as enchanting and atmospheric as the past titles. How do you craft such a smooth soundtrack for the games?

Suzy O’Hara

The music in KEY was inspired by the contrast between old-world ancient Prague with the beautiful settings, and the modern world of high-tech crimes in the story. 

Our composer, Ryan Ricks, is phenomenal, starting with the narrative and setting to craft a cohesive musical experience. We provide him with detailed scenarios and examples, for feeling and tone, and he transforms them magically into layered, dynamic pieces. These tracks often allow for a variety of combinations with different instruments, enhancing the atmosphere of each scene. Cutscenes, which are critical for story progression and emotional impact, benefit greatly from his unique compositions.

We're thrilled you enjoyed how we blended the sounds of old-world Prague, local street performers, marionettes, our cozy coffee cafe, and the whimsical elements of Old Town. The cello at the museum and the cathedral’s music pay homage to Czechia’s classic music, while medieval legends and mysterious happenings bring a haunting vibe and suspense. The Aparat computer store and certain puzzles transport players to the more high-tech elements. The music is one of the game's highlights, and we hope players will enjoy each piece.

"Nancy operates in a world of reality and crimes, but to me, the stories woven in the case that tie in history, fiction, and some fantasy into the adventure add to the mystery that Nancy has to solve." Suzy O'Hara CHIEF CREATIVE & CREATIVE PRODUCER - GAMES

SUPERJUMP

Video game designs have changed a lot from the early aughts, but people still seem to like click-and-point-style adventures. Cozy games are fairly popular too. Do you have any games or game genres that you've drawn inspiration from? What about books or movies or music? 

Suzy O’Hara

Inspiration from games I search out is usually very strong in story and character development. I simply love narrative mystery adventure games.  

I play many fun casual games that are always inspiring for our activities and mini-games. 

Those fun Nancy experiences give us the chance to develop new mechanics often played in more casual games and puzzle sim types. I like games like Monopoly, Portal 1 and 2, The Room, Countryle, and Papers Please. 

Also, games rich in investigative clue-gathering and deduction. These games to me are among the best for their unique storytelling, investigative gameplay, and often innovative mechanics. Some examples that are top on my list are Return of the Obra Dinn, the Uncharted series, and Sherlock Holmes.

As far as books for inspiration, all Nancy Drew mystery books, of course!! 

Also, fantasy books offer rich worlds and compelling stories, drawing on a variety of myths, legends, and folklore to create engaging fantasy elements in Nancy’s adventures. 

Nancy operates in a world of reality and crimes, but to me, the stories woven in the case that tie in history, fiction, and some fantasy into the adventure add to the mystery that Nancy has to solve. 

For movie inspiration for storytelling and mysteries, here is my list:

History! Drama and the classics all offer real situations told in universally appealing ways.

Spy and espionage

Classic mysteries well told: Agatha Christie's Orient Express, Glass Onion: Knives Out, and Sherlock Holmes films and series. 

For Music inspiration: Music that inspired ideas for KEY drew from the classical to the mysterious and lo-fi moods, as we used in the Nancy Drew Café holiday mix that has a cozy café vibe with music from past games and as well as new tracks from KEY.  

SUPERJUMP

Of course, I have to ask, what is one of the games in the franchise you consider a favorite?

Our favorite Nancy Drew games, not including Nancy Drew: Mystery of the Seven Keys:

Penny Milliken - Nancy Drew: The Silent Spy

Suzy O’Hara – Nancy Drew: Curse of Blackmoor Manor 

Cacie Desautel – Nancy Drew: The Silent Spy

Jared Nieuwenhuis – Nancy Drew: Ghost of Thornton Hall

I want to sincerely thank the HeR Interactive team for taking the time to interview with us! And, of course, thanks to Nancy – who taught me to be brave, kind, and always curious.

Mystery fans old and new alike should give Mystery of the Seven Keys a spin, or any of her 34(!) other mysteries, including those mentioned as favorites by the team above. As a longtime Drew fan, my opinion may be biased, but the longevity of the brand speaks for itself – these games have always been wonderfully realized point-and-click adventures. They're charming, creative, and most of all fun; so, there's bound to be a mystery (or many) right for you.

You can keep up with all things Nancy Drew via blog, YouTube, and Facebook, and other social media channels.

[vivicantstudy]

17 Compelling Reasons to Start Learning Mandarin Today!

1. Cultural access: Mandarin opens doors to understanding China’s rich cultural heritage, including literature, philosophy, and art. It’s the key to exploring classical works like Confucian texts and contemporary media without relying on translations.

2. Cognitive benefits: Studies show that learning Mandarin enhances cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving and memory. The complexity of Mandarin characters and tonal distinctions challenges the brain, leading to better mental agility.

3. Future-proofing: As China continues to grow as a global economic powerhouse, being fluent in Mandarin positions you advantageously for future job markets and international business opportunities.

4. Travel convenience: Speaking Mandarin makes traveling in China, Taiwan, and Singapore significantly easier. It helps with navigating public transport, understanding local customs, and accessing services, enhancing your overall travel experience.

5. Business and networking opportunities: With China being home to many of the world’s largest companies, Mandarin can open doors to new business ventures, partnerships, and job opportunities in a wide range of industries.

6. Learn a completely different writing system: Mandarin involves learning thousands of characters, offering a unique cognitive challenge. This skill not only enriches your understanding of the language but also provides insight into Chinese thought processes and cultural nuances.

7. Stand out in the global job market: Fluency in Mandarin is a rare and highly sought-after skill. It can distinguish you from other candidates, making your résumé stand out and potentially leading to higher salary offers and unique career opportunities.

8. Influence of Chinese pop culture: Access China’s booming entertainment industry, including hit movies, music, and television shows. Understanding Mandarin allows you to enjoy these cultural products in their original form, without relying on subtitles or translations.

9. Connect with Chinese heritage: For those with Chinese ancestry or interest, learning Mandarin facilitates a deeper connection with your heritage. It allows you to engage with historical documents and family traditions that are often only accessible in the original language.

10. Enhance travel experiences in Asia: Mandarin proficiency improves your travel experiences across multiple countries in Asia, where Chinese influence is significant. It helps you interact with locals, understand regional dialects, and fully immerse yourself in diverse cultures.

11. Access to advanced technologies: China leads in fields like artificial intelligence and fintech. Understanding Mandarin gives you direct access to cutting-edge research, innovations, and trends emerging from these technology sectors.

12. Build stronger personal relationships: Learning Mandarin allows you to communicate more effectively with Mandarin-speaking friends, colleagues, and partners. It deepens personal connections and shows respect for their language and culture.

13. Tap into Chinese academic resources: China’s academic sector is growing rapidly. Mandarin proficiency enables you to access a wealth of research, academic journals, and educational materials that are increasingly influential on the global stage.

14. Gain insights into global trends: Understanding Mandarin helps you stay informed about global trends and innovations directly from China. This knowledge is valuable for staying ahead in industries like fashion, technology, and social media.

15. Improve cultural sensitivity: Learning Mandarin enhances your understanding of Chinese social norms and etiquette. This cultural insight is crucial for navigating personal and professional interactions with respect and understanding.

16. Develop long-term cognitive benefits: Mandarin’s unique challenges, such as tone recognition and character memorization, promote long-term cognitive development

These were my favorite reasons why I study Mandarin! I’m loving the journey because it connects me deeply with a new culture and opens doors to Chinese technological innovations. Plus, the challenge of learning Mandarin is boosting my cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. Thanks for reading up to here!

[cuprohastes]

The Black Market

Space is big. I mean... really big. Like even bigger than a really big rock.

And boring.

But sometimes you get an encounter...

Boring is the worst part.

You can go into space and there's all sorts of cool stuff like the microgravity, the amazing view... and after a while it's just dark and the computer goes 'Boop' every quarter time unit, and this amazing experience collapses into the same space as e.g., being in a nursing home until someone tells you that you've arrived, and you can go look at cool stuff again.

Hence Interstellar Cruise Liners.

Space travel is still not cheap - even a run up and down a space elevator needs paying for, so you want to take as much cargo and paying passengers as possible.

With automated shipyards, you can just pour money and resources into building a truly huge passenger module, stack it on top of some cargo modules and clamp on as many drive units and crew modules as you need.

Load everyone in, let them ooh and ahhh at the view for a day then spin up a gateway and fire the whole thing into superluminal space and drop it out around any world you have a beacon for.

The really great thing is even if you lose the beacon in transit, you are a beacon. Just drop out and wait. Anything goes wrong, the home office can send a rescue ship after you.

In the meantime, there's the ship's amenities: The lush mossy jungle deck, the galactic beach, the games rooms, the dining groves, the on-board university - Even the theatre for live and recorded entertainment.

Still passengers like to have an experience, and so the Sunward Sail out of Ggxcha with seven hundred passengers dropped out of Superluminal space, the bow wave of exotic particles heating the backstop up to a glowing red.

The Sunward Sail dropped into a lazy orbit around an ancient planet, orbited by a big station trailing glittering wreckage - Obviously something dramatic had gone down here.

The lights were on though - So not a derelict station - and the docking was smooth, so the first set of tourists stepped onto the station, onto the Market deck.

So much to see! So much to do!

Madam Shi-shi's bakery run by a happy Tsin selling classic Tsin pastries, and exotic purple rolls with various filling and other goods.

The Top n' Charmed Quarks Bar with the scarred Atrix obviously a veteran of some war or calamity, serving exotic and colourful drinks:

"Dare you try the Human Menu?" she suggests, pulling it out. "Watch out, the Temple of Shir-li is banned in twelve systems..."

They even have a chance wheel!

Then there's Honest Gar's Genuine Human Antiquities, the wares spilling out from the shop in a riot of colours and patinas, where one can buy a genuine antique reproduction Victorian Empire TV, or a genuine Human Made Brown's Kitchen Imp that can tell you how to make a thousand and five human style recipes with a little sheet glass projection hologram of a human in glasses and red horns. So quaint!

And if you get to the end of the market, or one of the traders tips you off, you can find...

The Black Market

There's someone there, a weathered old... unless they were young... spacer, in a patched and scuffed EVA undersuit with 43 on the chest, who'll spin you unbelievable tales for a couple of creds dropped into the old cracked space helmet he keeps on the table next to him and if you ask, he'll let you in -

The back rooms are dark, rowdy, and full of the coolest stuff. There are lots of humans here, and there's an Atrix little guy, with a set of goggles, riding low on the belly of this Atrix Mech.

If you're lucky you can see one of the humans with some grudge square off agianst the little guy. He's surrounded by switches and levers, with a little pair of waldos.

The mech lurches to life, an angry display on its faceplace, growling in a rattling synthetic voice:

Combat mode! Engaged! Polaron Claws. Charging.

It's claws glowing white hot as it swings into motion, and the Human pulls a little cobbled together blaster out and takes a pot shot. The Mech lurches and sparks, warning lights flashing ominously...

Reactor. Overheat. Reactor. Overheat. Emergency. Venting.

The stricken mecha whirls, the little guy screaming in rage and flipping clunky archaic controls... And then when everything seems to be about to go wrong, the mech begins to spray clouds of vapour from it's vents and the alerts wind down, while the scurrilous human takes the opportunity to flee.

It's very dramatic.

And after that you can buy a souvenir arm patch of Cat Fantastic's Mecha with glow in the dark Polaron claws, before it's time to head back - Don't forget to pick up a packed lunch from Madame Shi-Shi's!

--

"Ugh." said Dave, "I don't mind the tourist run but it ruins my appetite" she muttered.

"You shouldn't snack on your own stock." says Big Ma, touching up Gondy's makeup.

Phalanges, helmet off, chin up and enjoying the cool air blower form the converted life support rig that they'd modded into the mecha grunts noncommittally.

"How are we doing boss?" Raxy asks, potting up souvenir Tsin fungus with Atrix moss and human basil.

O'Patel flashes an OK hand sign. "We are... hitting the funding goals. One more shift - This time it's for the bonus pay." he says with satisfaction and Big Ma looks around, checking everyone's ready as someone helps Cat Fantastic back into his cockpit basket and Gondy makes sure there's enough grenadine left.

"OK people... Showtime!"

[agentnico]

Speak No Evil (2024) review

Right, so I did not realise I needed James McAvoy singing ‘Eternal Flame’ in an unsettling voice whilst starring intently into my eyes in my life yet here we are. Mr Tumnus for the win!

Plot: A dream holiday turns into a living nightmare when an American couple and their daughter spend the weekend at a British family's idyllic country estate.

Based on a Danish horror film of the same name, which I have not watched to avoid a sense of bias, or the more truthful reason being that I simply couldn’t make the deserved effort, the Hollywood remake machine is back at it again with Speak No Evil, a psychological thriller courtesy of the folks from Blumhouse, a production company who’s model is to produce films on a small budget, and give directors creative freedom whilst still release films widely through the studio system. Essentially a studio that pioneers for artistic freedom, so always good to support these types of films. That being said, Blumhouse has lost a bit of its reliably unique flair with it being a while since they’ve had their last solid hit, but I’m always happy to give them a go.

In cometh Speak No Evil, a film which Universal marketed so hard I’ve seen the trailer for it maybe 352 times? Look, whatever sells the tickets I guess, but last time a trailer has been shoved in the audience’s faces so much was Argylle, and we all know how well that movie performed. NOT! Anyway, does Speak No Evil deliver the scares? Well… kind of. It’s borderline a comedy. For there is a lot of funny moments throughout (not sorely caused by McAvoy belting out Eternal Flame, but again - huge win!), but more so in how the movie challenges the ideologies of good manners. I myself got married a few days ago, and in my wedding speech I spoke about how us Eastern Europeans lack a sense of good manners, for we act how we feel, so hardly ever smile and can often come off as straight up rude. Well not myself personally, I feel like I am truly a delightful human being (and humble too!), but folks from culture. However marrying a British woman, Brits are always the high level of well mannered etiquette, and truly in the UK everyone always smiles, says “please” and “thank you”, even if on their mind they may secretly be calling you the C-bomb. So in Speak No Evil this aspect plays a huge part, with the main couple being too well mannered and polite to say anything, and as such allowing the other crazy couple to get away with some mad stuff. As such, this movie is more of a comedy of manners, with only the last 30 minutes embracing its true thriller roots, and even then, it’s not scary at all.

I’m not going to lie, I found this film to be very goofy. The humour of the cultural differences was amusing, but when the final act co es where it’s supposed fully take on the horror element, I never felt remotely concerned or worried about any of the characters. There was such a lack of tension due to the poor directing and a script that seemingly has a message but does not know how to bring it home. After watching the film, I read up about the original Danish version and it’s more messed up darker ending, and immediately realised what the issue with the new 2024 remake was - it’s been given the classic Hollywood ending. You know, the typical no matter how terrible the scenario gets, all characters will find a way out eventually no matter what. As such, Speak No Evil has no gravitas or sense of terror to it. It’s a thriller that had a fun concept which goes nowhere,

The one aspect of Speak No Evil that does work is James McAvoy. Following on from showcasing his psychopathic talents in Shyamalan’s Split and Glass, McAvoy fully embraces the crazy unhinged nature of his character, which results in a fully mad performance, but one that truly carries the film, and is consistently entertaining. From bloodshot red rolling eyes, to his impressive henchman physique, to ‘Eternal Flame’, McAvoy throws himself into this role and is endlessly watchable. In fact his acting almost makes this movie worth watching. Almost. But no, this is a typical throwaway Hollywood remake that is just so silly and uninspired.

Overall score: 4/10

[writesaboutdragons]

365 Promises of God

Day 350 – You Shall Not Fulfil the Lust of the Flesh

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Gal 5:16 NKJV)

Read: Galatians 5:16-25

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times. You know?

It seems that in the US, there’s never been a better time to be a Christian, and there’s never been a better place to be one, either, than here in the good old USA. Because the bible is available at your fingertips, for most of us here, available via the internet at places like BlueLetterBible and BibleGateway. Countless devotionals, podcasts and spiritual guidance is available 24/7. Audiobooks, eBooks, and paperback books choke the market with help for any Christian on any subject you could imagine. Online services are available for almost any church, so even if you are home sick you can still attend a live videocast of your own local church service. You can also use any of a hundred different social media platforms to connect online with fellow Christians, find posts like these, give and get encouragement, and spin up prayer chains or ask for help when you or a loved one are in need.

But it’s also the worst of times, too. You see, all of those social media outlets can promote gossip. They can enable you to spread or listen to lies. They can prompt dissatisfaction about your current way of life, your belongings, your spouse, or your kids. You can easily purchase anything your heart desires, on credit, amassing so much debt from the palm of your hand that you will never dig your way out. Fantastic mesmerizing games can entertain you for hours, days, weeks, to the exclusion of more important things like worship, prayer, bible reading, or even taking care of your family or eating. You can please your baser lusts as well in almost all of those channels, and on TV, billboards and magazines as well. In fact, it’s so hard to AVOID things you SHOULDN’T look at that to protect your families you have to erect filters on the computers, phones, routers, and game systems, and keep certain cable channels out of your subscription, and just make a family pact, perhaps, to not go to certain movies.

This passage in Galatians 5 makes it pretty clear that the people who pursue these lusts of the flesh aren’t going to heaven. So who can be saved? Because we’ve all had our moments of weakness. Well, the answer is that the people who walk by the Spirit will inherit the kingdom, and NOT fulfill the lust of the flesh. This promise is there for the taking, if you are a Christian, but it requires something from US. We have to decide to do the right thing. The Spirit is there inside us, and every day we must choose who sits on the throne. The Spirit of the Living God, or the almighty ID of our self-will.

Prayer:

Lord, may I let your Spirit rul in me, today. Amen