#I’m expanding my sports coverage ………

[no1frogfan]

Desire lines, part 1

Kuroo x afab reader

Series synopsis: Against his wishes, Kuroo must hire a personal assistant. You’re not exactly the right person for the job, but it’s a job, and you need the money. Inspired by Robert Macfarlane’s definition of desire lines in landscapes: “paths and tracks made over time by the wishes and feet of walkers, especially those paths that run contrary to design or planning.”

Chapter word count: ~1.4k

Chapter tags & warnings: some sexually suggestive language

Note: Since I’m throwing all my half-baked series ideas out there, here’s another one. I’ve literally already written 25k for this series but I’m completely dissatisfied with most of it. So fly free, dumb little thing, and bring me back some better ways of progressing this story. Side note: small celebration for this, my 20th piece of writing posted to tumblr! It’s especially fitting since this is the first series I attempted to write when I started this blog 5 months ago, and because Kei & Tetsu are my deepest, truest loves

Series masterlist part 2

1. Best-laid plans

“I don’t want to hear any more excuses, Kuroo. You will do it, and that’s final.” Nishida states forcefully, turning his attention back to the papers in front of him. A clear sign that the conversation is over.

“Yes sir, Nishida-san.” Kuroo bows stiffly as he backs out the door.

In the privacy of his own office, Kuroo collapses behind his desk with a string of quiet curses.

Being a director comes with a lot of perks. The promotional game he’d organized a few years ago had turned out to be a massive success, reinvigorating volleyball in Japan and bringing in scores of new fans. On the back of that and a few other creative and well-executed events, he finally landed that sought-after position 3 months ago — Director of the Sports Promotion Division at the Japan Volleyball Association.

At the age of 30, he’s the youngest director in the organization.

He’d earned it with the best pitch he’s ever made — a long-term partnership with FIVB, the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, to train and support coaches and referees throughout Japan. “This partnership will require intensive investment of our time and existing resources, but the payoff will be exponentially greater. Think about how much of an impact this could have on our organization locally, nationally, and globally. On the local level, we’ll be able to improve and expand the existing leagues by increasing the caliber of current coaches and training new coaches who can build new teams and bring more young talent into the sport. On the national level, a higher quality of gameplay means more exciting games, more news coverage, and a higher profile for the sport as a whole, allowing the JVA to further build upon on the momentum of growing fan interest across Japan. Finally, on the international level, the partnership with the premier international volleyball organization would increase the visibility of the JVA and of Japan as a volleyball powerhouse around the world.” By the end of his spiel, Nishida and the other executives were practically eating out of the palm of his hand.

As Director, Kuroo’s life is not bad at all. He gets to design more impactful projects. He gets his own corner office on the 38th floor with a stunning view overlooking the city. Plus, he received a substantial raise, though he barely has time to spend any of that money. The one thing he did splurge on was a larger apartment in Kagurazaka, an eccentric neighborhood he’d always wanted to live in. The new place is closer to his grandparents and to Kenma too, not that he’s been able to squeeze in more than one brief visit a month over the past year.

Yes, there are certainly a lot of upsides to being Director. But there are a lot of downsides too.

There’s so much more administration than he ever imagined. Most of his time each week is spent in tedious managerial meetings when he'd much rather be running around, boots on the ground, meeting players and making deals. The paperwork, the departmental politicking, the boring pleasantries, the late hours almost every night… It’s all worth it to make his dream a reality, but it’s taking a toll. Even Kenma of all people chided him about it.

The thing is, getting the promotion was only the first big hurdle he had to clear on the way to his goal of expanding volleyball and truly lowering the net. He’s been working toward this FIVB partnership for almost a year now, and he’ll be reaching his second big hurdle in one month when representatives from FIVB will be visiting the JVA for the first time to officially begin talks on the details of the project.

Or at least, he thought that was his second big hurdle, but now it seems like Nishida-san has thrown a new one in front of him: find an assistant, no ifs, ands, or buts.

Kuroo tried his best to fight it. He really doesn’t need a babysitter. As long as he gets his work done and goes to his meetings, if he wants to leave early on a whim, he can do it, and he if wants to take a long lunch, he can do that too… And if Satoko needs to “double check the numbers” on the accounting sheets, or Aya wants to “talk over potential new hires,” well, nobody is the wiser. (Sure, maybe the stress is getting to him more than he wants to admit, and sure, maybe he’s not dealing with it in the best way, but he’s got needs too and this works out for everyone involved.) So why would he willingly give up that freedom and flexibility to have someone constantly watching over his shoulder, micromanaging his schedule, and reporting his whereabouts to everyone?

But that’s obviously not what he told Nishida. He informed Nishida he simply doesn’t need an assistant. That he’s handling things very well on his own and is perfectly capable of continuing to do so. Plus, think of how much money it would save the company to not have to pay an additional salary!

Unfortunately, his unfailing charisma finally failed him.

See, Nishida was concerned about optics, especially for their meetings with FIVB. How would it look to the FIVB representatives if the Director of Sports Promotion at JVA had to make his own coffee? Take his own notes? Schedule his own flights? “We can’t have one of our directors hashing out a meeting schedule with one of their interns! It would look like we’re not a serious organization. It would look like we lack the capital and leverage to hold up our end of any cooperative agreements. Listen, Kuroo, this isn’t just about what you want. It’s about the impression our entire organization makes when we negotiate with other entities.”

Nishida laid down the law: Be a team player. Find a personal assistant within two weeks or Nishida would find one for him.

So, right now, Kuroo is unquestionably more focused on the downsides of his position.

The conversation with Nishida plays over and over again in his head as he tries to figure a way out of this mess. Naturally, he dials his first port of call whenever he’s in trouble.

“Oi, I’ve got a problem.” Kuroo starts as soon as the ringing stops.

“What is it now, Kuro?” Kenma responds curtly, yells and bangs from whatever game he’s playing popping off in the background.

“It’s serious!”

“You say that every time.”

“Well it’s really serious this time.”

“Must be if you’re calling me.”

Kuroo’s voice softens. “Sorry I’ve been MIA. The prep for this FIVB meeting has been kicking my ass.”

“Good.”

“I really do need your help though.”

The game sounds stop. Kuroo knows it means fine, I’m listening.

He explains the situation with a sigh, equal parts frustrated and exhausted, “— and now I have to hire a personal assistant even though I don’t need or want one.”

The other end of the line remains silent as Kenma carefully considers the options.

Finally, landing on, “Why don’t you just hire someone?”

“Oi—” Kuroo yowls, “Were you listening? I said I don’t want an assistant!”

Kenma’s eye roll is almost audible. “I know that, but you still have to hire someone, right? Otherwise you’ll be stuck with whoever Nishida hires.”

“…Right…”

“Right. So take the initiative and hire someone. And then just have them do nothing.”

It’s Kuroo’s turn to be silent now.

“Hello?”

“I’m here.” Kuroo replies slowly, trying to decipher the plan. “What do you mean have them do nothing?”

“Exactly what it sounds like.” The sounds of his game start up again. “Whoever you hire will probably have to take notes at your meetings and do a bit of administrative work just to keep up appearances with Nishida and the others at the office, but then the rest of the time is theirs…as long as it looks like they’re working. It’s a win-win. You get to do keep doing what you’re doing and they get paid a full salary to do whatever they want.”

A sly cackle erupts from Kuroo, “As expected, another brilliant strategy from the Brain! But where am I going to find someone like that…”

[gamersonthego]

Chase Koeneke's Top 25 Game Boy & Game Boy Color Games

The final part in GOTG's GB & GBC Top 25 coverage, make sure you check out my good friend Giggy's list, as well as the shared list we made together on the most recent episode of the podcast.

While the NES was my very first brush with video games, it wasn’t until the Game Boy that I truly fell in love with gaming. For a kid who got taken on a lot of long car trips, it was a godsend (both to me, but probably even more so to my parents, who could drive in relative peace). I dumped hundreds of hours into many of these games, and some of them continue to rank within my all-time favorites. 

25. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3

24. Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble

23. Pokemon Pinball

22. Tiny Toons Adventures: Babs’ Big Break

21. Metal Gear Solid (Ghost Babel)

20. Shantae

19. Harvest Moon 3 GBC

18. Balloon Kid

17. Mario’s Picross

16. Mole Mania

15. Mega Man V

14. Super Mario Land

13. Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins

12. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages

11. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX

10. Mario Tennis

I’m not usually a big sports game guy. I find the ways devs abstract a sport through mechanics interesting, but often, their efforts fall short. I’d prefer to just hitting the batting cages than play Game Boy Baseball, y’know? But that’s not the case with Mario Tennis. Camelot aced this one, with simple, responsive controls that offered hidden depth in its strategic play. And the light RPG elements let you shape your character to better fit your play style (then import that character into the N64 incarnation!)

9. Warlocked

I didn’t grow up with a PC, so the real-time strategy genre was always something of a mystery to me. Warlocked was the first RTS I ever got my hands on, and while I can’t say it’s a particularly glowing example of the genre, the fact it even works on a Game Boy Color is astonishing to me. I ran the wheels off this game, playing through both its campaigns and collecting all the colorful wizard characters (Sweatwiz for life!) 

8. The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons

Zelda continues to not be my thing, but the Oracle games are generally my favorites of the entire franchise (which feels wrong since they’re made by Capcom). Of the pair, I prefer Seasons’ mechanics. Plus, I really love exploring Subrosia — a volcanic land sitting right below the overworld — and interacting with its Jawa-looking residents. Most people are going to prefer Link’s Awakening, and that’s fine, but for my money, Oracle of Season is the way to go.

7. Donkey Kong ’94

It’s unfair how good this game is. The movement tech Mario can achieve is unreal, and it forever changed the way we think about Mario’s moveset. If you’ve ever enjoyed the triple jumps of Super Mario 64 or the cap throwing and diving of Mario Odyssey, you have DK ’94 to thank for inspiring it all. This game takes the original arcade game, and expands it into one of the greatest puzzle-platformers of all time. 

6. Tetris

It’s Tetris. I mean, what else needs to be said? Later versions have added slight tweaks to the formula in the form of T-spins or holding pieces that make them arguably better, but whenever I want to play some Tetris, this is always the one I reach for. 

5. Kirby’s Dream Land 2

Creator Masahiro Sakurai has said the original Kirby’s Dream Land is all about introducing people to what a platform game is. Dream Land 2, in my opinion, is about introducing you to what they can be. The copy abilities brought in from Kirby’s Adventure are expanded threefold with the addition of Kirby’s animal companions, and the music from the battle with King Dedede still bangs. This will forever be my favorite Kirby game.

4. Mario Golf

I gushed about Mario Tennis above, but it can feel repetitive at times as you play set after set on nearly-identical courts. Mario Golf brings in everything good about Tennis (the RPG elements, character importing, great controls) and applies it to a sport that naturally has a little more variety through its courses, challenging you to approach them in different ways. Pick up both if you can, but if you only have room for one, Golf is the way to go. 

3. Pokemon Gold/Silver/Crystal

The second generation of Pokemon games add so much to the series, both from a mechanical perspective with new types, held items, additional HM moves, breeding and more. But maybe more importantly, Gold, Silver and Crystal surprise and delight in a way that make you feel like you’re in a living and breathing world. It can be annoying for those going back to the games now, but having a real-time day and night cycle affecting the Pokemon you could catch felt revolutionary. And weekly events like the bug-catching contest or a Lapras that only appeared on certain days made you want to explore (and re-explore) every area in the game. Last, but certainly not least, going back to Kanto in the postgame continues to be one of the coolest surprises a game can throw at you.

2. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow

…But even if all of the above is true, it’s not the original. Red, Blue and Yellow, while often a broken, buggy mess, got so much right on their first try. I think a lot of it is the sense of ownership I got through playing. When you pick up a Mario or a Zelda game, you’re playing as those characters, escaping into their shoes. With Pokemon, those were my shoes, and the creatures beside me were ones I raised and trained. It was all my adventure. And that made it all the more special. 

1. Pokemon Trading Card Game

There’s something about card games though. All my Pokemon card friends just wanted to collect them, to keep them in binders and show them off. I always wanted to play the actual game, but would never have anyone to play against. That is, until this came out. Now I had a bevy of computer opponents to face off with, and every win would grant me the dopamine rush of ripping open virtual card packs to further enhance my decks. Even if the card game its based on is a little unbalanced, it’s still one of my favorite games ever, and my favorite Game Boy title of all-time.

[f1]

Verstappen repeats his warning more sprint races will make F1 not worth it for me | 2023 Australian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has repeated his warning to Formula 1 that expanding its sprint race format may drive him out of the sport. The Red Bull driver said yesterday he “won’t be around for too long” if F1 continues to add more sprint races and other competitive sessions to race weekends. The series is considering a change to the format when it holds its first sprint race of the season in Baku at the end of the month. F1 has increased the number of sprint races this year from three to six, as part of its longest ever 23-round calendar. Verstappen says he is “not a fan of it at all.” “When we’re going to do all that kind of stuff, the weekend becomes even more intense, and we’re already doing so many races. So I think that is not the right way to go at it.” His comments put him at odds with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, who has repeatedly called for the series to have fewer practice sessions compared to competitive running. Verstappen says they are going about it the wrong way. “I understand, of course, they want to have like basically every day exciting,” he said. “But then I think maybe it’s better to just reduce the weekend, only race on Saturday and Sunday and make those two days exciting.” Verstappen repeated his warning that the more F1 experiments with the race weekend format, the less he enjoys competing in the series. “We’re heading into seasons where you have at one point 24, 25 races because that’s where we’re going to head into. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free “And if we start adding even more stuff, it’s not worth it for me anyway. I’m not enjoying that.” While F1 has talked up the entertainment value of sprint races, Verstappen doesn’t agree they add to the spectacle. “For me a sprint race is all about surviving. It’s not about racing. “For me, when you have a quick car, there’s nothing to risk. I prefer to just keep my car alive and make sure that you have a good race car for Sunday.” F1 has already revised the sprint race format since it was introduced in 2021 and is considering further changes. But Verstappen does not believe more tweaks are what’s needed. “Even if you change the format, I just do not find it is the DNA of Formula 1 to do these kind of sprint races. “F1 is about getting the most out of it in qualifying and then have an amazing Sunday, a good long race distance. That’s the DNA of the sport and I don’t understand or I don’t know why we should change that.” He urged the series to concentrate on improving the quality of competition between the teams instead of changing the format of its events. “I think the action has been good and how you get even more action is about getting the cars closer, getting more teams able to fight for the win,” he said. “I think naturally the show will be great if we have six, seven teams already fighting for a win, that would be insane, and you really don’t need to change anything.” Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free 2023 Australian Grand Prix Browse all 2023 Australian Grand Prix articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net/

[cichocicho]

cutie 💘

[pockydays]

low battery

» characters: kaminari x quirkless! gn!reader » synopsis: you are a quirkless student at ua high, so naturally, that means you wouldn’t be found associating with anybody from the hero course, much less class 1-a. so when the kaminari denki offers to charge your phone for you at lunch one day, what will you do? » word count: 1.3k » contains: all fluff and no angst, meet-cute (kinda?), one (1) suggestive joke and swear word » a/n: this is my very first fanfic post on my 3 day-old blog that i suddenly got the urge to write during our online school lunch break. be warned that this is very dialogue- and description-heavy so the plot won’t really go anywhere, but i hope you’ll enjoy it nonetheless :)

Class 1-A was infamous for their antics. Between the UA High Sport Festival that, during those few days of the festival, was the center of all media coverage (and your General Studies classmates’ gossip) and their close encounters (note the “s” at the end) with the League of Villains, they were always in the heat of it all.

Not that you cared, of course. Even though you and everyone’s mothers were so familiar with Class 1-A to the point where you could recite every student’s name by their seat order left to right, front to back, and upside down, you had nothing to do with them. Without a single supernatural power to get you into the Hero Course at UA High (but with an extra pinky toe joint, as if that made up for anything), you had to rely on hard work and sheer determination to be able to squeak above the entrance exam cutoff by just a few points. UA is known solely for its top-caliber Hero Course and not its equally noteworthy academics program, so DMs on Instagram asking what it was like to attend class with the nation’s most promising hero hopefuls weren’t out of the ordinary. (You would always answer with something along the lines of:

“idk sorry, i’m quirkless, so i attend the general studies classes :’)”

and they’d try to hide their disappointment under a half-hearted compliment such as:

“oh, then that means you’re really smart then!”

Therefore, by definition, you had absolutely nothing to do with the Hero Course at UA High School, much less Class 1-A, and they had nothing to do with you, either. So of course, the surprise on your face was evident when you saw Kaminari Denki, seat second row from the left, third row from the front in the most chaotic class in the history of the school (probably), standing right in front of you in the cafeteria.

“Does that phone need charging?” he asked casually, glancing at the “low battery” icon on your phone screen.

“… Sorry, what?” you ask, sitting up straighter. This is kinda random, you think to yourself.

“Does your phone need charging?” he repeated with a slightly louder voice and putting his arms on the table to meet your eyes.

“No, uh, yes! But I have a charger at home, don’t worry!” you answer.

“Y'know,” he said in a low voice, “I’m kind of known for charging my classmates’ phones, so uh, I can help, if you want?” He looked down bashfully. “Oh! I realized I didn’t introduce myself! I’m Kaminari, by the way. Nice to meet you!”

“Hey, Kaminari,” you answer. “Looking to expand your business horizons?” you say in your best telemarketer voice in an attempt to make him (or rather, the both of you) feel less nervous.

“Kinda! I mean, it’s more like I have a Pavlovian response to devices that run out of battery, so I feel like I have to use my quirk whenever I see things that need charging.” I didn’t know that someone who wasn’t considered very academically competent in the Hero Course would use such a term in conversation, you think. Class 1-A kids are sure something.

“No, I don’t want to give you any trouble,” you respond. “It’s fine, really.”

The guy now sitting in front of you blinks in surprise. No one had ever turned down an offer to charge their phone before, no matter how full their battery was. After all, who wouldn’t say no to a good-looking blond guy asking to charge your phone with his cool quirk for free? Not to mention, all of Class 1-A depended on him to charge their phones in a pinch. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as glamorous as it sounded, because if you were a certain guy with wild blond hair and anger management issues to match, your phone would more likely than not suffer some pretty unfortunate consequences. Sorry Bakugou, I don’t know that you’re chucking your phone at me with the force of a moving bullet train if you don’t catch my attention first; those cracks on the screen were not my fault and I will stand by that statement ‘till the day I die!

“Oh. Well then, suit yourself,” he answers after a long pause. “What were you doing, then? I mean, people’s phones don’t usually die in the middle of the day. Lemme guess - you were texting your crush! - no! You were blasting heavy metal music! - nah, that’s not it! Were you watching some explicit video on a certain website that shall not be named?” He wiggles his eyebrows vigorously, putting on a suggestive smirk. His words trigger a genuine laugh to escape from your lips, and Kaminari swears it’s the best thing he’s ever heard.

“No,” you chuckle. “Not gonna lie, that was the funniest thing I’ve heard all day. But no, I was just on Instagram.” What the fuck, you think to yourself. People think oversharing is creepy, you know. But you ignore the nagging voice in your head and continue on. Oversharing is your coping mechanism and your go-to when you want to keep a conversation alive. Besides, the “what for?” look in his eyes goad you to explain yourself further. 

“I was trying to delete the 'ua high’ from my bio because some randos kept DMing me about what UA is like and what the hero course is about as if I’m some advocate to gush about how brilliant and spectacular this school is,” you complain, the sarcasm evident in your tone. Releasing your frustrations about the recent influx of messages in your inbox that you had been too nice too much of a people pleaser to just ignore feels kind of good, you must admit.

“Why is that?” he asked with wide eyes, tilting his head to the left like a curious puppy. Cute, you thought.

“Because… I’m not a part of the hero course,” you say matter-of-factly.

“Right, sometimes I forget that not everybody is coming here to become a hero,” he responds sheepishly. “O-oh, I’m sorry if that offended you,” he quickly adds.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s basically the number one unwritten rule among General Studies students that you should expect nobody outside of the school to know your name from the day you step in the school for the first time to the day you graduate at this point,” you reply. Kaminari can’t tell if it’s sarcasm or sadness in your voice, or both.

“Anyways, enough ruining the mood,” you interject, the smile returning to your face. “Once I get my phone charged again, hopefully I’ll stop getting any more messages and I can finally live my life in peace.”

“Oi, Sparky! Get over here! We’re gonna be late for class!” A loud voice suddenly cuts through the noisy chatter of the cafeteria. Instantly knowing who it is, you and Kaminari exchange looks, rolling your eyes in unison.

“I better get going, then! Kacchan’s gonna kill me if I hold up the lesson.” He slices a finger across his neck to signify the urgency of his situation. “I’ll see you around!” He waves with a giddy smile. Cupping his hand to his face, he adds in a whisper-yell, “And don’t tell him I said that!” 

“Will do,” you whisper-yell back while laughing to yourself, watching his figure half-walk half-jog away.

The giggles don’t stop until you realize you have to go to class as well, so you pick up your phone from the table. To your surprise, the screen lights up, and you notice that the battery is full. As to how that happened, there’s only one possibility. Gripping your phone tighter, your fingers meet a foreign texture on the back that wasn’t there before, so you flip it over. Stuck to the phone case is a sticky note with a series of numbers scrawled in messy handwriting. 

He sure is a sly one, you inwardly laugh. You smile to yourself once again, and you walk out of the cafeteria, carrying a fully charged phone and a full heart.

[supercultshow]

Hello Supercult West! This is Supercult South Bad Movie Professor Cameron Coker (BS in “Andy Sidaris” with a minor in “Girls, Guns & G-Strings”) and I’m reaching out to you from across the country to help hype tonight’s screening of the film that turns the death scene into a true work of art: Picasso Trigger!

Here at Supercult we venerate towering figures in cinematic stupidity called Supercult Saints. Some are actors like Nicholas Cage, Jeff Goldblum, Jean Claude van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Others are studios like Troma Films, Cannon Films, or Full Moon Entertainment. But my personal favorite are the creative geniuses who somehow manage to convince people to fork over their money to finance ludicrous Supercult projects like John Woo, Michael Bay, Tommy Wiseau, and the Golan-Globus team. But among the creative greats that are enshrined in the cathedrals of Supercult, there are none who knew the way to the American Man’s heart better than Andy Sidaris.

Killing is an Art Form, but so is the subtle art of being a strong independent babe.

This scene is full of important plot stuff.

Yeah, there’s like, a whole important story thing about…all of this.

Yeah, this is a really important…narrative moment.

This is a serious film for serious people interested in character development and, like, emotions and stuff.

“Didn’t I tell you Jade, I’ve got a black belt in shotgun.”

My boobs are down here! SEE!

“Give ’em a lei, blow ’em away.”

Some might wonder how they can hide in bright neon scuba gear. Those people have missed the point.

Born in Chicago in 1927 and growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana before attending college in Dallas, Andy was no stranger to wide world of sports. So much so that before becoming a film director he was a Television director for ABC’s Wide World of Sports for 25 years. Sidaris covered everything from football and basketball games to Olympic events and special programs, even earning an Emmy for his coverage of the 1968 Summer Olympics. However, his true legacy is in helping to develop techniques that are standard today such as instant replay, split screen views and what came to be known as the “honey shot”, close-ups of cheerleaders and pretty girls in stands during slow points at sporting events. In effect, Andy Sidaris standardized the combining two of the American Male’s favorite pastimes: sports and objectifying women.

Andy eventually grew bored in Television and expanded into film where he specialized in B-quality action flicks featuring buxom gun-toting girls and a veritable cornucopia of explosives. His studio, Malibu Bay Films, had a rotating stable of actors made up of Playboy Playmates and Penthouse Pets and cranked out more ludicrously awesome films in a single decade than lesser Supercult Saints like Neil Breen have made in their entire lives. His films, including Savage Beach, Malibu Express, and Supercult Classic Hard Ticket to Hawaii, would eventually come to be known as his Triple B series: Bullets, Bombs, and Babes, and the full 12 film Triple B series beginning with 1985’s Malibu Express and ending with 1998’s L.E.T.H.A.L. Ladies: Return to Savage Beach should be required literature for any self-respecting Supercultist.

Picasso Trigger, the third film in the BBB-series released in 1988, is when Andy Sidaris hit his stride. Not only is it written and directed by Andy Sidaris, but he also cameos in his own film as the uncredited character “Whitey” Nearly a direct sequel to 1987’s Hard Ticket to Hawaii, the plot might as well be a sexier version of the James Bond film Skyfall. A crime lord begins systematically murdering intelligence agents after the death of his brother during the events of the previous film. Only a crack team of incredibly picturesque crime fighters, many of the members of which return to their original roles from Hard Ticket to Hawaii, has a chance of bringing him down.

Picasso Trigger has surprise banjo guns, helicopter rockets, nearly every form of transportation known to man including hover boats and big Casey Junior style choo choo trains, big block letters to let you know what day it is, and features just as many bizarre and hilarious murder weapons as previous installments of the series. I won’t spoil anything for you but let’s just say that if you can strap a bomb to it, someone will drive, fly, or throw it into someone. Oh yeah, and there’s quite a bit of nudity and love making to 80s synth wave. You know, the basic building blocks of any Andy Sidaris film.

Is it a sexist relic of a bygone era directed by a master of objectification, ostentation, and sexploitation? Well sure, that’s probably why it has a 33% on Rotten Tomatoes. But it’s also really, stupidly fun to watch and laugh at! And that’s really all that matters…to us at least.

Raise your glasses high to another great contribution by Supercult Saint Andy Sidaris, for though God gave us Girls, Guns, and G-Strings, it was Andy Sidaris that put them all in a 12-film boxed set sold on Amazon for ten bucks.

Supercult West is proud to present, Picasso Trigger!

Picasso Trigger Hello Supercult West! This is Supercult South Bad Movie Professor Cameron Coker (BS in “Andy Sidaris” with a minor in “Girls, Guns & G-Strings”) and I’m reaching out to you from across the country to help hype tonight’s screening of the film that turns the death scene into a true work of art: Picasso Trigger!

[sarking]

I was tagged by @naryrising -- thanks! I’m going to tag @missparker specifically because I just saw her on my dash looking for distraction, and then I’m going to tag anyone else who is in a similar boat.

Ao3 name: Sarken

Fandoms: The ones I’ve written in are Pundit RPF and The Colbert Report FPF, Third Watch, Dallas, The Closer and Major Crimes, The X-Files FPF and RPF, Kerry/Edwards RPF, M*A*S*H, Star Trek: Voyager, Sports Night, Battlestar Galactica (2003), and Grace and Frankie. Ones I haven’t written in are Southland, Broadchurch, Prodigal Son (TV 2019), Veronica Mars, Good Omens (TV) and RPF, and The West Wing (I sort of wrote in it, but not really).

Number of fics: 204

Fic you spent the most time on: Dying in L.A. (The Only Difference Between Suicide and Martyrdom Is Press Coverage) is probably the winner at this point. I started writing it long before Sharon got promoted at the end of season five, which means... probably late 2016, maybe early 2017. It is, uh. Still going, very slowly. (I almost posted chapter three a few days ago, but I am just not entirely happy with the last scene.)

Fic you spent the least time on: I’m not sure. I have a two-sentence fic and a lot of stuff that’s in the 100-300 word range, so probably something there, although I have a couple of things in the 1000-word range that only took a few hours, too, and probably average out to fewer minutes per word than other, shorter things.

Longest fic: Modern Girls & Old-Fashioned Men, which was also the one I spent the most time on before Dying in L.A. It’s 21,000 words -- at 13,000, Dying in L.A. is going to catch up. I’ve also done fic for NaNoWriMo several times, and they’re longer, but not on AO3.

Shortest fic: I thought it was going to be the two-sentence Pundit/Political RPF fic I wrote, but it’s actually another Political RPF fic -- Three Lies Johnny Never Told, a.k.a. Sarken gets her feelings out about John Edwards’ affair. (Which, weirdly, I was just thinking about the other night.)

Most hits: Two Out of Three (Ain’t Bad), at almost 6,000. 

Most kudos: Also Two Out of Three, because of course my most popular fic is a Mulder/Scully high school AU. It has 435 kudos; my next most popular work has 148. It ain’t even close.

Most comment threads: Dying in L.A., which has 44. Unsurprisingly, multichapter WIPs get more comments. (Next are three things I wrote for Yuletide, which is also unsurprising.)

Fave fic you wrote: I will take a break from saying my true favorite and instead go with a runner up, The Taste of Her Cherry Chapstick. I think I did a good job of translating Sharon and Brenda’s dynamic to high school (granted, that’s not very hard given their immaturity when they’re together). It was basically an exercise in writing kissing and in writing less dialogue than normal and I’m pleased with the results.

Fic you want to rewrite/expand on: I’m not a rewriter -- it’s hard enough to get something out of me once, or to get a draft and a finished product out of me. But I was going to do a whole long version of my 28th Amendment Dallas fic, A Heart Pumping Blood and I’m sad that never really happened. Ditto the long story set in the universe of From Zero to One Point Eight.

Share a bit of your WIP or share a story idea that you’re planning: Uh. Surely I have something (other than the next chapter of Dying in L.A., which I think I’ve used the same bit of in twenty different memes) not terribly explicit in here somewhere. Let’s see...

The, uh. Thesugardaddymichael. That’s not, uh. That’s not porn yet.

"Like the beard," David says as they wait by the counter, and what he likes even better is the way Michael reaches up to stroke his own jawline, fingers dragging through the hair -- a subconscious flirtation, inviting David's eye to linger on the very part of him he likes.

“Do you?” Michael says, trailing his fingers down his neck. They rest in the hollow of his throat, framed by the open collar of his shirt.

David wets his dry lips and tries not to think about how good it would feel to nuzzle into that spot and close his eyes, to breathe deep and even until he forgets about press tours and call times and London crowds and trains he can't miss.

[andrebearakovsky]

This Week in Caps: Personnel

Welcome to This Week in Caps, a weekly newsletter where I recap everything important that’s been going on in the world of the Washington Capitals this past week. This week I’m continuing on introductory material, and today’s post will feature and recap coaches, broadcasters, and everyone else important to the Capitals.

Coaches

Todd Reirden

Head coach of the Washington Capitals. This is his first year as head coach, replacing Barry Trotz. He served as associate coach from 2016 to 2018, and as assistant coach from 2014 to 2016, specializing in defense and with working the defensemen. Before that, he spent four years on Pittsburgh’s coaching staff. Before that, he joined the organization at the AHL level at 2008 as an assist for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and spent two seasons as their head coach.

Blaine Forsythe

Assistant coach for the Capitals. He’s been a part of the organization since the 2006-07 season, and has been assistant coach since 2009-10. He specializes in the power play and centers. Previously, he has worked for the Calgary Hitmen (WHL), and has a business degree from the University of Minnesota. And he is definitely not a robot.

Scott Arniel

Assistant coach for the Capitals. A new hire this offseason, Arniel will work specially with the wingers and on the penalty kill. Arniel spent the previous five seasons as an associate coach for the New York Rangers, was the head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2010-2012, and spent five seasons as a head coach in the American Hockey League.

Reid Cashman

Assistant coach for the Capitals. A new hire this offseason, Cashman will work specially with the defensemen. Cashman spent the previous two seasons as an assistant coach with the Hershey Bears, and before that had a long tenure as a coach at Quinnipiac University.

Scott Murray

Goaltending coach for the Capitals. He has been the primary goalie coach since 2017 when Mitch Korn stepped back his role, and he has been in the Capitals organization working with the Hershey Bears and the Capitals since 2013.

Brett Leonhardt

Video coach for the Capitals. The man nicknamed “Stretch” has been a member of the Caps organization for a long time; from 2007 to 2011, he worked as the team’s web and video producer. Then he worked in Toronto NHL’s video manager for hockey operations, and then returned to the Capitals in 2012, and has been working as video coach ever since. He has been the Caps emergency backup goalie in the past, and a few times has actually had to suit up. You may also know him as the man who made the Stanley Cup into a giant margarita.

Tim Ohashi

Video analyst for the Capitals. This season will be his third as an analyst; he previously worked as a coaching staff intern. He is a native of Bethesda, MD and grew up a Capitals fan. He received his master’s in Sports Industry Management from Georgetown University.

Front Office and Ownership

Brian MacLellan

General Manager and Senior Vice President of the Capitals. Has been in this position since the 2014-15 season after being a fixture of the organization in various scouting and front office roles for the past 13 years. Was also a former NHL player.

Ross Mahoney

Assistant General Manager of the Capitals. Entering his fourth season AGM. He served as the Caps' director of amateur scouting for the previous 16 seasons. He oversees the club's developmental programs and the organization's amateur scouting staff.

Don Fishman

Assistant General Manager and Director of Legal Affairs of the Capitals. 13th season with the Capitals and ninth as assistant general manager and director of legal affairs. In this role, he handles player contract negotiations, player contract research and analysis, the club's day-to-day salary cap position, team salary cap strategic planning, the salary arbitration process, and more.

Ownership

Monumental Sports and Entertainment is the company that owns the Capitals. They also own the Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Mystics (WNBA), Washington Valor (AFL), Baltimore Brigade (AFL), and Capital City Go-Go (NBA G-League). They run Monumental Sports Network, a platform that broadcasts local sports games and provides additional content for all their sports teams. MSE also owns Capital One Arena and manages Medstar Capitals Iceplex and Eaglebank Arena (Fairfax, VA).

Ted Leonsis

The chairman of Monumental Sports and Entertainment and principal owner of the Washington Capitals. He bought the team in 1999 and completely revitalized the franchise. He was instrumental in drafting and caring for Alex Ovechkin. Leonsis and his family has been pretty involved in the success of the franchise and making Capitals games and subsequent entertainment an enjoyable experience.

Dick Patrick

Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer and Capitals President. He has been part of the Washington Capitals organization since 1982 and was one of Ted Leonsis' original partners when Monumental Sports & Entertainment was formed in June 2010. Mr. Patrick is president of the Capitals and vice chairman of Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

Link to important people

Broadcasters

NBC Sports Washington

NBC Sports Washington is the regional network that broadcasts Capitals games. You can catch the games on TV or streaming online through their website if you have a cable subscription to the channel. They also have a lot of content online, including videos, interviews, and articles.

Joe Beninati (“Joe B”)

The TV play-by-play commentator for the Capitals. He is a longtime sports announcer, and he has been announcing Capitals games since 1994. He also will occasionally do play-by-play for other sports, including lacrosse and other college sports, during the offseason. Joe B is synonymous with Caps games, and is one of the best in the business. He has won D.C. Sportscaster of the Year multiple times, and has won 12 Capital Emmy Awards. He will also appear at Capitals events, visit as a guest analyst on TV on occasion, and moderate events such as the Stanley Cup parade.

Craig “Locker” Laughlin

The TV color commentator/analyst for the Capitals. He has been announcing Capitals games since 1990, and he and Beninati are the longest-running TV duo in the NHL. Laughlin is a former NHL player, and played for the Capitals from 1982 to 1988 and was part of the group that brought the Caps to their first playoff appearance. Laughlin is very involved in Capitals media content, appears in analytical roles on TV and online, and he is involved in Capitals alumni events and charity work in the area. His daughter, Courtney Laughlin, also works for the Capitals and does analysis for the Capitals on TV and online.

Alan May

Studio analyst for the Capitals on NBC Sports Washington. Mostly he works and does analysis in studio, but occasionally he will work as the between-the-benches reporter for Capitals games. A former NHL player, he played for the Capitals from 1989 to 1994. He has two distinctions as a player: in his career, he was traded at the trade deadline four times, which stood as an NHL record until it was met by Thomas Vanek in 2018; he also ranks fourth all-time on the Capitals franchise PIMs list.

“Smokin” Al Koken

Longtime reporter and host for the Capitals. During games, he will make reports, wander around the arena, and interview players during intermission. Has been covering D.C. sports and the Capitals since 1974, when the Capitals first came into existence.

Rob Carlin

Anchor, host, and reporter for the Capitals and NBC Sports Washington. Hosts pregame and postgame content along with hosting multitudes of other media content for the team. Most of the time appears onscreen alongside with Alan May.

Caps Radio 24/7 (Broadcasted locally on 106.7 The Fan)

John Walton

The play-by-play commentator for the Capitals on the radio. The radio voice of the Capitals since 2013. Walton does a phenomenal job on the radio, and has done other radio work in the past, along with doing TV play-by-play for women’s hockey at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Walton also does some reporting, announcing, and emceeing work for the Capitals, particularly at Capitals events. He also co-hosts “Two Man Update” with reporter Mike Vogel where they give updates on the Capitals and preview upcoming matchups and games.

Beat Reporters

Isabelle Khurshudyan

Capitals beat reporter for the Washington Post. She live tweets games, writes amazing articles, and provides updates on the team that you can’t get anywhere else. She is my number-one, top source for Caps updates and coverage and even if you don’t get the Washington Post, I recommend following her twitter immediately, it’s a vital follow. Fun fact: Isabelle speaks Russian, thus a lot of her stories feature great content from Russian players that you definitely wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.

Mike Vogel

Capitals reporter; he works for Monumental Sports Network, the company that owns the Capitals, so the Caps utilize him for a lot of content. He writes stories, articles, and game updates that go on the Monumental website and the NHL website. He also interviews players for Rinkside Update videos, and he co-hosts “Two Man Update” with radio announcer John Walton where they give updates on the Capitals and preview upcoming matchups and games. He also provides in-game updates on his twitter and is another vital source of Capitals information.

Chris Kuc

Capitals beat reporter for The Athletic. He was just hired this offseason as The Athletic expanded to DC, so he’s new on the beat. I don’t know a lot about him, but in all likelihood he’s going to provide Capitals updates and write about them, so let’s see how he does this upcoming season.

Other Important People

Wes Johnson

The PA announcer for Capitals games at Capital One Arena. Super good at getting the fans hype and making Capitals games a fun experience. Also does voiceover for Capitals media and hosts Capitals events.

Horn Guy

Actually named Sam Wolk; a fan who sits inside the arena for home games. He has a horn and uses the horn blasts to start the “Let’s Go Caps” chant.

T-Shirt Guy

Actually named Charlie McManus; a fan who makes customized homemade shirts featuring Caps players faces, and they are amazing. He can be seen at Caps home games and events and featured on social media wearing his unique apparel.

Red Man

A fan who paints his entire body red for Caps games. He can be seen around at home games.

Ovie the Bulldog

A bulldog named after Alex Ovechkin. Originally from the Maryland area and now in Southern California, this dog is by far the best part of Caps fandom.

Up next: a complete recap and summary of the Caps preseason!

[csykora]

do you happen to have any recs for articles/anything about the politics of hockey?? i've kind of been looking for a while with no look and your point about russia using sports as their main PR for a long time makes me wanna sniff around again and convince my prof to let me want about this in a paper maybe...if not, that's fine! thanks for sharing your knowledge!

This is a fun one. There’s a lot to be said about ‘the politics of hockey’, and a fair bit that’s been written, but it can be hard to find a first handhold. Once you have one, I think you’ll be able to find your way to the next.

I’m going to recommend a starter package of essays by Kristi A. Allain. She writes on subjects like:

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“A Good Canadian Boy”: Crisis Masculinity, Canadian National Identity, and Nostalgic Longings in Don Cherry's Coach's Corner 

“The Mad Russian”: Representations of Alexander Ovechkin and the Creation of Canadian National Identity 

The paper argues that the Canadian media's representations of National Hockey League (NHL) player Alexander Ovechkin work to locate Canadian national identity through its contrasts with the hockey superstar....

'What happens in the room stays in the room': Conducting research with young men in the Canadian Hockey League 

In this paper, I examine the process by which I conducted interviews with 19 young elite-level ice hockey players who competed or were competing in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). ....Through this analysis, I investigate the ways that men’s elite-level hockey structures itself as a closed community allowing outsiders only restricted access to the institution and its players.

 Kid Crosby or Golden Boy: Sidney Crosby, Canadian national identity, and the policing of hockey masculinity

... Interestingly, although the media tends to construct Crosby as a model of Canadian masculine identity, fans of the game (as well as some players and others in the media) frequently challenge this construction.

All of these are available to read: click through to the article and hit ‘Request Full Text’, and you’ll get a copy pretty quick. (Researchers want you reading their work! Research Gate is a pretty simple system and I’ve gotten all St. Allain’s works within a day, but if you’re ever looking for a particular title online, try searching for it on a couple different research sites and remember you can always, always ask the author.)

The first time I read “A Good Canadian Boy,” I thought for a moment, ‘Oh! Well of course, but—we’re allowed to write about this?’

Read some of her work to get an idea of the sort of things that can be written about, and then start exploring through citations. When you’re interested in (or suspicious of) a point St. Allain makes, look at the references she’s drawing together for it, and read them!

And look who cited her--you’ll see that Cheryl A. MacDonald cited St. Allain in Masculinity and Sport Revisted: A Review of Literature on Hegemonic Masculinity and Men's Ice Hockey in Canada, so Macdonald probably expands on her ideas.

Look at where they were published, flip through some back issues of the Sociology of Sport Journal and find more titles. 

When part of your brain says, ‘Of course, obviously,’ or ‘No, that can’t possible be right,’ poke at that thought! Look at it, look into the subject, test whether it’s an assumption you’ve been taught and simply believed, or whether it holds up.

And the whole time, remember who’s writing. Even a Canadian questioning Canadian nationalism still sees the world from a point somewhere in Canada. It’s not inherently malicious: their ways of thinking and the conclusions they come to can be real, valuable, and very different than how an Eastern European or a Russian person would interpret things.

Sometimes Western coverage of Eastern Europe can also be pretty bad. I think you were asking me for sources on ‘Russia’s place in the politics of hockey’,  but I’m limited because I don’t think I can recommend you read any of the English-language books I know of on Soviet hockey in good conscience, at least at first. Do some basic thinking, and maybe then start poking at them.

Google, “Russian hockey books,” and you’re going to get maybe a couple on the Red Machine, and half a dozen titles on the Russian Five. 

Why is that? Why do North Americans like writing and reading that particular story? It can be told as such an American story, can’t it. A quest for Freedom. But what facts are we unconsciously turning into symbols to make history into a story?

What are you seeing and feeling about it?

Did Federov, Fetisov, Konstantinov, Kozlov, and Larinov tell it like that? What story would Russians today see in it? What other stories might there be, and who would know about them?

I’m sure I’ll keep updating as I run into new sources. I hope you have fun exploring, good luck, and let us know how the paper goes!

[f1]

Brawn still unsure what optimum number of sprint races is for F1 | 2022 F1 season

The number of sprint races on the Formula 1 calendar will double to six next year but the series’ outgoing managing director of motorsports admits he remains unsure what the ideal number should be. Ross Brawn is retiring from F1 this off-season, bringing to an end a career of over four decades in the sport. He spent the last five years working with Formula One Management after its takeover by Liberty Media and has introduced major changes to the sporting side of Formula 1 in that time, including the budget cap and sprint races. Three sprint races were scheduled during each of the last two seasons. The format will expand to cover six of the 24 rounds on the 2023 F1 calendar. Brawn told the official F1 website he isn’t sure how many sprint races F1 should hold in a season. “The sprint was an initiative which seems to have worked,” Brawn said. “We’re expanding to six sprints next year. “I don’t know what will be the optimum number we will settle at long-term. Some argue we should have it at every race. We’ll see if that is how it evolves. The sprint has certainly livened up the whole weekend and gives us a full three days of action.” Sprint races have been criticised by some fans and drivers. World champion Max Verstappen has been vocal about his dislike of the format, arguing that the balance of risk and reward means drivers will naturally err on the side of caution during sprint races. The controversial format has since been adopted by the motorcycle world championship Moto GP, which will run sprint races following qualifying at all of its rounds next season. Brawn believes Formula 1 should recognise the areas of the sport that are strong and make sure not to risk changing them too much, such as the traditional three-stage qualifying format. Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free “On the sporting regulations, we’ve had an open mind about how we should develop the race weekend format,” Brawn said. “There are already a lot of good things in F1. “I happen to think the current qualifying spec is pretty good. Three-stage qualifying keeps people engaged for the whole time. It’s exciting and it occasionally throws up a few variables. “We also have a group of people who now focus on trying to make the tracks as interesting as possible, so we don’t get tracks where we can’t race properly. Every existing track has been assessed and we have an input into all new tracks to ensure great racing.” Having been heavily involved in the designing of the new technical regulations for the 2022 season, Brawn says he is satisfied that the new ground effect cars achieved the goal of allowing drivers to run closer to rivals than before. “It was a huge thrill for me when I saw the 2022 cars first race and we experienced two or three cars racing alongside each other – we hadn’t often seen that before,” he said. “Now you can run hard behind another car for several laps without issues.” Brawn believes that now is the right time for him to step down and allow others to prepare for the next major change to the power unit formula planned for 2026. “Now is the right time for me to retire,” he said. “We have done the bulk of the work, and we are in a consolidation period now. There’s a new car coming in 2026, but that’s four years away, quite distant for me, so it’s better the next group of people take on that mantle. I believe I’m leaving F1 in a great place. “I will now watch F1 from my sofa, cheering and cursing as an F1 fan, pleased that the sport is in a fantastic place and has such a fantastic future.” Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free 2022 F1 season Browse all 2022 F1 season articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net/

[johnliams]

Best Maternity Workout Clothes by mummy wants

Best Maternity Workout Clothes

Do you want to be active in Best Maternity Workout Clothes while you're pregnant but have difficulty finding comfortable, functional clothing for your maternity? We get it. As moms who love outdoor adventures, we understand how difficult it is to find the perfect pregnant leggings, bottoms, bras, and tops. You don't just want durable fabrics that don't be worn out, but they also should feel good and look nice.

We've spent many pregnant women studying and testing the most effective outfits for working out during pregnancy. For everything from the most comfortable and comfy leggings to a sports bra that can be used for all kinds of activities and the most comfortable mountain bike shorts for the belly, we've got you covered.

Who would've believed that finding comfortable workout clothes for a pregnant woman when pregnant could be a challenge? It's as if brands don't think pregnant workout shorts are necessary and so those who are trying to find these aren't in luck. I was fortunate enough to wear most of my workout attire throughout my second trimester however, by the third trimester I was feeling better in specific pieces of maternity clothing (hello larger sizes of cups and a growing belly). Through trial and error, these are my most-loved fitness clothes for maternity that still keep you focused and comfortable from the beginning to the finish.

TOPS:

These Best Maternity Workout Clothes is an excellent option with a longer length, which is great for the times when you're pregnant and you're looking for more coverage. I put on an athletic bra underneath this top for extra support as there's no built-in.

and A thinner stripe of a tank that is extremely comfortable. It is a great third-trimester alternative. Plus, it comes with an inbuilt bra that has cups.

I absolutely am in love with and adored this and I loved this cami during my pregnancy and it's been fantastic throughout. Long and nice, it's with a built-in bra, and one that you can put on even after your baby has arrived. The racerback is yet another alternative that is great to wear. The length of the sleeve is crucial.

If you're looking for something with sleeves, you can't get as comfy as this one. It grows with a changing stomach and is the softest thing you'll ever wear. I wear it all the time!

BOTTOMS:

And these High-waisted Leggings have become my top pair. I loved them so much I bought another pair to alternate among the pair. They're perfect for wearing at the beginning when you need to feel more secure until you feel like your belly is popping. I also wear them with relaxed t-shirts, sweaters or just about anything.

and with a vivid blue beneath the belly to wear prior to or during and even after your pregnancy. They are extremely comfortable!

And an additional and a black set by one of my favorite brands that sit beneath the belly, as it expands

They are my absolute favorite set of shorts for workouts and have lasted me through my second trimester due to the waistband that is stretchy.

And since I couldn't find any decent maternity fitness shorts, I purchased 2 pairs of the same in a larger size to fit my third trimester.

OTHER:

Plus, you'll likely need at the very least one sports bra that is the larger size, based on how stretchy the old ones were. Best Maternity Workout Clothes is a fantastic comfy option that will keep the ladies in

Get a few adorable water bottles that you like since you'll be drinking a lot of fluids. I'm using my stainless-steel one on a daily basis.

I'd love to hear about the items you enjoyed in your maternity workouts during your pregnancy!

[zealoptics]

From New Zealand to North America: “A Ride With Purpose” 

Words by Christian Little

Christian shares a bit of her return from New Zealand to North America this summer in her latest blog, "A Ride With Purpose." Join us as she shares of her summer adventures on two wheels through Colorado, British Columbia, and Jackson Hole and the journey of continued growth on and off the bike as she rides with purpose following her near death experience and recovery from a broken back and spinal cord injury over 2 years ago. She hopes sharing a bit of her journey through her lens encourages and inspires you along your adventurous journey. 

New Zealand Round 2 

It can be bit of an adjustment to return to your country after being gone for several months. It turned out to be a mix of emotions returning for me after such quality healing time and adventures in New Zealand for round 2 there. I had a lot of time to reflect alone but also explored with new and old friends adventuring New Zealand. We surfed and mountain biked the beautiful country while even dabbling in some less familiar sports such as pack rafter rapids, SUP surfing, orienteering through the jungle, and island hopping by ocean kayak. I really tried to make the most of my time in the South Pacific and even managed to squeeze a cheap ticket and trip over to Samoa to moto around the Islands exploring, cracking open fresh coconuts, and surfing while getting immersed with the locals and their culture. 

Returning to New Zealand was a healing time as my prior time in NZ was cut short back in 2016 due to suffering and broken back and spinal cord injury. This time in New Zealand brought a peaceful and loving connection with God in his creation as my healing continued in New Zealand round 2. Being able to return to the trail I fell on was a very special experience, which you can get the full story by checking out "Miracles and Mountain Biking." 

(Stopping to savor the moment at heavens door in New Zealand which happens to be just past where I nearly died after tomahawked off the mountain 2 years prior.) 

Back in North America 

Fast forward to being back in the states following New Zealand summer 2018. I felt my healing had made huge progress while in New Zealand, yet I still was having a hard time. Trauma is rough and takes time to get through, so I encourage you to love and support others out there in the journey of life. I encourage you to live life to the fullest, live it well, leap2fly, don’t give up, and let your light shine. Adventures awaits! In the midst of working through my hardship and healing I have so much to be grateful for... 

(Back in North America. Living life to fullest. One highlight of the summer was hopped onto a 45 minute ferry in Nelson, BC at the Trans BC race to drop into steep and gnarly terrain with epic views like this. Photo by Noah Wetzel.)

(My home base for the summer was Jackson Hole, WY. I was practicing physiotherapy, MTB guiding and coaching, and you could often find me riding Teton Pass and hitching rides from the stagecoach for more laps.)

(While adventuring on two wheels is my favorite way to adventure, I wanted check out areas of the Tetons a bike isn't allowed, so I got amongst the Tetons by foot.) 

Riding with Purpose 

When I returned from New Zealand I did not know what was ahead other than my plan to continue riding with purpose. Riding with purpose signifies mountain biking for a bigger purpose than myself. My faith is what has inspired and gave me hope through the toughest of times and has given me purpose to ride on. Also, a big part of why I feel I survived the fall in New Zealand is for the purpose of inspiring, encouraging, and positively impacting others lives through the outdoors and biking. Specifically I returned to North America to continue growing Leap2fly in Colorado and expand into Canada, so I could continue to see lives positively impacted through mountain bike retreats. 

Leap2Fly 

Leap2fly is a mountain bike retreat business that offers retreats in Colorado, British Columbia, and New Zealand. I started Leap2fly to support, encourage, inspire, and empower growth on and off the bike by providing an opportunity to connect with yourself, others, and the outdoors in some of the most epic mountain bike locations in the world. My goal is for every person who comes to adventure with use on a retreat to leave not only stoked at an epic experience with lots of hi fives and laughs with new friends, but to feel it was a life changing experience for them that they truly embraced "Leaping to fly" on and off the bike. 

Recent Leap2fly MTB Retreats 

Ladies shared stoke and supported each other in the midst of riding some of the most epic trails in Crested Butte. Leap2fly retreats started the morning with yoga and yummy food and embarked each day on an epic adventure into the backcountry high alpine mountains of Crested Butte. Sharing the amazing trails and taking in the moments of breathtaking beauty with the ladies was such a special experience. Each day provided an opportunity for participants to truly embrace "Leaping to fly" while we grow on and off the bike together over the weekend. So many laughs and smiles from stoke where shared and each lady left encouraged, inspired, and positively impacted. 

(Ladyshredder train at Leap2fly MTB Retreat)

(Gotta leap2fly in Crested Butte, Colorado) 

What's ahead for Leap2fly 

Leap2fly offers ladyshred retreats as well as co ed retreats, but absolutely there is something uniquely awesome about women supporting and encouraging each other at the ladyshreder retreats. 

Next up for Leap2fly is our Durango Ladyshred MTB Retreat. I will be partnering up with friend Lindsey Richter, founder of Liv Ladies AllRides to offer a skills clinic the first day to kick of the Retreat at Purgatory Resort. I'm also in the process of planning for a mountain bike adventure retreat in New Zealand for the NZ summer that will include epic mountain biking as well as surfing. Next year more Colorado MTB retreats in Crested Butte and Durango. Also, starting a Retreat for those interesting in Enduro racing or progressing in acing in partnership with Anne Galyean who was the first and only female on Yeti's factory team. checkout more at: leap2fly.com 

follow on instagram @leap2fly or @christian_little 

Summer adventures in North America 

(Soaking in the moment with a Teton sunset. Photo by katielozancich.com)

(Photo by katielozancich.com) 

(Spending a bit of time in the Tetons this summer riding Teton Pass, Shadow Mountain, and guiding at the JH Resort.)

(Enjoying technical enduro style goodness from steep slabs to wood features as I traveled throughout British Columbia in July.) 

(After the Trans BC race a crew of us continued on to Revelstoke, BC to continue adventuring together on the big mountain technical trails around Revy.)

What inspires you? 

My faith has inspired me as I am in awe of the miracle that I am alive and know part of being alive is to share my story and Leap2fly to inspire/encourage others. Seeing participants "leap 2 fly" at the retreats inspires me to press on to continue hopefully creating a ripple effect to inspire each person who comes to a retreat. I am in awe of Gods creation and every time I am out adventuring on two wheels I am inspired by the beauty in all things and all around me. Life is short and I want to continue soaking in the adventurous journey of life inspired to live it to the fullest and hopefully inspiring and encouraging others to "leap 2 fly" in life too. 

Where do you #findyourzeal? 

Riding with purpose. Adventuring on two wheels in the mountains and/or helping others in the journey of life and biking. 

On the mountain tops after a long climb or on the descent as your stoke level is high flying down a technical section on the trail, when sharing a hi five and stoke on an epic adventure with friends, when stopping to take in the moment of the beauty all around (watching the colors change in the sky and the temperature drop as the sun begins to set while surfing or mountain biking), stepping into the unknown exploring in the mountains around the world and sharing the experience with others, and when she "leap 2 fly" in biking and life and/or help others in the journey. 

I really value living this short life to the fullest and encouraging others in their journey in biking and life. Mountain biking has opened up a whole new world with adventures, friendships, and travel around the world that I love to share with others. What truly inspired me to start leap2fly is encouraging others to "leap to fly" in biking and life to live it the the fullest. You've got one life. Live it well! Let your light shine! 

What Zeal products do you enjoy riding in? 

I sport the radium sunglasses on a sunny day as they provide coverage riding in the sun, yet have a rad design and are light weight for riding in. I also love sporting them on just about any sunny adventure. I just got some zeal googles to shred in with my full-face helmet for those technical days in the dark forest.

(Photo by katielozancich.com)

As we head into fall we are in the midst of changing seasons. May you embrace the beautiful journey and find peace and joy beyond what you thought possible as you take in the light moments along the way. Don’t give up along the way and believe in the light, love, and purpose ahead. Hope my personal journey brings you encouragement and inspires you to Leap2fly in your life. You’re on your way. Adventure awaits! Enjoy the ride!

[kamii393]

Addison Rae's Net Worth Is 'All That'— Here's How Much She Makes From TikTok |popcreep

Since her ascent to acclaim, Addison Rae's total assets has been a hotly debated issue of conversation. As of July 2021, Addison, whose complete name is Addison Rae Easterling, is the third should followed individual on TikTok after Charli D'Amelio and Khaby Lame.

Maddison Brown bio

Addison, who is the oldest of three kin from Lafayette, Louisiana, begun on TikTok in July 2019 after she moved on from secondary school. In the fall, she began her first semester at Louisiana State University, where she concentrated on sports broadcast news coverage. Be that as it may, Addison, who has likewise been a cutthroat artist since she was 6 years of age, never completed the semester. She exited LSU after she arrived at 1 million supporters on TikTok in November 2019. After a month, in December 2019, Addison, who had additionally been a piece of the Hype House since it began in 2019, moved to Los Angeles to seek after a vocation in diversion.

Charli D’Amelio Boyfriend

More from StyleCasterI remember that’s when it changed for me,” Addison told Business Insider in 2020. “I knew I wanted to take it more seriously and expand it to other platforms. I uploaded a video to YouTube and got really active on Instagram.” In January 2020, she signed with the talent agency WME. By July 2020, she had a partnership with American Eagle and released a podcast on Spotify with her mom called “Mama Knows Best.” She launched her cosmetics line, Item Beauty, in July 2020. She released her debut single, “Obsessed,” in March 2021. The song peaked at no. 10 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. In August 2021, she made her on-screen debut as the lead in Netflix’s He’s All That, a remake of the 1999 teen comedy She’s All That.

Bio and Relationship Updates

In this article:

Addison Rae Looked Like Gen Z Marilyn Monroe At The 'He's All That' Premiere

Feather Hair Extensions Are Back & It's 2012 All Over Again

Addison Rae Wore Next To Nothing At The MTV Movie Awards

About UsWith her success, however, has also come a lot of criticism. “I’ve dealt a lot with online hate and social media drama, with people that are very opinionated and don’t want people to be happy,” Addison told Glamour UK in February 2021. “People see people’s successes sometimes and wish it was them, which is totally understandable. I’ve even been there in my life too, where I’m like, ‘I wish I had this or I wish I had what she had.’ That brings you envy sometimes and I would bring that anger out onto them, which has never been a fulfilling thing. I’ve realized you have to be happy for people.”

For more information regarding

Addison rae net worth

,visit our website:

https://www.popcreep.com/

[ryqoshay]

How to Handle a Nico: Olympic Idol

Primary Pairing: NicoMaki Words: ~1k Rating: K Time Frame: Late in Maki’s college career and early in Nico’s idol producer career. Story Arc: Stand Alone

List of all HtHaN scenes

Author’s Note: First this post rolls across my dash, then @emitsunosaurus-rex was kind enough to translate Soramaru and Pile’s tweets! And the spark of inspiration was lit. Thus, I’ve brought both the real world event from the Olympics and the Twitter responses into the HtHaN world.

No1Idol: Maki-chan!

No1Idol: Maki-chan!

NishikinoMaki: What do you want, Nico-chan?

No1Idol: Can you do Nico a hu~ge favor?

NishikinoMaki: I'm in class

NishikinoMaki: What do you want?

No1Idol: Check your Twitter feed

NishikinoMaki: What the heck?

No1Idol: Just do it

No1Idol: Please, Maki-chan!

NishikinoMaki: Fine

Maki glanced around the classroom quickly to make sure nobody was paying attention. Once certain that she was safe, she opened the app.

Nico-nii: Eh!? Nico Nico Nii!? Are you sure she said Nico Nico Nii!? Nico Nico Nii!!?

I haven’t watched TV because I’m at work, so please reply!! LOL Really, Nico Nico Nii!? Is it true, Nico Nico Nii!?

What the heck? It was times like this that Maki truly did not understand Nico. Her Nico Nico Nii thing had appeared on TV somewhere? In and of itself, it was strange, but to also assume she knew something about it just pushed things that much farther beyond Maki’s ability to comprehend. Well, comprehend beyond just Nico being Nico. Again.

NishikinoMaki: I don’t get it

NishikinoMaki: Who are you talking about?

No1Idol: One of my employees just said that someone on our curling team did my signature Nico Nico Nii when they got their medal!

No1Idol: But I can't find a replay clip of if anywhere yet

NishikinoMaki: Not for lack of trying, I assume

No1Idol: I'm at work, Maki-chan

No1Idol: I can't spend all day scouring the web for people mimicking me

No1Idol: Even if it is a famous Olympian medalist

NishikinoMaki: Uh-huh…

Maki sighed and opened a different chat window.

NishikinoMaki: Have you been watching the Olympics?

NyaCat: nyabsolutely!

NishikinoMaki: Did you happen to see today’s coverage of Japan’s curling team?

NyaCat: you mean the part where chinami yoshida did the nico nico nii thing?

NyaCat: that was so nyawesome!

NyaCat: nico-chan is going to be so happy when she sees that!

NishikinoMaki: Thank you, Rin

NyaCat: you know maki-chan i was going to respond to her tweet to tell her

NyaCat: but i think shed like it better if you responded

NishikinoMaki: Me? Why me?

NyaCat: cause youre her girlfriend maki-chan!

NyaCat: duh!

Maki sighed. Of course, Rin was right. She chastised herself for falling on old habits and not realizing it herself.

NishikinoMaki: Yes

NishikinoMaki: You're right

NishikinoMaki: Thank you again, Rin

NyaCat: always happy to help maki-chan!

So it was real after all. Mako found herself smiling. Rin was absolutely correct, this would make Nico's day, possibly her week. She switched back to her Twitter app.

NishikinoMaki: Yes, Nico Nico Nii!!!

The response was immediate, back in chat.

No1Idol: Thank you Maki-chan!!!

No1Idol: Where did you find the clip?

No1Idol: Please link it to me!

No1Idol: Please!

No1Idol: Please Maki-chan!

No1Idol: Don’t make me beg.

Maki stifled a laugh. You are begging, Nico-chan. She thought to herself.

NishikinoMaki: Sorry, I don’t have a link

NishikinoMaki: I just asked Rin because I knew how closely she has been watching our teams

No1Idol: Oh, alright

No1Idol: Thanks again for that

No1Idol: I guess I'll look for clips again later when I get home tonight

Maki pretty much knew the answer but had to ask anyway.

NishikinoMaki: Is it really that important?

No1Idol: Of course it is, Maki-chan!

Maki could easily imagine Nico putting a hand on her hip or puffing out her chest with pride.

No1Idol: This means Nico-nii is famous!

NishikinoMaki: You mean the No. 1 Idol in the Universe isn’t already famous?

Maki couldn't resist the smirk that came to her lips.

No1Idol: Of course Nico is famous!

No1Idol: Nico is just more famous now!

NishikinoMaki: Ah, I see

No1Idol: And maybe this is the first step in getting idoling into the Olympics!

What. Maki blinked at her screen. Had she read that correctly?

NishikinoMaki: Idoling?

No1Idol: The sport of being an idol.

NishikinoMako: Being an idol is a sport?

No1Idol: Obviously!

No1Idol: Probably even more so than some activities that are already considered a sport!

No1Idol: And you know the Olympics already has synchronized swimming and figure skating and gymnastic floor routines and such

No1Idol: Idoling would fit right in!

NishikinoMaki: And naturally, they would call Nico-chan first

No1Idol: But of course!

No1Idol: Nico is the No. 1 Idol in the Universe!

No1Idol: Nico Nico Nii!

NishikinoMaki: Idiot

No1Idol: You love it

NishikinoMaki: Maybe

No1Idol: Oh, and maybe Egao could become an Olympic sponsor!

No1Idol: Just think of the exposure we could get with that!

NishikinoMaki: Just think of the expense to compete with the existing exclusive sponsors

No1Idol: Maki-chan!

No1Idol: Why do you have to ruin a girl's dreams with reality like that?

No1Idol: Let Nico have her dreams!

NishikinoMaki: Right

NishikinoMaki: Sorry

NishikinoMaki: Well who knows, maybe one day idoling will become a sport

The word still sounded strange to Maki.

NishikinoMaki: Maybe you should look to see what connections you have

NishikinoMaki: Never hurts to get the idea in the heads of the right people

No1Idol: Good idea, Maki-chan!

No1Idol: I’m going to do that right now!

NishikinoMaki: I thought you were busy at work

No1Idol: I am!

No1Idol: And this is work!

NishikinoMaki: Right…

No1Idol: I am an idol producer!

No1Idol: I must look after the interests of the idols in my employ

No1Idol: I must help expand and improve the idol industry

No1Idol: Getting idoling declared as a sport is a small step

No1Idol: Getting idoling into the Olympics would be a fantastic leap

Maki smiled. There was a time when she had felt that Nico was merely obsessed with idols as a wannabe, but over time she had come to appreciate the older girl’s honest and steadfast dedication to the craft. Even with the setbacks she had endured over the years, Nico continued to dream big and push forward toward new and amazing goals. And despite the teasing, Maki knew she would support Nico in her endeavors however she could.

NishikinoMaki: I know you will do whatever you can

NishikinoMaki: Good luck, Nico-chan

No1Idol: Thanks, Maki-chan

No1Idol: See you tonight?

NishikinoMaki: Definitely

No1Idol: Have fun in class

No1Idol: Love you!

NishikinoMaki: I love you too, Nico-chan

Maki returned her attention to her class, pleased that her girlfriend’s fame had grown yet again.

Author’s Note Continued: I believe this is now the second real world event I have brought up in HtHaN. I’ve tried to guesstimate where the timeline of the story and the real world align, and this is where I have determined things to fit. I hope that I am at least somewhat close.

That said, thanks again, emitsunosaurus, for providing the translations!

[f1]

Andretti building new 170m headquarters to house current and future racing initiatives | IndyCar

Aspiring Formula 1 entrant Andretti has announced it will spend $200 million (£170m) constructing new headquarters in Indiana. Spread over more than 53,000 square metres, Andretti Global’s new base in Fishers, Indiana will be in operation by 2025, the company said. It expects to generate 500 new jobs. Construction is due to begin at the end of the year. Its existing IndyCar, Indy Lights and IMSA sportscar programmes will be run from the facility. Andretti said in a statement the premises will also be used for “other future racing initiatives”. Michael Andretti is pursuing an entry into F1 for the team. He made an unsuccessful attempt to buy Sauber, which runs Alfa Romeo, last year, and also bidded for Force India’s assets when they were acquired by Lawrence Stroll in 2018, before he turned the team into Aston Martin. Andretti is now seeking to enter his own team, but faces opposition from the existing 10 outfits, several of which have stated that any incoming entrant must demonstrate they add value to the sport. The team’s new base will allow it to bring its multiple racing operations together, said Andretti. “Over the past 20 years I’ve worked to expand our operations and I’m proud of our steps to create a diverse racing portfolio. “Our current facility has served us well. Our team has expanded in both competition and commercial areas and our people deserve the best environment and resources available. I’m excited to have so many of our teams under one roof as we continue to build and grow. “For us, it’s about more than just having somewhere to work on the cars. It’s about having a global motorsport home and sharing that with our people, our fans and our sponsors to advance the sport and leave a lasting legacy.” He said he is pleased to remain in the state of Indiana, which ��holds an important place in the history of racing and in my career as a driver and an owner. “I’m happy to confirm that the racing capital of the world will continue to be the home of our global racing efforts for a long time to come. We’re excited about our plans for the new campus and looking forward to becoming a part of the Fishers community.” Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free IndyCar Browse all IndyCar articles via RaceFans - Independent Motorsport Coverage https://www.racefans.net

[droneseco]

Doogee X95 Pro Review: Best Phone Under $100

Doogee X95 Pro

7.50 / 10

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The Doogee X95 Pro is good as a temporary burner and travel phone, but a poor candidate as a daily-use device. However, if you notice a Black Friday deal come September, this is an easy purchase to make.

Key Features

VoWiFi

Face unlock

Unlocked

GSM

Specifications

Brand: Doogee

Storage: 32GB

CPU: MediaTek MT6761D

Memory: 4GB

Operating System: Android 10

Battery: 4,350mAh

Ports: MicroUSB

Camera (Rear, Front): 13MP

Display (Size, Resolution): 6.52-inch, 1200x540

Pros

Long battery life

Good value

Modern hardware

3.5mm jack

Modern Android

Cons

Bad Wi-Fi reception

Limited 4G bands

Micro-USB

Unlikely firmware updates

Buy This Product

Doogee X95 Pro other

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// Bottom

The Doogee X95 Pro is the best unlocked GSM phone under $100. It's great as a burner phone, travel phone, and as a disposable device. But there's one big problem: the pandemic's impact on electronic prices makes it hard to find below $100.

Even so, the Doogee X95 Pro offers best-in-class battery life and hardware under $100. At over $100, there are better devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy A11 or Galaxy A10e.

The Best Phone Under $100 for Battery Life?

Phones under $100 revolve around temporary purposes, like travel or as burners. Both types of use need adequate cellular reception and good battery life.

Most users in this niche aren't looking for a gaming phone and couldn't care less about a high-end camera. Given its audience, this review focuses on cellular reliability and battery endurance.

Hardware Specifications

Weight: 178 grams

Dimensions: 167 x 77.4 x 8.9 mm

Operating System: Android 10

Display: 6.52-inch LCD with 1200 x 540 resolution

RAM: 4 GB

Storage: 32 GB eMMC with expandable Micro-SD card

Cellular bands: B1 (2100), B20 (800), B8 (900), B5 (850), B3 (1800), B7 (2600) on both SIM 1 and 2

Cameras: 13MP rear

CPU: MediaTek Helio A20 quad-core Cortex A53 12 nm

Battery: 4,350mAh lithium-ion

Ports: MicroUSB; 3.5 mm audio jack

Is the Doogee X95 Pro's Hardware Good?

In the under $100 market, the X95 Pro's compares favorably.

The RAM and storage are unheard of in the under $100 smartphone market. Competing phones include 16 GB of storage and 2 GB of RAM. But at the $100-120 price range, the RAM provisioning and storage are average.

The X95 Pro's long battery life lies in its parts: an efficient 12 nm processor, large battery, and low-resolution display. Together, these components allow for at least five hours of screen time. Aside from that, there are no hardware features that stand out as either good or bad. For the most part, this is a solid, reliable, low-cost Android smartphone.

What's the Competition Around $100?

For less than $100, no other unlocked phones can challenge the X95 Pro. But the problem is that the X95 Pro rarely sells anymore for its original launch price of $60. But even so, thanks to the pandemic's impact on prices, few models on Amazon offer equal value. It currently retails most places for $120, though Banggood has it listed for $80.

A few phones that do beat out the X95 Pro include the Samsung Galaxy A10e and the Samsung Galaxy A11. But all told, these are more expensive than the X95 Pro. Below $100, it's a low-cost king.

Wireless

Doogee trimmed off a lot of features that you'd find in more expensive phones.  The X95 Pro includes a Bluetooth 5.0 chip, but it sacrifices Wi-Fi 5 by using dual-band 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) wireless instead.

Its best feature is Voice-Over-Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) technology.

VoWiFi Makes a Difference

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VoWiFi is an essential modern smartphone technology for the prepaid and low-cost market. It's so useful that its presence makes or breaks a low-cost smartphone. Unfortunately, budget manufacturers often don't use it out of sheer laziness.

For those who don't know, VoWiFi phones can make and receive cell calls using a Wi-Fi network. In other words, you don't need a cellular signal to make calls or send texts.

VoWiFi functions without issue on the Doogee X95 Pro. I set it up by performing the following actions:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet

Under Mobile Network, choose your provider

Choose Wi-Fi Calling

Turn Wi-Fi Calling on

After enabling Wi-Fi Calling, you'll receive calls through your Wi-Fi network. That means calls and SMS will work, even without cellular reception.

Poor-Quality Wi-Fi Reception

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One of the worst features of the X95 Pro is its network wireless connectivity quality. I found the Wi-Fi failing near the access point. It seems that Wireless-N (Wi-Fi 4) which lacks Beamforming, causes the issue. Poor Wi-Fi quality dampens the utility of VoWiFi, as unstable networks drop calls.

While on the second level of my house, I received around -55 dBi. My other budget phone managed -32 dBi.

Supported Bands and Cellular Modem Reception

Its cellular bands make the X95 Pro compatible with North American and European markets. Within the United States, the X95 Pro works on T-Mobile, AT&T, and GSM prepaid carriers. Unfortunately, in the US, the X95 Pro's only functioning 4G cellular band is B5 (850MHz). In most regions, you'll get spotty 3G data speeds. At best, you might see 4G data speeds on AT&T.

The X95 Pro's 900/1800MHz compatibility is better suited for Europe than the Americas. Unfortunately, the phone doesn't work with the 1900MHz band and so it has diminished US 4G coverage.

Reception on Band 5

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The cellular modem antenna gets an average of -75 dBm on band 5 (850MHz). For comparison, a more expensive phone using the same SIM card gets the same reception. In other words, for the money, the cellular reception is as good as more expensive devices. Yet the six bands are only adequate for North and South America. It's the B2 compatibility that makes the phone good for European markets.

As such, the X95 Pro should work as a travel phone through most of the Americas, India, and China. Its best usage is in Europe, Australia, and much of Asia.

Battery Life

With a 4,350mAh-sized battery, at 100% charge, the X95 Pro gets:

Five hours of screen-on time

Two+ days of idle

18-hours of mixed usage

For areas in which cellular coverage is poor, battery life could fall far shorter. It also uses an app-killer called Duraspeed, which auto-kills apps. While it does free up resources, I've found that it only improves system speed when it shuts off malfunctioning apps. Otherwise, Duraspeed turns off the apps you need, sometimes causing data loss.

Screen Quality

The 6.52-inch LCD screen is large, but runs at only HD resolution. There's nothing horrible about it. The brightness scales well, and the colors are well represented.

Touchscreen Calibration Issue

The X95 Pro's touchscreen needs calibration. The issue isn't bad and the majority of users won't likely notice them unless they're playing mobile games. But again, the X95 Pro isn't designed for gamers.

The touchscreen issue also impacts typing accuracy.

The Camera Is Mediocre

The camera on the Doogee X95 Pro is mediocre at best. While it takes 13MP resolution pictures, in poorer lighting its photography looks terrible. The camera takes decent pictures in bright light. Low-light conditions are the bane of this phone, thanks to an ISO that leaps up into the stratosphere.

Poor Low-Light Photograph

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Like all smartphone cameras, photos look good with sufficient lighting. Unfortunately, the low-light photos are poor, even for a budget-class camera.

Android 10 on the Doogee X95 Pro

The Doogee X95 Pro uses Android 10 with a drawer-less launcher. It sports few modifications and runs clean and quick.

Unfortunately, Doogee isn't an official Google partner and their devices lack official certification. In other words, the X95 Pro could suffer from security and privacy issues.

Additionally, Doogee has produced phones with adware. But my scans did not reveal their presence on the X95 Pro.

Does Doogee Install Malware?

I ran five different malware scans and came up negative for malware infections. That doesn't mean the phone is completely clean.

Worst of all, phones with hacked-on Google Play can suffer issues after a while. Sometimes Google blocks their services on unlicensed devices. In which case, you will lose access to the Play Store.

No Firmware Updates Likely

Doogee also doesn't often update its firmware, either for security updates or for bug fixes. So what you see is what you get. While Doogee did push out a single firmware update in May, I wouldn't expect additional software refinements.

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Doogee's Android Customization

Like many Chinese phones, the X95 Pro offers a few modifications, including a facial recognition app rather than a fingerprint scanner. There's nothing special about the app, other than that it works exactly how facial recognition apps on Android need to work. Configuring your facial profile allows touch-free login.

Overall, Doogee's Android customizations are good and their implementation of Android 10 is excellent.

Performance

Budget phones under $100 don't offer sparkling performance. Which is why if you can find one for under $100, the X95 Pro is among the most performant of handsets. But above $100, it loses a lot of luster.

For gaming, the X95 Pro runs modern games with occasional stutter and lag. I'm not sure whether the performance issues are because of the cheap flash storage or because of the slower processor. But in any event, don't buy the X95 Pro if you want to use it for gaming. However, it can play casual games without a problem.

Helio A20 MT6761D System-on-a-Chip

Most consumers looking for a low-cost burner don't care about performance. They want reliable screen-on time. As such, the X95 Pro's MediaTek Helio A20 MT6761D processor trades raw performance for battery life. It's similar to the Snapdragon 450 inside the Samsung Galaxy A11, although it's inferior to the heterogeneous processor-based Exynos 7884 in the Galaxy A10e.

The A20 Helio processor wasn't fast when it debuted in 2020. Rather than offering lighting-fast speeds, the Helio A20 provides power efficiency at a low cost. Most important: it includes modern 12-nanometer technology along with the efficient Arm Cortex-A53 architecture. It's as battery-friendly as it gets in the sub-$100 space. There are newer architectures with more advanced tech, but those cost more than $100.

32 GB of Storage and 4 GB of RAM on a Cheap Phone?

The 32 GB of onboard storage, lavish at the $60 price point but a standard size at $120, is unimpressive. The performance of the NAND flash memory isn't horrific, but it's not good either:

Sequential read speed: 273.55 MB/s

Sequential write speed: 53.81 MB/s

Random read speed: 21 MB/s

Random write: 9.45 MB/s

The mediocre read-write speeds mean below average NAND memory quality. You will see similar performance numbers for other cheap phones. Although the speed isn't terrible, it's not great. But keep in mind that most budget phones offer similar read-write performance.

Repairability

The X95 Pro isn't user-serviceable, although it's possible to replace the battery. You only need a spudger, a blow-dryer or heat gun, and (optionally) two suction cups. I should note that we reviewed Doogee's S95 repairable, low-cost, modular phone.

The Cheapest Phone You Should Buy: Doogee X95 Pro

The Doogee X95 Pro is the cheapest smartphone worth buying, provided you can find it for less than $100. But while it crushes its competition below $100 in terms of battery life, its cellular reliability is average in North America and it has terrible Wi-Fi reception.

As such, the phone is good as a temporary burner and travel phone but a poor candidate as a daily-use device. However, if you notice a Black Friday deal come September, this is an easy purchase to make. If you can't wait, we've written on the best budget smartphones.

For those in North America, check whether your cellular provider covers your area with the B5 (850MHz) spectrum before buying it.

Doogee X95 Pro Review: Best Phone Under $100 published first on http://droneseco.tumblr.com/