#Note: this is before Disha or when Disha's not around

[sillyfudgemonkeys]

Immortal!Rangi AU: Lao Ge/Kyoshi/Rangi on the Ba Sing Se train after a mission:

Kyoshi/Rangi are questioning their life choices about teaming up with Lao Ge. Lao Ge won the race to the bottom of his latest soju bottle. Fox is vibbing.

They're working hard. but the world is hardly working ;w;

[dishaeyehospitals]

Laser eye treatment for Presbyopia: 6 things to know

Presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition, can significantly impact your daily life. It commonly occurs around the age of 40 and progressively worsens over time. The condition occurs due to the natural ageing process of the eye, specifically changes in the lens and its flexibility. Presbyopia occurs when the lens loses its ability to change shape and adjust its focus, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects, such as reading materials, smartphones, or computer screens. People with presbyopia may experience symptoms such as blurry vision, eyestrain, difficulty reading small print, and the need to hold objects at arm's length to see them clearly. If you're considering laser eye treatment as a solution for presbyopia, it's important to consider the following factors before making a decision:

Understanding Presbyopia: Educate yourself about presbyopia and its effects on your vision. Know that it is a natural part of the ageing process, resulting in difficulty focusing on close-up objects due to the loss of flexibility in the lens of your eye.

Treatment Options: Explore the available treatment options for presbyopia. Besides laser eye treatment, options include reading glasses, bifocals, multifocal contact lenses, or even monovision contact lenses.

Can LASIK Correct Presbyopia? Presbyopia is not typically correctable through traditional LASIK surgery. However, there is a specialised LASIK technique called monovision that can potentially address presbyopia. With monovision LASIK, a deliberate imbalance is created between the two eyes to provide improved near vision in one eye and enhanced distance vision in the other. During monovision LASIK, the dominant eye is typically corrected for better distance vision, often targeting nearsightedness, while the non-dominant eye is adjusted to optimise near vision by correcting farsightedness. This intentional adjustment allows individuals to rely on one eye for distance vision and the other for close-up tasks, compensating for the loss of near vision caused by presbyopia. It's important to note that monovision LASIK is not suitable for everyone. The success of this technique depends on various factors, including individual visual needs, lifestyle, and the ability to adapt to the difference in vision between the eyes. Some individuals may find monovision comfortable and effective for their daily activities, while others may experience reduced depth perception or visual quality.

Candidacy Assessment: Consult with an experienced eye care professional to determine if you are a suitable candidate for laser eye treatment for presbyopia. Factors such as age, stable vision, general health, and absence of eye diseases or conditions are taken into account.

Benefits of Laser Eye Treatment: Recognise the benefits that laser eye treatment can offer. Improved vision for both near and far objects can enhance your daily activities, including reading, computer usage, and driving.

Make informed decisions by discussing your options, risks, and potential benefits with your eye care professional. Seeking a second opinion from another qualified specialist is also recommended.

Ultimately, choosing laser eye treatment for presbyopia is a personal decision. Weigh the potential risks and benefits against your specific needs and lifestyle. With proper guidance and understanding, laser eye treatment may provide an effective solution to improve your vision and quality of life.

Looking for eye treatment for presbyopia?

Visit Disha Eye Hospitals. Their eye specialists will conduct a thorough assessment of your eyes, considering your lifestyle, occupation, and hobbies, to develop a personalised treatment plan that suits you best. They stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the field of ophthalmology. Their state-of-the-art equipment and advanced diagnostic tools enable precise measurements and accurate treatment outcomes for presbyopia.

[keitrinkomfloukru]

In @entirelytookeen’s wonderful clexa fic "The White Queen Running", Clarke finds herself in a parallel universe where she's the queen of the Ice Nation instead of an Arker. Early on there's a conversation ostensibly in Trigedasleng, for which the author naturally used a translation convention. As practice, I decided to see if I could translate it into actual Trig.

There is a version here with side-by-side Trig and English parallel text. The English version is not @entirelytookeen’s original English dialogue, but rather a re-translation of my Trig back into English, because my translations couldn’t always be literal. The original fic can be read on AO3 here.

Clarke is opening her mouth to apologize for not knowing Trigedasleng when she suddenly realizes she does know it; has the whole repository of the main Grounder dialect at her disposal. That is never going to stop being unnerving. She switches with unthinking ease. "Moba, ai nou don ste figa en ai... bilaik hedswimen."

The girl shrugs, which is not exactly accepting the apology. "Chit yu gaf?"

Maybe she’s some kind of curator, standing guard and helping the curious. The lack of introduction is a little off-putting, but Clarke can’t imagine Ice Nation warriors are well received in the capital despite everything. "Nofodon. Won na led au poulis, tondisi, en stegeda mous raun der."

The girl rests one hand on her hip. She’s imposing, even without warrior’s clothing. She has no tattoos that Clarke can see, no weapons besides the requisite knife at her hip. Her presentation would be completely unremarkable, except for a large silver ring on her right thumb. Somehow, she still manages an air of authority that catches at Clarke’s attention. A whisper of deja vu. Clarke shakes free of it. There are more important things at stake.

(You wish to balance out the death you have brought into the world.)

"Yumi na hon dei kaina nofodon in?"

The young woman folds her arms. "Ron ai waines op."

"E, oso ste hukopon nau. En," Clarke rushes to add, "yu heda na gaf em in."

A dark look flashes across the woman’s face, and for a second Clarke is sure she’s said exactly the wrong thing. Then she gives a small sigh, shoulders slumping as the barely-concealed hostility leaves her frame. "Sin daun," she says, turning to the small stepladder and climbing up to the second row of hanging maps.

Clarke obeys. "Mochof," she says. "Ai's gei bilaik yu ste sisfou." The girl doesn’t turn from where she’s turning the sections. "Ai tagon laik --"

"Ai get in chon yu bilaik." There’s no more suspicion, she’s merely factual.

"Ait." Clarke licks her dry lips. "Yu mema tongkola kom azgeda klin seintaim."

"Ai don laik fossopa raun langeda twin yu tof en ain. Bilaik taim ai nou ge don frag op kos ai mema yu tongkola klin." She raises an eyebrow in Clarke’s direction, looking back over her shoulder. "Ba bilaik yu biyo, oso ste hukopon nau."

"Ou." Close proximity to the Ice Nation would go a long way in explaining her attitude, especially if she’d served before the Coalition was in place. Perhaps she could help Clarke to understand just what she’d gotten herself into. "Skyumi, ba hanch taim yu laik fossopa?"

Her hands pause only a moment in perusing the maps. "Fai yiron, kom taim ginteik kom chilnes."

"Ait." Clarke searches her memory. "Raun yiron kom gon."

This causes the young woman to stop and turn, giving her a hard look. "Tu yiron kom gon. Taim yu don kom au haiplana."

"Ait."  Clarke agrees, trying to cover with a smile. If anything, the other girl’s expression grows more suspicious. Oh, screw it, Clarke thinks, and blurts out: "Chit don gon daun hashta naya?"

"Haiplana fou yu?" She turns her whole body, reaching up on either side to secure her perch as she faces Clarke, who can’t help noticing the gorgeous musculature of her arms. There’s definition all the way down to the precise turn of wrists. It draws Clarke’s attention to her hands and the unique shape of her ring: cut at an angle, so that a broader piece juts out above her knuckle before the band tapers around the base of her thumb. "Yu."

"Ai -- chit?"

"Yu gaf get in taim ai get sontaim in?" She turns back to the maps, movements jerky this time as she rifles through them at a slightly faster pace, even callous in how she flips from one to the next. "Embi ge maya op raun tagen podi kom ogeda fyucha azgedon. Yun ron skruwen op: taim hedplei kom naya ge foto en haken, yu na bilaik skrudon na lid yu kru in gon chilnes."

Lexa never talked about the Ice Nation -- not if she could help it -- but the other warriors had, in whispers and with warning looks. They were a strange people, they told the Arkers. They lived on the roof of the world, closer to the sky where spirits lived, and the whispers of those beings filled their dreams. Their lives were filled with rituals and prophecies and strange power. Clarke had only cared inasmuch as how effective that kind of psychological warfare must be, and how Nia must wield this fear like any other weapon.

"Yu renon don laik shouna kom naya en yu nontu don sad in na kod haiplana in ona disha mesej bilaik lomon. Em don vout in mebi naya na bilaik moubeda heda en den kep em zodon we. Steda, naya don teik bleirona gon em tombom en swega klin bilaik yu na ge wan op fou deimeika bag au dei sintaim." She finds what she’s looking for, starts to unhook the map from its securings.

Clarke knows she should be paying very careful attention right now, only her eyes keep snagging on the ring. There’s a pattern etched into the surface, on the broader section, but she can’t quite make it out from where she’s sitting. When the other girl lets the heavy map fall to the table it makes Clarke jump, and she ends up looking straight into the young woman’s eyes.

"Yu don teik naya daun snap," she says quietly. "Ai don sen in bilaik em wamplei nou laik sou snap." She turns back to the map and begins to unfold it to the full expanse, the oilskin rustling with each careful movement. "Haiplana klark kom azgeda: gada bilaik komba raun kom skaikrasha. Ai don tel yu op, ai get in chon yu bilaik."

Clarke searches the girl’s expression, taking in the strong line of her jaw, the tension in the way she holds it. "Ai get yu in?" she asks gently.

"Yumi nou don hit op nowe. Ba taim em don komba raun kom yu haisiden, em don tel ai op ogeda hashta yu."

"Em?" But she’s already looking down at the table, at the girl’s hand as it rests there, and the ring. Which bears -- not a pattern, a symbol. One she can never forget, even though she only ever saw it balanced between the eyes of a girl she knew for a handful of days.

“Yu laik kostia,” Clarke breathes, and the bottom drops out of the world.

Noncanon words used in this story are listed below. Some of these were coined for this translation, others were already in my noncanon lexicon.

bag … au [bæg … aʊ]: v. go to bed;  from c. bag

embi [ˈɛm.biː]: n. augury, prophecy about a person's fate;  from "MB (Myers-Briggs) type"

gei [geɪ]: adj. [predicative] happy, glad;  from "gay"

haisiden [ˈhaɪ.sɪ.ɾɛn]: n. coronotion; haisidon op v. crown; ge haisidon op adj. crowned;  from c. haisidon

hedswimen [ˈhɛd.swɪ.mɛn]: adj. disoriented, dizzy, faint;  from "head swimming"

hukopon [ˈhuː.kɔː.pɔːn]: n. ally;  from c. hukop

kod … in [kɔːd … ɪn]: v. to share;  from  "cut … in on" (USAGE NOTE: the direct object is the recipient, not the item)

langeda* [ˈlæn.gɛ.ɾə]: n. border, boundary;  from "line-place"; langeden adj. bordering

led … au [lɛd … aʊ]: v. display, put on display;  from "laid out"

lomon [ˈlɔː.mɔːn]: n. warning;  from c. lom op

maya [ˈmæ.jə]: n. augur, oracle, soothsayer;  from "Meyers-Briggs"; maya … op v. soothsay, cast an augury

nofodon [ˈnɔː.fɔː.ɾɔːn]: n. map;  from "no-fold-one", lit. "thing that won't fold up"

podi [ˈpɔː.ɾiː]: n. ceremony, ritual;  from "party"

renon [ˈɹɛ.nɔːn]: n. parent;  from the nonbinary term "ren"; renonplei n. [gerund] parenting

skrud [skɹuːd]: adj. fated, cursed, destined, doomed, hexed; skrudon n. one who is fated, etc.; a "chosen one"; skruwen n. fate, destiny;  from "screwed"

skyumi* [ˈskjuː.miː]: interj. excuse me, pardon me;  from "excuse me"

tagon√ [ˈtæ.gɔːn]: n. name; tagen adj. naming;  from c. tag laik, tag op

twin [twɪn]: prep. between; in the middle of;  from "between"

waines [ˈwaɪ.nɛs]: n. intention, purpose, reason;  from "why-ness"

c. canon Trigedasleng word * credit goes to Slakgedakru √ canonized

[dishacare02]

How To Look Out If A Person Is Addicted To A Substance Or Not

Drugs can negatively change the lives of individuals if it is consumed in excess. It is life-threatening when a person consumes drugs regularly and in high quantities. Its effects are not visible initially, but gradually it starts showing symptoms and how the addiction has harmed the physical as well as psychological health of the person. The Rehabilitation Center In Thane is providing the individuals with a result-driven facility, with the help of which a person can get rid of their addiction. The main motive of the rehab center is not only to treat the addict but to reduce the chances of relapse in the future. 

We all have come across at least one incident in our life where we come to know that the person got ill due to over usage of drugs. So, as individuals what can we do? Well, the answer to the question is here in this article! 

Check     if a person is consuming drugs regularly or not. 

Have     a closer look that if the person’s mood is affected when they don’t get     the substance. 

See     if the behavior of an individual is changed over time since the day he/she     started taking a drug regularly. 

If     the person is becoming socially irresponsible then also there are chances     that they are becoming addicted to a particular symptom. 

If you see anyone with any of these symptoms, then you can reach out to Nasha Mukti Kendra In Thane, as they will assist you on how you can help a person on a personal level, and if nothing helps, then they have got your back. Disha Samajik Seva Sanstha always uses a holistic approach and assure that the medical history of the addict is taken into consideration before providing any treatment. Additionally, they also note the symptoms and the types of drugs a person consumes, with the help of which they provide customized treatment to the addicts. 

About Disha Samajik Seva Sanstha 

The rehabilitation center has gained a lot of appreciation all around because since its time of establishment they have treated a wide number of addicts. The team of doctors, physicians, and counselors who are working with them always follow proper medical standards and work closely with the addict to identify the core reason behind the addiction. With the years of knowledge, they reduce the chances of relapse and also stay in touch with their patients even after their treatment is completed to see if they are fit or not. 

Source: https://penzu.com/p/0e52124c

[sunshine304]

Ep 23 + 24, here we goooo!

Li Sheng, seriously, why are you lying about Madam Wang and Chenfei?! This of course will cause no problems whatesoever!

Okay, so Disha ... works (?) for Yu Wenzhi? I guess?  And I’ve heard that name before, sth with the emperor or the government.

Bit of info on the Hai Tian Yi Se: Kou Dan wants it back since the Mingfeng Sect used to have it, there were 3 pieces: One with ChuChu’s father Wu Fei, one at 48 Strongholds with Li Jinrong, one with Sect Leader Yin. (So... which one was that piece at Huo Manor? Like, is there a 4th one?)

I love how they’re all just standing there talking civilly instead of fighting. XD

Li Sheng and Deng Shen do some good fighting and work well together; Li Sheng has learned a lot, go my man, go!

A-Fei now realises as well that their people were bluffing, and then there’s the prolonged sad scene with A-Fei saying goodbye to the old river guardian and setting the pulling array in motion again. Nice lighting here.

Shen Tianshu hears that Kou Dan and Gu Tianxian lost. His reaction is basically, „Ah well, whatever“. I didn’t know I missed his super deep and quiet voice, but I obviously did. XD

Ahh there Yu Wenzhi is, asshole extraordinaire! He wants to cut off the food supply for the 48 Strongholds and murders and imprisons a bunch of innocent people just because.

Aw ChuChu is helping with the injured. <3 Also she’s super angry (for her) and says that she will never forgive Disha. You go girl!

I’m living for Shen Tianshu and Yu Wenzhi lowkey hating on each other with their passive-aggressive talking! And I can’t help it, I find Disha sooo weird. XD

A-Fei, my little fierce warrior queen, immediately wants to go catch asshole YWZ. Of course she does.

Chuchu gives A-Fei her necklace. Uhm... is that... a good idea? The thing that’s super super important? That... is part of the McGuffin? Okay, you do you I guess.

Li Yan gets an important mission to deliver a letter to her uncle. This will surely go exactly as planned and she will encounter no problems whatsoever. XD

Ohhh Li Sheng and ChuChu have a dramatic goodbye scene! He promises to keep everyone safe, she is super worried, stops him from going to tell him, “I believe in you“. Li Sheng is all, “OMG she’s the best!“ and goes back to hug her (in slow motion of course). All the emotions! He tells her to wait for his return, OMG. ♥

Also, side note, because it just happened again: The “a“-prefix used to indicate familiarity and/or affection is used… a lot. Like, everyone just immediately goes “A-Fei“, “A-Sheng“ etc. Okay then. I’m not used to that from CQL where it was just children or Jiang Yanli to her siblings. XD

Uncle Ma is writing to his wife but then hiding the letter when he is disturbed. Uhm… suspicious. What is his deal?

He talks to A-Fei and asks if she’s sure about catching YWZ. He fears the imperial court is involved (correct it seems if YWZ is at court as… what exactly?).

Huge surprised, Li Yan gets chased by Disha, and I’m sorry, the way she runs rather slowly and clumsily is just… XD Is that in character running or can the actress just not run better?

Oh oh Xie Yun has this weird super power needle that Ji Yunchen used. He’s eyeing it contemplatively and I’m assuming he’ll use it to help A-Fei against Disha. As we remember that didn’t end so well for Ji Yunchen…

Shen Tianshu and Yu Wenzhi not trusting each other at all is really entertaining. They’re both so passive aggressive but STS has to hold back because YWZ is more important than him. YWZ doesn’t want to use his private army and STS is pissed about it. Also, Kou Dan has a spy… (is that just some lowly informant ooor… *sideeyeing Uncle Ma*)

Back with A-Fei & her little team on their way to town. She wants to rescue the civilians too and so they split up.

Since Shen Tianshu really doesn’t trust YWZ he tells Gu Tianxian to keep an eye on that guy and suspects that YWZ will not keep to his promise. Meanwhile, YWZ tells Kou Dan exactly that: He has no intention of sending his troups to help Disha and just wants to wait to pick off the fleeing people of the 48 Strongholds. Kou Dan looks kinda conflicted about it. Weird vibe in this scene between them.

Romantic interlude! Super long accidental hug between A-Fei and Xie Yun. XD  XY is happy, A-Fei seems unsure about it, like “Why do I feel good in his arms?“ XD Then we come back to the drama and XY realises that sth’s fishy about it all and that there’s a surprising lack of Disha around.

A-Fei is stubborn, so they compromise: They rescue the civilians while XY creates a diversion for the guards. Directly fighting YWZ seems too risky for now.

Confrontation at the huge gate to the 48 Strongholds, where the few Disha happily run into the spears coming through holes in the gate. You do you, I guess. I also have a feeling that the roughly 20 people on each side are actually supposed to be much higher numbers, but we just didn’t have the budget. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

STS finally makes his way to the gate; he’s got time, he isn’t in a hurry. His subordinate rushes to tell him that he (that subordinate) is a total loser because they didn’t manage to get through the gate in about 2 min of fighting. Logical. STS somehow totally knows that Li Sheng kept quiet about Madame Wang and the others and murmurs it out for everyone to hear. Deng Zheng is devastated and goes crazy. See Li Sheng, I said it’s stupid to not tell him!! Argh!

Yep there Deng Zheng goes, jumping the gate and taking on 20 100 Disha on his own.*sigh* He of course gets hurt and Li Sheng comes to his aid, rescues him, while most of Disha… just look and stand by. Okay. Li Sheng gets Deng Zheng behind the gate but Disha can also get it open now. *sighsigh*

And I guess. Deng Zheng is dead now. But before he goes he tells us that Madame Wang rescued him as a child and was like his very own grandmother. *sigh*

You know, it’s interesting that so far they only kill off characters that… are likeable but just not very imporatnt. We get two or three eps with them, and then they’re dead. So it’s kinda sad but not that important to the viewer emotionally. That’s nice. I’m not an emotional wreck as I was during CQL! XD

Again, seriously, both armies consist of 20 people and 10 on each side are dead already…

I really thought he’d destroy the bridge, but no, Li Sheng only sets it on fire I guess. And he’s hurt but alive. And STS can now just… stand there I guess and wait for the fire to die down again. He also gets the news that YWZ has not kept to his promise and looks super unsurprised.

Kou Dan is now YWZ’s personal bodyguard I guess. Sth like that. They hear that A-Fei and her people are coming nearer and Kou Dan tells YWZ that A-Fei has the help of a “young man with serious lightness skills“. YWZ face goes, “…Oh fuck.“ When Kou Dan asks he’s all, “Oh no nothing, nothing at all, just reminded me of an old rival.”

Li Yan, who was able to hide in a dead tree even though she ran so slowly that Disha should not have lost her, now gets stopped by a Disha outpost anyway. She is not suited for deceiving people. But lo and behold her stalker Yang Jin comes to her rescue!

[rbbox]

The Coronavirus pandemic has hit the showbiz around the world. The first film in the Hindi film industry to postpone was Akshay Kumar and Rohit Shetty's highly anticipated cop drama, Sooryavanshi. The film was scheduled for March 24 release but it has been postponed indefinitely until the situation gets better.

Meanwhile, it seems like two cop dramas might come together on Eid 2020 instead. It is known that this Eid, Salman Khan will release Radhe - Your Most Wanted Bhai which is also a cop drama. As per grapevine, "Sooryavanshi is easily one of the highly awaited films of the year. Since there's been lockdown in many parts of the country and public places like malls, theatres have been shut down until March 31, the makers are currently working on an apt date for the release. If things fall into place, they might release it on Eid instead of Akshay Kumar's other film Laxmmi Bomb which is supposed to clash with Salman's Radhe - Your Most Wanted Bhai. Laxmmi Bomb will reportedly ahead and another release date will be announced."

As the makers are currently working out the scenario, it should be noted that Radhe and Sooryavanshi were to clash before they preponed the latter after a conversation between Salman Khan and Rohit Shetty. It was only later when Akshay Kumar announced Laxmmi Bomb will release on Eid.

Sooryavanshi is directed by Rohit Shetty and stars Katrina Kaif in the leading role. Ranveer Singh and Ajay Devgn will have cameos in the cop drama.

Salman Khan starrer Radhe - Your Most Wanted Bhai, on the other hand, is directed by Prabhu Dheva. The film stars Randeep Hooda, Disha Patani and Jackie Shroff.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Sooryavanshi officially POSTPONED; Akshay Kumar says film will release when the time is right

March 21, 2020 at 04:18PMSCOOP: Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi to clash with Salman Khan's Radhe on Eid instead of Laxmmi Bomb? https://ift.tt/398ED7h

[houstonlocalus-blog]

Burial At Sea: The Best of The Week

MONO. Photo: Ground Control Touring

  Get ready for some stellar acts that’ll find their way here making each night a little difficult to decide on where you’ll spend the evening. This week acts like Japan’s MONO, comic legend Chris Rock, and electronica group Tycho will all be here while locals like B L A C K I E, Astragal and more will all round out the edges. Houston, here’s how to map out the next seven days.

  On Wednesday you can get going over at the Avenida at Discovery Green for a set from the celebrated sounds of The Allen Oldies Band. Mentions in The New York Times alongside performances all over the state should prove that these guys know how to bring it when they perform live, and their album Ride The Wild Surf is pretty strong. The hook heavy pop of Austin’s Ruby & The Reckless will open the all ages show that gets going around 7 pm and is 100% FREE.

  Thursday you could head over to the studio at Warehouse Live for the doom metal of Arkansas’ Pallbearer. Here in support of their latest album Heartless, these guys have a pretty epic presence that’s worth making it out for. Arizona’s Gatecreeper will bring their old school death metal on as direct support while the experimental new wave doom of Fort Worth’s Pinkish Black will open the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $15 and $17.

  Revention Music Center will host the crazed hip hop of Houston’s Travis Scott. If you missed Scott’s set at last year’s Day for Night, then you need to see him before you can’t get in to see him anymore, and his latest Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight, is pretty legit. El Paso’s Khalid will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm. The show has since Sold Out.

  Walker Lukens. Photo: Daniel Jackson

  If you’re a fan of The Walkmen, then you might find yourself over at The Heights Theater for a solo set from Hamilton Leithauser. With catchy songs and a voice that’s hard to walk away from, his latest release I Had A Dream That You Were Mine is pretty impressive. Speaking of impressive, the indie rock good times of Austin’s Walker Lukens will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $22 and $32.

  Over at Walter’s the Canadian indie rock of The Besnard Lakes will be on hand for all to enjoy. Often compared to Arcade Fire, this five-piece has a more of a psych feel with folk pop elements. Their latest, last year’s A Coliseum Complex Museum was an album that I can’t believe wasn’t as epic on the charts as it sounds. The vastly underrated indie rock of Chicago three-piece The Life and Times will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $12.

  Tycho. Photo: Lauren Crew

  In the downstairs of White Oak Music Hall you can get your dance on when Tycho returns to get some feet moving. Here in support of last year’s Epoch, the three piece is known for live sets that can make you get down to their catchy pop dance jams. Houston’s Khruangbin will be on as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets between $29.50 and $37.

  Friday you can head to Smart Financial Centre in Sugarland to catch the first of two dates from the always hilarious Chris Rock. Rock is back doing what he does best, stand up. As young comic he wowed everyone with his in your face style and not much has changed for one of the most respected comics to ever take the stage. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $69.50 and $125, and it should be noted that there is a VERY strict no pictures, video or cell phone use policy at this show. Your cell phone will be locked in a Yondr pouch and anyone caught taking video will be ejected immediately.

  The Heights Theater will host the return of Hayes Carll. The Woodlands native has made quite the name for himself with stellar performances all over, and his latest release Lovers and Leavers from last year is his best to date with a sweetness that can’t be unheard. The Southern rock meets Americana of Scott Miller will be on hand as direct support and opener for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets for $24.

  Brian Wilson. Photo: APA Agency

  At Revention Center, Brian Wilson will play Pet Sounds from start to finish. Literally one of the greatest albums ever made, Wilson will prove that he doesn’t need the drama that currently surrounds The Beach Boys to perform the songs he wrote and spent years in seclusion crafting. I don’t need to oversell this show, as this is more than likely the last time you’ll hear these songs live from the genius who created them. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $43 and $93.

  The Secret Group will host the Houston born and New York transplanted comedy of Sheng Wang. A true threat on the mic, Wang has appeared on Comedy Central, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and even a John Oliver Comedy Special. Last year he dropped the hilarious album Cornucopias Are Actually Horrible Containers, and he never disappoints. Two of Houston’s better up and coming comics should serve as host and feature for the all ages show with doors at 7 pm and tickets between $8 and $10.

  Over at Warehouse Live in the studio, the first all female comedy fest in Houston, Yellow Rose Comedy Festival will take place. With a headlining set from world renowned comic Olivia Arrington on the first night of the two day fest, the show that also features sets from Tressa Eleby, Kiki Maroon, Tiffany King, and Liz Padjen as well as many more. The all ages show has doors at 7 pm and tickets between $20 and $55, the latter being a two day seated pass.

  Over at Walter’s, one of the most intensely gorgeous bands to ever take a stage, Japan’s MONO, will return for what should be an enigmatic performance. Here behind their ninth album Requiem For Hell, the four-piece makes the kind of music that can stir your soul while bombastically exploding at the same time. Brooklyn’s Holy Sons will bring their lo-fi experimental goodness on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm with tickets between $13 and $15.

  Astragal. Photo: Disha Khakheria

  Satellite Bar will have the lo-fi indie dream pop of Rhode Island’s Holy Golden. Crafting tunes that have been called amazing by pretty much everyone who has heard them, their latest release Wax Castle sounds pretty beautiful. Houston Galveston hybrid shoegaze indie rockers El Lago will bring their lush sound on as direct support while the energetic sounds of Astragal will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and tickets for $10.

  You can get your doom metal fix over at Rudyard’s when Houston’s Doomstress kick off their latest tour with a send off show. Supporting the stoner heavy sounds of a killer 7” from last year called Supernatural Kvlt Sounds, you should check them out before they get too big to perform in their home anymore, as they’re gaining plenty of steam everywhere they play. The ambient drone doom of Italy’s Messa will be on as direct support while the retro doom of Austin’s Witchcryer will go on as openers for the 21 & up show with doors at 9 pm and a measly $8 cover.

  TEE VEE. Photo: Andi Valentine

  On Saturday you can kick off over at Cactus for an in-store performance from Houston’s TEE VEE. Creating beautiful electro pop, her debut EP Soft Spot is pretty amazing, and with sets at Day for Night and a following that grows with every show, she’s an act you should catch sooner than later. The all ages event gets going around 1 pm and should have gratis beer for the adults.

  Night two of the Yellow Rose Comedy Festival will take place in the studio at Warehouse Live. The second day will have a headlining set from Sara Schaefer, whose critically acclaimed comedy has been on John Oliver’s New York Comedy Show, as well as part of the MTV show Nikki & Sara Live. Houston favorites Slim Bloodworth and Kristin Lindner will also be on hand to perform as well as Maggie Maye and many more for the all ages event. The doors are at 7 pm and tickets are between $20 and $55, the latter being a two day seated VIP ticket.

  The second night of Chris Rock at Smart Financial Centre will take place as scheduled as well. Because Rock doesn’t do his stand up down here often, the second show should be just as exciting as the first. The all ages event has doors at 7 pm and has only single seat tickets between $49.50 and $69.50 left. It should be noted that there is a VERY strict no pictures, video or cell phone use policy at this show. Your cell phone will be locked in a Yondr pouch and anyone caught taking video will be ejected immediately.

  Emily Bell. Photo: Juice Consulting

  Upstairs at White Oak Music Hall, the swagger heavy rock of Austin’s Emily Bell will be on in full force. Bell has been making waves for a good while alongside stellar sets all over including at last year’s Sound On Sound Festival. Now with her new EP Kali with her backing band The Talkbacks, Bell should delight pretty much anyone within earshot with her hook heavy rock n’ roll energy. Houston’s Second Lovers will bring their country tinged rock on as direct support and openers for the all ages show with doors at 8 pm with an $8 cover.

  At Khon’s you could get a little mind blown when Houston’s Pitter Patter swings by to drop a set. There’s something so immense about how this guy mixes electronica and drums, that even his newest album Realms is almost as crazed as his energetic live sets. The electronic doom sounds of Denton’s Felt & Fur will be on hand as well, while Denton’s MOWOW will go on prior. The last show for Houston’s Funeral Parlor will open the all ages and 100% FREE show with doors at 8 pm.

  B L A C K I E. Photo: Mark Furi

  At Civic TV, the never disappointing sounds of B L A C K I E will be on full display for his album release party. That album, Remains, is B L A C K I E at his best, reinventing his sound while keeping the elements intact. Austin’s Illustrations will bring their grindcore on as direct support while Baby Horse will open the all ages and BYOB show that’s 100% FREE and gets going around 9 pm.

  Rudyard’s will host the psych sounds of Houston’s GENERATION: Landslide!. I say psych but they’re closer to avant garde meets punk with psych rock tendencies. The legendary punk of Houston’s MyDolls will emphatically perform prior, with the Texas Mod Crushers opening things up. The 21 & up show has doors at 9 pm with an $8 cover.

  Pitter Patter. Photo: Ronald L. Jones

  Sunday over at Insomnia, the very last party at the shop will take place before they pack up and start making the East side their new home. A headlining set from sonic trail blazers, Trillblazers will will be on hand for all to enjoy. Featuring famed Walter’s soundman Terry Nunn on vocals, this three piece sounds like a mix of nightmares and sonic landscapes that are hard not to love. The intense one man electronica or human drum machine sounds of Pitter Patter will be on as direct support, while the synth pop good times of Houston’s TEE VEE will be there to open the all ages event with doors at 9 pm. It’s 100% FREE with more information available here.

  In the studio at Warehouse Live, LA’s King Lil G will bring his old school hip hop sound to all in attendance. Formerly known as Lil Gangster, G has been making waves since his 2012 debut. His latest, last year’s Lost In Smoke 2 falls in line with his strong mic spitting skills. The all ages show has doors at 8 pm and tickets between $20 and $25, with no word of openers, though that should change.

  Get A Life. Photo: Daniel Jackson

  On Tuesday over at Walter’s you can get mystified by the electro psych pop of Philadelphia’s Laser Background. Mixing electronic sounds with dreamy psych guitar, their latest release Dark Nuclear Bogs is a trip. The unaffected tongue in cheek indie rock of Houston’s Get A Life will be on as direct support while the electronic sounds of JERK will open the all ages show with doors at 8 pm and a $10 cover.

  At Rudyard’s another edition of the long running BooTown series, Grownup Storytime will take place. The always funny show that features readings of actual stories is something every Houstonian should experience. Now that the first show usually sells out and there’s a second show, you have pretty much no reason to miss this show.  Both are 21 & up with a $5 cover each, one at 8 pm and one at 10 pm.

  That’s about all that’s happening this week. No matter what you decide to do, be mindful of others and remember that a safe ride home is just an app away.

Burial At Sea: The Best of The Week this is a repost

[asialogistics]

Prepare for Challenges to Remain Relevant, Say Maritime Leaders

SINGAPORE, March 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Maritime leaders today called for the industry to proactively prepare for future challenges to not only remain competitive and relevant in today's volatile market environment, but to also future-proof the industry.

From left: Mr K. Murali Pany, Ms Tan Beng Tee, Mr René Piil Pedersen, Mr Marcus Hand

    Speaking at a briefing session ahead of the Sea Asia 2017 conference and exhibition in April, the four industry leaders pointed out the importance of investing in solutions now to ensure companies are well-placed to navigate future headwinds such as regulation changes, while better understanding the impact of technology.

Mr René Piil Pedersen, Chairman for the International Committee of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA), said despite challenges in 2016, this year is looking to be a better year for the industry, with projected growth of two to four per cent in container shipping demand as well as growing demand in bulk and tanker segments.

"The container industry is not out of the woods yet, but we are seeing most trades being in better balance after record-low freight rates in 2016. This could lead to a more sustainable industry in 2017 supported by the increased consolidation activity. In the bulk segment, there is optimism while the coming year's newbuilding program will be decisive for the tanker segment," said Mr Pedersen.

Digitalisation also presents a huge opportunity for the industry, according to Mr Pedersen.

"Digitalisation can give companies the possibility to engage with customers in a way that creates more value to the customers, just as Big Data can be used to operate assets more efficiently. Two to three years ago, you'd see a container booking take two hours, whereas today it takes minutes, and in the next few years, it will likely take seconds.

"With the growing focus on e-commerce and digital solutions, SMEs and consumers who were not directly linked to the global supply chains, now have the opportunity to connect, giving companies the opportunity to address consumer needs in a more direct and efficient way than ever before," he said.

Ms Tan Beng Tee, Assistant Chief Executive (Development) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) emphasised the importance of industry players keeping an eye on the future, especially with the fast pace of technology adoption.

"The advent of digitalisation will help improve processes in the industry but it will also disrupt the way you do business. With this in mind, there is a need for us to be prepared and start thinking about the new business models that will arise as a result of digitalisation in the industry.

"Another area we need to start focusing on is the skills of our workforce. Shipping is a traditional and documents intensive industry. This will no longer be the case in the future with blockchain coming into the market. New skills will be required and we will need to start equipping our workforce with cross-disciplinary skills such as IT literacy and data analytics," said Ms Tan.

The panellists also discussed the importance of solid risk management as the industry anticipates major structural changes with new mega-alliances, mergers and acquisitions, in addition to an increasingly demanding regulatory environment and compliance issues.

Mr K. Murali Pany, Managing Partner at Joseph Tan Jude Benny (JTJB) LLP, stressed that companies must re-evaluate their business models with a view to invest in risk management.

"There has to be a fundamental rethink of how business is going to be done in terms of managing the risk. All businesses have risk, but it's a question about whether to take on the risk blindly, or taking it on in a measured way, where you're prepared for when things go wrong," said Mr Pany, a speaker at Sea Asia 2017.

For example, he pointed to the need for proper contracts. Too many times, he said, millions of dollars have been at stake over contracts that were too vague or not set up appropriately. He also highlighted the need to make considered agreements, encouraging companies to take a hard look at the credit-worthiness of who they were supplying to.

"Rather than chasing every dollar, businesses should be chasing the good dollars. Don't just focus on volumes; focus on creating a more solid business."

And with more regulatory changes coming such as the Ballast Water Management Convention and the low sulphur cap by 2020, Mr Pany said compliance with these is key to risk management.

"In line with this, companies need to have and invest in more stringent and stronger risk management programmes. The key to this is setting up the right procedures, protocols and technological structures," he said.   

Mr Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News, said these are some of the discussions that will be taking place at Sea Asia 2017, including conversations around the implications of disruptive and innovative technology for the future of shipping.

"In addition to market challenges, the industry will need to prepare itself for the wave of technological change that has already begun to take place. Industry players need to look ahead and see how they can leverage current opportunities in the industry, while at the same time ensuring they have proper safeguards ready to tackle barriers in the future.

"This year's edition of Sea Asia 2017 will explore some of these opportunities and barriers, and it will provide an international platform for maritime leaders to come together and share with one another insights on how they can shape the course of the global maritime industry.

"With more than 16,000 people expected to come for this year's Sea Asia, we are looking forward to fruitful discussions that can further propel the industry forward," said Mr Hand.

For more information, please contact:

Disha Gurnani                                                 

Caroline Leeming

Email:   disha.gurnani@bbspr.com.sg               

Email:   caroline.leeming@bbspr.com.sg 

Mobile: +65 9789 1655                                      

Mobile: +65 8742 3266

DID:     +65 6239 4105                                      

DID:     +65 6239 4102

Notes to Editors

About Sea Asia 2017

Sea Asia, the premier maritime and offshore conference and exhibition in Asia is returning for the 6th edition on 25 - 27 April 2017 at the Marina Bay Sands®, Singapore. Co-organised by Seatrade and the Singapore Maritime Foundation, Sea Asia is well-attended by trade professionals and some of the most influential and respected leaders in the industry, delivering an unparalleled reach of key decision-makers.

Alongside an international exhibition, the highly acclaimed and interactive Sea Asia conference complements and puts Sea Asia at the forefront of regional maritime events. International thought-leaders will address the latest topics, debate on key trends, and discuss opportunities and challenges facing the maritime and offshore businesses from a commercial perspective.

For a full list of sponsors and exhibitors, and more information on the conference programme, please visit www.sea-asia.com/.

About Seatrade

Founded in 1970, Seatrade was acquired in 2014 by UBM, the world's second largest media and event organiser across a wide variety of industries. Seatrade's publications, events, management training, research and award schemes cover every aspect of the cruise and maritime industries. The company's principal strength is its ability to bring key people together, encouraging innovation and facilitating better communication within the industry. Seatrade is headquartered in Colchester, UK, with regional offices in Dubai, Singapore, as well as representatives in all major maritime centres and cruise destinations across the globe.

For more information, please visit http://ift.tt/1fLpOwe.

About the Singapore Maritime Foundation

Established in 2004, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) is a private sector-led organisation that seeks to develop and promote Singapore as an International Maritime Centre (IMC). As the representative voice for the commercial players of the maritime industry, SMF seeks to forge strong partnerships with the public and private sectors of the maritime industry. SMF spearheads initiatives to promote the diverse clusters of the maritime industry in Singapore and at international frontiers, and to attract young talents to join the sector. SMF is directed by its Board of Directors which comprises prominent leaders in the Singapore maritime community.

For details, please visit www.smf.com.sg.

About the Singapore Maritime Week 2017 (22nd -- 28th April 2017)

Sea Asia 2017 is held in conjunction with the Singapore Maritime Week 2017 (SMW). SMW is the leading maritime event in Singapore driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. SMW gathers the international maritime community in Singapore for a week of conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events in celebration of all things maritime. These events reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Singapore as a major international maritime centre.

Photo - http://ift.tt/2nQPbUB Logo - http://ift.tt/2nQSivT Logo - http://ift.tt/2maAk48

Read this news on PR Newswire Asia website: Prepare for Challenges to Remain Relevant, Say Maritime Leaders

[sunshine304]

Okay, getting a bit more info on Yin Pei, thanks for that. He’s got the sheath of his family’s sword with him because it seems Azure Dragon Master stole the sword when he attacked the family. Is that a given now? That he did it?

ChuChu yet again MVP, taking notes and doing paintings of Duan Jianiang’s fighting style! I also love how she always looks so meek, but she’s actually really assertive, and helpful, and also really clever. I love her interactions with A-Fei, together with XY they’re a great trouple! Also, good to see A-Fei actually trying to connect the dots re XY, like: Hm considering his lightness skills are so amazing it seems really weird that he has no internal power whatsoever. Strange.

OMG when Ji Yunchen asks A-Fei about her skill level and she’s like, „Ehhh I’ve been training for 2-3 years…“ and then she thinks what an embarrassment she is because she’s so „slow“ in learning while JYC just boggles at her, and she amends to, „Ok, 1-2 years, whatever“. And then admitting to ChuChu that uhm no, it’s more like 6 months, while XY goes in the background, „Seriously, if you’re not using demonic methods 2-3 years is super fast, hello!“ XD

And how Ji Yunchen has her analysed immediately, like, „Hey Zhou Fei, you wanna help me fight and kill the bad guy?“ and A-Fei is like, „Ah well, why not, sounds good.“ and Xie Yun is like, „NOOOO don’t do it!“ yet again seeing his future marriage endangered. XD

And XY is sooo frustrated because A-Fei just can’t read him right. She yet again assumes that he must be afraid of death because he always runs away (but at least this time she understands that she said sth not good) and he’s actually angry, going, „I take you to be my soulmate and you ask if I’m afraid of death!“ Poor Xie Yun!

And I wrote down that he said „zhiji“, did he? because whoa.

Anyway, I felt like the last two eps or so have been dragging a bit with them walking through the forrest and through the cave and talking, while the bad guys are following them loudly banging their gongs OMG and also just walking around.

But aha, it’s getting more lively!

Azure Dragon Master likes how A-Fei fights and wants to recruit her, as you do. Promising her all kinds of awesome stuff, and A-Fei just goes, „Nope“. And he immediately gets angry, like „Stinky girl (that insult is just…) you shouldn’t be allowed to learn more and get even better (really!), now die!“ XD

And thank you for confirming that you really killed the Yin Clan/Sect, and Ji Yunchen of course is able to fight when it looks dire.

Love how XY always, always talks his way out of any situation. XD He explains Dragon Master’s deal to him and then explains his body armour, and A-Fei is so happy that it wasn’t her lacking any skills but that she would’ve gotten some good hits in if not for that body armour. XD

Nice that Yin Pei helped fighting that bad guy, that was at least sth. And of course Ji Yunchen dies after he managed to virtually give A-Fei his skills. XD Now I’m wondering where the Dragon Master’s soldiers went? Did they just… leave?

So, Yin Pei is also searching for the Hai Tian Ye Se (?) which I guess is the McGuffin we are waiting for to be explained. It was at least kinda nice of him to leave the body armour with ChuChu!

So, basically A-Fei just walks around, meets lots of old masters who are the last of their kind and manage to teach her their super awesome skills, and then die. XD And Li Sheng is doing basically the same somewhere else in the woods. At least the Daoist master isn’t dead yet.

Oh nooo Xie Yun tells a short version of his story but of course without actually saying that it’s about him. :( How old was he there, about 12-13? And then he was just used as bait and decided that this is shit, and calls himself a deserter. I’m pretty sure that’s not how it really went down. Someone rescues him but he was poisoned and the poison is still there but kinda blocked. But that’s why he can’t use his martial powers anymore. :(

I also really liked the landscape at that ruined house (that was where Duan Jianiang had that meeting with Li Zheng, right?). Just, really pretty with the horses and mountains in the background. And mysteriously A-Fei suddenly has a fainting spell right there. hmmm

OMG Li Jinrong lets Li Yan leave the mountain because she whines loud enough! XD I mean I can’t fault her, I would also want some peace and quiet once in a while, but... are you sure you should send her out into the world? While you’ve already kinda lost a daughter and a nephew out there? Li Yan does not seem like someone who would do well in a fight. But then again, letting her loose on the world might be funny, she’ll likely just whine and pout the villains into submission. XD

Ah yes let’s just all meet up in Hengyang City, why not! Xie Yun + A-Fei are on their way because XY of course “knows a guy”. And Evil overlord Shen Tianshu wants to go there because.. I assume he wants to meet the same guy? This will be fun. Wow and the new evil master of the Disha is called Killer Leopard, Gu TianXian. Their names are really sth else. XD

Seriously, why why why is everyone entrusting General Wen with the safety of anyone?! “Please take good care of Chuchu because evil guys are after her!” Yeah no problem, he just leaves her standing there in the forest because he must look for the hunter traps himself. Good thing that it was Li Sheng who was strolling through this very same forest and happened upon her before Disha did. And of course Li Sheng is the happy puppy he is and doesn’t even tell her his name, just goes, “Hey you look like that girl A-Fei and I saw the drawing of!” XD I’m not really sure what he wants to accomplish with his plan, couldn’t they have just... stayed hidden in the underbrush or something?