#OverDrive 1st anniversary

[fukuokanodivision]

Traffic Light

Even 13 years later, everyone still wonders the same thing — What really was Traffic Light before they disappeared? “A band of 3 childhood friends” “1 of the most intriguing idol groups” “3 individual’s who’s status changed the music world forever” Believe it or not, the most hardcore fans or closest associates aren’t as close as they think to solving the mystery. Though being taken as official Chuohku hostages, it is still unclear exactly who these 3 masterminds behind Hypnosis Microphone Manipulation truly were before their surprising disappearance across Japan… So…Who really were they all those years ago? 1. Poltergeist

Alias: Poltergeist Real Name: Eko Seishin Age: 25 Position: Leader Of Traffic Light [Formerly] Affiliation(s): *Traffic Light *Lyte [Formerly] *Chuohku [Unwillingly] Profession: *Freelance Idol *Chuohku Agent Weapons: *Hypnosis Microphone *Kaleidoscopic Wristwatch Skills + Abilities: *Hypnosis Microphone Manipulation [Sonokinesis] *Genius Level Intellect *Musical Aptitude *Advanced Chuohku Expertise *Technology Welding *Absolute Hearing Bio: The frontman and initiator of Traffic Light, Eko turns out to be an element of surprise during this era. Whether it was the groups exhilarating performances down to his previous idol image, the idol always had something up his sleeve to kick things up a notch. Of course, was it his own idea for the beloved groups disbandment? Or…Perhaps it was something more…? “There’s no time to waste here, so let’s get this party started! Or as the blue light likes to say…It’s go time!” — Eko “Poltergeist” Seishin 2. Shade

Alias: Shade Real Name: Mai Yousei Age: 23 Position: 2nd Member Of Traffic Light [Formerly] Affiliation(s): *Traffic Light *NSDS [Occasionally] *Chuohku [Formerly] Profession: *Professional Dancer *Crossdresser Weapons: *Hypnosis Microphone *Spatiokinetic Brooch Skills + Abilities: *Hypnosis Microphone Manipulation [Telekinesis] *Seduction *Heightened Durability *Advanced Chuohku Expertise *Tactical Gender Intellect *Pisonics Bio: The rising talent and left hand of Traffic Light, Mai was aiming for their highest level around this time. Appearing to have the most fun with fans and putting in strong amounts of commitment into the group, they continued to put smiles on people’s faces every single time. However, why was their public behaviour “unnatural” according to fans? Does this call for another mystery…? “Red light means stop? Not in my presence does this apply, my dears. Don’t worry, I’ll show you what it means to don the colour of love…” — Mai “Shade” Yousei 3. Jinn

Alias: Jinn Real Name: Yuno Kamora Age: 27 Position: 3rd Member Of Traffic Light [Formerly] Afiliation(s): *Traffic Light *Kamora Family *Chuohku [Formerly] Profession: *Butler-for-hire *Writer Weapons: *Hypnosis Microphone *Auxiliary Bracer Skills + Abilities: *Hypnosis Microphone Manipulation [Flyrokinesis] *Acting Persona *Writers Craft *Advanced Chuohku Expertise *Perception Manipulation *Dynamism Bio: The anchor and right hand of Traffic Light, Yuno was an enigmatic figure throughout the groups run. From exciting his audience with his acting abilities to performances that blur the lines of fiction and reality so well, fans know that just watching him was a sight to behold. Although, did he seem worried as the group made their disbandment public? Or was it just speculation…? “The yellow light does indicate slowing down, all except on this stage. Brace yourselves, the show is only getting started~…” — Yuno “Jinn” Kamora

[muroshi]

SUBMARINE 1st ANNIVERSARY

2024.9/13 ~ 10/27

9/13 (Fri)［初日］

・サブマリン

・ワットエヴァー

・DJ Musei

18:00open/ 19:00start

adv ¥2000/ door ¥2500

9/14 (Sat) ［ARCADIAN STARSHIP PRESENTS］

・DON KARNAGE(Sapporo)

・ARCADIAN STARSHIP

・THE SMOG

・Excuse To Travel

17:30open /18:00start

adv ¥2000/ door ¥2500

9/15 (Sun)［Headquarters Music1］

・フー・ドゥ・ユー・ラブ

・Qoodow

・ULTRA CUB

・ときめきポメラニアン（OA）

16:00open /16:45start

adv ¥3000/ door ¥3500 /学割¥1000off

9/16 (Mon) [ON BAC CLUB]

・TUCKER

・in the blue shirt

・JUN HAMADA

・SAOLA101

・(DJ) infant regression

18:00open /18:30start

adv¥2800/ door¥3000

9/17(Tue) ［Pretty Nuts.1］

・nodamn

・ODDLY

・The Aztec Overdrive

18:30open / 19:00start

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9/18(Wed) ［LIVING PROOF OF ELECTRIC FUZZY ANT］

・ELECTRIC KINU

18:00open/ 19:30start

adv¥2000/ door¥2500

9/19 (Thu) ［L.O.V pre Direct Action Destroy Tradition Vol.20]

・S.H.I.T(Toront)

・ANANAS

・2+2+2+

・(DJ) EROLIN

19:00open / 19:30start

charge¥2000

9/20 (Fri) 「授業」

・メタミュラーグヌピコ先生

・カニコーセン

・KASAI

・よいまつり

18:30open /19:30start

adv¥2000/door¥2500 / 学生¥1000

9/21(Sat) ［PASSION RECORDS pre HOGO 地球ツアーホッケー京都-PASSION NIGHT-］

・HOGO 地球

・ピーナッズ

・超右腕

・ゆ～すほすてる

・ゴリラ祭ーズ

出店：HOLIDAY！ RECORDS

17:30open/ 18:00start charge¥2800

9/22 (Sun) ［EZOE & HEIDI WEDDING PARTY］

・ハイジ

・渚のベートーベンズ

・LIQUID SCREEN

・メシアと人人

・エN

・象の背

・Fateh*lia Band

14:00open/15:00start

No Charge（投げ祝銭）

9/23 (Mon) ［SUBMARINE PARTY やっちゃう？やっちゃおう！］

・佐伯誠之助

・ウサキバニーボーイ（広島)

・ドン・マルティネス（東京）

・The Fax

・裏声で歌え君が代

・RED SNEAKERS

・(DJ)Kawashiman

15:30open /16:00start

adv¥2000/ door¥2500

9/24(Tue) ［ジャッキーゲン presents DJ PARTY］

9/25 (Wed) ［Life.1］

・リンダ＆マーヤ

・ぐうたら狂

・THE SLACKS

18:30open / 19:30start

adv¥2500/door¥3000

9/27 (Fri) ［紙一重］


・モルグモルマルモ

・puggs

・khan brown

・ジャッカルズ

・Devon Rexi（Amsterdam）

18:00open /19:00start

adv¥2000/door¥2500

9/28 (Sat) ［my ex pre THE GIFT #4］

・herpiano

・Midaboa Banwa

・象の背

・Left Hands

・my ex

open 17:30/start 18:00

adv ¥2000/door ¥2500

9/29(Sun) ［飛・び・た・い］

・hocorobi（名古屋)

・星のクズさまたち

・雨市

・Guru Moon

open 18:00/start 19:00

adv ¥2000/door ¥2500

10/3 (Thu)［激愛］

・オナニ渕剛

・Mr.69

open 19:00/start 19:30

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10/4(Fri)

・こいけはるな

・西邑宣弘バンド

open 19:00/start 20:00

adv ¥2000/door ¥2500

10/5 (Sat)［メシアと人人presents "POM”］

・RUINS alone

・SPACEGRINDER

・宇宙三輪車

・メシアと人人

・BLONDnewHALF

18:00open / 18:30start

adv¥2500/ door¥3000

10/6 (Sun) Coming soon....

10/8 (Tue) ［PLASTIC SPIKE］

・天国注射

・どっかん小僧

・日本少女

18:30open/19:00start

charge¥500+投げ銭

10/9(Wed)

・マイマイズ

・cocolo-No

and more....




10/10(Thu)

・Sleepwalker's Station (Berlin)

・Mee Float

and more...

10/11(Fri) [MAAM.1]

・cyril cyril (Switzland)

・Merry Ghosts

・DEATH BY DUMPLING

・ude

18:00open / 19:00start

adv¥2000/ door¥2500

10/12 (Sat)

・イグワナズ

・DJヤスヘッド

and more....

10/13 (Sun) ［PICNIC YOU レコ発］

・PICNIC YOU

・MOFO

・やっほー

and more..

10/14(Mon) ［カムカムキャッツ］

・The Relaxins

・RED SNEAKERS

・Glimpse Group

and more...

10/16(Wed) ［nuts mate］

・沼

・YeYe

18:30open /19:00start

adv¥2500 /door¥3000

10/17 (Thu) ［2+2+2+企画］

・中村達也+中尾憲太郎+一楽儀光

・タンツボ

・2+2+2+

10/18 (Fri) &19 (Sat)［Alignment presents "Quartz"］

18(Fri)

Guest LIVE:

・MON/KU

・DJ: n0hara

・Yoshitak4

・BPM Junkie

・kfx(Alignment)

・sak (Alignment)

書道LIVE:亀田美裕

19（Sat）

Guest LIVE：

・池西大輔（ロックバランシング)

・DJ:Shupuri

・Saipa（Alignment)

・K2

・KEIMIN

・ast midori

・msy

ライブペイント：辻きょうすけ

1日券 adv¥2500/door¥2800/2日通し券¥4000

10/20 (Sun) ［姫路ナイト］

・Love Love

・ほりゆうじ

・ゑでぃまあこん

・Momo-Sei

・SECRET BAND

16:30open / 17:00start

adv¥3000/door¥3500

10/22(Tue) ［深海浪漫］


・小田切悠（サイケデリックハートブラボーズ)

・西洋彦

・ムラカミマイ

・世田谷ピンポンズ

18:00open / 19:00start

adv¥2000/door¥2500

10/24 (Thu)［楽楽］

・mmm

・ハイジ（Band Set

・安藤明子

18:30open/ 19:00start

adv¥2500/ door¥3000

10/25 (Fri) ［Headquarters Music 2］

・UlulU

・No Fun

・IKIMONO

18:30open /19:30start

adv¥2500/door¥3000

10/26 Sat) ［P.S.Y］

・PANICSMILE

・KKmanga

・SHITTY HUNTER2

・Fateh*lia Band

・o'summer vacation

17:30open /18:00start

adv¥2500 /door¥3000

10/27（Sun）昼

［SUBMARINE 1st Anniversary FINAL!! KASHIKO ULYSSES One-Man-Show］

・KASHIKOI ULYSSES

13:00open /14:00start

adv¥2000/ door¥2500

10/27（Sun）夜

［SUBMARINE 1st Anniversary ENCORE‼︎コピバン大会］

[regreports]

PH celebration of Kid Krow's 3rd Anniversary

BY: Regine Dayao

Anybody would go overdrive on the 3rd anniversary of Conan Gray’s best selling album, Kid Krow. 

In celebration, fans of Gray in the Philippines arranged a cupsleeve event which took place exactly a month after his concert in the country. 

Dubbed as Coneheads, March 18 was the targeted day of a group of friends which held the event at the Black Scoop Cafe in the Mall of Asia Arena. 

- Photo Courtesy of Conan Gray Philippines Facebook Page

20 attendees mingled to the tune of Gray’s music along with the handing out of freebies such as a cupsleeve, photo cards, a photo strip, and a hand banner.

- Photo Courtesy of Conan Gray Philippines Facebook Page

With ages ranging from 11 to 25 years old, each Conehead was given a drink stub to claim a drink of their choice from the said cafe.

A raffle was also held for a chance to win merchandise, like notepads, tote bags, and necklaces.

Paula Dela Cruz, one of the organizers of the event said, “It was a delight being around people who have the same interest as you. We shared our own stories about our experiences during the concert while listening and singing along to his songs over a cup of drinks.”

- Photo Courtesy of Conan Gray Philippines Facebook Page

Most of the attendees were also able to attend Gray’s concert the month before and they said it was an amazing experience overall.

Even two out of the seven winners of the previous UMUSIC PH’s–Conan Gray Party Bus who were lucky to meet the singer were present.

For Dela Cruz, they are not aware of any official Conan Gray fan event in the Philippines, if anything, this may be the first one to take place in the country.

When asked if there is a possibility for a next fan event, they’ve already planned for the 1st year Anniversary of Gray’s latest album, Superache to be held on June 24.

The location is to be announced but raffle prizes and more giveaways are to be expected.

[chissjedi]

A few days ago was the anniversary of the day borrowed the Thrawn audio book. Since then, I have read/listened to more books than I have in the last decade, most of them related to Star Wars. To celebrate, here’s a list of the books I have read/listened to and highly recommend.

Thrawn and Thrawn Acendancy Series by Timothy Zahn

Thrawn (1st read and 1 reread)

Thrawn: Alliances (1st read and 1 reread)

Thrawn: Treason (1st read and 1 reread)

Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising (1st read and 1 reread)

Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good (1st read and 1 reread)

Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil (1st read and 1 reread)

Legends/Expanded Universe Thrawn Novels by Timothy Zahn

Heir to the Empire

Dark Force Rising

The Last Command

Outbound Flight

Specter of the Past

The High Republic

Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule

Into the Dark by Claudia Gray

A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland

Tempest Runner by  Cavan Scott

The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott

Race to Crashpoint Tower by Daniel José Older 

Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland 

The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray

Midnight Horizon  by Daniel José Older

Stand-Alone Novels

Star Wars Myths and Fables by George Mann (1st read and 1 reread)

Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott (I HIGHLY recommend this! PLEASE read it!!!)

Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray

Ahsoka by E. K. Johnston

Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

Catalyst: A Rogue One Story by James Luceno 

Doctor Aphra by Sarah Kuhn

Bloodline: by Claudia Gray

Leia: Princess of Alderaan: by Claudia Gray

Kenobi by John Jackson Miller

Ronin: A Visions Novel by Emma Mieko Candon

Retellings and Short Stories:

Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View Anthology

Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View: Empire Strikes Back  Anthology

A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy by Alexandra Bracken (I HIGHLY recommend this too! PLEASE read it!!!)

The Empire Strikes Back: So You Want to Be a Jedi? by Adam Gidwitz

Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side! by Tom Angleberger

Non-book Star Wars stories:

Knights of the Old Republic

Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords

Jedi: Fallen Order (replay)

Rebels (rewatch - twice!)

Non-Star Wars Books:

An Ember in the Ashes Series by Sabaa Tahir

An Ember in the Ashes

A Torch Against the Night

A Reaper at the Gates

A Sky Beyond the Storm

The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski

The Last Wish

Sword of Destiny

Blood of Elves

The Time of Contempt

Baptism of Fire

Tower of the Swallow

Lady of the Lake

Season of Storms

(And the Witcher Video Game Series by CD Projekt Red)

In the end, a total of 48 books (36 Star Wars), plus 7 rereads, 6 video games.

I listened to all of these for FREE through Overdrive, Libby and other Public Library apps. I am extremely lucky to have a job where I can listen while I work to make up for the time I wish I could read at home. It was not easy for me to stay focused, so I am extremely proud of myself!!

If you have any recommendations for books or just want to geek out over these, feel free to message me!!

[nethompson]

Now completed!

Black Hills Motor Classic Sturgis 50th Anniversary (1990)

Acrylic painting on 30"x40" canvas. (Reserved for Greg) Black Hills Motor Classic – Sturgis, South Dakota Established in 1938 – Annual Event held the 1st full week in August. Two years missed due to WWII, making 1990 the 50th Anniversary. Photo taken Wednesday August 8th by Greg Kolle of Main Street looking Northwest toward 1st Street (Stop Sign at 1st Street). The same day as Bachman-Turner Overdrive performed at the Buffalo Chip Campground. Painting created by Nina Elaine Thompson (2022) SteelArt By N.E.Thompson

https://linktr.ee/N_E_Thompson

[st-agatha-city]

Begin the Countdown!

So! First of all, happy three month anniversary, citizens! It's October 1st, and St. Agatha City officially began development on July 1st!

For those who don't know, St. Agatha City's demo, Chapter 0: The First Day, is due to drop early 2022 :))

I'm super excited!! I've been going into overdrive trying to finish up the writing, so that I can complete the sprite work. My main concern is getting all the background art done, which is a totally new skill I'm trying to learn. That, and figuring out the music and sound effects.

Here's to an early release! I'll meet you guys in St. Agatha hopefully somewhere in the window of January-May :))

[dr-archeville]

Upcoming Retro Films at the Carolina Theatre of Durham (January-June 2019)

All movies are on Fridays (unless otherwise stated) starting at 7:00pm (or so), and cost $9.50 for both films.  Most shows also have drawings for door prizes -- submit your name & a film you’d like to see, and you could win a fridge magnet with a scene from the night’s movie (or something else!).

You can also get a season pass for $80.00, which covers the RetroClassics, RetroFantasma, RetroNoir, and RetroTreasures double features, and the new Wednesday Cinema Overdrive shows (but does not include ActionFlix, Anime-Magic, FantasticRealm, or Mother’s Day Film Series, or the Wednesday MovieDiva Film Series).

January 18th-20th (Fri-Sun): Anime-Magic Film Series -- Bruce W. Smith’s Robin Harris’ Bébé's Kids (1992), Hiroyuki Morita’s The Cat Returns (2002), Isao Takahata’s Horus, Prince of the Sun (1968), Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle (2004), Masaaki Yuasa’s Mind Game (2004), Isao Takahata’s My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999), Haya Miyazaki’s My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue (1997), Isao Takahata’s Pom Poko (1994), Haya Miyazaki’s Porco Rosso (1992), Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2002), and Katsuhiro Otomo’s Steamboy (2004). 

January 23rd (Wed Cinema Overdrive): Sergio Martino’s Torso (1973)

January 25th (RetroFantasma): Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner: The Final Cut (1982) and Geoff Murphy’s The Quiet Earth (1985)

January 30th (Wed MovieDiva): Alfred E. Green’s Baby Face (1933)

February 1st (RetroClassics): Pal Michaewl Glaser’s The Running Man (1987) and Marco Brambilla’s Demolition Man (1993)

February 3rd (Sun): Nevermore Fundraiser -- $12 to see The Wackhowski’s The Matrix (1999) and Mary Harron’s American Psycho (2000)

February 8th (RetroNoir): John Huston’s The Maltese Falcon (1941) and Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity (1944)

February 13th (Wed MovieDiva ): Maerian C. Cooper’s King Kong (1933)

February 15th (RetroTreasures): Howard deutch’s John Hughes’ Pretty in Pink (1986) and Martha Coolidge’s Valley Girl (1983)

February 20th (Wed Cinema Overdrive): J. Lee Thompson’s 10 to Midnight (1983)

February 22nd-24th (Fri-Sun): FantasticRealm Film Series -- Terry Gilliam’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), David Fincher’s Fight Club (1999), Ken Kwapis’ Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird (1985), Robert Rodriguez’s From Dusk till Dawn (1996), Dean Parisot’s Galaxy Quest (1999), Ivan Reitman’s Ghostbusters (1984), Richard Donner’s The Goonies (1985), Steven Spielberg’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Ridley Scott’s Legend: Director’s Cut (1985), Frank Oz’s Little Shop of Horrors: Director’s Cut (1986), Wolgang Petersen’s The NeverEnding Story (1984), Tim Burton’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985), Robert Altman’s Popeye (1980), Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs (1987), Bob Spiers’ Spice World (1997), and Ken Kwapis’ Vibes (1988).

February 27th (Wed MovieDiva): Josef von Sternberg’s Shanghai Express (1932)

March 1st (RetroFantasma): Tobe Hooper’s Lifeforce (1985) and Harry Bromley Davenport’s Xtro (1982)

March 9th-10th (Fri-Sun): Nevermore Film Festival (20th Anniversary!)

March 13th (Wed MovieDiva): Wesley Ruggles’ I’m No Angel (1933)

March 15th (RetroClassics): Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window (1954) and Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest (1959)

March 20th (Wed Cinema Overdrive): Menahem Golan’s The Apple (1980)

March 22nd (RetroTreasures): Mike Judge’s Office Space (1999) and Trey Parker’s South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (1999)

March 27th (Wed MovieDiva): William A. Wellman’s Night Nurse (1931)

March 29th (RetroFantasma): David Cronenberg’s The Dead Zone (1983) and Rob Reiner’s Misery (1990)

April 12th (RetroNoir): W.S. Van Dyke’s The Thin Man (1934) and W.S. Van Dyke’s Another Thin Man (1939)

April 17th (Wed Cinema Overdrive): Walter Hill’s The Driver (1978)

April 19th (RetroTreasures): Albert Magnoli’s Purple Rain (1984) and Susan Seidlman’s Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) 

April 24th (Wed MovieDiva): William A. Wellman’s Love Is a Racket (1932)

April 26th (RetroFantasma): W.D. Richter’s The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) and Mike Marvin’s The Wraith (1986) 

May 1st (Wed MovieDiva): Victor Fleming’s Red Dust (1932)

May 3rd (RetroClassics): Brian De Palma’s Body Double (1984) and Brian De Palma’s Sisters (1973)

May 10th-12th (Fri-Sun): Mother’s Day Film Series -- Jon Avnet’s Fried Green Tomatoes (1991), Wayne Wang’s The Joy Luck Club (1993), Gillian Armstrong’s Little Women (1994), Lesli Linka Glatter’s Now and Then (1995), Mike Nichols’ Postcards From the Edge (1990), Emile Ardolino’s Sister Act (1992), George Tillman Jr.’s Soul Food (1997), Herbert Ross’ Steel Magnolias (1989), James Brooks’ Terms of Endearment (1983), Ridley Scott’s Thelma & Louise (1991), Danny DeVito’s Throw Momma From The Train (1987), and Jeff Kanew’s Troop Beverly Hills (1989).

May 15th (Wed Cinema Overdrive): Sergio Corbucci’s The Great Silence (1968)

May 17th (RetroTreasures): Robert Zemeckis’ Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and Joe Pytka’s Space Jam (1996)

May 22nd ( Wed MovieDiva): Michael Curtiz’s Female (1933)

May 26th (Sun): Fan Appreciation Day -- FREE showing (and FREE medium popcorn) of Peter Lord & Nick Park’s Chicken Run (2000) and Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan (1998)

May 31st (RetroFantasma): John Irving’s Ghost Story (1981) and Ken Russelll’s Gothic (1986)

June 5th (Wed MovieDiva): Edgar Selwyn’s Skyscraper Souls (1932)

June 7th (RetroNioir): Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (1992) and The Wachowski’s Bound (1996)

June 12th (Wed Cinema Overdrive): David Durston’s I Drink Your Blood (1971)

June 14th (RetroTreasures): John Landis’ Trading Places (1983) and John Landis’ The Blues Brothers (1980) 

June 19th (Wed MovieDiva): Marvyn LeRoy’s Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)

June 21st (RetroFantasma): John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness (1987) and John Carpenter’s In the Mouth of Madness (1995)

June 28th-30th (Fri-Sun): ActionFlix Film Series -- Luc Beeon’s The Fifth Element (1991), Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket (1987), Guy Hamilton’s Goldfinger (1964), Iain Softley’s Hackers (1995), Mark DiSalle & David Worth’s Kickboxer (1989), John Huston’s The Man Who Would Be King (1975), Bruce Malmuth’s Nighthawks (1981), Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994), Andrey Konchalovskiy’s Runaway Train (1985), and Steve Barron’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990).

So many amazing films!!!

Carolina Theatre of Durham 309 W. Morgan St., Durham, NC http://www.carolinatheatre.org/

[b-n-h-a-imagines]

So I absolutely love Iida and have seen nothing so far for him (sorry if it was missed) but I would like to request him and s/o celebrating a small anniversary and literally nothing goes along to his plans but s/o is actually having like a hella good time and it ends up working out in the end (I'm fine if it ends up nsfw this was just the first thing I could imagine for my lovely Emergency Exit)

This is a really good idea! I had fun writing this! Enjoy your lovely Mr. Emergency Exit ~ 💙

It was 6 pm and you hear the door burst open. “My dear s/o-chan ~! Happy 1st anniversary!” your lovely Emergency Exit says as he hugs you and spins you in the air. You laugh a bit, “Oh Tenya! Happy 1st anniversary!” you say after he puts you down. You pause and look at his fancy attire and his nicely fixed hair. “So what’s with the get up?” He kisses your lips. “Get ready dear. Wear nice clothes because I am taking you out for a nice and fancy date! I already made a dinner reservation for us at a fancy restaurant.” You smile at him, “Awe Tenya! You don’t have to spend so much on me you know.” He shakes his head, “Nonsense! You deserve it for being such a great girlfriend!” You blush and giggle. “Ok ok. I’ll get ready now.” 

After a while (Cause ya know us girls. We take a while to look good, especially on special occasions) you come out wearing a beautiful dress with matching shoes, your hair fixed, and with/without light makeup. “Tenya! I’m ready!” He turns around and his jaw drops. “You look… so beautiful. More than ever.” You blush and smile at him. He snaps out of his trance and offers his arm to you, “Shall we go Ms. Beautiful?” You take his arm, “We shall Mr. Emergency Exit.” Tenya blushes at his nickname.

Once you two arrive at the fancy restaurant, you both notice that the parking lot was nearly full. Tenya frowns, “Wow. It must be really busy tonight.” You hold his hand, “It’s ok Tenya. I’m sure we’ll find a spot soon.” However, he finally finds a spot after 30 minutes of circling around the medium-sized parking lot. After he parks, he gets out and holds the car door open for you. You walk hand-in-hand with him to the restaurant. A man wearing a tuxedo opens the door for the both of you, but he steps in your way. “I’m sorry sir, ma’am. I’m afraid that we are overcrowded and don’t have any available seats.” Tenya’s smile drops. “But… but we have a reservation!” he reasons. The man just smiles apologetically, “We’re really sorry, sir, ma’am.” You and Tenya leave the place and get into the car. 

He inhales and exhales deeply, “It’s ok. I knew this might happen. So I have an alternative!” He takes out his phone and calls another fancy restaurant. After a few minutes, he hangs up with a big smile. “I was able to get another reservation at a different restaurant dear! And we are going there right now!” He says with excitement as he starts the car and leaves the parking lot. You smile and put your hand on his shoulder, “That’s great Tenya. Hopefully this one isn’t as busy as the other one.” He sighs, “I hope so, too.” Unfortunately, it started raining heavily. Heavy rain meant heavy traffic. The restaurant you were heading to was still 5 blocks away and closes at 10 pm. It was 9:35 pm and traffic looked like it won’t move for about another hour. Tenya sighs and closes his eyes. You hold his hand, “Tenya? Are you ok?” He opens his eyes and stares blankly in front of him, “I don’t think we’re gonna make it…” You felt sorry for him. 

A thought suddenly pops up in your head and you light up. “Tenya! I have an idea!” He looks at you, “What is it?” You make a gesture to the window on his side. “I noticed that the rain’s getting lighter. Why don’t we just walk in the park?” He lights up, “You’re right! That’s a great idea! That was part of the plan, too!” He makes a U turn for the park. Once you two arrive at the park, you both notice a sign that says ‘PARK CLOSED DUE TO WEATHER’. Tenya sinks in defeat. “Ugh. But the rain’s gone now!” You try to comfort him by holding his hand. “It’s ok Tenya. Let’s go home and watch a movie while cuddling together.” He sits back up, “Ok…”

Once you both go home, you take a quick shower and change into your pajamas. You make popcorn while Tenya takes a shower. You put the popcorn into a big bowl and go into the bedroom. Tenya comes out of the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist. “S/o, do you have the popcorn?” You stare at his sexy body for a while before replying. “Yup! What do you want to watch?” Before he could even open his mouth to reply, the power turns off. Tenya groans loudly. “YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!” He says dramatically while moving his arms in a dramatic way. He sits on the bed, head drooping down in disappointment. You hug him from the side, “Tenya, what’s wrong?” He sighs and hugs back, “This was supposed to be a perfect 1st anniversary date. I planned for us to have a nice dinner and to have a moonlight stroll after that, but that didn’t work out. Then we skipped having a nice fancy dinner and decided to go walking instead, but that didn’t work out either. And we were supposed to be watching a movie while cuddling, but the power just HAD to go out,” he sighs again, “Nothing went according to plan. Nothing at all!”

You pat his back soothingly, “Oh Tenya. Even if things didn’t go according to plan, I still had fun.” He looks at you surprised, “R-really dear? But we didn’t do anything…” You smile and nod your head, “Yup! But just being with you the entire time made it fun! Trust me, I was having a hella good time just being by your side!” Tenya smiles, “Thank you. I feel better now. I should have focused on you instead of the negatives. At least we still have popcorn to enjoy together.” You nod your head. 

You two were sitting on the bed chatting while eating the popcorn. “You know Tenya? Doing this with you makes me happy. I’m having fun~” you say cheerfully. “I’m having fun, too. Just being with YOU makes me happy.” Suddenly, the lights turn on. You jump up, “Yay! The power’s back! Now let’s go watch a movie!” He smiles at you, “I’ll make another batch of popcorn.” he says as he walks into the kitchen. “And I’ll choose the movie~” you say as you get up. Even if things didn’t turn out the way he planned, everything turned out to just be fine.

NSFW ending

You pat his back soothingly, “Oh Tenya. Even if things didn’t go according to plan, I still had fun.” He looks at you surprised, “R-really dear? But we didn’t do anything…” You smile and nod your head, “Yup! But just being with you the entire time made it fun! Trust me, I was having a hella good time just being by your side!” Tenya smiles, “Thank you. I feel better now. I should have focused on you instead of the negatives.” You put your hand on his thigh, “You know… since you’re naked right now,” you drag your index finger across his strong chest, “Why don’t we have some fun~?” Tenya looks at you and smirks. He pins you down onto the bed. “Good idea.” He starts kissing your neck, working his way down to your breasts. “Wow Tenya. I didn’t think that you’d be good at this~” you tease. “Oh really? Then I’ll make sure to impress you some more. I’ll send your engines into overdrive.” he says seductively. After a bit of foreplay, he positions himself. “Are you ready s/o-chan?” you wrap your legs around his waist. “Give me your best shot.”

…

After you both climax, he collapses onto you. Your heavy breathing mixed with his filled the room. “Te-Tenya… that was awesome. Today was the best day ever.” You say in between breaths. He takes his dick out of your pussy and hugs you. “I’m glad you liked it. This may be your best day so far, but there will be more best days like this in the future.” You yawn and sleepily smile, “I look forward to it… all of it…” you say before sleep takes over you.

[cathrynstreich]

The Power One: The Thread that Weaves Realty ONE Group Together Through Challenging Times and Beyond

Editor’s Note: This is the cover story in the June 2020 issue of RISMedia’s Real Estate magazine. Subscribe today.

“Waking Up to Win.” It’s an everyday kind of attitude. It’s how Realty ONE Group began, and it became their rallying cry during the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the spring. The company’s focus was not just on surviving the days when the world was closed for business, but instead, thrusting the organization and the careers of its professionals into overdrive.

Do What We Always Do COVID-19 has had devastating effects, the most tragic of which is the loss of life. With it, the fast-spreading virus also brought fear, isolation and economic turmoil. But within this calamity, we saw the best of the human spirit as people turned their grief into determination—determination to see and do good, and a determination to persevere.

How do we turn our new and uncertain environment into success? How do we make it an opportunity to rise above and be better than we were before? To be the best of the best? These are questions Realty ONE Group leadership has consistently asked in its pursuit to be one of real estate’s most revered brands.

Believing that you start every day with a determination to win, work hard, stay humble and lift each other up is an everyday attitude for the company’s employees and growing band of affiliates around the U.S. and Canada. What started as a “coolture” of caring, success and fun has led to a charge to make Realty ONE Group one of the first real lifestyle brands in the industry.

More than just providing a product or service, a lifestyle brand works to inspire, guide and motivate people, actually affecting the consumer’s way of life. That’s a big goal, but the leadership team at Realty ONE Group is determined to reach it, and their resolve has only been strengthened through this event.

Because Realty ONE Group already had a mindset to persevere and win, there was no need to pivot at the onset of the crisis. Instead, it was full steam ahead.

Faith Over Fear Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and founder of Realty ONE Group—which is celebrating its 15th anniversary—is the son of political refugees from Poland who immigrated to the United States decades ago. As a true sign of patriotism and gratitude for the opportunity to start a new, more prosperous life, Jewgieniew’s father joined the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea in the 1950s.

“My parents worked hard, earned their way to happy and healthy lives and always treated people with the utmost respect,” says Jewgieniew. “This country gave my parents a chance, and we will forever be grateful.”

Founder Kuba Jewgieniew’s parents emigrated from Poland.

It’s a gratitude that has always led Jewgieniew to appreciate others, just like his counterpart on the executive team, Realty ONE Group’s President, Vinnie Tracey.

“This business has always been about the people for me,” says Tracey, who in his more than 35 years in real estate has built deeply personal relationships with professionals from all brands. “When your goal is to help people succeed no matter what, the environment you’re operating in doesn’t really change that.”

That’s why, when the virus began to take hold of our world, Realty ONE Group’s leadership and staff put a new plan in motion to help its real estate professionals settle in with a “Faith-Over-Fear” mantra. The goal was not just to help agents survive the pandemic and get to the other side, but to help them be better than they’d ever been before, busting through the doors as soon as they opened again.

“Worry doesn’t change anything; it really just clouds your mind with negativity,” says Jewgieniew. “It’s like sitting in a rocking chair—there’s a lot of activity, energy and motion, but zero progress.”

Progress is what the company was determined to make during a time when others would sit, watch and wait. Not only did Realty ONE Group sell more than a dozen franchises during the pandemic, the group also hosted virtual recruiting meetings open to all real estate pros. The approach was sensitive, given the timing, but direct, clearly demonstrating the YOU-first focus that is the crux of the company’s business model.

“Our model puts more money in the agent’s pocket while still providing unparalleled support,” says Mike Clear, Realty ONE Group’s chief operating officer. “While this situation came with a new set of challenges that none of us could have anticipated, our value proposition was put on display, and the response was spectacular.”

Clear oversees Realty ONE Group’s human resources, marketing, coaching and learning, and product and development teams, all of which were instrumental in moving the company forward during the last few months with new website launches, new training and a host of new marketing assets.

“It’s not about how you manage during these times,” says Clear. “It’s about having the foresight to know there will be new opportunities ahead as a result of your current experience. And we knew we’d be more than ready.”

Trailblazing ‘Always-On’ Communication It didn’t take long—no more than 10 days, in fact, before the first stay-at-home orders began to roll out—and the company began to act, launching Zoom Town Hall meetings for real estate professionals in the morning and for broker/owners and managers in the early afternoon. By now, Zoom meetings are the norm, but Realty ONE Group was one of the first in the industry to host them and, per the company’s coolture, all real estate professionals were welcome. The calls consistently averaged between 500 and 600 for the agent Town Hall and 100 for the broker/owner and manager version.

Zoom Town Hall meetings

The Town Halls were meant to inspire and drive success, featuring experts and motivators from inside and outside the industry. One of the more popular calls, garnering more than 1,000 attendees, was a chat with U.S. Navy SEAL Rob O’Neill, who was credited with killing Osama bin Laden. His lively conversation with Jewgieniew and team was pure insight into how to persevere in traumatic situations.

But the company also showed off its true, dynamic coolture, kicking off each call with a DJ and lively music while attendees got to see the personalities of Realty ONE Group’s leadership who joined every call, every day.

“This is who we are. This is our coolture and what makes us different from the others, and we were grateful for the opportunity to let others experience it firsthand,” says Jewgieniew. “We love what we do, and we have such a respect and love for each other. We are ONE community, and I think that was more obvious now than ever.”

Seeing that its professionals were hungry for more, Realty ONE Group launched a new website called “Waking Up to Win,” which hosts daily podcasts, transcripts from all the calls, a free business plan, motivational videos, and more. The site also includes a link to Realty ONE Group’s comprehensive, proprietary learning platform, ONE University (ONE.U), so that agents outside the network can access thousands of courses and training for free for 30 days.

“We pushed the non-essential aside and became laser-focused on delivering every asset, training, guide or plan our professionals would need to keep doing business and doing business in a big way,” says Clear. “The key was to not look at a pause in real estate as downtime. If anything, we kicked it up a notch so that our agents could do the same.”

Giving—More Important Than Ever During the pandemic, many people missed out on important birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and more, but so many still found a way to celebrate. Similarly, Realty ONE Group was set to mark its 15th anniversary on May 1 with its traditional ONE Day, a company-wide day of volunteering in the community. ONE Day is just one important part of the company’s overall spirit of giving, orchestrated through its ONE Cares, 501(c)3 philanthropic arm.

ONE Day, a day to volunteer and give

But social distancing and stay-at-home orders wouldn’t deter the rapidly-growing franchisor from giving back, and so, Realty ONE Group launched a special ONE Day webpage that featured 15 ways—a nod to its 15th anniversary—to virtually make an impact and do things for others. The company then engaged its broad-reaching network to share how they’re making a difference for others using the hashtag #GiveONEBack.

“Our real estate professionals and offices are doing this every day in the communities they serve, but it’s now more important than ever to reach out and help,” says Jewgieniew. “The need continues to be great, which means we have to do more than our part to help each other, support our partners in local business and to be as charitable and gracious as we can possibly be.”

For that reason, and in honor of Mental Health Month, Realty ONE Group made a May 1st donation of $11,111 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). The organization works to build better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

The company is so very proud of its track record of giving, including another $11,111 donation last Fall to the Beverly Carter Foundation, which works to keep all real estate professionals safe. Realty ONE Group made an on-the-spot donation at the RISMedia Power Broker Dinner in November, moved by the foundation’s founder and son of Beverly Carter, Carl Carter Jr., who was being recognized that evening. The company now vows to support Carter and the foundation as much as it can and even hosted a walk/run down the Las Vegas strip during its annual ONE Summit in March to raise the visibility of the foundation.

2020 ONE Walk for the Beverly Carter Foundation

“It would be amazing to love each other more, because greed and hate are absurd,” says Jewgieniew. “We’re proud to support the Beverly Carter Foundation, as their mission is bigger than one brand. It’s about all of us. We’re all in this together, just as we are now.”

The hashtag #GiveONEBack was shared widely during May along with a short video the company produced thanking healthcare professionals and frontline workers. The two-minute video was a short story about the world needing superheroes and was narrated by an adorable collection of the children of Realty ONE Group families who ended the piece by thanking heroes around the world.

Jewgieniew at Summit 2020 in Las Vegas, Nev.

A Spirit That Thrives Jewgieniew has proven himself to be a fierce innovator and relentless entrepreneur who refuses to abide by norms or cower to challenges. His faith in himself, the company and others is endearing, but it’s also the spirit that inspires a network of more than 13,000 Realty ONE Group professionals in over 42 states and two Canadian provinces.

Combined with Tracey’s decades of real estate experience, which included the literal implosion of the housing market in 2008, and a seasoned leadership team with a diverse background, the group knew they would not be a company swallowed up by another after a potential economic collapse. Encouraged by the resilience and determination of their own franchisees, they viewed every day as an opportunity to deliver something valuable.

“We left no stone unturned when it came to coaching our offices and real estate professionals on how to conduct business virtually while preparing for an open and lively summer housing market,” says Clear. “The topics for the day were driven by the network. They asked, and we responded, finding subject matter to coach them through everything from expanding their digital footprint to budget planning.”

Each town hall also offered words of encouragement and support along with new definitions of faith like, “Finding Answers in the Heart” or “Another One.” Realty ONE Group is not a company that shies away from loving and supporting each other like family.

Jewgieniew would conclude emails to employees and managers with simple words like “a healthy mind is a healthy life.” The company avoided laying anyone off, and while thanking their team for their continued work, also encouraged its staff to find time to go outside, enjoy the sun and clean air and bonus time with their families.

It’s something Jewgieniew, and now the entire company, refers to as “The Power of ONE.”

“Sharing in each other’s successes and believing in ONE another to make the entire network stronger, better…that’s the Power of ONE,” says Jewgieniew.

Realty ONE Group can now safely say that this spirit prevails even in the most trying and isolating times.

What’s Now, What’s Next Throughout the crisis, Jewgieniew has referred to the pandemic as a reset, not making light of the devastating challenges and loss many families have faced. But it has been a reset of our lives, helping us reprioritize, hold onto the things that are near and dear, appreciate everything we have, big or small, and know that human connection is something to be cherished.

“What’s now, what’s next,” is a favorite saying of Jewgieniew, finding its way into business planning, events and even the company’s marketing. This is because it’s a constant focus for him.

Realty ONE Group’s active booth at NAR 2019

“To find the new has become my passion and almost my profession over the years,” he says. “If it has the potential to change the lives of many for the better, then I want to know about it and be involved.”

In its 15 years of tremendous growth and bucking all real estate norms as the industry’s “UNBrokerage,” Realty ONE Group has changed many lives for the better, and they’re not done yet.

“I’ve only accomplished about 5 percent of my vision for this company and for real estate,” says Jewgieniew. “As always, the future depends on what you do today, and our future couldn’t be bigger, brighter and bolder.”

To find out how you can be a part of ONE of the fastest growing real estate franchisors today, visit www.realtyonegroup.com.

Paige Tepping is RISMedia’s managing editor. Email her your real estate news ideas to paige@rismedia.com.

The post The Power One: The Thread that Weaves Realty ONE Group Together Through Challenging Times and Beyond appeared first on RISMedia.

The Power One: The Thread that Weaves Realty ONE Group Together Through Challenging Times and Beyond published first on https://thegardenresidences.tumblr.com/

[entergamingxp]

DualShockers Definitives — The Top 10 Essential Xbox One Games

December 17, 2019 10:00 AM EST

DualShockers ranks the Top 10 essential games for every Xbox One owner in the Fall 2019 DualShockers Definitive series. Did your favorite make it?

Welcome to the first official Xbox One DualShockers Definitives list! This week has been a hard one for DualShockers staff, thanks to much arguing and nit-picking over which games in the amazing Xbox One library make the Top 10.

If you missed the original post, here is a quick TLDR on what this is all about:

The DualShockers Definitives series is a living list, updated seasonally, where we hash out which ten essential games are must-buys for each platform — the ones we would put in a time capsule today if we were making one. The list is intended to grow over time as new releases take the spotlight or older games age like fine wine.

With all of the introduction out of the way, here are the Top 10 Essential games for the Xbox One (as of Fall 2019):

10. Titanfall 2

Titanfall 2 may be a third-party, multiplatform game but it just feels at home on the Xbox One. Maybe because there is an enthusiastic online community, given the series initially started as an Xbox console exclusive. However, Respawn Entertainments Titanfall 2 was able to answer most of the concerns of its predecessor: including an engaging, heartfelt offline campaign, a return of the gunplay that made the original so addictive, and level design that wrapped the package up in a neat bow. There are plenty of excellent FPS games on Xbox One, but Titanfall 2 is one of the games that tops the list.

Check out the DualShockers review of Titanfall 2, or pick up the game via Amazon.

9. The Outer Worlds

While the popular Fallout series may have had more than a few stumbles this generation, we got an excellent replacement from Obsidian Entertainment: The Outer Worlds. With some of the wildest game design since Breath of the Wild and some of the best writing in 2019, the game deserves a place on this list — and will very hopefully be getting a sequel sooner rather than later.

Check out the DualShockers review of The Outer Worlds; the game is available for purchase on Amazon.

8. Inside

While it may not have ever reached the same mainstream name recognition as Playdead’s Limbo, the game is an obvious leap forward for an already-stellar developer. Premiering on the Xbox One, INSIDE carries many of the mysterious and atmospheric vibes that Limbo is known for, with smart puzzle design and organic environment-based storytelling. Though one of the shortest games on the list, it is easily a must-buy for indie fans (or those looking to expand their boundaries).

Check out the DualShockers review of INSIDE; the game (alongside Limbo) is available for purchase on Amazon.

7. Sea of Thieves

While Rare Studios’ return to form endured some rough waters in its first year, the studio has consistently spent 2019 bettering itself, its code, and the pirate experience. Following an Anniversary Update that added standalone PvP and a Story, there is no better time to jump into this massive, open-world pirate game and live out your best swash-buckling life.

Check out the DualShockers review of Sea of Thieves; the game (alongside Limbo) is available for purchase on Amazon.

6. Ori and the Blind Forest

Developer Moon Studios is still a relative freshman developer as far as releases go, but their first release – Ori and the Blind Forest – was impeccable. The game debuted with a Pixar-esque story and tight Metroidvania combat that would make Samus proud. When paired up with a beautify, cartoony art style and difficulty that would make a veteran gamer blush, it fits the mold for another essential Xbox One title.

Check out the DualShockers review of Ori and the Blind Forest, or pick up the game via Amazon.

5. Sunset Overdrive

While Marvel’s Spider-Man takes a top honor on the Top 10 Essential PS4 Games list, Insomniac wins another place on the Xbox One version – this time with Xbox One-exclusive Sunset Overdrive. It is filled to the brim with crazy weapons (befitting Ratchet & Clank), a colorful and interesting open-world, and an irreverent attitude that is reminiscent of Bulletstorm or Borderlands. Mix that in with the verticality of a skating game, and the result is a concoction as iconic as the in-game FizzCo brand.

Check out the DualShockers review of Sunset Overdrive, or pick up the game via Amazon.

4. Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Halo: The Master Chief Collection may not be the only remastered compilation on the list, but it surely stands out as one of the best. With Microsoft recently breathing new life into the title thanks to the addition of Halo Reach, an Xbox One X update and inclusion on Game Pass, The Master Chief Collection is still the definitive way to play all the mainline Halo games—along with all the online maps and modes that you thought were doomed to die on previous generation hardware.

Check out the DualShockers review of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, or pick up the game via Amazon.

3. Cuphead

Cuphead may not be for everyone, but everyone will be impressed by it. The project, which is a labor of love from StudioMDHR, is the now-iconic hand-drawn run and gun with art style pulled out of 1930’s animation. Every single boss battle, song, and character in this game is memorable in a way no other games have been able to achieve. While the notable difficulty will likely keep more than a few from actually beating the game, there is just nothing else like Cuphead. Grab it if you haven’t yet on Xbox One.

Check out the DualShockers review of Cuphead, or pick up the game via Amazon.

2. Forza Horizon 4

There simply is no Top 10 Xbox One games list if there is no mention of the Forza series, and (while it was a hard divide with the staff) our favorite in the pack is Forza Horizon 4. Cutting edge graphics meet arcade gameplay in a way that has been critically well-received by those entirely new to the racing genre, as well as the core Forza fanbase. If you’ve never been one to ‘get’ racing games, this is your entry point — enjoy the unadulterated thrill.

Check out the DualShockers review of Forza Horizon 4, or pick up the game via Amazon.

1. Gears 5

Gears 5 isn’t just another fantastic installment in one of the best shooting franchises around, it feels like a proper improvement on everything that came before it. We’ve always loved the Gears series, but it definitely needed to evolve in some way with Gears 5. Fortunately, the team at The Coalition delivered just as they needed to and as a result, ended up with the best game you can snag on Xbox One right now.

As it stands, that is our current DualShockers Definitives ranking of the Top 10 games for Xbox One; for an extended rankings chart, make sure to check out our dedicated page.

Changes to the List

December 17, 2019: The Outer Worlds (9th) and Gears 5 (1st) are newcomers to the list. Titanfall 2 got bumped from 8th to 10th. INSIDE advanced from 12th to 8th. Sea of Thieves advanced from 16th to 7th. Sunset Overdrive advanced from 7th to 5th. Halo: The Mast Chief Collection advanced from 10th to 4th. Cuphead got bumped from 2nd to 3rd. Forza Horizon 4 advanced from 12th to 2nd.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (11th), Halo 5: Guardians (13th), Rare Replay (16th), and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain (18th) all got bumped off the Top 10 list.

This post contains affiliate links where DualShockers gets a small commission on sales. Any and all support helps keep DualShockers as a standalone, independent platform for less-mainstream opinions and news coverage.

December 17, 2019 10:00 AM EST

from EnterGamingXP https://entergamingxp.com/2019/12/dualshockers-definitives-the-top-10-essential-xbox-one-games/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dualshockers-definitives-the-top-10-essential-xbox-one-games

[fukuokanodivision]

Happy Anniversary Traffic Light/OverDrive! Feel free to ask the 3 members of Fukuoka Division’s OverDrive [or myself] anything! Whether it’s questions, inquiries or anything else! Let’s say it’s their way as a thank you for your support across the community!

While on the subject of anniversaries, Traffic Light [despite their disbandment] is celebrating their 13th! So, feel free to ask them anything alongside Fukuoka’s 2nd team!

It’s been quite the journey inside a community such as this one, for both my beloved characters and myself. Being new to all this stuff and shenanigans and displaying these guys apart of the HypMic community, I’ve had a ton of fun with taking part over this past year. Thank you, fellow HYPSTERS, for everything! Here’s to more anniversaries to come! 🩵 [Technically it’s 1 day early, but we don’t talk about that…] [Will be extended till the 5th as compensation]

[whittlebaggett8]

China’s Long, Hot Summer of Censorship

Each individual year in June, China’s censors go into overdrive to prevent citizens from discussing, commemorating, or studying about the pro-democracy protests that took position throughout the country in 1989 and the brutal armed forces action that introduced them to an close.

But this calendar year, the combination of the 30th anniversary of all those occasions, an escalating trade war with the United States, huge anti-governing administration protests in Hong Kong, and the availability of a much more technologically state-of-the-art info-manage process has pushed the Chinese Communist Party’s censorship endeavours to unprecedented extremes. With even far more sensitive anniversaries approaching in July, the escalation is possible to continue on.

New Updates to Current Censorship

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Not astonishingly, the nationwide world wide web filtering process recognised as the Excellent Firewall expanded its reach this month. Inside of the 1st 7 days of June, the internet sites of 12 important worldwide information retailers from 5 different nations around the world had been blocked, such as CNN, the Washington Publish, the Guardian, the Intercept, the Toronto Star, The Age in Australia, and New Zealand’s Newsroom. These joined other individuals like the New York Periods, Reuters, and the Wall Avenue Journal, which have lengthy been inaccessible within just China.

In the meantime, the country’s most preferred social media apps — Sina Weibo and Tencent’s WeChat — deployed novel technologies and penalties to avoid information about the June 4 anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre from circulating. Censors at top rated Chinese tech providers explained to Reuters that the artificial intelligence utilized to detect and delete banned content material had arrived at “unprecedented degrees of accuracy.” People caught communicating about the occasions of 1989 risked currently being shut out of their WeChat accounts to log back in, they would have to admit that they had “spread destructive rumors” and supply a face print, as BBC journalist Stephen McDonell skilled 1st-hand. Manya Koetse notes that on Weibo there was extra airtight censorship this 12 months encompassing the phrase “Tiananmen” by itself, and not only in mix with dates or conditions that would url it to 1989. In yet another initial, Apple reportedly eradicated several Chinese-language podcasts from its on line shop in China, influencing 1 of the few Apple products and services in the region that had until then prevented censorship.

Expansion to Apolitical Areas

Even fairly dated enjoyment written content has not escaped the censors’ awareness. In the most notable case in point, key Chinese streaming platforms have eradicated songs by rock star Li Zhi considering that April, and the musician’s Weibo account, WeChat general public account, and Douban musician website page have been deleted. Though Li’s current new music has been apolitical or even professional-govt, a few more mature pieces alluded to the 1989 protests. In the run-up to the June anniversary, regulators purchased the deletion of any audio or online video information associated to these music.

A extra surprising move has been the complete or partial suspension of are living-streaming, relationship, and superstar gossip products and services owing to “system upgrades” or “maintenance,” all commencing in May and scheduled to close in June. At minimum nine these instances have been documented, together with Momo (a hook-up and are living streaming app with 113 million buyers), movie-sharing internet site Bilibili (100 million users), China’s greatest dating application Tantan (90 million end users), LGBT social media app Blued (27 million end users), and Dingtalk, a enterprise conversation app. In most cases the company was not entirely shuttered, with suspensions focusing rather on functions that permit true-time communication and could possibly be tricky for censors to hold up with — this sort of as “bullet chat” commentary that operates along a online video. YY, a well-known stay-streaming system, declared this kind of restriction in late May, shortly just after including in excess of 300 new keywords and phrases related to June 4 and Hong Kong to its blacklist.

The companies’ statements explained that their efforts were initiated at the behest of “the related govt authority,” an apparent reference to the strong Cyber Administration of China (CAC). They experienced small decision but to comply with the agency’s calls for. The economical information provider Refinitiv, which distributes Reuters articles by way of Eikon terminals, was reportedly warned by CAC officials that it could lose its news dissemination license if it refused to omit articles relevant to the Tiananmen anniversary. In a indication of the regime’s broader stress and anxiety about the economic climate and involved topics, on June 10 the CAC reportedly requested the suspension of the web page and cell app of Wallstreet.cn, a monetary news aggregator that experienced garnered an estimated 180 million world consumers.

In reality, the jump in censorship more than the previous month is perhaps most outstanding for the sheer scale of the media styles and person bases affected. Hundreds of millions of men and women have professional a sudden decline in their means to obtain or share info, even if in some instances they continue being unaware of the motives at the rear of the restriction.

Short-term or Long-lasting?

Provided that the upgraded censorship looks to have been brought on largely by the Tiananmen anniversary, 1 may possibly assume that most of the new steps are short term. But the evidence suggests that this kind of an assumption would be a slip-up.

Freedom House’s assessments of the 12 international news web-sites that have been blocked in early June — carried out on GreatFire.org’s URL analyzer — exhibit that aside from CNN, all remained blocked as of June 18. Other innovations deployed in excess of the past thirty day period, such as social media filtering aided by artificial intelligence, can be envisioned to expand fairly than deal in the coming decades. Any details about problematic WeChat consumers that was gathered in the course of this delicate period will be retained for long run reference.

And if China’s censors were being busy in June, the thirty day period of July will be no picnic either. July 1 marks the anniversary of Hong Kong’s transfer from British to Chinese rule, which could effortlessly prompt an additional round of mass protests. Then there is July 5, the 10th anniversary of ethnic violence in the Xinjiang location that led to a harsh and ongoing crackdown on its huge Muslim population. The incredibly subsequent working day, July 6, is the Dalai Lama’s birthday, and July 13 is the next anniversary of the death of democracy advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo. Finally there is July 20, the 20th anniversary of the Communist Party’s ban on the Falun Gong non secular exercise and the commencing of a significant and usually violent marketing campaign to eradicate it.

Contrary to the more traditionally centered June 4 anniversary, some of July’s delicate dates are carefully tied to current activities, which includes the most egregious human rights abuses and most significant examples of dissent taking put in China nowadays. Around the past 7 days by itself, news emerged that a popular Uyghur author experienced died due to detention in a Xinjiang “re-education” camp, an independent inquiry in London concluded that prisoners of conscience in China — which includes Falun Gong and most likely Uyghur detainees — have been killed so that their organs can be employed in transplant functions, and the Hong Kong federal government suspended its controversial extradition invoice just after mass protests.

Most persons in China may perhaps be fully unaware of these developments, even although they are creating intercontinental headlines and could have serious repercussions for the region. Inspite of this data isolation, however, hope is not shed. Numerous accounts printed this month by younger Chinese reveal how they learned the reality about the gatherings of 1989 and spotlight some of the cracks in the regime’s censorship process. Data from at least two circumvention equipment present an improve in customers from China in June as opposed with the past thirty day period, about the two the June 4 anniversary and the massive protests in Hong Kong.

Men and women in China evidently want to know what the governing administration is not telling them. As the coming month propels Beijing’s facts command attempts to even better extremes, global actors should be ready to support common individuals’ quest for entry to uncensored information.

Sarah Cook dinner is a senior investigate analyst for East Asia at Freedom Dwelling and director of its China Media Bulletin.

The post China’s Long, Hot Summer of Censorship appeared first on Defence Online.

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[ecotone99]

[AA] Racer's Curse

--This is an unfinished piece which I don't mind any of you wanting to add to it or finish it. Sorry for any confusion due to grammar.--

The smell perfumed the air

Clouds of smoke rolled from the back of the car as it was spinning tires.

It was a gunmetal black '69 Chevelle that had a 454 4-barrel V8.

Bohemian Rhapsody was blaring on the radio and the song kicked into overdrive as soon as the light turned green.

Kelly had been driving since she was 11 years old.

The day started like no other but when the car crossed the starting line everything would change for Kelly.

Kelly's rival was a man from New York and had this dark aura that surrounded him.

His car was painted light green with a single white stripe that was slightly off-center down the length of the car.

She had never seen this man at her hometown racing strip before but she was glad to have the chance to take his money.

Kelly was only defeated once due to a malfunction in the turbo system she had built from scratch.

"If I can beat this guy I will have enough money to finally move on to bigger racing tournaments away from home" Kelly thought to herself.

Kelly lived for the wind in her face and the sound of the gasoline exploding inside of the engines.

They both left the starting line and were neck in neck until she saw smoke rising from the Porsche 911 Carrera.

BANG the car lost control and veered straight into Kelly.

Kelly tried to keep the car straight but it was too late. As soon as the Porsche connected, two of the wheels came off the ground and the Chevelle went tumbling.

Her life flashed before her eyes.

Would she make it through this?

Would she ever have a family of her own?

Why did this have to happen today of all days.

It was the anniversary of her fathers death.

She grew up idolizing him and the way he kept his cool on the drag strip.

It was in her blood.

She couldn't handle the thoughts going through her head and she passed out.

Kelly woke up in the hospital in the middle of the night. The man with the Porsche was the only person in the room

Her mother had left her father when she was young and she wasn't the type to make friends.

She had no one.

She was frozen in fear but had all of this anger towards the unknown rival for making one of the worst days in her life that much more unbearable.

She wanted to jump out of bed and strangle him to death.

Only thing was she couldn't figure out how to move her legs.

"Why are you here!, She screamed at him and then winced from the pain in her chest.

She looked around at herself.

She had one leg in a raised cast, and she was hooked up to an IV that had a morphine drip attached to it and pressed the button 3 times.

The stranger moved closer to her.

He looked like he hadn't even received a scratch.

When their cars collided it stopped his car almost in place while hers went tumbling on down the strip.

"I know you don't know me, but I know you." He said.

His voice was soft and reassuring.

She thought, "The nerve of this guy.... coming into my hospital room after he was the one that caused all of this to happen.

"Kelly", He started, "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I can't expect your forgiveness and I won't ask for it"

"The whole reason I---"

Little did he know Kelly had pushed the emergency button on her remote which was what she was trying to accomplish at first but ended up pressing the morphine drip button instead.

Security busted through the door and jerked the man up and forced him out of the room.

Kelly swore at that moment the next time she saw him would definitely be the last time that she would.

A few months later*

Kelly had completed her physical rehabilitation quicker than most.

She was determined to get back to racing.

Her last doctors appointment was today and all she was needing was his approval to get back in the seat once more.

Something felt off about today, but she couldn't place it. Like a dark cloud just on the horizon waiting to release that rainy-day-parade over the city.

Kelly thought nothing of it and brushed it off as the jitters from wanting to hear the words "You're good to go".

As she stepped out she took a look at her car.

It was the one her dad gave her before he passed away from cancer.

It wasn't too appealing but, ooh girl did it have a mean sound.

Beat up and a little rusted was the '66 Pontiac GTO.... It could definitely use some work.

The feeling didn't let up. It was like someone was breathing down the back of her neck and it gave her the chills.

"YEEEESSSSS!!!!" She got her answer and she jumped straight in the car and drove off to the track.

The sun was setting as she was pulling in and the sky couldn't look more gorgeous with the neon purplish/orange colors flowing in and out of the clouds.

She revved her engine to the 7000 RPM mark and let the clutch go.

All eyes were on Kelly now as she slowly rolled her car to the starting line.

She rolled down her window and held out a rubber band stack of 20's.

"Any takers?" She hollered.

She revved the GTO a few times and heard another car pulling up from behind her.

As she looked in the rearview mirror she caught a glimpse of what she thought to be the man in the Porsche.

Her competition rolled through and obstructed her line of sight before she could get a better look.

"Hey, cutie I hope you know how to handle that heap better than you take care of it." The man said.

Kelly replied, "Put your money where your mouth is and you'll learn real quick".

The sun had finally sunk down past the trees.

A short blonde lady stood in between the two cars and pointed at Kelly, she nodded.

The lady pointed at her rival, he revved his engine.

She reached inside of her tank top and removed her bra.

She raised one arm and then the other that was holding the bra and dropped it.

The moment it touched the ground Kelly shifted into 1st and simultaneously removed her foot from the clutch and put the gas pedal to the floor.

The GTO flew off the starting line in front of the Red '70 Dodge Charger. While it was only for a few milliseconds, the Charger had spun tires before crossing the line.

That was the main reason that Kelly did her burnout was so that her tires would stick to the ground and have less of a chance of spinning on takeoff.

Kelly beat him by half a second.

The guy in the Charger handed her $200 and scoffed as he walked back to his car.

Kelly had a small house on the outskirts of town.

It felt so good to be able to take a bath again.

She wasn't supposed to submerge her stitches in water for the entirety of the time she was in rehabilitation and hated taking showers.

Pizza usually took about 30 minutes to be cooked and delivered.

She ordered the usual; Pan pizza with philly cheesesteak and bell peppers with garlic parmesan white sauce instead of the regular robust tomato sauce.

She heard a knock on the door.

It was a lot quicker than she was thinking it would be.

Kelly threw her bathrobe on and answered the door.

It was him. He was a lot taller than she remembered.

His eyes were so soothing to look into.

She was speechless, but for some reason she felt at peace in his presence.

He grabbed her by the shoulder and pushed her aside and shut the door.

submitted by /u/jrniner [link] [comments] via Blogger http://bit.ly/2E0Aw0l

[artislifeandair]

Underworld Music Radio

Tray Pizzy

The Hip-Hop music we love & are in search for & never seem to find, is still alive in the birth place of it all in New York. The young bronx artist has never let his vision blur & when it got foggy, the grind went into overdrive. The founder of the Broke & Trippy movement is 4 solo projects in with the latest one “50 First Dates“, which was released on Dec.1st 2015 & this December 1st of 2017 will be the 2 year anniversary. The first solo project which started the young visionary artist with this collection of Fire projects was “Green Eggs & Spam” + “Life 2 Trill” dropping in the same year of 2014. On the FIRE song “Pops“, Tray Pizzy’s younger brother & brother’s keeper team up to lyrically & Flow wise kill the track.”Pimp Pimp Hooray” would later be made into a video for the Fire project “Life to Trill” which only opened the door for more visual genius on the 3rd & 4th project.

Tray Pizzy’s 3rd solo project “The Truman Show” is where the music video singles pick up the heat & speed. On the Fire single “OH NO“, Tray Pizzy was thinking out of the box but also was inspired by a certain movie that made him want to do his own version.

The Fire track “Ruthless“, is a great track for Tray Pizzy to team up for this project with brother Japan 180. The two bronx artist both hold there own lyricaly and sound great together. 

      New York is Back

The Project “50 FIRST DATES” was released Dec,1, 2015. The intro “GOOD MORNING” is an interlude with Tray Pizzy arguing with his baby moms about responsibility & her taking care of the kid. The 1st song is on track 2 called “SACRIFICE” which goes in HARD. The “SACRIFICE” is a real getting Money Motivation & great way to bring the Project in. “I be to busy for a bitch now/ to busy for the shit now/ niggas wanna have a sit down, tell them niggas they could sit down get off my dick now its only room for the clip now/ Drummer boy yeah that clip round the steel clip pow yeah nigga we the shit now” The young Bronx artist is not playing this time around & kept the project quality over quantity.TRAY PIZZY was never known for putting out a whole bunch of songs Tray keeps it simple but efficient. The track following “SACRIFICE” is an interlude “MY NAME” Skit which TRAY PIZZY talks to his girl about how she think that she hotter then him but he’s hotter then her. TRAY’s girl replies says who, & TRAY replies the world so she then responds The world don’t know me or you. “you stupid my name is TRAY PIZZY”- TRAY PIZZY. The Project moves to another heater “CHECK” straight FIRE a track filled with BARS & a catchy repetitive hook.

        Tray Pizzy is 4 solo projects In & has never drifted from the vision & his purpose. Underworld Music Radio Tray Pizzy The Hip-Hop music we love & are in search for & never seem to find, is still alive in the birth place of it all in New York.

[fukuokanodivision]

UNITED EMCEEZ — Enter The Hexagon — [Traffic Light/OverDrive Ver]

Bring The Beat!

[Poltergeist & Aoi-] Attention please! [Shade & Shuiro-] We are the UNITED EMCEEZ! [Jinn & Kiiro-] Listen to us now! [Traffic Light/OverDrive-] Let’s go! (Enter the hexagon!) [Poltergeist-] I’m not good enough? Save your energy. Perfection only appends my inferiority! Chuohku’s “rising star” to uplift their nation They will only fall under my damnation (Pawa-Hara’s!) I’m the blue light in Fukuoka’s show Stop or slow? My colour says go Wether it’s the forsaken or lovely lady threat Mr. Poltergeist is coming to collect your debt! [Aoi-] Yo, pass the mic! Aoi is now here My skill and experience? You’re nowhere near Chuohku’s ladies, a man on their side Too late, I’ve betrayed their useless pride! Veteran divisions up on the high class Kiss your feet? Kiss my own ass! Acting superior and running your mouth? I’ll punish you all, your plans are going south [Poltergeist-] “Best Band” Traffic Light? You've crossed the wrong lane! [Aoi-] Fukuoka’s OverDrive? The power of mic is your bane! [Poltergeist-] Best believe, at the end, we’ll seize the day [Poltergeist & Aoi-] We’re not stopping now, we’re still on our way!

[All-] Go louder, UNITED EMCEEZ! The words that were scattered will link up into breakbeats! [Poltergeist-] We do our best and get through every day Who’s gonna go and show the results tonight? [All-] We are UNITED EMCEEZ! The words that were scattered will link up into breakbeats! [Aoi-] All eyes on me, you’ll forget to blink Raise your hands higher and higher! [Poltergeist & Aoi-] Enter the hexagon! [Shade-] We’ll build the greatest that is now! [Shuiro-] I won’t wait; I’ll create my own miracle! [Jinn-] Get ready! Our time is now! [Kiiro-] We’re reaching for the rap games pinnacle! [Shade-] Boy or girl, no bounds apply! Just a sexual body left to die Momma ran away from the ladies clasp The power I hold will destroy their grasp In Fukuoka, I’m it’s red light Stop? You can’t run from my fight! Weak and scrawny? Look who’s laughing now You’re all my puppets, so take your final bow! [Shuiro-] MC Shuiro bringing the house down! I’m no princess, I don’t need a crown Growing up and gaining intuition This team is my own revolution! No gender can't lead? Wrong answer I’m stronger than men on the average banner! OverDrive isn’t the 2nd place team Because we’re always 1st prize, surpassing our dream [Shade-] Change up our Traffic Light? Watch your lovely head! [Shuiro-] In the way of OverDrive? You’re always good as dead! [Shade-] I’ve come too far to give up at the end of the day! [Shade & Shuiro-] We’re not stopping now, we’re still on our way! [All-] Go louder, UNITED EMCEEZ! The words that were scattered will link up into breakbeats! [Shade-] We do our best and get through every day Who’s gonna go and show the results tonight? [All-] We are UNITED EMCEEZ! The words that were scattered will link up into breakbeats! [Shuiro-] All eyes on me, you’ll forget to blink Raise your hands higher and higher! [Jinn-] Back to my past on an empty street Father behind bars, backlash on repeat Taking care of the children and less of myself I won’t let them turn into my stories shelf Fukuoka’s yellow light coming through Slowing down? That only applies to you! A battle to decide the best I am Kamora, this is no test! [Kiiro-] Nothing special, the support card Protecting the team and my own guard What story is that? Not a bestseller Tiny tales need a proper storyteller! I’m an unaware drunkard in their eyes A outsider only to easily despise So guess what? Watch your back Lay a finger on my team and your secrets will crack! [Jinn-] Gold won’t last forever, but it’s Traffic Light for life! [Kiiro-] My villainy is seen through OverDrives suffered strife! [Jinn-]

I’ll fight with all my might to see a brand new day! [Jinn & Kiiro-] We’re not stopping now, we’re still on our way! [All-] Go louder, UNITED EMCEEZ! The words that were scattered will link up into breakbeats! [Jinn-] We do our best and get through every day! Who’s gonna go and show the results tonight? [All-] We are UNITED EMCEEZ The words that were scattered will link up into breakbeats! [Kiiro-] All eyes on me, you’ll forget to blink Raise your hands higher and higher! [Poltergeist & Aoi-] Look up at this hexagon in the night sky [Shade & Shuiro-] Always go where the light leads you to [Jinn & Kiiro-] Our future can be changed in the blink of an eye [Poltergeist-] Now welcome to the new world! Poltergeist! [Shade-] Shade! [Jinn-] Jinn! [Traffic Light-] Traffic Light! [Aoi-] Aoi! [Shuiro-] Shuiro! [Kiiro-] Kiiro! [OverDrive-] OverDrive! [All-] Go louder, UNITED EMCEEZ! The words that were scattered will link up into breakbeats! [Aoi-] We do our best and get through every day! Who’s gonna go and show the results tonight? [All-] We are UNITED EMCEEZ! The words that were scattered will link up into breakbeats! [Shuiro-] All eyes on me, you’ll forget to blink Raise your hands higher and higher! [Kiiro-] Enter the hexagon! [Aoi & Shuiro-] We’ll build the greatest that is now! [Jinn-] I won’t wait; I’ll create my own miracle! [Shade-] Get ready! Our time is now! [Poltergeist-] We’re reaching for the rap games pinnacle!

[fukuokanodivision]

Attention! Much to the curiosity of myself and the anniversary tradition… Who’s Your Favourite OverDrive Member?