#SS gloves Australia

[wizsports4au]

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[market-insider]

Cricket Apparel and Equipment: Market Opportunities and Challenges

The global cricket apparel and equipment market size is estimated to reach USD 2.39 billion in 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growth of the market is driven by the increasing popularity of the sport beyond its traditional strongholds in countries like India, Australia, England, and Pakistan. Emerging markets such as the United States, Canada, and countries in Europe and Asia are witnessing a surge in participation. This increase is fueled by growing immigrant populations from cricket-playing nations and local initiatives to promote the sport, thus, driving the demand for cricket apparel & equipment.

Municipalities, sports authorities, and private entities are constructing new cricket grounds, upgrading existing facilities, and building dedicated training academies. These developments not only support professional leagues and international competitions but also encourage grassroots participation and talent development. The availability of well-maintained cricket grounds and training facilities enhances the overall cricketing experience, driving demand for high-quality apparel and equipment among players of all ages.

The emergence and global success of T20 cricket leagues, such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL), have transformed the sport's landscape. T20 cricket's fast-paced format and entertainment value have attracted a new generation of fans and players. This format's popularity has spurred demand for specialized equipment designed for shorter matches, including lightweight bats for aggressive stroke play and specialized clothing that enhances agility and comfort during intense gameplay.

Furthermore, The proliferation of e-commerce platforms has expanded the accessibility of cricket apparel and equipment globally. Consumers can now purchase a wide range of products online, benefiting from competitive pricing, product reviews, and convenience. Traditional retail outlets, including sporting goods stores and specialty cricket shops, continue to play a vital role in showcasing and distributing cricket gear. This omni-channel approach enhances market reach and customer engagement, driving down the sales of cricket apparel & equipment during the forecast period.

Major players in the market include Adidas AG; Nike, Inc.; Puma SE; Gray-Nicolls Sports Ltd.; Gunn & Moore Limited; Kookaburra Sport Pty Ltd.; Sanspareils Greenlands (SG); Slazenger Limited; Spartan Sports International; Sareen Sports Industries (SS). Manufacturers are leveraging advanced materials such as carbon fiber, titanium, and composite blends to produce bats that offer superior power and control. Protective gear such as helmets, pads, and gloves incorporate lightweight yet durable materials to ensure optimal protection without compromising mobility. These technological advancements cater to the needs of professional cricketers as well as amateur players seeking to improve their game.

For More Details or Sample Copy please visit link @: Cricket Apparel And Equipment Market Report

Cricket Apparel And Equipment Market Report Highlights

North America is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR of 14.8% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. Cricket's integration into mainstream sports culture in North America is gradually expanding its appeal beyond traditional cricket-playing communities. As an alternative sport to baseball and basketball, cricket attracts a diverse audience interested in exploring new athletic pursuits

Based on product, cricket apparel is expected to grow with a CAGR of 3.4% over the forecast period. The increasing global participation in cricket, growing popularity of T20 leagues, and the influence of major international tournaments, which boost demand for licensed and commemorative merchandise

Based on end use, the recreational segment is expected to grow with the fastest CAGR of 4.3% from 2024 to 2030. The rising popularity of cricket among amateurs, and the increased participation in local leagues by individuals are expected to augment the demand and growth for cricket apparel & equipment

Based on distribution channel, sales through sporting goods stores accounted for the largest share of the market in 2023. These stores often carry products from leading cricket brands as well as emerging ones, providing consumers with options to choose from various brands known for their quality and innovation in cricket gear

Gain deeper insights on the market and receive your free copy with TOC now @: Cricket Apparel And Equipment Market Report

We have segmented the global cricket apparel and equipment market on the basis of product, end use, distribution channel, and region.

[soundofseventeen]

Just Out of Reach (Lee Jihoon)

After major writer’s block, I have returned with the next installment of SS. I’m also juggling many projects so you shall see what I have next! Also our account turned one year yesterday so thanks to everyone who’s been with us!! i own nothing!!! -Bee

Word count: 6086

Masterlist

He may have been neither been prim nor proper, but no one could say that Jihoon wasn’t punctual. All he needed was a time and place, and it was a guarantee he’d show up almost an hour beforehand. (Though, he could easily blame the anxiety wired part of his brain for that.) While handy, it often became an inconvenience when something was either cancelled or postponed. In light of recent events, however, he’d been showing on the dot or a even a minute or two late. (He knew the timer meant a life changing event; why else would he have it?) The calculator in his peripheral vision blinked a couple times in hopes of getting is attention then turned off. It’s not like he noticed it anyways. His neglected math assignment, along with other stray sheets of paper, had fallen to the floor when someone (Chan) opened the door and a gust of wind blew in. He sighed, falling to his knees and picked them up slowly, unsure where his mind had gone. The younger boy had already beat him to picking everything up, but by the time he registered it, Wonwoo had also shown up at his usual spot at the table and took out his own assignments wordlessly. 

“Long day?” He asked the older boy, thanking Seungcheol for their coffees.

He huffed, ranting about how his physics professor had misplaced his midterms for the third time this month, calling out their bullshit and scalding his tongue from the caffeine. “Alright, maybe I deserved that,” he relented. “How was your weekend?”

“Not any more exciting than yours.” He didn’t mention how his plan ended up with him missing a bus by a few seconds all because he had tripped over his laces and how he now wore slip ons. The timer on his wrist slowly ticked down for whatever was meant to happen. Though math was never his strong suit and since discovering how to convert the number of days into hours and minutes, he learned very quickly, and becoming something of a math genius. “And how is that whole tattoo removal thing going for you?”

Wonwoo rolled his eyes at the question, clearly not wanting that attention on him. “When I find someone who’s willing to remove this thing, I’ll let you know.” With that, he took another sip, ending the discussion. Instead, he waved at the boss from the flower shop next door and Seungkwan who walked next to her, pinkies linked and giggling at whatever they were talking about.

“You know, one day you might actually find your soulmates if you stepped foot anywhere else but here,” Jeonghan’s many greats grandmother scolded them. “They’re not coming in here anytime soon.”

Jihoon opted to humor her, a wry smile appearing on his face. “And where do you think we should go Auntie?”

“Explore my dear boy! Nothing good ever comes from staying in one place. Where is that- Jeonghan let’s move! That boy I swear.”

*

With your gloved hand, you waved excitedly at Soonyoung who was more focused on riding out the wave but once he caught sight of you, lost his concentration (and balance), thus falling off his surfboard and let the ocean swallow him whole and spitting him out onshore a few seconds later. 

“Y/N!” He greeted happily, forgetting he was soaked to the bone and grabbing you for a bear hug. “What brings you here for a visit?”

“Uh, you texted me and asked if I was free?” You began wringing your shirt.

“ Yah! That was two hours ago! How do you know I didn’t have to go to Teipei or Osaka after you ignored me?”

You smiled at him. “You are Kwon Soonyoung, rescuer of all sea animals. You wouldn’t dare leave your reserve unless it’s absolutely necessary. Now, you know I’ve missed you and all, but you owe me a dry set of clothes and some water.”

About half an hour later, you were having lunch at a conspicuous fast food restaurant, indulging on some fries while he filled you in on his latest adventures ranging from an investment that’ll increase shark population by 15% to actually swimming with the sharks in Australia. The way he spoke so animatedly and so passionately about the wildlife often made you wonder if you were making a difference in what you did. You may have both been heirs, but the foundation he was working on was his pride and joy, something he built on his own whereas Universe Factory was technically passed down to you, sans the name. 

His cold hand touching your gloved wrist brought you back to the moment, but you couldn’t bring yourself to pull away. “What?”

“Have you figured this thing out yet?”

“Not yet. I know it was at seven seconds like not too long ago.” You removed the glove and let him see the newest numbers. Soonyoung was one of the few people you trusted, not because he was one of your only friends (but that was a factor, why would you lie?) but also because curious as he was, he didn’t try to throw you on a plane to see the best scientists in the country and explain this. “What are you thinking?”

He shook his head. “I’m just-how does this work? Does it like malfunction when you get it wet or what? Or is it timing you for something?”

“I don’t know. I mean, I’ve showered a million times and it doesn’t do anything.” You sighed. “I’m sure it’s a timer though. Why else would it count down.”

“I don’t wanna freak you out but what if it’s telling you how long you have until you-”

“What? Die?” It was your turn to shake your head. “I’ve thought about it, but it doesn’t seem likely. Remember the train tracks?”

“Which you swore we would never speak of again and look what you’re doing now.” He rubbed his arm. “I just got chills, look.” (You’d been taking pictures on the tracks when the whistle starting blowing and when you started racing to get off, one of your feet got stuck between the rails and while you weren’t sure how it happened, Soonyoung managed to pull you just before it passed. The funny thing was that that incident didn’t alter the countdown.) “Maybe it’s only a matter of time until you lose your sanity,” he joked.

“I wouldn’t doubt it.” You ate in silence for a few minutes before your curiosity got the best of you. “Have you heard anything for Jun?” (One of the perks in being considered part of the elite was being in on things, but your own informant had nothing to give you on your royal friend.

“Personally, no, but one of my sources say he’s okay at the moment. Currently somewhere in Tokyo. You worried?” 

“It’d be nice to hear from him directly.”

“Y/N, he’s fleeing an arranged marriage from someone who doesn’t wanna better the country. That’s better than him suffering. Now, no more depressing thoughts. Tell me more about your art museum. I know you have more ideas for the place. And if not, let me tell you about this really neat retreat we’re having soon.”

*

Saturday afternoon, he found Wonwoo, Hansol and his “soulmate” waiting for him at Adequate Eternity. They’d planned a small get together before heading to Universe Factory but they had time to kill so they went inside. One thought that didn’t escape his mind was whether it’d be more bearable to endure the heat the couple in front of them radiated if they weren’t touching or to deal with them constantly touching. He wasn’t bitter or anything; he just didn’t need the reminder that maybe, just maybe soulmates could be real. Or that the single life sucked. A lot. He needed a job or something that distracted him from that. But if someone could call him back, that’d be great. He snuck a peek at Wonwoo who was glaring at his arm and almost laughed. He had forgiven his best friend, despite the words that had nearly wrecked their friendship. It was, like many things, out of Wonwoo’s control. Now, whoever spoiled it for him, is another story.

“Hi guys!” Seungkwan called out to them and walked over, holding his own soulmate’s hand, and reminding Jihoon that being single was nothing short of torture. Granted, he wasn’t the lovey dovey type, but it was still nice to have someone next to him. Someone that wasn’t Wonwoo. “Busy day?”

Vernon shook his head. “Just heading out in a bit to the museum. This one-” glancing affectionately at his soulmate, “-said something about half price so why not. You guys?”

“Just taking a stroll. Hey, you guys wanna see something neat? Should we show them?” He proceeded to let go of his soulmate’s hand and walked away. “You see my ring, right?” He shook his hand a couple of times. “Now you don’t. And look who has it.” They spent a few minutes showing the table that the ring could never be lost and though there wasn’t a logical explanation for what Jihoon saw, he had to admit he was impressed, if not slightly disgusted at how cute it was. 

After reluctantly saying goodbye to the happy couple, they made their way to Universe Factory. Hansol had momentarily left to buy the tickets, making them uncomfortable with the heat they radiated (said something about not wanting to make his soulmate’s roommate feel weird about it.) and it was only until after they entered the building that they held hands again and the temperature stablized. 

Jihoon had only been here a handful of times prior to the reopening but he had to admit that he liked the renovations so far. He hadn’t personally met the boss, but he could tell art was definitely a passion. He knew that if he wanted to escape Wonwoo in the near (or distant!) future, this would be his getaway. However, he felt the place to be much too quiet. He could hear the whispers between the hipsters and the critiques tearing apart certain pieces and even he knew this place was more of a solstice to the lost souls, not some cocktail party and bidding on the highest pieces of some upcoming Pablo Picasso or any of the artist’s himself. He needed something to drown out the negativity. Something like, “A piano.” 

“What?” Wonwoo turned his head curiously at the boy.”

“Nothing.” He shook his head. He hadn’t meant to say it out loud. But a piano would sound nice. Plug it in to some speakers somewhere and it could fill the place with music. He stared at his timer for the first time that day. The day was rapidly approaching when this something would happen, but he wasn’t sure how much longer he could wait.

*

You thanked the taxi with a flick of your gloved hand, staring at the art museum in front of you and the newest blueprints at your side. If everything went according to schedule, you’d be able to finish the Van Gogh inspired room by the end of the week and start your next task...though that was something you’d rather not deal with. 

Ever since your parents had deemed you responsible (and old) enough to pass on their art museum to you, the transition of a spoiled child to an actual heir tending to a business became a sort of wake up call to you. You weren’t crazy about it at first, since you liked doing things that didn’t involve rules, regulations, a time frame, or commitments.You had rather been boarding a plane at any given moment and visiting a new place for days, even weeks on end than scheduling a meeting about signing over rights and who no longer had a say in anything first thing in the morning. It wasn’t your dream, not at first. Who’d want to spend money to see pictures? And at those ridiculous prices? It was no wonder you put the pieces together so quickly as to why you your allowances were cut off and you needed start making your own money: filing for bankruptcy was on the horizon. 

After the legal rights to pass on the museum to you were approved, they left and you hadn’t really seen much of them, which left you to fend for yourself. You had to sell a few of your designer bags, outfits, shoes and unused cosmetics, but eventually, The Wonder Emporium reopened under Universe Factory and from there, you continued to build a legacy under your name. You lowered prices to a fairer level, thus bringing in more customers than you had ever hoped and even expanding the place. Once you had set your eyes on the works of The8, you fell in love with the arts overall. Renovations began and soon you found yourself flying all over Asia trying to not only to find his works to add to your growing collection but you collected others from those who had potential under the condition that they had the belief of all humans having rights regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and so on. Those you employed and contacted were no exception. In the short time you had taken charge, you dropped businesses, employees and anyone who so much as looked at anyone wrong. (You drew the line at discrimination, especially when it had come to a boy you knew as Hansol from word of mouth of one of your employees.) Everything seemed to be running smoothly, but now you had a meeting to attend to and 

“Mingyu! Thank you for waiting! I’m so sorry I’m late! I just got carried away, and you know how it is.”

“No worries Y/N. It won’t be the last time either, I can assure you that.” He laughed. “What are we working on next?”

“Okay, I know we just reopened the place, but one of my new employees suggested we add a kinda like rec room for artists to show their works in progress, but also for anyone who wants to start doing it.” You unrolled one of the blueprints. “How much further back do you think we can go back until the city threatens to shut me down?” You joked. Looking down on the floor you noticed a silver band just near the table. You picked it up and stuffed it in your pocket, reminding yourself to ask the staff if they had lost something recently. (You knew it wasn’t Mingyu’s. His was on his pinkie finger, glimmering brightly against the fluorescents.) 

Mingyu studied it carefully and quietly, taking out his calculator and ticking his fingers. He pulled out his pencil, writing out measurements, only to erase them when he did the math wrong. “Do you want the good news or the bad news?” He finally spoke without looking up. He changed a few of the numbers on your thing and circling the final number.

You made a face. “Surprise me.”

“Okay, we probably won’t be able to make it any wider without violating any laws, but we could make it a few stories higher, turn that unused attic into the room or even turn that into your office.” He removed his glasses. “Now the bad news is that this’ll go over the budget you’ve given me, so you might have to talk to your bank and your accountant to negotiate some things.”

“I-uh fired my accountant,” you admitted sheepishly.

Elbow on the table, he placed his thumb and middle finger on his temples and managed to let out a little laugh, despite his obvious frustration. “Y/N, this is the third one. What’d this one do now? Step on a puppy’s tail and kicked it to the side?”

“No, uhh, I went to go take them some receipts that I had forgotten here and well he made one of the secretaries cry for not getting some time cards in on time. So now, yikes. I’m sorry Mingyu.”

“I’m sorry Y/N, but I can’t do anything until you can make sure you can do this without falling into debt. You might have money now but at the rate you’re spending, it’s gonna be long gone before you start making profit.”

You stared at your timer, hoping for an answer or even just a clue. It counted down seven days. 

*

“No, no. That’s fine,” Jihoon spoke to the other person on the other end of the line as he walked inside Babylon. “Thank you anyways. Uh-huh. Thanks, you too. ‘Bye.” He hung up. “Asshole.”

“You rang?” Joshua joked, popping between one of the aisles. He happily arranged a section of teddy bears, plopping a few to the side in case he decided to cave and buy them. “Everything okay Ji?”

“I’m quickly running out of money and I don’t have a job,” he made a face. “Go figure. Everywhere I apply, it’s the same thing: I’m either not qualified or I don’t have the work experience. I’m about to quit life and head back home. Maybe I can make use of myself there.” Though, he escaped Busan for that same reason. He left Joshua in his spot in hopes of finding a second hand guitar since his took a tumble off the fridge and smashed into little bits. (It took him maybe 15 minutes to remove all the splinters except for one that kept heckling his pinkie finger and irritating him more because his ring usually helped with something like that but he figured he misplaced it again.) He needed a job and fast. Maybe he could ask Auntie Jihye for potion or a spell or something to give him quick cash, not that he’d believe it but because it gave him some kinda hope. 

“You’ll be fine,” Joshua reassured him appearing to fix up the teapots. “Everyone deals with this. Maybe look in the area to see where they’re hiring. I know you’re not exactly stoked to work around so many people but sometimes you have to sacrifice that for a few won.”

“Or I can end up throwing staplers at people who don’t know how to mind their own business...and possibly a restraining order from that.” He was ready to drop the subject and noticing the lack of eye bags on his friend’s face, he’d rather choose a more familiar concept. “So, um, how are you and your…‘soulmate’?” (It baffled him to think how not too long ago they were nothing but comforting faces and now they practically bared their souls to each other...well when he and Wonwoo were apart. Vernon’s soulmate managed to get him a job working at a restaurant.) 

Joshua shrugged. “We’re good, I guess? She’s interested in someone right now so she tells me about it in our dreams.”

“So you haven’t seen her?” 

“Not physically, but the nightmares stopped…unless one of us says the wrong thing and it pisses the other off.” He shuddered at a distant memory, subconsciously feeling for his ear.

“So are you like the only ones that aren’t dating?”

“No. Just because we’re soulmates or whatever doesn’t mean anything. It’s like saying since you and I became friends, you’re now obligated to spend all your time with me. We tried hanging out after work hours but we stopped.” A loud clattering interrupted the boys making them both jump and who else but the great Auntie Jihye stepped into view a moment later, and Joshua nodded in understanding. “Now to see what my lovestruck coworker broke.” He smiled fondly. “Last time, I managed to convince our boss that a company shipped us some vases that were already broken.” He bowed politely at Jihye and excused himself.

“Dear boy, why the long face? You look even more sour than usual.” She tickled his cheek tenderly and rather than flinching away, Jihoon let her. “I can see it in your eyes something’s bothering you.”

“I’m just tired Auntie. I’m thinking about going home.”

“I know this old lady bores with all her nonsense talk, but would you like to hear a piece of advice? Or rather, what I can see in your future if you stay?” She grabbed Jihoon’s hand without warning, and pushed up the long sleeve that concealed his torture instrument. “This is the key to the life you’ve been dreaming about. All you have to do is be patient, my dear. If you go, your regret will eat you alive.” She dug around her purse and pulled out a flier. “What you need is to get out. See the coast, smell the sea, and hear the marine wildlife. Then you can decide what you wanna do.”

*

“You know, when I said I owed you one, this isn’t what I had in mind.” You stared at the ship hesitantly, already feeling the seasickness hit you. 

“Oh come on, we’re whale watching, not taking the blood samples for the stingrays. After all, who hooked you up with the accountant that met the delicate Y/N’s standards?” Soonyoung glanced pointedly at you. “And has forgiven you for being late...again? Besides, you missed your best friend, aka me.”

“Soonyoung, you are my only friend,” you sighed when he did a silent yes and a small fist pump. “How much longer until we get into this death trap?”

“As soon as everyone gets here. And before you ask what you’re supposed to do until then, I suggest you get yourself into more comfortable clothes. Ask someone to take you to my office.I had the clothes you brought last time washed and dry cleaned. And knowing you, I got you some thicker gloves. I don’t think you’ll need my assistance until we actually see some whales.” He shooed you along so he could finish whatever it was and with a sigh you left him to his devices.

He had just finished loading food and beverages when you came back looking like you had just seen a ghost, he jumped back. “Give me a warning next time. Shit, I could’ve died right here and then my blood would’ve been on your hands. What’s wrong now? I promise we don’t harm the animals in the lab. We just need to see if they’ve been consuming plastic or any other dangerous materials-”

You held your arm out, peeling away the glove. “It’s today,” you managed to get out. “This morning it said I had more time, but when I was getting dressed, the time changed significantly.” This had happened before but this was the first time you were actually freaking out because it never changed that drastically. A couple of minutes or hours yes, but almost four days was new to you. “Soonyoung, what do I do?” 

“You can either walk away now and worry about it the whole time until you get home or you can momentarily forget this and have some fun with me, your best friend that you don’t see enough.” He batted his eyelashes. “Of course you could move in with me full time and I would still think that. But that’s not the point here. I’m just saying don’t let this thing dictate your life and question your every move.Just enjoy your day here You didn’t have to open today; you left Mingyu to work on your thing. Just relax. Now...the guests, tourists, customers, whatever you wanna call them are coming.” He started boarding the ship, his hand extended towards you. “And what are you gonna do?”

You inhaled deeply, letting the oxygen try to settle your nerves and brain in one hit and after a moment, took his hand and let him help you up. “Let’s do this thing.”

“That’s my best friend,” he mock sobbed before sobering up quickly. “If you want, you can stay in one of the back seats. A lot of passengers who get nauseous quickly say it isn’t as bad. I will be in the front giving the tour, obviously but I got you a cow bell that you can shake if you need my attention. Any questions?”

“Can I go sit down? I’m not used to so much rocking?” Of course, he laughed at you the whole time he was escorting you, and once you sat down, you rested your elbow on the railing, your fingertips touching your forehead and you breathed deeply. You loved the ocean, mind you, but you preferred swimming in it over being on top of it. How Soonyoung did this daily, you didn’t know but you commended him nonetheless. Not much later, you began hearing various voices in different languages as they took their spots and your idiot friend greeting everyone brightly. The boat had yet to stop rocking and the wind filled your nostrils with the brine and all you could do was try to not bolt. And even if you tried, you would’ve been trapped with whoever you sat next to you, making leaving impossible. The ringing in your ears didn’t help either, but you managed to look up at all the passengers that gathered up for the watch as Soonyoung began the introductions and so on.

“You okay?” The boy next to you asked.

You nodded. “I’m just not used to being on boats.”

“Me too. I get sick really fast so I push you away, I warned you. Also, I’m sorry if I talk a lot. I do that when I’m nervous.”

“It’s okay. If you have questions, you can ask me. I’m not as gifted as Soonyoung-” you pointed to the eager boy emphasizing whatever point he was making with his hands, “-with his knowledge, but there are some things that stuck with me.” The beeping in your head didn’t stop but you managed to ignore it, albeit you had to cover one of your ears and shake your head. 

“You know Soonyoung?” He poked his own ear. “That’s cool.”

“At this point, I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse.” You tugged on your gloves. “He dragged me here so I could get away from the work life and enjoy the mammals doing their own thing. He’d probably have me scooping out jellyfish if I had said no to coming.”

“No kidding? One of my aunts gave me a flier to come here because I was stressed out.” He shook his arm to lower his sweater and covered his hand completely. “I’m thinking of maybe going home after I finish this semester. I find a job but I thought one last outing would be fun.”

“Where do you live?”

“In Seoul. I don’t know if you’ve been there, but it’s beautiful. There’s a remote part of it where there aren’t as many people but it’s like a whole other world. There’s like something that pulls you to come in and not leave. Kinda like magic.” He stayed quiet, thinking if he should say more. “My favorite place is a coffee shop called Adequate Eternity. The old lady who owns the place is weird but she’s welcoming.”

“Mmm, I think I went there once, but I had forgotten my card at the bank and by the time I went back, I had just finished a shit ton of meetings. The life of a business person is never ending. An employee of mine swears that the coffee gives her magic powers.”

“I second that. I’m Jihoon, by the way.”

“Y/N,” you smiled at the strange boy, trying to remember where that name rang a bell. 

“What do you do Y/N? You sound busy and if you’re friends with someone like Soonyoung, it’s probably just as important.”

“I mean I don’t save the planet, but I own an art museum in Seoul. Universe Factory. I bring paintings and portraits to those who can’t leave.”

“No way! I was there last week! It looks better than before. I mean, it looked nice the old way too but now it looks more complex, the way art should be. I saw Kim Mingyu and his crew inside. Are you adding more to it.”

It shouldn’t have surprised you that he knew Mingyu but it did and you brushed it off. “I wanna add an extra story to it so anyone who wants to try out their hand at drawing or whatever it is they do, will be more than welcome to.”

“So you’re saving people then. That’s really neat.”

Pretty soon you and Jihoon were engaged in a full blown discussion involving the arts, future plans you had for the place and what you hoped could become something of a legacy. Despite the beeping you couldn’t pinpoint (since it seemed to be coming from everywhere), you enjoyed yourself, forgetting the fact you were easily seasick and that Soonyoung was ready to come to your rescue if you needed it. But you’d even forgotten you were whale watching until the mist sprayed you and even then you continued your conversations. It only ended once the tour was over and you exchanged numbers over the possibility of him coming to work for you over the suggestion of having live music and him modestly admitting he played a few instruments and the promise of you getting in touch with the person who had an impressive display of The8’s nature stuff. Minimum wage was the best you could do for now but he jumped onboard because it was better than no job and left with nothing but a wave. It was only when he left you remembered the airhead heir who was finishing up putting everything away and him smiling evilly at you that you punched his shoulder.

“Look at you making friends.”

“Employees,” you corrected. “He gave me a good idea and what better way to give someone credit than hiring them?” The sea gulls’ piercing caws reminded you of something. “Hey, did you find out where that beeping was coming from? It was hard to concentrate on anything else and it gave me a headache. I don’t know if you can still hear it. Watch, listen.”

“I didn’t hear anything,” he said after a moment of silence. “It was probably just part of your nerves. But I’ll check with my crew to see if there was anything wrong in the lower decks if you’re hearing it from out here.”

Changing back into your regular clothes, you tried remembering where and why that particular sound irritated you. It brought back the flashbacks of you trying to read quietly and someone’s watch going off as you were getting absorbed in the storyline. It was even more annoying when several others went off at similar intervals as if they were timing the beeping. Timing, countdown, timer...you removed your gloves, gasping audibly when you saw perfect zeros on your wrist. But how-you’ve been on boats and ships several times and it never happened. What could you have possibly done out of the ordinary that triggered it? The only thing that happened was meeting Jihoon, and come to think of it, the beeping started when he sat next to you. 

Slowly, you tried putting the pieces together as you dove out of the dressing room, skidding to find Soonyoung... no not him, because what if maybe, you were supposed to meet Jihoon all this time? After all, what were the odds of being in the same part of the city so many times and how likely was the possibility of just missing each other? You thought back to every time the timer was in its last few seconds only to change just as something else popped up. What if he’s the mythical- “Soulmate!” It made sense after all. You’d read a few books arguing they hadn’t completely vanished. The8’s newest painting is rumored to be based on a pair of soulmates he heard about. But you? Having a chose one? Could that even happen? And that damn beeping was getting loud again. You just wanted to shut it off, but how? How?!

“Y/N, watch out!” A hand locked onto your wrist, pulling you back just as a car sped by. In an instant, three pups on the street pranced happily around your feet and that of your savior yipping and licking at your shoes until their owner called them individually as past, present and future. They barked excitedly once more before they walked away, disappearing right before your eyes. “Are you okay?” Jihoon asked. “I was over there, getting some coffee and I saw you. You looked dazed, and I called you.”

You looked at him, really looked at him. He didn’t even look remotely bothered or amazed that the scariest moment of both your lives happened so casually. Did he even know? Not responding, you pulled up the sleeve that wasn’t rolled down.

“Hey! What are you d-” He cut himself off when you showed him exactly what was going on in your head. And the ringing? Finally stopped.

“My, my! I did not expect this to happen today!” An older woman clapped giddily, breaking whatever trance had happened between you and Jihoon. “Jeonghan! It finally happened! I told you!”

*

“Are you guys ready?” You asked the crowd excitedly. Well, crowd wasn’t exactly the right word. It was a small gathering of the people you and Jihoon knew...mostly Jihoon. You had only invited Soonyoung and Mingyu (who was currently sporting a sprained wrist, which he swore up and down he didn’t do) for the unveiling. Jihoon, introverted as he was, took it upon himself to ask everyone he knew to come along. You’d met Wonwoo, his best friend; and with Wonwoo came his friend Hansol who had a soulmate that couldn’t be separated unless everyone wanted to be burned alive. With Hansol’s soulmate came your employee (small world!) He also invited his friend Joshua who apparently also had a soulmate, but they didn’t spend time together, so he brought his friend who also worked alongside him at a thrift store. You also met Seokmin, the boy had taken your call when placing an order for the reopening. He came along with Seungkwan who had also had a soulmate literally bound together by a red string. (And you ended up making a deal with her too that would benefit the museum and her growing collection.) And lastly, he brought along Chan, Seungcheol, Jeonghan, and Auntie Jihye, the kind lady who explained that Jihoon was in fact your soulmate. You never imagined something like this but it made sense.

With everyone’s eager nods, you proudly opened the velvet curtain, displaying the room dedicated to the one that made you fall in love with art: The8. Since he had the biggest room, you had taken it upon yourself to put a piano there and it was where Jihoon was pouring his heart out as he hit the keys. The idea of finding his soulmate still made him kinda skeptical but it didn’t weird him out like before. It’d take just a bit more faith for him to actually make him believe. And he got along famously with Soonyoung which helped his case. You had finally returned the missing ring to him, something he didn’t even know he lost until you presented it to him, further proving to him that maybe some things science has no explanation for. 

“I’ll be right back,” your best friend excused himself, putting his phone away. You nodded at him, entertaining your guests, feeling just a bit more complete than when you had ever felt. You finally made some new friends, found out you weren’t so strange after all (though that timer reset, and gave you an estimated timeframe of your next milestone with Jihoon). “I hope you don’t mind,” Soonyoung said when he came back, “but I invited someone else.”

 “Might as well bring him in,” you shrugged heading to Jihoon who looked just as happy as you felt in that moment. You scratched his head absently, letting his music seep into your soul. 

“Great! Hey Hao, you can come in now!” 

Jihoon’s fluid movements came to an offkey halt as his guest none other than the great The8 entered the room shyly but with a powerful undertone that demanded attention and pulled you next to him so you could compose yourself. Jihoon was quickly learning just how unpredictable your best friend was and all he could do was throw his arm around you and laugh at your shocked expression.

[nemesisbinxartifactseries]

Artifact Series S

Saburo Miyakawa's Hachimaki *

Sacagawea's Cradleboard

Sacagawea's Indian Peace Medal

Sacred Papyri of Seleucia *

The Saddle of Bayard

Sadhu Fingernails

Sailor Mars' Transformation Pen

Saint Cuthbert's Chapel Gargoyle *

Saint George's Ring

Saint George's Lance and Shield

Saint James' Fuller's Club

Saint Jude's Carpenter's Rule

Saint Jerome's Lion Claw Thorn

Saint Lucia's Skull

Saint Matthew's Tax Lodger

Saint Matthias' Axe

Saint Nicholas' Gift Bag

Saint Nicholas' Three Stockings

Saint Patrick's Bell

Saint Paul's Cross-Hilted Sword

Saint Paul's Letter

Saint Peter's 2 Keys

Saint Peter's Sword

Saint Philip's Basket

Saint Sebastian’s Arrow

Saint Simon's Saw

Saint Thomas' Carpentry Square

Saint Valentine's Amethyst Ring

Sakyo Komatsu's Typewriter Ink Ribbon

Saleh's Camel Bone

Salem Saberhagen Animatron

Sallah, the Soothsaying Sultan *

Sally Rand's Ostrich Feather Fans

Sally Tompkins' Medical Kit

Salmaan Taseer's Glasses

Salt from Dallol, Ethiopia

Salvador Dali’s Cane

Salvador Dali's Moustache Wax

Salvador Dalí's Paintbrush

Salvation Army Bell

Salvator Fabris' Fencing Doublet

Salzburg Marionette Theater Marionette

Samantha Smith's Cap

Sam Hide's Half Crown

Sam Loyd's Black Queen

Sammy Davis Jr.'s Mezuzah

The Samsara Lotus

Sam Sheppard's Wrestling Boots

Sam Snead’s Golf Bag

Samson's Jawbone *

Samuel Allison's Dark Tinted Goggles

Samuel Clemens' Riverboat Whistle

Samuel Colt's Gun Barrel

Samuel Franklin Cody’s Kite

Samuel J. Seymour’s Safety Pin

Samuel Loring Morison’s Magazine Rack

Samuel Madden's Letter Opener

Samuel Pepys' Monocle

Samuel Pepys' Wheel of Parmesan Cheese

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Fishing Net *

Samuel Whittemore’s Musket

Samuel Ruben’s Batteries

Samus Aran's Armor

Sancho II of Portugal’s Ciborium

Sandbags from the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927

The Sanderson Sisters' Black Flame Candle

Sandford Fleming's Postage Stamp

Sands of Hiroshima

Sands of Iwo Jima *

Sands of Normandy

Sandstone Bricks from the Pyramid of Giza

Santa Claus™ Hat

Santiago Ramón y Cajal's Microscope

Santorini Event Pumice Stone

Sapphires of Vali

Sarah A. Bowman’s Bread Tray

Sarah Bernhardt's Evening Gloves

Sarah Knauss' Personal Compact Mirror

Sarah Osbourne's Dress

Saraswati’s Veena

Sargon the Great's Mirrors *

Saturn V

Saxon Yule Log *

Sburb Beta Disks

Scaenae Frons from the Theatre of Dionysus

Scallop Shell of Zebedee

Scarab of Imhotep *

The Scarab Beetle Statue of Luxor

Scarecrow's Mask

“Scary” Lucille Ball Statue

Schaefer Beer Tray

Scheherazede's Bracelet

School of Salmon

Schrodinger's Cat

Schwinn Exercise Bike

Scope & Rifle from Elbe Day

Scorpion's Ropedart

Scorpus' Chariot

Scot Halpin’s Tour Jacket

Scott Joplin's Cigarette Case *

Scott Joplin's Piano *

Scott Joplin's Score for A Guest of Honor

Scott O'Grady’s Ejection Seat

SCP-WH13

Scroll of Qi

The Sea Cat

Searchlight from Alcatraz

Seat from Global Airlines Flight 33

Seaweed Stone Ball

Second Chance Heroes Artifacts

Secondo Pia’s Flashbulb

Secretariat's Horseshoes

Sedna's Seashell

Seductive Spectacles

SEES's Evokers

Selene's Tiara

Self-Answering Rotary Phone

Self-Constructing Building Blocks

Self-Replicating Birthday Candles

Senchán Torpéist's Lute

Seneb's False Door

Seraphim of Sarov’s Icon and Lestovka

Serial Killer Camera *

Serial Killer Hook

Sergeant Stubby's Coat

Sergei Brukhonenko's Autojektor

Sergei Korsakoff's Ruble Coin

Sergei Prokofiev's Chess Board

Sergio Corbucci's Personal Script of Django

Sergiusz Piasecki’s Grammar Book

Sessue Hayakawa’s Pierce Arrow

Seth Kinman’s Elkhorn Chair

Seth MacFarlane's "Family Guy" Concept Art

Seti I's Obelisk

Severus of Athens' Cronus Ring

Sexist Pickle Jar

Shah Jahan’s Peacock Throne

Shah Jahan's Taj Mahal Spire

Shaista Khan’s Sash

Shards of the Cross of St. Andrew

Sharicite Pendants

Shaka Zulu's Nkoka

Shaka Zulu's Iklwa

Shamu's Tank

Shang Rang's Army Shield

Shaolin Temple Robes

Sharbat Gula's Shawl

Shard from the Lens of the Lighthouse of Alexandria *

Sharkeisha's Winter Hat

Sharpie Permanent Marker

Sheet Music of Faerie's Aire and Death Waltz

Sheldon Silverstein's Guitar

Sheldon Silverstein's Shaving Razor

Shelvern's Black-Magic-Eyed Peas

Shell Fragment from the V-1 Doodlebug

Shem Drowne's Grasshopper

Shennong’s Plow

Sherman Adams’ Fur Coat

Sher Shah Suri's Helmet

Sheut Statuette

Shield from the Battle of Thermopylae

Shifting Chicken Egg

Shig Murao's Copy of "Howl"

Shigechiyo Izumi's Kimono

Shig Murao's Copy of "Howl"

Shigeru Miyamoto's Keyboard

Shinichi Suzuki's Violin

Shirley Jackson's Jewelry Box

Shiro Ishii's Medal *

Shirt of Nessus

Shivaji’s Bagh Naka

Shizou Kakutani's Geometry Set *

Shoes from the Tank Man

Shoichi Yokoi's Uniform

Shō Shin's Tonfa

Shotaro Ishinomori's Pen and Sketch Pad

Shower Head from "Psycho" *

Shylock's Coin Purse

Siberian Jukebox

Siberian Mammoth Tusk

Sigismund I the Old’s Tankard

Sigismund’s Order of the Dragon Emblem

Sigmund Freud's Cigar *

Sigmund Freud's Glasses

Sigmund Freud's Lighter

Sigmund Freud's Mantle Clock *

Sigmund Freud's Marble Tablet

Sigyn’s Bowl

Silap Inua Totem

Silene stenophylla

Silencing Librarian Glasses

Silk Sash of Mulan

Silver Bracelet *

Silver Bullet

Silver Cross Tavern Barrels

The Silver Crystal

Silver Necklace from the Atacama Desert Mines *

Silverpilen

Silver Transmuting Goblet

Simeon Bourgeois' Torpedo Shell

Simo Häyhä's Rifle

Simon Tookoome's Bullwhip

Simonides of Ceos' Tally Stick

Simon Stevin's Windmill

Sinclair Lewis' Desk

"Singin' in the Rain" Umbrellas

The Singing Bone

Sinon's Helmet

Sir Gawain's Jousting Helmet *

Sir Mix-A-Lot's Bling Ring

Siren Rock Pendent

Sister Parish's Rose Brooch

Sitting Bull's Riding Blanket *

Skanderberg's Helmet

Skeleton Key

Ski Gloves

Skip to My Lou Violin

Skis from the Winter of Terror

Slava Raškaj’s Alabaster Owl Carving

Slavoljub Eduard Penkala’s Hot Water Bottle

The Slayer's Scythe

Sledge Hammer from the Ohio State Prison Fire

Slender Suit

Slot Machine

Slow Mo Guy's Lab Coats

Slue-Foot Sue's Bustle

Smenkhkare's Coffin

Smiling Dog Photograph

Smell Negating Clothespin

Smokey Yunick's Cowboy Hat

Smoking Railroad Spikes *

"Snakeman's" Basket

Snarky Reading Glasses

Sneezing Panda Video Camera

Snowman Jack-in-the-Box

Snow White's Apple

Snow White's Mirror

Sobriety Coin

Soccer Ball from the Death Match

Sock Sowachowski's Hat

Socrates' Cup *

Socrates' Toga

Sodom and Gomorrah Salt Mask *

Sogdianus' Scimitar

Soichiro Honda's Bicycle Pedals

Solac Electric Toaster

Soldier of Fortune's Cloth Cap

Solomon W. Golomb's Polyominoes

Sonman Mine Pickaxe

Sonny and Cher's Old West Costumes

Sopdet's Star

Sophie Blanchard's Costume

Sophie Lyons' Gloves

Soren S. Adams' Jam Jar

Southern Cross Expedition Candle Holder

Souvenir Ashtray *

SpaceShipOne

The Spaghetti Tree

Spanish Flag from the Battle of Rocroi

Spanish Inquisition Costumes

Spartan Armor *

Spartacus' Armor

Sparticus' Retiarius *

Special Order 191 Cigars

Speed-Reading Lamp (canon)

Sphinx's Gear

Sphinx's Nose and Tablet

Spiked Torture Mask (canon)

Spindle from the Duke of Exeter's Daughter Torture Rack (canon)

Spirit of St. Louis' Propeller Spinner

Spine of the Saracen *

Splattering Heinz Ketchup Bottle

Spoon from Al Capone's Soup Kitchen

Spirit of St. Louis' Propeller Spinner

Spirit Tablets from the Boxer Rebellion

Spitball-Producing Straw

Spriggan Wings

Spring-Heeled Jack's Boots

Spyridon Louis’ Fustinella

Srinivasa Ramanujan's Stick

Squee's Teddy Bear, Shmee

SS Andrea Doria

SS Baychimo

SS Indiana's Hand Bell

SS Noronic Whistle

SS Violet, Griffon

Stack of 12 Cans of Campbell’s Soup *

Stacked-Deck Poker Table

Stadium Seats from the 1896 Olympics

Stage Door from CBGB's *

"Stagecoach" Mary Fields S&W .38 "Lemon Squeezer"

Stagelight from the UFO Club

Stairway B Railing

Staff of Set

Stamata Revithi's Document

Stan Rogers's Wedding Ring

Stanislaw Ulam's Calculator

Stanley Green’s Placard

Stanley Kramer's Film Reel

Stanley Thornton Jr.'s Baby Bottle

Stare Promoting Glasses

Star Jelly

Starkad's Norse Pendent

S.T.A.R.S. Samurai Edge Pistol

State vs Bonner Cap Gun

Statue from Trajan’s Column

Statues of Castor and Pollux *

Statue of Euryale

Statue of Heket

Statue of St. Bartholomew

Statues from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

Statues of Zeus and Hera

Statuettes of Aphrodte and Eros

Steam Locomotive from the Burma Railway

Steel Girders From Warehouse 12

Stefania Follini’s Guitar

Stephen Decatur's Disguise

Stephen Hawking's Wheelchair

Stephen Hillenburg's Hawaiian Shirt

Stephen Wiltshire's Pen

Steve Bolander's '58 Chevy Impala

Steve Brodie's Dummy

Steve Clemente's Knife Box

Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo Patch

Steve Jobs' Hardrive

Steve Kordek's Pinball Machine

Steve McQueen's 650cc Triumph TR6 Trophy Motorcycle *

Steven Spielberg's Clapper Board

Stewart Farrar's Besom

Sticky String *

Stingy Jack's Turnip Lantern

"Stinking" Bishop's Kettle

St. Stephen's Church Weather Vane

Stolen Arm of Shiva

Stone-Changing Cheese Knife

Stone from Stonehenge *

Stone from the "Wailing Wall"

Stones from The Dancing Plague of 1518

Stones from the Flims Rockslide

Stone of Destiny

Stone of Truth

Stonewall Inn's Neon Sign

Stonewall Jackson's Piece of Shrapnel

Storage Door Knob

Stormtrooper E-11 Blaster Rifle

Strait of Messina Grindstone

Straightjacket from St. Mary of Bethlehem Asylum

The Straw that Broke the Camel's Back *

Studio 54 Disco Ball *

Stuffed Speckled Chachalaca

St. Valentine's Day Massacre M1 Thompson

Subtle Knife

Sucellus' Hammer

Sugar Ray Robinson's Pillow

Sugar Skull

Sulla's Grass Crown

Summer Camp Inflatable Mattress

Sunbeam Mix Master

Sundiata Keita’s Balafon

Sunny Malone's Chalk Drawing

Sunrise High Sierra Camp Hat

Sun Tzu's Dao Sword

Sun Tzu's "The Art of War"

Superman's Suit

Supermarket Sweep Shopping Carts

Susan Hayward's Silk Dress

Susan Nolen-Hoeksema’s Glasses

Susanoo's Totsuka-no-Tsurugi (Sword of Strength)

Su Song's Armillary Sphere

Suzanne Oldsworth's Silver Thimble *

Svante Arrhenius’ Gloves

Svetlana Pankratova's Shoes

Svyatoslav Nikolayevich Fyodorov's Patient's Glasses

Sweeny Todd's Barber Shop Razor

Swiss Miss-Hap Mug *

The Sword in the Stone

Sword of Damocles

Sybil Leek's Smudge Fan

Sydney Newman's Rotary Phone

Sylvanus Morley's Pith Helmet

Sylvester Graham's Original Graham Crackers

Sylvia Browne's Pearl Earrings

Sylvia Plath's Typewriter *

[onegirlabroad]

Berlin

In Berlin, I met these two American girls (from Jersey ironically, so close to my home). We did the Sandeman’s tour (popular free walking tour group in many major European cities, I recommend) of Berlin and the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. I have to remind myself to write my tour guide Amy a good review, she said it helps her stay in business. I am still remembering her name almost two weeks ago because she was such an amazing tour guide. She was this Scottish girl who moved to Berlin and loves Berlin, she was awesome! Anyway moving on, on the free tour, we saw:  the former site of Hitler’s bunker and where he took his life, the site of the Nazi book burning and the local university, Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, the shopping district, Humboldt University, and more.

The signifgant part of Hitler’s bunker is that there are no remnants visible that he was there or that this is the place he took his life. It is now a parking garage for an apartment complex with a small sign saying what it once was because the Germans don’t want a place for Neo-Nazis to honor him. His remains have been burned and scattered. Humboldt University is an internationally ranked university with alumni like Karl Marx, W.E.B Du Bois, Angela Davis, and 40 Nobel Prize winners. I visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum on my own.

For the concentration camp, Sachsenhausen was significant in its day because just 50 minutes by train from Berlin, it is closest to the capital. It was mostly a camp for POWs but other prisoners stayed here as well. After WWII, it was used a Soviet Prison where thousands more were killed here. The tour to the concentration camp was intense. I was thinking how strange it was to be in such a place where such evil acts occurred, it was built for horrible things. I won’t get into the details as much as I could. It was a 6 hour tour. So by the end, this being the day after the 3 hour walking tour, my legs were absolutely exhausted. It was cold (the weather was very cold my whole time in Berlin, though). It was -4 degrees Celsius, 24 degrees Fahrenheit. It was also raining during part of the tour. I think this part made me really think about the cruelty of this place all the more because we were bundled up in our warmest gear and shivering and these prisoners were forced to work backbreaking work outside for hours on end and live in wooden barracks when the SS soldiers had nice, warm houses to live in that THEY BUILT for them wearing only pajamas. When I say my warmest gear, that means two pairs of paints, boots lined with fur, a long sleeved shirt, a jacket lined with fur, ear muffs, a hood, fur lined gloves. Many of the wooden barracks have deteriorated over time. 

This camp was to be used as a labor camp but people were also murdered here. We viewed where they lived and worked. Many of the stone structures are still intact. 

The guide thanked us for being a part of a group of so many people who take time out of their vacations to come to this place and remember the people that were here. When I told someone I went to the camp, they said, “I wouldn’t, I wouldn’t want to be sad on vacation.” Which is true. And that struck me, why do we go? Why do any of us go to these memorials? I thought about that a little bit. I feel that if it were me, I’d want someone to remember me. I feel on another level, it’s as they say, it’s so we never repeat it. But am I the type of person that would repeat this, personally orchestrating it or be complacent in such a thing? No. But could I like so many others be tempted to be complacent in the face of challenges? I suppose the answer is yes and experiences like this deepen our strength to fight that and not just refusing to be complacent when it comes to full scale genocide but hate speech, people that engage in hate speech *thinking of a certain political figure now.*

 The sad thing is that genocide has continued in Rwanda, Darfur, and the refugee crisis in Syria. I don’t know if the terminology of genocide is fitting for Syria politically because I don’t believe the people are being killed systematically but becoming pawns in war with their human rights being ignored. But there is a commonality in both cases: Jewish refugees tried to leave and were denied just like the Syrian refugees are being denied. Here, I learned about the Evian Conference, with leaders present from countries like the U.S, Great Britain, France, and Australia in attendance. Hitler offered to let the Jews leave and these countries in large part refused. Their countries were suffering hard economic times, it was too many people, it would cause too much racial divide, etc. 

Hitler said, "I can only hope and expect that the other world, which has such deep sympathy for these criminals Jews, will at least be generous enough to convert this sympathy into practical aid. We, on our part, are ready to put all these criminals at the disposal of these countries, for all I care, even on luxury ships.”

That’s not a political sway or me sweeping problems that can arise with mass immigration under the rug but me stating the obvious, when good people stand by and do nothing, people die. It’s cold and hard and it’s difficult to say but nevertheless true. An estimated 6 million Jews and estimated 13.9 million people died because Western countries didn’t have enough room. In the past four years, an estimated 400,000 people have died since 2011 in Syria.

But on a brighter side, which we should get to, Berlin and the country of Germany are more than the atrocities that occurred here. Roughly 70% of Berlin was completely destroyed from the war so that means it had to be rebuilt. That means many parts of the cities are quite new. It’s always nice when things are built new but another benefit is that only recently has Berlin been a popular city to live in where other cities like London and Paris have had desirable real estate for quite some time. As a result, it is more affordable than other cities so many artists from all across Europe come to Berlin because they can live here, have a part time job, and devote the rest of the time to art where in other cities, a part time job is not enough to sustain one self. The city has amazing art which I saw on the Alternative Tour of Berlin. 

Germany still has some of the best universities in the world like Homboldt. They also have free college education. (*Winks at the U.S government*) Another cool thing about Berlin is that it’s one of the best party cities in Europe. This is what I read, I was just coming off partying with great friends and had moved on to a city that was much colder, by myself, and I was beginning to get to the point where I was tired of all that. You must remember at this point, I’ve been traveling alone almost a month, partying, walking hours a day, sleeping on bunkbeds every night, and it is freezing in Berlin! I’m sure if you head to Berlin with some of friends (try to get there in the Summer because of the weather), I’m sure you’ll have a great time. 

Final point, the Berlin Wall, once a symbol of oppression - parts of it still remained and there’s street art and commissioned murals on the wall (the East Gallery) and it’s really amazing to look at. I think it’s a testimony to what Berlin is. This is a place where for decades, people were trying to flee. It has risen beyond that and reinvented itself in such a way that people are running to come back. The latest tourism data from 2013 reported that Berlin saw 11.6 million tourists. And I’m happy that I was one even if not during the most perfect circumstances.

[yourhuge]

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[bharatiyamedia-blog]

Sri Lanka vs Australia dwell rating over Match 20 ODI 21 25 updates

http://tinyurl.com/yyooecty 24.6 overs (zero Run) Good fielding! On the stumps, Smith strokes it to the appropriate of the bowler who dives and saves a run. 24.5 overs (1 Run) Very full, that is eased all the way down to lengthy on for one. 24.four overs (1 Run) A single as SS works it via mid-wicket. 24.three overs (zero Run) Flatter and on off, Smith works it to mid-wicket. 24.2 overs (zero Run) Floats it up on off, it’s pushed again to the bowler. 24.1 overs (zero Run) On the stumps, Smith pushes it in the direction of mid on the place mid-wicket stops the run by shifting throughout to his left. 23.6 overs (6 Runs) SIX! Ought to launch all of the stress that was constructing! Pradeep goes quick and this time Finch might need been prepared for it. He rocks again and pulls it method over the sq. leg fence. First of the sport and spoils the over. 23.5 overs (zero Run) Good quick one outdoors off, Finch appears to tug his pull however misses it utterly. 23.four overs (zero Run) Assaults the stumps once more, Finch defends it out. 23.three overs (1 Run) On the pads once more, that is labored via sq. leg for one. 23.2 overs (zero Run) A little bit too straight, Smith appears to work it via sq. leg however misses to get hit excessive on the pad. 23.1 overs (1 Run) That is on the pads, Finch works it all the way down to high-quality leg and a single is taken. 22.6 overs (zero Run) OUT! Khawaja holes out! Dhananjaya strikes once more and he’s delighted. A flatter full ball on off at 90 kph, skidding in after touchdown, Khawaja stretches ahead and tries to slog sweep over the leg facet. However he does not get the specified connection and it flies in entrance of sq. leg. Isuru Udana within the deep strikes throughout to his left and goes down low to finish the catch simply. The concept from Usman was proper, he focused the shorter facet of the bottom however did not get sufficient energy behind his shot to clear the fence. He’s off and Sri Lanka are doing rather well within the center overs. 22.5 overs (zero Run) Shortish and on off, Usman punches from the again foot to covers. 22.four overs (1 Run) 100 up for Australia within the 23rd over! Flatter and faster on off at 92 kph, Finch drills it all the way down to lengthy off for one. 22.three overs (2 Runs) Goes again to a brief supply outdoors off and punches it to the appropriate of sweeper cowl for a few runs. 22.2 overs (zero Run) Sliding down the leg facet, Aaron fails to center his sweep shot. Not given a large, perhaps some pad there. 22.1 overs (zero Run) Works it off his pads to mid-wicket however finds the fielder. 21.6 overs (zero Run) One other dot! Size and on off, Khawaja pushes it to covers. 21.5 overs (zero Run) One other good bumper however Khawaja does nicely to evade it. The plan is obvious right here, bowl quick to UK. 21.four overs (1 Run) On the pads, it’s flicked via sq. leg for one. 21.three overs (zero Run) Cuts him into half there! Again of a size and this one jags again in. Finch appears to maintain it out however is stunned by the motion. It goes between the physique and the bat. 21.2 overs (1 Run) Shorter and on the physique, Khawaja appears to drag but it surely goes off the glove and in the direction of high-quality leg for one. 21.1 overs (zero Run) An enormous shout however not given! A size ball and it slants away from off. Khawaja appears to push at it with an open face however misses. Perera takes it and appeals however the umpire shakes his head. 20.6 overs (zero Run) The batsman works it down the leg facet. 20.5 overs (1 Run) Floats it up on off, Khawaja strokes it via covers and a single is taken. 20.four overs (1 Run) That is labored via mid-wicket for one. 20.three overs (zero Run) Flatter and on center, Finch appears to flick but it surely goes off the upper portion of the bat in the direction of mid-wicket. 20.2 overs (zero Run) Flatter and on off, that is pushed again to the bowler. 20.1 overs (zero Run) The batsman has performed that off the entrance foot and into the bottom. Source link

[aminalatif]

Global sportswear giants reduce cricket spends

NEW DELHI: Price wars have forced global sportswear giants to drastically cut down spends on cricket in the world’s largest market for the sport.

The latest company to throw in the towel is German sportswear giant Adidas, which has stopped making bats and soft cricket equipment such as batting pads and gloves.

Adidas’s decision to outsource manufacturing of cricket equipment to third party manufacturers comes after rival Nike stopped selling cricket bats in India and pulled out of expensive bat sponsorships for top cricketers. “We made the decision to licence out our cricket hardware and soft goods to JVS,” said senior marketing director at Adidas, Sean Van Wyk.

“This is a common business model, used extensively across the world, which allows us to increase our distribution of the cricket category.”

Sponsoring a bat can cost a company anywhere between Rs 50 lakh for a rookie to around Rs 6-8 crore for a top level cricketer such as Indian skipper Virat Kohli. Currently, tyre companies such as MRF and Ceat and local cricket equipment manufacturers, including Meerut-based Sanspareils Greenlands (SG) and Sareen Sports (SS), have taken over bat sponsorships, while international sportswear makers have restricted themselves to sponsoring apparel and footwear for cricketers.

Adidas, which will continue to supply cricket footwear and apparel to the Indian market, only sponsors footwear and apparel for cricketers Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant and Kuldeep Yadav. It stopped sponsoring Kohli last year, who subsequently struck a Rs 100 crore deal with sporting goods maker Puma, while cricketer KL Rahul, who used to play with Adidas branded willow, signed up with Puma too for footwear and apparel sponsorship and chose SS for his willow.

“It’s an ugly price war,” said MD of SS, Jatin Sareen. “First, these global companies overspend and push up the sponsorship limits and later when they realise that it’s not sustainable, they pull out.”

Managers of top cricketers too have started to look out for separate sponsorship deals for bats and other cricket equipment for their clients as two deals often prove to be more lucrative than one. For instance, Kohli may be weilding an MRF-branded willow but he sports footwear made by Puma.

“There are mainly two reasons why a company would cough up crores of rupees to sponsor a cricket bat,” said a senior executive at a global sportswear firm. “First, you would want people to buy that brand of bat and second, you would want to gain general visibility. The latter is why tyre companies spend huge amounts of money to sponsor bats. It doesn’t make economic sense for us to compete with them because we cannot sell that many bats in India.”

These sporting goods makers, however, continue to sell bats in markets such as UK and Australia. “In India, local companies undercut us,” said the manager of cricket category at a global sportswear firm. “As vendors, they charge us so much that the end product becomes too expensive. Moreover, they sell their own brands of bats cheaper.”

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[liveonlinematches]

Suranga Lakmal © AFP

Suranga Lakmal might not be a family title, however his soared thru social media developments as he rocked India at Eden Gardens at the first day of the primary Check of the three-match sequence between India and Sri Lanka. No longer many bowlers have figures of 6-6-Zero-Three in opposition to the top-ranked Check aspect, in any case. Dinesh Chandimal rightly put India in on a greenish pitch after intermittent rain not on time get started of play. Lakmal replied in the easiest way imaginable: he bowled within the hall and located overdue swing; and KL Rahul, fishing at it with out a lot conviction, edged it to the massive gloves of Niroshan Dickwella.

It was once the 3rd time wicket fell off the primary ball at Eden Gardens. Lakmal is in elite corporate, for the others to try this have been Andy Roberts (who were given Sudhir Naik in 1974-75) and Malcolm Marshall (Sunil Gavaskar, 1982-83). Lakmal additionally turned into the primary Sri Lankan and 5th bowler (after Richard Hadlee, Geoff Arnold, Kapil Dev, and Pedro Collins — who has completed this 3 times) to try this two times. No different Sri Lankan has completed this even as soon as. Here’s a entire checklist.

Bowler Group Batsman Group Venue Town Season Feedback Arthur Coningham Australia Archie MacLaren England MCG Melbourne 1894-95 First ball of Coningham’s occupation Bert Vogler South Africa Tom Hayward England The Oval London 1907 Maurice Tate England Warren Bardsley Australia Headingley Leeds 1926 Frederick Badcock New Zealand Herbert Sutcliffe England Lancaster Park Christchurch 1932-33 Ernie McCormick Australia Stan Worthington England The Gabba Brisbane 1936-37 Fazal Mahmood Pakistan Conrad Hunte West Indies Queen’s Park Oval Port-of-Spain 1957-58 Graham McKenzie Australia Eddie Barlow South Africa Kingsmead Durban 1966-67 Abid Ali India Roy Fredericks West Indies Queen’s Park Oval Port-of-Spain 1970-71 Richard Hadlee New Zealand Keith Stackpole Australia Eden Park Auckland 1973-74 Geoff Arnold England Sunil Gavaskar India Edgbaston Birmingham 1974 Andy Roberts West Indies Sudhir Naik India Eden Gardens Calcutta/Kolkata 1974-75 Geoff Arnold England John Morrison New Zealand Lancaster Park Christchurch 1974-75 Kapil Dev India Mohsin Khan Pakistan Gandhi Stadium Jalandhar 1982-83 First tournament at floor Malcolm Marshall West Indies Sunil Gavaskar India Eden Gardens Calcutta/Kolkata 1982-83 Imran Khan Pakistan Sunil Gavaskar India Sawai Mansingh Stadium Jaipur 1986-87 First tournament at floor Richard Hadlee New Zealand WV Raman India McLean Park Napier 1989-90 Kapil Dev India Jimmy Cook dinner South Africa Kingsmead Durban 1992-93 Cook dinner was once dealing with first ball of his occupation Curtly Ambrose West Indies Gary Kirsten South Africa Newlands Cape The city 1998-99 Glenn McGrath Australia Sanath Jayasuriya Sri Lanka Galle Global Stadium Galle 1999-00 Allan Donald South Africa Leon Garrick West Indies Sabina Park Kingston 2001 Garrick was once dealing with first ball of his occupation Mervyn Dillon West Indies SS Das India Kensington Oval Bridgetown 2002 Pedro Collins West Indies Hannan Sarkar Bangladesh Bangabandhu Dhaka 2002-03 Pedro Collins West Indies Hannan Sarkar Bangladesh Beausejour/Darren Sammy Gros Islet 2004 Pedro Collins West Indies Hannan Sarkar Bangladesh Sabina Park Kingston 2004 Mashrafe Mortaza Bangladesh Wasim Jaffer India ZACS Chittagong 2007 Ryan Sidebottom England Darren Ganga West Indies Riverside Park Chester-le-Side road 2007 Mohammad Aamer Pakistan Tim McIntosh New Zealand College Oval Dunedin 2009-10 Dale Steyn South Africa Andrew Strauss England New Wanderers Johannesburg 2009-10 Suranga Lakmal Sri Lanka Chris Gayle West Indies Pallekele Global Stadium Pallekele 2010-11 First tournament at floor Mitchell Starc Australia Dimuth Karunaratne Sri Lanka Galle Global Stadium Galle 2016 Suranga Lakmal Sri Lanka KL Rahul India Eden Gardens Calcutta/Kolkata 2017-18

Shikhar Dhawan went subsequent, ill-advisedly looking to hit on the upward push regardless of the motion and enjoying on. The avid gamers broke for tea as gentle deteriorated. As soon as play resumed, Lakmal struck Virat Kohli at the pads and Nigel Llong dominated him leg-before. Kohli’s overview went in useless as India have been left in tatters at 17 for three. They didn’t upload any other run until stumps.

Lakmal additionally turned into first bowler to pick out Three wickets with out conceding a run in his first six overs. Different earlier than him to reach one of these feat are Peter Martin vs South Africa in 1995, Darell Tuffy vs India in 2002 and Jerome Taylor in opposition to West Indies in 2015; all selecting 2 wickets every.

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http://ift.tt/2z6pwt3 Cricket News

[worldcup-news-blog]

Tim Paine Drops James Vince On Day 1 Of 1st Test, Twitterati Troll Wicketkeeper

New Post has been published on http://worldcupnews.info/tim-paine-drops-james-vince-on-day-1-of-1st-test-twitterati-troll-wicketkeeper/

Tim Paine Drops James Vince On Day 1 Of 1st Test, Twitterati Troll Wicketkeeper

#Ashes #ChampionsLeague

Tim Paine’s inclusion in the Australia squad for the first two Ashes Tests caused a massive uproar with the Australian media and former cricketers slamming some of the selections. Paine, who was once on the brink of retirement over a serious finger fracture, was preferred to Matthew Wade and Peter Nevill for his first Test match since October 2010. As luck would have it, the spotlight immediately fell on the 32-year-old when he dropped England batsman James Vince on Day 1 of the 1st Ashes Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.

With England 121 for one and Vince batting on 68, Paine put down a regulation catch off the bowling of spinner Nathan Lyon. Luckily for Paine, Lyon took matters into his own hands and produced a brilliant run out to dismiss Vince on 83.

Paine puts down the chance with Vince on 68. Lyon the bowler… https://t.co/P6sH6ROa7L #Ashes pic.twitter.com/bBPuFUDrDJ

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) November 23, 2017

Paine’s mistake didn’t cause Australia too damage but it was enough for fans on Twitter to start trolling the wicketkeeper and questioning Australia’s selection.

Maybe Nathan Lyon was right about ending careers but I don’t think he meant Tim Paine’s #whoops #Ashes

— Kevin Adams (@AshesVictory) November 23, 2017

I feel sick for Tim Paine right now.

— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_M_FOX) November 23, 2017

Tim Paine best keeper in Australia…. Kamran Akmal wouldn’t have dropped that when he was on the take. #BringBackNev #AUSvENG

— Al van Aanholt (@alexvanaanholt) November 23, 2017

Tim Paine not having a good day with the gloves, at this rate Peter handscombe might have to replace.#Ashes

— SS Quinn jin 7 (@7bre7ndo7) November 23, 2017

If Tim Paine drops another catch ill spew up!

— Socks Up Frenchyson (@oscardevereaux) November 23, 2017

When you watch Tim Paine keep, you appreciate Saha even more.

— avijit ghosh (@cinemawaleghosh) November 23, 2017

Poor old Tim Paine was always going to drop a sitter. Should have put money on it. #TheAshes #Ashes

— Richard Branson (@DickBranson) November 23, 2017

Paine was handed a shock recall after a seven-year Test absence and comes into the 13-man squad along with batsmen Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh.

The selections were described as ‘bombshells’ in Australian press, while former Test bowler Stuart MacGill called the selectors ‘morons’.

“Ashes selections…. made by morons mascarading (sic) as mentors. Times (sic) up gents,” MacGill had tweeted.

Shane Warne too had questioned the inclusion of Paine in the Australia squad, saying that Australia were in a state of confusion heading into the series.

“At the moment, where the biggest shift has come over the last few years is they don’t fear Australia anymore,” Warne had told reporters.

“England no longer fear Australia and haven’t for a long time and hence that’s why they can beat Australia.

“England, I think at the moment, are just going along nicely. They’re just doing their business.

“Australia look confused. They’re picking wicketkeepers that aren’t even keeping for their state.

“To me, I think England are in a better situation going into that first Test match than what Australia are,” Warne said.

[wizsports4au]

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[wizsports4au]

Elevate Your Cricket Experience with High-Quality Kit Bags | Wiz Sports Shop the latest cricket kit bags at Wiz Sports, featuring brands like MRF, DSC, and Gray-Nicolls. Unleash your game with stylish and functional bags. Limited stock, so grab yours now!

[wizsports4au]

Harrow Sports Gear: Quality Equipment for Aussie Athletes | Wiz Sports Explore our collection of Harrow cricket bats at Wiz Sports. Find English willow bats, junior options, and more. Shop now for top brands like SS, MRF, and Ton.

[wizsports4au]

How to Buy a CA Cricket Bat that Can Make You Play the Game Reassuringly If you are a professional cricket player and want to play reassuringly for your team, then buy a CA cricket bat without any second thought. With this, you will be comfortable playing your game and most probably win the game.

[wizsports4au]

How to Buy a CA Cricket Bat that Can Make You Play the Game Reassuringly

When you are going to play a cricket game, your spectators have great expectations from you. So, you need to play the game confidently so that you score maximum runs to contribute to your team so that it can win and feel proud of you. However, it is difficult to predict whether your team will win the game or your opponent’s team. But if you play the game reassuringly, it is predictable that the ball will be in your court.

Do you know how you can play the cricket game assumingly? Apart from your confidence, the gaming tools you use play an indispensable role. And CA cricket bat is one of them. So, you should be choosy about it.

While Buying a New Cricket Bat, You Should Consider the Following Factors:

Model

First and foremost, you should consider the model of cricket bat that appropriately fits your style. Different professionals choose different bats according to their needs. If you are going to play a professional game, then you should choose a professional cricket bat, which is suitable for professional games. CA 15000 plus is one such bat you can choose for your professional game. It is made up of high-quality English Willow, has a lightweight and superb pickup, and weighs 3 lb. When it comes to its features, it has 6+ grains A grade willow and 3D Hologram stickers. In addition, it has Glass Protek technology and is equipped with a designer bag. The best thing about it is that it is endorsed by international cricket players.

Size

If you are a budding cricketer, you should consider this factor seriously. Remember that your bat should not be heavy or too long.

Weight

When choosing a bat, you should prefer a lighter bat to a heavier bat. Bear in mind that a heavy bat can affect your performance. The ideal weight is around 2'8–2'10 oz.

At Wiz Sports, we offer various types of CA cricket bats at affordable prices. We have shipping and return and refund policies for our clients. Once you place your order, we will try to deliver it at the earliest possible time at your door.

Briefly Put!

If you are a professional cricket player and want to play reassuringly for your team, then buy a CA cricket bat without any second thought. With this, you will be comfortable playing your game and most probably win the game.

[wizsports4au]

Top Cricket Brands: Adidas, Puma, SG & More - Quality Gear for Every Cricketer | Wiz Sports Explore Wiz Sports' diverse range of top-quality cricket gear from leading brands like Adidas, Asics, Gray-Nicolls, Kookaburra, and more. Find the perfect match for your game. Shop now for the best in cricket equipment.