#Special Effects Rental

[myeventstore]

Behind the Scenes: Planning a Themed Party

Discover how to plan a themed party with our comprehensive guide. Explore the best themed party ideas, and tips for event lighting rental UAE, and audio-visual rental Dubai.

Introduction

Planning a themed party can be an exciting yet challenging task. Whether it's a New Year's celebration, a birthday bash, or a corporate event, a themed party adds an extra layer of fun and creativity. In the UAE, where events are celebrated with grandeur and flair, knowing how to plan a themed party is essential. This blog post will take you behind the scenes of themed party planning, offering insights, tips, and the best themed party ideas to make your event unforgettable.

Choosing the Perfect Theme

Selecting a theme is the first and most crucial step in planning a themed party. Here are some top themed party ideas to consider:

Hollywood Glamour

Roll out the red carpet and let your guests feel like stars.

Use gold, black, and red color schemes.

Set up photo booths with props for a true Hollywood experience.

Tropical Luau

Transform your venue into a tropical paradise with palm trees and leis.

Serve tropical cocktails and Hawaiian cuisine.

Play island music to set the mood.

Masquerade Ball

Encourage guests to wear masks and elegant attire.

Use dim lighting and candles for a mysterious ambiance.

Plan for a grand reveal at midnight.

Retro 80s

Bright neon colors, big hair, and classic 80s music.

Decorate with vinyl records and cassette tapes.

Consider a dance-off to iconic 80s hits.

Planning and Organization

To successfully plan a themed party, organization is key. Here are the steps you should follow:

Budgeting

Determine your budget early on.

Allocate funds for decorations, entertainment, catering, and rentals.

Venue Selection

Choose a venue that fits your theme and guest list size.

Ensure the venue has the necessary facilities and accessibility.

Invitations

Design invitations that reflect your theme.

Opt for digital invitations to save on costs and reduce waste.

Event Lighting Rental UAE: Setting the Mood

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the perfect ambiance for your themed party. Consider these options:

Best Lights on Rental in Dubai

From fairy lights to spotlights, the right lighting can transform your venue.

Use color-changing lights to match your theme.

Sparkulars and Special Effects Rental

Add sparkulars for a dramatic effect.

Consider a dry ice machine fog for a mystical atmosphere.

LED Screen Rental in Dubai

Use LED screens to display themed visuals or event highlights.

Great for interactive elements like video montages or live social media feeds.

Audio Visual Rental Dubai: Enhancing the Experience

A high-quality audiovisual setup ensures your party runs smoothly and entertains your guests:

Sound System Rental Dubai

Ensure clear audio for music, speeches, and announcements.

Consider a mixer like the Yamaha MG124CX for seamless sound control.

Extron HDMI Splitter

Useful for events requiring multiple displays, maintaining high-quality visuals.

Best AV Rental Company in Dubai

Partner with a reputable company for reliable service and high-quality equipment.

Entertainment and Music

Music and entertainment are at the heart of any themed party:

Live Performances

Consider hiring a band or a DJ from a reputable disc jockey store.

Use instruments like the Greg Bennett Guitar Avion or an electronic drum set for live performances.

Playlists and Music Themes

Curate playlists that fit your theme.

For a New Year theme, consider a countdown with special effects.

Catering and Beverages

Food and drinks should complement your theme:

Themed Menus

Design a menu that reflects your theme, such as Hawaiian dishes for a luau.

Offer signature cocktails that match your theme's colors and flavors.

Presentation

Use decorative tableware and serving dishes.

Consider interactive food stations for added entertainment.

FAQs

How do I choose a theme for my party?

Consider your interests, the occasion, and your guest list. Popular themes include Hollywood glamour, tropical luau, and masquerade ball.

What is essential for setting the mood at a themed party?

Key elements include the right lighting, such as event lighting rental UAE, and appropriate decorations that match your theme.

How can I ensure high-quality audio and visuals for my party?

Use professional audio-visual rental services in Dubai. Ensure you have a reliable sound system, mixers, and LED screens.

What are some unique entertainment ideas for themed parties?

Consider live music performances, DJ services, and interactive activities like photo booths or dance-offs.

How can I make my party eco-friendly?

Opt for digital invitations, reusable decorations, and locally sourced food. Partner with companies that offer sustainable rental options.

What are the benefits of hiring a professional AV rental company?

Professional AV rental companies provide high-quality equipment, technical support, and ensure your event runs smoothly.

Conclusion

Planning a themed party requires creativity, organization, and attention to detail. By following these tips and incorporating the best themed party ideas, you can create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Utilize the top services for event lighting rental in UAE and audio-visual rental in Dubai to enhance your event. Whether it's a retro 80s bash or a glamorous Hollywood night, make sure your themed party stands out and leaves a lasting impression.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

It looks like an ordinary 2014 suburban tract house in a Davenport, FL subdivision, but it's not. It's the 8bd, 5ba, 3,909 sq ft "Once Upon A Castle" Airbnb. It comes fully furnished and includes special effects totaling $200k. Asking price is $849k + $504mo. HOA. I know that they spent a lot on the decor, but it's missing something. Take a look around.

The entrance foyer.

This is an interactive screen. The guests have to hunt for the hidden audio stories in each room.

And, this is the castle-themed living/dining room. So, It's looking like a regular home, here.

And, here's the kitchen. The main living area is an open concept floorplan.

Because it's an Airbnb, the bedrooms are the stars of the show. This one has a custom made castle bed with Rapunzel's hair hanging down the tower.

And, this is known as the Catapult Room.

They've got little tchotchkes around that're included in the sale.

The Hogwarts Library, or maybe Belle's Library?

Cinderella's coach bed.

The bathrooms are just bathrooms.

Ex Calibre, Sword in the Stone bed.

Cinderella?

This room has a matching bath with pots and pans on the wall.

Under the Sea game room.

Home theater.

This bath is also embellished a little.

You get several full-size knights.

The throne room.

This shower room has a little decor.

The Frozen room.

The primary bedroom has an ensuite.

Covered patio and glass-enclosed pool.

I mean, this was an odd place to put an Airbnb, in a development of rows of homes w/no land to speak of. 6,098 sq ft lot. I'm surprised that the HOA allows short term rentals.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1430-Thunderbird-Rd-Davenport-FL-33896/123034182_zpid/

[nellynee]

Dear Hazbin Hotel Fandom (with special note for reader insert fic writers at bottom)

Been thinking about Hazbin and like, economy, and infrastructure, and fucking culture in hell. And I like to imagine that earth is like, modern age if not a bit further into the future, and Hell is just so far behind

And I see most writers attribute this to old powers that be more or less forcing people to adhere to their affections, but I feel like it's so much more complex than that.

Like if there's any kind of infrastructure in place, like say, oh IDK utilities, that infrastructure in modern times relies very heavily on established modern infrastructure built before it, and a certain degree of cultural niceties to leave it alone, as well as all the means in terms of sourcing labor, resources, and cold hard cash for its construction and continued upkeep.

Which is near impossible in a place like hell. A place where at least once a year, the ritual killing of the masses leads to huge turf wars set to destroy said infrastructure. In such a every man for himself society, who's making sure these roads aren't full of potholes and the lights stay on?

Which leads to a very easy answer, Overlords. This is why Overlords own millions of souls. It's the expected currency for stability. Overlords oversee a certain degree of infrastructure, normalization of life. Depending on your deal, Overlords might guarantee a base degree of normalcy in exchange for souls. Like you might get better rental opportunities in areas where the buildings aren't likely to be torn down regularly. You get running water and electricity, books and other entertainment, access to better food, security during large scale danger events (including the exterminations) ect. And refusing to sell your soul could severely limit opportunities. Imagine if everyone is born into poverty, and you are only allowed the chance to access middle class jobs, houses, ect if you cut off a finger. Everyone does it, you aren't using it anyways, and your life gets significantly easier if you do....

But yeah I think people who write for the fandom are seriously understating the actual affects the lack of a central government probably has on the different areas of the city, and what it actually means to be an Overlord, and why things work the way they do.

Like I am 1000% sure there's no mail in hell. Like mailmen and carriers and an organization system. Unless an Overlord was particularly invested in it... No I think for a very long time long distance communication took place through hired help. People specifically paid for or in one's employ to carry personal missives on an immediate basis as needed. Delivery men. This is why Vox's electronics are such a hit. It provides a degree of luxury unknown to the masses before this; or known of and since lost and have nostalgia for.

I also firmly believe that this is still how Overlords and influentials communicate. Vox's infrastructure is convenient, but it would require seceeding a degree of independence powerful people can't afford to give up. You can order one of your souls to take a message and others to protect them, but to use a phone is to put your communication network in the hands of someone else, and a potential enemy at that.

Lack of infrastructure aside, I also don't want to understate the effects of only a certain percentage of the populace being present has. 100% of the people dropping into hell can know what a blender is, but if not a single souls who drops down knows how one works, then hell just straight up doesn't have blenders. Which is another factor into a lot of the lingering old timey feel of Hell. Technology has to be invented on earth, then become popularized enough that the knowledge of its creation beats out the numbers dropping into hell and it can be made. Not to mention someone has to be interested enough to let it be made in the first place. This is why some Overlords center around such singular niches. They were passionate enough to teach themselves in life the knowledge needed to build that particular luxury from scratch. Even if it had been decades since development in earth, the knowledge just doesn't migrate well.

I also imagine this having a huge impact on the entertainment industry. Lots of writers go on about old songs but not one has the guts to claim an artists is in hell and still making their art in hell

Can you imagine the cutthroat industry developed around having to claw your way up through hundreds of years of new music and nostalgia when your own fan base is still mostly on earth and the other artists have had centuries or decades to establish themselves?

Which brings me to my last and most important point..... Shoes. Well, shoes and clothing, and mass production.

It just ain't fucking happening in Hell.

One, in sure the Pride ring is getting some of their commerce from other rings. I'm talking consumables. Textiles and food. This is also a city spanning millions of people, and what hydroponics isn't used to grow pot is probably being sponsored by Overlords to grow produce for their souls. Which means some production but not nearly enough to feed the city. Which means food probably looks like a large majority of people eating hell based produce from outside the ring, with dedicated smuggling rings (like what we see with IMP, travelers who bring earth commerce home, I'm guessing Lust ring Incu/Sucubi looking for side gigs) bringing back seeds, cuttings, and cultural touchstones like movies, books, and music to be mass copied and distributed. Those living in certain areas or with the right amount of cash can pay for produce grown from that smuggled earth produce.

Meat is predominantly hell born in nature, probably produced from Wrath, and Sloth's oceans, with an uncomfortably large supplemental of cannibalistic meat being corpses harvested by street folk and sold to butchers for cheap, cooked and sold Sweeney Todd style. I do think Cannibalism is far more widespread and normalized than most are comfortable thinking, for practical reasons. There are just so many dedicated cannibals in the colony alone...look, there is neither space for cows nor a means to get them down there.

In any case, clothing.

This is a huge pet peeve for me in fics because I don't think anyone really thinks this one through, the sheer volume of the fashion industry in its infrastructure and how much of that Hell is lacking

Not to even mention that everyone is hell is shaped weird. Head to toe. Weird bodies all the time. Everywhere.

I just don't think mass produced clothing is a thing. Or at least nearly a refined as earth. Off the rack shit is probably very plain, and very vaguely shaped. Lots of missing sleeves, wide arm holes, drawstrings and buttons. The bare minimum. The cloth equivalent of fig leaves. Pride based clothing outlets, if there is any mass production, probably base their shapes a lot of Imps and Hellhounds and mostly humanoid with four limb, just to have a consistent customer base and hope they get lucky with hellborn. You probably have to pay to have a pattern made for your body and then have basic shit seen up from there or learn to do it yourself. Lots of people earning side cash sewing garbage clothes for cheap. Dudes with a bunch of ink and a screen printing custom graphic tees from their apartment making bank.

And don't even get me started on shoes. Most people have hooves or paws, and if they don't have that, there's a sizable chance they won't even have feet. There just isn't mass produced shoes. There physically can't be. There is no consistency in size. It is literally not possible.

All to say, sewing is probably a pretty valuable skill to have. Tailors and cobblers are probably both valued jobs and incredibly necessary. It's also probably pretty damn expensive. Which is actually why we don't see a lot of shoes, and why some folks are strange about clothes. It's just not practical anymore. And it's wildly expensive. Why go through the bother of getting a tailor or cobbler to make time and then get charged through the nose for something that might get destroyed or stolen soon anyways?

Which brings me to my special comment

Dear Reader insert writers. Specifically the Reader/Alastor crew, but this is pretty blanket

Unless your OC, or the clothing, is a very specific shape, Angel is not loaning your OC nothing in terms of textiles. Think real hard about whether your OC's feet will fit into one of his custom made boots... Really think about it. The love is there, but it's Hell. Let your OC struggle with everything. They can't get housing because everywhere outside an Overlord's domain is full and they can't rent without trading their soul to an overlord. They have trouble finding non human meat or palatable produce or even coffee. Their clothes are coming apart at the seams and laundry mats don't exist. Its hell, it's hard, and it's not made for them. If Angel ends them anything, it's gonna fit like a nightmare or be secondhand from another hooker and look like it. And it's going to be expensive AF

This is especially for you Alastor shippers. Textiles work a lot closer to how it functioned in his time than ours. In fact it probably functions closer to Rosie's time than his. And something I need you to remember is courting etiquette. Because I often see this overlooked. The best example I have for this is the song "baby it's cold outside", which viewed through the modern lense sounds like a creepy preamble to that poor woman being accosted, but in the lense of the time period it was written, is seen a feminine strong song, a woman using the tools available of her time to openly flirt and accept an offer to stay overnight. And while most people remember that Al comes from a time where gifting is used to show affection, I don't think they remember why that is. Like yes, there can be, and probably should be, a certain degree of possessiveness involved, given where we are and who we are talking about. But we must remember that this was a time period before women could divorce their husbands in the US. These gifts had social meaning. Women couldn't own property, were discouraged from jobs after settling down, and just didn't have the means to care for themselves. Expensive clothing and jewels were a statement. It told the community that the husband could, and did, provide for his wife financially. It gave the woman tangible items that, if properly cared for, would provide her with capital enough that should her husband die before her, he could be her only husband, that she wouldn't be forced to remarry. It a statement of of societal expectation, but also of how much he cared for her well being. And this is an aspect I see missing from Alastor's commentary. Yes there is a magical aspect of protection often employed, but he doesn't lavish his beau with Fur coats and hand crafted hats with obnoxiously bejeweled pins and easily displayed but hard to care for items that are as much a declaration of love in value as they are in attention. The closest I've ever seen is the fics by corruptedteacups, in which the flapper set gifted to the MC is described just as much in its beauty as the sheer quality of the fabric and beading involved. It feels substantial and expensive.

Just a small fandom peeve of mine, but some desperately needed context and depth I hope people think on.

[sugar-omi]

Oh gosh, now yan!Cove was mentioned on this blob, might I swoop in to further yan olba agenda by mentioning Baxter? (Bae-xter, anyone? Ahah) Like, *sure*, he leaves. But in step 4 his apartment is decorated basically to copy Sunset Bird rental home--who does that? He was there 3 months tops! He's also eaten away by guilt for 5 years even if you're just friends in the playthrough-- and if you date? He can fall in enduring *LOVE* in those 3 months!! That's hella Intense.

Perhaps yan!Baxter is on the more self-aware side, removing himself from u initially not just due to all his issues, but also an effort at protecting you. Poor sweet little martyr. Although one could say he's protecting himself. Most futile of him. There's no lover after or before you to rival your effect on him--no, there's no such *person*. Baxter's happiness is defined by your name. You fulfill him. His life it nothing but absence carved in your shape.

Could he survive being haunted by your memory forever? Who's to say. But he's certainly fated to loose himself fast once you re-appear in the flesh.

"his life is nothing but absence carved in your shape." A POET!!!! apologies for the late response but ive been reeling over this for DAYS. THIS IS SUCH A LINE......

but god... self aware yandere baxter who knows his obsession is unhealthy. he fills up his lonely life with shiny things, trips, and lovers to temporarily fill the hole and yet when he meets you. oh god.. he's hooked.

you're so beautiful, a special charm that comes with a small town local with a brilliant smile and caring nature.

he knows his love is like blood on white carpet. but even though he knows that he goes and falls for you anyway... you may not even return his feelings, you may even love someone else. but god if he doesn't center his life around you.

he remembers what your room looks like, the stuffed animals you had in the corner and the recovering fern on your windowsill, tucked in the corner carefully so that cove could come through your window...

his heart clenched painfully when you mention him.

he wants you to look at him and only him. he wants you to call his name in your sweet, attractive voice and look at him with those piercing eyes.

baxter looks at you and he sees heaven, he sees his future and his life and his end in your eyes and he is done for.

he wishes you would beg him to stay, to pull open his chest and see all the nasty stuff inside of him, filth and worms and darkness crawling around and reaching out from the cruelest part of his soul and you still ask him to stay.

you ask him to pull your body into his until your skin is flushed and your hearts beat at the same time and pace, that your breathing is shared and your world is blank when the other is outside of it.

he wants you to beg him, tell him, urge him to taint you.

put it in the most romantic words that only the sick but brilliant edgar allen poe could write, pull his darkness from his chest and cradle it..

but he knows that his obsession is too intense. it's too much.

because now, even though he hasn't heard a word from you in years-- a consequence of his actions, but if you knew.. if you knew why you'd talk to him still right? you wouldn't be mad because you know he did it for you.. right?

but furniture similar to the townhouse covers every inch of his home and your little gifts sit near his bed for him to gaze upon when he goes to sleep.

he has any and all little mementos of you.

he needs to fill up the empty space you've left in him... he knows he pushed you away, but he can still crave you, right? you don't mind that he has your picture on his shelf and that he kisses it goodnight when he's a little too drunk and indulges himself in dreams of you?

when you finally meet again though... god, everything breaks.

his sham of being put together and fine falls apart faster than wet tissue. he has been at the brink of snapping since he left you, his yearning increasing day by day, minute by minute in fact.

and even though you're looking at him with a mix of pure anger and sadness, he doesn't care, he loves it. he loves you.

your angry tone.. god he's never heard anything so beautiful in his life, and when you spit venom at him about breaking your heart and betraying your trust.. he knows he should feel bad, and he does, but he wants to kiss your feet and beg you for forgiveness and be allowed to serve you.

he wants to give you everything, he doesn't want to leave you ever again and he promises that he'll be good, he'll do better and he'll never hurt you and he will worship every step you take for the rest of your life if you just let him by your side.

even if you stay angry at him, he'll love that too. he'll take anything you have to give if you just give it to him and him alone.

and even though he promises to love you and take care of you (his normal way of saying he's going to worship you)... it's less like you are his god and he is your loyal servant, your beloved and treasured follower and more like you are his prisoner.

he treasures you hard, and deeply. he tries to hide the intensity of his feelings, he tries to be calm.. he knows that his jealousy and possession- his obsession. is wrong. it's sick and cruel and he is sick but he is also in love and what is more important than loving you?

you can start to hate him, you can start to find his habits and "treasures" creepy and/or concerning, you can try to talk to him and eventually snap and yell at him to let you go. to leave you alone. to stop being such a fucking werido! to stop being a stalker!

but he doesn't care, and he only reels when you slap him, caging you in his arms and inhaling your scent... he loves you so much.. everything you do, everything you are, everything about you he loves.

he loves his times with you, always recreating the memories, making new ones and even though he loves you like a believer giving an offering, he loves you like a cat loves a mouse.

you are his for his greedy heart to feast on, you are his beloved who loves him so kindly and gently, so wholly...

he can't let your time together go. he can't let you go.

not again... he'll never let go again. so stop asking him to let go, even an inch is too much. he has to give you his all, his everything... his heart, body, and soul is yours and he intends to give you every breath his takes if you just let him.

[beardedmrbean]

A restaurant partially owned by California Governor Gavin Newsom is recruiting for a $16-per-hour role, despite a new state law guaranteeing a minimum wage of $20 per hour for fast-food workers. The restaurant appears not to meet the threshold for the new minimum wage, a law that Newsom himself signed to much fanfare in September.

The Context

On April 1, the new law guaranteeing a minimum wage of $20 per hour for fast-food workers employed in large chains took effect across California, up from the previous minimum of $16.

The law was passed by Democrats in the state legislature last year but has come under fire from some Republicans who claim it will cost jobs. A wage of $20 per hour for a full-time worker results in an annual salary of $41,600.

The new law applies to those restaurants that are part of a chain of 60 or more venues nationwide and which offer limited or no table service.

What We Know

PlumpJack Café in Olympic Valley, California, is seeking a part-time busser to "assist the food server in the restaurant to ensure guest satisfaction during all aspects of the dining experience."

The advert, placed on job posting website ZipRecruiter, says that the employee will be paid $16 per hour and their duties will include clearing dishes from tables, the preparation of caffeinated drinks and decorating tables prior to customer arrival.

The café is owned by the PlumpJack Group, a company founded by Newsom which specializes in wine and high-end dining. Its website says that PlumpJack Group operates four bars or restaurants, placing it well below the threshold for the $20 per hour minimum wage to take effect.

Newsom placed his ownership interests in the PlumpJack Group into a blind trust in 2018, and has had no day-to-day involvement in the running of the company since assuming office in January 2019.

Newsweek has contacted Newsom and the PlumpJack Group for comment outside of normal working hours.

The official PlumpJack Group website states: "In 1992, Gavin Newsom opened his first business, PlumpJack Wines, combining his passion for wine and his driving entrepreneurial spirit.

"Over the next decade, the PlumpJack Group began to grow under his leadership to include many of the restaurants, wineries, and retail establishments in the current portfolio."

Views

Republican State Assembly member Joe Patterson shared screenshots of the PlumpJack Café, PlumpJack Group website referring to Newsom as its founder and the rental cost of two properties in the area on X, formerly Twitter.

He added: "I wonder why @CAgovernor @GavinNewson's food businesses don't pay $20/hour? Live job posting at $16/hr in Olympic Valley. It's very, very expensive to live there... but he doesn't do as he tells others and doesn't pay a living wage."

The increased minimum wage for fast-food workers more generally has been criticized by some Republicans who warn it will reduce the number of jobs.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Rep. Doug LaMalfa from California said: "As if prices in California aren't high enough. Fast food prices are already rising, and employees are being replaced by self-checkout kiosks and soon robot cooks.

"Nearly everyone will be worse off: higher prices, fewer jobs, fewer eating options as places close, and fewer small businesses. Ultimately this new $20 minimum wage will affect nearly every job, with similar results."

In an earnings call at the end of October, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said that "there is going to be a wage impact for our California franchisees," which he added would have to be partially "worked through with higher pricing."

In February, Newsom denied a report by Bloomberg News that he pushed for a separate exception to the new minimum wage law that benefits a campaign donor. The law exempts restaurants that have on-site bakeries and sell bread as a standalone menu item.

As a result, Greg Flynn, a billionaire and Newsom donor, could save hundreds of thousands of dollars at his Panera Bread outlets in California, according to Bloomberg.

A spokesman denied any connection, saying: "This story is absurd."

In January, a baseline minimum wage of $16 came into effect across California.

[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 17/05/2024

Athletic Doctor

Season 1 Featured on: GilvaSunner's Highest Quality Video Game Rips: Volume 1 Also on: SiIvaGunner: Starter Kit & Essentials

Ripped by Psynwav

ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL!!

I haven't slept in so long...I forgot what dreams were like.

Honestly - what better way could there be for me to celebrate the 365th main post on the blog, than to be fashionably late by a whole weekend? It's unfortunate, but...oddly befitting, really. Back when I was first starting out with the blog, I actually forgot about posting daily for a solid two weeks - and so, some old-ass posts like Chillin’ Like A Villain and (YTPMV) Bob​-​Omb Battlesources were made in quite a hurry retroactively. Nevertheless, it was on May 17th 2023, over on my main blog @melblur, that I suddenly decided that I wanted to write about one SiIvaGunner rip a day just for fun. After File Select Fusion Collab, I realized that it made more sense just to put these on their own blog, and with Snowball Park - Super Mario 3D World I moved everything onto here. It's all been a bit of a bumpy ride, is my point. But today, I've reached the big milestone that I was originally aiming for all the way back with Running Through Cookie Country - a year's worth of almost-always-daily posts on the weird and wonderful world of SiIvaGunner. And what better rip to discuss alongside this milestone than the channel's biggest hit, the milestone rip to stand above all others: Season 1's Athletic Doctor.

Now, I've been following SiIvaGunner since some of the earliest moments of Season 1, following along with the initial GiIvaSunner termination, the entire Reboot saga discussed in I Saw a Brainwasher Today, the Mashup Crusaders arc of Mr. Rental [B Side] ~ Out of Options, the channel ending of Epic Flintstones... Basically, I was there for just about the entire initial 9-month run, and have with but one Season's worth of an exception (Season 5) been following the channel damn near obsessively since. The point is that, through this, I have been able to follow the channel's most popular videos chart up and down with each passing month: I recall, for instance, how Nintendo GameCube Startup - Console/BIOS Music soared past all other rips back in the day and stayed on top for five month's time. That was, of course, before finally being surpassed by we are number one but with outdated memes over it and subsequently helping kickstart the entire We Are Number One meme trend (funny enough - you can actually find a youtube comment left by me on the rip in late December 2016/early 2017 expressing mild annoyance over the rip's popularity...). Athletic Doctor in comparison was of course always popular, but it took a while to truly climb its way up there - it was in the top ten, then top five, always rising, bubbling in the background. Eventually, starting with Season 3's premiere, the team decided to just make the rip the trailer for the channel for new viewers - where it still sits today, now as the far-and-away most popular rip on the channel.

I feel like the reason the rip became used as the defacto channel trailer, the reason it keeps being referenced in videos demonstrating what SiIvaGunner is all about, is pretty obvious. I've talked a lot in posts like Live and Ooooooooooooooh about how outright *effective* many of Season 1's rips were, and Athletic Doctor is the most prime example of that imaginable - it is a damn near pitch perfect joke executed shockingly well for the time of its upload in the channel's history. EVERYONE knows the music to Super Mario World, either through its usage in the game itself in the 90s, its appearances in games like Super Smash Bros. Melee in the 2000s and Super Mario Galaxy 2 in the 2010s - or just through sheer overexposure to it in just about any era of gaming YouTube. The game's soundtrack is the perfect blend of being immediately recognizable and incredibly easy to hum along to given the entire game basically only has three or so melodies, relying on its central leitmotif to a degree bordering on parody. Likewise as well, EVERYBODY knows Witch Doctor, either through excessive radio play, being a big hit with Alvin & the Chipmunks...or the 2007 Live Action Alvin & the Chipmunks movie that I myself grew up with, it's the kind of vaguely obnoxious (also arguably quite racist) nonsense novelty music that's incredibly appealing to young kids, the same way something like Crazy Frog or its ilk was in the 2000s as well.

Put simply, Athletic Doctor was a match made in heaven - and the joke is pulled off so expertly that it feels redundant to put into words. The Athletic Theme intro is iconic enough to where you're led into a false sense of security right off the bat, the melody swap is subtle enough as to not immediately be noticeable, making the moment you notice it even more noteworthy - only for the track's second loop to become a full-on mashup with the Witch Doctor track. Absolutely perfect escalation, just the right amount of buildup - but most importantly, it ends up actually sounding really good! The joke's great to be sure, very much like Live and Ooooooooooooooh - but I feel like the core reason why Athletic Doctor has continued to endure for so long on the channel, why it keeps getting remixed and referenced and paid tribute to on so many instances, is because it's just a genuinely good listen once the joke sets in. In other words, it is the purest distillation of SiIvaGunner's appeal - a joke so simple, yet pulled off with a magical appeal that remains even all these years later.

Through running this blog, it's that very specific appeal that I've wanted to try and encapsulate with the rips I cover, with what I write about them, to uncover that elusive magic of this dumb shitpost channel. Joel's big Grand Dad reaction that kicked the channel off is a good bit, to be sure, but its not a bit that could've lasted eight years and counting: In its earliest days, its easy to see how the channel could've just become naught but a novelty and fallen off the face off the earth once interest in it died. Yet through each year of the channel's life, with every Season that passes, it's evolved and adapted. Be it the spontaneous chaos of Season 1, the building storyline of Season 2, the mystery and nostalgia of Season 3, the sheer talent on display in the King for Another Day Tournament in Season 4 Episode 1 and the sheer joy of celebration found in Season 4 Episode 2, the whimsical experimentation of Season 5, the sudden introspection and moodiness of Season 6, the pure adoration and love for everything the channel stands for in Season 7, and the ongoing pure silliness of Season 8 - each period of this channel feels as if it's growing in a new direction, never content sitting in one place for too long - and yet the appeal of a rip like Athletic Doctor remains oh so core to the entire SiIvaGunner experience. The experience of which I've made my best effort to cover across all 365 posts on this blog. To show everyone the layers in which this channel goes in.

That's what I've been wanting to show you... but now, before I end this post, I want to briefly talk about what you've shown *me*. I know its a cliché thing to say, but really - it warms my heart EVERY time I receive messages about the blog. This all began as just a way for me to practice my writing ability, but suddenly I was having the actual rippers - the names that I'd admire from my MP3 player but hardly ever considered able to actually interact with - messaging me in private to express how happy my posts made them...not to mention the people in SiIvaCord discussing rips with me, digging into my writing, sharing anecdotes I'd never heard of, and everyone who requested rips genuinely eager to see what I had to write about them...like, again, its the biggest cliché on the planet, and I know this blog really isn't all *that* big in the grand scheme of things - but I never expected to even get more than five people actually engaging with what I post? To everyone, and ESPECIALLY to the silent majority reading my posts without a Tumblr account, the ones engaging from a distance - thank you SO much for validating all that I've done on here.

Now, there's still plenty of posts I have left in me, plenty of ones already in the drafts and unfulfilled requests well in the dozens. But like...tons has happened since when this all started 12 months ago. I got a summer job! I'm wrapping up what's hopefully my final three school courses! I've started listening to so much new music, expanding my music tastes, in huge part thanks to all the digging this blog has made me do! And, of course, getting to be this open about what's likely my absolute weirdest special interest has honestly made me feel more confident in myself as a person, made me a more outgoing individual in general. And so, to get all of my ducks in a row, to help straighten things out for a bit...I'm going to take a break from regular posting on here. I'm aiming for it to be no longer than a month's time - again, I have much I still wish to write about!! - but you'll of course still see me reblogging fanart and other such things on here just from using Tumblr casually. And hey - if you haven't already, I recommend you take the time to go scavenging through The Archive for daily posts that you might have missed! Having a blog with so much writing on it, so many posts, so much to discover for readers old and new...In a way, I've basically made it so that navigating the blog feels just like navigating the vast seas of the SiIvaGunner channel itself. And isn't that just the most fitting way to leave it all on - an ocean of posts, waiting for you to uncover them?

THAT SIIVAGUNNER TUMBLR BLOG WILL RETURN IN SEASON 2

[morlock-holmes]

Was talking with coworkers about the evils of AirBNB and I really don't get how people think about housing.

It started out in the context of Lahaina, and at least there there are some special circumstances, islands have limited room to grow and particularly with a fire that effects mostly renters you have a risk of essentially pushing everybody out and repricing the city through the mechanism of spectacular destructive negligence.

But then someone brought up Nashville turning against AirBNBs and like... Did Tenessee run out of land while I wasn't looking?

"Nashville isn't a big tourist location, we should increase the expense and inconvenience of tourism to shore up the local economy"

Yeah, makes sense.

Like, okay, you buy a beach house and use it as an Airbnb, it's not on the market as a rental.

So we make Airbnb's illegal, okay, you just charge exhorbitant rents and I'm still not living there.

Well, we make it illegal for rental properties to remain unoccupied for any length of time.

Okay, now they sell that beach house to a millionaire who wants to live there and I still don't live there.

I genuinely don't understand why the AirBNB should piss me off more than the guy who paid more for his house than I can afford, I don't live in either place.

Apparently the response to high demand for housing is to make it illegal to meet some of that demand, which seems, uh, backwards to me.

[mariacallous]

In the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, a 42-year-old U.S. Army veteran named Shamsud-Din Jabbar drove through a crowd of revelers in the French Quarter of New Orleans, killing at least 14 and injuring dozens more. Jabbar had an Islamic State flag on the rented vehicle and reportedly recorded a video pledging his allegiance to the jihadi group.

The FBI is likely conducting an assessment of Jabbar’s electronics to see what the digital forensics reveal: what kind of Islamic State propaganda was he imbibing; how frequently was he reading Islamic State posts; did he download guides to make improvised explosive devices, or IEDs; which social media platforms did he visit; and was he in touch with any actual Islamic State operatives who may have served as a cyber-coach or virtual entrepreneur in the attack.

In the past year, almost all thwarted and successful Islamic State external operations—meaning attacks outside the perimeter of the group’s various provinces—have been inspired by the group, rather than enabled or directed by it. This is a stunning feat: The Islamic State has effectively leveraged its brand worldwide to inspire violence and carnage far away from the territories it controls, without even extending basic support to the attackers.

This underscores the crucial role of technologies such as social media and communication platforms in providing access to radicalizing content, as well as the knowledge and technical know-how necessary to orchestrate attacks. It also implies, however, that many such plots depend on rudimentary, low-tech methods—such as vehicle ramming—that capitalize on the simplicity and brutal effectiveness of forceful tactics.

So, how can these attacks be thwarted, and what are ways to stem the effective franchising of the Islamic State worldwide?

The adoption of advanced technology by terrorists—from IEDs to unmanned aerial vehicles—and the continued, highly successful use of simple attack measures—from vehicle ramming to stabbing attacks—indicate the need for a more nuanced understanding of why terrorists opt for certain technologies to commit attacks over others. In a case from last November, a far-right extremist in the United States planned to attack an energy facility substation with a drone rigged with explosives—a stark contrast with what happened in New Orleans.

Vehicle ramming attacks, requiring little to no planning, have become one of the most successful tactics in Islamic State-inspired terrorism due to a combination of practical and ideological factors. They have been used in attacks inspired and enabled by the group worldwide, including in Barcelona, Berlin, London, New York City, Nice, and Stockholm. Vehicle ramming attacks are more likely to succeed because they are incredibly difficult to detect in the planning phase and are equally hard and resource-intensive to mitigate.

In terms of accessibility, cars are readily available, and through rentals and vehicle-sharing platforms, only limited resources are necessary to conduct such an attack. In what the FBI says is merely a coincidence, the New Orleans attacker and a U.S. Army Special Forces soldier who shot and killed himself before the Tesla Cybertruck he was in exploded on Jan. 1 in Las Vegas both used the peer-to-peer rental app Turo to obtain their vehicles.

Additionally, the barrier to entry is low and only requires a driver’s license. The symbolic aspect of vehicle ramming attacks is also important: An everyday utility object can cause mass carnage at any moment, with almost no preparation necessary. These attacks are not unique to jihadi groups. A far-right extremist used a vehicle during the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, to ram into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing one. Just weeks ago, a Saudi national living in Germany, motivated by a strange brew of anti-Islamic and far-right ideas, used a car to attack a Christmas market southwest of Berlin.

The Islamic State has long relied on inspiring its supporters to conduct vehicle attacks, following an explicit admonition to do so by its former No. 2, Abu Mohammad al-Adnani, who once exhorted Islamic State supporters to conduct attacks against Westerners with any means at their disposal. “Smash his head with a rock, or slaughter him with a knife, or run him over with your car, or throw him down from a high place, or choke him, or poison him,” Adnani urged more than a decade ago. These brute-force tactics remain highly successful and hard to detect in the planning stages.

Counterterrorism can be a thankless profession. When plots are disrupted or terrorist cells rolled up, it may make the news cycle momentarily, but few people give much thought to what could have been if an attack had succeeded. And the FBI, CIA, and other agencies focused on counterterrorism have a legitimately impressive record in the generational struggle against groups such as al Qaeda, the Islamic State, and their various affiliates, franchises, and regional branches.

But as the Irish Republican Army stated publicly after nearly killing British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1984, “We only have to be lucky once. You have to be lucky always.” It also means that counterterrorism authorities need to allocate resources where they believe the threat is the greatest, which sometimes leads them to become fixated on the “bright, shiny object” or the potential black swan event. This means a great deal of focus on terrorists using drones for attacks or attempting to deploy chemical or biological weapons. But the more quotidian attacks, like that in New Orleans, can still be highly lethal and nearly impossible to deter or defend against.

Constructing steel bollards or other objects that help harden soft targets is one method used by counterterrorism practitioners to secure public event spaces. In New Orleans, the bollard system was being repaired in preparation for next month’s Super Bowl. But even this shows that our societies are always adapting or responding to terrorism, even as our politicians like to trot out the fallacy that altering our lives in any way is “letting the terrorists win.” Still removing one’s shoes in the security line at the airport more than two decades after the infamous shoe bomber attack is a clear example of this. On the contrary, hardening soft targets, with either protective barriers or an increased police presence, is merely a recognition that the threat is real and, as a society, we intend to stand up against it.

There is no silver bullet solution to managing the threat posed by terrorism. After all, it is a tactic and as such cannot be defeated in the traditional sense, as if it were an army or a nation-state. Sound counterterrorism means kinetic measures such as drone strikes and special operations raids but also a comprehensive approach to dealing with root causes and grievances, whether those are socioeconomic, religious, ethnonationalist, or otherwise. In many ways, the Islamic State’s model of outsourcing its terrorism in the West to lone actors with a litany of grievances is the group’s realization of its long-sought playbook. It also makes focusing on root causes more important. In the case of Jabbar, reporting suggests that he struggled, like many others, with reintegrating into civilian life after leaving the military.

Counterterrorism in the modern age must be viewed through a broad, multifaceted lens, addressing both high-tech and low-tech threats in tandem. While the proliferation of advanced technologies—such as drones, encrypted communications, and bombs—requires a sophisticated and coordinated response, we must not overlook the enduring threat posed by more primitive methods such as vehicle ramming attacks and stabbings. Consequently, a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy means dismantling the technological infrastructure that enables terrorist groups to communicate and operate across borders while simultaneously fortifying the physical and societal barriers that mitigate the risk of simpler, brute-force tactics.

Only through a balanced approach that spans the full spectrum of technology used in attacks can we ensure the safety and resilience of our communities against the ever-evolving, blinking-red landscape of terrorism. As the Islamic State ramps up its operations overseas, taking advantage of power vacuums from Syria to Somalia, it will also accelerate its propaganda and media operations, leading to more of its followers seeking to conduct attacks in its name.

The Islamic State may have fallen off the front page of the newspaper, overshadowed by Russia’s war in Ukraine and Israel’s response to the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack, but it remains stubbornly resilient and will prove to be a day-one issue for the Trump administration.

[miasiegert]

Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre (FL) presents CATS, Mar 1 - April 7

FINALLY! Contracts are signed, production meetings done, and I can announce.

We will be designing the costumes for Suncoast Broadway Dinner Theatre's production of CATS in Hudson, FL (about 45 mins from Tampa) from March 1 - April 7th.

And it will be directed/choreographed by Chaz Wolcott! Sound design, stage, lights, so much more are *really* exciting and a lot of people are coming in from all over the place to elevate this performance.

With dinner theatres, there are some limitations, which is why we were contacted originally to ask could we come there for a couple weeks just to help out, and less than 30 mins after the phone call we were asked about our rental set and would it be possible for us to make some brand new designs to accommodate some special features as during intermission certain CATS will be serving meals/desserts to the audience. I designed new costumes specifically for that purpose as well as a special hostess outfit for a cat who will be revealed.

We have been told that there is an incredible LED system on the stage with some really, really cool effects. There are some REALLY good singers.

There also will be split tracks, some really interesting combos that CATS fans I can guarantee will have never seen. ... EXCEPT technically some of y'all who followed me actually HAVE seen something (cryptic--and no, I cannot share until we get down there!)

On stage, we will also have some costumes that have never been debuted, such as a Pouncival one we've been wanting to use for YEARS and never had the opportunity to. There's also one design for Grizz that I made and we didn't have the chance for.

We will be there the Fri and Sat (possibly Sun) of the first weekend before flying back. I do not know the photo/video policy there although certainly with serving I'd think photos of/with cats would be allowed.

I cannot express how excited I am about this because it's so different, and we absolutely LOVE figuring out tricky logistics (and oh, is dinner theatre TRICKY! What a fun challenge!) We really hope some of you can come to see the show (and maybe we can meet a few of you!)

To buy tickets the link is here but you can google as well to learn more about the theatre and dining experience.

[simonbreeze]

My quest to watch 80 x 80s movies continues with Dead Heat.

What a bonkers movie!

I remember reading about Dead Heat when it first came out in the late 80s in a Fangoria magazine! What I can remember, the magazine article focused on the special effects, lots of weird zombies and gore, and so naturally my young teenage self had to try to get a copy on a VHS rental. Sadly, I didn't manage to get a copy and didn't get to see Dead Heat until recently. I'm happy to say, after all these years, it didn't disappoint.

Dead Heat is a fun movie full of action, great practical effects, fun gags and some classic cheesy moments you only find in an 80s movie.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

[ironwhumper359]

Torn from the Sea - Ch.2

Masterlist || Previous | Next

Content: lab whump, scientist whumper, mermaid whump, mermaid whumpees, capture, implied restraints

Word count: 913

Taglist: @blackrosesandwhump

Author's Notes at the end!

— — —

Excerpt from Dr. Baltan’s Research Log

Day 15

Everything is in place. I’ve loaded the back of my rental van with the modified gurneys I had designed specially for this project. It’s a bit of a tight fit, but their time spent in the van will be short; I intend to move the creatures onto the ship as soon as possible.

I toyed with the idea of studying them here, but my private lab back on the mainland far outclasses the research center I have access to on this island. I have instructed my assistant Layla to prepare for the arrival of two specimens, and so far she is the only person besides myself who knows the true nature of my research. I did think about soliciting the assistance of some of the locals for the capture and transport of the specimens, but I have decided against it. The fewer individuals who know of these creatures' existence, the better.

Besides, the locals have already helped me plenty. Their practice of leaving offerings near the cove has provided me the perfect opportunity to make my move. This morning a villager left a basket of mangoes in the forest, and I have laced the fruit with tranquilizer. I have made my best estimate as to the proper dosage, though without intricate knowledge of their metabolisms, there is no real way of knowing how they will react to the drugs. I can only hope they are effective long enough for me to neutralize the specimens and get them into the van.

If previous patterns of behavior hold, then the male will find the food, eat a small amount of it himself, and then bring the majority of it to his mate. Hopefully, the tranquilizer will act slowly enough for the male to share the food with the female before succumbing to its effects. If it affects him immediately, then I will have to collect him on his own and devise another way of trapping the female. I of course would like to study them both, but if I could only take one, I would choose the female every time. The opportunities that having a captive-born specimen would provide are simply too great to pass up. However, I worry about attempting to capture the female without neutralizing the male first. It’s possible that he will grow aggressive in an attempt to protect his mate and young, and as I am operating solo, that is a situation I’d rather avoid. I have considered all the possibilities, and have determined that this is the best course of action, regardless of the risk. All I have to do now is sit back and wait to see whether my labor shall bear fruit.

.

Day 16

I can scarcely believe it, but I have been successful! I, Dr. Eric Balton, am in possession of not one, but TWO live and healthy mer specimens. I am the first scientist in recorded memory to have any direct contact with a mer, not to mention the first to have a living shifter in a laboratory environment. My research has barely begun, and I have already cemented my place in history! But I mustn't get ahead of myself.

The tranquilizer worked perfectly, and once both mer were unconscious it was easy enough to strap them down onto the gurneys and load those in the van. As far as port authorities are concerned, I am transporting injured dolphins, and I was able to secure privacy while loading them onboard the ship in the name of protecting their health and safety. As far as I’m aware, no one saw that the “dolphins” are actually two of the most valuable live specimens ever collected.

I have taken readings and samples of the water from the cove and sent Layla the data so that she may prepare the research tanks in my lab. While their usual habitat is unknown, they chose these waters to make their nest and have their young in, and I intend to replicate those conditions for them exactly.

As for their transport, I have opted to use the dry method. If they truly were dolphins or some other similar aquatic mammal, I would be concerned for their safety being out of water for such a length of time, but as they have demonstrated ample ability to not only breath air but literally walk on land with legs, I have good reason to believe that dry transport, even over a few weeks, will be quite safe.

Dry transport will also allow me to leave them strapped down on the gurneys. If placed unrestrained in a tank of water, they may be able to use their unique dexterity to attempt escape of some kind, which could result in injury. Better to keep them immobile until they arrive at their permanent home. This will also allow me to better monitor the female’s gestation while we are in transit. Judging by human standards, she doesn’t look far enough along to give birth during the actual voyage, though of course I must be prepared in case she does.

I cannot allow my preconceived ideas about what is normal for humans to cloud my judgment on this project. I must treat these specimens as completely undiscovered animals, and make hypotheses based solely on the data I collect. Now that we are underway, I can begin my preliminary examinations of the creatures undisturbed. I can hardly believe that this moment has finally come!

— — —

Author's Notes: So I do just wanna say that not every chapter of this will be research logs! The next chapter will be from our mers' point of views (I have some character designs for them here if you wanna see) and I plan for this story to use a mix of both the mers' actual point of view and Dr. Baltan's research notes to show both perspectives on the events of the plot. Next chapter we meet Meri and Kae, so get ready for that! Thanks for reading <3

Masterlist || Previous | Next

[dandelionsresilience]

I’m not sure how reliably I’ll be able to keep up with it, but I’ve been wanting to start posting weekly or monthly Good News compilations, with a focus on ecology but also some health and human rights type stuff. I’ll try to keep the sources recent (like from within the last week or month, whichever it happens to be), but sometimes original dates are hard to find. Also, all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.

Anyway, here’s some good news from the first week of March!

1. Mexican Wolf Population Grows for Eighth Consecutive Year

““In total, 99 pups carefully selected for their genetic value have been placed in 40 wild dens since 2016, and some of these fosters have produced litters of their own. While recovery is in the future, examining the last decade of data certainly provides optimism that recovery will be achieved.””

2. “Remarkable achievement:” Victoria solar farm reaches full power ahead of schedule

“The 130MW Glenrowan solar farm in Victoria has knocked out another milestone, reaching full power and completing final grid connection testing just months after achieving first generation in late November.”

3. UTEP scientists capture first known photographs of tropical bird long thought lost

“The yellow-crested helmetshrike is a rare bird species endemic to Africa that had been listed as “lost” by the American Bird Conservancy when it hadn’t been seen in nearly two decades. Until now.”

4. France Protects Abortion as a 'Guaranteed Freedom' in Constitution

“[A]t a special congress in Versailles, France’s parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to add the freedom to have an abortion to the country’s constitution. Though abortion has been legal in France since 1975, the historic move aims to establish a safeguard in the face of global attacks on abortion access and sexual and reproductive health rights.”

5. [Fish & Wildlife] Service Approves Conservation Agreement for Six Aquatic Species in the Trinity River Basin

“Besides conserving the six species in the CCAA, activities implemented in this agreement will also improve the water quality and natural flows of rivers for the benefit of rural and urban communities dependent on these water sources.”

6. Reforestation offset the effects of global warming in the southeastern United States

“In America’s southeast, except for most of Florida and Virginia, “temperatures have flatlined, or even cooled,” due to reforestation, even as most of the world has grown warmer, reports The Guardian.”

7. Places across the U.S. are testing no-strings cash as part of the social safety net

“Cash aid without conditions was considered a radical idea before the pandemic. But early results from a program in Stockton, Calif., showed promise. Then interest exploded after it became clear how much COVID stimulus checks and emergency rental payments had helped people. The U.S. Census Bureau found that an expanded child tax credit cut child poverty in half.”

8. The Road to Recovery for the Florida Golden Aster: Why We Should Care

“After a five-year review conducted in 2009 recommended reclassifying the species to threatened, the Florida golden aster was proposed for removal from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants due to recovery in June 2021, indicating the threats to the species had been reduced or eliminated.”

9. A smart molecule beats the mutation behind most pancreatic cancer

“Researchers have designed a candidate drug that could help make pancreatic cancer, which is almost always fatal, a treatable, perhaps even curable, condition.”

10. Nurses�� union at Austin’s Ascension Seton Medical Center ratifies historic first contract

“The contract, which NNOC said in a news release was “overwhelmingly” voted through by the union, includes provisions the union believes will improve patient care and retention of nurses.”

This and future editions will also be going up on my new Ko-fi, where you can support my art and get doodled phone wallpapers! EDIT: Actually, I can't find any indication that curating links like this is allowed on Ko-fi, so to play it safe I'll stick to just posting here on Tumblr. BUT, you can still support me over on Ko-fi if you want to see my Good News compilations continue!

[brian-in-finance]

Instagram

GIVING CREDIT

Saluting the behind the scenes talent making movie magic

Rob Youngson is a unit stills photographer for film and television. He's captured images for Belfast, A Haunting in Venice, The Great Escaper, Heanstopper St and Atlanta S3. He also shoots stills for posters. 'An effective still image has to communicate a lot in a single moment. An onlooker should know the tone, the genre and who stars in the production within a few seconds. It should leave them with a question: what happens? The answer to which is always, to go and see the film. It's the visual equivalent of a hook in pop music.'

How would you describe your job in simple terms?

I work with the cast and crew to capture striking still images during filming - without being a distraction or affecting the schedule.

I work with the publicist to ensure I get the images needed to publicise the film. I also capture behind-the-scenes images, which highlight the collaborative process and anything unique about the production. I may work with the props department to take period-accurate portraits for set dressing.

I've also consulted actors on how to use old-fashioned prop cameras convincingly.

How did you get into set photography?

I trained and worked as a theatre lighting designer while photographing bands on the side. Then I discovered that this job existed through an article in Nikon Owner magazine.

It was an interview with Kimberley French (Brokeback Mountain, The Revenant). I knew straight away I had to do this. So I went to work at one of the rental companies that hires cameras and lenses to productions.

I cleaned the kit, loaded the trucks and got to know people in the industry. used any leave to work on short films and then went freelance. Early on, I assisted an established unit stills photographer on some studio shoots. He then recommended me for a job he couldn't take and that put my work in front of the right people to get hired again.

What's the biggest misconception about your job?

That still images are screen grabs from the film. This is a widespread misconception, even within the industry. It doesn't work for two reasons. The technical reason is that the common shooting frame rate of 24fps doesn't freeze motion enough for those screen grabs to be printed at billboard size.

The second and most important reason is artistic; what works well for a moving image doesn't necessarily make a strong still photograph. Another misconception is that actors are difficult to work with. They are usually lovely. Actors have to step into a vulnerable place while surrounded by noise and crew and kit. They have to keep going to that place again and again for different camera angles. Part of what makes a good unit stills photographer is respect for the acting process. Sometimes my job is knowing when to step away and allow the actors space to work.

What's been the most memorable moment on a film set?

Watching Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh make each other laugh on day one of shooting Belfast. We had all been in lockdown for so long, it felt like a new beginning. It felt like photographing love and hope and friendship.

What's the worst thing about your job?

Missing time with my family because I'm working away. Sometimes standing in a field on a night shoot, in February, in the snow, I start to question it. Those moments can feel tough. But a lot of the crew are in that same situation with you. Working on good scripts with nice people makes the time away from home, the long hours and driving, a lot easier.

What's the best thing about your job?

Knowing that my images help stories to find an audience. Stories that take years of hard work and hundreds of people to get told. On set, the best thing is being witness to incredible acting, from both legends and up-and-coming talent. Seeing what the Heartstopper cast are doing for LGBTQA* representation right now is special. I'm also currently working with two incredible young actors. I am so excited for more people to discover their storytelling potential.

If someone wants to do your job, what's the best route in?

Get on to set any way you can, in any role. Take photos across all genres of photography. Welcome honest feedback on your work. Don't sweat the kit you haven't got. You'll get hired for your eye and how well you get on with people, not what's in your bag. The necessity to work on low/no-budget jobs early in your career is a barrier to many, especially as a lot of opportunities centre around expensive cities. Screenskills and BAFTA have resources for helping bridge that gap - seek those out. Go and see as much art and as many films as you can.

Remember… (most memorable moment on a film set) Watching Judi Dench and Kenneth Branagh make each other laugh on day one of shooting Belfast. We had all been in lockdown for so long, it felt like a new beginning. It felt like photographing love and hope and friendship. — Rob Youngson

[totalsoundproofingsolutions]

Best Portable Voice-Over Booths in Delhi NCR for Studio-Quality Sound

Professional voice-over recordings necessitate a controlled and high-quality sound setting. Whether you're a podcaster, content creator, voice actor, or someone who records at home, investing in a portable voice-over booth is a wise decision for producing studio-quality audio.

Total Soundproofing Solutions is a reputable provider of the Best Portable Voice-Over Booths in Delhi NCR, with top-tier alternatives for both professionals and hobbyists. This blog discusses the benefits of portable voice-over booths, important elements to consider, and how Total Soundproofing Solutions can meet all of your recording requirements with superior soundproofing solutions.

Why Choose a Portable Voice-Over Booth?

High-quality audio recordings require a quiet, acoustically prepared environment. Without a fixed studio, a portable voice-over booth is an ideal alternative. These booths provide a soundproof atmosphere, assuring clarity and low background noise when recording.

Key Benefits:

Convenience and MobilityPortable booths are lightweight and easy to move. Whether you're relocating for a project or traveling, these booths offer flexibility for various recording setups.

Noise IsolationA well-designed portable booth reduces external noise, ensuring that your recordings are clear and devoid of distractions such as traffic, conversations, and household sounds.

Cost-EffectiveRenting studio space can be costly. A portable voice-over booth is a one-time investment that will save you money in the long term by eliminating recurring rental fees.

Compact and Easy SetupPortable booths are meant to be easily assembled and disassembled, making them suitable for both small and big locations.

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[7grandmel]

Todays rip: 20/03/2024

old town ribbon race

Season 4 Episode 1 Featured on: The SiIvaGunner Spooktacular Halloween Horror Special Collection '17​-​'19

Ripped by Moder112

Y'know, I've had this rip in the drafts for a pretty long while - I've wanted to write about it for so long, but its almost difficult to explain why I like it so. I sometimes wonder how many other people are as attached to the original Intro Title / Minigame Theme - Barbie Horse Adventures: Blue Ribbon Race as I am - it was a genuinely shocking little rip that managed to utilize the creepiness of the original song, whilst also tying it all subtly to the ongoing side story of Mr. Rental's rampage on SiIvaGunner. Yet it was the kind of rip that didn't make its presence all too known after the fact - save for a big reappearance on SiIvaGunner Fusion Records last year with *** EVERYTHING IS FINE ***, the rip's appearances have been pretty darn scarce. That is, at least, on SiIva - what I learned in researching for coverage on old town ribbon race, is that the meme took on a life on its own elsewhere in the internet.

That's right, it's fan channel time again - the very same one that V​-​v​-​v​-​v​-​v​-​a​-​V​-​v​-​v​-​v​-​v​-​v​-​r covered not that long ago, even. Its always a bit difficult to discern...anything, about Vvvvvavvvvvvr from the outside looking in, because of just how vast and bizarre its output is - its a channel that accepts submissions of just about ANY kind and has made it its brand to basically be a dumping ground for any sort of vip (Vavr's name for high quality rips) possible. Yet through it all, in 2017, a certain familiar Barbie game for Game Boy Advance made a reappearance - with a vip simply named Horse: Blue Ribbon. From there, the meme was reborn on the channel as just "Horse", mainly using a remix of the original theme by ripper Moder112 as its main source for future vips - continuing to see use pretty regularly in a number of bizarre, spooky rips.

All of that was, of course, entirely lost on me - yet in a way, that made discovering old town ribbon race on SiIva all the more impactful for me. I had no clue that others remembered this bizarre one-off horror rip as much as I did, nor that there had secretly been this subset of rippers already fiddling around with how to turn this eerie theme into something so hummable. Old Town Road is a song I already find deviously catchy, one I've covered before with Mob Corral - and so to me, old town ribbon race wound up feeling like the perfect culmination to things all those years later. The rip that had filled my 2016 self with such intrigue was now finally being played around with in fun, creative ways - by, as I'd now later learn, none other than the very same ripper who'd been doing so for years beforehand without me knowing.

There is of course a comedy to old town ribbon race inherently, in making a country/pop banger out of a theme otherwise most known for how much it unsettles people. But there's that other part as well - it IS genuinely a banger, using so many creative and fun GBA-quality samples that all feel in line with the original creepy song, even including the sampling of Among Us sound effects used for its percussion. A lot of the samples are from Moder112's prior mentioned remix, yet the authenticity of the rip was so good that I hardly even considered that as a possibility - it doesn't sound like its using anything "fan made" so much as its just naturally working outward of what Old Town Road would sound like in this style.

I'm really happy that nothing gets forgotten on SiIva - that was one of my big talking points in Violet Snow Memories, if you'll recall. This really isn't one of those cases, because Horse found a life all on its own - yet its almost just as fun to see how memes like it live on in such strange, silly ways. Meme evolution! How fun. old town ribbon race. What a good rip.

[jsdisposal]

Yard Waste Dumpster Rental Near Me: The Complete Guide to Efficient Yard Cleanup

Managing yard waste can be a significant challenge, especially after large landscaping projects, seasonal cleanups, or storm damage. Piles of leaves, branches, soil, and other organic waste can accumulate quickly, taking up space and affecting your yard’s appearance. When local yard waste pickup isn’t enough or when you need a one-time disposal solution, renting a yard waste dumpster can be the most convenient and efficient option. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding the best “yard waste dumpster rental near me,” the benefits of renting, types of waste you can dispose of, and tips for choosing the right rental service.

Why Rent a Yard Waste Dumpster?

Renting a dumpster for yard waste allows you to efficiently and quickly clear out debris without waiting for weekly yard waste pickups or dealing with multiple bags. Here are some compelling reasons to consider a yard waste dumpster rental:

Convenience and Efficiency: A yard waste dumpster allows you to clear large amounts of debris in a single trip, making it ideal for big projects.

Saves Time and Effort: With a dumpster on-site, you don’t need to bag leaves or branches individually. Simply toss everything in the dumpster and let the rental company handle the disposal.

Cost-Effective for Large Projects: If you have a substantial amount of waste, a dumpster rental can be more affordable than paying for multiple curbside pickups or hauling the waste yourself.

Eco-Friendly Disposal: Reputable dumpster rental companies often ensure that yard waste is disposed of or composted properly, helping to reduce landfill waste and support eco-friendly practices.

What Can You Dispose of in a Yard Waste Dumpster?

Yard waste dumpsters are specifically designed for organic, non-hazardous yard materials. Although policies may vary slightly by provider, here’s a list of commonly accepted items:

Grass Clippings: Ideal for lawn maintenance cleanups, especially in spring and summer.

Leaves: Large quantities of leaves can easily fill a dumpster, reducing the need for endless bags.

Branches and Brush: Great for disposing of branches and trimmings from trees, shrubs, and bushes.

Tree Stumps and Logs: Some dumpsters can handle small tree stumps and logs; however, confirm with the provider regarding size and weight restrictions.

Dirt and Soil: Light soil and small amounts of dirt are usually acceptable, although larger quantities may require a specialized dumpster.

Plants and Weeds: General garden waste, including weeds and old plants, can be tossed into the dumpster.

Note: Avoid putting construction debris, household trash, and hazardous materials in yard waste dumpsters. Check with the rental company for their specific guidelines on acceptable and prohibited items.

Types of Yard Waste Dumpsters Available

Different projects require different sizes and types of dumpsters. Here’s a quick look at the types available:

1. Roll-Off Dumpsters

Roll-off dumpsters are the most common type used for yard waste. They are delivered to your property and rolled off a truck for convenient placement. Roll-off dumpsters come in various sizes, from 10 to 40 cubic yards, accommodating projects of all scales.

2. Small Dumpsters (Mini Dumpsters)

If you only have a small amount of yard waste, such as a few bags of leaves or trimmings, a mini dumpster (around 10 cubic yards) may be sufficient. These are also great if you have limited space on your property for a larger dumpster.

3. Dump Trailers

Some rental companies offer dump trailers, which are typically more maneuverable than traditional roll-off dumpsters. They’re great for tight spaces and can hold moderate amounts of yard waste.

How to Find the Best “Yard Waste Dumpster Rental Near Me”

Finding a reliable and cost-effective dumpster rental service is crucial for an efficient yard cleanup experience. Here’s how to locate the best local providers:

1. Search Online for “Yard Waste Dumpster Rental Near Me”

A quick online search with your location and the keyword “yard waste dumpster rental near me” will show local providers and reviews. This will give you a sense of who’s available, their pricing, and customer feedback.

2. Check for Local Reviews and Ratings

Online reviews on sites like Yelp, Google, and Better Business Bureau can give you insight into a provider’s reliability, customer service, and any hidden fees. Look for companies with a solid reputation, transparent pricing, and positive feedback.

3. Compare Prices and Services

Different companies have different pricing structures. Some may charge by the day, while others offer weekly rentals at a flat rate. Compare prices based on rental duration, dumpster size, and any additional fees, such as delivery or disposal charges.

4. Confirm Pickup and Delivery Options

When searching for a local rental provider, confirm that they serve your area, offer convenient delivery and pickup options, and can accommodate your preferred timeline. Some companies offer same-day or next-day delivery, which can be particularly helpful if you need a dumpster urgently.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Yard Waste Dumpster Rental

Before committing to a rental, consider these essential factors to ensure you’re making the best choice:

1. Size of the Dumpster

Choose a dumpster size that meets the demands of your project. Here’s a quick guide:

10-15 Cubic Yards: Ideal for small yard cleanups, like leaf removal or minor landscaping.

20 Cubic Yards: Suitable for medium-sized projects, such as tree trimming or garden overhauls.

30-40 Cubic Yards: Best for large yard cleanups, full landscape redesigns, or significant storm damage cleanup.

2. Duration of Rental

Determine how long you’ll need the dumpster. Most companies offer rentals on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Be realistic about your timeframe; if your project might take a few days, a weekly rental might be more affordable than daily rates.

3. Costs and Additional Fees

Costs can vary significantly, so it’s wise to get quotes from multiple providers. Ask about the base rental fee and any additional costs, such as delivery fees, disposal fees, or overage charges if you exceed weight limits.

4. Weight Limits and Restrictions

Some dumpster rentals have strict weight limits, especially for yard waste. Heavy items like wet soil, large logs, or tree stumps may incur extra fees. Ensure you know the weight limits and choose a dumpster that can handle your waste volume.

5. Environmental Practices

Many reputable dumpster rental companies follow eco-friendly disposal practices, such as composting or recycling yard waste. If supporting sustainability is important to you, ask if the company has green disposal methods in place.

How to Prepare for Your Yard Waste Dumpster Delivery

Once you’ve chosen your yard waste dumpster rental provider, preparing your space for the delivery will ensure a smooth process. Here’s how to get ready:

Select a Drop-Off Location: Choose a flat, stable surface, such as a driveway or area near your yard, where the dumpster can be easily accessed.

Clear the Area: Make sure the area is free from obstacles like cars, furniture, or garden tools.

Check for Clearance: Dumpsters need adequate vertical clearance for drop-off and pick-up, so ensure there’s no risk of overhead branches or power lines getting in the way.

Gather Yard Waste: Start gathering your yard waste and organize it by type if possible. This can make the disposal process quicker and reduce the risk of accidentally throwing in prohibited items.

Tips for Filling Your Yard Waste Dumpster Efficiently

Maximizing space in your yard waste dumpster is essential to getting the most out of your rental. Here are some tips to help:

Break Down Large Items: Cut up branches, tree limbs, and large plant stems to fit more into the dumpster.

Layer Heavier Materials at the Bottom: Place heavier waste, like soil or logs, at the bottom and lighter materials, like leaves, at the top.

Distribute Waste Evenly: This prevents overflow and ensures the dumpster can be transported safely.

Avoid Overfilling: Many companies charge extra if waste sticks out over the top edge, so make sure to stay within the container’s limits.

Conclusion

Renting a yard waste dumpster is an excellent solution for large-scale yard cleanups, landscaping projects, and seasonal maintenance. With the convenience of on-site disposal and the ability to clear debris efficiently, it’s an ideal choice for homeowners looking to keep their yard pristine. By researching “yard waste dumpster rental near me,” comparing local providers, and planning your rental effectively, you can find the perfect dumpster size and service to fit your needs. A yard waste dumpster not only saves time and effort but also ensures that your outdoor space is ready for any season.