#Van conversions Market Development

[theomeganerd]

Halo Moving to Unreal Engine 5 as 343 Industries Rebrands, 'Multiple Projects' in Development

Halo Studios: New Name, New Engine, New Games, New Philosophy

Ahead of the final match at today’s 2024 Halo World Championship, we saw an unexpected video. It depicted landscapes you might expect from the Halo series – Forerunner architecture jutting from dramatic landscapes inspired by the Pacific Northwest, gorgeous fields of ice, even a vista blighted and consumed by The Flood. We of course saw glimpses of the Master Chief, and his iconic enemies, even a Banshee arcing past the camera. But what we saw wasn’t a look back – this was something entirely new.

We’re entering a new dawn for Halo. Those new visuals were created using Unreal Engine 5 – and we learned that all future Halo projects will use the engine, and that multiple new games using it are in development. Alongside the engine change, the studio is seeing changes in culture, workflow, and how its teams are organized. To match that new approach, franchise stewards 343 Industries are changing their name – Halo Studios is here.

The First Step Switching from the studio’s proprietary Slipspace Engine to Unreal is a key part of that change. Previously, 343 Industries needed a large portion of its staff simply to develop and upkeep the engine its games ran on. “We believe that the consumption habits of gamers have changed – the expectations of how fast their content is available,” says Hintze. “On Halo Infinite, we were developing a tech stack that was supposed to set us up for the future, and games at the same time.”

As gaming evolves, and players increasingly point out how long it takes to see new games from their favorite series, the team at Halo Studios felt the need to react. As COO Elizabeth van Wyck puts it:

“The way we made Halo games before doesn’t necessarily work as well for the way we want to make games for the future. So part of the conversation we had was about how we help the team focus on making games, versus making the tools and the engines.”

Alongside the wider changes to how the studio is set up (which you can read more about below), adopting Unreal means Halo Studios is more able to create games with a focus that can satisfy fans – even setting up multiple teams to create different games simultaneously. But Unreal also comes with in-built benefits that would have taken years of work to replicate with Slipspace:

“Respectfully, some components of Slipspace are almost 25 years old,” explains Studio Art Director, Chris Matthews. “Although 343 were developing it continuously, there are aspects of Unreal that Epic has been developing for some time, which are unavailable to us in Slipspace – and would have taken huge amounts of time and resources to try and replicate.

“One of the primary things we’re interested in is growing and expanding our world so players have more to interact with and more to experience. Nanite and Lumen [Unreal’s rendering and lighting technologies] offer us an opportunity to do that in a way that the industry hasn’t seen before. As artists, it’s incredibly exciting to do that work.”

There’s another in-built benefit – Unreal is familiar to huge parts of the wider gaming industry. Where developers would have to spend time learning how to use Slipspace when joining 343, Halo Studios’ adoption of the industry-leading engine makes it a far smoother process to bring in new talent (and the studio is indeed hiring for its new projects now):

“It’s not just about how long it takes to bring a game to market, but how long it takes for us to update the game, bring new content to players, adapt to what we’re seeing our players want,” says Van Wyck. “Part of that is [in how we build the game], but another part is the recruiting. How long does it take to ramp somebody up to be able to actually create assets that show up in your game?”

With the move to Unreal, the on-ramp is shorter, the experience is there, and the series can grow far more quickly and organically than ever before.

Forging Ahead Of course, Halo Studios needed to be confident in the switch to Unreal – this isn’t a decision taken lightly. The team had to be sure that the first Halo games to come out of a non-Slipspace engine would look, feel, and sound right. The team began experimenting, and it resulted in a research project known as Project Foundry – the source for all the new clips we saw today.

“When we decided to do Foundry, it wasn’t, at that point, in our plan,” says Van Wyck. “But we needed to pause and – ‘validate’ is not the right word, but educate and understand what our capability is, and assess it, so we actually know we’re on the right path.

“We’ve intentionally been really quiet up to this point, but I think [today] is about just sharing where we are, what our priorities are as a studio, and where the team is. We’re really proud of what came out of Foundry.”

So what does Foundry represent? The team is clear that this is not a new game – but nor is it a traditional tech demo. It isn’t just an exploration of what’s possible with this engine – it’s a true reflection of what would be required for a new Halo game using Unreal, and a training tool for how to get there. Foundry has been made with the same rigor, process, and fidelity as a shipped game would be.

“Where this type of work’s been done historically, across the industry, it can contain a lot of smoke and mirrors,” explains Matthews. “It sometimes leads players down paths where they believe it’s going to be one thing, and then something else happens. The ethos of Foundry is vigorously the opposite of that.

“Everything we’ve made is built to the kind of standards that we need to build for the future of our games. We were very intentional about not stepping into tech demo territory. We built things that we truly believe in, and the content that we’ve built – or at least a good percentage of it – could travel anywhere inside our games in the future if we so desire it.”

Hintze goes further: “It’s fair to say that our intent is that the majority of what we showcased in Foundry is expected to be in projects which we are building, or future projects.”

And what we’ve seen of Foundry promises incredible things. Named after the Foundry within Halo’s lore – the central forge of the megastructure used to create the Halo Rings themselves – the project saw the team set out to create three distinct biomes in the style of Halo. The goal was, as Matthews puts it, to make something old, something new, and something truly alien.

For something old, we see a biome inspired by the Pacific Northwest – a staple of the series – but in dramatic new form. Waterfalls crash over mountains, a running creek becomes the site of a tableau pitching the Chief against two Covenant Elites, and the team pushed Unreal to include as much foliage as technically possible.

For something new, we see the Coldlands location, a region locked in a deep freeze, with snowdrifts covering plateaus, and ice reflecting what’s above and refracting what’s below. And for something alien, we see the Blightlands, a brand new take on a Halo location – a world consumed by the parasitic Flood. The express purpose of the Blightlands was to see how this new-look Halo team could push the world itself farther than previous Halo games – the results speak for themselves.

Even the familiar looks new in Foundry. The Chief’s armor has been modelled with extreme care, down to individual panels on his combat gloves. An Elite’s energy sword now feels less like a solid object and more reflective of the name – a crackling swoosh of dangerous energy. The aim wasn’t just to push the studio, but the engine itself – Foundry is designed to do things that we haven’t seen in games using Unreal across the industry, Halo began its life as a graphical showcase for the original Xbox – the goal is to make that so again.

Halo Studios has worked closely with Unreal’s creators, Epic Games, to ensure they can reach that lofty goal.

“Halo is such an incredible franchise and it’s awesome to see Halo Studios already pushing the boundaries of Unreal Engine 5,” said Bill Clifford, Vice President and General Manager of Unreal Engine at Epic Games. “We’re honored to support the Halo team in realizing their creative visions through Unreal Engine. Project Foundry’s work demonstrates how they can bring Halo to life with beautifully detailed, uncompromised worlds.”

Of course, the soul of Halo isn’t just in how it looks, but how it feels – the intrinsic dance of its combat, the thud of the weapons, and the sense that you’re inhabiting the Master Chief’s armor. While Foundry may be a primarily visual project, Halo Studios is deeply invested in retaining the essence of what players love about Halo.

“I think it’s pretty well known that [switching engine] has been a topic that the studio has thought about for a long, long time,” says Van Wyck. “[The release of] Unreal Engine 5 was when we felt like we could make Halo games that respect and reflect the true soul of Halo while also being able to build games that can deliver on the scale and ambition of content that players want.”

“The spirit of Halo is more than just the visuals,” agrees Matthews. “It’s the lore. It’s the physics. Playing as the Chief, you’re this huge tank of a soldier – it’s the way that he moves, he feels. We’re all really obsessed about what our players love about Halo. We’re constantly listening to this feedback – and that’s at the core of any initiative like Foundry, or any intention that the studio has about how we move forwards.”

“We’re thinking about the intangibles,” Hintze adds. “The interaction with the Master Chief, or your Spartan, or the enemies. We are very careful about the decisions we’re making in that space – down to the precision and authenticity of the weapons, the authenticity of the animations. There are a list of nuances which we use to verify that we’re on track.”

Beyond the Visor So, let’s talk about what’s coming beyond Foundry. As you might expect, the team isn’t talking about exactly what those new games will be right now – we’re at the beginning of this new chapter, not the final stages, and it’s fair to say that a new Halo game isn’t imminent. Halo Infinite will still be supported through the Slipspace Engine – you can expect more Operations, and updates to its Forge mode. In esports, Year 4 of the Halo Championship Series, using Halo Infinite, has just been announced. But in the background, the next steps for Halo will be taken.

The quietness is by design. Hintze makes clear that the priority right now is on doing the work, not simply talking about it:

“One of the things I really wanted to get away from was the continued teasing out of possibilities and ‘must-haves’. We should do more and say less. For me, I really think it is important that we continue the posture which we have right now when it comes to our franchise – the level of humility, the level of servitude towards Halo fans.

“We should talk about things when we have things to talk about, at scale. Today, it’s the first step – we’re showing Foundry because it feels right to do so – we want to explain our plans to Halo fans, and attract new, passionate developers to our team. The next step will be talking about the games themselves.”

What is clear is that, yes, it’s Halo games – plural – in development right now. Where Halo Infinite saw practically the entire studio focused on a single, evolving project, Halo Studios has recalibrated:

“We had a disproportionate focus on trying to create the conditions to be successful in servicing Halo Infinite,” says Hintze. “[But switching to Unreal] allows us to put all the focus on making multiple new experiences at the highest quality possible.”

A major part of this shift has been in reorganizing the structure of Halo Studios as a whole, in order to give development teams what they need to make something new.

“At the end of the day, if we build the games that our players want to play, that’s how we’ll be successful,” explains Van Wyck. “That’s what should motivate what we build. That’s also what this structure has done – we want the people that are day-in-day-out making the games to be the ones to make the decisions on the games.”

The team will also be seeking more input from outside the studio on those decisions:

“We’re seeking earlier and earlier, wider and wider feedback from our players,” she continues. “We started that with The Master Chief Collection, and carried that on with Halo Infinite, and we want to do it even more for our next projects. At the end of the day, it’s not just how do we evaluate, it’s how do our players evaluate it?”

343 Industries was founded to create Halo games but the impression I get is that, in its new incarnation as Halo Studios, the studio has been retooled to put the focus entirely on that goal – without distraction, without impediment, to create better games with players’ hopes and wishes at the heart of the endeavor.

“You asked why we consider this as a new chapter,” says Hintze. “We want a singular focus. Everyone is in this place is here to make the best possible Halo games.”

[octuscle]

Blonde by FaceTime

Alec has always had a bit of a crush on his friend Van. Actually, ever since they played together in the sandbox. But even then, Alec was the little chubby one. And Van the sweet heartbreaker. Van went through the usual stages to captain of the football team of an alpha career. And now he had his MBA cum laude and was about to embark on a stellar career.

Just to be close to Van, Alec had also studied business. At the same college. Although with his grades, he could have gone to a much better college. And even though he had always wanted to study medicine to become a pediatrician. And now it was all for nothing. Van had moved to Chicago a week ago to become a product manager for an online platform. And Alec had gotten an offer to go to work for an engineering company from their hometown to their branch in the Czech Republic. Alec had paid a high price for his hidden, never-expressed love. Getting a great georgraphic distance from Van now was probably the best solution.

Even now, when Van had become almost unattainable, Alec held on to him. He had gotten a deer, Van's nickname since childhood for some reason, inked on his forearm. And he started running to get closer to his own ideal, Van's athletic body. Today was the first fun run he participated in. He had already lost a few pounds. He was proud of that. So he had a colleague take a picture of himself and sent the Van "Miss you pal" was the caption.

Almost immediately his phone rang. Facetime video call from Van.

"Hi bro, damn you look good! How's life over in old Europe? It's still the middle of the night here, I was just getting in a quick work out before work."

Van turned the view and showed a picture of himself from the mirror. Alec had to swallow and got a dry throat. He didn't know what he was doing. The devil was riding him. So an "I love you" came out of his mouth.

For a second there was silence. "Dude, you better keep your massive cock under control. I would never be able to tame your monster" Van replied laughing. Alec laughed along with him. He was relieved that Van had taken it that way. Yes, the dick comparison had been the only contest with Van in which he had regularly won.

"Hehehehe, it's tough with all the hot studs here at the start."

Indeed, the bulge in his tight running shorts was scary. Many participants in the run, as well as spectators, had already been staring at him and whispering.

"That's what I think, bro! Is your stay successful then? What is the news on the market of nutritional supplements? Can't wait for you to bring back some cool new stuff."

Arec talked a bit about the fitness trade show here in Brno. In fact, there were a few things he wanted to include in the lineup of his fitness startup. He could use a little breath of fresh air for his business. True, he was a genius when it came to marketing and app development. And in theory, he knew everything about crossfitting and bodybuilding. But he just didn't have the body to make it believable. Fortunately, Van was regularly available as a model. When he posted something on Instagram, his sales went straight up.

Van replied that he had seen videos from the show on YouTube. "Dude, you did great on stage. Arac laughed and held the phone so that you could see as much of his biceps as possible. "Bruh, it was just a spontaneous idea. Several people had approached me. Actually, I don't feel in shape for competitions at all" "Honey, I don't think you need to be fishing for compliments right now. Come on, make your tits dance for me!" Arac didn't have to be asked twice. He loved this. The moment when Van had shown him how to do it was just awesome. Today his pecs were almost bigger than his friend's. A few people around him applauded. He had almost forgotten about the conversation with Van that he was standing in the middle of the fair among all the other visitors.

"Did you read the comments on your performance. They called you 'the blond angel'. Suits me, bro." Arac stroked his hair. He loved his blond hair. He had been blond since he was a kid, unlike Van. In pictures of the two of them from kindergarten, Van had always been the one with the darker hair. Today there was hardly any difference between the two.

"Bro, did you write down what all you are supposed to bring. I mean, we both know you can't remember anything with that birdbrain stuck in that hot skull of yours."

"Bruh, i may not b as smart as u, but i can still read ur emails" Arad laughed boomingly. A few guests at the fair took pictures of him. As best he could while talking on the phone, Arad did them the favor and struck a few poses. In his head, he frantically went over what all his duties here were. Fuck, he just forgot everything. And a few tasks, if he had to be honest, he didn't understand at all. He'd graduated from college with difficulty and on an athletic scholarship. He was glad he had Van as a mentor, Van had always been the smart one of the two. "Fuck, bruh! day all speak czech or german here. N english with uh nasty accent. I'm really lost here without uh brain like you!" "Goldilocks, you should have used your head for something other than growing a Viking mane for the last few years." Van laughed. "Don't worry about it, as long as you come back safe and sound!" "Wait uh minute, deer! I've got some selfies to take right now." A couple of the local bodybuilders and a bunch of chicks had already lined up. Arad let them take their selfies with him and turned back to Van.

"Deer, I miss you! When will I see you again?" "Dumbass, I'm already in the locker room. I'll be on the training floor in a minute. Did you clean up and tidy the gym properly? It would be cool if you could at least get this job done."

Brad looked around. Yes, he had carefully worked through the piece of paper with his work instructions. Damn, there sure were a lot of things he had to do in the morning before the Gym opened. He had already secretly let Van in before he officially opened the doors right away. On the one hand, Van could work out before the others, and on the other hand, he had someone to check if he had done everything right. Brad wanted to do this job well. Van earned enough for the two of them, but he didn't always want to be just the decorative accessory. Oh what was he kidding himself. He had turned Van into a fellow who was almost as hot as Brad himself. And now he was making sure they both ate the right diet, that the apartment was tidy. And that Van got to work out before the others. He looked around him. All set, he could open the doors. The door opened and Van came out of the locker rooms grinning.

"Honey, you already know you're not allowed to work bare-chested" "Hehehe, it's not just me who would be happier with that." Van laughed and threw him the T-shirt with the club logo. Before putting it on, Brad gave Van a passionate kiss. Something he had to do now…. Right, unlock the door and let in the members who were waiting outside.He was so glad he had Van.

[bypicknick]

Bypicknick Wins 2022 Platinum Viddy Award

Bypicknick, a Belgian-based creative agency, is proud to announce its second international achievement in winning an award in Long Form Videos for Culture & Lifestyle at the 2022 Viddy Awards. Our creative team received a platinum Viddy award for the brand film 'Zoveel Veurne' made for our client Stad Veurne in Belgium. The Viddy Awards today announced winners for the 2022 international awards competition recognizing outstanding achievement in video and digital production skills. There were over 200.000 entries since 1994 from throughout the United States and Europe. This prestigious recognition comes a week after winning our 'Platinum Marcom Award’.

Viddy Awards 2022

The Viddy Awards, formerly the Videographer Awards, is one of the most coveted awards in the video industry. Since 1994, thousands of production and communication professionals have entered their best and most creative work. The goal of the Viddy Awards is to identify and recognize the video artisans who excel in the scope of their own environment. Winners range from network news operations to local cable access, from large video production companies to freelancers, and from international advertising agencies to student producers.

The Viddy Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, media production, and freelance professionals who have entered AMCP programs. The Advisory Board oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges, and sets standards of excellence. Winners were selected from hundreds of categories under the headings of Non-Broadcast, Broadcast/Cable/Subscription TV, Commercials, Pro Bono, and Achievement. The Gold Award was awarded for projects that exceeded industry standards and all the winners are listed on the Viddy Awards website at www.viddyawards.com.

Creative agency Bypicknick

Bypicknick stands out as a branding, design & communication agency with a full spread of skills and services and a creative network that collaborates with your brand throughout the full process, from designing a unique creative concept to strategically launching for maximum impact. The team skyrockets your marketing and advertising through mouth-watering branding, branded content, high-end video productions, analytics, and eye-catching creative content that drive higher conversions.

‍ Zoveel Veurne - Winning 2022 Viddy Award In Long Form Videos

Veurne, from Steenkerke to Houtem, to everywhere around and in between! With its amazing picturesque buildings, landmark attractions, community, and unparalleled history as the nation’s “Boeteprocessie", Veurne is one of Belgium’s most diverse cities. 'Zoveel Veurne' was developed by the communication department of the city Veurne, led by director Tom Van Rompaey. 

A new city branding strategy based on cultural events, values, and community participation aim to enhance Veurne's attractiveness as a destination for cultural tourism, and local economic businesses and to sustain local livelihood. Bypicknick created a high-energy, diverse and unpredictable summer brand film that included adventure, culture, leisure, and sport. We had the opportunity to create a specific image, add value to different areas, and highlight emblematic places in the city which attract diversified audiences. We designed an immersive, sensory-driven approach to tell the story of Zoveel Veurne. A seamless moving style that relies on a mix of traditional film techniques. Visit our website for more: www.bypicknick.com Watch Zoveel Veurne here: https://vimeo.com/751152798 Press contact: Jasmien@bypicknick.be

[warningsine]

On Aug. 28, Amandla Stenberg, the lead of the “Star Wars” series “The Acolyte,” posted an eight-and-a-half-minute video to her Instagram Stories about Lucasfilm’s abrupt decision not to pick up the show for a second season just a month after the Season 1 finale streamed on Disney+. 

“It’s not a huge shock for me,” Stenberg said. Since the series was announced in 2020, she continued, “we started experiencing a rampage of, I would say, hyper-conservative bigotry and vitriol, prejudice, hatred and hateful language towards us.” (Stenberg was unavailable to comment for this story.)

In other words, “The Acolyte” was the latest high-profile target of “toxic fandom,” the catchall term for when fan criticism curdles from good-faith dissatisfaction into a relentlessly negative, often bigoted online campaign against either the project or its stars or creative leaders. In a franchise economy increasingly dependent upon established audience devotion to drive the bottom line, the threat of toxic fandoms poisoning that enthusiasm has become a seemingly intractable headache for almost every studio. And it’s only getting worse.

“It comes with the territory, but it’s gotten incredibly loud in the last couple years,” says a veteran marketing executive at a major studio. “People are just out for blood, regardless. They think the purity of the first version will never be replaced, or you’ve done something to upset the canon of a beloved franchise, and they’re going to take you down for doing so.”

Sometimes, toxic fandoms behave reactively. A “House of the Dragon” episode featuring two female characters kissing and an episode of “The Last of Us” focusing on a gay couple were both review bombed — the practice of mobbing sites like Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb with negative user reviews, which gained mainstream attention following the premiere of 2017’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” And an entire YouTube ecosystem is devoted to declaring projects like “The Marvels” and “The Boys” “woke garbage” (among other pungent sobriquets).

Just as frequently, the backlash begins before the project has seen the light of day: a Reddit mega-thread dedicated to outrage over “Bridgerton” casting a Black woman (Masali Baduza) as the love interest for Francesca (Hannah Dodd); social media epithets directed at the actors of color cast as elves and dwarves in “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”; death threats aimed at Leslie Jones during the press tour for 2016’s “Ghostbusters.”

Perhaps the greatest irony of this phenomenon is the disproportionate impact these toxic fandoms have relative to their actual number. 

“The vast majority of any fandom are casual fans,” says John Van Citters, VP of Star Trek brand development, who has been with the storied franchise since the 1990s. “The number of people who live and die on their franchises are very, very few, and then those who come after things that they espouse to love with venom are a really, really tiny subset of that already smaller subset of fandom. It’s just much easier to see it now. I don’t know that it’s really that much broader than where things were in 1995 — it’s just that the bullhorn wasn’t there.”

For some, combating that bullhorn amounts to acting as if they can’t hear it. “Particularly when it’s a negative, toxic conversation, we don’t even engage,” says a TV marketing executive. “Like with toxic people, you try to not give it too much oxygen.” One principal concern is that reacting to these kinds of attacks risks alienating fans who are unhappy with creative choices about a franchise but haven’t tipped over into abusive behavior. So a studio may attempt to amplify friendlier voices instead. “We’ll reply to comments that are positive and elevate those things,” says the TV exec.

Still, toxic fandoms have grown so pernicious that they’ve become a fact of life for many — and so powerful that while talent, executives and publicists will privately bemoan the issue, fear of inadvertently triggering another backlash kept several studios from speaking for this story even on background. (As one rep put it, “It’s just a lose-lose.”)

Those who did talk with Variety all agreed that the best defense is to avoid provoking fandoms in the first place. In addition to standard focus group testing, studios will assemble a specialized cluster of superfans to assess possible marketing materials for a major franchise project.

“They’re very vocal,” says the studio exec. “They will just tell us, ‘If you do that, fans are going to retaliate.’” These groups have even led studios to alter the projects: “If it’s early enough and the movie isn’t finished yet, we can make those kinds of changes.”

Several studio insiders say they often put their talent through a social media boot camp; in some cases, when a character is intentionally challenging a franchise’s status quo, studios will, with the actor’s permission, take over their social media accounts entirely. When things get really bad — especially involving threats of violence — security firms will scrub talent information from the internet to protect them from doxxing.

In some particularly egregious cases, a direct response has been necessary. In 2022, after “Obi-Wan Kenobi” actor Moses Ingram denounced the “hundreds” of racist messages sent to her about her role — “There’s nothing anybody can do about this. There’s nothing anybody can do to stop this hate,” she said — Lucasfilm posted a statement to its Star Wars social media accounts that read, in part, “There are more than 20 million sentient species in the Star Wars galaxy, don’t choose to be a racist.” The Star Wars accounts also shared a video of “Obi-Wan” star Ewan McGregor saying the abuse made him “sick to my stomach” and that “if you’re sending her bullying messages, you’re no ‘Star Wars’ fan in my mind.” 

Later that year, the cast of “The Rings of Power” condemned “the relentless racism, threats, harassment, and abuse some of our castmates of color are being subjected to on a daily basis,” and actors from the “Lord of the Rings” film trilogy posted photos of themselves wearing clothing featuring the ears of Middle-earth creatures in multiple skin tones underneath the message “you are all welcome here” written in Elvish. Those efforts may have had an effect. In an August interview with Amazon MGM Studios TV chief Vernon Sanders about “The Rings of Power,” the executive said the show hadn’t experienced the same racist hostility in advance of Season 2 that had greeted its 2022 debut. “People have had a chance to actually engage with the show,” he said. “Overwhelmingly, what we’ve seen is that folks who came with an open mind can discuss and debate their favorite things — which takes you out of the place of that ugly conversation that happened with some folks who may have been infused with an agenda that’s separate from the show itself.”

There is one other way to handle toxic fans on the internet: Stay off it. “I’m not online, so I’m protected,” says frequent Marvel star Elizabeth Olsen (“WandaVision”). “Generally, it’s a lot of positive experiences of making kids happy. I ignore the other stuff.”

[archoneddzs15]

PC Engine - Vigilante

Title: Vigilante / ビジランテ

Developer/Publisher: Irem

Release date: 14 January 1989

Catalogue No.: IC63001

Genre: Beat-em-up

Format: HuCard

Left-to-right scrolling beat 'em up conversion of an Irem arcade game, that Irem made themselves. Set out on a mission to rescue your girlfriend using only your fists and feet (and the occasional nunchucks) to defend yourself against the gang types that are out to stop you. Vigilante features the same game mechanics as Irem’s earlier game Kung-Fu Master or 'Spartan X' to give it its Japanese name. You will be placed in a headlock, and the only way to break free is to wiggle the D-pad left and right until you shake it off. 

You can also choose to punch or drop-kick, depending on what works best for you. What’s different about the game is that you are not limited to these moves. Along the way, you can get some nun-chucks that will make things a lot easier. Get hit by an enemy, however, and you’ll lose them. For some reason, you can also go left, right back to where you started. You’ll also fight a boss at the end of the stage. The van is right behind him, so you’d think Chuck could open the door and rescue her. Nope! Chuck just defeats the boss and proceeds to the next stage.

The level design is top-notch. The Downtown stages are littered with advertisements of other Irem games and other humorous posters. I like the way that not all of the thugs wear the same outfit, and that there is some variation in them. The sound is also good. Out of all the effects, I like the one that is heard when you lose a life. Music-wise, I think the music tracks are brilliantly composed, blending into the stage you’re on. Strangely, there is no such thing as boss music in this game.

Vigilante is only a few of the very faithful arcade conversions for the PC Engine. There are loads more in the Japanese market. The graphics and sound are good, and it beats the other 8-bit versions hands down, which is saying something since the PC Engine is technically an 8-bit console (though you could call it a 16-bit machine as well, since it competed with the Mega Drive and Super Famicom in its later years).

[paradiseicecream]

The Importance of Ice Cream Vans in Campbelltown, Sydney

Focusing on the multiethnic neighbourhood of Campbelltown located within Sydney, Australia, the simple icon of the ice cream van is indispensable when it comes to creating happiness and enhancing the sweetness of people’s lives and memorable events. Ice cream vans are much more than the business of selling ice cream, but conveyors of happiness from birthday parties, community events, events enjoyed on hot summer days; they are a part of the culture. This is why ice cream vans are even extremely vital in Campbelltown.

 The Reception Stew

 The Angels that Make Children and Adults Proud to Smile

 Ice cream vans are one of happiness and delight recognized almost in every corner of the world. The appearance of an ice cream van holds the kind of relief for children akin to that of a fireman’s alarm to an adult man. These are memories of brightly coloured and tasteful treats. As for the adults, these vans are associated with the ideas of the desire mentioned earlier – they are reminiscent of one’s childhood, straightforward and happy. This happy-sad feeling is typical for ice-cream vans and turns them into a beloved element in Campbelltown with happy faces of people of all ages.

 Enhancing Community Events

 Examples include throwing oranges at a person and creating sweets used in family and other social events.

 This is because the sale of ice creams directly complements fairs, festivals, and local markets that are some of the events that are common in Campbelltown. These are gathering events and an ice cream van also provides a plus and a flap of joy, or laughter. From a fruity ice cream cone to having on a hot summer day or a delightful cone and spirited conversation with the neighbour, the ice cream van adds more value to the communal delight.

 Perfect for Celebrations

 Birthday and Party memories that would seem extraordinary at the first sight

 Ice cream van hire for birthdays and functions are in high demand in the city of Campbelltown. It is different and interesting, and it definitely opens up any event, adding a certain flare to it. The appeal of children in choosing their favourite ice cream from a happy and colourful van proves to be enticing to children. Not only a delectable but an addition to the celebration which makes it mystical and more special. For parents, perhaps it will be easier to provide different types of sweets without organising a separate meeting with a specialist. 

 Supporting Local Businesses

 Promoting Small Enterprises

 There are many ice cream vans in Campbelltown and majority of these are owned by individuals who are running their own businesses. Thus, supporting these vendors, the residents are preserving local economic activities and the businesses themselves. Such vendors depend on local producers to supply their raw materials and make new special flavours that are appropriate to the population. Hence, one can conclude that ice cream vans contribute to creating local identity and stimulating economic development.

 Accessibility and Convenience

 Home delivery of food items

 The main advantage of ice cream vans is their transportation capability. They sell tasty meals and all times’ favourite – ice cream; they are mobile, therefore are able to access areas that traditional ice cream shops cannot. This is especially advantageous so much more if the place is as vast as Campbelltown; well, the extra miles does not have to get in the way of savouring favourite ice creams. Hence, the flexibility of having an ice cream van bring ice cream to customers makes it an attractive sweet for everyone.

 Creating Employment Opportunities

 Jobs for the Community

 Bearing ice cream van business creates employment opportunities in the entire society. It provides employment to the drivers and vendors and in fact, to everyone concerned with the supply chain be it local dairy firms and suppliers of ingredients. This network of employment assists in the provision of local employment hence is beneficial and offers crucial exposure particularly to the youths.

 Promoting Outdoor Activities

 Encouraging Community Engagement

 There presence makes people stay outside the house and rather consume ice cream. A targeted audience of families would include parks, playgrounds, and community centres because they know they will be able to indulge in a tasty ice cream product. This has a positive impact on the health of children making them engage in outdoor activities and also enhancing social interaction thus reaching the health of the society. 

Ice cream vans are seen as a generally positive aspect of life to the people of Campbell town, Sydney. People want and need more than just a mobile bakery to satisfy their sweet tooth; they also need happiness, togetherness, and the local economy. Ice cream vans also contribute to the general well being of the society, for instance, by improving parties and other communal occasions or by advertising enterprises and offering simple, universally accessible sweets. The roles of the community extend beyond the confectionery value that they provide, enhancing the quality of the lives of people and contributing to the unification of the society.

For More info: ice cream truck for parties near me

[psatalk]

Amcor Flexibles goes for Vetaphone corona equipment

Amcor’s Gent production facility is a giant, housing gravure printing in up to nine colors, digital printing, solvent and water-based coating, lamination, coextrusion, both cast and film up to nine layers, and Vision Systems for conversion and extrusion. It all began back in 1925 with the production of cellophane, which was the first plastic material used for food packaging.  In 1950, the plant became the first to extrude in Europe, and by the 1960s Amcor Flexibles was making strides in the pharmaceutical, films & packaging, and chemical sectors, with the establishment of a strong R&D culture.

Throughout the 1990s, the Group expanded with numerous acquisitions, including Danisco, A&R, Rexam, and Tobepal, with extruded volumes being consolidated at Gent and the UK plant in Ilkeston.  2008 brought a major 17m Euros investment program at Gent with four new extrusion lines and the construction of a new production hall, while the acquisition of Alcan in 2010 saw conversion and extrusion separated at Gent and in 2019, with the addition of Bemis, the group became a major global leader in package print production.

Today, the Gent plant has a broad product range including peel and barrier packaging that serves all sectors.  PE, PP, PA, and PETg are extruded in up to nine layers and on the converting side, gravure and digital printing combine with lamination, coating, and slitting.  Both extrusion and converting sectors are monitored by Vison Systems to assure quality.

It was into this production environment that Vetaphone set about selling its surface treatment technology, as Dirk Den Haese, sales manager of Vetaphone Benelux explained, “The challenge of working with a large and diverse group like Amcor is knowing where to start! But I knew that the company valued its reputation for quality very highly, and that the accuracy of much of the packaging it produced was critical, so there was clearly no room for any weak link in the production chain.” 

Beginning in 1990, Vetaphone has supplied a diverse range of corona technology to the Belgian plant that ranges from 1400 to 2300 mm in web width and generators from 2 x 6kW for extrusion lines to 2 x 10kW for different lamination lines. For its food and pharmaceutical work, Amcor is using exclusively Vetaphone VP2 ceramic rollers to ensure no contamination from the silicone sleeves, vulcanized and aluminium backing rollers.

This has become a standard item for Amcor Flexibles in Gent, where the treaters have performed well, drawing praise for their low maintenance requirements and easy access, and reliable performance that provides the consistently even treatment essential for a quality end-product.

Speaking for Amcor, Andries Van Nieuwenhove, plant general manager at Amcor Flexibles Conversion Gent said, “It is key for us to have good partners who support us in our journey to be the reference supplier of specialty peelable and barrier laminates.”

Amcor is very proud of its customer engagement that takes a bespoke approach to the challenges of modern-day packaging. “From concept to prototype and onto production and recycling, the company works hard at being innovative,” according to commercial director Johan Van Wesemael.  “Using our in-house pilot line and all the analytical assets and expertise we have gathered we can speed up developments and through real-world testing deliver validated solutions.”

Proof of this attention to detail is the number of international quality recognition awards held by Amcor, including ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 50001, along with ISTA, Ecovadis, and BRC accreditations.  They are, in fact, no more than one would expect from such a major player in the market, but are now the basic requirements for the food, pharma, and industrial sectors that Amcor supplies on a regular and global basis.

To put that size into perspective, Amcor employs 42,500 people across 220 locations in 43 countries – its packaging products are used by more than 4000 brand owners – it holds 3700 patents, trademarks, and registered designs, spends over €100m on R&D each year, enjoying an annual sales turnover of US$14 billion.  As Dirk Den Haese concluded, “If Vetaphone technology is good enough for Amcor, by association it makes us a global leader too – and it’s something we are very proud of!  I estimate we have now installed more than €1m’s worth of our technology at the Gent plant, making Amcor one of our largest customers in the Benelux region.”

[famousfootwearr]

Shoes for Women, Men & Kids, Famous Footwear

Famous Footwear is a leading retailer known for its extensive range of fashionable and affordable footwear. With over 1,100 stores across the United States and a strong online presence, the brand caters to a diverse customer base, offering shoes for men, women, and children.

History and Growth

Early Beginnings

Founded in 1960 by Neil Moldenhauer, Famous Footwear started as a small shoe store in Madison, Wisconsin. The company quickly grew, thanks to its focus on providing high-quality shoes at reasonable prices. famousfootwear.su

Expansion and Development

1980s: The company expanded significantly, opening numerous stores nationwide.

1990s: Acquired by Brown Shoe Company, now known as Caleres, Inc., which further fueled its growth.

2000s: Embraced e-commerce, launching its online store to reach a broader audience.

Product Range

Men's Footwear

Famous Footwear offers a wide variety of men's shoes, including casual sneakers, formal dress shoes, and athletic footwear from renowned brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.

Women's Footwear

The women's collection features stylish boots, comfortable flats, trendy heels, and athletic shoes. Popular brands include Skechers, Converse, and Dr. Martens.

Kids' Footwear

Children's shoes at Famous Footwear Near Me cater to all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. The collection includes school shoes, play shoes, and sports shoes from brands like Vans and Puma.

Customer Experience

In-Store Shopping

Store Layout: Organized and easy to navigate.

Customer Service: Knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Rewards Program: Famous Footwear offers a loyalty program called Famous Footwear Rewards, which provides discounts and special offers to frequent shoppers.

Online Shopping

Website: User-friendly with detailed product descriptions and reviews.

Shipping: Free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

Returns: Easy return policy with a generous 60-day return window.

Market Position and Competitors

Competitive Edge

Famous Footwear's success can be attributed to its ability to offer trendy footwear at competitive prices, along with frequent promotions and discounts.

Major Competitors

DSW: Known for a wide selection and designer brands.

Foot Locker: Focuses on athletic footwear and sportswear.

Payless: Targets budget-conscious consumers with affordable options.

Sustainability Initiatives

Famous Footwear is committed to sustainability, with efforts such as:

Eco-Friendly Products: Offering shoes made from sustainable materials.

Recycling Programs: Encouraging customers to recycle old shoes.

Financial Performance

Famous Footwear has shown consistent growth over the years, with significant revenue figures. For instance, in 2020, Caleres reported net sales of $2.1 billion, a substantial portion attributed to Famous Footwear.

Conclusion

Famous Footwear remains a top choice for consumers seeking fashionable, affordable, and high-quality footwear. With a robust in-store and online presence, the brand continues to expand its reach and maintain its competitive edge in the footwear market.

For more information, visit the https://famousfootwear.su/

[famousfootweaar]

Shoes for Women, Men & Kids, Famous Footwear

Famous Footwear is a leading retailer known for its extensive range of fashionable and affordable footwear. With over 100 stores across the United States and a strong online presence, the brand caters to a 1,diverse customer base, offering shoes for men, women, and children.

History and Growth

Early Beginnings

Founded in 1960 by Neil Moldenhauer, Famous Footwear started as a small shoe store in Madison, Wisconsin. The company quickly grew, thanks to its focus on providing high-quality shoes at reasonable prices. famousfootwear.org

Expansion and Development

1980s: The company expanded significantly, opening numerous stores nationwide.

1990s: Acquired by Brown Shoe Company, now known as Caleres, Inc., which further fueled its growth.

2000s: Embraced e-commerce, launching its online store to reach a broader audience.

Product Range

Men's Footwear

Famous Footwear offers a wide variety of men's shoes, including casual sneakers, formal dress shoes, and athletic footwear from renowned brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.

Women's Footwear

The women's collection features stylish boots, comfortable flats, trendy heels, and athletic shoes. Popular brands include Skechers, Converse, and Dr. Martens.

Kids' Footwear

Children's shoes at Famous Footwear Near Me cater to all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. The collection includes school shoes, play shoes, and sports shoes from brands like Vans and Puma.

Customer Experience

In-Store Shopping

Store Layout: Organized and easy to navigate.

Customer Service: Knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Rewards Program: Famous Footwear offers a loyalty program called Famous Footwear Rewards, which provides discounts and special offers to frequent shoppers.

Online Shopping

Website: User-friendly with detailed product descriptions and reviews.

Shipping: Free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

Returns: Easy return policy with a generous 60-day return window.

Market Position and Competitors

Competitive Edge

Famous Footwear's success can be attributed to its ability to offer trendy footwear at competitive prices, along with frequent promotions and discounts.

Major Competitors

DSW: Known for a wide selection and designer brands.

Foot Locker: Focuses on athletic footwear and sportswear.

Payless: Targets budget-conscious consumers with affordable options.

Sustainability Initiatives

Famous Footwear is committed to sustainability, with efforts such as:

Eco-Friendly Products: Offering shoes made from sustainable materials.

Recycling Programs: Encouraging customers to recycle old shoes.

Financial Performance

Famous Footwear has shown consistent growth over the years, with significant revenue figures. For instance, in 2020, Caleres reported net sales of $2.1 billion, a substantial portion attributed to Famous Footwear.

Conclusion

Famous Footwear remains a top choice for consumers seeking fashionable, affordable, and high-quality footwear. With a robust in-store and online presence, the brand continues to expand its reach and maintain its competitive edge in the footwear market.

For more information, visit the https://famousfootwear.org

[famousfootwear]

Shoes for Women, Men & Kids, Famous Footwear

Famous Footwear is a leading retailer known for its extensive range of fashionable and affordable footwear. With over 1,100 stores across the United States and a strong online presence, the brand caters to a diverse customer base, offering shoes for men, women, and children.

History and Growth

Early Beginnings

Founded in 1960 by Neil Moldenhauer, Famous Footwear started as a small shoe store in Madison, Wisconsin. The company quickly grew, thanks to its focus on providing high-quality shoes at reasonable prices. famousfootwear.us

Expansion and Development

1980s: The company expanded significantly, opening numerous stores nationwide.

1990s: Acquired by Brown Shoe Company, now known as Caleres, Inc., which further fueled its growth.

2000s: Embraced e-commerce, launching its online store to reach a broader audience.

Product Range

Men's Footwear

Famous Footwear offers a wide variety of men's shoes, including casual sneakers, formal dress shoes, and athletic footwear from renowned brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance.

Women's Footwear

The women's collection features stylish boots, comfortable flats, trendy heels, and athletic shoes. Popular brands include Skechers, Converse, and Dr. Martens.

Kids' Footwear

Children's shoes at Famous Footwear Near Me cater to all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. The collection includes school shoes, play shoes, and sports shoes from brands like Vans and Puma.

Customer Experience

In-Store Shopping

Store Layout: Organized and easy to navigate.

Customer Service: Knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Rewards Program: Famous Footwear offers a loyalty program called Famous Footwear Rewards, which provides discounts and special offers to frequent shoppers.

Online Shopping

Website: User-friendly with detailed product descriptions and reviews.

Shipping: Free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

Returns: Easy return policy with a generous 60-day return window.

Market Position and Competitors

Competitive Edge

Famous Footwear's success can be attributed to its ability to offer trendy footwear at competitive prices, along with frequent promotions and discounts.

Major Competitors

DSW: Known for a wide selection and designer brands.

Foot Locker: Focuses on athletic footwear and sportswear.

Payless: Targets budget-conscious consumers with affordable options.

Sustainability Initiatives

Famous Footwear is committed to sustainability, with efforts such as:

Eco-Friendly Products: Offering shoes made from sustainable materials.

Recycling Programs: Encouraging customers to recycle old shoes.

Financial Performance

Famous Footwear has shown consistent growth over the years, with significant revenue figures. For instance, in 2020, Caleres reported net sales of $2.1 billion, a substantial portion attributed to Famous Footwear.

Conclusion

Famous Footwear remains a top choice for consumers seeking fashionable, affordable, and high-quality footwear. With a robust in-store and online presence, the brand continues to expand its reach and maintain its competitive edge in the footwear market.

For more information, visit the https://famousfootwear.us/

[nikjmiles]

VW ID.Buzz: A Trip to England to Drive VW's Electric Game-Changer! NEWS from Test Miles on Vimeo.

In an automotive world rapidly shifting gears towards electric mobility, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz emerges not just as a vehicle but as a statement. This electric marvel, reimagining the iconic Volkswagen T1 with a futuristic twist, is steering the conversation around electric vehicles (EVs) into new, uncharted territories. With an impressive range of up to 258 miles (415 km) on a single charge, the ID.Buzz is setting benchmarks that beg the question: Is the future of family travel electric?

Charging technology is at the heart of the EV revolution, and the ID.Buzz stands out with its ability to power up at speeds of up to 170kW (227 hp) at public charging stations, or more modestly at 11kW (14.7 hp) from AC points. This flexibility in charging ensures that the ID.Buzz can adapt to various user needs, proving its mettle in a real-world range test where it achieved 203 miles (327 km), hitting 80% of its advertised capacity at 2.7 miles (4.3 km) per kWh.

But what does this mean for potential buyers? With a retail price stretching from £59,035 to £63,835 (approximately $77,000 to $83,000), the ID.Buzz is positioned as a premium option in the EV market. However, through platforms like carwow, savings are available, making it a competitive option for those looking to invest in the future of clean mobility. For those considering the leap, monthly payments start at £515 (about $670), with pre-owned models beginning at £46,990 (around $61,000), offering a range of entry points for different budgets.

Safety is another cornerstone of the ID.Buzz’s appeal, boasting a five-star Euro NCAP rating that underscores its credentials as a family vehicle. This, combined with a spacious interior offering 1,121 liters (39.6 cubic feet) of boot space — dwarfing competitors — and a plethora of stowage options, sets a new standard in EV practicality.

Despite its van-like dimensions, the ID.Buzz drives with the agility of a much smaller car, thanks to a turning circle of just 11.1 meters (36.4 feet) and a rear-wheel-drive setup that enhances maneuverability and driving dynamics. Yet, it’s not without its criticisms. The infotainment system has faced backlash for being laggy, and the design choice to omit air vents and electric windows in the rear, a nod to its sliding door mechanism, has been noted as a potential drawback.

Underpinning all of this is the ID.Buzz’s all-electric powertrain, featuring a 77kWh battery that supports fast charging — allowing the vehicle to recharge from 10-80% in just half an hour. Yet, looming on the horizon is the 2025 road tax for electric vehicles, a development that future owners need to consider.

Despite these considerations, the ID.Buzz’s unique proposition lies not just in its technical specifications but in its ability to captivate. Its design eschews the prevalent SUV trend for a nostalgic yet innovative form factor that speaks to a growing desire for vehicles that offer more than just transportation — they offer an experience.

Launched onto roads in late 2022, the long-term reliability of the ID.Buzz remains to be fully assessed. However, its early reception suggests a bright future, with its blend of retro charm and cutting-edge technology appealing to a broad audience looking for sustainable, practical, and enjoyable family transport options.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz stands out as a beacon of what’s possible when innovation meets nostalgia. As it carves its path on the roads, it challenges us to rethink not just what we drive, but how we drive into the future.

[cinema-hallucinations]

Prompt: develop a concept for a sci fi comedy about a full-conversion cybord struggling with the difficulties brought by the fact their body is classified as a motor vehicle (credit to @prokopetz)

Title: Licensed to Cruise

Tagline: You thought your parking bylaws were weird?

Logline: Chrome "Chromey" Johansson, a sarcastic and accident-prone cyborg with a full-body conversion, finds his life turned upside down when the DMV flags him as an unlicensed motor vehicle. Now, he must navigate the absurd bureaucracy of robot registration, rogue robot gangs, and a determined parking enforcement officer to avoid being impounded.

Characters:

Chrome "Chromey" Johansson: A sarcastic and cynical cyborg with a full-metal body. He dreams of opening a space bar but is constantly bogged down by the bureaucratic nightmares of being classified as a vehicle.

Officer Diaz: A by-the-book and slightly overzealous parking enforcement officer who becomes Chromey's nemesis. He takes immense joy in ticketing illegally parked cyborgs.

Gigi "Gigabyte" Hertz: A brilliant but eccentric hacker who helps Chromey navigate the DMV's labyrinthine online system. She lives in a tricked-out van crammed with salvaged technology.

The Rustbucket Renegades: A ragtag group of rogue cyborgs led by the charismatic but short-tempered "Rusty." They operate outside the law, modifying their bodies and evading robot registration.

Plot:

Chrome "Chromey" Johansson, a full-conversion cyborg with a sleek chrome exterior, dreams of opening a space bar called "The Rusty Bolt." However, his plans are put on hold when he receives a hefty fine in the mail – a parking ticket addressed to "Vehicle Johansson, Unit CH-RM-7."

Confused, Chromey discovers his fully functional cyborg body is classified as a motor vehicle by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Without a proper license and registration, he faces impoundment.

Desperate to avoid being scrapped, Chromey seeks help from Gigi "Gigabyte" Hertz, a brilliant hacker with a knack for navigating the DMV's notoriously complex online system. Together, they embark on a hilarious bureaucratic odyssey, battling glitches, endless forms, and unhelpful AI assistants.

Meanwhile, Officer Diaz, a by-the-book parking enforcement officer with an unhealthy obsession with ticketing illegally parked vehicles, becomes Chromey's nemesis. Their encounters are a series of escalating clashes, with Chromey's attempts to avoid Diaz leading to even more absurd traffic violations.

The plot thickens when Chromey accidentally stumbles upon the Rustbucket Renegades, a group of rogue cyborgs who have modified their bodies to evade registration. They offer Chromey a way out of the system, but their methods involve illegal black market parts and defying the law – something Chromey is hesitant about.

The climax involves a high-stakes chase through the neon-lit streets of New Los Angeles. Chromey, with Gigi's hacking skills and the grudging help of Officer Diaz (who just wants Chromey properly registered), must outsmart the Rustbucket Renegades and avoid getting impounded by the DMV's robotic enforcement squad.

In the end, Chromey finds a legal way to register himself (with a custom "Cyborg" classification) and finally opens his space bar. He learns to embrace his unique status as a "licensed to cruise" cyborg, even if it means dealing with the occasional parking ticket.

Humor:

The absurdity of a fully sentient being classified as a motor vehicle.

Chromey's struggles with basic tasks like parallel parking due to his bulky metal body.

The DMV's hilariously unhelpful AI assistants and bureaucratic red tape.

The contrast between Officer Diaz's by-the-book personality and Chromey's wisecracking attitude.

Themes:

Finding humor in the complexities of bureaucracy and technology.

The importance of individuality and defying arbitrary classifications.

The power of friendship and unlikely alliances.

[x-ceirios-x]

desmin

template based on this post

Basics

Name: Desmin Rige

Places Lived: name it, he’s been

Current Residence: Brooklyn, New York

Birthday: December 3

Age: old

Species: warlock 

Appearance

Hair: dyed black

Eyes: blue 

Height: 6’0

Clothing Style:

Face Claim: Simon van Meervenne

Family

Mother: an old, old demon he’s sworn to secrecy about

Father: dead for a long time

Sibling(s): Eleanor Rige

Closest Friends: Magnus Bane

Romantic Interest: none

Past Relationship(s): many short stints over the years, but he’s never been in a serious relationship 

Personality

Desmin, in short, likes to keep to himself. He doesn’t enjoy being around groups of people, save for a few specific instances, and appreciates his alone time more than most. To strangers and acquaintances, he’s standoffish and cold, clearly disinterested in conversation. When he and Eleanor are working with mundanes or other clients, he prefers to say hello and start working on other orders (cozenages, more like) and let her do the talking, knowing that he tends to make people uneasy. Around friends, he’s similar, though they understand that this isn’t a front, but the way that he is. He struggles to express emotions in a way most people would and is incredibly awkward, which makes him come off as unapproachable. However, those with patience who do want to get to know him know that he’s ingenious, wise, and creative. It may take a while to see past his outer shell, but he’s incredibly complex underneath his hard stare. 

Hobbies: writing, zoning out and listening to music, surprisingly cleaning

Fear(s): losing Eleanor

Downworlder Information

Species: Warlock

Magic Color: purple

Specialization: book-work magic like summoning spells, potions, etc.

Warlock mark: purple skin

Special Abilities: immortality, portal creation to other realms, other general warlock abilities

Favorites

Food: roman arancini

Drink: neat whiskey or usually just water

Color: blue or black

Season: winter

Scent: citrus

Music: 50s-80s rock. All of the genres in between

Time of day: midnight, or just after

Movie: It’s a Wonderful Life 

Background

The twins have been alive for a long, long time. The circumstances of their births were incredibly rare, making them extremely powerful—warlock twins are rare in the first place, but their demonic parent being their mother even moreso. They, as far as they know, are the only people still alive that know her true name or even of her existence. They spent a great deal of time, several centuries ago, wiping her and their names from any documents, legends, anything physical they could get their hands on and charming anyone who’d dealt with her to forget she existed after finally locking her away in her circle of hell. Despite their age, they both refuse to enter the Spiral Labyrinth in fear of her somehow breaking out and coming back to terrorize their world or other possible ones out there. 

Around the time they were trying to hunt down their mother, they met a little boy in the Dutch East Indies (modern day Indonesia). Desmin met the boy at a market by chance, though when he saw him begging for food from a stand, he bought him some and chatted with him for a little white. After poking for information, he found out the boy was an orphan and had been living on his own. Not wanting the boy to suffer, he offered to let him stay with himself and Eleanor. Through an accident with magic and his warlock mark fully developed, they realized the boy didn’t need just somewhere to stay, but he needed training and someone to teach him he wasn’t a monster, just special. Unfortunately, they couldn’t stay stationary for too long. It broke his heart to let him go, but he got in touch with a friend in the Clave who promised he would be well taken care of with the Silent Brothers. Years after, they found out he’d started studying under Ragnor Fell, whom Desmin had always liked and respected, and that the boy had given himself a new name—Magnus Bane. 

Things were quiet. He enjoyed quiet. There was a debacle in London that they helped out with when they were visiting Magnus—not something he wanted to get involved with, but Eleanor’s crashing love life was entertaining for a minute (until he realized how seriously upset she was, then he felt bad for laughing). She swore she’d never date anyone with angel blood again and rolled his eyes, figuring that would fall through the next time she met a Shadowhunter with pretty eyes. To his surprise, she kept her word. 

They lived in San Diego for a while in the forties. Desmin happened to meet a mundane at a bar once—Fabían Suárez, a mechanic he met at a diner once. The two accidentally ran into each other (literally). He apologized for getting motor oil that was on his pants on Desmin’s nice suit and promised to make it up to him, offering to go get a drink sometime. The two became good friends despite their vastly different lives and Desmin had never been as connected with a person other than Eleanor in his life. As they got to know each other further, he realized that he wasn’t just thinking about him in a strictly friendly way, though refused to admit it to anyone, including his sister. Fabían was sent off to the war and Desmin realized he missed him more than anything else in the world. It was the final thing that made him decide to risk everything, despite how things might go, to tell Fabían how he truly felt—then he never came home. He hasn’t been the same since. 

Looking for a fresh start, the two moved to Paris after the war, where Eleanor thrived. He wasn’t particularly fond of it, but he didn’t dislike anything. Caring about anything beyond surface level was hard for him. Eleanor got a boyfriend, Casimir, who he never really liked but chalked it up to everything irritating him. His feeling about him only got worse when Eleanor started pulling away from him, and it was only when he saw hints of bruises under the sleeves of her shirts did he really start paying attention and realized something was wrong. She was keeping secrets, though, and insisted that she was fine, so he couldn’t do much. He begged her not to move in with him but she didn’t listen, only for him to come rushing to her aid on a particularly terrible night when Eleanor called him, more terrified than he’d ever heard her sound before. He tried to stay out of physical altercations and had rarely been in fights, but he was completely prepared to kill a man that night, if not for her pulling him off of Casimir. 

They both decided to have their romantic lives take a back burner for a while and focused on rebuilding their relationship which had taken strain in the past few years. They traveled, did jobs they both enjoyed—Desmin worked as a teacher for a while, did a bachelor's and several master's programs having to do with writing and language, and published several books based on those ideas under pen names—and settled down. They continued to move every ten or so years, around the time people started to ask questions about how he stayed looking ‘so young’, which was about every ten years or so. He continued his usual, very brief and non-committal relationships with people he found interesting, usually fey, though he wasn’t exactly picky. They had few real friends other than Magnus, though they kept good relations with other Downworld allies, like the Seelie Queen, and heads of vampire clans and werewolf packs in the area. 

Around September 2007, they happened to be in New York. After hearing rumors—good and bad—about Valentine, they decided to see Magnus again, wanting to make sure he knew they were around in case he needed something. The three reignited their friendship and picked up where they left off, happy to spend their evenings drinking at home and catching up from the last fifty or so years. 

[meghalathaclicktots1]

Mobile Van Advertising In Hyderabad | Eumaxindia

In the bustling city of Hyderabad, where every street is filled with activity and movement, mobile van advertising emerges as a powerful tool for businesses seeking to enhance their brand visibility and reach a diverse audience. This article explores the effectiveness, strategies, and impact of mobile van advertising on marketing and advertising efforts in Hyderabad.

Understanding Mobile Van Advertising:

Mobile van advertising involves the use of strategically designed vans equipped with branded graphics, logos, and messaging to promote a business, product, or service. These mobile advertisements traverse the streets of Hyderabad, reaching diverse audiences in both urban and suburban areas.

The Advantages of Mobile Van Advertising:

a. Wide Reach: Mobile vans can access various locations across Hyderabad, ensuring broad exposure for your brand.

b. Targeted Campaigns: By selecting specific routes and areas frequented by your target audience, you can effectively reach potential customers.

c. Flexibility: Mobile van advertising offers flexibility in terms of campaign duration, allowing businesses to tailor their campaigns to specific events or promotions.

d. Impactful Branding: With eye-catching designs and compelling messaging, mobile van ads leave a lasting impression on viewers.

e. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional forms of outdoor advertising, Mobile Van Advertising In Hyderabad offers a cost-effective solution for reaching a large audience.

Strategies for Successful Mobile Van Advertising Campaigns:

a. Creative Design: Develop visually appealing designs that capture attention and effectively convey your brand message.

b. Strategic Routes: Identify high-traffic routes, commercial areas, and event locations for maximum exposure.

c. Engage with the Audience: Implement interactive elements such as QR codes or social media handles to encourage audience engagement.

d. Track Campaign Performance: Use analytics tools to measure the effectiveness of your mobile van advertising campaign and make necessary adjustments.

e. Partner with Local Businesses: Collaborate with local businesses or event organizers to maximize visibility and reach.

Case Studies and Success Stories:

Highlight real-life examples of businesses that have leveraged mobile van advertising to achieve their marketing objectives in Hyderabad. Include metrics such as increased brand awareness, foot traffic, and sales conversions.

Conclusion:

Mobile van advertising offers businesses a dynamic and cost-effective way to enhance their brand visibility and reach a diverse audience in Hyderabad. By implementing strategic design, route planning, and engagement tactics, brands can leverage mobile van advertising to make a lasting impression and drive business growth in the vibrant cityscape of Hyderabad.

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[levantu]

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SUPPOR 

(CHÍNH PHỦ HỖ TRỢ DOANH NGHIỆP)

Dr Le van Tu-08/02/2024

(31/01/2024, Julianne Culey)

I read GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SUPPOR tauthored by Julianne Culey

Julianne is the Assistant Director of the Reynolds Center with expertise in marketing and communications and holds a master's in Sociology from Arizona State University.

The government gets a lot of flack from businesses for not being ‘pro-business’, especially in election cycles. In reality, the government does a lot to help support large and small businesses alike. Here are some of the ways the government gets involved that should be included in the conversation with business owners when discussing the financial health of their business.

That's right. In fact, the government, because its operating budget mainly depends on the resources of businesses and people, but mainly collects taxes from businesses.

  The government always favors ways to help businesses, complete production and business tasks, and be able to pay taxes to the government.

  Any year there is a loss of tax revenue, that year will affect the government's operating budget.

Julianne Culey continued writing: One of the most common ways the government assists the business world is by providing tax incentives and breaks for businesses that meet certain criteria, both on a federal and state level. 

For example, Arizona’s Commerce Authority demonstrates 13 ways  businesses can receive tax relief. This includes tax credits for  quality job creation , sales tax exemptions on manufacturing equip ment , and tax credits for hiring individuals from targeted groups . All of these are ways companies can reduce their overhead costs.

Julianne Culey writing:Some programs give tax breaks for companies that use renewable energy . Others focus on giving relief after natural disasters. Then there is the common deduction for charitable donations  that a lot of companies use.

Currently in the world, companies using renewable energy receive incentives from the government.

  The government's maximum efforts that we will not see such as relief from natural disasters such as floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Businesses that do a lot of charity work will also be given incentives by the government.

The article talks about grants and loans: In addition to tax breaks and incentives, the government hands out subsidies in the form of cash grants, like the ones given to farmers for decades to help control the supply and demand of essential crops – especially, but not limited to, corn. Common industries the government subsidizes are oil, agriculture, housing, automobiles, and health care.

The government can also help businesses that have trouble qualifying for bank loans by guaranteeing a portion of the loan to the lender, increasing the likelihood one is awarded. The government has ten loan programs primarily aimed at small businesses.

The government has many lending programs mainly aimed at small businesses. The government requests the state bank and other commercial banks to reduce interest rates to promote production and business activities. Developing production will control inflation.

This is a problem that many governments must always pay attention to because an economy with high inflation will weaken the entire social life and people.

In terms of government contracts, the article refers to the government completing large public works or other construction projects, with the government often hiring private enterprises as contractors.

This is very correct, creating a level playing field between private enterprises and state-owned enterprises.

This article mentions many concerns and practical subsidy actions of the government for businesses.

However, there is another very important activity that the author says very little about: supporting consumption and sales.

Currently, the global economy is weakening, so the government must pay attention to supporting sales, how to sell products, and how to avoid inventory.

Many countries are experiencing product and goods stagnation; Consumers and customers are few, sellers are many.

Sales support is extremely important in the current period. We need to pay attention, especially the government must prioritize output for businesses. especially businesses with too large stagnant inventories.

In summary, through this article, the author has mentioned a lot about government subsidies. However, I further propose that the government must pay attention to supporting the sales and consumption of products.

Purchasing power has dropped sharply and we need to do programs and activities to stimulate demand.

Hopefully this article will help businesses build appropriate strategies and the government have effective policies to support businesses.

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DR LE VAN TU, FOUNDER-PRESIDENT

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