#and the whole background will be virtual green screen

[cometchasr]

i need to sing my horribly translated lyrics of somebody that i used to know, except:

-we're doing it line by line. or verse by verse. i got confused earlier lol

-i need a fuck load of vocal training for this shit

[thatsatricky1]

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 || 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞

𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Eight of the top ten most popular players in Korea are invited to be the first people to test out the newest device and gameplay by NEO a video game company known as of recent to be the best of the best. An opportunity of a life time handed to them to be able to trial and get a contract to promote it later on. The eight couldn’t resist as they gladly accepted the invitation. Not being able to predict what was to come. A trail test that wouldn’t just be focused on graphics and playablity, no this would test relationships, strength, resolve and many more unpredictable things.

𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Nct Dream ot7 x Reader

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Angst, Fantasy, Fluff, Gaming, Humour, Romance, Smut (in future chapters), Thriller.

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1,7k+

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: None in prologue.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫: This does not depict an accurate picture of Nct Dream and this is strictly fantasy/fiction for entertainment purposes.

“Good morning, welcome to KBS! Today’s first story will interest our younger audience and may just worry all our parents out there.” A well put together broadcast reporter spoke all the while giving the audience watching her through the screen a bright pearly white smile.

“The youth these days seems to be focusing widely on entertainment in the video game area. Well, everyday there seems to be new things coming out but what we have today is something quite extraordinary.” She recited off the teleprompter hidden from sight pointing behind her at the big green screen that showed images and videos to the audience.

“The biggest competitors in gaming in Korea with well known usernames most teens know have all recently been invited to a new project.”

As she spoke on screen were several very well known professional gamers, some showed streaming while others were seen celebrating recently won titles at gaming competitions.

“The project in question is Project Impact. We have all heard of VR, virtual reality but the people at NEO have taken a large step for the gaming community. Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of information on the current project but we will explain what we have.”

“They have worked on a way to make virtual reality more real and as the CEO has promised an experience unlike any other, they have created a way for the player to be able to be in the game with their conscience attached all the while the player is in a sleep-like state.”

As the woman spoke images appeared of people wearing a certain tech wear headgear, seemingly ‘in game’ while their bodies were either laying down or in a sit up position on comfortable chairs.

“The game attached to this new device has also been developed by Neo and is seen to be an in world game with all sorts of challenges and filled with interesting plots. They have confirmed the game is finished.”

“Neo has requested from top players in Korea to test out the tech wear headsets and gameplay, getting many replies and contracts from said players and is due to start testing tonight around 8pm. Though for those interested to see how it plays out, unfortunately it will be under wraps to test out any bugs and glitches at first, but if deemed playable will be streamed and shortly available to the public in only a few months.”

“We have yet to see the whole list of top players that will be testing Neo’s new device and game but those we do have we can list off for you video game enthusiasts, you may just see some of your favourites.”

The reporter, now gesturing at the backdrop once again.

“Mark Lee, also known as Lee Minhyung with the tag name Mork is a Canadian, Korean competitive player known for playing Elden ring, Fortnite and Wow, keeping his place in the top 10 popular Korean players for the sixth year in a row now.”

A video of Mark during his usual streaming was shown with fellow friend Donghyuck, another popular gamer seen in the background screaming his head off at Mark managing to pull his team through for a win.

“Huang Renjun, with the tag name Injeolmi, formally from Jilin ROC now residing in Seoul, SK known very well as a player in Overwatch, King of legend and Fortnite. Placed on the top ten most popular Korean players ranking for the fourth year straight.”

A video of Renjun accepting his award at the most recent gaming event for Overwatch was played also showing a good friend of his, Jeno clapping him on the back for winning.

“Lee Jeno, with the tag name SamoyedJ. Based in Seoul, Sk, another top ten popular Korean player well known for playing Overwatch, King of legend and Valorant.”

A video of Jeno was played from his social media account of his new set up showing off the new branded items he’d received that would help him along. A discord chat with fellow players and friends popped up while he did so.

“Lee Donghyuck, more known by his streaming name Haechan with a gaming tag by the name of Fullsun, holding his top ten most popular Korean gaming title for the fifth year. Known for Valorant, WOW and various odd games.”

A video of Donhyuck appeared of him lounging in his gaming chair animatedly talking with his chat about whatever he had set up for the stream ahead.

“Na Jaemin, with his tag name Nana, another top ten most popular Korean player in his fourth year on the list is well known for Indie games, League of legends and Fortnite.”

Jaemin appeared on screen screaming in terror at another horror indie game playthrough he was doing, camera shaking with him in the dimly lit room.

“Zhong Chenle, also known as Jong Jinrak who goes by the tag name Dolphinlele, formally resided in Shanghai ROC, now currently in Seoul, SK. Having a two year streak being in the top ten most popular Korean players. Known for playing Valorant, Fortnite and Elden ring.”

Chenle was shown on screen one hand moving his mouse clicking around screen with the other arm full with his dog, Daegal sleeping there contently during the stream.

“Park Jisung, with the tag name Jwijwi is based in Seoul, SK a newly added gamer on the top ten most popular Korean players since last year. Mainly known for League of legends, mobile games and Valorant.”

A stream was shown of Jisung sharing food with a friend Y/n on screen as the two spoke to chat while getting ready and picking what two player game to do together.

“The last on the known trail list is L/n F/n, known with the tag T/n, formally based in C/n now residing currently in Seoul, SK, a fresh face this year on the top ten most popular Korean players. Known for Indie games, Cod and Overwatch.”

Y/n was shown on screen playing a game only to be interrupted with a fellow friend and gamer, Donghyuck bursting through the door on screen chasing her cat who went straight towards her desk underneath and between her legs. Y/n scrambling to pause the indie game while Donghyuck whined about her cat not liking him.

Once finished listing off the currently known players entering the trails the reporter pushed aside the small stack of papers on her desk giving the viewers another smile getting ready to say her next rehearsed lines.

“Now I’m sure it’s not needed for me to repeat the list for everyone to have gotten the clue that eight of the top ten most popular Korean players have decided to go through this test trials. Exciting times for their fans I’m sure. These are the current players we know of, the other two most popular gamers could very well have accepted an invitation too but for now we’ll just have to keep our eyes and ears open for any news on that.”

The last photos on screen behind the news anchor was a promotion of the eight players shown wearing similar outfits that were little Easter eggs on previous video games made and produced by NEO to show their official sponsorship with the company.

“We will have more to come on this story later on so stay tuned for that, now onto the weather with my co host who has some exciting news for those who enjoy the warm weather that will surely be quite a good experience for anyone looking to go hiking.”

“Not really sure why we’re wearing outfits for a different old game that has nothing to do with the current game.” Renjun pointed out as he zipped the hood around his face upwards to cover the bottom half of his face.

“Look, we’re matching Junnie, plus who cares this is fun.” Donghyuck nudged his shoulder playfully against Renjun’s, having not zipped his face hood up yet.

“Unfortunately we are.” Renjun grumbled in return harshly zipping up Donghyuck’s zip for him, causing the younger to let out a few muffled complaints.

“Why does Y/n get the grey one?” Chenle whined out his own voice muffled by his knitted mask, hands grabbing and tugging on Y/n’s mask's ears. Her hands flew up to hold onto the mask so it didn’t slip off and ruin anything.

“Let go, it’s not my fault they gave me this character.” Her reply also muffled as she grunted pushing her back into Chenle to make him let go.

“Don’t break it.” Jisung fretted over the duo’s squabble, his hands hanging in the air ready to jump in if needed.

“You look hilarious. Your white hair looks like it’s a part of the mask.” Jaemin teased Jeno pointing at him, holding back a laugh.

“It doesn’t. I’ll smother you right here.” Jeno bit back grabbing onto Jaemin’s mask, tugging it to cover his whole face instead of only half. Jaemin’s muffled screams still loud and clear as his hands flew out blindly slapping at Jeno.

“This is what eight of the top ten most popular Korean players look like, if only people could see us like this our places would be lower.” Mark muttered to himself, his own mask still in hand as he observed his friends' antics.

“Mark! Chenle’s going to rip one of Y/n ear’s off, uh not her real ones the fake ones!” Jisung’s nervous voice cut off Mark’s self monologue as he rushed over to break up the play fight.

“We’ll be taking group photos first before going into individual headshots in two minutes, please be prepared.” The director's voice boomed over to the area the gamers were currently getting their last minute touch ups.

“Two minutes?” A makeup artist asked out in dismay as she and the hairstylist looked over at the eight players who were rough housing.

“Two will be enough to fix up their hair.” The hairstylist spoke reassuring himself since he’d only have to fix the fringes peeking out of their masks.

“How nice for you.” The makeup artist replied to him in dismay, eyeing where Jaemin’s face was currently being messed around underneath his mask.

“You’re right, I’ll ask the director to give us an extra five… ten minutes.” The hairstylist sympathised with his work colleague as he moved away. While the makeup artist rushed over to the eight gamers to do damage control on her previous work hoping she wouldn’t see too many smudges.

𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭:

(If you want to be tagged in my Nct Dream writing comment, inbox or message me)

Thank you for reading I hope you enjoyed. Don’t forget likes, reblogs and comments are always encouraged and help keep writers like myself motivated to continue our stories.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭:

⤻ Click here.

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭:

⤻ Click here.

[ourflagmeansbts]

Source (Season 1 - April 25th 2022)

contestabile: Our Flag Means Death’s @ourflaghbomax main set, The Revenge, (Stede’s ship) was built on one of the newest soundstages at Warner Bros Studios which was previously used for Christopher Nolan’s film Tenet. A giant “J” shaped LED screen was used for virtual backdrops instead of green screens for much of the “at sea” scenes. This allowed the crew to film in a sound stage instead of the open ocean. It also helped eliminate a whole lot of green screen VFX work. To get the most out of the LED “J”, the ship was designed and engineered to break apart into 3 pieces which were then pushed out of the way with forklifts. This would create room for other ships, islands, docks, bluffs, and anything else that an LED wall could be used for. And whenever you see water that isn’t in the deep background, it’s actually computer generated!

[hellohimawarihana]

My Review of Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS Henshin

Hello and welcome into another transformation analysis! This time I’ll be talking about one of Yu-Gi-Oh series that involves transformation.

If you’re not familiar with Yu-Gi-Oh then I’m gonna explain it to you. Basically it was the series who popularize the trading card game today and it always involves duel between one another by summoning creatures like dragons and fairies combined with fusion and various effects that will decide the outcome of the battle.

Now I’m not a fan of Yu-Gi-Oh myself but I do had a few interactions between the series. I was born in late 90s so I grew up with the original series and I do hear the first opening and ending songs and they felt good. Then I do watch my brother’s gameplay about some GX games (maybe?) on PS2 and one episode in 5DS (maybe in Season 2? 'cause I remember the duel back then was in chibi). ZEXAL’s first opening song was true to its name, a masterpiece to me. The rest of them like ARC-V, SEVENS and currently airing Go Rush!! isn’t my cup of tea, but the thing that does made me interested recently is the 6th anime series, VRAINS.

This series has recently got its 5th anniversary and with VRAINS World in Duel Links, few events, and goods ongoing, so I think it won’t be bad to review this third series with transformation. Well, Yu-Gi-Oh is no stranger to transformation sequence as OG and ZEXAL had done this before, but VRAINS is the first where the protagonist doesn’t need their respective partner to transform into their alter ego, whether it be possessed or by fusion.

Before that though, no transformation where the log in / sign in happened with blue flash of light as it was instantaneous / offscreen and no character without complete appearance change too, although there's one exception that will be shown later.

With no further ado, let’s dive into character sections, put the decks into Duel Disks, and “Into the VRAINS!!”

Playmaker / Soulburner

We’ll start with the protagonist and his eventual partner in Season 2 when they sign into LINK VRAINS. And their animations are... pretty much similar, so I’m dumping both here in one session.

Let’s talk about Yusaku a.k.a. Playmaker first. First off, I like the visuals when he transforms, it’s the thing that made me impressed the first time I watched it and get hooked by the series. The blue in the background matches his personality really well too. I especially like the gold glow on his bodysuit and how he let his hair down (actually it’s his front bangs) before changing it into Playmaker, ah good stuff indeed.

As for Takeru alias Soulburner... eh, fine? Nothing much to say about this one but I do like the scarf that moves when he lowers his head and how his glasses was removed the same time as his transforming hair. It’s pretty unique, since we rarely see glasses got removed onscreen during transformation (think Barnaby in Tiger & Bunny 2 and Mew Lettuce in Tokyo Mew Mew New). And the background really represents his hot-blooded personality too.

Speaking of the visual, it’s one of the successful among anime media. Usually the pseudo-space background has to represent the individual’s strengths / elements or the series theme as a whole. VRAINS is well known by its aesthetic, and oh boy it’s really shown here. Surrounding them is the screens that represent charts and the platform where they're standing are based of hardware components with the electric fan in the center, not to mention the pillars spinning around too. What differs them is the theme color. As I stated before, Playmaker uses blue though it’s more towards Yusaku than his online alias (unless you count the glows during his Ritual and Xyz Summoning) and there's emerald green as secondary color which is the closest towards his green bodysuit and his Synchro Summoning glow. Meanwhile, Soulburner uses red and orange, which is the common element of fire that was part of his deck.

And considering the fact that this series involves virtual world, Yusaku and Takeru has to sign in by surrounding themselves with the sphere in their respective color (Yusaku’s light blue and Takeru’s red) with various screens before going into transforming part. However, considering that Yusaku’s transformation was shown few times in Season 1 as opposed to Takeru’s once in Season 2, there is some twist in sign-in variations to keep it interesting. As shown in stock footage-heavy Pretty Cure series, it could be tiring if it was shown once per episode, especially DeliPa where they often transform in group and each does two lines at once (usual naming and anything gourmet-related) during their roll call. However, Yusaku was smart, and with various sign-in sequence and other alterations enough to make his transformation felt same yet less repetitive (and honestly I’m glad it happened in order to make this GIF).

The process, however, is pretty short, as the beginning took 15 seconds uncut but the actual transforming part is 6-7 seconds long. Probably because they took the usual anime transformations with 30 seconds duration, and it’s probably why the scene focuses on leg when forming the bodysuit with the belt coming second before their hair. (I had Corrector Yui vibes from there...) But I like how they break the transformation space into a new background and change the lighting in the process, talk about powerful duelist. And I’m not keen to fanservice like in Binan Koukou and Fairy Ranmaru and instead keeping their clothes before being replaced by their suit through electricity glaze is a very good idea. (I don’t think the staff would implement fanservice in kid’s show...)

Here’s the link if you want to watch and compare both.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, there’s no combo transformation sequence for these two. After the usual set-in sequence, there’s eye sequence and then a flash of blue light on them... done. A bit shame, actually. (the same happened for Yusaku in work outfit too...)

Blue Maiden

In case of Yusaku-Takeru’s offscreen transformation, there’s one episode where it occurs the same time as when Blue Girl transforms into Blue Maiden in front of the two and Ema/Ghost Girl. She glows light blue and has some magical girl transformation vibes on it, with some twist. The ‘ping’ occurs with pink heart and concentrating on the transforming part one by one before scanning the glow out upon completion, which I think it’s pretty good for her.

Speaking of magical girl transformation, Playmaker and Soulburner has these vibes in their sequence too. And I like how their hair color traded with each other between their civilian and avatar form.

Though Blue Angel is more magical girl than any of Aoi’s avatars, at least she had transformation in one of her forms so it’s alright. Soulburner would definitely proud of this.

There’s also some transformations that’s too brief for me to review but I’m gonna show them anyway.

Ghost Girl

Blue Girl

Knights of Hanoi

And there's the acrylic board version for Revolver and Playmaker too.

(the render version in the link)

And that covers up my henshin review of Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS. See you in my next post!

[vpsets]

Beyond the Green Screen: The Rise of Virtual Production Cinematography

Every decade has seen a revolutionary change in the way stories are portrayed in the quickly changing world of film. Filmmakers have consistently pushed the limits of visual storytelling, from the heyday of practical effects to blockbusters that primarily use computer-generated imagery.

The emergence of virtual production cinematography, a ground-breaking fusion of real-time technology, digital surroundings, and real-world sets that is revolutionizing the whole filmmaking industry, is now one of the most fascinating developments in the field.

What is Virtual Production?

Fundamentally, virtual production involves incorporating visual effects (VFX) and real-time technology into the filmmaking process. Virtual production enables filmmakers to construct and manage digital worlds and assets in real-time, frequently during the shot itself, in contrast to traditional post-production visual effects, when CGI is applied after filming.

This technology eliminates the need for conventional green or blue screens by fusing large, fully realized virtual backgrounds with actual actors and objects.

The usage of LED volumes and enormous walls of LED displays that project ultra-high quality digital worlds is one of the essential elements of virtual creation. With real-time backgrounds that alter in response to lighting, camera movements, and other dynamic elements, these LED walls take the place of green screens and fully immerse performers in the action.

[maacsatara]

Fundamentals of Digital Compositing

Digital compositing is a cornerstone of visual effects (VFX) in film, television, and video production. It involves combining visual elements from various sources into a single, cohesive image or sequence. This process can seamlessly blend live-action footage with computer-generated imagery (CGI), matte paintings, and other visual elements, creating stunning and believable scenes that captivate audiences. Understanding the fundamentals of digital compositing is essential for anyone looking to enter the world of VFX, and institutions like MAAC Academy offer comprehensive training programs to help aspiring artists master these skills.

#### The Basics of Digital Compositing

At its core, digital compositing is about layering different visual elements to create a unified whole. Each element, or "layer," can come from a variety of sources, including live-action footage, CGI, still images, and effects like smoke or fire. These layers are stacked in a compositing software, where they are manipulated and adjusted to blend seamlessly.

The primary goal of compositing is to make the final image look as natural and realistic as possible. This requires careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of various compositing techniques and principles.

#### Key Techniques in Digital Compositing

1. **Masking and Rotoscoping**

   Masking involves isolating a specific part of an image to apply effects or adjustments only to that area. This is often done using masks, which can be created manually or automatically in compositing software. Rotoscoping is a more advanced form of masking where an animator traces over live-action footage frame by frame to create a matte or mask. This technique is crucial for isolating characters or objects from their backgrounds, especially when working with green screen footage.

2. **Keying**

   Keying is the process of removing a background from an image, typically using a green or blue screen. This technique involves selecting a specific color range (the "key") and making it transparent, allowing another image to be placed behind the subject. Keying is widely used in news broadcasts, weather reports, and, most importantly, in film and television production to composite actors into virtual environments.

3. **Color Correction and Grading**

   To ensure that all visual elements blend seamlessly, color correction and grading are essential. Color correction involves adjusting the colors of each layer to match the overall scene. This can include tweaking brightness, contrast, saturation, and color balance. Color grading goes a step further by creating a specific mood or tone for the scene, often using color palettes and stylistic adjustments.

4. **Tracking and Match Moving**

   When compositing CGI into live-action footage, it's crucial that the digital elements move realistically with the live-action camera. Tracking involves analyzing the movement of the camera and objects within the scene to apply the same movement to the CGI elements. Match moving is a similar technique but focuses specifically on matching the movement of CGI objects with live-action footage, ensuring they appear naturally integrated.

5. **Blending Modes and Opacity**

   Blending modes control how different layers interact with each other. Common blending modes include "multiply," "screen," "overlay," and "add," each producing different effects. Adjusting the opacity of layers allows compositors to control the transparency of elements, which is particularly useful for creating effects like shadows, reflections, and glows.

6. **Depth of Field and Motion Blur**

   To enhance realism, compositors often add depth of field and motion blur effects. Depth of field simulates the focus range of a camera lens, blurring elements that are out of focus. Motion blur mimics the blurring that occurs when objects move quickly in front of the camera. Both effects help to integrate CGI elements more naturally with live-action footage.

#### Tools of the Trade

Digital compositing is performed using specialized software designed to handle complex visual effects tasks. Some of the most popular compositing software includes:

- **Adobe After Effects:** Widely used in both professional and amateur VFX work, After Effects offers a broad range of tools for compositing, motion graphics, and animation.

- **Nuke:** A high-end compositing software favored by the film industry, Nuke provides powerful node-based compositing capabilities and is used for major Hollywood productions.

- **Fusion:** Originally developed by eyeon Software and now owned by Blackmagic Design, Fusion is another node-based compositing tool known for its robust features and integration with other VFX software.

#### Practical Applications

Digital compositing is used in a wide array of applications, from blockbuster films to television shows, commercials, and online content. Some common uses include:

- **Scene Extension and Set Replacement:** Compositing allows filmmakers to extend sets digitally, creating expansive environments without the need for costly physical sets.

- **Virtual Characters and Creatures:** CGI characters and creatures are often composited into live-action scenes, interacting seamlessly with real actors and environments.

- **Visual Effects and Simulations:** Effects like explosions, weather phenomena, and magical elements are created and composited into live-action footage to enhance storytelling.

- **Matte Painting Integration:** Digital matte paintings are composited with live-action footage to create detailed backgrounds and environments that would be impractical to build physically.

#### Conclusion

Digital compositing is an essential skill in the VFX industry, enabling the creation of visually stunning and immersive experiences. By mastering techniques such as masking, keying, color correction, tracking, and blending, compositors can seamlessly integrate various visual elements into cohesive scenes. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for digital compositing are expanding, offering even greater opportunities for creativity and innovation in visual storytelling. Whether aspiring to work in film, television, or any other visual medium, a solid understanding of digital compositing fundamentals is crucial for success in the dynamic field of VFX.

[thetechlover]

Top 5 Tips and Tricks You Didn't Know About Your MacBook

Title: Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Top 5 Tips and Tricks You Didn't Know About Your MacBook

Introduction: Apple's MacBook is renowned for its sleek design, powerful performance, and intuitive user experience. While many users are familiar with its basic functionalities, there are several lesser-known tips and tricks that can enhance your productivity and overall user experience. In this blog post, we'll uncover five hidden gems that you may not be aware of, helping you get the most out of your MacBook.

Mastering Trackpad Gestures: One of the most underrated features of MacBook is its trackpad gestures. Beyond the basic two-finger scroll, there's a whole array of gestures that can streamline your workflow. For instance, using three fingers to swipe up reveals Mission Control, allowing you to see all your open windows at a glance. Similarly, swiping left or right with three fingers enables you to switch between full-screen apps effortlessly. Mastering these gestures can significantly enhance your navigation speed and efficiency.

Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts: Did you know that you can create custom keyboard shortcuts for your most-used actions on your MacBook? Head over to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts, and you'll find a plethora of options to customize shortcuts for various functions, applications, and system commands. Whether it's launching apps, toggling system preferences, or executing specific actions within applications, creating custom shortcuts can save you time and effort in the long run.

Utilizing Spotlight Search: Spotlight Search is not just for finding files or launching applications—it's a powerful tool capable of much more. By pressing Command + Spacebar, you can bring up Spotlight Search and type in natural language queries to get instant answers. From performing quick calculations and conversions to looking up word definitions and accessing contact information, Spotlight Search is your one-stop solution for quick information retrieval.

Maximizing Battery Life with Energy Saver Settings: MacBook's battery life is impressive, but there are ways to further optimize it for extended usage. Navigate to System Preferences > Energy Saver, and you'll find several options to tweak your MacBook's power settings. For instance, enabling Power Nap allows your MacBook to perform background tasks while in sleep mode without draining too much battery. Adjusting display brightness, turning off keyboard backlighting, and managing app energy usage can also contribute to prolonged battery life, especially when you're on the go.

Mastering Split View and Spaces: Multitasking is made easy on MacBook with Split View and Spaces. By entering Split View mode (click and hold the green full-screen button on a window), you can seamlessly work with two apps side by side. Additionally, Spaces allow you to organize your desktop into multiple virtual desktops, each with its own set of applications and windows. Utilizing these features effectively can help you stay organized and focused, especially when juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Conclusion: While the MacBook offers a user-friendly experience out of the box, delving deeper into its functionalities reveals a treasure trove of hidden gems. From mastering trackpad gestures and customizing keyboard shortcuts to leveraging Spotlight Search and optimizing battery life, these tips and tricks can elevate your MacBook experience to new heights. By incorporating these practices into your workflow, you'll not only save time and effort but also unlock the full potential of your beloved MacBook.

[jerry618]

Direct View LED (DVLED): Principle and Advantages

Email: sale05@xygledscreen.com

WhatsApp & Wechat: +86 18038197291

www.xygledscreen.com

Direct View LED Advantages

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are an old technology repurposed recently to create text and images on screens. The once leading-edge display technologies like liquid-crystal display (LCD) or Organic LED (OLED) and the many offshoots are about to be eclipsed by Direct View LEDs (DVLED). The older screen technologies use filters and backlights.

The base of DVLED innovation starts with LED arrays of micro-pixels that emit color and light directly. Expect increased brightness, perfect blacks, and a wide color range. DVLED screens are more immersive and life-like.

DVLED Principles and Technology

"Sub-pixels" of red, green, and blue LEDs are in each pixel. This strategic arrangement allows DVLEDs to create any color on the visual spectrum that humans can see. Turning off a pixel creates a perfect black. High resolution depends on "pixel pitch," which is simply the distance, or frame, between each pixel. DVLEDs have astonishingly detailed images due to the minimal distance between pixels.

Complex circuitry modulates the individual compound LEDs for exacting control of color and brightness. Direct View LED walls are so packed with pixels that "bezels" (or borders) become virtually eliminated. Older large LCD or OLED walls have noticeable bezels around every panel. DVLED technology has panels that can fit together to integrate images.

The advantages of DVLEDs include increased contrast and brightness, so much so that they work well in sunlight. Compared to older screen rendering technologies, DVLEDs have a more fantastic color range (color gamut). Because the bezels fade out, for all practical purposes, screens can scale up to any desired size and are only limited by engineering and construction capabilities. Durability is another outstanding DVLED technology; screens can last up to 100,000 hours.

Traditional LED Screens vs. DVLED

Many characteristics differentiate DVLED from older LED screens. With fine pixel pitch and seamlessness, DVLED screens have dramatically improved resolution, especially for large Direct View LED walls. A recent variant, MicroLED, has ultra-fine pitch and some potential for seamless integration of panels, but the technology is still under development. And there are manufacturing hurdles ahead. OLED has improved with blacker blacks, but borders are noticeable between panels.

Brightness and contrast significantly improve with DVLED over traditional LED technologies. Turning off pixels creates pitch-black areas on the screen. While other LED designs have exceptional brightness and contrast, DVLED outpaces conventional LEDs and works in well-lighted settings. OLED is marginally more energy efficient but does not do well in the light. Manufacturing costs are higher with both MicroLED and OLEDs. On a larger scale, OLEDs are often more expensive.

Advanced image processing and calibration in DVLED screens, including massive LED walls, produce whole screen uniformity. Other LED designs have struggled with noticeable panel borders that DVLED technologies have virtually eliminated. The result is an entirely uninterrupted viewing surface that lends itself to uses in all applications.

Uses of DVLED Technology

Direct View LED walls make outdoor digital signage excel. Large displays are visible at a great distance day and night at car dealerships, airports, storefronts, malls, and more. Adding to the quality of digital signage of a DVLED screen is visibility and clarity at wide viewing angles. Businesses and organizations in public spaces can build DVLEDs into walls of almost any shape and size.

Broadcast and film content can realize high-resolution, clear, and realistic backgrounds. Historically, studio backdrops were awkward and often hand painted. Today, DVLEDs create virtual backdrops for newsrooms, television, and film productions. The technology creates a "High Dynamic Range" for near real-life detail, brightness, and color range, thus rendering excellent still or video images.

Complex system control rooms benefit from large DVLED monitors. The refined pixel pitch design allows technicians to view multiple information feeds. The high-resolution data is available for adjustments and actions. The technology's inherent durability of DVLEDs adds value to 24/7 control rooms. In corporate environments, this technology communicates and engages personnel. DVLED design's scalability means conference rooms, lobbies, and audience rooms are visually stunning and augment the speaker's perspectives. Entertainment venues come alive with super-scale Direct View LED walls.

Transformative Potential

Affordable and accessible, DVLED technology offers the future a level of innovation that traditional LED design cannot match. From art installations to home environments and retail spaces, DVLEDs will enhance daily living.

Immersive visual experiences will advance in education, signage, entertainment, art, and virtual productions. DVLED is continuing development with an already well-developed technology. Improvements in pixel pitch will produce real-world images that are difficult to distinguish from reality. Human spaces will redefine experiences and interactions. Ceilings and walls, including curved surfaces, will transform into dynamic, real-life life, and engaging displays.

Virtual meetings will replace in-person meetings, and participants can be anywhere worldwide. Creative digital designers are developing ways to place individuals within a virtual room where everyone can communicate. In other words, augmented reality without goggles will become the rule.

Democracy will get a boost as large-scale DVLEDs evolve from premium technology to a commonplace, affordable product. Large displays in the home will make virtual visits with friends and family common. People will immerse in conversations on a one-to-one ratio, where people and objects appear in exact proportion as in real life. Soon to become obsolete are traditional projectors, in-person movie screens, traditional LED screens, and more.

Marketing paradigms are shifting in how marketers use advertising in public spaces. In combination with Artificial Intelligence (AI), DVLED screens, large and small, will be interactive and sensitive to context. Customers can ask questions and then get answers in real-time. Virtual actors will appear full-size, have human mannerisms, make eye contact, and have lip movements that will sync with their speech.

The Future is Now

All technologies will plateau at some point, and Direct View LED walls are no different. Railroads have remained the same in one hundred years. They just got faster. Screens have never been so near real life, and improvements will slow in the following decades. Improving screens is only a matter of perfecting DVLED's inherently superior flat-screen design. From small screens to huge wall installations, DVLED technology will dominate the market.

[miamirrorbooth]

Unleashing the Power of AI Photo Booth with Unprecedented Features

AI powered photo

In a world where technology continues to redefine our experiences, AI photo booths stand out as a game-changer in the realm of event photography. These cutting-edge marvels not only capture moments but elevate them to new heights, offering a blend of innovation and entertainment. In this blog post, we'll delve into the powerful features that make AI photo booths an indispensable addition to any event, ensuring unforgettable memories for both hosts and attendees.

Facial Recognition Technology:

AI photo booths go beyond traditional snapshots by incorporating advanced facial recognition technology. This feature enables automatic tagging, sorting, and organizing of photos based on individuals present at the event. Imagine the convenience of effortlessly creating personalized albums for each guest, saving precious post-event time and effort.

Dynamic Backgrounds Generated by AI Photo Booth:

Leave mundane backdrops in the past. AI photo booths offer dynamic backgrounds and AR effects that transport users to virtual landscapes or add whimsical elements to their photos. Whether it's placing attendees on a tropical beach or giving them superhero capes through AR, these features bring a whole new dimension to event photography.

AI-powered photo

Real-time Social Media Sharing:

In an era dominated by social media, AI photo booths facilitate instant sharing. Attendees can share their memorable moments on various platforms directly from the booth, creating a buzz around the event in real-time. This not only enhances the social reach of the gathering but also provides an interactive experience for participants.

Customizable Branding and Themes:

For corporate events and brand activations, AI photo booths offer customizable branding options. From logos to themed overlays, these features provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to strengthen their brand presence and engage with their audience in a fun and memorable way.

Green Screen Technology:

AI photo booths leverage green screen technology to seamlessly integrate attendees into various virtual environments. This not only adds a touch of creativity to the photos but also ensures that event organizers can tailor the experience to match the theme or objectives of the gathering.

Conclusion

AI photo booths are not merely gadgets; they are experience enhancers that transform events into unforgettable occasions. With facial recognition, dynamic backgrounds, real-time sharing, and more, these booths are at the forefront of innovation in event photography. Embrace the future of capturing memories and make your next event a truly immersive and memorable experience.

[all-and-everything]

New Google Meet Visual Effects & Filters

Google Meet just got a whole lot more fun with the introduction of new visual effects and filters. You can add a pop of color with the Rainbow filter, soften your background with Soft Blur, or even transport yourself to a movie with the 3D Movie effect. And with the virtual green screen, you can hide your background entirely. To access these effects, simply download the free Chrome extension "Visual Effects for Google Meet." Want even more features for your video calls?

[ourflagmeansbts]

Source (Season 1 - April 25th 2022)

contestabile: Our Flag Means Death’s @ourflaghbomax main set, The Revenge, (Stede’s ship) was built on one of the newest soundstages at Warner Bros Studios which was previously used for Christopher Nolan’s film Tenet. A giant “J” shaped LED screen was used for virtual backdrops instead of green screens for much of the “at sea” scenes. This allowed the crew to film in a sound stage instead of the open ocean. It also helped eliminate a whole lot of green screen VFX work. To get the most out of the LED “J”, the ship was designed and engineered to break apart into 3 pieces which were then pushed out of the way with forklifts. This would create room for other ships, islands, docks, bluffs, and anything else that an LED wall could be used for. And whenever you see water that isn’t in the deep background, it’s actually computer generated!

[travelers-encore-zine]

Meet the Contributors of the OWTE Fanzine!

[Image Description: A digital recreation of the Outer Wilds ship log screen with a single log opened in the center and its corresponding message box at the bottom of the screen. The log's denotation color is a bright orange reminiscent of the Outer Wilds title card and it is labeled "multimokia" with an Outer Wilds stock icon centered in the log box. There is a sublog connected to the central log labeled "Musician" with an icon representing the contributor centered in the sublog box. In the top right corner of the screen is a pixel art recreation of the Outer Wilds Ventures logo with the words "Outer Wilds Travelers' Encore Fanzine" written below, and to the top and bottom right are two logs currently obscured off-screen, the one on the top connected to the opened log by a lined arrow pointed towards the obscured log.

Text within the message box is written as follows:

"Youtube: multimokia

Twitter: multimokia

An orchestral composer with a love for the Outer Wilds soundtrack"

Image Description of the Outer Wilds stock icon within the log box: A simple black and white decal of a campfire with smoke rising above the flames.

Image Description of art within the sublog box: A flat-colour drawing of a person seated at a computer, the glow of its screen reflecting off them. They have long brown hair, strands of which spill over a navy blue headband to lightly cover the left (viewer's right) side of their face. They're wearing rectangular glasses, a green shirt, and grey-blue jacket. They have a neutral expression. Behind them is a vertically-striped red background. The whole image is bordered by a dark-grey hexagon, the outermost border of which gradients from light blue in the top left to a pinkish-red in the bottom-right.

End Image Description.]

The following is an audio sample of multimokia's work reflective of what you can expect from their contribution to the OWTE Fanzine.

[Audio Description: A snippet of the song Outer Wilds played by a virtual orchestra, with whistling overtop. Campfire crackling can be heard in the background.]

[pecconatic]

Virtual Green carpet

Last Thursday I was able to talk to my heros again. This time I took my chance and showed some of them my drawings I did of them.

Pecco: I actually talked like a book with pecco, I just needed to tell him I'm a big fan and how I support him. He was like "Ciao (my name)" and I almost died inside. He is a ray of sunshine and such an insanely polite and collected person. I've showed him my drawing and asked him to sign it sooner or later. He said we can definitely meet again and he'll sign it :). I've ofc had his flag hanging in the background.

Luca: Luca was so sweet. Unfortunately I had some bad luck bc the moment he recognized the drawing , i was kicked out of the meeting by technical issues and when I entered again he already said good bye. But nevertheless he looked at it and was like. :O

Rins: Alex rins, i can't describe him. He's so lovely. He was like WOW and also took a picture of me and the drawing XDD he was truly amazed and I also told him to sign it. He said he'll await me xD

I've had the luck that my drawing was reposted from Suzuki and maybe I've got to meet Alex sooner or later at a GP.

Valentino - the goat - rossi : bad luck again, Vale has been muted all time long, we've been screaming at him that somebody has to unmute him and whatever.. But unfortunately he only heard us? Anyway when he figured it out, he joked a bit and then he was told to switch the screens. I wouldn't take that and screamed at him to wait xDD and asked him if he remembered my drawing. He said "yeesss" and I thanked him a lot for signing it and it means a lot. He said I'm welcome and no problem :) apparently he looked at it amazed.

Rossi is no doubt one of the best people I've had the honor to talk to.

I've also talked to any other rider except the Pramac boys and Petrux.

Unfortunately, without any hate rn and everything, Marc Marquez was the most Unsympathetic one of the whole group... He was kinda cold, unchill and not very talkative... I asked him to say Hi to a friend n of mine though bc big fan and whatever, she's happy so am I.

Mir was super funny too. I asked him to finally check his Instagram messages bc I'm working on a new drawing of him. He said yeah We've really gotta.. Definitely improvement needed xD

Miguel talked about his marriage, Fabio about formula 1 (fabio was a short experience, he was here and gone again lol).

Jack was amazing as always, Binder talks very much and had a lot of schnitzel in Austria already.

The most wholesome people Were the Espargaro Brothers. Those two are no doubt so extremely kind and lovely. Aleix is somebody to be talked to so easily, he's up for any conversation and loves to talk about his children and cycling. Pol arrived and firstly read all our names to "connect with us" which was so lovely, he joked and talked a lot too. Those two are amazing.

[becamitchellsbeats]

Bechloe - Skype Night

Inspired by the Bellas performance of Love On Top!

Beca is isolating alone and is missing the Bellas more than she cares to admit. One skype call and a spontaneous burst into a song later and everything changes.Might continue it so lemme know your thoughts!]

-

Beca's music career had been put on a temporary hold as she was made to isolate at home, her hand wrestling to the bottom of yet another chips packet as she flicked through the TV channel for the 17th time. "Well this officially sucks" she groaned to herself, tucking her legs in closer as she eyed a photo frame on the TV cabinet,  it was the Bellas graduation photo, looking back at it she wished she smiled more for the photo, she looked so grumpy, especially when compared to Chloe who her eyes focusing on Chloe in particular.

Beca hadn't seen Chloe in around 2 months which felt like agony seeing as she was used to seeing her daily, not that she'd ever admit it. The emptiness of her apartment was also driving her insane, she was in a position of wanting company but not wanting to ask for it, especially considering it had bizarrely became against the law for the time being, something she never could of seen coming.

See, everything went to crap when the Bellas graduated, a virus had taken the globe by storm, and university life had changed drastically, Beca was glad they had graduated before all the changes but it now meant she was isolating alone.

Fat Amy, who said she'd be Beca's 'roomie for life' received a 'dodgy' lump sum from her father so of course she was off living in a massive house somewhere and Chloe, who was her other potential roommate had gone and got herself stranded abroad whilst helping out at a vet overseas to gain more exotic animal experience.

Beca reluctantly removed herself from the sofa, dragging her feet across the wooden flooring as she made her way into the bathroom. She stared at herself in her mirror, her bottom lip tugging as she winced at the sight. Hair tangled, Cheetos dust staining her once white t-shirt and chipped black nail paint.

Tired eyes looked her reflection up and down, her hand lazily hitting the nozzle on the taps splashing herself with some cold water. "Okay Mitchell, you need to sort yourself out jeez" she said whilst waving her finger at herself in the mirror, pointing at herself somewhat sternly, then lightly smirking at herself for her own weird behavior. "I'm officially losing it" she admitted.

Feeling motivated to freshen herself up Beca jumped in the shower, warm water running down her body as she collected her thoughts. Stepping out the shower and feeling immediate regret as the cold air wrapped itself around her body, she shuddered, eagerly grasping for her towel as her wet hair now covered her eyes. She huffed, trying to blow the clingy wet hair off her lips as she blindly reached for her hair brush. Groans filled the bathroom as her hairbrush tore through the knots in her hair, her eyes watering from some particularly painful knots.

Fully clothed and nails now painted Beca had just finished on putting on her signature eyeliner. She sat in her bedroom, that was surprisingly still tidy, but that was because she had barely managed to remove herself from the sofa. She rarely socialized nowadays, other than her occasional skype calls with the group, but she always felt funny about joining calls, she was a bit awkward about having her webcam on and well, all of them insisted they have them on so she'd often opt out.

Beca however was eager to speak to Chloe, which was hard to do as she was a key worker at the vet she was helping out at abroad, with time zones and Chloe's long hours she was often exhausted so she rarely had the time and Beca felt weird reaching out to the others, she refused to come across as clingy but secretly felt sad whenever they left their skype calls. She even felt disappointed when Jessica left her.

Her hand moved to flip open her laptop lid as she adjusted her hair once more "I'll just call her, she'll be home" she mumbled to herself as her mouse hovered over the call button on Chloe's contact.

"Why do I feel so damn nervous" she said fidgeting as she stared at her username "Okay after 3, i'll click the damn call button" she moved her mouse up once more as she counted to three, pressing down on the green button as her own video filled the screen whilst a ringing noise echoed out her laptop speakers.

"Man I hate staring at myself like this" she muttered as the whole screen was filled by her camera.

A red circle, with a hang-up symbol filled the screen. Beca's heart sank. "Bad timing?" she wondered.

_______________________________________________

Chloe's heart raced with excitement when Beca called. She was getting worried about her since she had been so far away, she would often flood her with texts making sure she was eating and drinking enough. She knew Beca was down about not being able to carry out with her record label work and she wanted nothing more than to be there with her, but she knew she'd been neglecting Beca lately, she just didn't have the time and the time gap only worsened things.

"You guys Beca is calling give me a second I'll add her!"

DontBelieveInLadders: [Quick AMBUSH her!]

________________________________________________

Chloe's icon flashed up on Beca's screen it was her wearing sunglasses cuddling a baby fox, a new photo it seemed. Beca now focused her attention on her laptop that was now ringing as it flashed up "Chloe Beale + 8 others" "Group call?" Beca wondered as she clicked the green phone icon.

"BECAAAA!" the group greeted in unison. "Oh sweetie you look so good!" Chloe said with a grin who was also visible on her webcam "And you've got your camera on! I'm so glad" she said excitedly."Someone made an effort" Fat Amy teased, taking notice of Beca's stylish yet casual appearance.

Beca looked away from her camera awkwardly "What? I always get ready pfft"

"You literally have no where to go" Fat Amy responded in a pitchy yet blunt tone "But thats okay Beca, self-care is important and Impress-Chloe-Care even more so"

Beca rolled her eyes "How long you guys been on a call for anyways?" her hands fidgeting with the items on her desk, just out of shot of her camera.

FlippingThroughBorders: {Oh we just started} Flo typed on the message box below

DontBelieveInLadders: {We're still waiting for Stacie and still setting up bits} commented Aubrey as she rustled around in the background for her physical webcam to plug in.

_______________________________________________

Stacie laid in bed, browsing memes on her phone, her attention was diverted when Emily's text popped up {Heeeey hurry up and join the group skype call!} Stacie dangled over her bed and grabbed her laptop from underneath her set of bedside draws. She blew the dust off the top of it and opened it up "I've not used this bad boy in a while" she said as she turned it on, the battery flashing orange from where it was getting low.

As she opened up her search engine it flashed up with her old google tabs, an explicit site was restored and automatically started playing the last video she was watching. Stacie's eyes widened "Well that's quite the greeting," her eyes bulging as she looked the model in the video up and down before shaking her head and closing the tab. "Now is not the time for that" she laughed to herself as she launched skype and joined the chat.

"Hey you guuuuuys" she greeted with a toothy grin. The Bellas greeted their soprano cheerfully., Stacie's eyes focused on Beca "Look who finally learned that isolation doesn't mean isolating from virtual calls!"

Beca rolled her eyes again "I join in!""Occasionally" Emily countered."Or when Chloe is in the chat" Fat Amy coughed

"Aw poor Beca" Flo said into the mic now she had got it set up.

Beca began snapping her fingers rhythmically, gaining even more attention from the group. "I'm not doing this with you guys"

"Ba bah bah ba, ba" Beca hummed trying to drown them out

"What is she doing?" asked Emily"Ba ba bah da..." Beca continued "is that?" Aubrey raised an eyebrow "I recognize that arrangement, is that, Queen B?" Aubrey said enthusiastically as she leaned forward in her seat.

"Oh my god you guys are we going to sing?" Chloe said excitedly clasping her hands together as she bounced in her seat.

"Aw yeah!! lets sing together tonight you guys" Emily beamed"Okay legacy calm down don't ruin it before we've begun" Amy groaned.

The Bellas began snapping their fingers and harmonizing as they began to develop more of a beat for the song Beca was starting off.

"Here we go" said Fat Amy as the beat had been accomplished.  A grin slowly tugged at Stacie's face as Lily began beatboxing. "i'll bring  owowowo beat in"

Beca glanced away shyly as she sang into her microphone.‎"Honey, Honeyyy, I can see the stars, all the waaaay from here, can't you see the glow on the--"

"windowpane" the girls harmonized in unison

"I can feel the sun, whenever you're near, everytime you touch me I just melt away" Beca's eyes glanced at Chloe occasionally as she continued singing.

Fat Amy then jumped in with a solo "Everybody asking why i'm smiling now from ear to eaaaarr!" ("You can say love hurts") "Well I knooooooow-OHHH" ("It's gonna take a little work") Fat Amy said raising her fist passionately.

"Nothings perfect but its worth it, after fighting through my tears!" Stacie sang strongly

"And finally you put me first!"  (dah-dah) the Bellas all sang in unison

The Bellas danced together, doing hand gestures and performing together in perfect harmony. As the song continued Beca felt herself feeling more confident again, her heart feeling full as it felt like everyone was finally with her again.Her eyes closing as she found herself getting lost in the moment.

"Chloe its you, you're the one I love, you're the one I need!"

"You're the only one I see, C'mon Chloe its yoooooou"

Beca blurted out raising the octvave as they were reaching the end of the song "you're the one who gives your all, you're the one I can always call!" the girls continued the beat but stared at her. This was the version Beca would sing on her own, as she often would change song lyrics to fit how she felt.

"When I need to make everything stop, finally you put my love on top"

Chloe paused for a moment, failing to continue singing as her mind tried to grasp the lyrics that had just left Beca's mouth, her face reddening with slight tinges as started singing through her smile and teary eyes.

Being a supportive team the girls continued to hold off on teasing her, after all it was one of the Bellas standards not to let distractions interrupt a performance. Fat Amy couldn't help but smirk as she sang, she was itching to tease Beca.

The DJ was in her own world, snapping and swaying in her seat, singing with her eyes closed she hadn't even realised what she had said untilt he girls changed the lyrics themselves.

"Oh Baby I can feel the wind whipping past my faaaace" Beca sang

"As we dance the night awaaaay" the girls harmonized.

"And girl your look it tastes like a night of champagne"  (oooh) Chloe sang solo

"As I kiss you again and again and again and again" Aubrey chimed in.

As the song continued the girls began grinning, looking over at Chloe and Beca, then back to eachother as they all nodded, clearly on the same wavelength as the song progressed.

"CHLOE ,its yoooou" they sang raising the octave.

"you're the one Bec loves! you're the one Bec neeeeeeeeds"

"WAIT, GUYS" Beca yelled as her face went a shade of red she had never gone before.

"You're the only one she sees! c'mon Chloe its yoooou, you're the one who gives your all, your the one Bec can always call, when she needs you everything you DROP,  finally! you say your love out loud"

"Baby, you're the one that I love, you're the only one that I need!" Chloe sang loudly with a cheeky wink as Jessica and Ashley dominated the top notes.

"C'mon Beca its yoooooou" the Bellas sang in harmony

"When I need you everything stops, finally you put my love on top" the group then faded out to a stop.

The girls all cheered and celebrated as they finished the spontaneous arrangement of love on top. "Crushed it" Amy said with a fist bump.

Beca had already retreated behind her hands, wishing nothing more than to have a wheelie-chair so she could move herself off screen with speed.

"So Beca, remember the last time at the ICCAS when you changed the lyrics, well this was certainly distracting but, it kinda sounded like a confession" Aubrey teased.

"Hmm, thats so ODD Aubrey, I TO was thinking that sounded like a confession to me"

"I mean I got ripped a new one for performing an orginal song at that riff off, but to lyric change Beyonce, you're bold Mitchell" Emily joked.

"Aw don't tease her guys, shes drowning, although Beca, you should know, I've experienced  drowning for real,so this is better" Flo joined in.

"There was no hiding that Becs, surprised you didn't notice!" Stacie grinned

Beca groaned "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, I hate you" she said behind the safety of her hands.

"Well duh, it wasn't my name you sang the word 'LOVE' next too, quarantines got you all soft huh" Stacie couldn't help but tease.

Beca slowly dragged her hands down her face, peering out from the tips of her fingertips. "It was that obvious huh... guess thats what happens when I have the place to myself to sing the wrong damn version."

Chloe cleared her throat "Well I for one found that really sweet Becs" she said with a smile that met her eyes as her hand rested on her chest "Honestly my heart is pounding! its a good thing I know how to do CPR well on animals but, y'know" she fanned herself with her hand feeling flustered.

"Yeah um that wouldn't work Chloe, you can't do CPR on yourself" Fat Amy said shaking her head.

"I-I know that its just" Chloe went red "I just--" she threw her hands up in the air "Oof just get over her and kiss me Mitchell, screw this virus, lets just isolate together"

Beca looked up "Man this is so embarrassing this wasn't meant to come out like this and--"

"I'm glad honestly!" Chloe said with a grin "it just makes being a part from you even harder" she whined.

"I just wish you weren't so many miles away" Beca groaned

"Y'all need a ride because I can fly a plane, I just ain't got no licence officially at least" Cynthia Rose commented with a slow nod. "If you know what I mean" she said clicking her tongue.

"Thats so sweet of you but highly illegal, the Bellas have been in enough trouble in the news so we better do things legally this time, ahem, that goes to you too Amy" Chloe said suspiciously looking over at Amy who had moved off camera.

"Whaaaaat" Amy groaned "Its not like I was up to anything suspicious on a dodgey website just now"

"C'mon ladies lets give these two lovebirds some space and go gossip in another chat!" said Emily as the Bellas all began to retreat from the call so only Beca and Chloe remained.

Chloe placed her hand on the screen "Can't believe i'm only saying this now after like what, three years but, I love you Beca"

"I love you too Chlo"

- End of part -

[haikyuu-sickfics]

Warning for vomit and light alcohol drinking

-

-

Read the Warning!

-

I did this post-time skip, I hope you don’t mind!  Also, this has been in my inbox for the LONGEST time, I’m sorry about that

Steam danced in the air as Keiji slid a platter of various foods onto the table between the three. Kodzuken, Kenma’s channel, recently hit five million subscribers, and to celebrate Tetsurou invited Keiji and Koutarou over.  However, despite the celebration being for Kenma, Tetsurou and Koutarou seemed to be enjoying themselves far more.

A loud crack reached Kenma’s ears as Koutarou twisted open one of the two bottles of Sake he and Keiji brought over.  In response to the newly opened bottle, Tetsurou gave a wide grin and pushed over the small glass placed next to his plate.

“Don’t drink too much,” Keiji advised as Koutarou poured the smooth liquid into four small cups, his tone holding a combination of warning and pleading.

“Ah, Keiji!  Don’t worry, we’ll be fine,” Koutarou sang, wrapping his arm around Tetsurou and pulling him close. The two giving wide smiles which poorly hid their devious intent

Kenma rolled his eyes at the antics of the two, knowing full well just how unbearable the two can get while intoxicated.

“No thanks, I have a stream in a couple hours and I like being sober for those,” Kenma informed as Tetsurou pushed a glass in his direction.

Mumbling something about being a party pooper, Tetsurou grabbed his glass and lifted it to his own lips.  

And at that, the night began.

He flavourful smell of the food platter caused everyone's mouth to water, and food was quickly disappearing from the plate.  Kenma had only grabbed a couple forkfuls of food, he didn’t eat a lot most nights and he didn’t want to start now, especially right before a stream.  As it turned out, Tetsurou had other plans.  Perhaps the mild intoxication had triggered a parental instinct in him, or maybe he was just tired of seeing Kenma eat so little- regardless of the reason, Tetsurou wanted his husband to eat.  

“C’mon, the plates gonna be gone in a couple minutes, and you need to eat!  ‘Kaashi made this whole nice thing all for you, you can’t let it go to waste~  Or do you just not like his cooking?”

Kenma looked up at Keiji guiltily.  The food was good, the manga editor really knew what he was doing when it came to food.  In fact, every so often Keiji would leave little plates of food on their doorstep, something Kenma greatly looked forward to.  It was convenient considering how most night Tetsurou makes Kenma cook.  So- as to not lose this pleasantry- Kenma ate some more.  A choice which was already proving itself to be a bad one.

After he had eaten far more than usual, his phones unbearably loud alarm rang out.

“Shit.  The stream.  I gotta go, thanks for the food.”  At that, he excused himself from the scene and walked into his gaming room.

It was dimly lit, the only current source of light being various buttons on his computer and the glow of random gadgets on his wall.  The room was kept tidy, his leather chair was in pristine shape and the carpet decorating the floor didn’t have a spot of dirt.  Kenma prided himself in this fact, this room was his sanctuary and he’d be damned if he let it get dirty.  Just as he was admiring room, a sharp cramp jabbed at his midsection.  Letting out a groan, he cursed under his breath and sat down with a plop in his chair.

Leaning forward, he pressed the square button on his computer tower and relaxed in his chair as it powered on.  A soft chime emitted from the speakers and with a sigh, Knema leaned forward to set up for the stream.  It was far more difficult than usual, the screen’s light was harsh on his eyes and the twisting in his gut caused his movements to be slow.  Eventually, he was ready.  The webcam screen was small and in the bottom left of the screen, and Minecraft occupied the rest.  He had never played the game before, but he promised to begin once his channel reached 5 million.

With a sigh and groan, Kenma began the stream and uploaded onto his Instagram story.  Almost immediately people began flooding in.

“Hey guys,” Kenma greeted to the early arrivers, “So today’s the day I start Minecraft.  My username is Kodzukenn with two n’s because someone took my name, not cool.”

The chat exploded with sad pepe emotes at this.  On a normal day, this reaction would make Kenma smile- but he felt far from normal right now and the most he could muster was a small smirk.

“So I’m gonna start making the world right now while people are still coming in.”

Soft music began coming in through his headphones once he clicked the singleplayer button.  It was pleasant, and the calm notes began pulling Kenma to sleep.  Just as his eyes were about to close though, the streamer pulled himself out of the trance and muted the Minecraft music.

“I’m gonna quickly pull up some background music, then I’ll make the world.”

By now, people were beginning to notice just how run down Kenma was.  His chat began flooding with messages of concern and others telling him to take a break and stream some other time.  Kenma was to occupied with turning on music to notice them though.

Once a rather upbeat instrumental was going in the background, Kenma continued the creation of his very first Minecraft world.  Ignoring his chats pleads for creative mode, he decided to go make the world hardcore mode.  What was gaming without the constant fear of losing everything anyway?

Bright greens filled his screen and slapped Kenma across the face as the world loaded in.  Animal noises sounded out loudly all around him and suddenly everything became too much.  The game’s virtual sky was far too bright, the blue shade intertwining with the green grass and stabbing behind his eyes.  Pressing escape on the keyboard, Kenma dug his hands into his eyes in an attempt to rub away the pain.

‘Kodzuwu_ donated 5 dollars:  u don’t look gud, u can take a break if u need’ The computer’s voice rang out.

“No, no I’m good.  I’m fine,” Kenma assured, putting his hands back on the glowing keyboard.

The stream continued.  Kenma went through the various stages of Minecraft, ignoring the growing pain in his gut.

Unfortunately, just as he was putting his first but of iron in the furnace, the feeling became overwhelming.  Nausea hit him like a slap across the face, sweat beaded above his brow and his large headset suddenly became 10 times heavier.  Metallic saliva pooled in his mouth as hot liquid rushed up his throat.  Taking one last regretful look into his webcam, the Kodzuken experienced the lowest point in his career and vomited down his front.  On his screen, a skeleton shot him into a nearby pool of lava.  Before he could even get upset about the loss of his world, another wave pushed itself out of his throat.  This time he was able to grab the bin to the left of his desk.

‘Frooped donated 10 dollars: holy cow, why didnt u log off earlier?’

Kenma grimaced into the bucket as the computer voice reached his ears.  His ears were red hot with embarrassment and frustration, setting the bucket on his lap he quickly ended the stream.

“Fuck!” He screamed out, not caring if his friends were still over.

“Hey Kenma, you alright?” Tetsurou asked from the door.

In response, Kenma swirled around in his office chair to reveal his current state to his husband.

“This is your fault, I hope you know.”

[creampuffqueen]

The Most Magical Place- Chapter One

a/n: alright everyone, here it is! A random pet project that just popped into my brain one day. This is a TLC modern au, plus gen 2, where they all go to Disney World together. Chaos. If this isn’t your thing, sorry? Idk don’t read it then. But I’m excited that I was able to finish the first chapter! Now, the characters mention a lake house a few times, and basically there’s another fic in the same universe I’m working on, but haven’t been as successful at writing full chapters. So hopefully that will come out one day as well! For now, I hope you enjoy this!

~~~~

“Hey, sorry we’re late.” Cinder laughed as she entered the virtual meeting, the faces of all her friends loading up. 

“Badar’s teething right now, and with all his crying Peony couldn’t sleep.” Kai explained further.

“It’s no problem, guys.” Scarlet’s red hair was loose as she laid on her bed, Wolf resting his head on her shoulder. In another frame, Winter was doing the same to Jacin, while in the third Thorne had an arm wrapped around Cress while she nursed their newest little one.

“Speaking of babies, can I say hi to Cassie?” Kai grinned.

Thorne chuckled and tipped the camera, while Cress smiled and covered herself up so all they could see was the baby.

Cassiopeia Autumn Thorne, they called her. A big name for such a tiny baby. Everything about her screamed Cress, except for her hair being the same light brown as her father’s.

“Cress, she’s so precious.” Cinder cooed, as if the infant could hear her through the camera. Little Cassie was obviously nearly asleep, her eyes closed as she suckled.

Thorne tilted the camera away again, and the conversation dissolved into laughter as the friends recounted stories of the day, or the week, or the month.

“I swear, I have never seen a child with less self-preservation skills!” Scarlet said, though her tone was teasing and she rolled her eyes. “It’s like I turn around for one second and suddenly Baylor’s dancing on the roof.”

“Yesterday she started a tree-climbing contest and got both of her brothers stuck in a tree.” Wolf sighed. Scarlet hummed softly, combing her fingers gently through her husband’s hair.

“Well last week Peony tried to slide down the banister while holding Badar. If I hadn’t walked out of my room when I did I could have had two kids in the hospital!” Kai said. 

Winter nodded from her perch, which had become Jacin’s lap. “The kids are restless. It’s getting into the springtime and all they want to do is play outside. It’s a miracle if I can get Evret to focus on his schoolwork.”

“Spring break is coming up for us in about a month, luckily.” Scarlet told the group. “But we don’t have anything big planned, so hopefully the kids aren’t too upset.”

“What dates are your spring break?” Cress asked. “Maybe we can drive over to your place for a day or two.”

“Does that mean I get to hold that baby?” Scarlet chuckled.

As if she knew she was being talked about, Cassie gurgled over the camera, causing both Scarlet and Wolf to start cooing at her.

“Hold that thought, Scarlet. I’m going to go put her down.” Cress stood and walked out of the room, rocking her daughter gently in her arms. 

“You have spring break next month, too?” Winter said, brow furrowing. “We don’t all usually have the same spring break.”

“Ours is next month as well.” Cinder added. She pulled out her phone and opened the calendar app, showing the week that was highlighted in green. 

“Yeah, those are our break dates.” Scarlet’s voice was almost confused as she continued. “We’ve never all had spring break at the same time before.”

Before she could finish her thought, Cress came back in the room, arms no longer full of baby. 

“All three of us have spring break the same week.” Winter informed her. “That never happens.”

“So, are you saying you want to do something all together?” Thorne asked. “Because that’s kind of what it sounds like you’re saying.”

“Do you not want to do something together?” Jacin snorted. 

“You are putting words into my mouth.” Thorne stated, crossing his arms playfully. “That is not what I’m saying.”

“Then what are you saying?” 

“I’m saying,” Thorne continued, “That we might have had some plans for that week.”

“But Cress, didn’t you say you could come drive up and see us?” Wolf questioned.

“Well, the plans aren’t solid ones.” Cress shrugged. “But, we thought that me might take the kids to Disney this spring before it got too full with the summer crowd.”

“Oh, I love Disney World!” Winter laughed. “Cinder and I took the big kids a few years back, and we had so much fun!”

“Yeah, fun.” Jacin retorted. “Veda had a meltdown every single day because she wanted to buy all of the toys. That park is just a giant Disney advertisement.”

“Okay, but Veda was also five years old.” Kai said to the computer screen. “If we went again it would probably be a lot more fun.”

“We’ve never been to Disney World.” Wolf stated thoughtfully. “It’s just always so busy on the farm.”

“Couldn’t you just get Émelie and Iko to watch it for a week?” Winter said helpfully. 

“Well, we could, but what are we even talking about anymore?” Scarlet asked. 

“All of us going to Disney World together!”

There was a long pause in the conversation. All of the friends on the group call nervously glanced at each other, as if gauging their reactions. 

But finally, Scarlet spoke up again.

“We can’t. Paying for seven people going to Disney- it’s just not possible.”

“Hey, resident rich guy here.” Kai said. He normally hated bringing it up, just how well-off he and Cinder were. But now-

“Kai, you don’t have to do that.” Wolf sighed. “Besides, the triplets are little right now, it would probably be overwhelming.”

“Well, I don’t think that Disney is ready for Baylor, personally.” Scarlet joked, trying to lighten the mood.

“No, I’m serious.” Kai told them. Glancing over at Cress and Thorne, he repeated himself. “And I’d pay for your family, too, if you needed it.”

“Why Disney, though?” Cinder snorted. 

“Because I love Disney!” Her husband protested. Cinder laughed and leaned into him, smiling when Kai automatically kissed her head. “And besides, we haven’t all done something together since last year. I mean, Cress and Thorne had time to have a baby before we got all of our families together.”

“Okay, the whole having-a-baby thing wasn’t planned.” Thorne chuckled. “Buy Kai’s right. We haven’t all been together with the kids since the lake house last year.”

“As fun as that was,” Jacin added, while Winter curled around his back to start braiding his blond hair, “I could do with not sharing a house with a dozen children.”

“Same.” Cinder agreed. “I swear, every morning there were at least three kids knocking down our door.”

Cress had a thoughtful look on her face, her blue eyes suddenly distant. Cinder opened her mouth to ask what she was thinking, but Cress’s husband beat her to it.

“Are you planning something?”

“Maybe.” Cress said, almost dreamily. Thorne glanced back at his camera.

“I’m gonna put Cress to bed so she can at least get some sleep while she’s planning.”

“I’m going to be up in a few hours anyway to feed Cassie.” Cress argued, pulling away suddenly and stepping out of the room. She was only gone for a second before she was back, this time with her laptop.

“Ok Cress.” Kai spoke. “You let us know what you’re thinking in the morning, okay?”

The small woman nodded, typing furiously at speeds that made her hands seem like a blur. Thorne said his own goodnight and logged off.

“Well, for the record, I would love to do another vacation with all of our families.” Kai said. “Even if it’s not to Disney World.”

~~~~

Cress called them all three days later, a group video chat from her phone while she walked around her RV, Cassie strapped to her chest and Sage on her hip. 

“Okay, so I did some research- Astra, feet off the couch!- and I managed to find a way for all of us to take a Disney trip together!”

“We’re going to Disney?” Carson cheered from the background.

Cress ignored his question, instead walking over to the cupboard and pulling out a box of crackers, somehow balancing a little kid, a phone, and a snack at the same time, all with a baby on her chest. 

“Cress, that’s great!” Winter grinned. Kai had a similar reaction, and both Wolf and Scarlet looked fairly excited. For Cinder and Jacin, however, they were going to need some more convincing. 

“I got a trip planner to do some calculations and make some suggestions, and it turns out that we can make it a six day trip, and still have three days to spend time at home during the break!”

“So I’d have to take a week off of work, basically?” Jacin asked. Cinder couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or not. 

“Jacin, don’t be a party pooper!” Winter protested. “You were already going to take spring break off so we could do something fun as a family!”

“Mommy!” The loud voice came from Scarlet’s end, and the redheaded woman turned around just in time to have her triplets come crashing into her. 

“Okay, I’ve gotta go.” She said to everyone. “I think that it would be fun for us all to go to Disney World together. Just text or email us the details so we know what everyone else is doing.”

“We’re going to Disney World?” Alix asked, just before the call ended. 

“Here, I’ll email everyone what I found out, and we can decide what to do.” Cress told them. She set Sage down on the couch with Astra, handing them both the box of crackers she’d procured. 

And before Cinder could add anything else, Cress had ended the call and plunged her screen into darkness. 

~~~~

“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.” Cinder muttered, yet again, as she and Kai wrapped up two small presents. 

“C’mon, it’s going to be fun!” Kai insisted, yet again.

Cinder tied the bow on Badar’s present and rolled her eyes. “Badar won’t remember a single thing that goes on the entire trip.”

“But Peony will. And we’ll take tons of pictures so he can look back on it when he’s older.”

Cinder just sighed and put the present on top of Peony’s. 

Somehow, in the last month, all of their plans had fallen into place and everything had been confirmed. They were going to Disney World for spring break, and taking all of their kids with them. 

Cress, Kai, and Winter had been by far the most enthusiastic, Scarlet, Wolf, and Thorne admitting they were excited. Cinder and Jacin, however, were insistent that it was going to be terrible, trying to wrangle 14 children of varying ages around Disney’s various parks. 

Jacin and Cinder had been mostly ignored in their protests. 

And the day before, Cress had mailed them all a few things. Their Magic Bands, mainly, so they didn’t have to carry money around the park and could access their Fast Passes more easily. 

But also included in the package: shirts.

Light blue t-shirts that read on the front “Rampion Crew Disney Trip” and said the person’s name on the back. When Cress had told her about making matching shirts, Cinder had thought it was a joke. 

The shirts were sort of cute, at least. The light blue color would go well with everyone’s complexion. 

Years ago, when they’d all met in college, it was Thorne who had dubbed their friend group “The Rampion Crew”. The Rampion was an old RV he’d bought, and during the summer they would travel around in it, drinking and laughing and having an absolute blast. 

Thorne and Cress had fixed up the Rampion when they got married and now lived in it, somehow managing to fit four children comfortably inside. They traveled all over, homeschooling their kids on the road. 

The Rampion Crew was a bit of an inside joke now. All of their children owned a shirt that said “Member of the Rampion Crew since-” and then their birthdays. So Cinder supposed it was only fitting that the Rampion Crew made a reappearance for their Disney trip. 

“Mom, what’s for breakfast?” Peony popped her head inside their bedroom, and Cinder could see that she held Badar on her hip. 

“Fix yourselves some oatmeal real quick and we’ll be out in a minute.” Kai told her, hiding the presents behind his back.

Peony nodded and walked away, talking to Badar as she brought him to the kitchen. 

Kai fussed at the wrapping for a moment longer, making sure everything was perfect, before he and Cinder walked out into the kitchen, joining their children.

Badar was in his high chair, sucking on a spoon as Peony put the bowls of oatmeal in the microwave. Cinder put the two boxes down on the table and got out her phone, pulling up the camera.

Peony sang to herself, her little brother banging his spoon on his high chair in anticipation. When the microwave beeped and the oatmeal was taken out, Peony turned around to stir in some butter and cream when she noticed the presents.

“Who are those for? Is it someone’s birthday?”

“Nope.” Kai grinned. “They’re for you and your brother.”

Peony stopped stirring the oatmeal. She picked up the larger box, seeing the tag with her name on it. Glancing up at her parents one last time, as if making sure she wasn’t doing anything wrong, she pulled off the bow and the wrapping paper. 

Badar peeked over shoulder, still sucking on the spoon while Peony opened up the box.

Inside, the white Magic Band with Mickey Mouse decals was on top of the neatly folded blue shirt. Peony lifted both out, looking them over curiously.

Cinder could see the exact moment her daughter realized what was going on. Her brown eyes widened, her mouth falling open into a little ‘o’ shape.

“Are we going to Disney?”

“We are!” Kai cheered, and Peony’s surprise dissolved instantly into excitement. Cinder was able to snap a few photos of her daughter jumping around, shouting happily. 

Badar, though he didn’t understand what was going on, was still excited by his sister, and he banged the spoon on his chair and screamed with her. 

“BoBo! We’re going to Disney World!” Peony said, using her nickname for her brother. Badar cooed at her, and she pulled him up to kiss his little cheeks. 

It took a few more minutes for everyone to calm down and eat, and Cinder sent the photos to the group chat, with ‘looks like someone’s excited’.

Minutes later, other pictures and videos flooded the chat. The funniest was Scarlet’s text, who sent a video of Baylor and Alix fighting over the Merida dress Scarlet had bought for the triplets.

Seeing the excitement of all the kids, from the biggest to the littlest, was making Cinder reconsider her standpoint, just a bit.

Maybe taking 14 kids to Disney World wouldn’t be so bad, after all.