#booking ph musical guests

[illadvisedart]

shane’s shanesonas

[asiavibes]

CODE KUNST - Remember Archive (Album)

This album should be called The Flex Album, considering the number and quality of the guest artists! Not surprising from Code Kunst, but it’s always impressive to see the extent of his address book. Musically, I admit that sometimes I expected better, but I’m still very happy to hear LeeHi, TigerJK, Gaeko, Mino, Jay Park, JustTHIS, pH-1, DeVita, AND ALL THE OTHERS. Damn this list is crazy.   `

[dubaipoolcontractors]

Swimming Pool Accessories Dubai Available At Dubai Pool Contractors

Are you a proud owner of a swimming pool in Dubai? If so, then you know that maintaining it is no easy task. It requires constant attention and care to keep it in top shape. Luckily, there are numerous swimming pool accessories in Dubai available to make your life easier. From automatic cleaners to floating loungers, these accessories can help enhance your overall swimming experience while also ensuring the longevity of your pool's lifespan. In this blog post, we'll dive into the must-have swimming pool accessories every homeowner needs, as well as tips on how to maintain and maximize the lifespan of your Dubai pool with professional maintenance services from Dubai Pool Contractors. So get ready to make a splash with these essential items!

Top Must-Have Swimming Pool Accessories In Dubai

Swimming pools are great for beating the heat and having fun in the sun. But without proper accessories, your pool experience can be lackluster. Here are some must-have swimming pool accessories in Dubai to take your pool game to the next level!

First up, automatic cleaners. These handy devices make cleaning your pool a breeze by removing debris and keeping it sparkling clean.

Next on the list is a sturdy cover to protect your pool from dirt, leaves, and other debris when not in use. This will save you time and money on maintenance costs while also preventing any unwanted critters from taking a dip.

A set of floating loungers or inflatable rafts are perfect for relaxing while soaking up some rays or just enjoying a good book by the water's edge.

For those who love entertaining guests at their backyard oasis, consider investing in an outdoor Bluetooth speaker system so that you can enjoy music while splashing around with friends and family.

Don't forget about safety! A durable set of stairs or ladder leading into your pool is essential for anyone looking to safely enter or exit their swimming area with ease.

These essential swimming accessories add both convenience and enjoyment to any home’s outdoor oasis!

5 Swimming Pool Accessories In Dubai For Every Homeowner Needs

As a homeowner in Dubai with a swimming pool, you'll want to ensure that your pool is equipped with the right accessories. Here are five swimming pool accessories Dubai that every homeowner needs:

1. Pool Cover - A pool cover is essential for preventing debris from entering your pool and keeping it clean. It also helps to retain heat and reduce water evaporation.

2. Skimmer Net - A skimmer net will help you easily remove any floating debris, such as leaves or insects, from the surface of your pool.

3. Water Testing Kit - Keeping track of pH levels and chlorine levels is important for maintaining a healthy and safe swimming environment. A water testing kit will help you monitor these levels easily.

4. Pool Vacuum - Even if you use a skimmer net regularly, there will still be debris on the bottom of your pool that needs to be removed. Using a manual or automatic vacuum can make cleaning easy.

5. Safety Equipment - It's important to have appropriate safety equipment on hand such as life rings or flotation devices especially when children are present around the swimming area

Investing in these five essential accessories can make all the difference in keeping your Dubai home's swimming experience problem-free while ensuring maximum fun time spent by family members alike!

The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Swimming Pool Maintenance Company In Dubai

Maintaining a swimming pool requires a lot of effort and time. It can even be stressful for homeowners who don't have the experience or knowledge to do it properly. This is where professional swimming pool maintenance companies come in handy.

By hiring a professional swimming pool maintenance company in Dubai, you are ensuring that your pool remains clean and safe for use all year round. These experts have the skills and expertise needed to perform regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters, checking chemical levels, balancing pH levels, and more.

Not only does this save you time and effort but also saves you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs or replacements due to neglect or improper care. Additionally, these professionals can identify potential issues before they become major problems – giving you peace of mind knowing that your investment is always protected.

Professional swimming pool maintenance companies also ensure that your equipment is functioning optimally which helps prolong its lifespan while keeping energy costs low. They provide personalized attention to each client's specific needs – from weekly cleaning services to full-scale renovation projects.

Hiring a professional swimming pool maintenance company in Dubai provides numerous benefits including saving time and money while ensuring optimal performance at all times. Don't wait until something goes wrong with your pool - contact them today!

Dubai Pool Contractors Available For Your Swimming Pool Maintenance In Dubai

Maintaining a swimming pool is not an easy task, and it can be especially challenging for those who are not familiar with the proper upkeep techniques. Fortunately for residents of Dubai, there are professional pool contractors available to ensure the longevity and cleanliness of their pools.

Dubai Pool Contractors specialize in providing comprehensive maintenance services, including routine cleaning, chemical balancing, and equipment inspections. They also offer repair services such as pump replacements or leak repairs. These professionals have years of experience under their belt when it comes to maintaining different types of swimming pools.

The team at Dubai Pool Contractors uses only high-quality chemicals that are safe for swimmers while effectively keeping the water clean and bacteria-free. They understand that each pool requires individual attention based on its size, materials used in construction, location in relation to sunlight exposure, etc., so they tailor their maintenance plan accordingly.

By hiring a professional pool contractor like Dubai Pool Contractors for your swimming pool’s regular maintenance needs you can rest assured that your investment is being taken care of professionally by knowledgeable experts who know how to identify potential problems before they become major ones.

Maximizing Your Dubai Pool's Lifespan: Maintenance Do's And Don'ts

Maintaining your swimming pool regularly is essential if you want to extend its lifespan. Here are some maintenance do's and don'ts that will help you maximize the life of your Dubai pool.

Always keep the pH level of your pool water balanced. A high or low pH can damage the surfaces and equipment in your pool. Regularly clean out debris from skimmer baskets and filters to avoid clogs, which can cause malfunctions in pumps and heaters.

Conduct regular inspections of all parts of your pool such as tiles, grout lines, coping stones for cracks or damages that could be harmful over time.

Fourthly ensure proper chemical usage by hiring a professional expert who has knowledge on chemicals used for cleaning pools without harming them as well as for maintaining correct levels in order not to damage any part of it.

Lastly , don’t neglect routine maintenance tasks like brushing down walls weekly with a nylon brush along with vacuuming up sediment buildup at least monthly using an automatic cleaner while also checking chlorine levels often enough so they never get too low or too high.

By following these simple tips on maintenance do's and don'ts you'll definitely increase the lifespan of your Dubai Pool!

Pool Maintenance On A Budget: Tips And Tricks For Dubai Residents

Maintaining a swimming pool is not an easy task, but with the right accessories and professional help, you can ensure that your pool stays in top shape. Dubai Pool Contractors offers a wide range of swimming pool accessories Dubai to suit every need and budget.

Remember that proper maintenance is key to maximizing your pool's lifespan. By following the do's and don'ts of maintenance, you will be able to enjoy your pool for years to come. Additionally, hiring a professional swimming pool maintenance company in Dubai can save you time, money, and stress.

If budget constraints are holding you back from enjoying a clean and well-maintained swimming pool, there are several tips and tricks that Dubai residents can use. From regularly checking chemical levels to using a solar cover for energy efficiency, small changes can make a big difference.

Whether you own an outdoor or indoor swimming pool in Dubai, taking care of it should always be one of your priorities. With these tips on maintaining your swimming pool within reach even on tight budgets., every homeowner can keep their pools clean without breaking the bank.

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[wickees]

Does anyone want to attend this webinar with PH for £19.12?

Random House, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and Indigo Books & Music are proud to present Spare: Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex in conversation with Dr. Gabor Maté, renowned speaker and bestselling author of The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture. Join us on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. GMT on Vimeo for an intimate conversation as they discuss living with loss and the importance of personal healing. This is a LIVE virtual event only; no recording will be shared with attendees and recording or sharing of the event is strictly prohibited.

Each ticket includes a hardcover copy of Spare. All participants will have the option to purchase Dr. Maté’s The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture as well. The event will feature an introduction by Barnes & Noble/Waterstones CEO James Daunt and, following the conversation, an audience Q&A with Prince Harry and Dr. Maté. When you purchase your ticket via Eventbrite by March 1st, you will have the opportunity to submit a question and may see it answered live.

Guests in the UK must register on this page. Guests from Canada, the US and all other countries can find their ticket page here.

Participants will be able to access the event through Vimeo. The link and password to access the stream will be sent to the email address you registered with the morning of the event from Eventbrite, so please make sure the email does not go to your spam folder. Please note: the access details are intended to be used only by the individual who registered and sharing the Vimeo link is strictly prohibited.

[sagamemes]

critrole sentences starters  ---  shadow of the crystal palace.   under the cut, you can find a total of 137 lines of dialogue from critical role’s call of cthulhu one-shot. as this contains both in and out of character sentences, there are options for modern and old timey or more eloquent muses alike. themes of the paranormal, heists, secret missions, light and darkness are sprinkled all around this sentence meme, but a good chunk is also usable by just about any muse. oh, and a lot of cat talk. as always, feel free to alter to fit your muse!

❝  good luck, may light and knowledge prevail.  ❞

❝  consider your words heeded, sir.  ❞

❝  hopefully, you can carry it.  ❞

❝  i didn't have time to have it actually translated. if i recall, that's a review of the latest sailor moon musical.  ❞

❝  she just wished me goodbye a minute ago in a text, i don't know what it means.  ❞

❝  i want you in constant communication with us if you feel anything untoward, anything out of the ordinary at all.  ❞

❝  we're not alone.  ❞

❝  i imagine no one really wants to stay to hear the end of this speech.  ❞

❝  could you try to enjoy this a little less?  ❞

❝  are you? ��/are/ you getting it out of your system?  or are you just getting started?  ❞

❝  i'm more like a... tuning fork.  ❞

❝  there are definite... bonuses to this little adventure.  ❞

❝  what am i gonna do to you?  ❞

❝  you're a good scientist who follows data.  ❞

❝  most things that die in here, they never really leave.  ❞

❝  perhaps we should try to get the thing that the rich guy wants?  ❞

❝  i think we're doing more than just delivery.  ❞

❝  i am a little worried about us getting discovered sneaking about here, though.  ❞

❝  man was not meant to live within glass.  ❞

❝  i'd say it's been fun but i'd be lying.  ❞

❝  i suppose that's just a loss on the champagne then, isn't it?  ❞

❝  poor [name]. i picked you especially for this.  ❞

❝  we may be able to walks around unencumbered tonight.  ❞

❝  my pants are exciting, just in the wrong way.  ❞

❝  is there anything you /can/ do?  fight?  run?  be prey?  ❞

❝  you like to lead---after you.  ❞

❝  it happens, you know. sometimes you shatter... artefacts.  ❞

❝  i am so delighted that you are stuck here trying to find a lightswitch.  ❞

❝  my kanji is at about second level.  ❞

❝  bless your ignorance, child.  ❞

❝  i do love a good poker.  ❞

❝  have you ever tried to pull the sword, the excalibur sword, from the stone at disneyland?  it's got just enough give to irritate a child for hours. i say---definitely not from /experience/.  ❞

❝  i am here to make sure we're safe from threats on the other side.  ❞

❝  it is for people such as ourselves to know. and then we protect the general public.  ❞

❝  jesus, why am i following you people?  ❞

❝  you can make the story a little less about him and a little more about you.  ❞

❝  he's been very good to me.  ❞

❝  i'm here to make sure this car stays on the rails, as it were. and to assist, of course.  ❞

❝  i was concerned when i first met you.  ❞

❝  is it pictures of all of our possessed bodies?  ❞

❝  grant me my wish, make me big.  ❞

❝  we're just gonna go to the cat room and we're just gonna hang out there for the whole time.  ❞

❝  i believe it's better for the general public to believe your [writings/stories/tales] are fiction.  ❞

❝  i'm beginning to think i'm the only one with any sense here.  ❞

❝  i may be requesting your services again in the future.  ❞

❝  it's just a little trinket from my country.  ❞

❝  you need to know when to cut and run!  look, i've got debt across europe but it's not worth dying over!  ❞

❝  it's like a script you keep reciting from.  ❞

❝  they wish to talk, in their own way.  ❞

❝  care to place a wager?  i'm feeling very confident.  ❞

❝  nobody knows the value of a good redshirt anymore.  ❞

❝  oh, fuck a duck, where are we going?!  ❞

❝  i'm so confident, i will put 10% of my earnings from this job on the line.  ❞

❝  i had my suspicions, you fraud.  ❞

❝  what did you do to the light?!  ❞

❝  mirrors are liars. they only show us what we expect to see.  ❞

❝  i have some contingencies if things go wrong and will be waiting for your signal.  ❞

❝  i mean, if you're looking at it from the right angle, you're just taking it back.  ❞

❝  i fucking love cats, let's go.  ❞

❝  did you learn /that/ at the [institute/school/etc]?  ❞

❝  nothing to worry about, just go about your business!  ❞

❝  [you're/he's] a shower away from pretty again.  ❞

❝  they've never hurt me.  ❞

❝  i've had a string of bad luck for a while.  ❞

❝  we've been speaking to the other side for thousands of years. and our understanding evolves and changes with the passing of the years, but the core remains the same.  ❞

❝  there's so much sexual tensioooon...  ❞

❝  no one ever goes to a museum and reads the labels, it's really frustrating.  ❞

❝  i would ask you to leave and never speak of this again.  ❞

❝  oh, you fucking brilliant bastard.  ❞

❝  you're not really a cat person, are you, [name]?  ❞

❝  i know how that sounds, i know what i saw.  ❞

❝  i got it the last time i went to russia.  ❞

❝  mommy and daddy don't need to know about the necklace, though.  ❞

❝  and i do hope we meet again sometime, [name], before the next time world needs saving.  ❞

❝  wouldn't you agree that there are dark corners in this world, easier to find than the light?  ❞

❝  well, /i/ don't like to toot my own horn, but if [name] will, i can't forbid him.  ❞

❝  we're gonna take a moment to collect ourselves and have a stiff drink of something.  ❞

❝  god, you look like a ghost, [name].  ❞

❝  i may be the one non-believer in the group.  ❞

❝  it was certainly someone who looked like her. could've been anybody.  ❞

❝  i was so looking forward to murdering the rest of you.  ❞

❝  i didn't go to medical school, /period/. ph., not m.d.  ❞

❝  just don't make too much trouble, alright?  ❞

❝  you've been hand-picked for your skills.  ❞

❝  i've actually read it as well. i think you sell yourself short.  ❞

❝  your pants are more exciting than mine right now.  ❞

❝  i feel like i should be haunting a house right now.  ❞

❝  he was a problematic mess even by the standards of his time.  ❞

❝  oh, you know, just little things you learn at finishing school.  ❞

❝  you're not a useful doctor, are you?  ❞

❝  honestly, i feel quite ignorant that i didn't put it together myself.  ❞

❝  i'm an archivist, not an adventurer.  ❞

❝  just repress!  that!  shit!  ❞

❝  oh, no, i'm just so enamoured. we very rarely have the ability to socialise with such esteemed guests.  ❞

❝  we might've fucking killed ourselves.  ❞

❝  i think i'll have a nightlight for the rest of my life now.  ❞

❝  i love a good potato clock though, i almost bought one.  ❞

❝  my mum said i'm the most handsome boy is school.  ❞

❝  [chuckling] that's a little mythology joke for you!  ❞

❝  there's minimal security as long as you don't go into the upper floors.  ❞

❝  what have they done to you?  have they hurt you?  ❞

❝  this is getting a bit rich for my taste. [insititute/workplace] does not pay /quite/ that well.  ❞

❝  i believe you are more spot-on than perhaps you even realise.  ❞

❝  we will come up with a good excuse for your back. there's shattered glass in there.  ❞

❝  it's a bit... dizzying in here. does anyone else feel that?  ❞

❝  you do not know what this has cost me.  ❞

❝  he stole it. so i punched him in the face.  ❞

❝  i'm a book doctor, not a blood doctor.  ❞

❝  the idea of walking home in a mist without another living human being there nearly gave me a heart attack.  ❞

❝  i'd like to thank you for your discretion.  ❞

❝  it's a little less of the killing of the dragons and a little bit more of running for your bloody life.  ❞

❝  some of us are just so sharp we could cut ourselves.  ❞

❝  one more pitch to run for the fucking door.  ❞

❝  he's a charlatan, isn't he?  ❞

❝  the trouble with sacrificial magic is it requires sacrifice.  ❞

❝  there's something about you they really don't like.  ❞

❝  the only way we can protect ourselves is to know what we're protecting ourselves from.  ❞

❝  it's a bit of a lark, isn't it?  that's why i agreed.  ❞

❝  i know about this. this is my design. and some /asshole/ put his name on it.  ❞

❝  never owned a cat in my life.  ❞

❝  i say this with as much honest and relative humility as i can:  do i look like the sort of person that they would tell where the champagne is hiding?  ❞

❝  he didn't go into medical school for you to call him /mister/ [name].  ❞

❝  you have an honest face.  ❞

❝  it never hurts to be prepared, and i'm a big believer in being prepared. and i'm willing to spend on it.  ❞

❝  look you were very worried about this chest;  we opened it, it's fine!  ❞

❝  we will never see each other again.  ❞

❝  we're all just reaching for the same truth and describing it in different ways, i imagine.  ❞

❝  the things i've seen you wouldn't want to wish on your worst nightmares.  ❞

❝  take a lantern, you piece of shit.  ❞

❝  he wrote some very, very nice reviews of the best gay brothels of japan when he would walk around. and a pamphlet on farting.  ❞

❝  [suggestively] well, if you're looking for a /heat source/...  ❞

❝  few things in this world are not somewhat haunted. this, i believe, is very.  ❞

❝  do you know that they invented an electrical device in japan in 1776?  ❞

❝  i would really run.  ❞

❝  i'm sorry, did you say  ' paid off the judges ' ?  ❞

❝  it burns like acid.  ❞

[seoulessnights]

what truly matters

You and Siyoung promised that no matter how hectic things got, you guys would never forget about the important things. The things that mattered. But on days like today, the two of you had a hard time agreeing on what was actually important. 

“I can’t believe you just completely forgot about my work dinner!”

You stood in the corner of the room, near the door. The exact spot you were when you walked into Siyoung’s studio, as you caught him red handed - absent-minded and completely absorbed in his music as usual.

“I can’t believe you invited Junwon hyung instead?!”

Siyoung spat back, unwilling to back down. It was true. After you realized that Siyoung either completely forgot about your work dinner that you had incessantly reminded him about for the past month or was stuck in a ditch somewhere, unable to answer your numerous calls and texts you bombarded his phone with, (which, you assumed, was the former), you had panicked. This was your first dinner at your new workplace and due to the fact that Valentine’s day was just around the corner, the dinner’s theme was appropriately decided as two is better than one. Bring a partner, bring a friend, but don’t come alone. It was extremely corny, but it was meant to encourage your office to mingle in a more casual environment. 

You had carefully announced a couple weeks prior that you were bringing a plus one, and much attention was drawn to this announcement (as you were the youngest and newest addition to the office). It would have been extremely embarrassing to show up alone, solo, after all the chatter amongst your coworkers about your mysterious guest. Luckily for you, Harry had texted you to see what you were up to on a Friday night, and you were able to drag your best friend of ten years to your dinner. And much to your relief, Harry charmed your coworkers and the dinner went quite swimmingly. 

And of course, this was what angered Siyoung. This dinner was supposed to be the perfect opportunity for him to introduce himself to your coworkers. His time to shine. You had such a good relationship with your coworkers that Siyoung really wanted to impress them and be accepted by them as a suitable partner for you. Except he had completely forgotten about the dinner. And instead, your best friend, Harry swooped in, as always, to save the day. 

“What was I supposed to do, Siyoung? Go alone?”

“But I can’t believe he gets introduced to your coworkers even before I do!”

“And whose fault is that?” You yelled as you stormed out of his studio and left his house. You could not believe how selfish and stubborn Siyoung was being. He actually had the nerve to be upset at you.  *

“Cheers, bitches!”

You clinked glasses with your friends as your group downed the shots almost immediately. After leaving Siyoung’s place, your college friends had invited you to join them at the club. You normally would’ve declined such an offer, as you much preferred the life of a homebody - spending Friday nights curled up on the couch with a book or watching TV - but you decided that this would be a nice way to blow off some steam.

A nice distraction to take your mind off of your fight with Siyoung. You knew how easily jealous Siyoung got, and a part of you wanted to provoke him. Besides, it had been a while since you’ve gone out with your friends from college, and you wanted to have fun - relive the youth you and your friends once shared. As the night progressed, however, you became increasingly tired of the blaring music and the overwhelming amount of people squeezed into one space. When your friends wanted to join the dance floor, you waved them onwards, but stayed behind at the bar. You nursed your drink as you watched all the action unfold from behind the scenes. You much preferred this to all the slimy, sweaty bodies you would potentially be rubbing against at the dance floor. However, your solitude didn’t last for long, as it was hard for a girl, sipping a drink by herself, to go unnoticed at the club. “You come here alone?”

A tall, dark-haired guy approached you, his own drink in hand. In lieu of a reply, you pointed sloppily in the general direction of the dance floor, hoping that he would get the message that your friends were off dancing. “What’s your name?”

Unfazed by your lack of reply, the guy sat in the stool next to you and tried to continue the conversation. He was rather forward, but you didn’t mind the attention, especially as you spotted Siyoung and the rest of his WYBH crew in the corner of your eyes. You weren’t surprised to see him here, as the club was a popular place for commoners and rappers alike, but you were still upset at him and had a sudden urge to want to draw his attention and get on his nerves.

You flashed the dark-haired guy a smile as you slipped him your first name. The guy, delighted at your response, took this as a sign to be even more forward than he was previously. He leaned in towards you as he whispered a lame joke or two. You could smell the whiskey in his breath and laughed absentmindedly, as your gaze was mostly fixed on Siyoung and his crew. Siyoung, at this exact moment, happened to turn around and notice you. You could see him furrow his brows - a tell tale sign of either extreme concentration or anger. And you had a feeling it was not the former. 

Noticing your distant gaze, the dark-haired guy turned around in the direction that you were staring, as he discovered Siyoung. 

“You know him?” The guy gestured towards Siyoung. He clearly was not into the hiphop scene, as it seemed that he was completely oblivious that he was pointing to Giriboy, one of the most prominent rappers of the scene.

“Nah.” You laughed, as you brushed his concern off. You could see Siyoung’s jaw visibly clench, as his brooding, dark eyes flashed in anger, but you decided to ignore him and continued on with your conversation. * As the night moved along, the dark-haired guy ordered drinks for the two of you. Even though you were fairly tipsy at this point from downing numerous rounds with your friends, you gladly accepted. Free drinks and a chance to further provoke your angry boyfriend. How could you say no to such an offer? As you shared more drinks with the guy, he naturally got the wrong impression and increasingly became more and more forward throughout the night, to a point where you started to feel uncomfortable. You had just about had it when he leaned in again, this time to caress your cheek. You cowered away from his touch, as goosebumps peppered your skin. You were officially disgusted by this slime ball, and it was time to put an end to your act. But before you even had the chance to say something, you felt a strong grip on your wrist, as you were forced out of your seat.

“Get your fucking hands off of her”

Siyoung spat, as he pulled you towards him. You let Siyoung put his arms around your waist defensively, as he continued to stare menacingly at the dark-haired guy.

“Woah, woah. I didn’t know she had a boyfriend.”

The dark-haired guy, completely caught off-guard, surprisingly gave in easily. He muttered a quick apology to Siyoung, as he scurried towards the crowded dance floor, probably in search of his next target. You dreaded what was to ensue, as you let yourself be dragged outside the club by your boyfriend. Once the two of you were alone, you nervously glanced up at him. You were still tipsy from the alcohol in your system, but what had just happened sobered you up enough to realize how childish and stupid you had acted the entire night. And all of this to try to get back at Siyoung for something that didn’t even seem that big of a deal anymore. 

“Siyoung, I,”

“I’m sorry, Y/N.”

Siyoung surprised you as he cut you off before you could offer him your apology. You were prepared for him to yell at you, ask if you were out of your mind, but instead, he was apologizing. “I overreacted,” Siyoung continued. "It was my fault that I forgot about the dinner, and I’m really sorry.” His eyes softened. “I… I’m so sorry too. For introducing Harry to my coworkers before they had a chance to meet you, and for acting the way I did at the club.” 

Siyoung nodded, as he reached out to grab your hand, lacing his long fingers into yours. The two of you had briefly lost sight of what truly mattered and instead focused on trivial things to nitpick and bug each other with. Of course, it didn’t matter that much that Siyoung had missed your work dinner. You knew how busy Siyoung could get with his music, and you also knew there would be plenty of future dinners to bring him to. And Siyoung understood why you strung Harry along to the dinner - he knew how much you dreaded attending social events solo, and he knew that you and Harry maintained an exclusively platonic friendship for the past ten years. 

“I love you” Siyoung whispered, as he planted a soft kiss on your head. You placed your head on his chest as you stared above at his loving face, the night sky acting as a backdrop. 

“I love you too, Siyoung.” ______________________________________________________________________

I don’t know how to end my scenarios without making them seem sooooooo incredibly cheesy and corny. But I hope you enjoy!!! pH-1 is officially our honorary second male lead at this point, but who’s complaining?

[shimmerjjang]

VIP Diaries: (Meeting Seungri!!!) The Great Seungri Show in Manila 2019

Hello 안녕 안녕 shimmers and VIPs! Wow, I’ve been wanting to publish this post for a while now because this experience I had during The Great Seungri Show in Manila is a FIRST in my whole life as a BIGBANG VIP! I met Seungri and I got the sweet sweet chance to be in a photo with him. Not a standee, not a poster but the real Seungri!! Gurlll, I could go on and on about this but let me compose myself for a bit and talk about The Great Seungri Tour which happened in MOA Arena last January 19, 2019.

So, if you know me or if you’ve been following my SNS and happened to see one of my posts from last year, you’d know how much I loathe this area. I swore I won’t even go anywhere near Mall of Asia after the trauma I had from this horrible incident. And after that, I never attended any sort of event if it’s held around this area.

THIS IS MY FIRST TIME back here in months. Only BIGBANG can bring me back! The bitter memories are now replaced, thanks my Panda Seungri!!

This VIP concert experience is made possible by K-Music Insider! I’m beyond grateful for this chance because the truth is, my budget didn’t allow me to shed 10k upfront that time for the VIP seats and photo-op opportunity. I would’ve settled for a cheaper lower box ticket but I still made sure I hop into giveaways with the goal of getting a photo-op pass in mind. And dear heavens K-Music Insider blessed me with one! 넘너무 행복해 ㅠㅠ

Gates opened at 7pm and I entered the venue at around 7:15. There weren’t crazy lines so I just went straight to the entrance. There weren’t any chaos (thank goodness) and I know it’s a good thing, but I’m kinda sad too because we weren’t able to fill the entire arena. The show was announced late so many VIPs weren’t able to prepare them fundsss (including me haha)

BUT when the show started, it didn’t feel like the arena isn’t full! It was a whole new party out there!! Just exactly as how I expect a BIGBANG concert should be. I mean, Seungri is a total charmer and I’m sure all VIPs know that he’s the best at sweeping the crowd off their feet compared to the rest of the members. Seungri has been my bias wrecker since 2012! Oh well, but yo gurl is tough and my heart for G-Dragon won’t be swayed by anything!!!! \\(^^,)//

Here are some fancams I managed to take. I know, I wasn’t able to take that much because I really want to savor the moment. Also, this is my first time to attend a concert without my sister or cousin (huhuhuhu) so I don’t have someone to take turns with recording. But then again, all throughout my life as a K-Pop fangirl, I have learned how important it is to really get into the moment instead of recording each and every part of the show. So yep, enjoy my mini fancams! 

Opening MV - Where R U From

BANG BANG BANG

Intro Talk (Some in Tagalog)

GG BE

If You

Where R U From

Fire - 2NE1 Sandara 

I am the BEST - 2NE1 Sandara

Go Away - 2NE1 Sandara

Dahil Sa’yo Tagalog Cover - Pandara (Seungri & Sandara)

Seungri calling his mom (haha!)

Tagumpay (Seungri’s self-composed Tagalog song LOL)

We Like 2 Party

셋 셀테니 (1,2,3)

In My World

I’m so proud of Seungri! This is his first ever solo world tour and I can see that he did so well in pleasing and wowing the crowd despite the absence of his hyungs. 

Did you watch the whole video? BOYYY I CHOKED WHEN HE SLAYED THAT TAGALOG SONG!! I swear that song by Inigo Pascual annoyed me for a while because I hear it everywhere. But gurllll, who would’ve thought that I’d learn how to love it. I’ve been singing it subconsciously right after the concert. I mean, I’m gonna be honest, he sounded more native than Sandara and Ryan Bang (he showed up briefly on stage too along with Anne Curtis) LOL

Dara was also a guest for Seungri’s show. Well, Sandara has always been a steady guest whenever BIGBANG would show up here for a tour! That’s OG YG Family for you, children! The 2NE1 songs she performed were immensely nostalgic. How can my eyes well up over happy songs? I’m still hoping for a 2NE1 reunion to fulfill my empty Blackjack heart! :(

Seungri has always been the life of the party and he’s so good at being in variety shows! That’s what he served us during his concert. For a short moment we all thought we mistakenly entered a comedy bar, not a concert LOL Seungri made my stomach burst out of laughter the entire night. He’s just GOLD! He even savaged his fellow BIGBANG members in front of us. haha! Ang lakas ng loob kasi everyone’s in the military haha

Seungri showed us funny photos of every BIGBANG member for him to roast... EXCEPT for T.O.P... So naturally, us VIPs will ask and look for him. When he wrapped the photos up without including TOP, all of us went “Where’s TOP?!!!” I honestly thought he’ll just brush it off, considering all the crazy controversy surrounding TOP, I won’t be surprised if he’ll just ignore us. But Seungri didn’t. He heard us and he gave us a very reassuring answer.

VIPS: “TOP!!! TOP!!! Where’s TOP?”

SEUNGRI: “Ah, TOP? He’s fine! I just wanna say he’s okay.”

ME: Wooooh!!! OMG OMG *hyperventilating*

SEUNGRI: “He’s super okay. Yeah. He will come back soon, don’t worry!”

VIPs: *crying and going wild*

SEUNGRI: “You know what, now in BIGBANG, TOP is MOST OKAY! hahaha We are all okay..”

ME: LAUGHING WHILE CRYING UGLY TEARS

Watch the full clip of that comedic/unexpectedly emotional part here..

The entire show lasted for around 3 hours, I think. Seungri gave us major K-Pop throwback as he also sang a lot of his great hits from his early solo career (Strong Baby, Gotta Talk to U, GG BE..), as well as BIGBANG’s! It was an amazing show full of nostalgia. 

Here’s my only #OOTD shot from the concert, together with my fellow mod at BIGBANG Philippines - Chi! 

We, along with the ladies of 2NE1 PH, as well as other VIP friends lined up for the photo-op right after the concert. Each photo with Seungri will be done by 10s and we’re fortunate enough to be the last ones in line so there were just 8 of us.

AND NOW! TADAAAAAA!! Here’s our official group photo courtesy of LOONG Studio, the official promoter for Seungri’s Manila leg of the tour.

I mean, let that sink in for a short moment. Gurl, MY EXISTENCE GOT PULVERIZED! I wasn’t sure of what was happening and if it really was happening at all. For the first time in my 10-year VIP fangirl life, I was able to see and interact with a BIGBANG member. INSANE!

As I was walking towards Seungri, my mind went blank. I just stretched my hand for him to shake and I told him that he did great on stage. OH DEAR I remember him just looking back at me, smiling and thanking me for coming to his show. I’m in a trance! And because I went straight to him and approached him first, I totally forgot everything I initially planned. I have my phone in hand to secretly record everything just for my personal memento but totally forgot!! Also planning to stand beside him (I was 2nd in line so I could’ve done that) but chose to just talk to him first so by the time I was done talking, everyone got settled already while I’m still lost in front of him! Also planned to stand on his right side because that’s my freakin’ angle but totally forgot!!! HAHAHAHA Basically, my mind stopped functioning LOL but I’m so happy I got to interact with the King of all Maknaes, SEUNGRI. Everything happened so fast and when we were asked to leave, I made sure I told him I love him! HAHA He’s probably tired of hearing that from everybody but at least I let it out my chest. ^^

Say hello to my very nervous smile!!!! HAHAHA My heart was about to pop out of my mouth! SEUNGRI is just super handsome and I’m not just saying this because I’m a fan. Like he’s legit handsome and his smile is so dreamy. He’s just genuinely friendly and there’s this warmth from him that makes you forget he’s a star. I guess I’m used to seeing K-Pop stars being cold in real life, but definitely not Seungri! 

Ah, seeing him so close is definitely one for the books! Ah also, I would like to thank my Moonshot x Innisfree combo for keeping my foundation on point despite going crazy the entire night. hihihi~~ (I will review these two soon, promise!)

I’m beyond happy to see Seungri’s last show before he enlists. Their OT5 comeback may take a while because of their military schedule and all these sad controversies that still stir everything up unnecessarily! But hey, we’re all waiting at the Flower Road (꽃길) so I can only hope that the kings stay healthy and happy. 

My next goal is to see all BIGBANG members in their Final world tour in Seoul - 2020, 2021, who knows! Really hoping to have the same amazing opportunity like this to meet all of them next time. IT WILL HAPPEN I CAN FEEL IT! <3

Read more of my VIP Diares here or my other K-Pop shenanigans here.

[castorre]

Garlean Housing Ideas

I keep getting this amazing image in my mind of what Garlean apartments, flats and houses could be like. So, here is how I like to think of the technologically advanced homes these guys live in.

I like to imagine Garlean houses are very open. There are few doorways with the exception of private rooms such as bedrooms, baths and studies. Electricity is obvious, as is plumbing and tech of convenience that you would not see in other places.

There are panels in the walls that slide out to store your coat, shoes, hat, purse, etc as you come home. There are options for higher ranking individuals to have chutes for both garbage and laundry. For those rank praefectus and above, perhaps they get free laundered garments and trash disposal. The panels slide back in and appear to be just another part of the wall when not in use.

Art and music are an integral part of Garlean culture. Owning art is a necessity if you’re a high ranking officer. When you invite your mates over, you absolutely have to be able to point out to your paintings, which are provided built in shadowboxes and lighting by more adjustable panels in the walls. The art is very colorful and bright compared to the silvers, greys and blacks of Garlean homes.

The lines are very sharp. Fireplaces have stainless steel mantels and framing. There’s a high-heat resistance vacuum for removing the burned bits after a fire is extinguished by either the owner or a timed sensor.

Sensors and smart elements are integral to the home. There are trail lights at the bottom of the molding in ever room. When the sensors pick up that you’re walking at night, they light up to lead you to wherever you’re going via predictive learning.

The kitchen is home to wonderful tech Eorzeans would be jealous of. The smart ice box, no longer just for keeping things cold, also has a more powerful function, allowing for freezing of goods. There is a terminal on the front that one can request a meal from one of the many restaurants or cafes located in the surrounding 5 malm radius. The oven is self-cleaning and is able to broil, bake and has a switch setting to convection. Both the ice box and ovens are built into the walls for a clean look. A coffee bar is often placed for convenience and allows two-to-three seats depending on size of the flat or home. A programmable machine brews coffee to perfection every time and even has attachments for making lattes and teas. Under the coffee bar’s top is a built in wine or liquor chiller with pull out drawers for strainers, zesters, glasses and anything else one may need for cocktails or mixed drinks.  The sharp lines of the kitchen, silvers and stainless steel make for a very professional feel in even the most comfortable of places. A sensor ensures that the temperature of the area stays at the resident’s preferred number all year, especially when the oven is active.

A grease drain separates fat solids from liquids and allows the safe disposal of all kinds of oils without harming any inner pipes or workings. A food composter sits under the large two bay sink. The composter is completely hands safe and is able to tell food from finger via small bursts of imaging. The composter also saves data from foods and other items that have been composted to tell you the ph balance and moisture content of your fertilizer. If you enjoy indoor gardening, it is useful to use the scraps from inside the composter rather than purchasing them. Indoor gardening is a very popular hobby in Garlemald, as the landscape itself is rarely suitable for farming. A recent poll suggested that at least sixty-percent of all Garleans have some form of indoor plant, and at least forty-percent of that number are citizens growing their own vegetables or herbs! Every window can be outfitted with a self grooming gardening or flower bed. Simply mention to your HOA which you plan to take up and they can help arrange a delivery of seeds and soil for a very small deduction from your upcoming pay cheque.

Beyond the beautiful lines and clean sophistication of Garlean living areas, are the bathrooms. For Praefectus and above ranks, the bathrooms of each apartment are a luxury afforded no where else on Hydaelyn. The toilet seat is heated during the coldest months of the year, or year round if specified. A set of tall, thin vents in the wall blow warm air immediately after it senses you’ve exited the shower or bath. The hair dryer, flat iron and other bath room accessories are kept in yet another pull out panel in the wall. All toiletries are kept in their own separate panel that is lined with an anti-microbial vinyl that protects them from any bacteria that may travel in the air via the toilet flushing. Which, we might mention, is also automated. There is a motion sensor hand washing unit that not only dispenses water, but also foaming soap, warm or cold air and lotion. Top it all off with a beautiful marble finish on the countertops, glass above-counter sink bowl, tiled shower, claw-footed porcelain jet tub and freshly laundered and folded towels via a magitek automaton every single day.

The study is a highly customizeable area of your home! Choose from templates for a library, office, media room, theater, gaming area or craft room. Or speak with your HOA and design your own room with their guidance! All templates come with a choice from either hardwood or steel fixtures for desks, chairs, side tables, built-in cabinets and book shelves. Crafting rooms can either be a single focus room for mixed media, painting, sculpting or a combination of any choices. Special order looms, easels and other built-ins are available at an extra cost. Theaters come with a year’s subscription to Garlemald’s current leading entertainment provider. Whether you’re interested in current films, the performing arts, concerts or live shows, your comfort and entertainment are sure to be met!

Some homes are equipped with a second story to provide more rooms for either growing families or for guests! The sleek and refined finish of the stairs will impress anyone as your guest ascend to the next floor on hovering stairs. The illusion of no rails and glass walls plus the inflection of light make an optical trick that makes the stairs appear to float with no support. As always, tracked lighting on the stairs lead you safely to your destination every time. The landing pad at either side of the stairs feature a pull out safety wall to keep pets or small children from falling down or climbing up the stairs. All outlets in the home are also equipped with child safety guards. The outlet covers will only allow plugs to enter the electrical current, by reading the pulses of ceruleum emitted by the power cables to every device. Now would also be a good time to mention that Cerluem Blue provides free wireless connectivity to the intranet for one year after your purchase of a home. Any object that runs off of the intranet, including ice boxes, coffeemakers, vacuums, toilets and other devices can freely communicate with your smart terminal, free of charge.

Your terminal can be placed in either your bedroom or your office. It is a sleek and thin screen with a pullout keyboard. You can control the lighting, heat and air, humidity, air filters and schedule the automated cleaning services of your roombatek, composter, garden and even your entertainment terminals! You can choose from varying builds that can function as gaming terminals, as well.

Finally, there is the master bedroom! Only the finest in quality and modern convenience emerge as emperor here. Featuring your choice of platform, cabinet, raised or canopy bed in any size from Princess to Garlean Emperor. Your purchase comes with two sets of ultra-luxe fine woven magithread sheets. If you’ve not tried the soft and supple rabbit skin comforters from magithread, we highly recommend them during the winter, along with their thick woven deep pocket winterized sheets.

Either carpeting or hardwood is available in the master suite. A bay window frames a built-in bench surrounded by book shelves. Any lover of books in your life would be thrilled to sit among the floating clouds as they enjoy their next fantasy!

The master closet is impressive! Boasting an organizational system with lights and enough space to hold nearly one hundred pairs of shoes, plus fifty purses or twenty-five briefcases, one hundred dresses or tuxedos and even containing hidden room for a safe, hat boxes, purse boxes and canes!

You’re sure to love your modern Garlean home that is as special as you are! Apply now for Praefectus pricing on the ultra-luxe flat! Payable weekly, bi-weekly or monthly automatically from your pay cheque! Every service and room listed herein comes to the final cost of:

Apartment - 100,000,000 gil (equivalent)

Services - 25,000 gil/week (equivalent)

Upgraded devices and furnishings - 125,000,000 gil (equivalent)

For a very affordable total of 225,000,000 spread out over the course of your life span. Please peruse our financial aid services to ascertain your qualifications. Apply now and move in within a moon!    

[shirlleycoyle]

Startup of the Week: An ‘Airbnb for Pools’ Where the Hosts Are Stock Images

Know a startup we should feature on Startup of the Week? Email us at editors@motherboard.tv

The Pitch:

Swimply, an admittedly slick combination of the words “swimming” and “simply,” is “Airbnb for pools.” As such a platform, there are two populations being addressed:

Those without a pool, who want to use a pool.

Pool owners who realize the folly of their purchase and want to recoup some of the cost by charging strangers to swim in it.

The 22-year-old co founder and CEO of Swimply, Bunim Laskin, came up with the idea for Swimply (originally Pool4U) when asking his neighbor in Lakewood, New Jersey, if he could use their pool in exchange for 25 percent of the operating costs. According to Laskin, the startup is now operating in 30 states.

“Just upload a couple of pictures and details of your pool and how you want it run. We’ll take care of the rest,” Swimply tells pool owners. Pools cost about $40 to $200 an hour on the platform.

Pool listings will note the privacy of the property, bathroom privileges (more on that later), and specific rules for the listing (e.g. no loud music, no kids, etc.)

But Swimply is not just an Airbnb for pools. It’s a data play. As the Philadelphia Business Journal explained, “Swimply’s long-term plan is to use data to help the aquatics industry get a better understanding of how people use pools.”

Who is funding it?

The founder of Swimply raised $30,000 from family and friends, before raising another $1.2 million in a seed round, according to Crain’s New York. The Swimply Crunchbase page does not offer any further information, but the phrase “Swimply Crunchbase” is a free sample of whatever the opposite of ASMR is.

What are The Experts saying?

“…it's an Airbnb for pools, and we've been waiting for something just like it for a long, long time.”

–Thrillist

“With online booking and payments, digital marketplaces like Swimply are aiming to connect pool owners near and far with those looking to go for a swim by leveraging the sharing economy business model.”

–PMNTS.com

“These days, you can rent by the hour, from those who have pools in their backyard and like the idea of the sharing economy for swimming pools. Say hello to Swimply.” –Los Angeles Times

“How about going for a swim in a random stranger’s back-yard pool—but without getting arrested or shot at or developing a weird skin disease?”

–The New Yorker

“In Rockland County this is illegal.”

–CBSN New York

Should you swim?

That depends. How long can you hold your pee?

As a Times of Israel story explains, “60 percent of hosts offer bathrooms or access to the house.” The other 40 percent of the time, “it’s assumed that swimmers will come, hang out for a bit, and leave, without ever talking to the pool owner.”

One commenter on the Swimply Facebook page concisely identified the issue here, for both the pool owner and guest:

If you’re a pool owner trying to make some money of that dumb hole in the ground, there are additional considerations besides guests making unwanted pH adjustments. And don’t worry, if you want your guests to pee outside your pool but not inside your house, you can let Swimply know, and they’ll “get a portable restroom brought to your location and maintained once a week with some of our pretty cool partnerships.”

If there’s one thing worse than a stranger coming to your house to pee in your pool or the new port-a-potty next to your azaleas, it’s a stranger beefing it on the diving board and suing you. You’ll have to give them back the $50 they gave you, plus a few additional hundred thousand of dollars. And in Swimply’s terms and conditions, it is sure to note it will be you, not them, who does so.

"As a Host, you understand and agree that Swimply does not act as an insurer. If a Guest requests a Booking of your Accommodation and stays at your Accommodation, any agreement you enter into with such Guest is between you and the Guest, and Swimply is not a party to it.

“[W]e have a situation where no insurance company is going to indemnify you or support you should there be an injury at your home, so your insurance policy is wasted,” Rockland County, New York executive Ed Day told CBS New York.

Swimply also “assumes no responsibility for a Host’s compliance with any agreements with or duties to third parties, applicable laws, rules and regulations.” The company contracts Poolwerx and Aqua Masters to inspect pools, according to the Los Angeles Times, but they’ve already run into a scale issue.

“Eventually, all pools will be vetted and inspected, though the company is still expanding its customer care team and doesn’t yet have the resources to vet all the pools,” explains the Times of Israel.

Another very serious problem is evident upon inspection of Swimply’s website.

Image: Swimply (Allison removed by Motherboard)

It’s difficult to find any brown or black faces. Luckily, there is a simple fix, since it seems the “hosts” on the page aren’t actually real. Reverse image searches show that the List Your Pool page uses stock images (and stolen images) to show the earning potential of its hosts. That means Swimply can simply(!) switch in a photo of, say, me, instead of Corey up there, who Adobe Stock Images describes in part as a “young handsome man smiling, blue t shirt, proud and satisfied expression.” One Swimply Pool Host “Allison” actually belongs to a Latinx woman not named Allison who happens to be a diversity and inclusion expert at a major software company. When I contacted her, Not Allison said she’d heard of Swimply, but had no idea her photo was being used by the company.

When she reached out to Swimply via DM; the company took down the host section, claiming it was an accidental push of a placeholder. Swimply did not respond to a request for comment from VICE. The company has now deleted the hosts from the "list your pool" page altogether.

Startups are often tasked with doing a lot with a little, Not Allison said, which is “often a heroic thing.” But cutting corners by using an unlicensed photo “point out a fundamental issue.” To her, it suggests a “much more deep and intractable problem” like discrimination and lack of diversity might also be left neglected.

Motherboard is not naming Not Allison because her image was used without consent, she is not associated with the startup, and she did not want to speak on behalf of her company. But because she is a diversity officer in Silicon Valley, she seemed like a good person to talk about how pools have been historically used as a tool of segregation.

“The fact is, swimming pools and swimming are a very specifically, heavily racialized thing in American culture,” the D&I expert explained. “And what we know of the ability marketplace platforms [have] to exacerbate or continue the discrimination, the social bias that we see in the world is really high without very intentional design and planning around how you build both the business model as well as how you think about and design and deploy the products and then how you hold users accountable for not discriminating on your platform.”

Not Allison said she wouldn’t use Swimply, mostly because she prefers lakes over pools.

Pools are more than expensive (and finicky!) vinyl-lined water containers; they are often signs of wealth, investments made to increase the value and/or aesthetic appeal of a house. They’re also an important setting for the country’s history of racism. After the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public places such as public pools, new methods were developed to keep black people out: membership fees, simply filling up old pools with concrete, and building pools in majority white neighborhoods. Much of this history was recently revisited after a much more recent incident. In 2015, McKinney police officer Eric Casebolt responded to a neighborhood complaint in part by assaulting a black 15 year old girl, where he “repeatedly slammed her face on the ground, forcefully straddled her while thrusting his knees into her back and neck.”

Combining pool with an Airbnb-like platform, Swimply should look at the issues Airbnb has already faced, specifically discrimination. There is no doubt that discrimination based on names and faces will occur, and there is nothing Swimply has said publicly to suggest they’re aware of it. It’s a glaring oversight, especially when Swimply claims to be “democratizing swimming.”

If Swimply can figure out racism, insurance liability, and where customers can go pee, it could be a worthwhile app. In the meantime, swim at your own risk.

Startup of the Week: An ‘Airbnb for Pools’ Where the Hosts Are Stock Images syndicated from https://triviaqaweb.wordpress.com/feed/

[lifeartmuzic]

THE ESSENTIAL A–Z GUIDE FOR FESTIVAL-GOERS

Flavour, music, aromas, colours – get ready to Feed Your Senses! We are fast approaching the most delectable weekend on the food and music calendar, the DStv Delicious International Food and Music Festival, to be held on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of September at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit in Johannesburg. A mile of mouth-watering food stalls offering an almost infinite selection of flavours and aromas to satisfy every palate, accompanied by music from a host of time-honoured artists to keep you dancing in the sunshine and under the stars!

In preparation for this unmissable gathering, here follows an easy A to Z guide with all the information you need to get yourself and your family ready to celebrate our cultural Heritage and to feed your senses:

Africa is a vast and eclectic continent, a land of natural beauty which nourishes a multitude of cultures. This two-day event is the ultimate celebration of harmony and unity between all the flavours, sounds, colours and diversity that Africa has to offer.

Bongo Maffin, Boom Shaka and BOP join more than 20 other fabulous acts like Trompies on the Delicious Main Stage on Saturday 21 September to celebrate Kalawa Jazmee Records’ 25-year anniversary.

Corinne Bailey Rae, an international icon appearing on the Delicious Main Stage on Saturday 21 September, will take your breath away. This legendary RnB and Soul vocal enchantress know how to keep the crowds hungry for more!

Divas will light up the stage and show the crowds how to get the party cooking! The female singers ready to stimulate your soul include Shekhinah, Lira, Lisa Shaw, Monique Bingham, Lady Zamar and many others.

Easy access to the festival is available through Uber, Taxify and Gautrain buses. Engen has created a space for you to safely book your ride home or be dropped off at the event at their Engen Departure Lounge.

Food Glorious Food! The Festival will satisfy even the most sophisticated food-connoisseur with the Delicious Mile: Gourmet Street-Food Market – more than 30 food traders selling tantalising delights from around the world, including sushi, Pan-African dishes, Mexican specialities, Balkan Burgers, Korean barbeque and so much more! Something to satisfy every hungry belly! Picnic blankets are allowed though seating will also be provided.

Gates to the Festival will be open from 11am to 10pm on Saturday 21 September and 10am to 8pm on Sunday 22 September.

Heritage is what it’s all about! The Festival is a celebration of the diversity of culture, beliefs and traditions in South Africa – a coming together of a rainbow of flavours, music, generations and cultures.

Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter – join in the conversation with us on @dstvdeliciousfestival (Instagram), DeliciousFestivalSA (Facebook) and @DeliciousFestSA (Twitter).

Jamming doesn’t get better than with international megastar, singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer Raphael Saadiq who will headline the Delicious Main Stage on Sunday 22 September.

Kids are more than welcome at the Festival, with a dedicated Engen Kid’s Fest area for children aged 3 to 13, offering a safe and fun-filled experience including a lunch pack, trained childminders and stringent security measures to guarantee their safety and your peace of mind (tickets from R295 per child per day). Kids under 3 years old get free entry to the Festival, but no children under the age of 18 will be allowed into the areas where alcohol is served, including lounges, hospitality units and the GA Bars.

Lights, camera, ACTION! – Ralf GUM All-Stars, featuring Ralf GUM, Mafikizolo, Monique Bingham, Kafele Bandele, Portia Monique, Bongi Mvuyana, Ayanda Jiya, Joseph Junior, and Nivalito will get the crowds into a frenzy on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September on the Delicious Main Stage.

Music is the food of life, so aside from the stunning line-up of local acts, the Festival is bringing the old-school 90’s House and RnB group Ten City from the USA to add funk and groove to the party.

No cooler boxes are permitted on the grounds, nor are beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic of any kind including bottled water), food of any kind, picnic baskets, beach or golf umbrellas. Drinking of alcohol in the parking areas is strictly prohibited. There is a strict No Pass Out policy at the festival. Visit the website for more information.

Oskido, MJokes, Spikiri and Mahoota, the game-changers from Kalawa Jazmee will blast out indigenous house and kwaito rhythms along with their All-Stars.

Parking your wheels at the festival will cost R100 in cash upon arrival at the event. There is limited space available so arrive early and get to park close to the entrance gates. First come, first park! For all you VIP Hospitality ticket holders, you’ll need to collect your Vehicle Access Permit at Flight Centre, Mall of Africa from Thursday 19th September to Saturday 21st September. You will not be permitted to park in the VIP Parking bays onsite without your Vehicle Access Permit.

Queues are a thing of the past because Visa together with Howler have come to the rescue! Pre-load your Howler card before the event and collect your card upon arrival to skip the queues and enjoy an easy and safe buying experience at the Festival, brought to you by Visa. If you don’t get a chance to pre-load your card, that’s not a problem. You can purchase and load your Visa x Howler card at the event.  

Red Bull will give the party wings on the Saturday with their Red Bull Music Delicious Dance Arena which will host 8 African superstars with an array of styles including Kwaito, Hip Hop, and House to get the party thumping!

Shimza’s House will take it up a notch on the Saturday at the Red Bull Music Delicious Dance Arena with 8 major acts performing, including Shimza himself, Cassper Nyovest, Lady Zamar, DJ PH, DJ Kent, Ms Cosmo and Major League.

Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/31Xhq5N or on the Delicious website www.deliciousfestival.com where you can find out more about our ticket offerings, or you can simply SMS ‘Delicious’ to 33592 (SMS costs R1). Ticket prices range from R550 for a Delicious Early Bird General Access Day Pass, to R4370 for the Ambassador Luxury Suite Day Pass, allowing you access into different areas of the festival grounds. See below for more details.

Unlike any other event in the country the festival will present over 40 renowned performers, four different areas and something for all ages over two days.  

Variety is the key to the festival – a rainbow of food and music sensations await you at the festival.

When it comes to wetting your whistle you will find Windhoek Lager, Tanqueray, Ciroc and Johnny Walker available.

Xtreme behaviour of any offensive nature is not what the festival is about – this event is for peace-loving, good-natured persons only.

Yummy is the name of the game, for your taste buds and ears. Your Delicious experience depends on kindness, tolerance and sharing with all those around you – respect and enjoy the harmony!

Zonke, DJ Zinhle, Ms Cosmo, and Tamara Dey will spin your head with their African beats.

TICKET PRICING AT A GLANCE:

The Delicious Early Bird General Access Pass

R650 per person per day

R1200 per person for a weekend pass (Saturday & Sunday)

Includes the following:

See over 20 acclaimed local and international talent over the event day on the 2 official stages: The Delicious Main Stage, and the Red Bull presents the Delicious Dance Arena. NO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WILL BE PERMITTED INTO AREAS THAT SERVE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Persons under the age of 3 enter for free.

The Delicious Lounge

R1550 per person per day

R2880 per person for a weekend pass (Saturday & Sunday)

Includes the following:

10 hours of music, food, and entertainment with the added benefit of covered seating and sight of the Delicious Main Stage from the VIP Hospitality Terrace. Access the private VIP Cash Bar within the unit and the designated Private VIP Toilets. NO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WILL BE PERMITTED INTO THE VIP LOUNGE.

The Ambassador Luxury Suite

R4370 per person per day

R7820 per person full weekend

Includes the following:

Rub shoulders with the stars and esteemed guests at the festival's premium hospitality unit hosted by Lorna Maseko and Kenzhero. With your food, drink (excluding premium spirits), and entertainment sorted, you needn't want for anything on the event day. Enjoy a VIP experience done right with VIP Parking, covered lounge and patio seating areas, Private VIP Toilets, and unrivalled views of the Delicious Main Stage. NO PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 WILL BE PERMITTED INTO THE VIP LOUNGE.

[shortstruck83-blog]

26 Fantastic Things To Do In Philly, March 4-10

The first full week of March is booked solid with awesome things to do to keep Philly residents and visitors plenty busy.

Many inspiring and enlightening events celebrating the talent, achievements and successes of women take place this week as Women’s History Month continues. Highlights include an author event with two prominent feminist writers; a showcase of works-in-progress by women and non-binary performing artists; and a festival highlighting women and non-binary comedians.

The blockbuster PHS Philadelphia Flower Show continues this week as well, attracting and inspiring hundreds of thousands of attendees with its groovy theme and stunning floral designs before wrapping up on Sunday.

Another annual spectacle, the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, ends the week with a spirited promenade featuring Irish dancing performances, traditional Irish music and decorated floats.

And Philadelphia’s food scene thrives with the city’s top chefs, food writers and restaurateurs coming together for the annual Philly Chef Conference at Drexel University. Guests can enjoy panels, lectures and — naturally — some very delicious food.

Check out all of our picks for this week in Philly, below.

Source: https://www.uwishunu.com/2019/03/things-to-do-in-philadelphia-this-week-march-4-10-2019/

[veiltray63-blog]

26 Fantastic Things To Do In Philly, March 4-10

The first full week of March is booked solid with awesome things to do to keep Philly residents and visitors plenty busy.

Many inspiring and enlightening events celebrating the talent, achievements and successes of women take place this week as Women’s History Month continues. Highlights include an author event with two prominent feminist writers; a showcase of works-in-progress by women and non-binary performing artists; and a festival highlighting women and non-binary comedians.

The blockbuster PHS Philadelphia Flower Show continues this week as well, attracting and inspiring hundreds of thousands of attendees with its groovy theme and stunning floral designs before wrapping up on Sunday.

Another annual spectacle, the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, ends the week with a spirited promenade featuring Irish dancing performances, traditional Irish music and decorated floats.

And Philadelphia’s food scene thrives with the city’s top chefs, food writers and restaurateurs coming together for the annual Philly Chef Conference at Drexel University. Guests can enjoy panels, lectures and — naturally — some very delicious food.

Check out all of our picks for this week in Philly, below.

Source: https://www.uwishunu.com/2019/03/things-to-do-in-philadelphia-this-week-march-4-10-2019/

[headlinermanila]

A celebration of TOYCON's 18th year in the Asian Pop Culture Scene

The Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention, better known as TOYCON PH, is celebrating 18 years of serving pop culture enjoyment to its fans both local and international. It is, simply put, the longest-running and premiere pop culture event in Asia.  

Early this year, TOYCON PH presented a fresh visual identity, through a new logo, to cater to the growing millennial crowd, and also attract visitors from all over the world with a global perspective to promote the Philippines as the leading pop culture playground in Asia, that showcases Filipino creativity, innovativeness and talent through toys, games, entertainment and digital content.

TOYCON PH – Where Asia Comes to Play!

TOYCON’s new tagline indicates the direction of where it is going.

It is now an International event that will flex its muscle to further increase the international visitors that are coming.

This all means that a better and grander line-up of activities is expected for this year. These activities are guaranteed to give its enthusiastic followers and the casual fans more to enjoy in TOYCON.

TOYCON has had 17 years of excellent experience in making the Philippine pop culture scene the most dynamic and the most fan-centric experience in the region!  It started the pop culture revolution in the country. And now it is capturing the heart of pop culture enthusiasts in the whole Asia Pacific region.

This year is the 18th year of the event, and through the years it has been adding value and uniting the different toy and pop culture communities in the Philippines.

TOYCON’s Exclusive Toys and merchandise

One of the things to anticipate this year are the exclusive toys, collectibles and merchandise that will come out of the event.

This year, there will be more exclusive toys that will come out in TOYCON. And if you are a toy collector, it will be one of those events that you can call heaven sent.

Headlining as the marquee TOYCON exclusive is the Zeta Manila Killa PH Colorway designed and created by Quiccs Maiquez, who was awarded Toy Designer of the Year and Toy of the Year in the recently held Designer Toy Awards in New York City.

In addition, the much-anticipated Jollibee Flocked variant Funko Pop will also exclusively be distributed by the Funko Funatics Philippines during the event this year.  We also have Filipino-inspired toy exclusives of Tiny Ghost by Bim Toy, Dino by Ziqi Toys and the first release of the Batman Imperial Palace warrior vinyl toy by Mindstyle.

TOYCON’s Toy Designer Line-up Gets Bigger

When there are exclusive toys, not far behind are the big toy brands and toy designers. There will be more local and international brands and toy designers that will grace this year’s event.

Brands like Lego, Funko, Bandai, Good Smile, Hot Toys and XM Studios, along with internationally renowned toy designers: Ron English (the legendary godfather of street art), Quiccs, Wetworks, Anatoy, Yoii, Hariken, Creon Chkn Head, Happy Garaje, Jessica Emmett, Daniel Yu, Fanny Kao, Mumbot, Rusho Toys, Jwon, Kaze Studio, Messymaru, Mupa, Non World, Siam Ruf, Tangent and Too Natthapong will line up the event with their distinct brand of collectibles. These designers from all over the globe certainly get the art toy enthusiasts excited in all the international toy shows and certainly, art toy aficionados will get spoiled in this year’s event!

 TOYCON’s International Influencers and Celebrity Guests

The era of the digital influencers is here. TOYCON, with our partner Pop Life Global, is giving the community a taste of the future and beyond.  First up are influencers from the Pop Life’s Pro-Am Studios, which is in the business of making movies out of their studio and post-production facilities in China. They are slated to release five movies this year and next.    

One highlight of this year’s FanXperience event will be the Battle Dance Champions featured in the Pop Life produced movie, No Dance, No Life.  World-class dance will take over the FanXperience stage featuring talents such as Former Bboy of the Year: Bboy Morris, World of Dance 2019 Champions: The Kings, World of Dance Team of the Year: Academy of Villains, and The Creator of the dance style, Krumping, Tight Eyez.

The international artists are a staple of TOYCON. Through our partner, Pop Life Global, we have had guests from Game of Thrones, Pirates of the Caribbean, Power Rangers, Superman and X-Men, and other great franchises.

This year two guests confirmed to arrive are from the hit AMC series The Walking Dead. These are actors Michael Cudlitz, who played Sergeant Abraham Ford, and Steven Ogg, who played Simon and also plays Trevor in the hit video game Grand Theft Auto V.

TOYCON’s Sound Arena

We love music, who doesn’t? This year, fresh new talent will hit the stage of TOYCON with band performances and idol groups joining the fray. This TOYCON, you will cheer your heart out, guaranteed!

Up and coming bands Souldrift, Lila, The Lock Pickers, The Glass O, Project:Materia, Kanjiru, Asterysk, Lunar Rhythm, as well as fan favorites Aidoru Sozai, CH4U, and Pastel∞Mix will be performing at the TOYCON stage for its Music Festival.

TOYCON’s Comics and Gaming Exhibition!

TOYCON is also our country’s undisputed Comic Con with top-caliber comic book artists gracing the event.

The line-up this year includes:

Berlin Manalaysay: Creator of the well-loved cyborg, ‘Combatron’, one of the most well received characters in Funny Komics in 1992.

Ed Tadeo: A prolific Filipino comic book artist, colorist and inker for Marvel, DC, and Image Comics. Titles of his works in coloring and inking include: Wolverine, Silver Surfer, High Roads and District X.

Heubert Khan Michael: Former guidance councilor turned legendary comic book artist. Judged by Neil Gaiman himself, Hubert won 3rd place in the Philippine Graphic Fiction Awards back in 2010 and has been inking since then! Some of his awesome works include: Vampirella, Unstoppable, and The Owl.

Miguel Mercado: Miguel is a Cosplayer and Illustrator. Miguel has is known within the Comic Book community for his epic cover art for Back to the Future (2015), Buffy The Vampire Slayer (2019) and Over The Garden Wall (2017).

Harvey Tolibao: Harvey first got involved in the comics industry in late 2006 when he penciled and inked the twelfth issue of Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He also did the art for Iron Man: Director of S.H.I.E.L.D., Psylocke, the Avengers and has also done some work for Top Cow and for DC.  

Pol Medina Jr: Pol is a Filipino cartoonist best known for creating Pugad Baboy, a comic strip about a community of fatsos and a dog named Polgas, highlighting domestic life and the characters’ commentary on relevant societal issues and pop culture. Pol is the 2018 recipient of the TOYCON Pinoy Pop Culture Icon Award.

Raymund Bermudez: Filipino Comic Book Artist, Penciler and Cover Artist for DC Comics. Some of his notable works include: Justice League, Pathfinders and Lex Luthor.

Raymund Lee: Professional Digital Comic Book Colorist who is known for his painterly style and classic renditions of superheroes.

And finally, Steve Gan: One of the most accomplished Chinese-Filipino Comic Book Artists to date. Best known for co-creating the legendary comic book “Ang Panday” as well as Marvel’s “Star-Lord” and “Skull the Slayer”.

Another exciting comics-related news is that ABS-CBN will launch the Ravelo Komiks Universe in TOYCON 2019, the first ever unified comics universe in the Philippines,

with a legacy display of new merchandise for its prominent stable of heroes, Darna, Captain Barbell and Lastikman.  Watch out for life-size statues of these character on display!

Other TOYCON 2019 Highlights

Exhibits from epic movies coming soon will make the TOYCON scene more engaging. Headlined by movies from Sony Pictures, Spider-Man: Far from Home, and Warner Brothers’ line-up of movie icons from the horror genre, the Annabelle doll from Warner Brothers upcoming Anabelle Comes Home, Pennywise the Clown from IT: Chapter 2 and Chucky from Reality Pictures’ 2019 adaptation of Child’s Play. Meet them up close, but don’t blink!

This year’s TOYCON will also feature a new fun zone, the Play Hub!

This is where fans of comics and gaming will find the young and upstart artists in the design, graphic and digital spheres come together to exhibit their craft and talents! The Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP) will host TOYCON’s Gaming Conference, while the Animation Council of the Philippines will showcase more than 50 short films in the Theater Room.

TOYCON POPLIFE FANXPERIENCE will also be the stage for the unveiling of the biggest Batman statue in Asia, the 22-foot tall Imperial Palace Batman which is a likeness of the Dark Knight never seen before until now. Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Batman, DC Collectibles has announced a collaboration with Pop Life Global and China’s Imperial Palace for a special series of figures featuring DC Comics characters in costumes themed after ancient Chinese warriors and soldier armors. This Batman statue is going to be one for the history books!

This year’s World Cosplay Summit Philippines (WCSPH) National Finals will also be held at TOYCON 2019, with Japanese Cosplayer Reika and WCSPH Alumni Ming Miho and 2018 Philippine Representative Team Sekai (Sergio Sta. Ana and Kai Raito) headlining this activity. Five  cosplay pairs selected from parts of the country will compete for the right  to represent the Philippines at the 2019 World Cosplay Summit in Japan.

Aside from these, TOYCON 2019 will host a number of activities such as a Mobile Legends gaming Tournament in partnership with InFlux TV, The TOYCON Cosplay KO Competition and bestow the Pinoy Pop Culture Icon Award, which honors the icons that made our Filipino pop culture heritage truly distinct and long-lasting.

TOYCON’s line-up of vendors and exhibitors also gets bigger and better every year with more than 300 merchandise booths of toys, pop culture memorabilia, apparel, collectibles and more, with more international brands coming to town.

TOYCON Pop Life FanXperience 2019 – It’s a Whole New Playground!

TOYCON PH and Pop Life FanXperience is proving indeed that it is the leading pop culture playground in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia. There will be more sights to share for your various channels and social media, engaging activities, shows and panel discussions, interactive brand activations, collectibles and merchandise, and YOU are definitely going to be a part of what will make TOYCON great this year!

TOYCON POPLIFE FANXPERIENCE happens on June 28-30, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

[The event is made possible by PLDT Home Fibr, MaxiCollector, Big Boys Toy Store, Filbars, Great Toys Online, Ano Toys, Arigatoys, Hobbiestock Collectibles, De La Salle College of St. Benilde, Kramer Toy Warden and main media partner, ABS-CBN. With thanks to our official residence partner, Tryp by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila.]  

So cheers for TOYCON’s 18th year and we hope you join us in this ground-breaking international event. Always check out the TOYCON website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts for more updates:

www.toyconph.com www.Facebook.com/ToyconPH www.twitter.com/PHToycon www.instagram.com/PHToycon

[movietvtechgeeks]

Latest story from https://movietvtechgeeks.com/ava-sleeth-talks-supernatural-screams-lily-sunder/

Ava Sleeth talks about her 'Supernatural' screams and Lily Sunder

Remember the pretty little girl in the Supernatural episode, "Lily Sunder Has Some Regrets?" The one that was apparently a nephilim, but actually wasn’t? May Sunder was played by Ava Sleeth, whose interest in being an actress lies deep … hopefully, we’ll see her again in a future episode! How did you get into acting, and how were you cast as May? My siblings and I are in a Fine Arts program at school, and we have drama/art/music/dance classes there.  My older sister decided to sign up with an agent, and I went with her to the appointment....our agent asked, "what about you, are you interested in trying out some auditions?" So I said I would give it a try!  I booked my second audition for a commercial, and it just went from there. The audition for the role of May was a director/producer session....the director asked me if I liked acting and I said, "yes, I LOVE acting!" Then he asked me to run from the corner of the room and say "Mommy, I'm scared" in a very frightened and out of breath sort of way....he asked me to do that about 6 times, and then he said "thank you, , it" and I left. I found out that night that they were interested in me for the role, and the very next day I booked it! [caption id="attachment_42451" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Photos: Courtesy of Ava Sleeth[/caption] What was the funniest thing to happen while filming for Supernatural? There was a couple things.... when we were rehearsing the scene just before shooting, Alicia Witt was kind of like whispering her lines and I didn't really understand why she was doing that and my mom could tell by looking at me that I was confused, wondering if that's the way she was going to talk when we were actually filming the scene.  My Mom had overheard someone say that Alicia had a bit of a sore throat, so when we stopped rehearsing my mom explained to me that the reason Alicia was whispering her lines during her rehearsal is that she was probably trying to save her voice for the big scream that she had to do when I was 'killed', and that when they started filming, Alicia was going to go full out and I needed to go full out too! I asked Ian Tracey, how loud should I scream? And he said "as loud as you want!" So I did! My favourite part of filming that scene was getting to scream! Another funny thing was on the day that I came to set to do the photo shoot for the old time ph; it was raining quite a bit.  When my Mom and I were looking for the A.D. trailer to check out, this guy in a trench coat and set make up and a BIG umbrella came up to us and asked us what we were looking for and was super nice and walked us over to the A.D. trailer....I didn't really talk much to him, and my Mom was making small talk like "what a big umbrella you have, and thanks for walking us over....", we hadn't watched 'supernatural' at home because it's a pretty scary show for someone my age, so then the next day when we were at the production office, we saw this BIG poster with all the main characters of the show....and my Mom was like "there's the guy who walked us over to the A.D. trailer with his BIG umbrella" and of course it was Misha Collins!! We were like darn! He was SO nice!! We should've talked more to him and asked him for a picture!!   Tell us about your character, May. May is the daughter of Lily Sunder. She is calm and kind and loves her Mom very much and playing with her favourite doll that she got from her Dad. May doesn't know why Ishim has come to the door and why Ackobel was killed outside, so it's all very scary and confusing for her.  You don't see May a whole lot in the episode, but she is an important part of the story. It's very sad that she dies and it was pretty amazing being in that scene with Alicia Witt because she's an amazing actress and I'm sure I learned a lot from watching her. What do you enjoy most about acting? I like how you get to use different expressions in different ways, I like how you can use loud voices in some scenes, I like meeting other actors, having my own trailer sometimes, and the food!! [gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="42454,42455"] Do you have any upcoming projects/roles that you’d like to share? Not at the moment, the new season of auditioning has just started, and I'm excited to see where it might go.  I did win a Joey Award recently for my Guest Starring Role in 'Dead of Summer' so that was pretty exciting - I hope I get nominated again this year!

Movie TV Tech Geeks News

[demitgibbs]

Six Spas We Love

As, I have mentioned before, one of the best parts of doing the annual Spa Edition (this is year #8) is the relationships I, and my staff have formed with the local spa owners. Every year I look forward to seeing them and spending some quality time with them and their staff. In addition, I get to meet new people as new spas come on board every year. What I have definitely learned from the spa owners and their staff is if you take care of your body on a regular basis it will take care of you and make you look and feel younger for many years!

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa (601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd- Fort Lauderdale) (954)567-8085 – Atlantichotelfl.com

You can really drift into a state of euphoria at this Oceanside sanctuary. The Spa Atlantic services use nourishing elements derived from the sea, including concentrated marine products, which allow them to focus on improving skin quality and optimizing overall well-being. They offer rejuvenating European-inspired thermal areas for both men and women – including a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy tub – to cleanse before and after your service(s).

The spa is located on the 5th floor of the beautiful Atlantic hotel. I was greeted by the spa GM, Robyn, who was so nice and explained the procedures I was going to receive. She then walked me to the men’s Locker room, where I changed into a lush robe. Mariella met me and took me to the room where my 2 services were going to be performed. She started with the Detox Clay Wrap 50 min ($140). This full body wrap features a bentonite clay based body mask for deep tissue cleansing. After the application of the clay mask, the body is gently wrapped in warm sheets. As my body absorbed the healing benefits of the mask, Mariella pampered me with a pressure point scalp massage. The service concluded with the application of their nourishing skin enhancer, leaving the skin deeply hydrated. This service is performed using the Jindilli brand of products, which is made with pure macadamia nut oil.

The Detox Clay wrap was followed by a relaxing 25minute reflexology foot treatment ($50) to enhance circulation. The treatment alleviates stress and aides in healthy kidney, liver and bladder functions. Mariella reached all the pressure points and by the end of this service my feet felt fabulous. The rest of the day I felt like I was walking on air.

The Grand Resort and Spa (539 N. Birch Road – Fort Lauderdale) – 954-630-3692 – GrandResort.net

For those of you read the Spa Issue yearly, you know how much I love Paula,  last year I was generous and let a co-worker experience Paula’s magical hands, but this year I wasn’t as generous, and kept Paula all to myself.  However I did let a co-worker, Anthony, experience JD’s massage.

Anthony received a Deep Tissue Massage – 50 min ($125) – which focuses on specific problem areas to relieve tension, spasms and overall tightness. Pressure is medium to deep, although Anthony requested Deep and he said JD had the perfect touch. .

According to Anthony, JD welcomed him and offered cucumber lemon water and walked him back in to one of the treatment rooms. He said that relaxing spa music and aromatic oils filled the room, and Anthony was well on his way to being relaxed.

JD first asked Anthony if he had any problem areas, and began his full body massage. Anthony said a hot towel placed under his neck was very soothing. The massage included toes, temples and butt cheeks. He also stretched Anthony’s arms and neck. He was completely relaxed once the massage was completed.

It was now my time with Paula’s, and experience her wonderful Deep Cleansing Facial – 80 min, ($145). The facial started with a double cleanse which was followed by a microdermabrasion treatment which is a mechanical deep exfoliation with a diamond tip wand. Afterwards Paula massaged my face with her magical fingers using stress relief oil. This is followed by an oatmeal mask, and then a contour mask is applied on top of the oatmeal mask. This is to tighten and calm the skin down. While the masks are setting Paula does a hot stone massage to the arms and neck. Once the masks are removed, she applies moisturizer and sunscreen.

Every time I get a massage from Paula its amazing, and I highly recommend this Colombian beauty!

Omm Spa at Ocean Manor Resort (4040 Galt Ocean Dr l3) – (954) 635-2151 – oceanmanor.com

I sent Silvio to this Spa, and as soon as walks in he is greeted by receptionist who says “Hello you must be Silvio.” She then began to review his services. He was booked for a Deep Pore Cleansing Facial $159 for 60 minutes, Sports Massage $90 for 60 minutes and a Combo Mani Pedi for $40.

Holly then offered Silvio a beverage and then introduces him to the skin care specialist Amalfi who is a licensed esthetician. She’s been with Omm Spa for 7 years and gently escorts me back to the facial and skin care center. Her first step is to get Silvio to relax, and she does this by explaining that every face is like a fingerprint, unique and no two are alike. 

She identifies that his forehead is drier than the rest of his face and will require different serums and treatment to bring it back to its natural state. The facial begins with a simple cleansing followed by a deep cleansing of his pores getting them to open up so the dirt and debris and dead skin can be removed. She’s stripped away the dead skin with a microdermabrasion tool that seems as powerful as a drill. Afterwards she replenishes his skin with extracts and vital nutrients which range from collagen, to pumpkin and other natural derivatives. This was Silvio’s first ever professional facial so he was impressed by the step by step process and science behind the skin rejuvenation. 

After the unveiling I feel like a new man with skin and a face a fresh as a new born baby’s bottom. I am sold 100% and can’t wait to book my next facial with Amalfi. I can not thank her enough.

Directly next door to the Facial Room is the Massage Room, where he was introduced to masseuse Caroline.  She immediately asks about his previous experience with massage techniques and what preferences he has. She said she will knead and work his muscle tissue to the point to where it will release the tension and break up scar tissue as well.

Silvio lies on the massage table face up as she begins the massage, and she begins stretching his frontal muscles carefully. Each individual limb is passively kneaded and its feeling very organic and his entire body feels connected to the universe. As she applies light oils Silvio is acutely aware of how in touch he is with his breathing. She then repeats the process on his back, legs and feet. Their session ends with Silvio in a state of unconditional relaxation.

He is then introduced to Gina for a Mani Pedi Combo. First off she has Silvio recline in a super sleek state of the art massage chair that adjusts to various stages, while dipping my feet into the wash basin below.

She goes on to apply softening agents that aid in the process, then files the toenails and the gives Silvio instructions on the proper angles should he attempt to do this at home. Once filed to the degree that she is satisfied his foot goes back into the bath and another lotion is applied to keep the skin and nails pliable and easy to work with.

Moving to the manicure table she gently applies a lotion to begin the soaking process. She always shows him the angles and intensity necessary to do the best without causing unwanted damage to the fingernails. She explains that cutting too close cause’s pain for days.

Once the filing is completed she goes back to apply a clear coat to my toenails that is barely visible and only meant as a protective coat. They then go back to the table and apply a coat to my fingernails.

Urban Retreat Spa (4450 NE 20th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale) – 954-249-9176 – Facialsfortlauderdale.com

Frank Velaz, who is the owner of Urban Retreat Spa, and I have known each other for many years. He opened Urban Retreat and Spa in 2006 and the business has steadily grown. His therapists each have at least 10 years’ experience in the industry.

Urban Retreat offers a Free Skin Analysis to properly design a custom plan of professional treatments and home skin regimens, with reality based prices.

This year, I sent Brian, our Business manager, to Urban and Frank determined his skin was inflamed, highly sensitive and slightly reactive. It was also dehydrated to the point it was over producing oils/sebum to try and compensate.  Therefore, the facial Frank decided to give Brian was a hybrid of their two most popular facial treatments (the Image O2 Lift and the Skin Sense Hydrating Facial – 60 min $85).

He gently used an enzyme-rich gel that removed a layer of dead skin, followed by an effervescent masque on most of his face and an anti-redness/calming cream masque on the areas where Brian struggled with inflammation and sensitivity. After Frank applied: the Skin Sense pH Balancing spray Toner, Skin Sense Pure Hyaluronic Serum, Skin Sense Vitamin C & E Booster Serum. Then he used Image Skincare Ormedic Lip Complex which instantly adds moisture and fullness, an Image Ormedic Eye Cream that went on the lids also. Finished with the Image Prevention+ Moisturizer Tinted SPF 30.  In the end Brian looked super hydrated and glowing. 

Spa Q at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach (505 N. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale) – 954) 414-2617 – FortLauderdaleBeachResort.com.hilton

When I arrived at the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Hilton, you pull right up to valet which is complimentary if you are using the spa. I then walked into the hotel’s beautiful lobby and took the elevator up to the 6th floor. I was greeted by the Spa’s new GM Marianna Magapan, who was so sweet and delightful it made my morning. The Spa desk is also in the Gym, which is complimentary for hotel guests and anyone using the spa.

I was then walked back into the treatment area and introduced to my masseuse, Leon. Leon, who was very soft spoken has been with the Spa since virtually the day they opened over 10 years ago. He walked me to the men’s locker room, showed me the lockers, steam room, showers, etc and told me to come out when I was ready.

After a small consultation, Leon decided to change the massage I was originally scheduled for and give me a custom massage (50 min $155) that combined Deep Tissue and Hot Stone Therapy. He was immediately able to tell that I worked at a desk and that my problem areas are my neck/shoulders and lower back. In addition to his talented hands, Leon used a combination of Hot towels and Hot stones that I had never experienced before (I have been doing the Spa reviews for 8 years, so for me to say I have never experienced something is a big deal!).

Needless to say, this was one of the best massages I had ever had and trust I will be back to Spa Q!

Spa Cabanas Guesthouse and Spa (2133 NE 26th Street, Fort Lauderdale) – 954-565-2307

Norman Lachance, owner of Spa Cabanas, is feeling better than ever before. Having reached the milestone of 10 years in business, Spa Cabanas is now considered to be among the best men’s day spas in south Florida. With his experience owning spas in Canada and Germany, Norman has created a culture of excellence in spa treatments and customer service. Norman made the choice to go to Pavonia and Decleor from Paris for skincare, and he also pursued studies (earning a certification) from Dr. Babor of Germany. After 10 years he still insists that the spa’s success is due to his loyal local residents, his talented team and the ever growing community of travelers. 

Once again, Norman had decided he wanted us to experience multiple services, and I brought the owner of Hotspots Media, Peter Clark, along with me to get pampered. Peter was with Mario Martinez, a licensed massage therapist, who performed the extraordinary Bamboo Massage (90 minutes $145) for this year’s bodywork treatment. This fresh and natural approach combines Swedish and Deep Tissue massage strokes with beautifully crafted sets of warmed aroma oil-soaked Bamboo tools to roll, slide, knead and tap you into a deep state of relaxation. This Bamboo Massage is done with hollow organically treated Bamboo Canes of different lengths and diameters, which is warmed or used at room temperature. This is used to roll and knead the tissue to create an extreme sensation of relaxation and well-being. Peter said Mario was clearly an expert at the Bamboo Massage and that he felt so relaxed all day long!

Before I was re-introduced to my Aesthetician Brett, I was talking to my new friend Christian Perez, who was recently promoted to the Spa Manager. Christian is a licensed massage therapist, who relocated to south Florida and began working at Spa Cabanas while volunteering for the American Massage Therapy Association in the fall of 2017. Christian is a graduate of both Goldey Beacom College (bachelor degree) and the Academy of Massage and Bodywork in Wilmington, DE. Although he is best known for his unique approach to deep tissue massage, he is very excited about his new job as the spa manager and is thankful to have inherited a talented team of aestheticians and massage therapists. His vision for Spa Cabanas is to continue to be the best men’s day spa in south Florida by providing the highest level of customer service, by upholding the highest standard of professionalism and by evolving as individuals and as a company. In Christian’s opinion, Spa Cabanas will become a one-stop shop for state of the art treatments that enhance the health and wellbeing of men across the world.

Shortly afterwards, Brett McAnlly, esthetician, arrived and walked me into the treatment room. Brett received his license from the Hollywood Institute of Beauty. The facial treatment he provided is the newest innovation at Spa Cabanas called the 3 Layer Facial (60 min $159). We began with a deep cleanse and exfoliation including extractions, which are the basis of any good facial. He then performed the painless micro-needling treatment, pumping serums directly into areas of primary focus such as scars, wrinkles and even the delicate skin around the eyelids. Lastly, after the skin was treated, he finished by applying an oatmeal hydrating mask while massaging the face. There is virtually no down time!

Brett then performed their popular Back Facial Treatment (60 minutes $85).  The back facial is performed by cleansing and exfoliating using microdermabrasion. Afterwards, he examined the back and communicates any irregularities on the skin (I was so happy to hear I have good skin on my back). The treatment is great for people who spend a lot of time in the sun, have dry skin or suffer from excess blackheads. The back facial ended with a complete mask that calms, hydrates and moisturizes the skin.

The Spa Cabanas always features specials; check their ad right here in Hotspots to find out what they are. For the month of September, they have many specials as they are continuing the celebration of their 10th anniversary (from August) due to popular demand! The specials are: Three 90 minute massages $245 (reg: $375); All waxing 20% off; Babor Facial only $89 (reg: $129); Exfoliation $64 (reg: $85); Five 60 min massages $259 (reg: $457); A facial and a massage $149 (reg: $229); Three Mani-Pedi packages $135 (reg: $195). Take advantage of buying any or all of these specials until the end of September.

from Hotspots! Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/09/13/six-spas-we-love/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazine.tumblr.com/post/178044500300

[cynthiajayusa]

Six Spas We Love

As, I have mentioned before, one of the best parts of doing the annual Spa Edition (this is year #8) is the relationships I, and my staff have formed with the local spa owners. Every year I look forward to seeing them and spending some quality time with them and their staff. In addition, I get to meet new people as new spas come on board every year. What I have definitely learned from the spa owners and their staff is if you take care of your body on a regular basis it will take care of you and make you look and feel younger for many years!

The Atlantic Hotel & Spa (601 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd- Fort Lauderdale) (954)567-8085 – Atlantichotelfl.com

You can really drift into a state of euphoria at this Oceanside sanctuary. The Spa Atlantic services use nourishing elements derived from the sea, including concentrated marine products, which allow them to focus on improving skin quality and optimizing overall well-being. They offer rejuvenating European-inspired thermal areas for both men and women – including a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy tub – to cleanse before and after your service(s).

The spa is located on the 5th floor of the beautiful Atlantic hotel. I was greeted by the spa GM, Robyn, who was so nice and explained the procedures I was going to receive. She then walked me to the men’s Locker room, where I changed into a lush robe. Mariella met me and took me to the room where my 2 services were going to be performed. She started with the Detox Clay Wrap 50 min ($140). This full body wrap features a bentonite clay based body mask for deep tissue cleansing. After the application of the clay mask, the body is gently wrapped in warm sheets. As my body absorbed the healing benefits of the mask, Mariella pampered me with a pressure point scalp massage. The service concluded with the application of their nourishing skin enhancer, leaving the skin deeply hydrated. This service is performed using the Jindilli brand of products, which is made with pure macadamia nut oil.

The Detox Clay wrap was followed by a relaxing 25minute reflexology foot treatment ($50) to enhance circulation. The treatment alleviates stress and aides in healthy kidney, liver and bladder functions. Mariella reached all the pressure points and by the end of this service my feet felt fabulous. The rest of the day I felt like I was walking on air.

The Grand Resort and Spa (539 N. Birch Road – Fort Lauderdale) – 954-630-3692 – GrandResort.net

For those of you read the Spa Issue yearly, you know how much I love Paula,  last year I was generous and let a co-worker experience Paula’s magical hands, but this year I wasn’t as generous, and kept Paula all to myself.  However I did let a co-worker, Anthony, experience JD’s massage.

Anthony received a Deep Tissue Massage – 50 min ($125) – which focuses on specific problem areas to relieve tension, spasms and overall tightness. Pressure is medium to deep, although Anthony requested Deep and he said JD had the perfect touch. .

According to Anthony, JD welcomed him and offered cucumber lemon water and walked him back in to one of the treatment rooms. He said that relaxing spa music and aromatic oils filled the room, and Anthony was well on his way to being relaxed.

JD first asked Anthony if he had any problem areas, and began his full body massage. Anthony said a hot towel placed under his neck was very soothing. The massage included toes, temples and butt cheeks. He also stretched Anthony’s arms and neck. He was completely relaxed once the massage was completed.

It was now my time with Paula’s, and experience her wonderful Deep Cleansing Facial – 80 min, ($145). The facial started with a double cleanse which was followed by a microdermabrasion treatment which is a mechanical deep exfoliation with a diamond tip wand. Afterwards Paula massaged my face with her magical fingers using stress relief oil. This is followed by an oatmeal mask, and then a contour mask is applied on top of the oatmeal mask. This is to tighten and calm the skin down. While the masks are setting Paula does a hot stone massage to the arms and neck. Once the masks are removed, she applies moisturizer and sunscreen.

Every time I get a massage from Paula its amazing, and I highly recommend this Colombian beauty!

Omm Spa at Ocean Manor Resort (4040 Galt Ocean Dr l3) – (954) 635-2151 – oceanmanor.com

I sent Silvio to this Spa, and as soon as walks in he is greeted by receptionist who says “Hello you must be Silvio.” She then began to review his services. He was booked for a Deep Pore Cleansing Facial $159 for 60 minutes, Sports Massage $90 for 60 minutes and a Combo Mani Pedi for $40.

Holly then offered Silvio a beverage and then introduces him to the skin care specialist Amalfi who is a licensed esthetician. She’s been with Omm Spa for 7 years and gently escorts me back to the facial and skin care center. Her first step is to get Silvio to relax, and she does this by explaining that every face is like a fingerprint, unique and no two are alike. 

She identifies that his forehead is drier than the rest of his face and will require different serums and treatment to bring it back to its natural state. The facial begins with a simple cleansing followed by a deep cleansing of his pores getting them to open up so the dirt and debris and dead skin can be removed. She’s stripped away the dead skin with a microdermabrasion tool that seems as powerful as a drill. Afterwards she replenishes his skin with extracts and vital nutrients which range from collagen, to pumpkin and other natural derivatives. This was Silvio’s first ever professional facial so he was impressed by the step by step process and science behind the skin rejuvenation. 

After the unveiling I feel like a new man with skin and a face a fresh as a new born baby’s bottom. I am sold 100% and can’t wait to book my next facial with Amalfi. I can not thank her enough.

Directly next door to the Facial Room is the Massage Room, where he was introduced to masseuse Caroline.  She immediately asks about his previous experience with massage techniques and what preferences he has. She said she will knead and work his muscle tissue to the point to where it will release the tension and break up scar tissue as well.

Silvio lies on the massage table face up as she begins the massage, and she begins stretching his frontal muscles carefully. Each individual limb is passively kneaded and its feeling very organic and his entire body feels connected to the universe. As she applies light oils Silvio is acutely aware of how in touch he is with his breathing. She then repeats the process on his back, legs and feet. Their session ends with Silvio in a state of unconditional relaxation.

He is then introduced to Gina for a Mani Pedi Combo. First off she has Silvio recline in a super sleek state of the art massage chair that adjusts to various stages, while dipping my feet into the wash basin below.

She goes on to apply softening agents that aid in the process, then files the toenails and the gives Silvio instructions on the proper angles should he attempt to do this at home. Once filed to the degree that she is satisfied his foot goes back into the bath and another lotion is applied to keep the skin and nails pliable and easy to work with.

Moving to the manicure table she gently applies a lotion to begin the soaking process. She always shows him the angles and intensity necessary to do the best without causing unwanted damage to the fingernails. She explains that cutting too close cause’s pain for days.

Once the filing is completed she goes back to apply a clear coat to my toenails that is barely visible and only meant as a protective coat. They then go back to the table and apply a coat to my fingernails.

Urban Retreat Spa (4450 NE 20th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale) – 954-249-9176 – Facialsfortlauderdale.com

Frank Velaz, who is the owner of Urban Retreat Spa, and I have known each other for many years. He opened Urban Retreat and Spa in 2006 and the business has steadily grown. His therapists each have at least 10 years’ experience in the industry.

Urban Retreat offers a Free Skin Analysis to properly design a custom plan of professional treatments and home skin regimens, with reality based prices.

This year, I sent Brian, our Business manager, to Urban and Frank determined his skin was inflamed, highly sensitive and slightly reactive. It was also dehydrated to the point it was over producing oils/sebum to try and compensate.  Therefore, the facial Frank decided to give Brian was a hybrid of their two most popular facial treatments (the Image O2 Lift and the Skin Sense Hydrating Facial – 60 min $85).

He gently used an enzyme-rich gel that removed a layer of dead skin, followed by an effervescent masque on most of his face and an anti-redness/calming cream masque on the areas where Brian struggled with inflammation and sensitivity. After Frank applied: the Skin Sense pH Balancing spray Toner, Skin Sense Pure Hyaluronic Serum, Skin Sense Vitamin C & E Booster Serum. Then he used Image Skincare Ormedic Lip Complex which instantly adds moisture and fullness, an Image Ormedic Eye Cream that went on the lids also. Finished with the Image Prevention+ Moisturizer Tinted SPF 30.  In the end Brian looked super hydrated and glowing. 

Spa Q at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach (505 N. Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale) – 954) 414-2617 – FortLauderdaleBeachResort.com.hilton

When I arrived at the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Hilton, you pull right up to valet which is complimentary if you are using the spa. I then walked into the hotel’s beautiful lobby and took the elevator up to the 6th floor. I was greeted by the Spa’s new GM Marianna Magapan, who was so sweet and delightful it made my morning. The Spa desk is also in the Gym, which is complimentary for hotel guests and anyone using the spa.

I was then walked back into the treatment area and introduced to my masseuse, Leon. Leon, who was very soft spoken has been with the Spa since virtually the day they opened over 10 years ago. He walked me to the men’s locker room, showed me the lockers, steam room, showers, etc and told me to come out when I was ready.

After a small consultation, Leon decided to change the massage I was originally scheduled for and give me a custom massage (50 min $155) that combined Deep Tissue and Hot Stone Therapy. He was immediately able to tell that I worked at a desk and that my problem areas are my neck/shoulders and lower back. In addition to his talented hands, Leon used a combination of Hot towels and Hot stones that I had never experienced before (I have been doing the Spa reviews for 8 years, so for me to say I have never experienced something is a big deal!).

Needless to say, this was one of the best massages I had ever had and trust I will be back to Spa Q!

Spa Cabanas Guesthouse and Spa (2133 NE 26th Street, Fort Lauderdale) – 954-565-2307

Norman Lachance, owner of Spa Cabanas, is feeling better than ever before. Having reached the milestone of 10 years in business, Spa Cabanas is now considered to be among the best men’s day spas in south Florida. With his experience owning spas in Canada and Germany, Norman has created a culture of excellence in spa treatments and customer service. Norman made the choice to go to Pavonia and Decleor from Paris for skincare, and he also pursued studies (earning a certification) from Dr. Babor of Germany. After 10 years he still insists that the spa’s success is due to his loyal local residents, his talented team and the ever growing community of travelers. 

Once again, Norman had decided he wanted us to experience multiple services, and I brought the owner of Hotspots Media, Peter Clark, along with me to get pampered. Peter was with Mario Martinez, a licensed massage therapist, who performed the extraordinary Bamboo Massage (90 minutes $145) for this year’s bodywork treatment. This fresh and natural approach combines Swedish and Deep Tissue massage strokes with beautifully crafted sets of warmed aroma oil-soaked Bamboo tools to roll, slide, knead and tap you into a deep state of relaxation. This Bamboo Massage is done with hollow organically treated Bamboo Canes of different lengths and diameters, which is warmed or used at room temperature. This is used to roll and knead the tissue to create an extreme sensation of relaxation and well-being. Peter said Mario was clearly an expert at the Bamboo Massage and that he felt so relaxed all day long!

Before I was re-introduced to my Aesthetician Brett, I was talking to my new friend Christian Perez, who was recently promoted to the Spa Manager. Christian is a licensed massage therapist, who relocated to south Florida and began working at Spa Cabanas while volunteering for the American Massage Therapy Association in the fall of 2017. Christian is a graduate of both Goldey Beacom College (bachelor degree) and the Academy of Massage and Bodywork in Wilmington, DE. Although he is best known for his unique approach to deep tissue massage, he is very excited about his new job as the spa manager and is thankful to have inherited a talented team of aestheticians and massage therapists. His vision for Spa Cabanas is to continue to be the best men’s day spa in south Florida by providing the highest level of customer service, by upholding the highest standard of professionalism and by evolving as individuals and as a company. In Christian’s opinion, Spa Cabanas will become a one-stop shop for state of the art treatments that enhance the health and wellbeing of men across the world.

Shortly afterwards, Brett McAnlly, esthetician, arrived and walked me into the treatment room. Brett received his license from the Hollywood Institute of Beauty. The facial treatment he provided is the newest innovation at Spa Cabanas called the 3 Layer Facial (60 min $159). We began with a deep cleanse and exfoliation including extractions, which are the basis of any good facial. He then performed the painless micro-needling treatment, pumping serums directly into areas of primary focus such as scars, wrinkles and even the delicate skin around the eyelids. Lastly, after the skin was treated, he finished by applying an oatmeal hydrating mask while massaging the face. There is virtually no down time!

Brett then performed their popular Back Facial Treatment (60 minutes $85).  The back facial is performed by cleansing and exfoliating using microdermabrasion. Afterwards, he examined the back and communicates any irregularities on the skin (I was so happy to hear I have good skin on my back). The treatment is great for people who spend a lot of time in the sun, have dry skin or suffer from excess blackheads. The back facial ended with a complete mask that calms, hydrates and moisturizes the skin.

The Spa Cabanas always features specials; check their ad right here in Hotspots to find out what they are. For the month of September, they have many specials as they are continuing the celebration of their 10th anniversary (from August) due to popular demand! The specials are: Three 90 minute massages $245 (reg: $375); All waxing 20% off; Babor Facial only $89 (reg: $129); Exfoliation $64 (reg: $85); Five 60 min massages $259 (reg: $457); A facial and a massage $149 (reg: $229); Three Mani-Pedi packages $135 (reg: $195). Take advantage of buying any or all of these specials until the end of September.

source https://hotspotsmagazine.com/2018/09/13/six-spas-we-love/ from Hot Spots Magazine https://hotspotsmagazin.blogspot.com/2018/09/six-spas-we-love.html