#coming up is an exclusive on the 5 pm news

[felassan]

Game Informer:

"Cover Reveal – Dragon Age: The Veilguard by Wesley LeBlanc on Jun 09, 2024 at 02:00 PM This month, Dragon Age: The Veilguard (you read that right – Dreadwolf is no more) graces the cover of Game Informer. After years developing Baldur's Gate and its sequel early in its history, BioWare struck out to create its own fantasy RPG. That series began with Dragon Age: Origins in 2009. It was followed up with Dragon Age II in 2011, and then Dragon Age: Inquisition in 2014. While the Dragon Age series' history has its ups and downs, fans have been patiently waiting for BioWare to return to the franchise, and 2024 is finally the year.  We visited BioWare's Edmonton, Canada, office for an exclusive look at Dragon Age: The Veilguard, including a look at its character creator, its prologue and opening missions, and more. We also spoke to many of the game's leads about the name change, the series' shift to real-time action combat, the various companions (and the relationships you can forge with them), and The Veilguard's hub location. You can learn about the titular Veilguard, Solas' role in the game, and so much more in our 12-page cover story for Dragon Age: The Veilguard."

"But there are plenty of other excellent reads within this issue of Game Informer! Some of us flew to Los Angeles, California, to attend Summer Game Fest and the not-E3 weekend's various other events to check out new games, interview developers, and more. Our previews section is jam-packed with new details about upcoming releases we can't wait for.  Brian Shea flew to Warsaw, Poland, to check out two upcoming releases – Frostpunk 2 and The Alters – and he came away excited about both. Jon Woodey went hands-on with Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming Dawntrail expansion (and spoke to director Naoki Yoshida, too), and as someone with 8,000 hours in the game, his words are the ones you'll want to read.  On the freelance front, Charlie Wacholz writes about how last year's Dave The Diver is one of the best game representations of the rewards and struggles of working in the food and beverage industry, and Grant Stoner spoke with Sony and Microsoft about the development of process and history of the companies' Adaptive and Access controllers. And for a lil' terror this summer, Ashley Bardhan spoke to several horror game developers about why the alluring town known as Silent Hill is a crucial location to Konami's horror masterpiece.  As always, you'll find an editor's note from editor-in-chief Matt Miller, reviews from various freelancers and staff editors, a Top 5 list (hint hint: dragons), and more. Here's a closer look at the cover:"

"Not a print subscriber yet but want this issue? Well, you're in luck! Subscribing today – or within the next few days – will net you a print copy of this issue! You can join the ranks of the Game Informer print subscribers through our new standalone print subscription! Just head here to sign up for either one or two years at a fraction of the cost of buying the issues individually! You can even gift a print subscription to your favorite gamer! SUBSCRIBE TO THE PRINT MAGAZINE You can also try to nab a Game Informer Gold version of the issue. Limited to a numbered print run per issue, this premium version of Game Informer isn't available for sale. To learn about places where you might be able to get a copy, check out our official Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, BlueSky, and Threads accounts and stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. Click here to read more about Game Informer Gold. Print subscribers can expect their issues to arrive in the coming weeks. The digital edition launches June 18 for PC/Mac, iOS, and Google Play. Individual print copies will be available for purchase in the coming weeks at GameStop."

[source] <- they explain at the link how to read this issue.

aaah they have had a look at the character creator!!! I can't wait for this coverage.

[themongrelcatcamehome-blog]

i am trying to break your heart pt. 1

Notes: This fic is kinda angst, smut with plot and whatever else. The first bit is here. The title of this story is a song by Wilco. Synopsis: Over a month has passed since Caitlyn and Vi ended their relationship, yet Caitlyn couldn’t find a reason to celebrate Jinx's capture. Despite it being a huge day for Piltover and the Enforcers, Caitlyn only wanted to go home, but someone had another plans for ther.

Warnings: angst, explicit sexual description, masturbation, strong language, kidnapping mentioned, arguing.

“Come on, Commander! We saved a slice of pie for you!”

Caitlyn stood in Piltover's central precinct where officers celebrated the capture of Jinx, the most wanted criminal in the history of the cities. Dressed in her classic navy-blue uniform, Caitlyn was ready to start her shift when her phone buzzed with a message.

The sender was Vi, her ex-girlfriend. The two avoided each other whenever possible, but tonight they would’ve been on the same shift. Since their breakup, their conversations had been strictly professional.

Locking her phone, she headed toward her office. An officer stopped her to request she read an email that had arrived earlier that morning. With all the commotion surrounding Jinx’s arrest the night before, Caitlyn had barely kept up with her daily duties. Grabbing a slice of pie from the station's reception desk, she entered her office and shut the door.

It was 5:41 PM now. The room filled with the aroma of cinnamon from the pie resting on a disposable plate in her left hand. Beside the door, a table held a coffee machine and a fresh pot of tea. Today, Caitlyn opted for coffee.

Settling at her desk, she took a bite of pie, sipped her coffee, and opened her laptop to check her emails.

A flood of messages filled her inbox:

“Cmte Kiramman, congratulations.”

“Commander, we did it!”

“Z1-23 Report.”

“Caitlyn, enjoy our exclusive offers...”

“Weekly News: Hex engine update...”

The coffee unsettled Caitlyn’s stomach. Not her usual drink, and she knew nausea would follow for the rest of the night.

Loosening the top button of her white linen shirt and her brown belt slightly, she was interrupted by the ring of her office phone. The number was unfamiliar, with a foreign prefix.

“Commander Kiramman speaking.” “Hello, Caitlyn. It’s your father.” “Dad? Why are you calling my office line?” “I left my phone on the ship. This was the only number in the directory. How are you?” “I’m fine, Dad. Tired, busy. I can’t talk for long…”

Since her mother’s death, Caitlyn’s relationship with her father had grown distant. They each coped in their own ways—Caitlyn buried herself in work, while her father, after a long bout of depression, chose to travel to deal with the Kiramman family's diplomatic ties. He was on a charity cruise spanning half the country to secure new patrons for their causes.

“I see. But you’re happy, right? It’s over. That woman’s locked up. I want to be there for the trial.” “Dad, that’ll take a while. We still need to collect testimonies and investigate countless pages of her crimes... It’s a ton of work. Why did you call?” “I... Never mind. Take care of yourself, sweetheart.” “Dad, wait—”

The line disconnected. Caitlyn’s stomach churned. She considered calling back but dismissed the idea. “If it was important, he would’ve said,” she reasoned, placing the receiver back.

Returning to her computer, she opened another email.

Subject: Monthly Report Z-S04 x

“Commander, Forwarding the report. Fifteen days of surveillance on the suspect. Streets remain empty; citizens are frightened. Interrogation opportunity: within 4-6 days.

June Losneld Sgt.

Narcotics Division - Shimmer Trafficking Prevention.”

Caitlyn postponed the decision on which team to assign until tomorrow.

The next email read:

Subject: Report 281: Sevika

With Jinx in custody, the Enforcers’ tactical priority shifted to Sevika, Silco’s former right hand and a known accomplice. Her capture required precise planning. A line from the report startled Caitlyn:

"The subject expressed a desire to negotiate only with high command. Our informant confirmed she wishes to propose a deal akin to Vander’s arrangements..."

The idea of ending the bloodshed intrigued Caitlyn. Years ago, she committed to a more flexible approach toward Zaun. The days of martial law were long behind them, and she had learned that some compromises were necessary to achieve the ultimate goal: peace between the twin cities.

She printed the report and added it to the urgent pile for further analysis tomorrow.

The night shift had just begun, and Caitlyn had a mountain of tasks to delegate to her lieutenants and sergeants. Overwhelmed by the workload, she felt her heart race. The nauseating mix of coffee and pie, combined with the knowledge that Jinx sat just blocks away in a solitary cell, heightened her anxiety. Trembling, she steadied her breath.

“Why can she take the night off, and I cannot?”

She dismissed the thought as petty—Vi was a sergeant, three ranks below her, with duties restricted to Piltover’s lower streets. Still the sentiment lingered. Caitlyn buttoned her shirt, tightened her belt, shut down her laptop and decided to head home.

Vi was lying on the couch, her black and white cat resting on her stomach. She was still wearing half of her uniform: the white shirt and blue pants. Her boots were next to the door. Vi woke the cat with a scratch behind its ears.

“Up you go, little rascal. I need to take a shower.”

Vi was exhausted. Even though she hadn’t been part of the group that arrested Jinx, she felt her sister's imprisonment as if it were by her own hands. A wave of sadness washed over her as she thought about it. Vi kept trying to tell herself that Jinx wasn’t Powder, just Jinx. This attempt to distance herself from her sister never worked. “I called her Jinx one day. And I left her in an alley.” was a constant thought on Vi’s mind. With no friends, no sister, and forbidden from going to Zaun, Vi felt trapped by her own choices. Caitlyn was her only friend, only confident and even that she had chosen to lose.

Vi headed to the fridge—her apartment had only one bedroom, and the kitchen was part of the living room. On the TV, a channel only airing children’s cartoons. Vi didn’t want to watch any news. It was just Jinx’s face plastered on a most wanted poster and interviews with her ex.

Vi drank half a bottle of water. She decided she’d open a beer after the shower. Her hair was dirty, and her arms, closer to her wrists, were stained with gunpowder. Her gauntlets emitted a fine smoke on the inside, and Vi always had to scrub her wrists and hands thoroughly after using them. Her nails were dirty and long. She grabbed her phone from the kitchen table and put on a playlist to listen to while showering.

In the bathroom, Vi placed her phone on the sink cabinet. She took off her shirt and tank top. Then, her pants and underwear. She noticed her shirt was stained with gunpowder and threw it in the laundry basket. The pants and the rest of the clothes were left on the floor.

“... If I could see your face once more...”

She skipped the song. The instrumental of another began, and she skipped it again. On the third one, she let it play.

She turned on the shower and checked if the temperature was cold. The water ran as she stretched out to grab the shampoo. She turned off the shower, lathered her hair, and didn’t stop until it was completely foamy.

Turning the shower back on, she rinsed the shampoo from her hands and started removing her nose piercing.

“Let’s undress just like cross-eyed strangers...”

Water streamed down Vi’s face. Her eyes closed as the foam dissolved. She began soaping her chest, armpits, and stomach. She noticed hair growing into a trail below her navel. She soaped her groin and thighs, grabbed the sponge, and scrubbed her shins and feet. Crouched down, she tried to scrub her back but felt a sharp pain in her ribs. She remembered hurting herself a few days ago.

Vi stood up and soaped her breasts again and then remembered that they were already cleaned. She pinched her left nipple to take the piercing off. She remembered how much Caitlyn used to love that piercing and started to feel turned on. She ran her hands through her pussy and started masturbating, but she caught some of the song’s lyrics and stopped.

“You were so right when you said that I’ve been drinking.What was I thinking when I said goodnight?”

Vi suddenly stood up and groaned. “Ughhh!” “Why the hell did I leave this fucking song on?” she thought.

She tried stretching her arm out of the shower to change the song, but water dripping from her hand made it replay from the start.

“Screw this! This fucking playlist…”

Vi turned back toward the shower wall. Her eyes were burning because of the shampoo water. She thought about all the times she tried to convince Caitlyn to change her taste in music. She also remembered Caitlyn explaining why the shampoo at her place didn’t sting the eyes. She laughed, remembering Cait’s reaction the first time she heard punk music. Then, her heart sank as she started paying attention to the lyrics again.

“I chose to end it. I decided. I couldn’t take it anymore. It wasn’t for me anymore. I decided. And she accepted. She didn’t say anything. She didn’t fight, she didn’t try. She just accepted... Why did she just accept it?”

It was common for Vi to debate with herself. Her relationship with Caitlyn had ended 37 days ago. Vi kept count. Her goal was to reach fifty days without sending any text. Their relationship had been good, and that made Vi angry every day. They got along well: one week, they’d do what Vi chose, and the next, Caitlyn would pick the plan. They went to the movies, the park, the theater. Caitlyn wrote her many letters and she made a ton of playlists for her. They planned traveling to Ionia. On weekends, Caitlyn would cook while Vi cleaned up and picked a movie. It was a good life.

The song was ending as Vi finished drying herself. She dried her hair and was walking toward the bedroom to grab clean clothes when she heard a desperate knock on the door:

“Sargeant? Sargeant! It’s an emergency! The Commander’s been kidnapped!”

28 days ago, Caitlyn went to Vi’s house one afternoon during her break. Vi was finishing a sandwich. She greeted Caitlyn with a smile and went over to hug her.

Caitlyn stayed in the hug longer than usual. Vi gently stroked her head and asked:

- What’s wrong, cupcake? - Nothing. I just want to stay here a bit longer.

Vi laughed.

- You can stay as long as you want.

Caitlyn broke the hug, put her keys on the table and walked over to the couch to play with the cat. She gently petted the cat’s head, which was asleep, curled in a cotton blanket.

- He’s so cute, it’s almost annoying. - He is, right? Hard to believe he eats half of my salary. - I’m buying his food this month by the way. Did you remember to pay the electric bill?

Vi slapped her palm to her forehead.

- Ugh, babe, I forgot - Why don’t you… - “Whydon’tyousetittoautomaticpaymentbabe,” I know, I know! I forgot.

Caitlyn laughed and glanced back at the cat.

- Don’t say you forgot, I remind you every time. You don’t set it up because you don’t want to. - Yeah, I hate the idea of the bank taking my money as soon as it hits my account. Is it wrong to value my salary? - Oh, Vi. You're a dork.

Vi got up from the table and carried her plate to the sink. She washed her hands with dish soap and dried them on the towel hanging on the fridge. She was wearing her uniform pants and a tank top. Her shirt was hanging on the back of the chair.

She went over to Caitlyn on the couch, messing her hair and adjusting her bangs.

- I was thinking we could... - Vi, we need to talk.

She has now adopted a serious tone.

- Now? I only have ten minutes. But hey, you’re my boss, right?

Vi gently held Caitlyn’s chin and leaned in to kiss her, but noticed Caitlyn’s eyes were watery.

- What’s wrong? Is everything okay? - I… I don’t know how to say this… - No.

Vi let go of Caitlyn’s face and took a step back. She knew what Caitlyn was hesitating to say. She placed her hands on her hips and took a deep breath

- Say it. Look at me and say it. - I… I had no choice! - Caitlyn, YOU are the commander! YOU make the decisions! - It was… It was the council! I didn’t have a choice! - No choice, huh? The only thing I asked from you all this time was this. The ONLY thing! I didn’t pester you when you decided to keep our relationship a secret, I didn’t… - Secret? We go everywhere together. Everyone knows! - Everyone knows because it’s obvious, not because you’ve officially acknowledged it! - Does it matter? - Of course it does! You act all weird when anyone gets close, and… - Of course! You’re a sergeant and I’m your commander. - Ah, Cait, I’m not talking about when we’re working! Remember that time at the park… - Of course I remember, you never let me forget. - Right, now the problem is me. Fine. Go ahead, just say it.

Vi opened her arms.

- Say it with every word: you’ve decided to join the group that wants to kill my sister. Say it.

Vi placed her hands back on her hips. Caitlyn had her hands covering her face. She raised her head to look at Vi and realized she’d never heard her talk this way.

- I… I had no choice, Violet. It was the council. The council decides the most critical issues. You… You know it’s been like this since I… - Yeah, since you thought you were a Noxian hero. Since you thought it was a good idea to use your family’s influence to siege the city and become a dictator. - Alright, I deserve to hear that. But  try to understand, no one wants to kill Jinx… We… - Do you really think she’ll accept being captured? When she fights back, they’ll put a bullet in her head and that’ll be the end of it. You didn’t think of me when you agreed to this? - No! I mean, yes! I thought about it. I tried to convince… Look, I’ll make sure no lethal force is used and… - Wow, Caitlyn, damn. I can’t believe this. - I… You… Okay. Look. Nothing’s going to change between us, right? Please, talk to me. - I’m heading back to work, Caitlyn. Lock the door when you leave.

____________________________________________________________

End of part 1. Part 2 will be posted soon.

[fans4wga]

“This Was A Negotiation For The Future”: Fran Drescher & Duncan Crabtree-Ireland On SAG-AFTRA Deal, AI & Informed Consent + Importance Of CEOs

"'We know that generations from now they’ll be talking about this seminal contract and reaping the benefits of it in the way that we have been for the last 65 years with a contract that was negotiated when Ronald Reagan was in my position,' says SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher of the new contract the actors guild made with the studios on Wednesday after 118 days on strike.

Worth more than $1 billion over the next three years, the tentative agreement has an “extraordinary scope” and is full of “unprecedented provisions,” according to SAG-AFTRA. While the fine print won’t be made public until the 160,000-strong guild’s board votes on it Friday, we know the new deal includes increases in minimum rates, a streaming participation bonus, new health and pension caps, diversity guardrails, and hard fought for AI protection provisions.

The recently overwhelmingly reelected Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland were at the heart of the strike and the talks. “This strike was about people who are trying to make a middle class living, and I think when the whole deal is put out in the public and people have all the different pieces of it, they will see that there is an overall commitment to improving the economic viability of a career as an actor in this business,” Crabtree-Ireland notes.

Frequently attacked and underestimated by the AMPTP and others, both the union president and national director were out on the picket lines day after day as well as in negotiations with the CEOs Gang of Four of Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Bob Iger, NBCUniversal’s Donna Langley and Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav. Back at the bargaining table for the second set of renewed talks starting on October 24, a month after the WGA reached their own tentative agreement with the studios, the duo, SAG-AFTRA’s chief contracts officer Ray Rodriguez and other members of the negotiating committee unanimously approved the deal Wednesday evening. That vote came as the studios had set a 5 pm PT deadline that could have seen everything go back to square one.

Today, Drescher and Crabtree-Ireland spoke with me about getting to that deal, power of the picket lines, role of the Gang of Four and the importance of the new contract for the entire industry. The duo also revealed some of the AI specifics in the new contract and the battles to come.

DEADLINE: What was the turning point that brought this deal together?

FRAN DRESCHER: We got the protections we needed in AI. We got the funds that we needed for the new revenue stream. That was the two biggest outstanding pieces.

The money was in place earlier, it was the protections that we really were holding out for. With AI, things move very fast, and three months is equivalent to a year in how things can change. So, if we didn’t close that up now then you’ll be so far behind you’ll never be able to catch up. It was really important to us, that we got the protections we felt that we absolutely needed to sustain this contract until the next one. I mean, there’s still things that we’re already working on to get for the next contract, but there are so many milestones in this one.

DUNCAN CRABTREE-IRELAND: I would say it’s been a roller coaster since we got back in the room late last month.

DEADLINE: No doubt.

CRABTREE-IRELAND: Yes, and AI has proved to be one of the most challenging topics in this negotiation from the very beginning all the way to the very end. It was on the table Day 1 and it was on the table on Day 118 of the strike.

DEADLINE: So, how did you seal that deal, so to speak?

CRABTREE-IRELAND: It’s clear that the direct engagement of CEOs was essential to reaching the deal. I think that it is also clear that the companies had to push beyond their initial comfort zone to find a path that could actually give us enough assurances that our members could say yes, we’re going to walk forward into this coming couple of years with a feeling that there is sufficient protection against any kind of abuse from the way AI is being implemented.

For me, I think the key moments really had to do with the kind of dialogue that we had directly with the CEOs, and with Carol, and our committee which has just been so strong and so united. That really gave us the power we needed. Outside the room, the other thing I would just add is having the chance to be out on picket lines in our rallies with our members. That was incredibly not only energizing for me and for the committee but also really helped us make sure we were hearing from all facets of our membership.

DEADLINE: How so?

CRABTREE-IRELAND: Because the picket lines are a very democratizing unifying place and members from all walks of life and all aspects of people’s careers, and all types of specialties are all there.

DEADLINE: In this final round of talks, one of the things that came up a lot from the studio side, but also on the picket lines, was the notion that everyone was running out of time. Running out of time to get a TV season and summer slate off the ground. Running out of time to get people back to work. As we reported yesterday, the AMPTP even gave you guys a 5 pm PT deadline Wednesday or they were going to take their ball home. How real was all that to you?

CRABTREE-IRELAND: You know, I took it as an expression of how concerned they were about this timing and that they were really trying to send us a message of the realities of their production environment – that meant that the timing was real for them. I never take a deadline like that as a given because we’re we live in a world of human beings and our committee was working as quickly as we could. So, I personally thought we were going to be ready before that anyway and we were – but, that deadline was what partially drove us. The desire to make sure that that we could make a deal as quickly as possible because of the ongoing harm that that being strike causes to workers. That’s really what drove us.

The other thing, Dominic, that I will say made it possible was the studios coming through with the final pieces in AI. We’ve made it clear to them from the very beginning and it was true all the way along: AI was existential for our members. And if we didn’t have the right protections, we weren’t going to be able to make a deal. So, I think they ultimately believed that, understood that and they did what they had to do to give us those assurances.

Also, people need know that just strike was not about celebrities per se, this strike was about working actors. This strike was about people who are trying to make a middle class living, and I think when the whole deal is put out in the public and people have all the different pieces of it, they will see that there is a overall commitment to improving the economic viability of a career as an actor in this business. And that’s really good for all of us.

DEADLINE: Fran, did you worry with the deadlines the studios were trying to impose, that this could go off the rails?

DRESCHER: Well, I didn’t know what you mean by go off the rails because it was either going to protract the strike or they were going to appreciate the gravity of certain points that really were deal breakers. About AI, I told them that to their faces: This is going to be a deal breaker, I could tell you right now.

DEADLINE: Clearly, they got the message at some point…

DRESCHER: In a negotiation, you don’t ever get everything, that’s understood. But when the opposition in a really appreciates that we are prepared to go longer, that we’re already on strike. We were prepared to go the distance on this. They heard us, so thank God.

DEADLINE: You’ve indicated you’re already thinking about down the line, the next contract. From what I know about this contract, while it is a three-year contract, this seems multigenerational and it plants pillars that are going to be a strong part of a vastly changing industry. Do you see it like that? DRESCHER: Without question? I mean, we said that to ourselves last night when we passed this, without objection, which in itself is a historic triumph. We know that generations from now they’ll be talking about this seminal contract and reaping the benefits of it in the way that we have been for the last 65 years with a contract that was negotiated when Ronald Reagan was in my position.

DEADLINE:I know that we’re going to get more details tomorrow on AI when the board votes, but Duncan can you give us a sense now of what these protections are?

CRABTREE-IRELAND: I will say, I think our proposals are more specific than the ones that you’ve seen in other contracts because our members are experiencing the use of AI right now. This is not something that’s coming down the road. This is something that’s currently happening.

So, we do have very specific protections around the creation and use of digital replicas, including informed consent for any creation and use as well as compensation structures for how people should get paid both for the creation and use of digital replicas.

DEADLINE: How will that work?

CRABTREE-IRELAND: One way is to protect against the use of generative AI to create what we would call synthetic fakes, which are synthetic assets that are created out of potentially multiple actors inputs. Where there’s any kind of recognizable elements of that there will be protection and a right of consent, as well as a right for the union to be notified when they’re created and a right to bargain for compensation.

Really, the theme around all of this Dominic is informed consent and fair compensation

 Also, I do want to just say because I know people have wondered this whole idea about zombie actors. There are now the consent requirements that apply if an actor is deceased. It wasn’t always that way during this negotiation, but where we’ve ended up is the producers will have to seek consent from the heirs or representatives of the estate of a deceased performer to get concerned for ad use of their image like this voice or performance and the creation of a digital replica, unless that consent was explicitly granted informed consent prior to the person’s death. Just with those examples, I think you can see it’s a very robust set of protections. Protections that address all of the areas of concern that we’ve raised in connection with how actors should be treated as the industry moves forward. Because, let’s be honest, nobody’s immune from evolution, and that includes the studios

DRESCHER: Also, part of the caveat of this negotiation is that the guild and the studios have agreed together to meet semi-annually so that we can always stay on the pulse of where technology is going. Because in many ways, we’re going to find ourselves on the same side fighting in Washington for a kind of legislation that protects all of us against piracy, and more.

DEADLINE: To that, on more than one occasion you guts put out stuff publicly about bullying techniques that AMPTP loves to use and has used over the years, and more How did that affect the tone in the room and or the tone in the virtual room sometimes? CRABTREE-IRELAND: You know,  it wasn’t really acknowledged directly in the room. You know, as an openly gay man, I’ve been bullied plenty in my life including as a kid, and what I’ve always found is when you call it out, that takes away some of its power.

DEADLINE: Amen.

CRABTREE-IRELAND: So, to me, if I feel like those kinds of tactics are being used, my first reaction is to just acknowledge it publicly, openly and take away the power that it has as a result. That was our approach. I will also say, I’m not sure everything is as tightly choreographed on the studio side as people would think. There are multiple companies and there are different opinions, even within their group about tactics and strategy and things like that. Even so, in the end, I think it’s important to just really be open and be direct about it. And when we were in our meetings with the CEOs, you know, I didn’t perceive that as was happening there. And nor was that topic specifically ever discussed during those meetings. DEADLINE: One thing that was discussed, as Deadline exclusively reported at the time, was Netflix’s Ted Sarandos saying to guild leaders last weekend, once the studios had presented their so-called last, best and final offer: We didn’t just come towards you. We came all the way to you. What’s was your take on that, was it true? CRABTREE-IRELAND: Well, I mean, I don’t think that’s correct. I think it’s a good rhetorical point and Ted is a very powerful orator and persuader, obviously, but you know, this has been a negotiation.

We started out with an admittedly aggressive side of asks in our initial proposals, and we knew we weren’t going to get everything that we were trying to achieve it just as they knew they weren’t going to get everything that they were trying to achieve. In fact, where this deal has landed. I think it’s very favorable. It’s very successful. For us, it’s groundbreaking, but it’s not everything that was in our initial proposal package, and there are battles that will have to be fought another day.

So, did they come all the way to us? No. Did they come far enough to us to make a deal that provides our members the protections that we that we really need and provides them with a level of respect to this agreement that members can be excited about? Yes, and I do appreciate them ultimately getting there, although I wish it would have happened a lot sooner.

DEADLINE: Of course, but also there was a lot of bitterness, a lot of agendas in this strike, in the negotiations and in the getting there. What do you think, if anything the studios and the AMPTP leadership learned from this half year of strikes?

CRABTREE-IRELAND: One thing I do wish, and I hope that this will take hold in the industry and future cycles of negotiation, which is if there are strikes, it’s not a good strategy to just let everyone sit there. It’s not going to wear us down. It’s just going to cause more harm to the industry and it’s unnecessary. So, hopefully in the future, there won’t be these long periods of time, like the 100 days before the studios went back in with the Writers Guild to restart talks. There shouldn’t be those kinds of time periods of no talking, because the only way to solve these problems is through discussions and negotiations

DRESCHER: As we said all along: One day longer, one day stronger.

DEADLINE: Fran, there were a lot of attacks on you, on your leadership, on your abilities – some of which you have responded to. Some of the attacks were open, many were whispering campaigns. Now, with this contract, do you feel vindicated and what would you say to those who took potshots at you?

DRESCHER: The people that know me were not surprised that I was going to rise to the occasion. Yet, I think that sadly, women in leadership positions often are faced with the lowest hanging fruit ploy, which is to find any way to discredit them. Duncan’s actions in the negotiating room were a non-issue, never discussed. For me, the pendulum swung from being you know, overly aggressive to frivolous to everything in between. But I will tell you, I merely saw that all of that as an opportunity to create a womaqn and girls movement that I can lead and be exactly me, which is what I did.

DEADLINE: It seems there was a lot of underestimating and undermining here…

CRABTREE-IRELAND: I agree. I think they didn’t think they were going to go on strike in the first place.

DRESCHER: I don’t think so either.

CRABTREE-IRELAND: This entire process has been one of the studios opening their eyes to the reality of SAG-AFTRA, its membership and its willingness to do what it takes to make sure that they’re protected.  

We came in with a strike authorization vote that was unprecedented. We then tried really hard to get a negotiated deal without going on strike, including the extension, which was also unprecedented. We did that and then I really think that they believed at the end of that we were stop.

DEADLINE: But you didn’t, why?

CRABTREE-IRELAND: Because the thing was, it wasn’t good enough for our members at that point. So, we couldn’t do that and so we went on strike with the WGA.  Even then, I believe that their strategy was to wear us down, but our members didn’t get worn down. Yes, everyone’s hurt the whole industry, all the workers hurt and I don’t want anyone to ever think we didn’t know that and feel that. I did, all of us did. But what we’re fighting for something that was wasn’t just a regular three-year marketing cycle, we always knew that.

DEADLINE: How did that manifest itself?

CRABTREE-IRELAND: This was a negotiation for the future. For the future of our members and our industry. And members stayed strong at our picket lines. I’d say the last few days have been as strong as ever. Our members did not get weakened. They did not get discouraged. They knew that we were fighting a battle we were going win. Ultimately the studios and the streamers had to recognize. Also, the fact that the public and the rest of the industry really did hear us when we talked about we were fighting for was great.  Between us and the Writers Guild, I think the public support was extraordinary, and I think the studios had to acknowledge that as well. So,  there was a lot of elements that came together to really help us get here.

DRESCHER: One thing I made sure of too was that every community and every major concern for this contract was well represented. Represented by not only our amazing staff and chief negotiator, but experts. Our experts were with us every step of the way, in all fields, and that’s why we got so many, I believe, groundbreaking new things language in the contract that never existed before. This time called for that. I’m just grateful that the AMPTP recognized where we were coming from heard us and met the moment.

CRABTREE-IRELAND: Yes, there was a lot of progress made, and the last very last thing was negotiation on the toughest issues. I guess that’s to be expected, because all of the underbrush had been cleared and all of the points that could be addressed most easily had been addressed. In the end, we did things to send signals that we were not holding on to anything that we didn’t really need. To let the AMPTP know, and see, at the end this wasn’t a case of negotiating just for everything we wanted. It was for things that our members really needed, that were really important. As the studios really started understanding that, they realized that if they wanted to have an agreement in the timeframe that they were looking for, that they would have to do something to address those needs. And they ultimately did. So, a day after we agreed on a deal, I appreciate that very much, because that is what helped us get this across the line in the end.

[runn1ngn0se]

I do find it interesting how, as the Intervallos have come out, the purpose of them has changed.

Hell's Chicken introduced us to the urban side of K Corp's nest where Canto 4 would take place, and to Samjo who would be a very important character in said Canto.

S.E.A did a lot to build up Ishmael's personal turmoil that would be thoroughly explored through Canto 5.

Its by that point that the community came to expect that Intervallos were to serve as prologues to the upcoming Canto, setting up locations, characters, and ideas that would come up in the next main story chapter. Here though is when PM started doing 2 Intervallos between Cantos.

Miracle in District 20 started with some brief discussion of the upcoming Canto 6 plot, but was mostly focused on introducing the Outskirts.

Yield My Flesh to Claim Their Bones was nearly completely absent on Canto 6 buildup, instead focusing on introducing LCD.

Intervallos became less about setting up the near story and more about setting up the far story, and more specifically the overall story of Limbus Company itself as opposed to the individual Sinners' stories.

The launch Cantos 1, 2 and 3 had to juggle both setting up the overall narrative as well as telling their sinner's story in their short (by newer Canto standards) lengths, while post-launch Cantos starting with 4 had far longer lengths dedicated almost exclusively to their respective sinner's isolated stories with little contributing to the overall story (usually save for an epilogue of the big bad from that story walking off to join the League of Big Bads to reappear later). With this new focus of the main Cantos, PM has shifted the heavy lifting of the central story to the Intervallos.

Timekilling Time is quite interesting in this regard as, while it does do a lot further set up the Yurodivy and Sonia who will surely become relevant again in the main story, it does a lot to check back in on a Sinner post their own Canto. As discussed earlier, the first 3 Cantos had to juggle both their own and the central story, and Gregor and Rodion really took the brunt of that so they needed it the most. I do wonder though if the other Sinners will get their own follow up Intervallos.

Going forward I'm personally not predicting that this "prologue to the upcoming Canto" style of side chapters will return, especially as it doesn't fit as neatly into the 2 Intervallos per Canto cycle and the central story does need more momentum given the more isolated focus of recent Cantos, but I'm certainly interested regardless of wherever Murder on the Warp Express is going.

[chaifootsteps]

Hello chai. SacAnime has ended, and with it I come bearing news on the goings-ons of the Hazbin/Helluva fandom within the real world. Note that unless I specifically say what my feelings regarding something are, I am giving this information neutrally. The reader can form their own opinion.

- I did not attend the panel, as it was very late (5 pm, my friend and I arrived at 11 am) and I simply do not have the stamina to make it through that long of a day. Because of this I have no comments on the panel, though if by some miracle someone else who sees this *did* go to the panel, I would appreciate any information they are willing to relay. That said, the panel WAS listed as 16+, and encouraged parental guidance for what was appropriate or not for their child. I personally disagree with this, if Hazbin wants to be an adult show it should be fully 18+, but this lines up with the 7 of 8 episodes that are 16+.

- There were fan meetups scheduled as well as fan panels, which I did not attend as I did not want to disrupt the experience of those who do enjoy the show. I will say that in the book listing, all of the fan panels and meetups were 18+ exclusive, which is good due diligence. How this was enforced I am unsure, but my guess is that they were allowed to use a room in the 18+ section of the con despite the meetups not being listed as part of that wing of the con.

- I would like to reiterate that this is an anime convention. Putting aside that Hazbin is not an anime (it was far from the only non-anime work there, Tom Kenny and the voice actors for Bandit and Chili from Bluey were also featured guests) I find it supremely funny that the latest short, Weeaboo-boo, was released Saturday. The day Viv and other assorted Hazbin cast members were set to host their panel. I have no clue if this was intentional or not, but something to think about.

- As there was a Hazbin panel, many people cosplayed as Hazbin (and Helluva) characters. I am pleased to say that I did not see any repeats of the blackface incident.

- However. I did see at least four children (oldest being perhaps eleven? It's sometimes difficult to tell) and the youngest being closer to six or so. They were accompanied by parents, though for one of the kids I saw the parent was not in Hazbin cosplay of their own, suggesting this was a personal choice for the kid (this was for the oldest kid if I'm remembering correctly). It's also entirely possible there were more than the four children in Hazbin cosplays, as I am one person and some days, *especially* Saturdays, are busier than others, making it difficult to pick people out of a crowd. Goes doubly for kids, since they are much shorter.

- While walking the vendor hall, I happened to overhear one of the parents (a mother, I presume, but I could be wrong) talking with a vendor who must have brought up their concern with the child's cosplay being related to Hazbin Hotel. The parent responded by saying the child doesn't watch the show, and she only knew the characters and the songs. Personally I find this concerning, as some of the songs are very vulgar, and some songs are especially unsuitable for kids (Poison and Loser, Baby come to mind due to subject matter).

Other than this, all con-goers were respectful enough (that I saw), and the same goes for the artists who were selling Hazbin merch. Honestly the worst experience I had at the convention this time around was with a group of older teens who were taking a VERY long time at a booth because they couldn't decide what to buy, while I was already sure of what I wanted. Very mild, however, and they were not Hazbin fans (to my knowledge; they were not in cosplay and had no Hazbin merch). Hopefully this gives people who may be concerned about HH/HB fan behavior at cons (especially after the blackface incident) a more well rounded opinion and offers some perspective.

Thanks for the info from the outside world! I've got some thoughts about this as well, but I'm going to follow your example and just put it out there objectively for everyone to draw their own conclusions.

[shyphonics]

Salad Days Chapter 2: You! Yes, you! Here’s a dime; run out and call the PMRC!

(babypunk!Rodrick Heffley x Reader)

chapter one | chapter three

Bend your knees! (ooh la la!)

Move your head like this! (ooh la la!)

Pucker them lips! (ooh la la!)

Give that butt a kiss!

Kiss… my…

~

To: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

From: bigrod69@plainviewcommunitycollege.edu

5:52 PM

Subject: HELP

dear girl from the bar,

can I run my email 2 mike by u real quick? we r pretty sure it kicks ass but want 2 make sure

thx

*~*~rOcK oN~*~*

-

To: bigrod69@woodcrestcommunitycollege.edu

From: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

6:17 PM

Subject: RE: HELP

Do you have a signature on your email? Also, is that seriously your email address?? A dot edu, no less?

Make a band email, and then we can talk.

-

From: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

To: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

6:35 PM

Subject: HELLO

Esteemed Mike Morello,

Hello, we are a band. Maybe the best band to ever exist, someday. we want to play at your bar. we will do the best job EVER!! playing at your bar. Here are some places we've played, and impressed;

talent show

birthday party for a hot girl

As u can see, we are quite experienced in the music world, and we think you are ready for us. we are also a punk band. we listen to dead kennedy’s. I am wearing a dead kennedy’s t shirt right now.

if you think u r ready for the biggest crowd youve ever seen in your bar, email us back.

IF YOU DARE!!!!

-Löded Diper

-

From: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

To: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

6:41 PM

Subject: RE: HELLO

What the fuck? No. Absolutely not. "Esteemed"?? Do not send that email. You guys sound like creeps. Delete it. Start over.

Do I have to write the damn thing for you?

-

From: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

To: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

6:45PM

Subject: RE: RE: HELLO

will u??

-

From: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

To: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

6:47 PM

Subject: RE: RE: RE: HELLO

Are you fucking kidding me?

-

From: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

To: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

6:59 PM

Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: HELLO

Hey this is Ben now,

We would like to negotiate and offer 20 dollars, an (exclusive) one of a kind band t shirt and 4 beers!! :-)

-

From: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

To: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

7:01 PM

Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: HELLO

Jesus christ. Okay, do you have a myspace or anything? A demo mp3 you can send me? So I can effectively bullshit?

-

From: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

To: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

7:07 PM

Subject: MP3

explodeddiper.mp3

http://www.myspace.com/lodeddiper

-

From: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

To: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

7:15 PM

Subject: RE: MP3

Copy and paste this:

Hey Mike,

We're a new band in town, and would love the opportunity to play at The Strike. We've heard the history of the place, and have so much respect for its legacy in the scene, and your legacy as well. We want to help keep that legacy alive.

Are there any available upcoming opener spots? Our biggest influences are Dead Kennedys, Crime, and Black Flag. We're cool with any kind of bill, we can make anything work.

Thanks so much for your time!

-Löded Diper

-

From: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

To: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

7:18 PM

Subject: RE: RE: MP3

how did u do that so fast?? thx u from everyone!!! we are going 2 send it

do u want our address for the beers?

-

From: worldsbestbartender@aol.com

To: lodeddiperrawkz@yahoo.com

7:20 PM

Subject: RE: RE: RE: MP3

That's alright. Maybe I'll see you when you get a show. I think I kissed ass enough, that should get you something. Good luck, bigshots.

-

As much as you hadn't wanted to give in, you'd been there before. Clamoring for your moment in the sun, making shit up and brown nosing. That's just what you had to do to get the job done. Not to mention, they clearly couldn’t have come up with anything better on their own.

Besides, their demo wasn’t terrible.

Maybe you’d even call Mike and put in a good word. He trusts you. You're stable, at least by bar staff standards.

“Hey, Mike,”

“I am so glad you called. I just read the worst news article.” he sounds stressed. Oh, great.

“Oh?”

“Are you inside? You have to get inside.”

“What?” You figure there’s nothing to worry about, but you always try to be gentle with the guy. He’d done a lot of drugs back in the day, and he runs on constant paranoia.

“I just read that Dick Cheney,” his voice drops to a whisper, “is going to attack America if John Kerry wins,”

“Mike?”

“This is serious,”

“Mike,” you interrupt him, “what was the name of the newspaper?”

The line goes quiet.

“It’s an internet paper. The Onion.”

“Mike. The Onion is satire. It’s not real.”

“Satire, huh…”

“And that election happened last year. Kerry lost.”

Mike breathes a sigh of relief.

“Read me the page that said that,” you’re trying so hard to suppress a laugh.

“Best headlines of 2004,”

“Mike. It’s 2005.” The laugh breaks free, “It’s okay, I get it. Scary times.”

“Okay. Phew. Scary times, indeed. What can I do you for?”

You pause, trying to figure out what to say.

“There’s this new band, uh, this kid came in today. You’re gonna get an email from them in a minute here, and I think you should give them a shot. Their demo’s pretty good, and the one I met seemed like he had the spirit.”

“The spirit,” Mike sighs contentedly, “did I ever tell you how we used to take the bus from Oakland to get to the Mab? If you didn’t catch that last bus home, boy, the cops wouldn’t let you sleep in the station. They’d just…”

“...beat the shit out of you with their pig batons.” You say in unison.

“It’s a great story, Mike. But this band,” you flop back on your bed.

“Yes! Sorry.”

“I was thinking you could let them have the opener spot next Friday.”

“Your first headlining show!”

“Yeah! Thanks again for that. I want Löded Diper to open.”

“Loaded… hmm. What?”

“I know. It’s terrible,” you laugh, “But it wouldn't be the first time you took a chance on some kids with a terrible name.”

“Are you talking about you? When you were called-”

“Yes!” You interrupt, “And look at me now! You're a great guy, Mike, and you've done so much for me. So much for the scene. Could you do me this last favor? ‘Cause you're the best boss in the world? The last true punk?”

It was a thing he said from time to time, usually when you didn't omit the vodka from his vodka soda.

Mike sighs down the line.

“Kid, you always know how to get me. I'll put Diaper Fuckers on the bill.”

“Löded Diper.” You're cackling.

“Loaded what-ever!” Mike makes a gagging sound, “Just promise it won't be a shitshow.”

“I promise.”

You hang up the phone and smile. Mike really has been good to you, and you definitely wouldn't be where you are without him. That wasn't just brown nosing. He'd taken a chance on you when you were a crazy street rat, and now you technically work 3 or 4 jobs for him. He pays generously. You have no idea where the fuck all his money comes from, but you're not complaining.

You relax further into your bed, turning your head to gaze out the window. These guys better be good.

~

You may ask yourself, "what is that beautiful house?"

You may ask yourself, "where does that highway go to?"

And you may ask yourself, "am I right, am I wrong?"

And you may say to yourself, "my god, what have I done?"

Rodrick's head swims. One of the guys had scored some weed on a job hunt, and it's not mixing the best with his current mental state. The rest of the guys had long since fallen asleep, sprawled on piles of blankets and air mattresses. Light snoring fills the room.

He fights off thoughts of home, trying to clear his brain. Shake it like an etch-a-sketch and start over. What resurfaces is simply world's best bartender. He likes that. He'd like to buy you a mug with that printed on it someday, as a thank you. He knows writing isn't his strong suit, and you'd really saved his ass. He pictures your face, and though it looks pissed off, it makes him smile.

His eyelids grow heavy, his brain goes hazier, and he drifts into an initially peaceful sleep.

He dreams of Plainview.

"You failed?? You failed the easiest certificate course at community college? Did you do the work?"

"Fuck no, I didn't do the work! I didn't want any of this! I wanna move."

"With what money? Are you going to flip burgers for a living?"

"Maybe I will!"

"You're a failure."

"I fucking hate you!"

This diner fucking sucks. Stupid asshole boss yelling at him, stupid little nametag on his stupid little vest. Heather Hills sticking her leg out from a booth and fucking tripping him while he has a whole tray of drinks. Rich kids who don't even need to go to college- they just get to go take over "the family business"- cornering him out back and kicking his ass. Pizza face like he's fucking fourteen again from the kitchen grease. What's the point? What's the fucking point of any of this?

He's angry. He's so fucking angry all the time, and he just has to take it. He knows he should have put in more effort at school. He knows he should have planned for the future. He doesn't need to hear about it every second of every goddamn day. He doesn't want the same thing everyone at school had wanted for themselves. Is that so wrong?

But keep the peace for mom and your brothers. Scrape and save where you can.

Get beat up, get laughed at, get covered in garbage. Keep practicing with the band. Get GOOD. Really good. Get incredible. And work, and work, and cry, and drum, and write, and work some more, and maybe he'll get out of here sane.

How did I get here?

[servants-hall]

All Creatures Great and Small producer Yvonne Francas gives an inside track on the Christmas episode

All Creatures Great and Small is heading back to our screens for a Christmas special, which is due to be full of seasonal joy and high emotion.

"It’s a journey of love, kindness, and warmth," reveals the show’s producer Yvonne Francas, as What to Watch catches up with her for an exclusive chat to get a sneak preview of the upcoming episode, airing on Channel 5 on Thursday 21 December at 9 pm. It will air on PBS Masterpiece in the New Year after the fourth season.

Set at Yuletide 1940, it sees caring vet James (Nicholas Ralph) spending the festivities away from both Skeldale House and his heavily pregnant wife Helen (Rachel Shenton) as he is training with the RAF.

Here, Yvonne Francas spills the beans on the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special…

All Creatures Great and Small’s Christmas episodes are always a delight. Is there a pressure to produce something that's heartwarming for the show’s fans? “Yes, we want to deliver something special. It took 12 to 14 days to film and a couple of months to prepare. It's a pressure but a lovely one to have, because I’ve not worked on another show that’s as loved by its audience.”

How would you sum up this episode? “It's about the absence of people, because James and Tristan [his fellow vet played by Callum Woodhouse] are away at war and everyone is missing them. But it’s also about community and family coming together. There’s romance and joy, and wonderful animal stories! We even have a fight over who’ll be Father Christmas – Siegfried [Samuel West] doesn’t want that position!"

How is James feeling about being apart from Helen for Christmas? “James would love to be with Helen, but he's having to accept what serving means, because the people he is with are in the same boat and desperate to get home but they're not allowed…”

And Helen is heavily pregnant now. What has it been like for Rachel to wear the prosthetic bumps? “We’ve used several prosthetic bumps for Helen in this series and Rachel had an advisor, who used to be a midwife. But Rachel’s amazing and completely gets it!”

We hear the RAF base has an avian mascot that James needs to treat. Is there anything you can reveal about that? “Yes, the men need their mascot to be fit, as it gives them confidence to do their job. We chose a bird, because it echoes the RAF wings. It’s beautiful and we sent Nick for training to familiarise himself with handling it.

“We also have our regular animals at Christmas like Jess and Dash [Skeldale House’s dogs], Tricki-Woo [Mrs Pumphrey’s beloved pooch] and Oscar the cat. Humbug, who plays Oscar, loves being cuddled! We have another dog too, who isn’t friendly, and Carmody [James Anthony-Rose] deals with that…”

What was it like filming the airbase scenes at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, near York? “It’s so authentic. We brought in a Nissen hut and located three planes that still exist that would have flown to train airmen at the time and they flew around for us. I sat in one and you do feel exposed to the elements.

“For the RAF costumes, we used a costumier and also sourced some through our military advisor Taff Gillingham. Nick enjoyed wearing his, it gave him a different demeanour. He looks the part. In one scene, he had to run in the uniform, overcoat and hat and he never complained, even though it was June!”

Was it tough keeping everybody cool when you were filming? “We had around 115 supporting artistes throughout the Christmas episode, with many in coats and scarves for the party. As it was summer, when we were outside, we had shaded areas and cold drinks and Melissa Gallant, the executive producer, brought ice lollies! Then, in the studio, fans were on and doors were open when we weren’t shooting.”

And what can you tell us about the Christmas community dinner that kindly housekeeper Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) organises in The Drovers Arms? “The war affects what they can provide, although Mrs Hall finds an ally who puts their hands on more food and it’s a wonderful spread. Our art department researched what they’d have been able to get hold of and Bethany Heald, our home economist, created some amazing food.”

How hard has it been to recreate a wartime Christmas? “The art department did research online and in books and magazines. We have paper angels and crepe paper banners because people made their own decorations then and our production base is opposite a Christmas tree farm, so we chose lovely trees.

“There’s a big one in Darrowby’s square and the special effects people created fake snow, which they sieved onto the ground, and they used foam when it needed to come out of the sky, which was supplemented with online visual effects. With roaring fires and carols too, the episode does feel Christmassy!”

The Christmas special of All Creatures Great and Small airs on Thursday December 21 at 9pm on Channel 5 and it will also be available on My5. It will air on PBS Masterpiece early next year.

[wilmingtoncrp]

Welcome to another year full of treats, tricks, fall classics, and ghouly fun!

Once again, taking place in Wrightsville Beach, at the Wrightwood Amusement Park and beach landing, the Annual Fright Fest will take place for a total of two weekends this year. Starting from October 19th to October 20th, and October 26th-27th!

ENTRY:

Tickets are 40 for adults, 20 for ages 10-17.

Premium VIP tickets that will warrant you no wait times in lines and discounts on vendors will be on sell for 100 per person.

Doors open at 12pm noon and close at 11pm! Parents be warned that between the hours of 12 and 6:30, the park is kid friendly. From 6:30-11, performers fully costumed will roam the streets. You can expect fog, scares, terrors, and screams to fill the air.

No outside food or drinks are permitted.

No weapons of any kind are permitted into the park.

You may wear a costume, as long as it fits within our restrictions for the park.

You may leave the park, but make sure to keep your ticket to regain entry into the park for that day.

THINGS TO DO:

Most rides will be open and functioning these days for guests to ride.

There will be 5 different locations between Wrightwood Amusement park and Wrightville Beach, in which exclusive haunted houses are up and running. Each location has a different theme ranging from Mad Hatter gone wrong, to Dracula's castle, to a zombie fested and haunted hospital, a haunted cemetery and Camp ground similar to Friday the Thirteenth where you can attempt to escape the one and only Jason Voorhees. There are plenty of experiences to be had!

Feeling thirsty for a taste of vampire blood? Be sure to check out Hell's Bar in Wrightwood Park. They'd be serving up many drinks themed after our favorite spooky classics.

The Haunted Restaurant will also be up and running, offering guests array of scary good foods!

The Tunnel of horrors? Only running after 7, you and your friends can get on a mini boat and travel through the tunnels. Only the strongest will survive.

For the four nights that we are opened, after sundown, there will be a screening for 4 of the following classics. The night of October 19th, the move will be Halloween (1978), October 20th will be Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), October 26th will be The Addams Family (1991), and October 27th's Friday the 13th (2009).

There will be plenty of vendors between both locations for guests to visit and shop from. Anything from food, drinks, handmade items, face paint, temporary tattoos, henna tattoos, and so much more.

A pumpkin patch will be up and running all four days between the hours of 12-4.

Between the hours of 12-6:30, many activities can be found around the park suitable for children. Curving pumpkins, bobbing for apples, a monster mash, arts and crafts, a Halloween scavenger hunt, and more.

OOC:

This event will take place during the weekend of October 19th-20th and October 26th-27th. However, to make sure everyone gets involved if they so wish to, this will start on Saturday, October 19th at 12 PM EST and end on Friday, November 1st at 12PM EST.

This is more so a mini event to celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday! Not everyone has to participate in it, but we suggest using it as an opportunity! Especially to get some new threads and ideas going!

You will not have to pause any current or future threads! But we do ask that any new threads about Fright Fest isn't posted after November 1st!

The activities listed upon were just some of the ideas! The sky is the limit here, honesty. Anything that could fit within celebrating Halloween and fall could very likely be taken place here. So, if anything else comes to mind that makes sense, go for it!

If your muses got kids, they would absolutely enjoy this. If your muses like Halloween and spooky stuff, they will absolutely enjoy this. If you looking to be scared or just have some fun with the little ones, go for it!

Have fun!

[jonnylovers-in-neverland]

Coldplay Radio is Coming Back to SiriusXM + An Exclusive Performance in Brooklyn!

To celebrate Moon Music release, SiriusXM launches Coldplay Radio available on satellite channel 17 from October 1–14 and on the SiriusXM app from October 1–30! "The exclusive pop-up channel showcases music from Coldplay’s acclaimed catalog and personal insights into their new music, career-defining hits, classic albums, live performances, collaborations, and musical influences." [link to the station]

On October 7th at 5 pm the listeners will hear the band's performance live in Brooklyn's Music Hall of Williamsburg! [win tickets here]

Apart from that, the radio called fans to participate in Coldplay Radio by sharing a voice memo of their favourite Coldplay memory, song, or thoughts on what their music means to them over the radio's special email address! The submissions are open for the fans all over the world, and could be "as long as you want but they're generally 30ish seconds long. Send what you got an we'll use it! Best not to script it out, keep it conversational. Don't be perfect, just be real" [link]

[raindropsonwhiskers]

Hi there! I know that this is really out of the blue but im asking for a favor or some help w/ my cats current medical needs. Please if you have an extra time to boost/share it for us so that we could get some traction or it could reach more people, it would definitely help a ton! I understand if its not okay, Im so sorry for taking some of your time and I wish you to be safe and healthy always, xx.(Please considering answering my ask privately or probably hit me a msg if its fine! 😭🙏

This is far from the first time I've gotten one of these, and I'm feeling spiteful, so I'm going to walk through why this is almost certainly a scam, for anyone who isn't already aware of these.

This is the pinned post on the blog:

It was made at 1:17 AM EST today, Jan 31st. Based on the timing and phrasing of this post, the emergency happened last Tuesday, as the poster seems to be in Montana and thus made the post at 11:17 PM on Monday. The vet hospital (VSS West) and the group Shelter Friends do exist, though Shelter Friends seems to be exclusively a "shelter assistance and networking group whose purpose is to help homeless pets find rescue or adoption" (their website).

They claim their cat is being held until they can pay the bill (pictured at the top of the pinned post, ~1600 USD) in full. This is a red flag, since as far as I'm aware, no respectable institution does this. Additionally, the timeframe on pickup seems uncertain - it goes between "picking him up tomorrow" and "cleared to come home by the next couple of days".

No goal amount is listed, nor is there any sort of tracker. This is extremely strange, since almost every signal boost/mutual aid/etc post I see these days has the OP pretty much constantly updating how much they have left to go. Not being upfront about the amount needed, or how much they already have, is a decent red flag for a scam.

They say they haven't made a GoFundMe because it takes too long and takes a fee. However, VSS West's website says payment is due upon service (see screenshot). Therefor, they must have known about the price for at least 5 days (assuming wiggle room from last Tuesday to the time of the pinned post) and - more importantly - they should have already paid for the surgery.

But let's say they delayed the payment and... used their pet as collateral or something. Here is a screenshot from GoFundMe's website:

So the fee bit is bullshit, too.

Now that we know why the scenario is a whole bunting's worth of red flags, let's tackle the blog itself. The earliest post is from 1:08 AM EST, Jan 31, 2023. AKA today, 9 minutes before making the pinned post.

The URL directly references the cat, Tonka, so surely the blog was created to be about him. It can't be a sideblog - those can't send asks. It could be an alt account, but why make one just for your cat's health emergency and then reblog ATLA posts, posts about the new Mighty Nein animation, and some random aesthetic photos?

And this is just me being pedantic: the name in the header, Nicolai, doesn't match the Nicole used elsewhere. On the bill in the pinned post, the name Susan appears in the client field, just before the blacked out phone number.

But even assuming this person did genuinely decide to make a brand new blog on tumblr and try to crowdfund for their cat, there's a few more red flags around the message itself.

1) This blog has never once interacted with me before. Not shocking since it was made less than 24 hours ago, but still. Not even a follow before sending me a scam? Rude.

2) They ask that I reply privately or via DM. This is very suspicious and VERY convenient for a scammer, because it's harder to provide evidence of the scam when nobody else has seen your correspondence with them.

3) They asked a random niche Doctor Who blog to signal boost them. Of all the demographics, Doctor Who Extended Universe shitposting was the one some desperate person worried for their cat chose? Yeah, right.

All that being said, I hope this post helps people be more aware of these sorts of scams in the future. There are a lot of genuine posts looking for help with their pets, too - but those posts come from real people with established blogs, who aren't sending demanding asks to strangers, aren't trying to hide how much money they need/have already, and aren't trying to take advantage of people. Always do some due diligence before donating to a cause; the worst that can happen is you spend a little time looking through someone's blog and find that they're a real person.

[librarylexicon]

I posted 2,153 times in 2022

That's 2,057 more posts than 2021!

5 posts created (0%)

2,148 posts reblogged (100%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@takashi0

@sassydefendorflower

@sweetiepie08

@renecdote

@xserpx

I tagged 2,150 of my posts in 2022

#q - 1,749 posts

#dc - 301 posts

#writing - 83 posts

#cats - 76 posts

#batman - 72 posts

#important - 63 posts

#fanfiction - 62 posts

#dick grayson - 57 posts

#&lt;3 - 55 posts

#bruce wayne - 50 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#sometimes i google stuff on my phone in the google browser instead of firefox with ublock origin and the sheer number of ads is horrifying

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Hello there! :( I have a huge favor to ask and I know it’s kinda inappropriate, please consider sharing/boosting the post I pinned for my cat. Would definitely be a big help, also pls answer this ask privately or maybe pm me instead. I hope its okay, pls be safe <3<3

You are right. It's inappropriate.

Also, it's shady of you ask me to answer this privately when it's a freaking pinned post. It's a red flag and makes this message scream 'spam' to me.

0 notes - Posted October 18, 2022

#4

Hi. I hope you dont find this weird or something. Please reblog/share the post I pinned for my dad on my blog. We desperately need help, im so sorry. Also pls (answer this ask privately) <3

PSA: This blog, @strangeisgay, has already been reported (hence why it doesn’t show up here), but I received this suspicious ask and searched the username. This seems to be a scam by Tamie Wilcox. If you receive a similar message with such red flags, please do your research and think twice before reblogging any pinned posts.

0 notes - Posted September 3, 2022

#3

Are you Christian? I notice you're rbing some Christian stuff at times.

Yes.

5 notes - Posted November 22, 2022

#2

The Pull List

In which I list what fanfics I am working on so that you know what to expect. This post is updated as necessary; its post date reflects when it was last updated. I write my stories in Scrivener, and am currently posting exclusively on FanFiction.Net and Archive of Our Own.

All the Corners That Are Left is my first published Batman fic, and I was bowled over by the positive feedback I received. To show my thanks (other than by replying to the comments), I am tentatively working on a sequel fic focusing more on Jason. Its working title is A Mask of Mine, but time will tell whether or not that sticks.

Family Crisis is a canon divergent story that changes the end of the War Games crossover to keep the Batfamily together, and also ties up some loose ends. It will be novel length and I will begin posting chapters weekly once I have finished writing it (13 chapters are done, out of about 23 drafted). Here is the summary:

At the close of the gang war, Batman is the target of an attempted deception concerning the life of his former protégé Stephanie Brown, and suddenly nothing is as important as his family. While Dick battles trauma, Tim struggles with grief, Cassandra searches for belonging and Steph recovers from assault, Bruce faces the return of ghosts from his own past and psyche.

I recently watched the Road to Avonlea episode “Thursday’s Child” and am heavily considering writing a Cecily POV fic for it. If it comes to fruition, it will probably be a one-off (the product of an itch that needed to be scratched). Most fandoms I’ve only written one or two fics for – it just seems to be the way I roll.

I won NaNoWriMo! And then immediately began my industry placement while also finishing off my degree, so time is still tight.

I’m mainly a lurker there, but I’m also a member of Holy Server B@man on Discord, and I’m taking part in their upcoming fic exchange, how fun! So, there will be a new Batfam fic from me in early January, though I won’t be revealed as the author until later.

Lastly, I’m doing some beta reading for a story based on the 2004 Phantom of the Opera movie. Here’s the link on FF.net, and the link on AO3.

Stay safe out there.

—librarylexicon (formerly Lily F. Lux, Delusional Musings, realismandromance)

6 notes - Posted November 28, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Batman (Comics) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Dick Grayson & Jason Todd Characters: Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Barbara Gordon, Damian Wayne Additional Tags: Post-Crisis, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Hurt/Comfort, Recovery, Family Drama, Brotherly Bonding, Food Poisoning, Headaches & Migraines, Vomiting, Non-Consensual Drug Use, Hurt Dick Grayson, Sick Dick Grayson, Dick Grayson Needs a Hug, Good Sibling Jason Todd, Canon Relationships, No Slash, Dick Grayson-centric, POV Dick Grayson, POV Third Person Limited, Dick Grayson is Batman, Jason Todd is Red Hood, Barbara Gordon is Oracle, Damian Wayne is Robin Summary:

After patrol one night, Dick refuses to let an upset stomach and growing headache stop him from finding and visiting his estranged younger brother. But when Dick’s symptoms take a turn for the worse and Jason is forced to take care of him, the role reversal and subsequent conversations reveal to Dick more about his own fears and insecurities than he is ready to admit.

This is my first Batfam fanfic, written for canaf_lilah for the @dickgraysonexchange 2022. Please let me know what you think!

Read on AO3

Read on FanFiction.Net

12 notes - Posted July 11, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[americamortgages]

How Can Singaporeans Obtain a U.S. Mortgage?

Singapore is known for academics and education, with many high school graduates attending the best universities in the world!

Similarly, the U.S. is known for having most of the top global universities.

Singapore currently has 21,666 students studying abroad, according to UNESCO, and according to a recent Open Door report, Singapore had 3,901 students studying in the U.S. – a record number!

A typical Asian family will want to explore owning a property near the university the child will be attending – as a place to stay when visiting or if the student prefers not to stay in the dormitory.

After graduating, the property’s value often goes up. It might be enough to pay for college, or parents might choose to give the property to their child if they plan to work in the U.S. before returning home. This allows the child to build credit, something very important in the U.S.

However, not many can pay for a home with cash and just give up when they assume that obtaining a mortgage is not available.

Contrary to what you may think…..

You CAN get a mortgage as a non-U.S. citizen or Expat living in Singapore

You DO NOT need U.S. credit or residency

You CAN QUALIFY based on your Singapore income OR by using the rental income of the U.S. investment property

You CAN get market-interest rate mortgages while living in Singapore

You CAN sign the closing documents at the embassy on Napier Road

Actually, we are the world’s first and only U.S. mortgage broker with offices in Singapore, right on Telok Ayer. Come visit us for coffee!

Let us guide you through this process from:

Introducing you to a realtor

Helping you screen for the best locations to buy

Setting up your LLC

Discussing the benefits of using an LLC

Introducing you to a property manager

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Meet Han and Tracy, an incredible couple from Singapore who made a bold move – they left behind their regular 9-5 jobs after successfully diving into the world of U.S. real estate. Now, proud owners of 12 cash-flowing properties, achieved through strategic moves in just three years, they’re here to share their story.

Register for our exclusive webinar “Singapore Couple’s Journey to Financial Freedom through U.S. Real Estate Investing,” on January 18th at 6:30 PM SGT. Join Han and Tracy as they unravel the details of their transformative journey. Learn the secrets of how this dynamic duo achieved financial freedom through their savvy investments in U.S. real estate. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot now!

AM Student+

Investing in your child’s future just got easier. America Mortgages’ Student+ loan program removes the financial barrier for parents who want to purchase a property in the U.S. for their children’s education. This innovative program allows parents to qualify for a loan using the projected rental income of the property, eliminating the need for a U.S. credit history. This means that even parents who are new to the U.S. can provide their children with a safe and comfortable place to live while they study. 

With America Mortgages’ Student+ loan program, parents can invest in their children’s future and build wealth at the same time. The program’s flexible terms and competitive rates make it an attractive option for investors. Contact us today to learn more about this unique program and start investing in your child’s bright future.

For more information about Foreign Mortgage Loan, visit the website: https://www.americamortgages.com

Reference: https://www.americamortgages.com/how-can-singaporeans-obtain-a-u-s-mortgage/

Contact Us

Address:  118 Broadway STE 638, San Antonio, TX. 78205 (HQ)

Email id: hello@americamortgages.com

North America: +1 (845) 583-0830

[verdeapartments]

Verde Apartments at Mission Rock in San Francisco, CA

Verde Apartments at Mission Rock is amazing. Many people are aware of their presence in the community. Besides, it has noteworthy apartments for rent in Mission Rock these days. Luckily, many young professionals and families can choose from various apartment units offered there. With beloved San Franciscan retail and dining onsite, and full access to The Canyon’s amenities, you’ll have the best of Mission Rock right at home. Furthermore, Verde will include units available for middle income households at reduced rents. Then, additional information will be available soon. All you have to do is check out the website of the apartment complex.

San Francisco, CA

The pre-scheduled events in San Francisco, CA location is found online. If you check out Eventbrite, they have interesting future events. Here are examples. First, there will be a free event named D5 Supervisor Forum this coming Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at around 5:30 PM at San Francisco Public Library. Second, the free event named Career Fair: Exclusive Tech Hiring is scheduled on Friday, September 27, 2024, at around 9:00 AM at Moved to Virtual Event. Moreover, you can opt to attend the #ProductCon San Francisco: The Largest Product Conference on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at around 9:00 AM at SVN West.

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, CA

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is a treasured place these days. In San Francisco, CA area, it is famous among locals and tourists. In addition, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or SFMOMA is a modern and contemporary art museum located in San Francisco, California. Moreover, a nonprofit organization, SFMOMA holds an internationally recognized collection of modern and contemporary art, and was the first museum on the West Coast devoted solely to 20th-century art. Apart from that, the current collection of the museum includes over 33,000 works of painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, and more. By the way, have you heard about this place in the past?

San Francisco gears up for Oktoberfest on Front, state's 1st entertainment zone event

There are many enticing news reports in San Francisco, CA area. One of these stories is about Oktoberfest on Front. Basically, on Friday morning, crews in San Francisco sprayed water to clean the sidewalks, applied fresh paint on street sign poles, and got barricades in place to prepare for the state's first entertainment zone event. Aside from that, the Downtown SF Partnership, along with Shroeder's Restaurant and other sponsors, are organizing "Oktoberfest on Front," which goes from 2:00 in the afternoon to 10:00 in the evening. Lastly, Friday on Front Street between Sacramento and California Streets. Organizers are hoping it will bring big crowds and big money into the city.

Link to map

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States Drive along 2nd St 10 min (1.5 mi) Take Dr Maya Angelou Ln to Bridgeview Way 2 min (0.2 mi) Verde Apartments at Mission Rock 1070 Bridgeview Way, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States

[whatsonmedia]

Discover London's Best Offers: SEA LIFE Lates and More!

Explore the vibrant city of London with exclusive offers and unforgettable experiences. From an after-hours adventure at SEA LIFE London Aquarium to exquisite dining at Jeru, a thrilling Crystal Maze Live Experience, and the immersive Frameless Lates art sessions, these events promise excitement and entertainment. Dive into these unique opportunities and make the most of your London outings with these incredible deals! Visit SEA LIFE Lates at the London Aquarium to receive a FREE VR experience for £29 Immerse yourself in an exclusive after-hours journey through SEA LIFE London Aquarium at the all-new SEA LIFE Lates for adults only! As the day ends, the underwater wonderland comes alive just for you, offering unparalleled access to explore the vibrant colors and fascinating creatures of the ocean in a serene atmosphere. Enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival and glide alongside green sea turtles, trek through the Amazon Rainforest, and pass by the colony of Gentoo penguins. With the aquarium all to yourself after closing time, indulge in a unique evening filled with discovery, awe, and a touch of magic beneath the waves. When & Where - Date: June 26, 2024 - Time: From 5 pm (last entry at 6:45 pm) - Location: SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London, SE1 7PB Highlights - FREE VR Experience: Included with your ticket. - Adult-Only Event: Complimentary drink upon arrival. - Unique Shark Encounter: Get up close with five unique species of shark. Need to Know - Validity: This voucher is valid for a ticket to Sea Life Lates on your selected date and time. - Age Restriction: This event is restricted to those aged 18 and over. Please be prepared to show your ID upon arrival. - Booking Confirmation: Please present your booking confirmation upon arrival at the box office. - Cancellation Policy: Tickets cannot be cancelled, amended, exchanged, refunded, or used in conjunction with any other offer. For full terms and conditions, please see here. Plans for the weekend? For £35 enjoy a sharing menu and a Jeru Spritz at Layla at Jeru. Discover Jeru, an exquisite Mediterranean dining experience nestled in the heart of London's esteemed Mayfair district. Renowned Chef Roy Ner leads the culinary journey, crafting dishes that embody the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with authenticity and finesse. For an intimate dining experience with an unbeatable ambiance, head downstairs to the Layla Dining Room, where live entertainment brings the energy. Get lost in the chic, Mediterranean-inspired design and indulge in the menu, which offers light bites to enjoy alongside a glass of the handcrafted Jeru Spritz. Highlights - Enjoy Live Performances and Dining: Experience the best tunes from resident DJs while you dine. - Amazing Live Performances: Pair your meal with unbeatable live entertainment. - Discounted Price: Was £79, now just £35 per person. Need to Know - Voucher Validity: This voucher is valid for a sharing menu and a house cocktail at the Layla Dining Room inside Jeru. - Booking Requirements: One voucher per person is required. Minimum booking of two people, maximum booking of six people. - Availability: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 7 pm - 10 pm. - Booking Confirmation: To redeem, send your booking confirmation to info@jeru.co.uk with your preferred date and time. Your voucher, security code, and QR code must be clear. - Presentation: Please present your voucher upon arrival. - Validity Period: The voucher valid until September 14, 2024. - Menu Changes: Menu subject to change. - Service Charge: A discretionary service charge of 15% will be added to the bill. - Cancellation Policy: The restaurant must be informed of any changes/cancellations within 48 hours of your booking. - Dietary Requirements: We are not responsible for ensuring any dietary requirements are catered for. So, contact Jeru to ensure your dietary requirements can be accommodated before purchasing a voucher. - Location: 11 Berkeley Street, London, W1J 8DS. Save more than 30% on tickets for the live version of The Crystal Maze. If you love the TV show, you’re in for a treat with The Crystal Maze Live Experience! Grab your friends and family for a day to remember and relive the epic TV show with thoroughly immersive tests of your mental and physical abilities. Follow your professional Maze Master through all the challenges – the more you complete successfully, the more Crystals you win, and the more time you’ll have for the final test in... drumroll...The Crystal Dome. Want to know more? Find out for yourself – book now and discover whether your team has what it takes to be Champions of The Crystal Maze. Highlights - 75 Minutes of Team Fun: Engage in a frantic and immersive experience with your team. - Guided by a Maze Master: Navigate through four different time zones with the help of a professional guide. - Significant Savings: Enjoy savings of over £200 on group tickets. Need to Know - Voucher Validity: This voucher is valid for a ticket to The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience. - Age Restrictions: This offer is restricted to those aged 9 and over. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an 18+ adult per team of eight. Bookings without the correct number of adults will be refused entry. Pregnancy strictly prohibits participation. - Availability: Sunday to Friday, times subject to availability. - Redemption Process: To redeem, please click the link via your booking confirmation, selecting your preferred date and time. You will not be charged any additional fees. - Validity Period: Voucher valid until September 31, 2024. - Late Policy: Latecomers may not be admitted. - Group Booking: Book in multiples of eight to guarantee you will play together, teams are assigned on arrival and bookings may be split. - Location: 22 - 32 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 7EU. - Cancellation and Amendments: This voucher cannot be cancelled, amended, exchanged, refunded or used in conjunction with any other offer. For full terms and conditions, please see here. For £15, purchase tickets to Frameless Lates, the most immersive art experience. Kick off your weekend plans with the newly launched Frameless Lates sessions. Get your after-dark culture fix every Friday and Saturday night in Marble Arch. With over-18s-only sessions, you’ll be able to enjoy four galleries to a specially curated soundtrack from Soho Radio. If you want to impress a date or simply enjoy a fun night out with friends, you will be able to take your time exploring the galleries with a drink in hand from the Café Bar. Highlights - Friday and Saturday Nights: Enjoy late-night cultural sessions every weekend. - Music from Soho Radio: Experience a specially curated soundtrack. - Tasty Drinks: Savor drinks from the Café Bar while exploring the galleries. When & where? - Dates: November 25, 2023 - August 24, 2024 - Time: 6 pm - 10 pm - Location: Frameless, 6 Marble Arch, London W1H 7AP Need to Know - Voucher Validity: This voucher is valid for a ticket to Frameless Lates. - Age Restrictions: This offer is restricted to those aged 18 and over. - Booking Policy: This booking is only valid for your selected date/time option. Strict no refunds or exchanges policy. - Entry Details: Start time is from 6 pm to 8 pm, with entry times varying per day. Your entry slot runs for 30 minutes after and is inclusive of the time on your ticket. - Redemption Process: Please present your booking confirmation upon arrival at the box office. - Additional Purchases: Café bar and gift shop purchases are not included in this offer. - Cancellation and Amendments: Tickets cannot be cancelled, amended, exchanged, refunded, or used in conjunction with any other offer. For more offers on lifestyle checkout WhatsOn Read the full article

[hello-bechnaseekhocom-fan]

Breaking News: Ramaswamy’s Game-Changing “Crypto Bill of Rights” Sparks Cryptocurrency Revolution

Ramaswamy’s proposed ‘Crypto Bill of Rights’ promises a seismic shift in U.S. cryptocurrency regulation, introducing groundbreaking measures for individual empowerment and regulatory clarity.

Join Our Telegram Channel To Get Daily Update

Introduction: Crypto Bill of Rights

In a surprising turn of events, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has unveiled a groundbreaking proposal that could reshape the landscape of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. His “Crypto Bill of Rights” aims to establish a clear framework for individual rights in holding and utilizing digital assets, with a commitment to enforcing only Congress-approved crypto policies.

also read CES 2024 Unveiled to be an incredible event: Everything You Need to Know the Event

Exclusive Endorsement from Crypto Cornerstone

The significance of Ramaswamy’s proposal is underscored by a key endorsement from Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano. As a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency industry, Hoskinson’s support adds substantial weight to the initiative, signaling potential widespread acceptance within the crypto community.

Presidential Race Heats Up Amidst Cold Temperatures

Ramaswamy’s proposal comes amidst a fierce competition for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. Despite frigid temperatures in Iowa, all contenders are urging supporters to brave the weather and cast their votes.

Former President Donald Trump, a frontrunner in the polls, has shown signs of a potential shift in his perspective on cryptocurrencies, hinting at a possible ally for the crypto industry. However, experts caution against predicting significant regulatory changes under a potential Trump administration.

Ramaswamy’s Bold Vision for Crypto Regulation

Ramaswamy’s “Crypto Bill of Rights” proposes a paradigm shift in the regulation of digital assets in the United States. Notable features include:

1. Congress-Crypto Bill of Rights

Ramaswamy advocates for regulators to enforce crypto policies explicitly approved by Congress, providing a transparent and democratic foundation for cryptocurrency regulation.

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2. Treating Crypto Assets as Commodities

The proposal suggests classifying the majority of crypto assets as commodities, a move that could offer clarity and stability to the rapidly evolving crypto market.

3. Empowering Individuals with Self-Custody Wallets

Individuals would have the right to hold digital assets in self-custody wallets, keeping their holdings beyond the reach of regulators, fostering a sense of financial autonomy.

4. Federal Reserve Support for Stablecoin Issuers

Ramaswamy proposes mandating the Federal Reserve to provide stablecoin issuers with access to financial facilities, a move aimed at supporting the growth of stablecoins in the market.

5. SEC Reform and Limited Engagement

In a bold move, Ramaswamy plans to reform the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by releasing staff constraints and limiting its engagement with the crypto industry. This approach challenges the SEC’s role as a potential obstacle to crypto development. (more)

[celtfather]

Nerdy Noel & Dancing With Hobbits #276

Imagine a holiday market for nerds and geeks. I talk with one of the creators of Nerdy Noel and share my own Nerdy Wonderland story. Plus, I have a new album on Kickstarter. It’s called Dancing With Hobbits. Find out why you should support this CD and Musical Pin.

This is Pub Songs & Stories #276

0:20 - “Celtic Christmas Elf” by Marc Gunn from Celtic Christmas Greetings

WELCOME TO PUB SONGS & STORIES

I am Marc Gunn. I’m a Sci F’Irish musician and podcaster living in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m at Conjuration this weekend.

If you’re new to the show, please subscribe. You can do that PubSong.com or Just send me an email to pubsong@celtfather. You can subscribe and download all of my songs in this show. It’s quick and easy. While you’re emailing me to get your free EP, let me know you’re favorite Sci F’ Irish song.

3:13 - WHAT’S NEW

Broadsheets

Video stories

6:33 - UPCOMING SHOWS

Weds; Coffee with The Celtfather @ 11:30 AM EST on Patreon

NOV 16: Bandcamp Internet Concert @ 7:30 PM

NOV 17-19: Conjuration, Sonesta Suite hotel, Gwinnett Place, GA

DEC 3: Nerdy Wonderland Holiday Market at The Lost Druid Brewery, Avondale Estates, GA

DEC 10: Nerdy Noel, Huntsville, AL

8:12 - “Hobbit Hornpipe” by Dancing With Hobbits from Dancing With Hobbits

10:36 - CELTIC MUSIC NEWS

There are three new Celtic Christmas albums that are now available. The Celtic Kitchen Party has an album called One Celtic Christmas. I interviewed the band for Celtic Christmas Music podcast. It’s upbeat and fun. You’ll hear some of the songs on upcoming episodes. The McDades have a new Christmas album as well. I’ve barely touched the surface of that one. But I have fallen in love with The Gothard Sisters new album, A Celtic Christmas. I have an interview with Greta from the band that’ll be out in early December. Next episode is out on Sunday, Nov 19. Listen to Celtic Christmas Music at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.

Runa has a new album coming out. It’s called When the Light Gets In. It’s everything I’ve come to expect from this fantastic band. It comes out in February.

11:53 - JOIN THE CLUB

The show is brought to you by my supporters on Patreon. If you enjoy this podcast or my music, please join the Club. You get something new every week. It could be bonus podcasts, downloadable songs, printed sheet music, blogs, or stories from the road. Plus, you get weekly access to my Coffee with The Celtfather video concerts. Sign up for as little as $5 per month. Email pubsong@celtfather !

Thanks to my newest Gunn Runners on Patreon:

If you can’t support us financially, you can leave a review for free.

12:21 - ABOUT DANCING WITH HOBBITS

19:13 – “Hobbit Polka” by Dancing With Hobbits from Dancing With Hobbits

22:26 - THE STORY OF NERDY NOEL

Nerdy Noel is a holiday market for nerds and geeks by Komai’s Oh My!

32:53 - Marc Gunn “Yuletide” from Single

Listen to the Story of Yuletide on show #246.

Thanks for listening to Pub Songs & Stories. This episode was edited by Mitchell Petersen with graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs.

You can follow and listen to the show wherever you find podcasts. Sign up to my mailing list to learn more about songs featured in this podcast and discover where I’m performing.

The show is brought to you by my Gunn Runners on Patreon. Become a patreon because your generosity allows me to keep bringing you podcasts, videos, exclusive blogs, photos, and songs every month.

And of course, please tell one friend about this podcast. Word of mouth is the absolute best way to support any creative endeavor.

Remember. Reduce, reuse, recycle, and think about how you can make a positive impact on your environment.

Have fun and sing along at www.pubsong.com!

#pubstories

  Check out this episode!