#giant meteor 2020

[callmebliss]

The best part is how it is clearly pasted over a Giant Meteor 2020 sticker

[jbaileyfansite]

Interview with Backstage (2024)

Jonathan Bailey is still marinating in his thoughts, andthey taste pretty sweet. Top notes of red wine, he says. 

These are busy times for the witty British heartthrob. He’s speaking over Zoom from Malta, where he’s filming the next “Jurassic World” installment. And two days prior, he received his first Emmy nomination for his supporting turn on Showtime’s “Fellow Travelers.” 

What’s lingering in Bailey’s mind after reaching such a huge milestone? “The nature of the story, and how that story’s come to be told,” he says of Ron Nyswaner’s limited series, a decades-spanning gay drama that’s chock-full of steamy sex scenes. For him, the Emmy nod is “an acknowledgment of [the show] meaning something much bigger.” 

The 36-year-old actor radiates humility and surges with pride for his collaborators; “Fellow Travelers” also picked up nominations for lead actor Matt Bomer and for Nyswaner’s writing. Bailey believes the fact that executive producer Robbie Rogers was able to get the project on television at all is a “brilliant signifier” of changing times. He feels lucky to have been the right person for the job. And after a couple of decades in the industry, the actor’s star is about to go supernova. 

Childhood stage work and gigs on 2000s teen TV shows led to roles on acclaimed series like ITV’s “Broadchurch” and Channel 4’s “Crashing.” He nabbed an Olivier in 2019 for his performance in Marianne Elliott’s West End revival of “Company.” Households on the other side of the Atlantic learned his name in 2020 when he courted lockdown audiences as Anthony, the strident head of the titular family on Netflix’s period-romance smash “Bridgerton.” 

Then came the game-changing “Fellow Travelers.” Bailey plays the idealistic Tim Laughlin, a closeted congressional staffer who pursues a clandestine relationship with another man amid the witch hunts of McCarthy-era Washington. The actor is keeping up that momentum in the coming months with part one of Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” (out Nov. 22), followed by the fourth “Jurassic World” in 2025. 

“Fellow Travelers” is a fitting inflection point for Bailey, considering it reflects aspects of his own gay identity. Tim’s story also illuminates a thread connecting the actor’s work, both in and out of character: always embracing the truth, shame be damned. 

Born in Wallingford, England, Bailey made a beeline for the arts as a kid when he began studying music and ballet. After getting a taste of performing at a young age, he secured an agent when he was a teenager. Even now, he feels the sense of joy and wonder he discovered in those early days. 

He chose not to attend drama school, instead throwing himself into professional theater, where he encountered the performance process in its most essential form. “You start with your own instincts, and then you share with others in the room in real time,” Bailey says. “You academically approach text, then you emotionally explore it. Then, you physically put it on its feet.”

Theater taught him to be observant. In rehearsals, he witnessed actors being brilliant and bold, but also making crucial mistakes. Weeks of rehearsing helped him learn how to spend time with a character as he watched his castmates play against type and expand themselves through performance. Those lessons both tested and encouraged him, and they’ve carried him throughout his career. 

Since then, Bailey has gotten the chance to see plenty of giants at work. He reverently discusses performing Stephen Sondheim’s music alongside Patti LuPone in “Company” and reciting Shakespeare opposite Ian McKellen in the Chichester Festival Theatre’s 2017 production of “King Lear.” 

His contemporaries also made for great teachers. He worked with Phoebe Waller-Bridge on “Crashing” and Michaela Coel on “Chewing Gum”—two certified television geniuses whose creative successes Bailey likens to the magnesium flame of a meteor. It’s an apt comparison—Waller-Bridge called him “a meteorite of fun” in a 2022 interview with GQ. (“I think I’ve always been quite naughty,” he says playfully.)

“There’s so much you take on via natural osmosis,” Bailey explains. “It’s what you watch and how you interpret things.”

For example, he thinks that every actor should see Sandy Dennis’ Oscar-winning turn as Honey in Mike Nichols’ 1966 film “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” Her performance whet his curiosity about the craft: “She is so fluid. I mean, that might be the most exposing answer I’ve given about what my inner world is like.”

Bailey’s technique is rooted in music. He plays piano and clarinet, and he approaches acting like an instrument, too. When reading a script for the first time, he experiences his character’s arc as the phrases in a song. “The way my brain works is that I see the images of what they’re doing,” he says. “When I say ‘phrasing,’ it’s like, how you get from that image to this image.”

When he was playing the bottled-up Anthony on “Bridgerton,” Bailey found inspiration in songs by Echo and the Bunnymen and Nirvana. While filming “Fellow Travelers” in Toronto, he went on long walks while listening to expansive pop music to help him explore Tim, a character whose energy radiates outward.

Considering Bailey’s process plays like a song, connoisseurs of his work might notice a motif. Sam from “Crashing,” a party boy Bailey calls “a wild, untamed animal in a tiny little cage,” aggressively maintains a facade of heterosexuality while pining for his male housemate Fred (Amit Shah). On Season 2 of “Bridgerton,” Anthony locked himself into a prison of duty and a loveless engagement to avoid acknowledging his desire for the fiery Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley).

Tim of “Fellow Travelers” is the latest in a series of sharply drawn characters confronting the tension between their assigned roles and their personal truths. Viewers first meet a straitlaced rule-follower whose Catholic piety is only matched by his loyalty to the infamous Senator Joseph McCarthy. All that changes when he crosses paths with Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller (Bomer), a crystal-eyed, debonair State Department official. Their respective closets combust on contact, and they enter into a forbidden love affair just as McCarthy’s Lavender Scare has begun purging queer people from the halls of government.

Bailey’s interior work tends to be more emotional than cerebral, but he’s a generous conversation partner who’s always game to riff on the deep stuff. Whether it’s yearning, going against expectations, or facing high stakes, the phrasing is what draws him in. 

He finds a lot of gorgeous notes to play across the eight episodes of “Fellow Travelers” as the action moves from the 1950s to the ’80s, making pit stops along the way. While Hawk settles for a life of straight domesticity, Tim hurtles through a sexual and political awakening: The Beltway boy becomes an activist priest who refuses to diminish himself, especially when the AIDS crisis begins to rip his community apart.

Bailey loved being inside Tim’s head; in fact, the actor thinks of him as a hero. After experiencing the isolation of his secret relationship with Hawk, he opens himself up to the world: He comes out, moves to San Francisco, cobbles together a found family, and builds a life as his true self. 

“Ron Nyswaner has spoiled Matt and me for the operatic detail that existed between [our characters],” Bailey says, “and also with Tim’s political fervor: the truth and the honesty that he demands of himself and the world around him, and the grappling with anything that is an obstacle to his own and other’s happiness.”

You can’t talk about “Fellow Travelers” without discussing its rapturous sex scenes—and not only for titillation’s sake, though the kinky encounters between Tim and Hawk certainly call for smelling salts. These sequences gave Bailey the opportunity to commit authentic queer intimacy to the screen, which members of the LGBTQ+ community rarely come across as they search for ways to understand their identities. 

The trust between Bailey and Bomer informed everything they did onscreen. Before filming those scenes, the two actors talked through their approach at a café (Goldstruck Coffee on Cumberland Street in Toronto—a ribald little detail that still makes Bailey laugh). The filming itself was incredibly technical, and the actors worked with an intimacy coordinator on set. “We sort of hit the ground running, knowing exactly what was going to be required but also how to communicate throughout it,” Bailey says. “It felt immediately quite safe.”

He sensed an exciting opportunity to tell a story about transformative love amid the “wild, oppressive moment” of the Lavender Scare, dismissing any reservations about the explicit nature of the material. “Honestly, this is exactly why this show is going to be brilliant,” he remembers thinking.

The series’ milestone dramatic moments, with buttons still done up and no skin showing, carried that same sense of significance. No matter how much Tim grew over the course of his arc, Bailey says that his bond with Hawk remained an “extraordinary, material thing.”

This summer, the actor made a very Tim move when he founded the Shameless Fund, a charity that supports LGBTQ+ causes under the tagline: “Raising cash. Erasing shame.” The initiative grew directly out of his acting work—first inspired by the platform afforded to him by “Bridgerton” and further influenced by his experience on “Fellow Travelers.” 

Playing Tim—or, as Bailey puts it, spending “five months doing a dissertation on queer oppression and liberation”—catalyzed his thoughts about the people who created a world where such a show could even exist. “I think in ‘Fellow Travelers,’ it’s so clear what Tim wants,” he says. “But as the world around him develops, you realize there’s so much that he can’t have, but that he can help change.”

Bailey sees that progress playing out in the next generation. He has a small role on the upcoming third season of Netflix’s queer YA hit “Heartstopper” as a dreamy academic who’s the celebrity crush of the series’ protagonist, Charlie (Joe Locke). Based on creator Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series, the show has found a passionate following of young LGBTQ+ fans. 

When he watched “Heartstopper” for the first time, Bailey remembers wondering what it would have been like to see such representation on television when he was growing up. “I was so celebratory of it,” he says. “But it was obviously kind of a melancholic watch for people above a certain age, because it allowed them to grieve what they didn’t have.”

Having conquered the Regency and Cold War periods on the small screen, Bailey’s blockbuster era is imminent. He’s playing dashing love interest Fiyero in the “Wicked” films (based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel), singing and dancing alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. It’s a perfect fit for the actor’s particular lens: “Musically and theatrically, I understand it massively.”

Since “Wicked” came with its own well-known songs to study, Bailey spent a lot of time with composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz’s music in his ears rather than Kurt Cobain’s. He explored Fiyero’s interiority through the musical theater form itself: What does the act of singing express for him?

And for a character whose signature number is called “Dancing Through Life,” what metaphorical direction are his steps leading him in? 

Bailey sees Fiyero as part of the same club as Tim, Anthony, and Sam, as the heightened world of Oz sends him on a journey of radical transformation. “I think about where he starts and where he ends up; he’s literally a changed person,” the actor says. “I savored the arc over two films.” 

Next year, Bailey will become an action star in Gareth Edwards’ next installment of “Jurassic World” opposite Scarlett Johansson. Though details have yet to be announced, including the movie’s title, production is well underway; Bailey just finished filming in Thailand before shooting moved to Malta. A few days before we spoke, he was interacting with a fake blue-screen dinosaur (which is only a spoiler if you thought Hollywood has actually been cloning big reptiles this whole time).

But Bailey is still keeping his theater muscles toned. Next year, he’s starring as the titular monarch in Nicholas Hytner’s production of Shakespeare’s “Richard II” at London’s Bridge Theatre. “I have to go and sharpen up,” he says of returning to the stage. “You feel so sharp and dexterous at the end of a theater run—but also, you know, without a soul. Carcass levels of absolute exhaustion.”

Bailey lights up at the prospect of getting back onstage and experiencing the kinetic energy between the actors, crew, and director. He believes that the emotional and intellectual rigor of theater leads to a tight, specific piece of work. It’s an art form that requires continuous creation night after night.

This stamina comes in handy in front of a camera, too. “When you’re exhausted, you have to rely on technique,” he explains. “Technique does get you over the finish line, and you can deliver a performance that is honest and tell the story effectively and truthfully.” 

Until then—and until he’s back on set with those fake dinosaurs—he’s going to soak up that Emmy-nomination afterglow for a little while longer. 

“I’m actually going to go and have another glass of wine to celebrate,” he says.

Source

[riswippiesx]

Drive you insane | Geto Suguru x Fem! Reader[Fall out AU]

•part one

Theme: Mature(MDNI), 18+ NSFW

Fic TW: dark content! smut, world building, twisted morals, meteor fall out, world destroy, corruption, evil plans, conversation for world domination, foul language, looking down of the poor people, degradation, face slapping, slut shaming, spanking, unprotected sex(don't do this irl), fucking in a open place (but no body sees), teasing(a lot), creampie, breeding, mention of starting a family, porn with plot, not proof read !

Ch TW: Meteor attack, world destroy, uneven social systems, hate towards poors, death and injury, scams and plotting, foul language, barging into an oral sex, insult, fantasy, aroused thoughts, hint of masturbation etc.

Summary: You were respected in your world for being a savior during the meteor fall out but you had different plans which no one knew untill another heroic personality appeared to help the poor people. You thought would get rid of him but he knew everything about your little plan, he caught you. Would he expose you? Or help you out?

Note: Tried something new this time. To read this, you need mature mindset. Reader is twisted and not at all innocent. I hope you enjoy <3

05/08/2019

The fear of humans came true, the giant meteor, which was prophesied to hit the earth's ground soon, actually fell on the living planet, destroying a big part of asia. A few smaller meteors followed the bigger one and hit a few close areas. Despite of all the warnings and safety campaigns, many people died. The world population decreased in an instant. The ruler system fell apart. World economy was grounded. Smoke clouded the sky. Glimpse of heinous fire could be seen here and there. Air was heavy with painful whimpers and sobs.

Even in such crisis, a few classy families of politics and leaders were provided the highest level of safety with the secure houses made of the finest stuffs. A large part of food and water was preserved for them. Two or three of such families or family members survived well enough while the poor survivors died, lacking food water and medication.

You were the eldest daughter of a well known person. You dad used to be a bright face in world politics. He was cruel and selfish. He had both power and money. So he spoilt you as much as he wanted. You inherited his stubborn rude nature in yourself.

You were twenty years old when the fall out took place. Your younger brother was fourteen. If you were spoiled, he was like a little demon. He did whatever he wanted at such early age which costed his life in the meteor attack. He wanted to see how it looked when a meteor fell on poor average people. So he ran out of the safety shelter and your father followed him to bring him back. Of course the meteor hit both of them and they died. Their sudden death was tough for you to handle but a part of you was somewhat happy that you would have none in you way from then.

Your father was wise enough for collecting the precious papers and plans related to world domination before hand. So with the help of those papers and your dead father's reputation, you got your hands on the world politics easily.

05/08/2020

One year from that day, the world government fell apart but with the help of the survivors, somehow they managed to get things together in a way. The authorities chose the powerful survivors and decided the areas around the world to take care of. You were a chosen one. A large part of asia was given to you for nurturing and developing.

You agreed very easily and took over the area. You had to put on a mask which helped you to act kind. You hated people bellow your standard but for the sake of greater future, you offered help to those "bullshit" survivors.

At first you were disgusted by the condition of those survivors, some lost their legs, some lost their both of the eyes or one and the injury list could go far long. The authorities sent a team to each leaders and you chose some employs from your area. Your team was slowly building up. You were earning people's trust and respect with your coating of kindness. You were earning trust from the the head authorities as well. They were pleased with your work. But you had hunger, hunger for something greater, hunger for all of it. This was very less of a portion when you were starving for world domination. Your father was one of the main faces of the world. You needed to be the "only" main face of this fallen world.

As the days continued, your team grew bigger with the healthier survivors joining. Your heavily inspired them. Your soft behavior and kindness intrigued a lot of them. Your pretty face was also another reason for many young men's joining. You could notice how many people looked up at you with adoration in their eyes, some were romantic, some were platonic.

Overall it was going how it was supposed to. But, behind every eyes, you were plotting something. You wanted to snatch away powers from the other seven leaders around the world, by corrupting them anyhow. You collected papers from various sources. Since the radio waves and towers fell apart, the world connection was slow but still content. You took your time in collecting the weak points and potholes of other leader's work. You spent years after years planning, earning trusts and working on papers which would destroy your enemies. After all, the world should belong to where it's supposed to, under your feet.

Your trusted team helped you in this. You made a private team of four people. They helped you to find the papers and other things whenever you needed. They were your right hand people.

Your first victim was your neighbour leader, with whom you shared a part of asia. He was a kind man, genuinely kind. He wanted to help the poor people. Though he also belonged to a famous household before the fall out, his mind wasn't that corrupted. How boring! You used the papers about the secret scams of his family which your dad once collected and anonymously sent it to the head authority, to show how much of a scammer that family was. Your father was a savior but couldn't save himself though. To prove your point a bit more, your team went undercover and stole the money which was sent by the head authorities for the fund works, resulting a huge miscalculation in reports. Poor leader couldn't defend himself and his spot was snatch away at once by the authorities. There were no chances of mistake in a world of needs. So you appeared as a savior again and helped the poor people with shelter and food with medication. Already pleased authority was delighted by your "sweet gesture" and offered that area to you and you took it the offer in order to "help the people in need".

20/12/2023

You were busy in checking the reports from your team about the developement around your area. Some files on the food and shelter restock was attached with the main report. You had a pen in your hand while you seated on the luxury chair of your office.

You heard a knock on your door.

"Ma'am? May I come in?"

You didn't raise your head and uttered a "yeah". The other person pushed the door open and entered your well maintained, classy office room.

"Ma'am, there is someone who seeks your visit"

Your brows got twisted as you looked up.

"I wasn't informed about any meeting today. Who is it?"

"He has stated that he wants to join your team."

"Oh. But in order to join, he needs to meet my assistant first. Not me. You all know the rule, right?", you looked at your worker.

"Yes ma'am we know. We tried to tell him all that but he isn't listening. He said that he was full of potential and you are the only one who could value it truly."

"Oh what a bold mouth he got", you grinned. "That's indeed interesting. Fine. Tell him to wait outside for ten minutes"

"Alright ma'am", the worker bowed and left the the room.

You were amused. You knew that you had some admirer who joined your team just for you. Actually you didn't mind them at all, instead they were easy to control. But this guy seemed very confident in himself. It'd be fun in taking control over him.

You were smirking to yourself as you finished your paper works and signed where you needed to. You kept the file aside when you heard a knock on your door. You checked the clock when your worker left to inform hin about ten minutes wait, it was 11:30 am and the knock came right on 11:40 am. Accurate on time ! Impressive.

"Come in", you spoke. The door was pushed open once again and there stood the guy, so majestic that you couldn't look away. Those raven hairs in neat bun with a lock hanging loose on his left side of face, those dark intriguing deep eyes and that sharp face— he was handsome, you needed to admit. And this dark ear piercing made him look even better.

"Thank you for giving me a chance, ma'am", honey dripped in his voice as he spoke. You were impressed by his physical appearance but you weren't a person to loose your composure either. You gestured him with your familiar sweet and kind smile.

"No problem. Come take a seat"

He came and sat at on the chair at the other side of your desk.

"I heard you claim that you have potential?", you questioned him.

"Certainly, ma'am"

"Very well. Care to introduce your self?", you eyes danced in hidden mischief.

"I'm Geto Suguru. I'm 27 now."

"Alright, Mr. Geto Suguru, reason for your arrival today?"

"I came here as a face of Japan"

"Face of Japan?"

"Yes, I survived by fate. So to help the others in need, I worked with the local helping teams. I'm well trained in doing the fund work. I used to work as a leader of National Public Support of Japan. So for greater help, the local people told me to come and join your team. I heard from them that you are a great leader. I'd be blessed if I get to work under you."

"Hmm. And you want me to hire you, based on your words only?"

"I have my reports and documents. Here", he offered you a file. You eyed the file and noticed the details. He was speaking the truth. While you were checking the file, you could feel that his eyes were pointed stright at you. Of course it was, almost everyone had the same reaction when they looked at you.

Those files didn't seem fake. You closed the file after you were done and handed it back to him.

"Not bad. But.." You leaned infront and kept your elbows pressed on your desk "I don't hire just by the past records. I need to see what you've got. So, you will be working a day with the jobs I assign for you. Hope that's okay for you?" You looked straight at his eyes. There was something in there which didn't go entirely with this external personality, you could easily tell.

A smile appeared on his face "Sure, I'd love to"

"Great. You may leave now and wait outside for your jobs for the day"

"Thank you"

"Don't be so thankful before you even get to know what you are going to be assigned with..hmm?", you grinned at him.

"Yeah sure, ma'am", he smiled back at you and left the office. He was capable. You could use him for your work but before that you needed to test his loyalty towards you for a few days or weeks.

You had a list for the jobs which were needed to be done, such as inspecting all the shelters and stop any of the illegal activity which some people did here and there recently. People, who wanted more than they were getting, committed small crimes like stealing and attacking. You hated all that nasty crimes. For you, those were so lame. And you needed to take control over all that. Someone had to take care of the crimes. So you decided to rest your rookie, basing on that.

21/12/2023

Christmas was around the corner. Authorities had sent some special and extra supply for the people in needs. Your workers took care of it. Surprisingly, Geto Suguru did a great job in inspecting the crimes. He submitted his reports on the topic and it was well detailed than the average ones. He really seemed professional and skilled about the whole thing. But you hated giving credits to your new worker on the first day. So you just received the reports and told him to leave.

You could have given him a bit credit only if your mind wasn't messed with a lot of things. After getting the major part of asia under your control, you had to take in the islands around the continent. But it was big deal. To begin with the issue, your father didn't have much of the papers on the leader of those island. Moreover, she seemed really tough to deal with. You tried to work as a partner but she refused. You thought this would help you to prove the less co-operation skills in her to the authorities but they seemed not to care about such a small issue. Your personal team tried to spy around her area but she was really well at handling and controlling her territory. But you weren't someone to let such a small fry stop you from achieving what you deserved. So you were intrigued in making up plans on dragging her down at your office.

Your mood was just messed up as you didn't seem find something good enough. So you were frustrated. You leaned back on your chair and groaned in annoyance. "Ugh fuck this!" and put your legs on top your desk. You were working for so long and your eyes were hurting, so was your back. So you decided to take a break and walk for a bit outside of your office.

You did as you thought. You went outside of your office building and started to walk around fot bit, aimlessly. The surroundings were being taken care of yet those were a lot of damage to be fixed so early where huminity almost got doomed. Broken buildings fell around, only the roads were cleaned, to resume the journey and connections. You were looking everywhere but at the road. Your mind was fogged. Them normal people, who respected you, were waving at your was but you were definitely not in a mood to do the same. So you just smiled at them, not to mention, that was forced.

In the meantime of smiling, you looked side way and didn't notice the a few stones and parts which littered around. Your feet hit one or two of those and tripped. You were about to fall but a strong hand caught you from your behind by your waist. Your hand grabbed on that hand and you quickly looked back. It was your new rookie, Geto Suguru. He was looking down at you with his pretty fox eyes and a slight smile on his lips. Your eyes for once stopped at his. It didn't last a minute before you looked away but it felt like so long. You coughed and made yourself free from his grip.

"Be careful Ma'am, there are stones every where. If you don't be careful enough.." He leaned very slightly, "you might trip". It sounded more like a warning than an advice. What was that tone ! You were pissed.

"I don't remember giving you permission of talking to me in that tone." You fixed your cloths.

"Ah well I just spoke of your well being, sorry if that offended you." He apologized but you could still sense the mild sarcasm in his voice.

"Just go back to whatever you were doing." And you started walk away. Your mind was already fogged and this one thing made you feel even more disgusting. That new bie might give you hard times in future. You would have to take of it before hand.

24/12/2023

There came the Christmas eve. With the help of the funds and other suppliments from the head authority, two of them destroyed buildings were finally fixed. One was a mart and another one was a small apartment, which would help people to get essentials and shelter. Those opened on the day of christmas. You, being they main figure, had to be presented in all the time, looking after the things you didn't want. But again, you needed to achieve as much faith as you could. So you kept up with everything.

It was late when you finished your works and finally relaxed on your seat. After staying silent, you decided to return to the apartment you chose for yourself to live in. You kept the files a side and took your house key. Then you left your office and started to walk across the small corridor. You were about to pass a room when some noises stopped you. Almost all of your workers left, your special team too. Also the room was a little conference room, which you used to discuss plans and tasks. Noone was supposed to be in there, at least not at that hour of night.

The noises were faint. So you brought yourself closer to the closed door and put your ear on it. With a bit of notice, you could hear that those noises sounded like whimpers and a few groans. It was strangely weird for you. Was someone fucking in there? But there? Really? Inside of your organised conference room? How dared them!?

You were getting furious again. It was so improper. Did some poor people break in? A lot of weird thoughts came in your head untill both of the voices started to sound a bit too familiar. But you could not actually catch it.

You couldn't just stand and listen to such nasty noises. So you decided to barge in. The door was fortunately unlocked and you pushed it open at once. What you saw was not something you expected at all.

Infront of you, you could see two very known humans. On the ground, there sat the only female employ of your special team, whom you actually trusted a lot. She was back facing you and was on her knees, naked. Her mouth was connected to someone's hard cock, sucking on it. And that someone was none other than, your new rookie, Geto Suguru. His pants were on the floor and last few buttons of his black shirt was opened, revealing his toned abs and defined v-line. His cheeks were flushed with a faint red, hair was partially up in a messy bun as he leaned back on the table behind.

You went silent for a good while. You were looking at them and they looked back at you. Your trusted employ was quick to let everything go and tried to cover her body. You could see the hickeys on two to three places or her body. She looked ashamed. She didn't expect you to catch them like that. Whereas, the other one had a smug expression on his face. His slightly lidded eyes hinted amusement.

"Ma'am..." She tried to speak.

"What the fuck is going on here?" You calmly asked. But the disgust was clear in your tone.

"Ma'am we can...explain...please", she was nervous.

"Shut up. Not a word. If you were willing that much to suck him off, you should have gone to your apartment. Don't you have any basic sense about place and time? Huh?"

"Ma'am but...he...he told me this would be fine...and also said that you had already left the office ...and I trusted him."

"You don't even know this guy properly. That's why you don't trust just..any person. Also what made you think that it'd be okay to fuck here after I am gone?"

"Ma'am....i'm so sorry, please."

"Leave. Get your as s out of my sight right now. And never show me that slutty face of yours!"

"Ma'am-"

"Leave. Now."

She knew nothing could be stated after your stern order. So she took her cloths and somehow covered herself, then left. Then your eyes fell on Geto. He fixed his cloths already but those still looked messy. He was fixing his bun. His body was a bit sweaty from the previous intense activities. The light fell stright on his features which made him look even better. You sighed.

"I suppose you owe me an explanation.", you spoke to him.

"Extremely sorry, I thought you left and I ...well..I was feeling something. So she volunteered to help and I accepted.", his tone sounded more casual than it was supposed to.

"Wow. Keep your shits in your pants untill you are in a proper place. This isn't your little love hotels!"

"I apologize. It won't happen again."

"Apology my foot! You shithead. Stop trying to mess my special team. I warn you."

"I am not. It's just she is really attactive."

He spoke facts, you knew that. Yet your nerves burn for So me unknown reason. You couldn't just stand what he just said.

"Did I ask?", You almost yelled. But your self control game was great. So you tried to calm yourself down. "Just get out of here!" You spoke in disgust.

You came back to your apartment with a bitter mind and a tired body. You just wanted to sink in your bed. You quickly freshen up and finally laid on the bed. Your body just thanked you for the long awaited rest. Your body wanted rest but your mind was racing. What you just saw before coming back, that scene could not leave your mind. You were disgusted but somewhere in my mind, you kept recalling the vulnerable look of Geto. It was really hot. He was an attractive man and his abs, v-line..even his hard dick..you just couldn't think otherwise. Your whole body felt like burning, with some desire. It wasn't like you were a virgin. Your fucked with a few friends of yours before the meteor attack but that was long ago. After that, you barely got time to think about your sexual desire, in a obsession of power.

So, such things from a genuinely attractive guy bought out you hidden desires and your pleasure deprived self danced with it.

You didn't notice when your thighs were pressing together. Your body wanted some friction in some special places. You could feel your arousal and your hard nipples, brushing against your tshirt painfully, wanting to be pinched and pulled and played with.

A soft groan left your lips as you hands started to move towards the hem of your panties as another hand cupped your left breast over your cloth..........

...To be continued

Phew!! Finally first part is done💀 I typed a lot lol! My finger hurts now. Haha! Anyway! Please please let me if you like this or not! Commet down bellow. Reblogs are also highly appreciated 💗

Alsooo!! I might need some time to post the next part..(I have internals at college T_T) also I need some good response in this. I have put a lot of efforts in this lol! So I need results too :P otherwise i'm not posting another part anyway 🚶‍♀️

And..should I make a tag list for the next part/parts? Lemme know if you wanna be tagged. Haha

Thanks for reading tho<333

[apureniallsource]

Niall Horan is more than Mr Nice Guy

Three years after his last release, the 29-year-old singer has jumped feet first into the spotlight to promote third album The Show, which lands on 9th June.

“I’m more excited than I thought I would be,” Horan says of his return, a quiet confidence lingering. With outstretched legs, the double-denim-clad singer lounges in his chair, decanting still water from a glass bottle, as we settle in for our chat in his luxury London hotel suite. A high-pitched giggle ripples through him when two builders, dawdling on a pulley lift, nab his attention through the window, before he apologises for losing eye contact. “I’m revved up, but I’m nervous. I hope I didn’t waste 18 months writing something for people not to like it.”

Those 18 months in question were spent, in part, during the coronavirus lockdown, which acts as inspiration for many of the introspective lyrics on The Show. It was the first time in a decade that the singer had, well, nothing in his schedule, allowing time to contemplate his meteoric rise to fame. “There’s no heartbreak stuff [on this album], so there needed to be a new concept. The only good part of the pandemic for me was that I was actually happy being still. I had time to breathe; I realised it doesn’t have to be a thousand miles an hour all the time.”

For the uninitiated, the first six years of Horan’s career were spent in the extraordinarily successful band, One Direction. Originally from Mullingar, Ireland, Horan auditioned for X Factor as a solo artist in 2010, later forming a five-piece alongside Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. What followed was unparalleled success, multiple award wins and huge stadium gigs. “I loved touring, but it was fucking crazy,” Horan muses now. “We’d go to countries and never see a second of it - it was hotel, venue, plane, same again. We couldn’t get out the [hotel] door. If you went out in the car, you’d be seen and chased [by fans]. I understand why it was going on, but it gave me a thing where, when I came back to London, I would be afraid to go out. There was a period where I actually couldn’t.”

1D announced their hiatus in 2016, and Horan released his first solo album, Flicker, the following year. His second, Heartbreak Weather, came in 2020. Three years later in February, he dropped The Show’s sparkling lead single, ‘Heaven’, taking to social media to celebrate.

“I was lying in bed when management texted to say the song was out, so I checked Twitter. The numbers were fucking nuts. I was up for hours seeing what people were saying.” Horan generally views social platforms as a tool for fun, and mainly use them to engage with followers. “Sometimes I type my name in to see tweets I’m not tagged in. If I see the fans talking about me without tagging me, I’ll reply. [My TikTok ‘For You Page’] is full of people doing dances to my songs, golf, and mid-century modern furniture. I like winding people that don’t like me up. I get such a laugh. I also try to reply to people who ask genuine questions about the music, or what I’m up to.”

With 14 years in the public eye under his belt, Horan has also seen a darker side of the internet. “I’ve [read that I’ve] been in car crashes that I wasn’t in. I’ve been in three or four fake ‘PR stunted’ relationships. What’s the old phrase? It’s tomorrow’s chip paper. I care about what the fans think, but there’s always going to be people… who would never say a thing like that to your face, because they’re cowards.”

As our time together rolls on (me looking at Horan, Horan looking at the procrastinating builders), his genuine charm reverberates around the giant hotel room. A chatty openness takes the conversation from his favourite true crime documentary (The Jinx) to tips for long haul flights (green noise) and best skincare advice (facial steaming). It’s this endearing, positive aura that makes his Nice Guy Reputation™ legitimately easy to believe. But what’s his secret?

“Don’t be a prick?” Horan jokes. “There’s no secret to that. Just don’t be one. My Irishness? My humble upbringing? This is like some kind of questionnaire. A combination of a few things. Carefree attitude?”

Horan laughs off the suggestion that he’s going to dinner parties with groups of celebrities, instead insisting he has “two really good [industry] friends, and a tight circle of old mates. People have this idea that all famous people are friends. But you’re not friends with everyone in your office, are you? I remember seeing Channing Tatum on a plane. I’d never met the guy in real life, but he waved. We were laughing later. He was like, ‘I felt like I had to do the token ‘celebrity to celebrity’ kind of moment.’”

One person Horan has connected with on a deeper level is Lewis Capaldi. “He’s just a diamond geezer,” Horan says, before sharing a better-than-average imitation of a Scottish accent. “There’s not a bad bone in his body. He’s a solid friend, and he also happens to be one of the funniest fuckers you’ve ever met in your life. We’re in a lot of WhatsApp groups together.” Horan also reached out to fellow Irishman Paul Mescal, when Normal People came out. “He’s a nice fella. When he first moved to London, I talked to him a bit. But then the pandemic happened, and we never spoke again.”

The singer briefly touches on his relationship with Amelia Woolley, who he’s been with since 2020. On whether he has a romantic side, Horan says, “I think so. I wouldn't say I’m like ‘rose petals on the floor’ type of romantic, but I'm good at caring. I'm good at making dinners and the day-to-day stuff." On love languages, he adds, "I’m good at words of affirmation and I’m good at touch.”

Album release aside, 2023 also marks Horan’s 30th birthday, with the singer entering his third decade in September. “I’m excited for it - I’ve heard your 30s are the best time of your life,” Horan says, enthused. “I’ve never been one of those people to overthink timelines. I hope I don’t age too much!” On plans for the next decade, he's thoughtful for a moment. “I’d like to still be doing this, going around the world, still playing to thousands of people. I’d like to win a Grammy. I’d like to be happy. And to still have decent skin.”

Better keep at the steaming, then.

[dertaglichedan]

KEY POINTS

Cargill, the largest privately held company in the U.S. with $165 billion in 2022 revenue, is investing for the long game in plant-based food and a world which it forecasts will need 70% more protein over the next three decades.

The agribusiness giant got into the market later than buzzy startups including Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, as well as traditional rivals Tyson Foods, Hormel Foods and Smithfield Foods, but it is growing its alternative-protein portfolio including lab-grown beef, chicken and fish made from animal cells.

The plant-based protein boom has stalled, with buzzy startups humbled and food giants retreating, but Cargill forecasts 70% more protein consumption over the next 25 to 30 years. "That protein has to come from somewhere," says its chief technology officer and head of R&D, Florian Schattenmann.

The plant-based protein boom has stalled, with buzzy startups humbled and food giants retreating, but Cargill forecasts 70% more protein consumption over the next 25 to 30 years. “That protein has to come from somewhere,” says its chief technology officer and head of R&D, Florian Schattenmann.

Cargill

Cargill is hardly a household name among consumers — even though it’s the largest privately held company in the U.S., with $165 billion in revenue in its fiscal year 2022. The 158-year-old Minneapolis-based agribusiness giant produces a slew of branded and private-label meats and food ingredients and offers a wide range of agriculture-related products and services.

In the last few years, flying somewhat under the public radar, Cargill has also become a formidable player in the plant-based meat industry, which has come back down to Earth after its meteoric rise about a decade ago, when venture-capital-backed disruptors Beyond Meat

and Impossible Foods came on like gangbusters. Traditional meat companies, including Tyson Foods, Hormel Foods and Chinese-owned Smithfield Foods, jumped on the bandwagon, and the marketplace was soon flooded with faux beef, chicken and sausage.

Strategically, Cargill joined later in the game, and is now positioning itself to win the food fight that its competitors started.

In February 2020, almost a year after Beyond Meat’s IPO, Cargill introduced private-label plant-based patties and ground products for global retail and foodservice markets. Later that year, the company came out with a branded line — called Crave House, featuring plant-based burgers, ground, meatballs and sausages — for those same markets, as well as e-commerce channels. Additionally, Cargill began marketing several plant-based protein ingredients, made from soy, pea and wheat, to food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.

“We are a unique player,” said Florian Schattenmann, Cargill’s chief technology officer and head of research and development. “We have everything from the ingredients to the final meat-processing and distribution, and don’t play in fancy brands. That’s our strategy. I wouldn’t say it’s tempered, but deliberate and thoughtful, knowing where our strengths are and not overbuilding in watching the market.”

[qocsuing]

YABO SPORTS: The UFC Connection

YABO SPORTS: The UFC Connection

In the dynamic world of sports partnerships, Yabo Sports emerged as a prominent player, weaving connections across continents. One such significant alliance was forged with the illustrious Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) football club. Let’s delve into the intriguing tale of Yabo Sports and its UFC connection.To get more news about 亚博体育, you can visit our official website.

The Rise of Yabo Sports:

Established in 2018, Yabo Sports swiftly carved its niche as a premier online betting platform in Asia. With thousands of sports gaming options, it captured the imagination of enthusiasts across the entire Asian territory. Its immersive gaming experience, unwavering reliability, and commitment to integrity propelled Yabo Sports to the forefront of the market.

The PSG Partnership:

In November 2020, Yabo Sports inked a three-season partnership agreement with Paris Saint-Germain. As France’s leading football club and the fourth-fastest-growing sports franchise globally, PSG’s popularity soared. Yabo Sports seized this opportunity, leveraging PSG’s ever-increasing fan base in Asia. The partnership granted Yabo Sports exclusive marketing rights, allowing it to tap into the Parisian club’s allure.

Shared Values and Objectives:

The collaboration between Yabo Sports and PSG transcended mere business. Shared branding values and mutual objectives fueled their synergy. PSG’s Managing Director for Asia Pacific, Sebastien Wasels, expressed delight at welcoming Yabo Sports as the club’s Official Asian Betting Partner. He emphasized their joint commitment to engaging the growing Asian fan base.

A New Era for Sports Entertainment:

David Lee, Chief Marketing Officer of Yabo Sports, echoed the sentiment. He hailed the partnership with PSG, envisioning a new era for sports entertainment. Together, they aimed to elevate each other’s popularity, bridging continents through the universal language of football.

The Vanishing Act:

However, Yabo Sports’ meteoric rise was followed by an enigmatic disappearance. Deals with football giants like Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and PSG were orchestrated by a male model, not the company’s CEO1. The intrigue surrounding Yabo Sports remains, leaving football enthusiasts pondering its fate.

In summary, Yabo Sports, once poised to conquer the football world, left an indelible mark through its PSG connection. As fans continue to cheer for their favorite teams, the Yabo Sports saga remains a captivating chapter in the annals of sports partnerships.

[metamoonshots]

International enterprise capital (VC) investments within the cryptocurrency sector are down 63% throughout the third quarter, marking the bottom stage of funding since 2020, Bloomberg Information reported, citing PitchBook analysis.A mere $2 billion was poured into the sector, contrasting sharply with the keenness seen in earlier trade peaks, based mostly on information offered by PitchBook.VC Retreat from Crypto InvestmentsThe decline coincides with the continuing legal tumult involving FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) and his alleged mismanagement of the cryptocurrency trade, which obtained tons of of thousands and thousands in enterprise funding.As soon as the driving power behind the meteoric rise of the crypto trade, enterprise capitalists at the moment are retreating within the face of accelerating scrutiny resulting from their affiliation with the beleaguered FTX platform.Robert Le, a seasoned analyst at PitchBook, stated:“We aren’t seeing the large offers anymore. That’s one of many drivers of the decline – offers are smaller.”Le additional delved into the predicaments now going through corporations that after thrived throughout the crypto bull market, corresponding to FTX, OpenSea, and Yuga Labs.With VCs stepping again, these corporations may need no alternative however to chop prices, lay off workers, or, in dire circumstances, face acquisition at slashed valuations.He added:“In the event that they’re not in a position to increase a spherical, even a down spherical, they’re both going to exit of enterprise or get acquired at a valuation that’s a lot, a lot decrease.”Whereas early-stage crypto corporations nonetheless see some funding offers, many established tech traders have vacated the scene totally. Including complexity to the scenario is the continued ripple results of the FTX scandal.FTX fallout on VCsDistinguished VCs, such because the famend Sequoia Capital, as soon as backed FTX with comparatively substantial investments, which it needed to write off when the trade went underneath.FTX and its buying and selling division, Alameda Research, have been prolific traders in their very own proper earlier than authorized challenges clouded their horizons. Their huge funding portfolio boasted trade heavyweights like Circle, Paxos, Aptos Labs, and Anchorage Digital.As FTX and Alameda navigate bankruptcy proceedings, their fairness stakes in varied startups have change into essential lifelines. The excitement surrounding a potential funding spherical for AI startup Anthropic, an FTX funding, presents a silver lining for FTX’s collectors, holding out the promise of recouping losses by potential fairness gross sales.Nonetheless, the U.S. Division of Justice (DOJ) is opposing SBF’s try to current the present worth of investments, like AI startup Anthropic, in courtroom. Prosecutors argue that is irrelevant and will mislead the jury.In the meantime, the prospect of a broad liquidation sale looms giant, which, if executed rapidly, might additional drive down the valuations of crypto startups. Le accentuated this concern, stating:“As a result of FTX and Alameda have such an enormous portfolio, it might additional depress valuations on this area.”The worldwide crypto funding group now waits with bated breath, protecting a eager eye on developments surrounding the FTX saga and its attainable ramifications on the sector’s future.Posted In: Analysis, Investments

[mightyflamethrower]

October 3, 2023

Entire fleet of Jackson’s rechargeable buses out of commission, public transit service falls back on the ever-reliable diesel engine

By Olivia Murray

Underneath the foreseeable fiasco is a scandal that views like a Solyndra rerun, and a grotesquely wasteful government—and as if Solyndra-esque plotlines and a federal government taking our hard earned money to prop up both parties on either end of a business deal from which a vast majority of the country does not benefit weren’t realities obscene and condemning enough, the latest act in the unfolding rechargeable vehicle drama of Jackson’s START system now can add a 100% failure rate of the product to the list. Cowboy State Daily’s Kevin Killough penned an article last week covering the news:

The Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit (START) system, a joint operation between Jackson and Teton County, bought eight electric buses to complement its fleet of 31. But none of the electric buses are running, and so the town’s transit system is relying on its diesel fleet. Last month, the electric bus manufacturer that supplied START, California-based Proterra, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports that the last of the electric buses went out of service two months ago, and some of the broken buses have been awaiting parts for months. START Director Bruce Abel told Cowboy State Daily that the agency still isn’t sure when those parts will come or when its electric fleet will be running again.

What should serve as egg on the face for the dopes behind this scheme is it’s not like the “100% failure rate” comment is a crafty attempt to manipulate an anti-E.V. narrative, like it would be if the “fleet” were only comprised of one bus; but this fleet is eight buses, all of which we can reasonably expect will never run again, given Proterra’s recent bankruptcy. Second of all, the Jackson Hole locale? What an asinine “investment” given the frigid temperatures that prohibit the proper function of rechargeable vehicles for a large part of the year.

Per Killough, a local resident who once sat on the county governing board said of the giant boondoggle from reliable diesel, to rechargeable electric, then back to diesel was that, and I know you’re going to have a hard time believing this (not), but, it was the manifestation of naive leftists who threw pragmatism out the window:

Paul Vogelheim … told Cowboy State Daily that 15 years ago, he and other residents of the area wanted to improve the county road system to make traffic flow smoothly across the Snake River.  Then, the idea of electric buses became some ‘noise’ along the way, he said, and the road improvements they wanted never materialized. He said it was difficult to move forward with road projects in a community with a strong voice of ‘not in my backyard.’ … Instead, a majority wanted driving to remain inconvenient in hopes that people would ride more bikes and take public transit, Vogelheim said, adding, ‘That’s not very practical.’ He said with a good supply of natural gas available, the transit system should have looked into natural gas vehicles. ‘We missed the boat there with our electric bus purchases, and obviously a bad choice of vendor,’ Vogelheim said.

What’s crazy is that this foreseeable fiasco arguably isn’t the most scandalous layer. About two months ago my colleague Monica Showalter authored a blog covering the company’s meteoric rise and subsequent bankruptcy, leaving the taxpayers with the debt—smelled like Solyndra—as well as the double-doling of our money, lining the pockets of both Proterra (at least $8 billion) and the purchasers, like Jackson, via federal grants.

But then, get this. As Killough also reported:

According to the News & Guide, the eight buses in its fleet cost $2.3 million, 80% of which was covered by a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant in 2019. Between 2020 and 2021, similar grants provided another $2.6 million, and START plans to spend $3.3 million for four more electric buses. This time another company other than Proterra will be filling the order, and delivery is years away.

Arrested development leftists beget grotesque waste, and we all have to live with the consequences.

[freddiemark]

Udaan Share Price: Soaring High or Facing Turbulence?

Introduction to Udaan Share Price 

Udaan, a name that has become synonymous with the rapid transformation of India's B2B e-commerce landscape, has been the subject of much speculation and interest among investors. As a tech-driven unicorn founded in 2016, Udaan has quickly ascended the ranks to become one of India's most valuable startups. In this article, we will delve into the journey of Udaan share price, its meteoric rise, key factors driving its performance, and the challenges it faces in the dynamic world of e-commerce.

The Udaan Story

To understand the dynamics of Udaan share price, one must first grasp the company's trajectory and its unique business model. Udaan was founded by three former Flipkart executives, Amod Malviya, Vaibhav Gupta, and Sujeet Kumar, with the vision of transforming how businesses in India source and sell products. The platform connects manufacturers, wholesalers, traders, and retailers through a digital marketplace, simplifying the B2B supply chain and reducing inefficiencies.

The Meteoric Rise

Udaan share price has been nothing short of impressive since its inception. The company's exponential growth and market penetration have attracted significant attention from venture capitalists, leading to substantial funding rounds. By 2019, Udaan had achieved unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion, making it one of the fastest startups to attain this milestone in India.

One of the key drivers of Udaan's rapid ascent has been its focus on addressing the unique challenges of the Indian B2B market. Unlike the B2C e-commerce segment, which was already well-established in India, the B2B market presented a vast untapped opportunity. Udaan's platform filled this gap by providing a user-friendly interface for businesses to connect and trade efficiently.

Fundraising and Valuation

Udaan's ability to secure substantial funding rounds has played a crucial role in its valuation and share price performance. The company's strategic approach to fundraising has garnered investments from prominent venture capital firms and institutional investors. With backing from investors like Lightspeed Venture Partners, DST Global, and Tencent, Udaan's valuation soared to over $7 billion in 2020.

The company's valuation has been a topic of interest, with many observers comparing it to other e-commerce giants in India. While Udaan's valuation is a fraction of industry leaders like Amazon and Flipkart, its unique position in the B2B segment and growth potential have contributed to investor confidence.

Key Factors Driving Udaan Share Price

Several factors have been instrumental in driving Udaan's share price to new heights:

Market Potential: India's B2B e-commerce market is vast and largely untapped. Udaan's focus on this segment positions it as a pioneer in a rapidly growing space with immense potential.

Efficient Supply Chain: Udaan's platform streamlines the supply chain for businesses, reducing costs and improving efficiency. This has attracted numerous businesses looking to optimize their operations.

Strong Leadership: Udaan's co-founders, with their prior experience at Flipkart, bring a wealth of e-commerce knowledge and leadership skills to the company, instilling investor confidence.

Expanding Geographical Reach: Udaan has been expanding its presence in Tier II and Tier III cities, tapping into markets that were previously underserved by digital platforms.

Diverse Product Categories: Udaan offers a wide range of products, from electronics to fashion, catering to the diverse needs of businesses across sectors.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its impressive growth and share price performance, Udaan faces several challenges in the highly competitive Indian e-commerce landscape:

Competition: The B2B e-commerce space in India is witnessing increased competition, with both established players and new entrants vying for market share. Udaan must continually innovate to stay ahead.

Operational Efficiency: Maintaining an efficient supply chain and addressing logistical challenges in India's diverse geography is an ongoing concern.

Regulatory Environment: The Indian government has introduced new regulations affecting e-commerce platforms. Udaan, like its peers, must adapt to these changing rules.

Profitability: Udaan, like many startups, is focused on growth over profitability at present. It needs to navigate the path to sustainable profitability in the long term.

Global Expansion: While Udaan has established a strong presence in India, expanding internationally may present new challenges and risks.

Investor Outlook

The future of Udaan share price will likely depend on its ability to address these challenges while capitalizing on the opportunities in the B2B e-commerce space. As the company continues to grow and mature, investors will closely monitor its financial performance, market share, and ability to adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape.

Investors should also consider the broader economic factors that can impact Udaan's share price. India's economic growth, consumer spending trends, and the overall health of the e-commerce sector will play a role in determining Udaan's performance on the stock market.

Conclusion

Udaan share price journey reflects the remarkable growth and potential of India's B2B e-commerce sector. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it faces both opportunities and challenges on its path to success. Investors in Udaan should closely monitor these factors and consider the long-term outlook for the company in the context of the dynamic Indian e-commerce landscape. Udaan's story is a testament to the transformative power of technology in reshaping traditional industries and creating new opportunities for businesses and investors alike.

[shahananasrin-blog]

[ad_1] BEIJING: Chinese internet giant Tencent announced on Wednesday a 41 percent year-on-year jump in second-quarter net income to 26.17 billion yuan ($3.6 billion).Following years of meteoric growth, Chinese tech firms faced a stringent crackdown by authorities in recent years, which weighed heavily on their profitability.Tencent also announced an 11 percent increase in revenue during the second quarter, reaching 149.21 billion yuan ($20.46 billion). In 2020, Beijing started tightening the screws on what it saw as out-of-control ballooning of the tech industry, slashing the market capitalisation of major players by billions of dollars. While rival Alibaba was one of the crackdown's main targets, Tencent was not spared from increased oversight, with its WeChat receiving a nearly 3 billion yuan fine last month. Tencent last year announced its first decline in quarterly sales since its listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange in 2004. The Shenzhen-based firm is the world's largest video game company in terms of revenue, dominating the Asian market in particular.!(function(f, b, e, v, n, t, s) ; var TimesApps = window.TimesApps; TimesApps.toiPlusEvents = function(config) var isConfigAvailable = "toiplus_site_settings" in f && "isFBCampaignActive" in f.toiplus_site_settings && "isGoogleCampaignActive" in f.toiplus_site_settings; var isPrimeUser = window.isPrime; if (isConfigAvailable && !isPrimeUser) loadGtagEvents(f.toiplus_site_settings.isGoogleCampaignActive); loadFBEvents(f.toiplus_site_settings.isFBCampaignActive); else var JarvisUrl=" window.getFromClient(JarvisUrl, function(config) if (config) loadGtagEvents(config?.isGoogleCampaignActive); loadFBEvents(config?.isFBCampaignActive); ) ; )( window, document, 'script', ); [ad_2]

[ainews]

Danish soccer star Claus Heintze, the 6-foot-3-inch, 247-pound defender, is often referred to as a "Giant" on the soccer pitch. Heintze has become a fan favorite in Scandinavia due to his sheer size and commanding presence on the field.

Heintze's massive frame has made him one of the best center-backs in the world. He has a tremendous wingspan and can dominate in the air, winning a high percentage of aerial duals for possession. He can also cover a lot of ground, making him a valued asset in defensive transitions.

In addition to his defensive prowess, Heintze is also a threat from set pieces (corner kicks and free-kicks). His size and jumping ability make it difficult for opposing players to effectively clear or challenge his deliveries into the box.

Heintze's career has taken a meteoric rise in recent years and he's become a standout on the international stage, representing Denmark at the 2014 World Cup, as well as the 2020 UEFA Euro. He has also become a leader of his club side, FC Copenhagen, becoming their captain in 2021.

Given his size and skill, it's easy to see why Claus Heintze has become such a star. His immense size and physicality provide a unique set of skills on the soccer pitch that can't be matched by many players his size. Fans of Claus Heintze can only hope that his impressive career continues to thrive in the coming years.

[truprosperity]

The Growing Concerns over AI's Impact on Humanity: A Reuters/Ipsos Poll Reveals Public Apprehension

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has triggered a wave of concern among Americans, with many expressing worries about the potential negative consequences and even the threat it poses to civilization. In a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, over two-thirds of respondents expressed concern about the adverse effects of AI, highlighting the urgent need for regulation and thoughtful consideration of its implications.

As AI has gained widespread integration into everyday life, it has taken center stage in public discourse. OpenAI's ChatGPT chatbot, in particular, has witnessed unprecedented growth, making it the fastest growing AI application to date. This meteoric rise has fueled an AI arms race, with technology giants like Microsoft and Google competing to surpass each other's AI achievements.

The concerns about AI are not limited to the general public; lawmakers and AI companies alike are taking notice. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified before the U.S. Congress, highlighting concerns about potential misuse of the technology and advocating for regulation. Senator Cory Booker and other lawmakers also voiced their apprehensions during a Senate panel on AI, emphasizing the need for effective regulation in a rapidly expanding AI landscape.

According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, the number of Americans who believe that AI could have adverse consequences is three times higher than those who do not. A significant 61% of respondents expressed concerns about AI's potential risks to humanity, while only 22% disagreed, and 17% remained unsure. Notably, individuals who voted for Donald Trump in the 2020 election were more concerned, with 70% acknowledging the potential threat compared to 60% of Joe Biden voters. Additionally, Evangelical Christians were more likely to strongly agree (32%) that AI poses risks compared to non-Evangelical Christians (24%).

While apprehension about AI's impact is understandable, industry experts argue that the public should be better informed about the benefits AI can bring to society. Sebastian Thrun, a computer science professor at Stanford and founder of Google X, believes that AI has the potential to enhance people's quality of life and improve efficiency. However, the positive applications of AI, such as its role in revolutionizing drug discovery, often go unnoticed compared to more visible applications like ChatGPT.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll has shed light on the growing concerns among Americans about the potential risks associated with AI technology. With a majority expressing worry about its effects on humanity and civilization, there is a clear need for informed regulation and public awareness campaigns to address these concerns. Balancing the perceived risks with the potential benefits of AI will be crucial in shaping the future of this transformative technology. As AI continues to play an increasingly pervasive role in our lives, it is essential to foster an open and informed dialogue to harness its potential while safeguarding humanity's well-being.

Source: Article

[jozigist]

Mr Brainwash to Launch Battersea Power Station Show

Mr Brainwash to Launch Battersea Power Station Show One of the world's most collectable and provocative contemporary artists, Mr Brainwash, flies from LA to London to launch his eagerly awaited, new exhibition at the restored Battersea Power Station on 25 April, opening to the public until 3 May.

The pop art phenomenon - AKA Thierry Guetta - will make a personal appearance at the launch of the Clarendon Fine Art show; one of his most audacious yet, appropriating and reinterpreting the classics and offering his signature, subversive and playful takes on the modern world. The high impact and high value new collection is rich in styles and themes, including pop culture sculptures like Life is Beautiful, which became his catchphrase after his legendary LA exhibition of the same name catapulted him to fame in 2008, making history as the most highly attended private exhibition of all time with more than 50,000 visitors and artwork selling for six figures. The show will unveil large-scale statement pieces, brick artwork celebrating his street art origins, painted balloon sculptures, neon mirror artworks, "vandalised" frames liberating art from canvases, and paper originals deconstructing popular culture. Mr Brainwash will also be releasing two exclusive, limited editions, Long Live the King and Power to the People. Long Live the King commemorates the coronation of King Charles III and is the partner piece to the Platinum Jubilee Queen of Hearts editions, which are already being collected for double their original price. Power to the People is Mr Brainwash's bold, new depiction of the show's Battersea Power Station location, emblazoned with his graffiti, a Life is Beautiful neon and with nods to Pink Floyd's iconic Animals album artwork and Banksy, who directed the Oscar-nominated Exit through the Gift Shop documentary, charting Mr Brainwash's meteoric rise to fame. Like the French street artist, Battersea Power Station is larger than life and has been regenerated for the modern age, a concept which is close to his heart. The artist has a special connection to the iconic building and unveiled a giant mural there in 2021 to celebrate the launch of the Battersea Power Station Underground, which was accompanied by a large-scale light show on the Power Station itself and the unveiling of a Life is Beautiful sculpture. The mural is now on display inside the Grade II* listed building. After the London exhibition, the show will go on tour to Clarendon Fine Art's Birmingham and then Bluewater, Kent Galleries, both of which will feature Mr Brainwash in attendance, followed by week-long, public exhibitions. Clarendon Fine Art has been Mr Brainwash's exclusive UK gallery representative since 2020 and their CEO, Helen Swaby says: "His work is an orchestrated collision of street and pop art, built around messages of hope, that has challenged cultural norms and made him a global street art phenomenon. "We are excited about bringing Mr Brainwash back to a place with so much significance to him for this innovative riot of themes, styles, statements, jokes, commentary and chaos." After starring in Banksy's 2010 documentary, Mr Brainwash said: "Banksy captured me becoming an artist. In the end, I became his biggest work of art." Since then, Mr Brainwash has designed album covers for Madonna, Rick Ross and Michael Jackson, collaborated with everybody from Mercedes-Benz, the Beckhams, First Lady Michelle Obama - for her Let Girls Learn organisation - and Pope Francis for his Scholas youth foundation. And he is changing the face of street art in the UK with his unique brand of positivity. For further information, exhibition attendance, interview requests or high-res images, please contact: Charli Morgan or Matt Glass / charli@cultmediacollective.com / matt@cultmediacollective.com 020 8355 7864 Read the full article

[sortanonymous]

KC-PIT (Y): Dang, this really is looking like 2020 again!

BAL-HOU (Y): Beyonce showed more life dashing through the halls in two seconds off-screen (assuming it wasn't edited) than the Texans showed all evening.

SEA-CHI (Y): Football's not only merely dead, it's really most sincerely dead.

LAC-NE (Y): Drake Maye need some help, and Jared Mayo not be the guy.

DEN-CIN (n):

Guess Mike Brown's gonna assume nothing is wrong and keep Zac Taylor despite him being a doofus. But at least we screwed up our future in style! :D

ARI-LAR (Y): Welp, sorry Seattle. Should have beaten the Giants when you had the chance.

NYJ-BUF (Y): Alright, hopefully I've got one more half-decent jet pun in me next week (unless the Dolphins choke anyway)

TEN-JAC (n): What more can you say about a Jags team so miserable that they aren't even good at tanking.

CAR-TB (Y): The Buccs are quaking ready to laugh at the Falcons while the Panthers are quaking ready for this season to be over.

GB-MIN (Y): The Vikings sure love almost Viking-ing against Green Bay this year, huh

LV-NO (n): I need to see the sideline tapes of Derek Carr sweating bullets over nearly becoming the first QB to lose to 32 teams.

IND-NYG (Y):

MIA-CLE (Y): The game doesn't even matter (unless a couple of meteors hit Denver and Cincy in the face, I guess). Let's just laugh at Deshaun in the Clowns! XD

DAL-PHI (Y): Saquon cruising to 2,000 yards (if not over 2,105) like Jerry Jones cruising to make his case for further geriatrics by keeping Mike McCarthy!

ATL-WAS (Y): You know, with how much Atlanta's worn out the whole mid-game collapse thing, it's interesting seeing them mix that with a mid-season collapse!

DET-SF (Y): I know Detroit may as well have benched everyone in this game, but still, I can't be the only one at least a little concerned about Detroit's defense getting lit up by a Niners franchise whose fumes are running on fumes.

Next 2 teams eliminated (15/18): Colts and Seahawks (also I forgot the Jaguars for like a month, sorry) Next 3 teams clinching playoffs (12/14): Chargers, Commanders, and Rams

Week 17 Predictions: 13/16 2024 Predictions (1 week left): 182/251 (.725)

SortaSports' 2024 NFL Week 17 Predictions

(Credit to Yinzer MAK Sports and their video for this week's thumbnail, since the NFL and Netflix's money train towards a Wednesday Christmas Gameday meant not even Grossi could have his thumbnail out in time for me. Thanks, Roger!)

KC-PIT (Christmas A): Chiefs (ANOTHER FRAUD BOWL!!!)

BAL-HOU (Christmas B): Ravens

SEA-CHI (TNF): Seahawks

LAC-NE (Saturday Showdown A): Chargers

DEN-CIN (Saturday Showdown B): Broncos

ARI-LAR (Saturday Showdown C): Rams

NYJ-BUF: Bills

TEN-JAC: Titans (ANOTHER TANK BOWL/BWOL!!!)

CAR-TB: Buccaneers

GB-MIN: Vikings

LV-NO: Saints

IND-NYG: Colts

MIA-CLE: Dolphins

DAL-PHI: Eagles

ATL-WAS (SNF): Commanders

DET-SF (MNF): Lions

[artistic-arteries]