#its the first time Ive had this? i googled it and they said to halt cloud saves so maybe it’ll fix it?

[thedeadthree]

hi hi besties how do i make my saves save in ye olde balduring gates as they’re not saving 🥀😭

[heartofwritiing]

always come for you: snippet

paring: druig x fem!eternal!reader

a/n: im sorry if anything is confusing but this is just a small snippet! you guys are not ready for this fic… ive honestly been working my ass off for about a month planning it out and i have so many notes and rough dafts (my room looks like a crazy conspiracy place with the sticky notes lol) and it's turning out to be this really long piece. not sure when ill be done exactly but be ready for this because omg I am putting my heart and soul into this..

warning(s): rough draft so unedited! mentions of thanos, the snap/blip, reader has anxiety and a bit of ptsd, a flash back to the snap, i had to google translate spanish so im sorry if its wrong please please let me know if it is!! I think that's it enjoy!!

playlist (yes i made one)

IM SO EXCITED HERE WE GOO

It’s been weeks. Nothing had been heard from any of your family back on Earth. Makkari stands below a hologram of a map of where the Domo was drifting through space. You and Druig sat by side on one of Phastos’ old work tables snacking on some grapes you had brought on your journey. Your shoulders pressed together left no space between you both, it wasn't uncommon for you to be this close considering you’ve been together a long time.

“It doesn't worry you?” you question popping the red fruit in your mouth, the sweetness flowing into your taste buds. 

“What?” Druig asks, eating one as well, not looking away from the hologram.

“That we haven't heard from Sersi since we left,” you say.

“I'm sure they’re fine. We're probably too far out for any signal to reach them,” he suggests.

You shook your head in doubt. You weren't buying it, something was off and it filled you with high anxiety levels. The nightmares you’d been having recently weren't helping your thoughts on this either. Almost every night since you came back to the Domo, you’d been having these very vivid dreams about Arishem coming and taking away everything you held most dear. You would wake up screaming, tears rolling down your face every time and Druig would be there when you woke to comfort you. If something was amiss would Sersi or even Phastos contact you about it? What if Airshem had discovered what you’d all done at succeeding in stopping Timut? Would he lay his judgment upon you all or worse Earth?

You couldnt have that happen, if no one else would say it you would. You had to go back as soon as possible. You stood from your seat next to Druig and stepped to the middle of the room and crossed your arms, Makkari noticed the worried expression on your face.

“This doesn't sit right with me, we have to go back,” you said, while also signing for Makkari.

She agrees with you expressing how she was also having a bad feeling. Suddenly Makkari halted and glanced behind you. before you could ask you sensed a source of energy coming from the hall behind you. You saw from the corner of your sight how Thena tensed up from her relaxed position and summoned her spear and shield. You bulked up clenching your hands into fists, surging your power into your hands as it tingled all throughout your skin. Druig on the other hand looked at the three of you in confusion while he munched on his sandwich, oblivious to the danger you three ladies sensed practically immediately. 

A figure with pointy ears had suddenly teleported through the room with a loud crash as he landed face-first onto the floor. Your hands glowed brighter as you stood prepared for anything that was about to come, if it was a fight so be it. The stranger cackled and stood up on its two feet as it mumbled something about drunk teleporting. You were about to question who he was and what he wanted. He held his hand up and cleared his throat. 

As if imitating a fanfare he started speaking. 

“Behold, the royal prince of Titan,” 

Another portal appeared in the threshold of the lab, casting a rainbowish glow when another figure walked through as the elf creature continued. 

“Brother of Thanos, the Knave of Hearts, defeater of Black Robert..” 

“Roger.” the voice corrected. 

The name Thanos didn’t slip past you, the name sent chills down your spine, and fear seeped into your chest. You’ve heard the name numerous times before, it plagued your mind for five years and whoever this was, was the brother of the most feared alien in the galaxy. Druig caught the distressed look in your eyes, he knew that name was like a stab to the chest for you, and for many others across the universe. You had lost so many people to the snap who were very dear to you. Druig had never seen you like that, so lost and hopeless that he was scared he lost you to the darkness when you had first shown up at his compound in the Amazon five years ago. 

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

You opened a portal and touched down on wet soil. There was a heavy downpour of rain coming down on you soaking your spandex but you didn't care, it wasn't important. The air smelled of the earth as you took off in a sprint toward the small familiar village a few feet away. You hadn't been here in over three years but it still looked the same, with the old wooden buildings that hadn't been renovated in over twenty years still standing firm. You ran through the courtyard past people who were weeping in despair. 

They cried out to the skies above in their native language, to the gods above, why, why was this happening? but there was no reply and you knew why. You knew exactly what was happening, it was like a ripple effect around the universe all transpiring simultaneously. A wave of defeat on you and your team for failing… Strange had said this was it, the endgame but how could something like this possibly be the outcome of victory? 

You felt numb watching your new friends turn into dust, feeling useless to stand there and not be able to do anything. Everything came slamming down on you emotionally as you stood around the remaining Avengers. until you thought of Druig. and without even thinking you opened a portal to the Amazon and jumped through, leaving everyone behind you in a state of bewilderment. He had to be here, if you didn't dust then he couldn't have right? You spotted Sofia who was sitting in a rocking chair, her family had lived in the village for generations and you remember when she was just a baby and now a grown woman with her own baby on the way. You rushed over to her in bathed breaths she had to know where Druig was. She noticed you running up to her and smiled at you warmly. 

“y/n! ¡Qué bueno verte!” she said. y/n! So good to see you!

“es bueno verte también, you touched her arm. “sabe dónde está Druig?” you stammered. It’s good to see you as well, do you know where Druig is? Your Spanish was a little rusty and your voice was shaken but she seemed to understand you just fine. 

Sofia nodded and pointed towards the main building where village meetings were held and informed you he was in there with a few villagers. You thanked her and took off bidding her goodbye, you would apologize for such a rude farewell later, for you were filled with a sense of reassurance knowing he could still be here. When you got to the wooden blue doors you didn't waste another second, you grabbed the handles and threw them open. 

Four men stood at the table down the aisle of benches, one who stood with his back to you with his shoulders hunched over mumbled something in Spanish to the others. You’d recognize his voice anywhere and the gasp you let out was faint but it reached Druigs ears. He turned around to see you standing in the doorway of the mess hall dawned in your avenger's gear and hair soaked from the rain, he thought you looked so beautiful and fierce. 

Solace washed over you and you both ran toward one another, your feet pounded against the old wooden floor and your heartbeat in your ears, it wasn't until he was meeting you halfway and you were jumping into his open arms that it finally felt true. He was alive, he hadn't dusted and he was here. 

“Oh my love,” he breathes and you let out a cry. “Are you alright?” 

“You’re okay, that's all that matters,” you sniffled. 

You both stand in an embrace grasping onto the other like a lifeline, not knowing if something was going to happen at any given minute. You just wanted to hold him for as long as possible. At some point the other village leaders had left you two alone, all you did was cry in Druigs arms and he held you tight in his arms. When you finally pulled away slightly he looked down at you in puzzlement. 

“Something is happening, I don’t know what-” Druig halted his words when he saw the solemn look on your face. 

“I do.” 

You had explained to Druig what was going on, you told him about Wakanda, Thanos, and everything else. It took a while for you to get everything out having it just all happen and Druig was patient with you as you told your story. When you finished you buried your head in his chest and he kissed your head as you continued to cry. 

“It’s all my fault…” you bawled. 

“No it’s not,” he said sternly. “ you have saved so many people.” 

“I want to stay with you,” you mumbled into his shirt. “I can’t go back to the compound in New York, it's too painful..” 

Druig gently grabs your head to pull you away from his chest so he can look you in the eyes. He sees all the pain and suffering you’ve endured, he wished at that moment to never see you like this again. He would take care of you. He nods unhurriedly Leaning forward to place a kiss between your eyebrows tenderly. 

“I wouldn’t want you anywhere else.” 

☾ ⋆*･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ

tags: @redheadspark @a-lumos-in-the-nox @charlie-heatons-whxre @steve-harringtons-slut

edit: sorry i tagged you guys last night but it didn’t work for some reason :/

[catypus]

Okay I hope this isn't bothering you but I've been obsessed with this for a while now- akaashi x reader but she's dying young and she's never seen the snow and wanted to see the world and Akaashi being the compassionate person he is, he plans to take her traveling and to show her all the seasons in other places before she can't anymore-🥺😭 idk ive been obsessed with this idea since FOREVER 🥺👉👈

a | n : aww it’ll never be a bother!! thank you for sending in your request and waiting, we were really busy at that time but hope you like it <3

pairings: akaashi x dying!reader

genre: angsty huhu :”)))

warnings: implied death

© all content belongs to catypus 2020. do not modify or repost.

the four phases of grief (through the seasons)

when it’s you and me, it feels like nothing can tear us down; nothing can tear us apart

  - phase I; shock and numbness -

Time becomes a finite measure only when your days are set.

Others at your age are going out, exploring their futures, just setting foot into an unknown world and you? Get the better half of 1 year thrown at your feet and told, “here make what you will of it”

But how can you?

The words of the doctor echoes in your head, rattling your thoughts and making them dance about until nothing is coherent anymore.

It feels empty.

Like everything has lost its colour, its flavour.

But when he hugs you,

when he lets you cry it out on his shoulder,

when he cups your face and leaves a sweet kiss on your lips and whispers to you,

“my love, I'm here, I'll give you the best life”,

you can’t help but feel a miniscule tinge better.

That the love of your life, will remain a constant until the very end.

akaashi keiji, you’re one hell of a guy

The next day, he springs a surprise trip to Greece.

You could hardly believe the words as they left his lips.

“pack what you need, we leave at the end of the week”

“I’ve already called ahead to your work, you don’t have to worry about that”

And that’s how a week later you found yourselves on the windswept limestone cliffs of Santorini, gazing upon the tops of the notable blue and white architecture.

In the midst of the white-washed buildings, casted golden by the setting sun, Keiji tightens his grip on your hand.

A silent promise.

One that you treasure closest to your heart as the sun disappears beneath the horizon, bringing the day to a close.

 at the end, doesn’t everyone just want closure ?

 - phase ii; yearning and searching -

It's that time of the year where everything starts shriveling up and dying as the temperature takes a dip for the lower end of the thermostat.

And before you know it, you too will shrivel up and die

it’s a never leaving trail of negativity; one that only festers and broils as the autumn leaves scatter at the touch of the cold breeze.

That day, Keiji brings home a new beanie and shoves it snugly over your head, tightly bundling your hair until it frays out. He lets out a low chuckle.

You pout at him, attempting to uncover your eyes so you can see him properly and get your hair in place, when all you see are two plane tickets to Ontario.

He smiles softly at you, watching at your expression.

You meet his gaze quietly, staring into his eyes.

His eyes that hold hope for you.

You both know by now that the prospect of extending your deadline is out of the question. You’ve taken more sick days and the monthly reviews have slowly transitioned into fortnightly ones.

Yet he holds so much emotion for you, so many wishes that you will be happy, with him. Even until the very end.

You grasp his hand, in which he holds the tickets.

“when do we leave?”

The mist rising from the falls breaks the sunlight and forms a slender arc of a rainbow above the crest of the waterfall.

Against the backdrop of the hues of orange, red and yellow, the colours of autumn have never looked more stunning.

The two of you stand there, at the outlook over the edge of the falls, watching the miniscule silhouettes of other tourists on board the boats as they view Niagara Falls from a different perspective.

Maybe it’s about the perspective.

Maybe it’s not that you have less than a year left.

Maybe it’s that you have the rest of the year to love Keiji.

That you have the rest of the year to get your forever with him.

As you link hands and slowly tread through the park, leaves crunching at your feet, he suddenly stops.

“my love, can i get a picture of you?”

As much as he’d never forget your smile, he thought to himself, if he could capture even a shred of your beauty, he’d be forever thankful.

As you stood there, amidst the falling leaves, adjusting your beanie, he thinks you’ve never looked more gorgeous.

 and as we stand here together, in this instant, it’s as if time is standing still, bearing witness to our love

 - phase iii; disorganisation and despair -

 The beauty of a small island in the middle of winter, covered by blankets of glistening white snow.

A fleeting moment, where the frosty wind nips at your cheeks as the ferry slows to a halt, docking at the jetty.

Clasping your gloved hand in his, he gently leads the way, weaving through the crowd.

As you set foot on the ground and take in the view, you realise that no image on google can compare to seeing it in real life.

In days gone by, you fawned over the picturesque landscape and imagery of Nami Island in South Korea.

Especially in the heart of winter, where many others have taken their own recreations of photos out of a K-drama.

“keiji, baby look- “,

As you would show him a sample image of a wedding photoshoot, the couple staring lovingly in each other’s eyes with the tall Maple trees bearing witness to their love.

The same tall Maple trees that you and him now stand before.

In the subtle shadows, casted by the barren trees, he graces your lips with a kiss.

Which turned into another.

And another.

Before he pulls back slightly, leaning his forehead against yours, eyes closed, just basking in each other’s company.

Softly swaying with the cold wind, he pulls something out of his pocket.

That in which he links around your neck.

When you lean back and look down at your collar, there sits a simple but elegant rose gold chain, to which a pendant is attached to.

And on the pendant, is your anniversary date.

The day that you said yes to being his best friend, his confidante, the love of his life.

Suddenly, you feel very warm.

Your face heats up and tears fall from your eyes before you even notice it.

“keiji, I’m sorry.”

“what for, baby?”

“i’m sorry for whatever’s going to happen after.”

 fate fortold that we would meet, so now my love, what’s the rush?

 - phase iv; reorganisation and recovery -

 The cold winds have blown, now the warm days are returning.

Looking out the window, the green fields rush past as the Shinkansen speedily heads for Sapporo.

Clenching your fingers tighter, you look down at where Keiji’s fingers hold on to yours just as tightly.

One last time.

Slowly but surely, strolling down the pathway, watching as high school couples bask in the bright glow of the pink hues of this season.

It seemed like a lifetime ago that you and Keiji linked arms and sat under the cherry blossoms.

Youth.

As you both sat on the bench, his arms tightly wound across your shoulder, he recalls how all those years ago, as he wiped the corner of your mouth of cream from the daifuku you were eating, he first told you those three words.

“i love you.”

“until forever and the day after that”

He pulls out his phone, your ever-beautiful face smiling back at him from under those autumn leaves in Canada.

The bench beside him has never felt emptier as he places one hand over his chest, the cold metal of the pendant pressing painfully against his heart.

It’s been a year.

A flower bud drops on his shoulder.

He remembers your expressions, the amazement you gave the first time you saw him do a snow angel, the contentment when he had kissed you under the maple trees. The love in your eyes that never wavered a single time.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath in, before shakily letting it out.

I miss you.

 even when the seasons change, our love will forever remain the same.

[nightmareonfilmstreet]

Full Line-up Announced for 2018 Overlook Film Festival – April 19-22, New Orleans

The Overlook Film Festival has just dropped an incredible line-up of horror and genre films, interactive exhibits and panels for the 2018 event.  Happening April 19th-22nd, genre audiences will descend upon the Bourbon Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, for premiere screenings of Hereditary, Unfriended: Dark Web, St. Agatha, Ghost Stories, among many others.

We attended to the 2017 Overlook Film Fest atop Mount Hood at the infamous Timberline Lodge (exterior setting of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining) and it was our favorite festival experience of the year. From the second you enter the fest, you step into a world of film, interactive horror, and sensory experiences. We had such a good time, we’ve already booked ourselves in for 2018’s events. And now that they’ve announced the line-up, I can hardly wait..

  From the Press Release

(NEW ORLEANS, LA) – The Overlook Film Festival is proud to announce its second year programming lineup. In addition to the 40 films (23 features and 17 short films from 12 countries) on offer, the festival will feature exciting parties, virtual reality, interactive events, and live performances – all taking place in America’s most haunted city: New Orleans, Louisiana.

On opening night of the festival, audience members will enjoy the chiller Unfriended: Dark Web (United States, 2018), from Blumhouse Productions and Bazelevs Productions, directed by Stephen Susco, and starring Colin Woodell, Betty Gabriel, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Andrew Lees, Connor del Rio, Stephanie Nogueras, and Savira Windyani.

The Overlook Film Festival will screen A24’s highly anticipated Hereditary (United States, 2018) as its closing feature presentation, directed by Ari Aster, and starring Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd, and Gabriel Byrne.

The Centerpiece of the 2018 edition of The Overlook Film Festival is St. Agatha, directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, which will hold its world premiere in New Orleans at the festival.

The festival’s Visionary Award will be presented to modern genre favorite Leigh Whannell, best known for writing the first three films in the Saw franchise, as well as Insidious, and Insidious: Chapter 2, and directing Insidious: Chapter 3. Whannell is an Australian screenwriter, producer, director, and actor who will celebrate his latest directorial effort at the festival, Upgrade. The Visionary Award was established to honor a contemporary horror figure or company elevating the genre, while fostering the community by providing opportunities for new talent to thrive.

  Hereditary

  In addition to the films and special guests, the Overlook Film Festival will be generously packed with live presentations. The festival’s virtual reality program will feature the world premiere of noted experience creator Jon Braver’s Delusion: Lies Within, a fully immersive, 360 degree episodic narrative from Skybound Entertainment.

Other experiences will run the gamut from live podcasts and storytelling shows, to immersive attractions for an audience of one – including the world premiere of a new show from immersive theater troupe BLACKOUT – and The Overlook Immersive Game, a new alternate reality game that will span the entirety of the festival created by this year’s experience designers Scott Gillies and Nick Tierce, whose credits include a range of interactive projects for companies that include Electronic Arts, Disney, Microsoft, Niantic Labs and Google.

The Overlook Film Festival is programmed by festival co-directors Michael Lerman and Landon Zakheim, and programmer Lili Rodriguez. The schedule, sponsors, and additional surprises will be announced in the coming days.

“We’re so excited to unleash this program onto our devoted audience and new fans in this haunted city” said festival co-director Michael Lerman.

  “It’s such a great year for horror and the varied nature of this program is really a testament to innovative ways filmmakers are finding to frighten, challenge and celebrate the genre.”

  Added co-director Landon Zakheim: “We’ve assembled a wonderfully sordid array of some of our favorite storytellers, performers, and immersive artists to create the signature events and shows that round out our weekend-long summer camp. We can’t wait to share the secrets, surprises, and ghosts of New Orleans with all of you.”

  Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night Presentations

Unfriended: Dark Web

Opening Night Film:

Unfriended: Dark Web Director: Stephen Susco Cast: Colin Woodell, Betty Gabriel, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Andrew Lees, Connor del Rio, Stephanie Nogueras, Savira Windyani United States, 2018 Preparing for his weekly Skype game night with his friends, a cyber café attendant borrows a laptop from the lost and found, only to find that the previous owner will stop at nothing to retrieve it. A sequel in name only, UNFRIENDED: DARK WEB borrows key cinematic elements from the original UNFRIENDED while telling its own edge-of-your-seat sadistic tale full of shocks and surprises that will make you think twice about who’s watching when you log on.

Centerpiece Film:

St. Agatha WORLD PREMIERE Director: Darren Lynn Bousman Cast: Sabrina Kern, Carolyn Hennesy, Courtney Halverson United States, 2018 Horror film impresario Darren Lynn Bousman, director of SAW II, III and IV, modern experiments REPO! A GENETIC OPERA and THE DEVIL’S CARNIVAL, not to mention the groundbreaking ongoing immersive property The Tension Experience, brings to life his latest vision, a period piece concerning a troubled woman running from her past who finds herself kept hostage by a coven of vicious nuns.

Closing Night Film:

Hereditary Director: Ari Aster Cast: Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, Ann Dowd, Gabriel Byrne United States, 2018 When their reclusive grandmother passes away, the Graham family is slowly taken hold by a cursed terror, one that won’t let go. A cavalcade of gifted performers led by Toni Collete star in filmmaker Ari Aster’s astounding debut feature, which has deservedly become one of the most anticipated horror films of the year since it’s electrifying debut at the Sundance Film Festival.

  St. Agatha

  Feature Film Presentations

Arizona Director: Jonathan Watson Cast: Danny McBride, Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Wilson, Lolli Sorenson, Elizabeth Gillies, Kaitlin Olson United States, 2017 This wickedly inventive comedic thriller that sharply utilizes the true life economic turmoil of the housing crisis as its backdrop, casts Danny Mcbride as an unhinged homeowner who attempts to take out his frustrations on a scrupulous relator (Rosemarie Dewitt) with a rampage that grows increasingly murderous.

Beast Director: Michael Pearce Cast: Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn, Trystan Gravelle,Geraldine James United Kingdom, 2017 In this brutal, sexy, critically acclaimed debut thriller from UK director Michael Pearce, a disturbed woman finds herself caught between her oppressive family’s demands and her animalistic attraction to an alluring stranger who’s arrival in her life is suspiciously timed with a series of vicious murders in their isolated community.

Blood Fest Director: Owen Egerton Cast: Robbie Kay, Jacob Batalon, Seychelle Gabriel, Tate Donovan, Barbara Dunkelman, Nick Rutherford, Zachary Levi United States, 2018 When the most exciting horror festival in the country turns the tables on its zealous fan base by trapping them on the grounds and murdering them en masse, a group of teens armed with the knowledge of a thousand horror movies must fight their way through the bloodbath in this hilarious send-up of horror culture.

Blue My Mind Director: Lisa Brühlmann Cast: Luna Wedler, Zoë Pastelle Holthuizen Switzerland, 2017 During the process of moving cities with her parents and trying to start over with a new group of friends, 15-year-old Mia begins to discover unexpected changes to her body that she dare not speak about to anyone. In spite of her radical attempts to halt the process, Mia is forced to face the horrifying reality of who she truly is. Equal parts tender, surreal, and grotesque, actor-turned-director Lisa Brühlmann’s first feature is a worth addition to the adolescent body horror canon.

Caniba Director: Véréna Paravel & Lucien Castaing-Taylor Cast: Issei Sagawa, Jun Sagawa France, 2017 Sensory ethnography documentarians Lucien Castaign-Taylor and Véréna Paravel turn their cameras on notorious Japanese cannibal cum manga author, pornography director, and sushi critic, Issei Sagawa. In an unprecedented and shocking interview, Sagawa reveals gruesome details about his life and crimes, as well as a peak into his fraught relationship with his mysterious brother.

Don’t Leave Home Director: Michael Tully Cast: Anna Margaret Hollyman, Lalor Roddy, Helena Bereen, David McSavage, Karrie Cox Ireland, 2018 An American artist accepts a strange invitation to a secluded Irish manor to construct an original sculpture for a priestly painter whose work has been shrouded in a sinister urban legend involving the disappearance of an 8-year-old girl in this creepy, offbeat cinematic discovery from indie stalwart Michael Tully (SEPTIEN).

Downrange Director: Ryuhei Kitamura Cast: Kelly Connaire, Stephanie Pearson, Alexa Yeames, Jason Tobias United States, 2017 Macabre mastermind Ryuhei Kitamura (VERSUS, MIDNIGHT MEAT TRAIN) comes crashing back with a frenetic new film of murder and mayhem. Stranded by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere from a tire blowout, a group of carpoolers become suddenly besieged by flying bullets from an unseen shooter with incredible precision and a savage will.

The Farm WORLD PREMIERE Director: Hans Stjernswärd Cast: Nora Yessayan, Alec Gaylord, Ken Volok, Rob Tisdale United States, 2018 The classic horror tale of a young couple who takes a wrong turn and stumbles into a small town full of people with nefarious intentions is turned on its head in this disturbing manifesto about food production. Seeping with eerie atmosphere, this unnerving first feature from newcomer Hans Stjernswärd finds as much fear in its silences as it does in its sickening, insidious images.

  Ghost Stories

  Ghost Stories Director: Jeremy Dyson & Andy Nyman Cast: Martin Freeman, Alex Lawther, Andy Nyman, Paul Whitehouse United Kingdom, 2017 After stumbling across a long-lost folder of material from his childhood hero, Goodman, a TV investigator known for debumking psychic hoaxes, digs deep into three cases of ghoulish hauntings. Determined to find rational explanations, Goodman quickly realizes he’s in over his head. Featuring Martin Freeman, this spine-tingling anthology, adapted from the hit stage play, tells enough tales to keep you up for nights to come.

Good Manners Director: Juliana Rojas & Marco Dutra Cast: Isabél Zuaa, Marjorie Estiano, Miguel Lobo Brazil/France, 2017 A surprising, imaginative and engaging twist on classic genre stories told with a sophisticated cinematic technique, GOOD MANNERS begins unassumingly with a near destitute nurse becoming the caretaker for a wealthy, isolated pregnant woman exhibiting strange behavior. But soon her habits turn into a sleeping hunger that changes both of their lives forever.

Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich WORLD PREMIERE Director: Sonny Laguna & Tommy Wiklund Cast: Thomas Lennon, Michael Paré, Barbara Crampton, Udo Kier United Kingdom / United States, 2018 During a roadtrip to a convention for the 30th Anniversary of the infamous Toulon Murders, a comic book nerd, his new girlfriend and his best friend come face to face with a set of sadistic nazi puppets out for blood. A reimagining of the Charles Band classic, this uproarious horror comedy starring Thomas Lennon, Udo Kier, Barbara Crampton, Nelson Franklin, and Charlene Yi pays homage to the Full Moon features of the late 80s, early 90s.

The Ranger Director: Jenn Wexler Cast: Chloë Levine, Granit Lahu, Jeremy Pope, Bubba Weiler, Amanda Grace Benitez, Jeremy Holm, Larry Fessenden United States, 2018 A band of punks on the run from trouble with the local law hide out in the woods, only to stumble onto the radar of a deranged park ranger with a malicious approach to justice and a mysterious connection to a member of their group. Longtime indie horror producer Jenn Wexler makes her directorial debut with this manic, punk-rock take on the traditional slasher flick.

Revenge Director: Coralie Fargeat Cast: Matilda Lutz, Kevin Janssens, Vincent Colombe, Guillaume Bouchede, Jean-Louis Tribes France, 2017 First time filmmaker Coralie Fargeat subverts expectations of the exploitative rape-revenge film tropes from the grind house age for this explosively shocking assault on misogynistic culture that stunned unsuspecting audiences at both the Toronto and Sundance film festivals. Don’t miss one of the most intense debuts of the year.

Satan’s Slaves (Also our featured image) Director: Joko Anwar Cast: Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, Dimas Aditya, Endy Arfian, Nasar Annuz, Ayu Laksmi, Egy Fedly Indonesia, 2017 When Mawarni, a famous Indonesian singer, dies of a mysterious illness, her husband and four children are left behind to pick up the pieces, only to discover that they are being haunted by a pack of rabid spirits headed by Mawarni herself. Technically billed as a remake of the 1982 Indonesian remake of Don Coscarelli’s PHANTASM, celebrated director Joko Anwar’s SATAN’S SLAVES is its own chilling throwback to 70s supernatural thrillers, packed to the brim with jump scares and iconic imagery.

Sex Madness Revealed WORLD PREMIERE Director: Tim Kirk Cast: Patton Oswalt, Rob Zabrecky United States, 2018 Notorious comedian Patton Oswalt and renowned magician Rob Zabrecky star in Tim Kirk’s (DIRECTOR’S COMMENTARY) latest experiment in how to tell tales of terror. Taking the form of an audio commentary that plays out over the little known 1938 STD propaganda film SEX MADNESS, the voice of a persnickety film blogger interviews the descendant of the original motion picture’s director who harbors a nefarious secret.

Tigers Are Not Afraid Director: Issa López Cast: Paola Lara, Juan Ramón López, Ianis Guerrero, Rodrigo Cortés, Hanssel Casillas Mexico, 2017 In one of the most imaginative (and award winning!) features traveling the genre festival circuit in recent months, a young girl with a missing mother joins a band of street misfits in effort to survive amidst rampant cartel violence in modern-day Mexico City. Populated with fairy tale imagery, TIGERS is at turns harshly real and terrifyingly surreal, reminiscent of films like THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE and CITY OF GOD as it details a tragic and engulfing nightmare.

  Upgrade

  Upgrade Director: Leigh Whannell Cast: Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Harrison Gilbertson, Benedict Hardie Australia, 2017 Fan favorite Leigh Whannell, whose work on the SAW and INSIDIOUS franchises have made him a modern genre icon, thrills and delights with this gory and action-packed foray into a science-fiction dystopia. An experimental procedure infuses a sentient computer chip into the body and mind of paralyzed Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), fueling a spiraling mission for vengeance that leads to a terrifying endgame.

Vampire Clay Director: Soichi Umezawa Cast: Kyoka Takeda, Momoka Sugimoto, Ena Fujita, Yuyu Makihara, Asuka Kurosawa Japan, 2017 A group of unwitting art school students find themselves in a brutal showdown against a pack of evil of modeling clay in this campy, inventive, practical effects extravaganza from Japanese FX artist turned filmmaker Soichi Umezawa.

What Keeps You Alive Director: Colin Minihan Cast: Hannah Emily Anderson, Brittany Allen, Martha Macisaac, Joey Klein, Charlotte Lindsay Marron Canada, 2018 For their first wedding anniversary, Jackie and Jules retreat to a cozy cabin near a beautiful lake. The sudden appearance of Jackie’s childhood best friend sets off a chain of unlikely events that turn a quiet vacation into the deadliest game of cat and mouse in Overlook Alum Colin Minihan’s (writer of STILL/BORN) claustrophobic survivalist thriller.

Wolfman’s Got Nards: A Documentary Director: André Gower Cast: Fred Dekker, Shane Black, Seth Green, Adam F. Goldberg, Ryan Lambert, Ashley Bank, Adam Green, Joe Lynch, Chuck Russell, Heather Langenkamp United States, 2018 August 14, 1987 saw the release of what has become one of the strangest, scariest and most iconic kids film to ever grace the silver screen – THE MONSTER SQUAD. In this endearing documentary, director Andre Gower takes us not only behind the scenes on the production, but also into the heart of the fandom surrounding the movie and the magic that made it such a defining cinematic experience for so many in the genre community.

Virtual Reality Presentations

Campfire Creepers

  Campfire Creepers: The Skull of Sam Director: Alexandre Aja From master of horror Alexandre Aja, the director of films such as The Hills Have Eyes, Piranha, and Horns, comes an original anthology series that brings classic campfire stories to life in stunning Virtual Reality. Produced by Oculus and Future Lighthouse and distributed by Dark Corner, Campfire Creepers invites viewers to join the fire circle at a summer camp called Camp Coyote as a group of kids take turns telling spooky tales. Inspired by cult classics like Creepshow and Tales from the Crypt, every episode of Campfire Creepers is a wild ride that will have you laughing and screaming in equal measure.

Delusion: Lies Within WORLD PREMIERE Director: Jon Braver Set in the 1940’s American South, beloved author Elena Fitzgerald goes missing before releasing the final novel in her epic dark fantasy that has captivated fans Daniel and Virginia. As many believe her to be dead, Daniel and Virginia must leave their grim reality behind to save Fitzgerald from her own literary nightmare. The VR series from Skybound Entertainment is a fully immersive, 360 degrees episodic story. Delusion is based off Jon Braver’s 2014 immersive theatrical performance in Los Angeles.

Masters Of The Sun Director: will.i.am This interactive comic book series from Oculus Studios, born from the mind of will.i.am (Black Eyed Peas), is a retro futuristic B-boy zombie thriller about a hip-hop group from East LA that must battle an ancient god who is turning black drug dealers and gangsters into zombies. This epic journey, spanning 13 episodes, explores gang culture, hip-hop origins, and cloaked conspiracy theories—from ancient Egypt to the streets of LA. Starring Queen Latifah, Rakim, Jamie Foxx, Ice-T, and KRS-One.

Night Night Director: Guy Shelmerdine It’s time to drift off to dreamland…but first your mom is going to read you a short bedtime story. Take a journey into your childhood nightmares with Dark Corner’s sense-stunning immersive experience. Produced by Dark Corner and MPC VR.

Wolves In The Walls (Chapter 1) Director: Pete Billington Eight-year-old Lucy suspects that wolves live in the walls of her family’s home. She has no one to believe her … but you. Forging a groundbreaking blend of film, theatre, audience agency, and sleight of hand, this exquisitely crafted animated experience, adapted from material by Neil Gaiman and choreographed by immersive theater company Third Rail Projects, casts you as an active performer in a narrative where you interact, have a relationship with, and go on a quest with the central character in ways that leave your mark on the experience.

  Live Event Presentations

BLACKOUT WORLD PREMIERE Creators: Kristjan Thor and Josh Randall In 2009, an underground immersive horror experience swept through the NYC art scene and began a path that would transform the international theater community. BLACKOUT, the X-rated fear experience designed for adults over 18 to walk through completely alone. Created by directors Kristjan Thor and Josh Randall, BLACKOUT has had productions in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Now at the Overlook Film Festival, BLACKOUT presents the world premiere of a rare and unique opportunity for the adventurous to make their way through what the NEW YORK TIMES has called the “most extreme theater event of the year.” WARNING: This is considered an extreme experience and is exclusively for pass holders. Participants are required to sign a waiver. Slots will be made available exclusively for all-access pass holders.

The Canon Podcast Live Host: Amy Nicholson What films should be included in the list of all-time greats? Film critic Amy Nicholson and a guest debate, discuss and sometimes harmoniously agree about whether a film should be Canon-ized. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Cast your vote, and decide the legacy of each movie forevermore. No pressure.

In Another Room Directors: Austin and Aaron Keeling Last summer, E3W Productions’ surprise hit ‘In Another Room’ invited guests to explore the richly storied rooms of a notoriously haunted house in Los Angeles, introducing audience members to the inhabitants who lived and died within its walls. Now, E3W Productions is pleased to offer exclusive access to one of the rooms from their debut show, transported to the Bourbon Orleans Hotel for the duration of the Overlook Film Festival. Audiences of three will be invited to step inside this room, where they will meet a previous inhabitant and learn of the tragedies that befell them. ‘In Another Room’ sold out in just three days upon its initial run, and this excerpt promises a haunting, moving, and extremely intimate experience. We invite those of you most attuned to the psychic and supernatural to join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to come face to face with the unknown. Slots will be made available exclusively for all-access pass holders.

Infinitely Dinner Society: Midnight Snacks Creator, Director: Annie Lesser Infinitely Dinner Society’s Midnight Snacks presents Bananas Foster. IDS Midnight Snacks are late night pairings of food and art with the math and science behind infinity. Previous snacks have included donuts paired with the infinite points of a circle, cheese cubes paired with hypercubes and oyster shooters paired with the intangible nature of infinity. Each snack features food sourced from local bakers, shop owners and farmers markets. For the Overlook Film Festival, creator Annie Lesser has designed a piece based on the cosmic horror of the multiverse featuring Bananas Foster made from Louisiana cane sugar and rum. News about Infinitely Dinner Society and the IDS Midnight Snacks can be found Instagram @infinitelydinnersociety. Slots will be made available exclusively for all-access pass holders.

The Overlook Immersive Game Producer: Mali Elfman For the signature event of the Overlook Film Festival, 2018 introduces a new alternate reality game and welcomes this year’s experience designers Scott Gillies and Nick Tierce, whose credits include a range of projects with companies such as Electronic Arts, Disney, Microsoft, Niantic Labs, and Google. Throughout the entire weekend, uncover an interactive horror mystery that permeates the festival, featuring live actors inhabiting unique locations, hidden clues, tactile puzzles, and surprising twists that each player can engage with at their own level of comfort and curiosity. Follow the clues to become the protagonist of an engaging and thrilling narrative that no two players will experience in exactly the same way. Details of the game’s story will remain locked away until the festival begins, but you may wish to seek out the celestial raven, instantly. The game is available exclusively to festival pass holders, with active player registration limited to 100 available spots. All registered players must attend a game orientation upon festival check-in. Over the course of the game, curious players may receive invitations to engage further for additional immersive depth, which they may opt-in for when the opportunity is presented.

Paperbacks From Hell Creator, Writer, Performer: Grady Hendrix In the early Seventies, three books changed horror forever: ROSEMARY’S BABY, THE EXORCIST, and THE OTHER. The first horror novels to hit bestseller lists since 1940, they opened the floodgates for an avalanche of horror paperbacks to pour onto supermarket shelves throughout the Seventies and Eighties until SILENCE OF THE LAMBS slit the genre’s throat in the early Nineties. Writer Grady Hendrix delivers a mind-melting oral history of this now forgotten world of Nazi leprechauns, skeleton doctors, killer crabs, killer jellyfish, killer babies, pretty much killer everything. Prepare yourself for a tour of this long-lost universe of terror that lurked behind the lurid, foil-embossed, die-cut covers of…the Paperbacks from Hell!!!!

The Pumpkin Pie Show: Best of Show Creator, Writer, Performer: Clay McLeod Chapman Come join us for an encore presentation of the best Pumpkin Pie Show stories from over the last 20 years. Author Clay McLeod Chapman will lead the audience through the back-catalogue of his personal favorite tales, offering a view into the sordid lives of Southern Gothic monstrosities that explore the domestic horrors of the everyday, finding terror within our own households. This is Edgar Allan Poe for the modern age, people.

The Pumpkin Pie Show: New Skulduggery Creator, Writer, Performer: Clay McLeod Chapman Author Clay McLeod Chapman is bringing BRAND NEW STORIES to the Overlook! The Pumpkin Pie Show has remained a staple of the fest – and this year they’re offering an even sweeter treat: original tales that have never been inflicted upon an audience anywhere. Flesh-eating bacteria, killer baby carrots and haunted comic books are all on the menu. These new campfire stories will be sure send a shiver up your spine. Hear them first before they’re unleashed upon the rest of the world!

The Pumpkin Pie Show: One-On-Ones Creator, Writer, Performer: Clay McLeod Chapman A returning favorite from last year’s fest, please join author Clay McLeod Chapman as he takes one audience member at a time on a dark ride through this depraved, intimate storytelling experience. Think of it as a heart-to-bleeding-heart with madmen, murderers and monsters telling their own story. No fourth wall, no escape. First come, first serve. Sessions will last 20 minutes. Slots will be made available exclusively for all-access pass holders.

Shock Waves Presents Host: Ryan Turek Overlook welcomes Ryan Turek, co-host of Blumhouse’s hit horror podcast Shock Waves for an insightful discussion with one of the festival’s guests.

Summerland Lost Creator, Writer, Performer: Grady Hendrix The Wall Street Journal calls him “a national treasure.” His mother calls him “Sunshine.” Now author Grady Hendrix brings his one-man show about psychic teenagers and shaved cats to New Orleans with Summerland Lost: A Ghost Story. Telling the all-shocking, all-true tale of drunk Victorian teenagers who spoke to the dead, this is the real life story of how biomechanical sex cults, the ghost of Ben Franklin, suffragettes, abolitionists, anarchists, and Arctic explorers all teamed up to answer the ultimate question: is there life after death?

  Short Film Presentations

The Beaning

  Amy Director: L. Gustavo Cooper Cast: Danielle Kennedy, Rebekah Kennedy, Tom Fitzpatrick, Samantha Ann United States, 2017 Set against the backdrop of the deadliest heat wave in recorded history and inspired by America’s most prolific female serial killer, L. Gustavo Cooper’s AMY provides a surreal and distorted glimpse into a killing spree that captivated a nation in the early 1900s.

The Beaning Director: Sean McCoy United States, 2017 An experimental sports film combining documentary techniques with horror aesthetics, THE BEANING explores a sinister theory surrounding the death of Cleveland baseball player Ray Chapman in 1920 and the subsequent rise of the Yankee dynasty.

Beastly Things Director: Zev Chevat United States, 2017 A young street artist encounters a group of local schoolchildren, and learns what really makes monsters.

Blood Runs Down WORLD PREMIERE Director: Zandashé Brown Cast: Farrah Martin, Idella Johnson United States, 2018 When a woman undergoes a frightening transition, her vigilant young daughter must decide between saving her or protecting herself in this haunting tale of inheritance, daughterhood, and demons.

Cerulia Director: Sofía Carrillo Cast: Diana Bracho Mexico, 2017 Cerulia returns to her childhood home to bid farewell to her past, but the memories of her youth and a presence in the home will not let her go.

Coyote Director: Lorenz Wunderle Switzerland, 2018 A coyote loses his family to a vicious attack by wolves. Tormented by fear, anger and grief, he sees a chance to avenge their deaths…

Good Morning Director: Elaine Mongeon Cast: Maya Kazan, Jamie McShane United States, 2017 A young woman and her father adapt to terrifying changes they never expected.

Hair Wolf Director: Mariama Diallo Cast: Kara Young, Taliah Webster, Madeline Weinstein, Trae Harris, Jermaine Crawford United States, 2017 In a black hair salon in gentrifying Brooklyn, the local residents fend off a strange new monster: white women intent on sucking the lifeblood from black culture.

Latched Director: Justin Harding & Rob Brunner Cast: Alana Elmer, Peter Higginson, Jarrett Siddall, Bowen Harding Canada, 2017 A choreographer pursues creative inspiration at a cottage retreat while attempting to wean her demanding toddler — and unknowingly awakens a vile fairy corpse in the process. When she discovers the creature’s terrifying intentions, she will have to put her creativity to good use to lure the repugnant beast.

  We Summoned a Demon

  Milk Director: Santiago Menghini Cast: Cameron Brodeur, Anana Rydvald Canada, 2018 On a late night, a young teen goes into the kitchen for a glass of milk. Upon encountering his sleepless mother, he quickly realizes things are not as they seem.

Möbius Director: Sam Kuhn Cast: Caley Jones, Daiva Z, Britt Grayson, Elissa Mielke, Austin Will Canada/United States, 2017 A moth eaten tale of magic and mutation half remembered by a teen poet whose beloved lies lifeless in a stream.

Pan Director: Anna Roller Cast: Anna Platen, Jeff Wilbusch, Luisa-Céline Gaffron, Sue Simmy Lemke, Emil Borgeest Germany, 2017 Juno, a twenty-year-old girl becomes obsessed with Pan. Her obsession turns her into an animal.

The Plague Director: Guillermo Carbonell Cast: Gabriela Freire, Walter Rey, Rafael Soliwoda Uruguay, 2017 Rosa’s father escapes from a nursing home and comes back to his former house. He hides a secret, and he’s not coming alone.

The Sermon Director: Dean Puckett Cast: Molly Casey, Grant Gillespie, Denise Stephenson, Oliver Monaghan, Emma White United Kingdom, 2018 In an isolated church community in the English countryside, a powerful hate preacher prepares to deliver a sermon to his flock, but his daughter has a secret that could destroy them all.

Tammy’s Tiny Tea Time (Episode 1: Strangers) Created by Peter Gulsvig Cast: Rachel Butera, Nate Corddry, Peter Gulsvig United States, 2018 Tammy’s Tiny Tea Time exists in the fractured psyche of a middle aged woman whose refusal to grow up has resulted in a life spent talking to inanimate objects (and a dying box turtle) in her parents’ house.

Thursday Night Director: Gonçalo Almeida Cast: Bimbo the Dog Portugal, 2017 An elusive stranger pays Bimbo a visit in the middle of the night to deliver a vital message.

We Summoned a Demon Director: Chris McInroy Cast: Kirk C. Johnson, Carlos Larotta, John Orr United States, 2017 They just wanted to be cool. Instead, they got a demon.

  Well, what are you waiting for? Head to the Overlook film Fest website and pick up your festival passes. Tweet at us @NOFSPODCAST if you’re attending the fest- and we’ll meet up for a bourbon-something! And, if you can’t make it, keep your eye on The Nightmare on Film Street website, Instagram, and Facebook Pages for all of our highlights from the fest!

    The post Full Line-up Announced for 2018 Overlook Film Festival – April 19-22, New Orleans appeared first on Nightmare on Film Street - Horror Movie Podcast, News and Reviews.

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[imjustthemechanic]

The Stone Knight

Part 1/? - Two Statues Part 2/? - A Curious Interview Part 3/? - John Doe Part 4/? - Escape Attempt

The mysterious John Doe wakes up and tries to run.  Then things get weird.

Nat noticed the man's eyelids flutter, but considering the condition he was in, she assumed it must have been some kind of reflex action. Even with his accelerated healing he must be in terrible pain, and the hospital had probably pumped him so full of drugs he might well think he was Sir Stephen of Rogsey.  She figured he would drift back into unconsciousness a moment later.

Instead, however, his right hand twitched, and then he raised it to feel at the oxygen mask on his face.  That got Carter's and Wilson's attention, as well.

“Oh, my god, is he awake?” Carter asked.

The nurse in attendance put a hand on the man's shoulder.  “Sir,” he said, “if you can hear me, you need to lie down and rest.  We'll get you something for the pain.”

The man wasn't listening to him – maybe he couldn't even hear him.  He got a grip on the tube running off the mask, and started trying to get it off.

“Oh, Sir, don't do that.”  The nurse tried again to settle him down, then yelped as the man grabbed his wrist and bent it back, then threw him to the floor.  With the nurse no longer interfering, the mystery man pulled the oxygen mask off and left it hanging around his neck, then yanked the IV line out of the arm.  The nurse started to get up again, but stopped as Dr. Wilson stepped in front of him.

“Stay down.  We'll get him sedated,” he said, and pressed the button to summon help.  Then he tried, himself, to push the mystery man back down onto the bed.  “Sir, if you can hear me,” he said, “I need you to lie down and relax.  You're badly injured and if you try to get up you're going to make it worse.”

Dr. Wilson was a much larger man than the nurse, but the mystery man threw him off, ripped the sensors from his chest and finger, and staggered to his feet.  The world seemed to go silent around Natasha as she watched it all unfold.  This... couldn't be happening, could it?  This man had been shot, had his face sliced open and his skull cracked, and then been thrown in a river.  It was a miracle he was even alive.  Hw could he be standing?  As when she'd asked the woman in the pub if she'd also seen Zola, Nat now looked at Carter to make sure she wasn't hallucinating.

Carter was standing with her stance wide and a hand inside her jacket as if to pull out a weapon, but she was looking right back at Natasha, as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing, either.  And while the two women stood there staring, the man stumbled past Dr. Wilson and out the door.

At that moment, instinct took over.  This man was running, so Nat chased him.  She bursed through the door behind him, and saw him come to a halt in the hallway, narrowly missing an orderly with an empty guerney.  He turned to run in the other direction, saw Natasha, and looked around desperately for another option.  There was only one: the set of swinging doors that led into a stairwell.

Nat ran after him.  Footsteps behind her told her that DI Carter and Dr. Wilson were following, but she didn't look back.  One of the first rules she'd been taught was never take your eyes off your prey.

In the stairwell, a man was sitting a few steps down, with another nurse attempting to comfort him as he wept.  Both people looked up in surprise at the wounded man.  He stared back for a moment, and then since he could not go down without jumping over them, he went up, climbing on all fours like a child.  Nat ran after him, taking the steps two or three at a time to catch up.

The mystery man kicked out at her, forcing her to dodge.  She finally managed to throw herself on top of him and grab him around the waist.  This must have been painful for him, but he didn't cry out.  Instead, he rolled over on top of her, crushing her against the stairs and forcing the air out of her lungs.  She had to let go, and he continued on up.

“Stop where you are!  Police!” shouted DI Carter.  Nat sat up to find her at the bottom of the flight, aiming her firearm at the man. She wouldn't shoot him, Natasha thought, not when she needed him as a witness.

Maybe he knew that, or maybe he simply wasn't interested in the threat, because he didn't even look back.  He vanished around the corner to the next flight, and Carter swore and followed him up.

Dr. Wilson was behind her, but stopped to check on Natasha.  “Are you all right?” he asked her.

“I'll survive,” said Nat.  She picked herself up, ignoring her bruised ribs – they'd be fine in a few hours.

Dr. Wilson nodded and then ran on up after Carter and the mystery man.  Nat took a couple more deep breaths and then followed them. Somewhere above, an alarm started to blare.

They arrived at the top to find that the man had broken open the emergency exit and run out onto the roof.  The bandages from his neck were lying abadoned on the steps.

Nat, Carter, and Wilso followed him out.  The roof was covered with gravel that crunched under their feet, peppered with elevator boxes and ventilation fans.  It must have been cold and painful on the mystery man's bare feet, but he ran a few more yards before stopping, as he seemed to realize where he was.  He turned in a circle, taking in the landscape below: the colleges, the shopping center, and the suburbs that ran down towards the old city and the river.

Then there was a loud roar from behind them.  Everybody turned around.  On another part of the roof, beyond the emergency exit they'd just come out by, was the air ambulance helipad.  The helicopter itself had just started its engines, and after a few seconds of warmup it rose from the pad to fly very low overhead, low enough that Natasha could see how surprised the pilot was to find people looking back at him.  The mystery man dropped to his knees and raised his arms as if holding a shield over his head, as if he thought the helicopter were a dragon about to swoop down on him.

It didn't, of course – instead it flew away to the east on whatever mission it was on, the roar of the blades slowly fading away to nothing.  The mystery man got to his feet, turning to watch it go.

Dr. Wilson went up and took the man's arm.  “Sir,” he said, “you are at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.  You've been badly injured, and we are trying to care for you.  Do you understand?”

The man stared at him for a moment, then said, “yes.”

Still, Natasha went and took the man's other arm, holding it gently but firmly.

“Come on back inside,” said Dr. Wilson.

They helped him to limp back indoors.  One flight down, the male nurse was waiting for them, with a wheeled stretcher to take the mystery man back to his room, but he refused to climb onto it.

“Take it away,” Dr. Wilson said to the nurse.  “Have somebody find a bed for him on the High Dependency Ward.”  He glanced at his charge.  “I think we can discharge this guy from the ICU.  Call it a hunch.”

The hospital found the man a semi-private room and Dr. Wilson managed to convince him to get back into bed.  Once he was settled, the doctor began undoing the bandages around his middle, already loosened during the escape attempt, to check on his bullet wounds. Natasha remained standing at the foot of the bed, while DI Carter sat down to wait.  Nat wasn't sure why she was still here, but her gut told her that she couldn't leave yet.  This man was important, and she had to be here to help figure out why.

“What's your name?” Dr. Wilson asked.  He examined the injuries, then asked another nurse for a pair of small scissors, and began removing the stitches.  The mystery man had been shot only yesterday, and had already healed enough to have his stitches out.

“Sir Stephen,” the mystery man replied.  “From Rogsey in Anglesey.”

Nat rolled her eyes.  “Oh, you are not!” she said.

Everybody looked at her.

“I don't know you, Lady,” said the self-described Sir Stephen. His implication was that she didn't know him either, and was therefore in no position to tell him who he was or wasn't.

“I'm Dr. Natalie Rushman.  I'm an archaeologist,” said Nat firmly.  “I know something about the middle ages.  Even if Sir Stephen of Rogsey had existed, the stories say he died in 1066.  And if he could somehow come to the present, he wouldn't speak modern English, even Pseudo-Shakespearean Fancy-Talk English.  He'd be speaking some dialect of old Anglo-Saxon.  Hwæt. We Gardena in geardagum, þeodcyninga, þrym gefrunon, hu ða æþelingas ellen fremedon.”  The first three lines of Beowulf, which she'd memorized a bit of just so she could recite it to her classes.

Sir Stephen frowned at her in confusion.

“I rest my case,” said Nat.

Dr. Wilson handed the scissors back to the nurse.  “Should I put his name on his chart?” the woman asked.  She probably knew this was a dumb question, but was trying to stick to stuff she understood. Nat sympathized.

“Um.  Put him down as Stephen,” said Dr. Wilson.  “Stephen Rog... is Rogsey a real place?”  He looked at Nat.

“Of course it's a real place,” said Sir Stephen.  “I was born at Saint Marcella's, not a mile away!”

“I have no idea,” said Nat.  “Google it.”

Dr. Wilson sighed.  “Put him down as Stephen Rogers,” he told the nurse.  “That's a name.”

“I am here in the room,” said Sir Stephen, annoyed.  “You think me a madman, don't you?”

“We think you're a man who's been hit pretty hard on the head,” said Dr. Wilson.  “You're not crazy, but you've suffered a very serious head injury.  We're going to help you with that.  It's our job.”

“If you wish to help me, could I have some meat to eat, or at least a loaf of bread?” asked Sir Stephen.  “I fear I must eat a great deal.”

“If the rest of your metabolism is as fast as your healing, I'm not surprised,” said Dr. Wilson.  “I'll see what we can do.”

He ordered a meal for the patient from the hospital cafeteria – spaghetti and meatballs.  It took Sir Stephen a few minutes to get the hang of his fork, but once he had, he devoured three helpings and ate six pieces of soggy garlic bread, which astonished everybody even further.

While the man ate, DI Carter pulled a chair up next to him and showed him her badge.  “I know you're not feeling very well,” she said, “but I was hoping I could talk to you for a moment.  I'm Detective Inspector Carter of the Inverness Police, and I'm looking for a missing person.”  She turned on her phone and found a picture of Mr. Pierce – the same one that had appeared in the Courier's article, and probably taken from their website.  “Do you recognize this man?”

Sir Stephen was still chewing on garlic bread as he looked at it. “No,” he said.  “I do not.”

“He didn't hire you?” asked Nat.  She was hanging on to her theory that Mr. Pierce must have had this man pose for the statue of Sir Stephen – because to believe anything else was madness.  Pierce must have promised the statues to somebody.  They would have been a remarkable find if they'd been real, forcing historians to re-assess whether Sir Stephen and Totenkopf might have been actual people. Maybe he and Zola had planned to pull off the archaeological hoax of the century, a modern-day version of Piltdown Man.  Calling in Natasha was a test, to see if they could fool an expert.  The statues had failed the test because Pierce was an idiot who'd gone to great trouble to get the armor and weaponry right but hadn't bothered to look up what kind of commemorative art was being made in the eleventh century.

“I've never laid eyes on him,” Sir Stephen said, and pointed to the image with his fork.  “Unless it's a poor likeness.”

“The likeness is fine,” said Carter, and put her phone away.

“Why were you at the warehouse, if Mr. Pierce didn't invite you?” Natasha asked.

“I know not,” said Sir Stephen.  “The last thing I remember was fighting the Red Death for the Grail.  Then there was...”

“The grail,” Natasha interrupted.  “The Holy Grail from the King Arthur stories?  Sir Galahad and everything?”  Maybe it wasn't Pierce who'd hired this guy.

“The very same,” Sir Stephen said.  “I'd not have believed it, had I not seen it with my own eyes.”

Nat grabbed the nearest sheet of blank paper and a ballpoint pen, and sat down to scribble a drawing.  DI Carter had asked her to work with a sketch artist, but Natasha was quite able to draw faces, herself, and this one had been so distinctive she could hardly forget it.  Nor was it a difficult one to represent.  She got a rough outline of Zola's unusual features down on the paper, and showed it to Sir Stephen.  “How about this guy?” she asked.

Even before he spoke, she could see in the man's face that he recognized the image.  “That is Zola,” he said.  “The Red Death's kobold.”

“Kobold?” asked Dr. Wilson with a frown.  “Isn't that supposed to be something like a pixie?”

“Yes,” said Natasha.  It was, in fact, almost exactly the same thing: a helpful spirit that could be malicious if crossed.  “Did he hire you?”

“I serve King Harold,” said Sir Stephen, offended.  “I do not draw my blade for foreigners or goblins.”

Nat gave up, and offered the drawing to Carter, instead.  “This is the man from the pub.”

“He looks like a goblin,” said Carter.  “I'll see if we can find him – and see if I can find who made those statues you mentioned for Pierce.”

“You believe me now,” Nat observed.  Carter hadn't been sure earlier.  Now she seemed happy to accept Natasha's version of events, if only because they made more sense than Sir Stephen's.

“I told you – I don't believe things,” Carter corrected, and sighed.  “The ten o'clock news tonight is going to be weird.”

[sunilkumargupta-blog]

Better opportunities for New India to become a world manufacturing hub after COVID-19

Do we actually know where the world will be after the next 6 months? As the Corona Virus pandemic gradually spreads its claws all over the world, we are trying hard, joining hands, trying to fight the destruction to make the mother earth sustainable. We are maintaining social distancing and lockdown to tackle the ill effects of the virus; the businesses have pressed the pause button and the whole economy is witnessing a downfall. The stock markets were the first in the line to get affected. The travel industry has been massively hit since there were restrictions in travel and gradually it has put a check in the domestic and international travel, although the supermarkets and the online groceries have witnessed a high demand due to the social distancing and the lockdown. Immediately after the outbreak, people had been piling groceries at their home. There has been a major drop in the air pollution post the lockdown and we could see the nature dancing in its own rhythm.

Although the lockdown resulted in a halt in the manufacturing and production chain all round the world, but it is likely that the countries like India, with cheap labour will climb the ladder and end up starting inhouse manufacturing and exports. According to Customs statistics, China’s foreign trade volume in 2019 stood at RMB31.54 trillion, up by 3.4% year-on-year (similarly hereinafter). Exports rose by 5% to RMB17.23 trillion and imports grew by 1.6% to RMB14.31 trillion. The trade surplus increased by 25.4% to RMB 2.92 trillion. In 2019, China’s foreign trade registered a momentum of improving quality amid overall stability. The People’s Republic of China shipped US$2.499 trillion worth of goods around the globe in 2019 along with its various other partner countries. As per the latest available data, it may be seen that approx. 60.2% of products were exported from China and bought by importers in: the United States (16.8% of the global total), Hong Kong (11.2%), Japan (5.7%), South Korea (4.4%), Vietnam (3.9%), Germany (3.2%), India (3.0%), Netherlands (3%), United Kingdom (2.5%), Taiwan (2.2%), Singapore (also 2.2%) and Malaysia (2.1%). With the closing down of the manufacturing and distribution units in China there has been a major drift and scarcity of the imported products and the small scale distribution channels. China posted a $295.8 billion trade surplus with the United States in 2019.

With the major halt in the exports by China, there is a sudden shortage of supply of various products like Phone system devices including smartphones, Computers, optical readers, Integrated circuits/micro assemblies, Processed petroleum oils, Solar power diodes/semi-conductors, Automobile parts/accessories, Lamps, lighting, illuminated signs, Computer parts, accessories, Models, puzzles, miscellaneous toys and TV receivers/monitors/projectors market all over the world.

What’s coming next?

In order to save the entrepreneurs and the industry in this crisis, the Indian Government has been taking certain steps to:

A. Prevent the opportunistic takeovers of the Indian businesses; and

B. Make a conducive environment to make India a global manufacturing hub

The above may be described in details.

A. Prevent the opportunistic takeovers of the Indian businesses:

Check post on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

On April 18, 2020, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued its Press Note 3 of 2020 (PN 3 of 2020 Series) whereby they have reviewed the current Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy and has brought in major changes in the policy in order to prevent opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of the Indian companies due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. According to the release,

“A non-resident entity can invest in India, subject to the FDI Policy except in those sectors/activities which are prohibited. However, an entity of a country, which shares land border with India or where the beneficial owner of an investment into India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country, can invest only under the Government

route. Further, a citizen of Pakistan or an entity incorporated in Pakistan can invest, only under the Government route, in sectors/activities other than defence, space, atomic energy and sectors/activities prohibited for foreign investment.”

Countries sharing land borders with India are Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Nepal Bhutan and Afganistan. Hence by this Press Note, the Department has allowed both direct and indirect investment in India by any entity or beneficial owner or citizen of that country ONLY by way of Government Approval. The Press Note further says that if there is any transfer of ownership of any existing or future FDI in an entity in India, directly or indirectly, resulting in the beneficial ownership falling within the aforesaid restriction/purview, such subsequent change in beneficial ownership will also require Government approval. The primary intent of the Department is to regulate any attempts by Chinese entities/ beneficial owners/citizens to take control of Indian entities which have been affected by COVID-19 lockdowns. Now, fresh infusion of funds by Chinese entities in existing investments in India would also require government approval. The Department is even putting the restrictions on the multi-layered structures, spread across various jurisdictions.

Subsequently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued directives to the custodians for the FPI investments or beneficial interest information of investors coming from China as well as Hong Kong. It is now scanning the hubs such as the Cayman Islands, Singapore, Ireland and Luxembourg to track the direct and indirect investments from China and Hong Kong in the country.

It has been mentioned that the intent of the Department is to curb opportunistic takeovers/acquisitions of the Indian companies due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Deep down it can be said that post the HDFC Ltd. disclosure on April, 11, 2020, that the China’s central bank People’s Bank of China (PBoC) has increased its stake in the Company from 0.8% to 1.01%, the Department and SEBI has been minutely watching the FDI movement in the country.

B.Make a conducive environment to make India a global manufacturing hub:

i. India the next manufacturing hub:

The effects of the recent lockdown in China were felt by many Japanese, Korean and other manufacturers which witnessed the supply of components for their factories grind to a halt since factories in China shuttered. Now, various companies are planning to shift its manufacturing units from China to the different other Asian states. Countries like Japan are in talk with the Indian Government to set up their base in India. Market giants like Google, Microsoft, Apple are even planning to move out of China and set up their manufacturing units in countries like Vietnam, Thailand etc.

India will be a very good choice for these companies due to its extremely cheap labour cost, maximum workforce base, favorable diversified weather conditions and huge area in the country.

ii. Self reliant:

As a result of the complete shut down of the economic activity, India along with other countries is expected to face a downfall in the GDP in the 1st quarter of the Financial Year 2020–21. Although from the second and third quarters, it is expected to witness a steady growth with the increase in in-house manufacturing and supply as per the market demand. There is ample opportunity for the SMEs in India to regularize the global supply chain disruption caused by the outbreak of the pandemic COVID-19. India has less dependence on China for the intermediate goods and with the added factor of cheap labour and lower manufacturing cost, the manufacturing sector will see a boom in its growth history. India can easily manufacture the various consumer products and export both the raw materials and the finished products in large scale.

iii. Employment Generation and Government support:

Although the sector wise production is expected to decrease in the recent times, but there is huge scope of employment generation in the coming days. The Indian Government has been reviewing its policies in order to combat this crisis and have even come up with its recent decisions on easing of Working Capital Financing, infusing liquidity in money markets, Greater access to MSF (Marginal Standing Facility), Permitting Banks to Deal in Offshore Non-Deliverable Rupee Derivative Markets (Offshore NDF Rupee Market) etc. Moreover, the RBI has already infused INR 280,000 crore, equivalent to 1.4% of Indian GDP, which along with the current tools announced by the RBI will result in liquidity injection of 3.2% of the GDP and is fully prepared to take ‘whatever tools are necessary — all instruments, conventional and unconventional are on the table’. Consequently, surplus liquidity in the banking system has increased sharply in the wake of sustained government spending.

Regional offices of the RBI have supplied fresh currency of INR1.2 lakh crore from March1 till April 14, 2020 to currency chests across the country to meet increased demand for currency in the recent scenario. RBI has even undertaken measures to target liquidity provision to sectors and entities which are experiencing liquidity constraints and/or hindrances to market access. It has been decided to conduct targeted long-term repo operations (TLTRO 2.0) for an aggregate amount of INR 50,000 crore, to begin with, in tranches of appropriate sizes. As confirmed by the RBI in the recent press release, the apex bank will review the operations and the situation and accordingly may increase the amount as per the requirement.

iv. Trade Balance:

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is one of the major sources of non-debt financial resource for the economic development of India. Foreign companies invest in India to take advantage of relatively lower wages, large consumer base, special investment privileges such as tax exemptions and for the benefit of ease of doing business.

According to the report shared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), FDI equity inflows in India in April-December, 2019 stood at US$36.79 billion, indicating that government’s effort to improve ease of doing business and relaxation in FDI norms is giving positive results. As per the latest RBI Press Note, the trade deficit declined to US $9.8 billion in March 2020 from US $11 billion a year ago. After the economic activities resumes its operation post COVID-19, the Current Account deficit may be reduced by increasing the export on a large scale and decreasing the import of goods.

v. Growth in the Agricultural Sector:

The country’s agriculture sector accounts for 17% contribution in the GDP and has a growth rate of 3.4%. Approx. 55 cr population of the country is engaged in the agriculture sector which tantamount to 58% employment generation. Since agriculture sector is the prime sector employing the maximum population of India, so the Government focusses on increasing the percentage of the contribution to GDP from this sector. It has even been observed that by April 10, pre-monsoon kharif sowing had begun strongly, with acreage of paddy — the principal kharif crop — up by 37% in comparison with the last season. India has set up an ambitious goal of doubling farm income by 2022.

The farmers should now have a direct reach to the market so that they can sell their products in the market directly and at a reasonable rate; use of new techniques and technology to be introduced to attract youth to this sector and ultimately achieve better production and exports.

vi. Growth in GDP:

With the massive side effects of the pandemic spread, our dependence on the import of raw materials and consumer goods will be curtailed forcefully. Service industry will grow extensively, and tourism industry will be linked with the healthcare sector so as to give an added benefit to the youth employed. As per the RBI report, India is expected to post a sharp turnaround and resume its pre-COVID pre-slowdown trajectory by growing at 7.4 per cent in 2021–22. As the trade balance is maintained, Indian GDP is expected to make a remarkable growth in the next few quarters.

Steps already taken

The Indian Government had recently announced economic package of INR1.7 lakh crores under Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Yojana to protect the poor citizens of the country from the economic impact of the nationwide lockdown and decided to defer the Tax and regulatory payments along with compliance filings as a relief to combat the existing crisis and for easy governance. The apex Bank has also come up with some positive arrangements to infuse liquidity in the market and control the turmoil. Some of the steps taken may be highlighted as below:

a) Money markets were facing pressures from redemptions by mutual funds. The Targeted Long-term Refinancing Operations (TLTRO) will ease the liquidity position of the banks, for which they were supposed to invest in investment-grade bonds, commercial paper etc. In order to reduce the adverse effects on the economic activity leading to pressures on cash flows, the RBI had decided to conduct auctions of targeted term repos of up to three years tenor of appropriate sizes for a total amount of up to ₹1,00,000 crore at a floating rate linked to the policy repo rate. This will reassure the money markets to work without the crunch of funds.

b) The RBI recently issued a press note confirming that they had a talk with the NABARD, SIDBI and NHB and accordingly decided to provide special refinance facilities for a total amount of INR 50,000 crore to NABARD, SIDBI and NHB to enable them to meet sectoral credit needs.

c) The cut of 75 basis points in repo rate is a powerful signal, aimed at lowering the cost of funds. The interest on floating rate housing loans will come down, helping household cash flows. Repo rate has come down to 4.40 % from 5.15%. The RBI also cuts the reverse repo rate two times, one by 90 basis points and another by 25 basis points, which has now come down to 3.75% to discourage banks to passively deposit funds with the RBI.

d) Liquidity coverage ratio requirement for Scheduled Commercial Banks has been brought down from 100% to 80% with effect from April 17, 2020.This requirement shall be gradually restored back in two phases — 90% by October 1, 2020 and 100% by April 1, 2021.

e) Health insurance scheme of INR 50 lakh for health workers fighting COVID-19 in Government Hospitals and Health Care Centres has been announced.

f) In order to help the poorest section of the society, a total of 20.40 crores PMJDY women account-holders would be given an ex-gratia of INR 500 per month till June, 2020 to help them run their household during this difficult period. The Government of India has also declared to spend INR 31,000 crores for this purpose.

g) Free gas cylinders, would be provided to 8 crore poor families till June, 2020 and three gas cylinders would be provided to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana during this period.

h) Under National Rural Livelihood Mission Scheme, collateral free loans is doubled from INR 10 Lakhs to INR 20 lakhs to 63 lakhs Women Self Help Groups(SHGs) which would ultimately benefit 6.85 crore households.

i) It has been now decided that where the time limit of due dates for issue of notice, intimation, notification, approval order, sanction order, filing of appeal, furnishing of return, statements, applications, reports, any other documents and time limit for completion of proceedings by the authority and any compliance by the taxpayer, including investment in saving instruments or investments for roll over benefit of capital gains under Income Tax Act, Wealth Tax Act, Prohibition of Benami Property Transaction Act, Black Money Act, STT law, CTT law, Equalisation Levy law, Vivad Se Vishwas law is expiring between March 20, 2020 to June 29, 2020, it has been extended to June 30, 2020.

j) Taxpayers having aggregate annual turnover less than INR 5 crore will be allowed to file return under Form GSTR-3B due in March 2020, April 2020 and May 2020, till 30th June, 2020 without any interest, late fee, and penalty whereas others having annual turnover more than or equals to INR 5 crore will be allowed to file the same with a reduced interest of 9% p.a. instead of the existing 18% p.a., from 15 days after the relevant due date but without any late fee or penalty.

k) In order to reduce the burden and make the default good, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has introduced Companies Fresh Start Scheme, 2020 and LLP Settlement Scheme, 2020 with a one-time relaxation to law abiding Companies and LLPs so as to enable them to complete their pending compliances without payment of any additional filing fees, thereby the entrepreneurs may focus on the growth of their businesses.

Recommendation:

An intensive study on the past economic performance of the Indian economy vis-à-vis the global economy and the effects of the COVID-19, a few recommendations are likely to be highlighted for the taking advantage of the better opportunities to the Indian economy:

a) The India Government should now focus on interacting with the business entities and Governments of various other countries to set up their manufacturing base in India. The Central and State Governments may set up specific workforce for interacting with the foreign investors and frame guidelines for timely completion of the projects. The said workforce may be formed jointly by the industry experts, professionals and Government representatives.

b) New guidelines for Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) may be introduced in order to safeguard the opportunistic takeovers/ acquisitions of the Indian businesses by way of indirect overseas investments.

c) While calculating the qualifying criteria of the non-performing assets (NPA) the lockdown period and the long-term economic impact of the COVID-19, may be excluded;

d) The Government may incentivize digitalization and facilitate payments through digital mode only and the charges on the credit card/ digital payments may also be waived off;

e) The compliance structure/norms may be diluted for the MSME sector in order to encourage ease of doing business in India. Post the COVID-19 effects, India is expected to have the largest job-market ready for youth population in the world by 2020–21 and this sector is sure to support India in improving its financial inclusion and mitigating the rural-urban divide. Several policy interventions along with technology and innovation will continue to play a pivotal role in creating a business- friendly atmosphere for the MSMEs;

f) There may be a reduction in the short-term GST rate for some specific sectors and further the GST deposit may be linked to the receipt of the amount for the services rendered to balance the cash flows for the time being. Presently GST deposit is based on the invoice raised and not on the payment basis. It can in return reduce the burden on the SME sector and in return reduce the defaults;

g) Tax compliances may be diluted and there may be a reduction in the Tax rate and interest rate on business borrowings in order to give relaxation to the manufacturers and the consumers. Tax rate reliefs may also be allowed to the proprietorship and partnership entities like the Companies;

h) In order to encourage export and reduce import, the Government may bring certain relaxations on the export compliances and also expedite the refund and duty drawback process to stabilize the cashflow operation;

i) There should be compulsory health and life insurance by the Government for the healthcare workers, police, Safai karamcharis who are working endlessly for eradicating this menace.

Conclusion

The recent reforms or policies taken up by the Government clearly demonstrates that the we are leaving no stone unturned to make India a better place to do business and to improve opportunities for all sections of society along with increasing prosperity. India now has the best opportunity to become the economic giant and work as ‘one-size-fits-all’ country and the best business destination in the world. India has always been a friendly partner to the other countries and has now even decided to relax the export of hydroxychloroquine to the USA on case to case basis. It is good to quote that in the coming days India will be the prime source for supply of all essential and life saving commodities to the world. The World Trade Organisation sees global merchandise trade contracting by as much as 13–32 per cent in 2020. Activity in the corporate bond market has picked up appreciably, with several corporates making new issuances. The level of foreign exchange reserves continue to be robust at US $ 476.5 billion on April 10, 2020 equivalent to 11.8 months of imports. India is expected to become the next economic powerhouse with its core competencies.

In order to put a further check on the import of goods, the Government may increase the duty on import of consumer goods and incentive to be given to the MSME sector in order to encourage the production of goods and increase the exports of the country. New technologies are required to be used in the cottage and rural divisions. The government incentives are required to be increased in the manufacturing sector along with easy accessibility of finance and market to the youth so that they can engage themselves in this sector and can start manufacturing without any marketing or financial difficulty.

Written & Compiled by CA Sunil Kumar Gupta

Founder Chairman, SARC Associates

www.sunilkumargupta.com www.sarcassociates.com

[dazzledbybooks]

An unforgettable alternative history fairytale series from the author of The Bone Witch trilogy about found family, modern day magic, and finding the place you belong. Many years ago, the magical Kingdom of Avalon was left desolate and encased in ice when the evil Snow Queen waged war on the powerful country. Its former citizens are now refugees in a world mostly devoid of magic. Which is why the crown prince and his protectors are stuck in...Arizona. Prince Alexei, the sole survivor of the Avalon royal family, is in hiding in a town so boring, magic doesn't even work there. Few know his secret identity, but his friend Tala is one of them. Tala doesn't mind—she has secrets of her own. Namely, that she's a spellbreaker, someone who negates magic. Then hope for their abandoned homeland reignites when a famous creature of legend, and Avalon's most powerful weapon, the Firebird, appears for the first time in decades. Alex and Tala unite with a ragtag group of new friends to journey back to Avalon for a showdown that will change the world as they know it. Wicked As You Wish (A Hundred Names for Magic #1) by Rin Chupeco Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire Release Date: March 3rd 2020 Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy  Links: Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48999217-wicked-as-you-wish Amazon: https://amzn.to/364FjcO B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wicked-as-you-wish-rin-chupeco/1131593170 iTunes: https://books.apple.com/gb/book/wicked-as-you-wish/id1483256714 Bookdepository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Wicked-You-Wish-Rin-Chupeco/9781728225289?ref=grid-view&qid=1575499879251&sr=1-3 Google Books: https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=X5u1DwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&hl=es&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0 Review: Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco is a very interesting story. I felt like it is a bit of a jumbled mess that deals with very important issues. Chupeco tackles issues like immigration and refugee policies, child abuse, family separations, and so many other government issues. I feel like all of these are super important issues but the rest of the story just didn’t keep up with the important topics. This story felt very much like a witch’s brew. Add a sprinkle of fairy dust, newt’s eye, some frog legs, and whatever else you put into the brew is what I feel like Wicked As You Wish came out to be. It is a mix of magic, fairy tales, urban, fantasy, magical realism, contemporary, I mean it is all in there. I think this is a book that would be great for the right kind of person and I feel like that wasn’t me. There was just too much thrown into this book for me to truly enjoy it. I did find the characters to be quite entertaining. I felt like Chupeco did such a great job with the characters. They were diverse and fun. I thought they were really able to drive the story. The world building was pretty great too. The books takes place in the real world except that fairy tales are true in the story. This book definitely had its ups and downs but I think it is also fun at the same time. Excerpt: The firebird arrived in Invierno later that night. It landed atop a normal-looking mailbox. The mailbox had a Tawalisi, 22 Dharma Road decal printed on its side, and it stood in front of a normal-looking house on a normal-looking street in what was by all appearances a normal-looking suburb. This house was situated between an old folks' home and a small bungalow, bordered on one side by a small cul-de-sac. Despite the town's predilection against natural magic, most people still didn't associate Invierno as a place where anything unusual was likely to happen. That didn't say much about what people actually knew about small towns, or about Invierno in particular.   Rather than retreat to the safety of nearby trees and rooftops as any similarly sensible animal would have done, the firebird drew itself up, as regal as any queen, and waited for the shades to attack. The shades in question were already closing in, and they assumed frightening, monstrous shapes. Some took human form, with long sharp claws in place of hands. Others took on semblances of wolves and bears and strange winged creatures; black eyeless silhouettes with teeth. The firebird chirped a warning, but the shades paid no attention. So it sighed, a resigned, I-really-did-warn-you-about-this-you-know sigh, and glowed again. It was as large as an eagle, and had a fascinatingly plump shape; a ham of a bird would be a frank description, if not for its long graceful neck. Its feathers, a variety of yellows and reds and oranges tipped with a subtle silver shimmer, flared. Its majestic tail fanned out like a vestal train, whipping at slow, concentrated intervals. It chirped out its first, and final, warning. The nearest shade reached out for the bird, claws extended and sharp. It was promptly engulfed in an angry red ball of fire. The shadow screamed. Its right arm skittered across the pavement. Flames danced around the firebird. With unerring precision it reared back and hurled them at the other shadowy wraiths, bathing the street in ruddy red heat until its enemies were reduced to nothing more than a whisper of cinders and smoke. But even as they sank, new ones rose to take their place. The shades were numerous, unrelenting. The firebird was young, inexperienced. Despite its ferocity, even it began to weaken under the unending assault. And things could have ended very badly, had Lola Urduja not interfered. Lola Urduja looked nothing at all like a warrior should look. Framed against the moonlight she appeared an incredibly fragile and elderly thing, with her mild brown eyes, dark skin, and thin white hair wrapped in a wispy bun. For armor, she wore an oversized peach bathrobe a size too large for her slim frame, and was for some reason still carrying an abanico fan in her right hand. But when she lifted her head to confront the lurking shadows her back straightened, her shoulders squared, and the once-mild brown eyes blazed with an unexpectedly commanding air that proposed other unimportant things like cars and airplanes and even shades should best get out of her way.  "This house is under the protection of the Katipuneros, by Avalon military decree number one oh eight two," she boomed, in a voice larger and fiercer than her body size allowed for. "Take another step and be snuffed out like the insignificant shadows you are, you reverse-projected, two-dimensional Jungian rejects!" The shades halted momentarily, as if puzzled by the old woman's audacity. But all too soon their inexorable natures reasserted themselves, and they continued their relentless trek forward. "Beta formation code one three five, defensive maneuvers!" More people of indeterminate old age emerged from hiding places behind bushes and trees, vaguely threatening only they had not been wearing bathrobes. But they were armed… with more abanico fans, a cane, and in one instance even a makeshift shiv, because General Luna had once been in prison for three days and had subsequently Learned Things there. And they were good at it. They knew where to hit, how to inflict the worst hurt. Shadows shrieked as the innocent-looking fans—or more specifically, the hidden blades lining the edges of the thin abaca fabric—dug into them, twisting and grasping, until soon even the endless darkness showed signs of faltering. "Teejay," Lola Urduja said, "shade at five o'clock." The tita, her hair still pinned up by large rollers, obeyed, punching a fan through the shadow's chest before it could reach the other woman.  "Hold your position, general," Lola Urduja said to old General Luna, who had planted himself in front of the house next door. "Don't let them in!" "Mga antipatika!" The octogenarian barked, then cheerfully shanked a shadow into nothingness. A few of the shades crept toward her, sentient enough to recognize the little old lady's importance, but Lola Urduja lunged, was quicker than her limp suggested. Her fan twisted, and the sharp knives underneath the stretched cloth tore into the creatures like they were wet paper. She whipped it toward another approaching shadow, and an abrupt flick of her wrist summoned a sudden roaring wind, slashing the darkness into pieces without ever making contact. The firebird and the elders fought the shades all night long. Finally, as dawn touched the sky with the colors of sunrise, the last of the creatures slunk away, disappearing into the sidewalk just as quickly as they arrived. Wearily, the firebird watched them leave, the flames in its feathers dimming. When the last flickered out, it sighed and closed its eyes, returning to its perch atop the mailbox. Adrenaline faded, was taken out of the elders' veins like an IV drip. They mumbled and scuffed at the ground with their good foot and looked rightfully embarrassed. This was technically not appropriate behavior for old men and women, though the awed grins had some trouble leaving their creased faces. Hadn't seen this much action since Wonderland, Boy signed. "Nakakamiss," Chedeng murmured, reverting briefly to Tagalog. "Good times." "Punyeta," the general agreed. "Natakot ba natin?" Baby asked Lola. The little old woman pursed her lips. "No. They'll be back. Umalis na kayo. Won't be good for Tala to see us out here on the lawn, she’ll have questions." "The firebird is here," Chedeng said, not without some awe. "Mare, it really is the firebird!" "Control your excitement, Mercedes. This is far from over."   The door to 24 Dharma Road opened and Kay Warnock emerged with a can of beer in hand, yawning. "So good of you to help," Mrs. Sarge said dryly. "Y'did a good enough job without me." "A little too early to be drinking." "On the contrary. After what just happened, I think it's a fine time to start." About the Author: Despite an unsettling resemblance to Japanese revenants, Rin always maintains her sense of hummus. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, she keeps four pets: a dog, two birds, and a husband. Dances like the neighbors are watching.  She is represented by Rebecca Podos of the Helen Rees Agency. She is also fond of speaking in the third person, and may as well finish this short bio in this manner. While she does not always get to check her Goodreads page, she does answer questions posed to her here as promptly as she is able to.  Links: Website; https://www.rinchupeco.com/  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7055613.Rin_Chupeco  Twitter: https://twitter.com/rinchupeco  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rinchupeco/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinchupeco/  PRE-ORDER PROMOTIONS Promo 1: If you pre-order WICKED AS YOU WISH on or before March 1, 2020 you will also receive a character card of Tala and an enamel Order of the Bandersnatch firebird pin! ·         US/ Canada pre-orders: https://t.co/5c7lQTI3Os?amp=1 ·         International pre-orders:https://t.co/eCZvNLcWj1?amp=1 Promo 2: From March 3rd – 31st 2020, the author be hosting an Instagram giveaway for WICKED AS YOU WISH (https://www.instagram.com/rinchupeco/)! Just post a photo of the book with the hashtag #PRETTYWICKEDASYOUWISH and every participant will receive book swag! (Alex character art card + character stickers). The Alex card will only be available during promos and not for the pre-orders! Giveaway: 1st Prize: Win a signed copy of WICKED AS YOU WISH by Rin Chupeco + 3 character stickers (Alex, Tala, and the firebird) + 2 character cards (Alex and Tala) [INT] 2nd Prize: Win (1) of (3) character stickers from WICKED AS YOU WISH (Alex, Tala, and the firebird) + character cards from WICKED AS YOU WISH (Alex and Tala) [INT] Starts: February 26th 2020 Ends: March 11th 2020 a Rafflecopter giveaway Tour Schedule: https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2020/01/tour-schedule-wicked-as-you-wish.html February 26th The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club - Welcome Post February 27th NovelKnight - Guest Post Here's to Happy Endings - Review The Layaway Dragon - Review + Favourite Quotes Dazzled by Books - Review dinipandareads - Review + Favourite Quotes February 28th Struck by Stories - Meet The Characters L.M. Durand - Review Sometimes Leelynn Reads - Review + Playlist + Dream Cast Fanna Wants The World To Read - Review Alys in Bookland - Review February 29th Bookish Looks - Top 10 List The Book Nut - Review + Playlist Starlight Reads - Review A Court of Coffee and Books - Review + Favourite Quotes Shalini's Books & Reviews - Review March 1st Books_andPoetrii - Character Playlist Foals, Fiction & Filigree - Review + Favourite Quotes Shelf-Rated - Review Mahkjchi's Not-So-Secret Book - Review + Favourite Quotes Stuck in the Stacks - Review March 2nd Utopia State of Mind - Character Playlist Hooked On Bookz - Review The Reading Corner for All - Review hauntedbybooks - Review + Favourite Quotes Confessions of a YA Reader - Review March 3rd Musings of a (Book) Girl - Official Dream Cast Kait Plus Books - Top 10 List Yna the Mood Reader - Review + Favourite Quotes Book Briefs - Review Biblioxytocin - Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes

http://www.dazzledbybooks.com/2020/02/wicked-as-you-wish-blog-tour-review-and.html

[soulcollector0100-blog]

Kate Walsh Vs. Youtube

    IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ORANGE COUNTY, VA Kate Walsh Address Sealed           Plaintiff                                                Case #:    ______________                   v.          Youtube          901 Cherry Ave.          San Bruno, CA 94066                    Cc          Verizon           P.O. Box 4846           Trenton, NJ 08650-4846           Yahoo           701 First Avenue            Sunnyavle, CA94089                                                                 COMPLAINT PLAINTIFF, Kate Walsh, comes this day, Nov 3rd,  2017, pro se, and for the reasons and causes for his Complaint, states as follows:                         COUNT I, II, III IV VII VI:  Criminal Harassment, Cyber Harassment, Intentional Emotional Distress, Conspiracy and Defamation of Character.          1. Plaintiff, Keyonna Ferrell for the record is a virgin in every aspect who is ONLY romantically attracted to and or interested in white business professionals. Me even stating that line after YAHOOS and GOOGLES behavior places doubt on my character and that whole line. It is the truth and has been the truth since I was 16. I have always liked white men and always will. Till my dying day.          2. When someone enters untrue statements or throws in a bunch of Keyonna’s in a bowl. Someone gets hung out to dry. It sounds like I am responding to something rather it being a detail of my life.  To be quite frank I have only known of MY presence under my name since I was about 18. Things popping up that have nothing to do me with under my name  surprises me but I am motivated to find out the culprit of the defamatory information.            4.  Me saying a lot of Keyonna’s is me being nice sadly there are other reasons why my search results may have become defamatory overnight. My first romantic interest in my life, whom is white, is was a reporter for a low key newsroom located in another state  from 2009 onward.. He has now left the job but my search results according to Youtube and Yahoo  became defamatory in 2009. Something I knew nothing about until 2012 due to the fact that I am not an avid youtube user or an avid yahoo user. My professional gmail account is with Google. The video was dated in 2009. It has been changed by someone to 2010. But I’ve seen the video enough times to know the dates were changed. Excuse me I’ve visited the link enough times. I don’t listen to that kind of music so I’ve only actually watched the video possibly twice.            5. I did send Youtube and Yahoo a request to remove the video as it’s defamatory and graphic in nature. It was taken down but then put back up. Numerous of other request to have the information removed have gone ignored. A civil suit was pursued against Yahoo in 2015. I actually didn’t realize I should have pursued Youtube as well. Which is what I am doing now. Youtube is where the video is derived. The suit against Yahoo was prematurely halted on my behalf due to not having a lawyer but it will be resumed and or resubmitted.  But due to the fact of this case. This is an open and closed case and yet im going to read the opinion of these roaches about an open and closed case. That didn’t happen overight or generate over night. The process of suing and my search results looking like that screams WHITE NIGGERS did it purposefully. There are probably two pages of someone’s opinion on a suit that was provoked by Youtube and Yahoo’s criminal behavior. So even if I have the suits removed. How do I remove TWO pages of someone’s opinions on an open and close case. Someone did this purposefully. It looks a lot like retaliation. And a crime. You put something in my search results to mess my reputation up then make me sue then further damage my reputation. Conspiracy is a crime. One I will be pursuing.          6. I will cc Yahoo in this civil suit because Google is a DIRECT affiliate of YouTube and the video is not showing in their search results yet its showing in Yahoos search results.  And yahoo is displaying the video even after numerous request to remove it.  In fact their removal screen is slut shaming people  in my case INCORRECT  defamatory but in other people’s cases information  they should know nothing about or should not have allowed on their platforms. It’s a business setting. Among Facebook Linked and the like a video of a derogatory nature and derogatory language dead in the middle of respectable sites and links. It does not belong there. Not only are these search engines and youtube responsible and obligated to protect people’s reputation. Job Interviewers look at a job seeker’s search results first before calling anyone for an interview. You give strangers and people I meet even potential marriage mates an untrue  defamatory story. I do not even date black men. You owe me money for that alone.   It downgrades the integrity of what their business model was intended to do. We are not celebrities. Not only do you turn everyday individuals into celebrities overnight you are telling a million people incorrect defamatory  damaging  information.   It really places doubt on the motive of the company and the company’s mission. And let’s not skate around facts. It’s a crime. Yahoo and Youtube are now accomplices to criminal harassment  among other things and it’s a respected company. It’s Astonishing. Excuse me, one is a respected company, YOUTUBE Legalized looting celebrities music. Yet they are fighting me on removing a video that does not benefit any other Keyonna Ferrell  if there even is another one. This is Googles main argument you are not the only Keyonna Ferrell in the world. That may be true but even if so it does not benefit in fact IT negatively AFFECTS any person NAMED Keyonna Ferrell. In fact it defames any person with the name Keyonna Ferrell. A company devoted to following the law and running a business removes that without me even noticing it was ever uploaded. I am  also interested in what underhanded alliance or deals these companies have with other affiliates. I am strongly under the belief these company take deals under the table which is why my search results appear they way they do. Retaliation and scratching someone elses leg which I have nothing to do with. I live my life the way I do PURPOSEFULLY you are trying to imply THESE search engine are playing GOD and have the right to not only take my virginity my reputation and my character overnight due to negligence or jealousy. You owe me a billion dollars for that ALONE. Whores who have seen more play than underwear’s search results are clear. A virgin’s search results look like trash. And your best argument Is someone else possibly is named Keyonna Ferrell. Are you fucking serious?  I have taken numerous of actions against YouTube the search engines and the court and they all act as if this isn’t some egregious criminal act  and I just said the sky was blue. A police officer I have never met in my life is at my work telling everyone I had sex with him last night. This obviously has not happened. This is a metaphor. That’s what yahoo youtube’s and googles criminal behavior is equal to.   This will be brought up in my other suit against the court system and how my suit against yahoo and google were handled. There Is no reason my search results look like that after a suit. It would appear like perhaps the courts enjoy a kick back from the search engines. One’s first thought is that this is a civil suit. Its personal. It shouldn’t go online for the world to see You are going to take a suit I PURUSED and have a judge decide IF HE THINKS it should be sealed. I’m a victim I trump and take precedent over any title. It’s disgusting. I’m the victim. The judge the courts and the court system are exploitive. Noone was thinking it. They are selling my suit 15 cent per page. It’s Amazing. Like really astonished..  A bunch of people are exploiting a victim’s suffering and further damaging my reputation online. If you are seriously trying to tell me these well paid companies don’t know that even if I made love to my white boyfriend and you made my personal information public  it’s a crime and a suit. I have to sue you for common sense, really? I’m scared if these men are running a business that affect other people and don’t act with the sensitivity and respect it requires.  Are these companies, judges, the president really telling me these companies with so much power and social responsibility are not being held to the law? That’s a class action suit against the president and the police. If these people with money and power do not understand respect or follow the law or the basic right of every individual under natural civilized law they should not be allowed to open run and maintain business that affects other people’s lives so greatly. And these people boldly ignore request to remove this information. Lifeboats. A two minute removal of a video compared to a suit closing your company. And multiple request were sent. Their attitudes are disgusting and they are dead in the wrong. Who has given them this idea they are above the law?           7. Verizon will also be CCed because according to recent news, it is who has brought Yahoo.          8. I am not sure how a civil suit with multiple parties but different companies works. But if it is plausible to sue these three companies together. I am giving the judge rope to do so.           9. I will paste the emails I sent requesting the video be removed from search results in the following attachment pages. Along with relief. Summary of Events and Relief follows, See Attached.

EMAILS ARE PASTED below my name and email address have been removed. Relief— I am requesting 160 Billion from Youtube. I am requesting 100 Billion from Yahoo or the sum of its assets and or value of its company. This includes money paid from Verizon to Yahoo in acquisition I am requesting 10 Million from Verizon this amount can be negotiated up or down depending on how acquiescing they are to my request since they are now running or have taken over yahoo. You will note these amounts are in excess to what the web is stating their net worth amount is. I am seeking to close these companies. In the unlikely chance these amounts are lesser than the sum of the company. I am choosing the sum of the company as the priority then the amount requested. I am not sure how closing a company works. If it will include removing google yahoo and youtube or if it means someone else will take over. But should it mean someone else will take over. It needs to be federally regulated protecting people’s reputation and putting strict posting guidelines along with stricter guidelines controlling and regulating search engines.  And strict adherence to violations brought to the sites attention either by third parties or by the victim. I am requesting this suit be sealed and or disposed of when the suit has reached its end and the plaintiff has been satisfied in terms of relief. Note GOOGLE is being sued I have proof they are messing with my my gmail account. The email from 2012 were removed or the time period for emails being kept has deleted the email from my GMAIL. One of MANY emails sent to PRESS YOUTUBE

Please Remove Videos. 1 message

Tue, Nov 24, 2015 at 1:27 PM To: press@youtube.com I  have tried EVERY channel possible to have these videos removed and YOUTUBE keeps saying they see nothing against their policies. Well that means your policies promote VIDEOS. Both videos listed below have a sexually explicit song in them along with DIRECTLY listening my name referring to a sexual act that defames my name. This is bullying and harrassment. It defames my character and implies something sexual in nature to the public with people I have never met. Please remove these videos as I hvae used every channel to request. If you insist there is nothing this email addressee can do about it please forward it to the appropriate department so it can be removed. I am a business professional this looks bad and it shows up in the second page of my my haoo search results. My name name is Keyonna Ferrell listed in both of the videos closing remarks. Please remove it The videos are listed below. The owner or uploaded has not commented and has disabled his messaging feature. Making it impossible to message him. It was done maliciously. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vu_wq6dzE3w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WK1guwf94Q Also the red bandana feautured in one of the videos I associate with a gang. The song featured in the above videos listed implies a threat if action is taken. I will murder your bestfriend. Please remove these videos.

Thu, Feb 26, 2015 at 7:00 PM

The video was removed [Quoted text hidden] -- Best Regards,

Tue, Apr 7, 2015 at 8:47 PM To: press@youtube.com [Quoted text hidden] -- Best Regards,

    Mon, May 18, 2015 at 2:04 AM To: Yahoo added the top. First Result it was not there. You will not be bargaining with me about my reputation. [Quoted text hidden]

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video Ferrell's Video

Ferrell's Video

Preview YouTube video Yes this is a redo vid..cant please people now n days...lol

Yes this is a redo vid..cant please people now n days...lol

Kate Walsh Vs Email Clients

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ORANGE COUNTY, CA Kate Walsh Address Sealed Plaintiff                                                                                Case #:    ______________                   v. GMAIL AOL Mail Yahoo Mail Out Look Mail and Vfe Mail.net And HP Google Inc. (GMAIL) 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway Mountain View, CA 94043 USA Yahoo 701 First Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94089 Aol 770 Broadway New York, NY 10003 Microsoft (Outlook Mail) One Microsoft Way Redmond WA 98052 Vfemail.net Meadowview Ct E, Waukesha, WI 53189 Hp (Hewlett Packer) 3000 Hanover St, Palo Alto, California 94304                                                                           COMPLAINT PLAINTIFF, Kate Walsh, comes this day, Novemeber 3rd, pro se, and for the reasons and causes for this Complaint, states as follows:                               COUNT I, II, III IV VII VI:  Criminal Harassment, Cyber Harassment, Intentional Emotional Distress, Conspiracy, Fraud,  Cyber Crime, Information Warfare                1. Plaintiff, Kate Walsh, Has been a Gmail user since 2012. Before that I was a yahoo mail user. I switched for no other reason then gmail is more popular and at  that time more advanced. I have pursued a suit against Gmail for other criminal  activity such as my search results. That suit was pursued in 2015 and is currently in the progress of being reinstated.                2. I have noticed things wrong with a new computer bought At WALMART maybe two months ago. Its an Hp Computer. I actually had to exchange the first new computer I brought in ten days due to the computer not functioning properly. I was already immediately aware it was not a defective computer and HP acting criminally due to what was happening. The cursor was VERY slow to the point it was three and four letters late causing me to misspell. Ive actually never seen anything like it before. Didn’t know it was possible. I recorded the screen and then it stopped.  Boxes  saying that memory was low and its an 8 day old computer. My screen blacking in and out. What made me return it was the mouse just stopped working. Even after turning the computer off and on the mouse was broken. No matter what I did it would not appear on the screen. Nothing was done to the computer. It was a mint condition  Brand New computer. I hadn’t downloaded anything. Barely used it beyond internet usage. This computer I have now I’ve had for maybe 2 months.  And its an IC3 report every OTHER day. COPY AND paste function doesn’t work. Attachment doesn’t work. Which Im not sure if it’s a GMAIL or Hp issue. But we will find out.  Along with other computer problems and ALL I use Is word and the internet.                3. I have numerous of suits in progress a number of them with GOOGLE and the search engines. But this shouldn’t be necessary to say. That’s another BSUINESS DEALING in which business professionals are paid to do their jobs. It SHOULD have no bearing on this case and yet I’m sure it does. You don’t have business professionals you have criminals in every sector. It fucking sad and disgusting all that money and you couldn’t hire competent law abiding citizens. Fucking Amazing.  And any judge is going to talk to me about a fee waiver while im trying to get back on my feet and im in suit I shouldn’t be in due to criminals. Please be sure to refer to fee waiver letter I wrote. It becomes necessary Because I’ve filed suits before and all the judges sadly have proven to be the same. Have secret agendas and personal agendas or interest in cases not going forward.  They create enemies with strangers walking in the door. Brilliant or what?. Do yall take money under the table? That’s a crime right?  The back and forth judge creates is a suit by itself I send the correct paper work. File. They turn it into a circus.  Just trying to get the suit filed. While I really hate to think we don’t have an anonymous world, a business world. You know professionals WHO act professionally. Are not using their jobs to act criminally. The way my suits against the search engines handles scares me. Its obvious retaliation.  They exacerbated my already defamatory mess of search results. Its as if these people KNOW me. I don’t care to know any of these people on a first name basis especially since they have proven to be criminal and I have to sue due to negligence and criminal behavior of these companies. Stuff happens everyday that an ordinary NOBODY shouldn’t have to deal with. I’m  bothering NOONE. This is a new computer and im writing an IC3 report every other day. It is a crime ONE in which fbi don’t SEEM INTERESTED in investigating. I  have become an investigative reporter and I have a life. I don’t want to know these people. We have a president We have police. We have FBI and Im doing your job collectively. Its time to fire people and put people in Jail. I didn’t sign up to be ANYONES  reporter. You are inteferring in my life and wasting My time. You owe me for that alone. I ENJOY anonymity. And Will continue to enjoy anonymity.            4. I am looking for a job. Have been looking for a job. Attachments are officially not functioning.  They were functioning off and on. Like AFTER I WRITE AN IC3 COMPLAINT  it works for a short time. 10 minutes. Not working again. Its officially not working at all once I tried attaching documents in every popular email site including one off brand email site VFE MAIL.  Im an advanced computer user  so it’s not an error on my end. I’m pretty sure email clients and HP are two different function on a computer but it’s a slight chance HP is blocking some function Im not aware of  OR it’s the EMAIL companies collectively and comparatively  disabling my attachment feature.  Which I need due to looking for work and needing to attach my resume and my civil suits created in word.  I will also put here words in my documents change before my eyes It’s a suit so that’s another suit. These people are putting words in my mouth and I have no control over whats been said and I wrote it.  Believe  you me. I am just as astonished as you are. I was not aware all this could be done on a computer by an outside source and secondly I had more faith in human kind than to KNOW these companies are collectively making some random person’s life miserable and don’t adhere to a moral code of conduct and above all LAW. Its scary. I’m a NOBODY saying important things requesting billion dollar companies close. Im really not interested. It has become mandatory. I’ve sent complaints they go ignored. I call police. I get MOCKED. Its crazy and it’s scary. I have to be able to live my life and restore it the peace that it was. What are FBI Police and the president doing while I do their jobs. Its irritating. 5. Moving along. Once I remember there are other email sites I OPENED an aol account. The attachments worked for a day. But opening the account I encountered suspicious activity, Locked out and I just created it. Have the password written down can’t get in. I have to call in. Attachments work after the phone call to  AOL but not the next day or any day after. I then open an Outlook account Attachments are not working as well. I then use an old yahoo account. Attachments are not working as well. The last one I try is VFEMAIL.NET. this is an unpopular email client that I found by google search. Attachments are not working as well. I send a note to the owner Perry. I let him know I’m having issues with attachments in EVERY Email Client. It’s a small chance HP is acting criminally and has disabled some function regarding attachments but Im an advanced user I’m in gmail. OR another email client Id like to think it’s the email company acting criminally I’m not sure. Someone is at fault. But I say do you have any idea what’s going on why your email client is not allowing me to attach. I say I will be pursuing a suit for conspiracy. When I go to sign in a few hours later hoping for a response I sign in no problem. A few days later I go to sign in I get in but not even an email will go out and the email I sent to Perry has been removed. When I try to use the contact form on the home page its saying the Vfe email account I created is not valid.  I have screen  shots of being in my EMAIL ACCOUNT but then VFE mail saying the email account is invalid. I create a new email account with VFE Mail just to SEND them the message. The message I sent to Perry Is pasted in an IC3 complaint which will go in this complaint. There are numerous FYI. I have the screen shots which will also be pasted in this complaint.        6. The reason why my relief, following this cover sheet is harsh is because I’ve asked these companies numerous of times via many avenues in so many words to stop the abusive harassing criminal behavior. They are boldy unashamedly unapologetic in doing the crimes and turning a victims life who is already being victimized down the line into Shit. Excuse my language. If the government the FBI or the President is not going to step in and ENFORCE law CLOSE THEM. They Exacerbate an already difficult position before these companies decided to act criminally. I wont put the details of my life in this suit. But one I shouldn’t have to deal with this shit. Two I am not paying a red cent for any lawsuit in which IM BEING VICTIMIZED. You will not be making money off or fun off MY suffering at the hands OF the criminals yall are so protective of, Its fucking disgusting. How many judges need some fucking jail time? Let me fucking know. companies that first should be acting in a legal way then for police and government to get paid but not do THEIR FUCKING jobs. It’s disgusting.  I’m not looking for money. I will take my ass to work like EVERYONE ELSE. I give a fuck about these companies. And now that I do care. I’m taking it and I’m seeking jailtime.                 Summary of Events and Relief follows, See Attached.                                                                   Respectfully submitted,                                                            _____________________                                                                Kate Walsh,Plaintiff                                                          Address Sealed Evidence

VFE MAIL suit AOL GMAIL YAHOO OUTLOOK 5 messages

Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 3:06 PM To: The EMAIL in its entirety is PASTED below I did send the owner Perry something an email regarding not being able to use attachments in my EMAIL and that this was one of MANY email sites such as gmail aol outlook yahoo and this one acting criminally. I did ask whether they had had any idea or if perhaps it was MY computer HP disabling a function placing doubt on these email sites. Ive waited multiple days for a response instead my TEST Note I could not even finish pasting the entire message to email I HAD TO DO 4 or five print screens to show the entire message. The copy and paste function which is also noted in IC3 complaints as not working properly does not allow me to copy the whole message.

Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 3:10 PM To: So IM inside my email account with vfe yet all my message are coming back saying my email address is not valid. My message tot the above contact person wont send because its saying my email is not valid yet I sent him an email via my welcome message when I first signed up. Though its not appearing in my email. Copying and Pasting the print SCREEN. [Quoted text hidden]

Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 3:18 PM To: [Quoted text hidden]

Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 3:30 PM To: I have taken screen shots of  the email address I'm in and the same email address I created with this site yet is saying is an invalid email address I SENT the owner an email stating attachments were not working in every email site I went to like GMAIL AOL OUTLOOK YAHOO and now THIS one and IM an advanced user. I gave you an opportunity to respond I said perhaps its HP acting criminally since I have have numerous IC3 complaints on HP  and this site along with other gmail accounts THIS Is a new computer but due to your criminal behavior I must assume you are an aware conspirator and the EMAIL sites are along with HP acting criminally. A suit Is being drafted and will be brought against you and the company's listed seeking the sum of your company. Have a good one I HAD to use another GMAIL account because vfe is lying and stating My account is invalid. When I'm inside my vfe mail account sending emails. AMAZED. I have screen shots Created a new email address my old inbox pops up New email address is ke.fe.00@vfemail.net I sent a messe so I could get the mail deamon message and do a print screen email address I created with this site yet is saying is an invalid email address I SENT the owner an email stating attachments were not working in every email site I went to like GMAIL AOL OUTLOOK YAHOO and now THIS one and IM an advanced user. I gave you an opportunity to respond I said perhaps its HP acting criminally since I have have numerous IC3 complaints on HP  and this site along with other gmail accounts THIS Is a new computer but due to your criminal behavior I must assume you are an aware conspirator and the EMAIL sites are along with HP acting criminally. A suit Is being drafted and will be brought against you and the company's listed seeking the sum of your company. Have a good one I HAD to use another GMAIL account because vfe is lying and stating My account is invalid. When I'm inside my vfe mail account sending emails. AMAZED. I have screen shots of everything. I just created a new vfe mail account and igned me into  my old account with the mailer daemons sitting there. SENT ANOTHER message to myself at my gmail account  to get the mailer daemonmessage and proof its a new vfe mail account iVE TRIED ending this message 4 times still not going throw. This one will be compied to an IC3 report along with the first one sent to VFE perry [Quoted text hidden]

Sun, Oct 29, 2017 at 3:32 PM It was sent but they are showing me my old inbox. I obviously have not sent any MESSAGES in my new EMAIL ACCOUNT. [Quoted text hidden] Add IC3 REPORTS AND VFE Email Relief While I do understand how negligent it would be to close ALL major email clients due to the social impact email has on the world. Anything these companies have produced can be duplicated. We only need ONE good one. I am requesting All guilty parties (companies) be closed and I’m seeking the sum of these companies profits assessts and any other thing that contributes to their NET WORTH. I am seeking criminal charges  as set forth in the cover letter for any individual within the company up to its creator and any Guilty individual outside the company who may have been a co conspirator. I do want this suit to be sealed and disposed of upon it completion.

[euro3plast-fr]

How the iPhone changed marketing forever

Happy birthday iPhone

120 months go on the 29th June at 09.41am (California time) the world changed forever.  Six months after being introduced at the Macworld Convention by Steve Jobs, the $499, 4GB storage iPhone was finally in stores.

Since then, over a billion iPhones have been sold globally. In 2007 Apple had $6bn in cash. Today the company’s accounts are reportedly in the final stretch to being valued at $1trillion.

But things could have turned out very differently. Back when the iPhone wasn’t even a glint in Steve Jobs’ eyes, telecoms giants like Verizon held a tight grip over the specification of handsets.  Weighty manuals read like a bible of ‘thou shall nots’. Such restrictions went against everything Jobs believed in.  It certainly wasn’t a sector that he wanted to get into.

Some three years before the iPhone said ‘hello’. A team of Apple engineers were fiddling about with touchscreen technology on an interactive surface that was the size of a ping-pong table.  They didn’t have a clue their ping-pong rig would eventually help redefine everything people understood about Alexander Graham Bell’s invention.

The engineers showed the technology to Apple’s Design Chief, Jonathan Ive. Recognizing its potential, he presented it to Jobs.  Initially, the boss wasn’t that smitten.  But eventually, commercial circumstances helped nurture the idea until touchscreen technology wizardry grew on him. At the time, the iPod was Apple’s lead product.  Yet, Jobs realized that its days of serving as a cash-cow were numbered.  He worried that other companies could start working on a mobile phone able to play music – leaving the iPod redundant and takings thwarted.

Apple’s brightest engineers set to work on figuring out how to miniaturize the touchscreen technology, as well as develop an operating system and… fit everything into a neat device.  The project was code-named ‘purple’.  Engineers worked 24/7 in a sectioned-off part of Apple HQ named the ‘purple dorm’. (It was said that engineers were bringing in takeaway food and sleeping wherever they could lay their heads, the atmosphere in the purple dorm was more like a purple haze).

One of their fundamental tasks was to figure out how to incorporate a touchscreen keyboard.  Numerous iterations were considered.  Complicated shape swiping was dismissed as simply too difficult to learn.  Eventually, one engineer combined AI (Artificial Intelligence) with a standard keyboard layout which predicted words. It was one of what would turn out to be many ‘eureka moments’.

Every aspect of project purple was unremitting. Demands were intense. Hundreds of engineers sacrificed weekends, holidays and, in at least one reported case, a marriage.  When the patent for the original device was eventually awarded only 14 people were listed as designers.  But, in truth, as with so many breakthroughs, delivering the iPhone called on the cooperation of many more who remained behind the scenes. 

The iPhone that almost wasn’t

The name iPhone did not originally belong to Apple. Infogear used it in 1998. Their Linksys iPhone appliance combined a standard phone with a web terminal.  In 2000 Cisco Systems took over Infogear. The company rebranded the appliance, Linksys VoIP.  Apple’s own branding of the iPhone led to a conflict with Cisco Systems – which was eventually resolved.

Apple’s iPhone wasn't the first handset to include iTunes. The Motorola ROKR beat them to it in 2005.  But following Apple releasing the iPod Nano, Ed Zander, Motorola’s CEO relented asking,

“What the hell does the Nano do?  Who listens to 1,000 songs? People want devices that do more than just play music. Something that can be seen in many other countries with more advanced mobile phone networks and savvy users.”

[Ooops...]

Motorola’s second-generation ROKR left out iTunes support. 

“A widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone and a breakthrough internet communications device.      (Steve Jobs’ original description of the iPhone).

Apple also had to tackle the business community’s addiction to Blackberries.  (Also known at the time as the ‘crackberry’).  Sales Warriors loved the device’s keyboard.  Apple’s solution was to first market to consumers and then gradually win over the business sector by making iPhone much more than an individual’s phone.

Whilst the original iPhone had no third-party apps, GPS or even a means to record video, with each new model, the device gradually led to the demise of having to carry around lots of devices. Its all-in-one technology made serious dents in the sales of compasses, stopwatches, calculators, diaries, maps, voice recorders, answering machines, portable games consoles, newspapers, alarm clocks, point-and-shoot cameras, GPS units, camcorders, PDAs and even Apple’s own iPod.

One year after its debut, the introduction of the App Store led to 2,200,000 apps featured as instant downloads.  (According to app measurement company App Annie, Google Play Store currently carries 3,400,000 apps).

For now, more Android system devices have a far bigger market share than IOS, but thanks to clever marketing and luxury pricing, IOS sales are still very comfortable. By 2018, Apple is expected to sell 241 million phones, compared with Samsung’s 404 million. (Canaccord Genuity).

In 2016 the risk of Samsung Galaxy Note catching fire, halted a serious escalating threat to iPhone sales.  New phones from the likes of Huawei, Sony and OnePlus with even more sophisticated features than currently offered by Apple could yet damage sales.

Whilst many celebrate iPhone’s tenth birthday, they also await its 16th iteration, to be finally officially revealed in the Fall.  Only after then will Apple’s CEO Tim Cook finally know whether all the fuss over blowing out birthday candles turns out to be little more than hot air.

How iPhones helped change more than you thought…

Everyone is always on

Once upon a time... in an age long, long, long, ago you could wait up to ten minutes to get onto the web. Now everyone is connected instantly either via Wif-Fi or cellular networks.

Chewing gum

People are so transfixed to their phones that traditional last moment point of sales purchases at checkouts like chewing gum have declined by 15% since 2007. 

Accessories

The ‘sweet and sour’ of everyone’s mobile lives - accessories - including Bluetooth speakers, headphones, cables and docks are ubiquitous.  ABI research estimates that revenue in the global mobile accessories market will top $110bn by 2021. 

Media

More people are watching TV and getting their news via mobile phones than ever.

Vanity

According to tech futurologist Benedict Evans, there will be more photographs taken this year alone on devices like iPhones than during the entire history of photography.

In 2017, following an analysis of 2.5 million selfies on Instagram, researchers discovered that more than half fell into the 'appearance category' – images that describes the person's outward status and wealth. (The selfie movement is mostly driven by women and the 18 to 35-year-old age group).

Broadcasting lives in real-time around the globe.

Thanks to video conferencing software as well as services like Periscope and Facebook Live, potentially more than half the world’s population can become ‘live tv’ broadcasters, sharing everything from local brawls to cute pet moments.

Games

Seven of the top ten grossing iPhone apps are games.

Instant gratification

No – not porn via mobiles - although that particular sector has also ‘erupted’.  Instead I refer to paying via phone.  The iPhone Wallet app stores credit card payment facilities for touch and pay purchases as well as retains retail coupons, reward cards, cinema passes, flight board tickets and much more. (Speaking at a 2016 event, Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook said: “We’re going to kill cash”).

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ADHD has soared.  Attention spans, especially for children, have plunged. In addition to school teachers feeling despair as they try just about anything to retain students’ attention, the dramatic fall in attention spans has also fundamentally changed communications as practiced by virtually all business sectors including news media, entertainment, recruitment, professional training, journalism, marketing and advertisers.

Privacy

The psychology of reciprocity has gone into overdrive as brands lure consumers into revealing more and more of their private information in return for incentives like free taxi rides and retail discounts.

from Blog – Smart Insights http://www.smartinsights.com/mobile-marketing/iphone-changed-marketing-forever/