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b38rman · 2 months ago

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READ YOUR MIND ᯓ★ Ollie Bearman

tags - ollie bearman x afab!reader, friends to lovers, fluff, slight miscommunication, loosely inspired by the sabrina carpenter song of the same name

synopsis - This was definitely not on the marketing internship job offering for Prema Racing. You swore you had everything under control before this—before Ollie Bearman took up most of the weekend's agenda.

rating - teen and up readers

warnings - slightly suggestive ending

a/n - i wrote this before ollie was announced as a 2025 f1 driver and the slight implications of dread related to that uncertainty are littered throughout this work so just keep that in mind (or not) enjoy!

Thursday — Spain, 2024

The unmistakable sound of the hotel doorbell rang through your room. Admittedly, the best time to go to sleep had already passed you by at this point, considering the 7 AM lobby call time the team had for you. Unfortunately, the restlessness that could only be attributed to constant location changes seeped into your bones.

You got up, trying to dispell the feeling populating your gut. Perhaps, more than anything, it was the dull influx of certainty. You were still learning how to get used to this.

You opened the door slightly, just enough to see who was on the other side.

“Took you long enough.” The familiar rumble of Ollie’s voice filled your ears, as he pushed his way into your bedroom.

At this point, you were 100% sure that any of this was not part of any of the contracts Prema made you sign when they offered you the internship. No matter how much you looked between the lines of wage and non-disclosures, you wouldn’t find what you and Ollie had anywhere.

It was just that it was becoming a routine at this point. From the beginning of the season, Ollie seemingly couldn’t find a better victim than you for his late night musings. You tried to gently reprimand him at first, telling him off about his bedtime and his racing and all of the things he’d scoff at you for and turn a stubbornly deaf ear towards.

Ollie rounded the room slowly, his white sleep shirt and flannel pajamas contrasting against your worn summer camp shirt and cotton shorts. You felt overexposed, as you always did in these situations.

“Wanna play Mario Kart?” Ollie asked, mindlessly making his way to your side of the bed.

You thought about it for a second before responding, “Nope, too tired to be that stressed out.”

Ollie hummed in acknowledgment before laying back onto your bed, phone in hand, with his legs still dangling over the edge. He always took your side of the bed, despite it very obviously being rumpled and occupied.

You climbed onto the other side and tucked yourself in under the sheets. As if on instinct, Ollie moved his head upward, resting it on your stomach, before locking his phone and setting it on his chest.

“I just feel a bit odd, you know? Like everyone says so many good things about me but really, I haven’t done anything.” He looked to the ceiling as he rambled. “I have another FP1 tomorrow and all I can think about is how I don’t know how to be what people want me to be. I don’t know how to keep being good, or how to really be good; will people even look back and think I was good?”

“That’s some bad imposter syndrome you got there, huh?” You stretched your hand out and lightly laid it on his head, stretching your fingers against the expanse of brown waves. Ollie leaned into the touch, shutting his eyes.

“The only thing that should matter is who you want to be.” You grinned fondly at him, even if he couldn’t see it. “Besides, you’re way too young to be worrying stuff like that.”

“We’re the same age.” He opened his eyes just to look at you as he said that.

“And do you see me worrying about my legacy?” You joked, earning a toothy smile and a roll of eyes from Ollie.

At every moment you’ve spent with Ollie so far, he’s not felt like someone that appears on national television broadcasts or on carefully curated Pinterest boards. You could almost see yourself looking across the lecture hall, seeing him, and wondering if he was really paying attention or just browsing on his laptop.

Instead, he was one of the boys you’d keep track of social media appearances for. You managed his filming schedules for both long-form and short-form videos, and wove through seas of people and motorhomes with him to find a spot to record his little post-race briefs. You weren’t assigned to him specifically, but it usually was you and him most of the time.

“It’s, um, getting late.” You tried not to be too awkward about untangling your hand from Ollie’s hair. “I think you should get some rest.”

You waited for him to complete the final part of this routine you had going, wherein he’d sleepily walk to his own bedroom and you’d fall asleep in your own fully warmed bed.

Except for the fact that he didn’t do that at all.

“Could I just stay here? I don’t really want to be alone right now.” You felt Ollie shift ever so slightly from where he was, head still resting on you.

Questions on professionality and ethics rang through your mind one after another.

“Are you sure?” Was all you could muster.

Ollie seemed to recognize your concern without you voicing it. After all, you weren’t particularly discreet about any of it.

“I’ll just wake up earlier, it’ll be fine.” He finally raised his head and began setting an alarm for five in the morning. Part of you knew it was futile. Considering everything, it was a bold move, considering that it was just past midnight.

You watched him mindlessly, as he turned all the lights off, only leaving the light from the bathroom peaking out through a slight opening in its door. For a moment, you let yourself think of a time and place where this was a normal occurrence—one where him curling up in bed next to you in near complete darkness felt like a grounding force instead of a guilt-inducing one.

You turned to face away from where he was laying, opting to try and not make this any weirder than it could be.

“Good night.” He said regardless. “Sweet dreams.” He said, in a softer voice, almost as if he didn’t want you to hear him.

You could feel his body near yours, almost as if the full size bed was too cramped for the two of you.

“Sweet dreams, Ollie.” You replied.

You felt him roll over to his back as you drifted off to sleep.

Friday

Your eyes shot open at the sound of an iPhone alarm going off, obviously being the one Ollie set a few hours prior. What you didn’t immediately process was the arm wrapped around your waist, and the soft snores coming from the face that was nuzzled into your hair. Your heart was pounding.

“Ollie,” You lightly shook the arm that was over you. “Ollie, wake up.”

You were only met with a long grunt and a tightened grip.

“Ollie, please, come on.” You tried sitting up to give him a bit more of a hint, displacing his arm on you.

Finally, he rolled over, turning off his alarm. The sun was barely out yet, and you saw him squinting at you through his sleepy eyes.

“I don’t want to go.” He said softly and groggily, toying with a loose string on your worn shirt.

“You have to.” You replied with every ounce of control in your body.

Ollie grunted faintly before stretching his arms over his head, silently sitting up and making his way out of the door as quickly as he came through it.

Everything kept moving into the next day. You’d comprehensively briefed Kimi in the morning on his share of marketing activities over breakfast and sneaked some Live at Prema footage here and there, with Ollie notably paying less attention and getting called by some F1 media members midway.

The constant elephant in the room was the tinge of disappointment the team felt due to Ollie’s slightly lackluster feeder performances in direct comparison to all of the F1 hype surrounding him, which no amount of sarcastic humor from the team could conceal.

Despite everything that happened the night prior, everything remained calm and professional (he barely acknowledged you outside of what he needed to do, which was both a relief and a punch to the gut).

Between photoshoots and practice sessions, you’d spotted Ollie from afar. Barely anyone could get a hold of him after free practice, as he was justifiably rushing between garages.

He was up and down the paddock clad in his black Haas shirt, clearly moving with an air of confidence that filled your chest with something you couldn’t describe. This Ollie felt worlds away, which brought you as much joy and pride as it did a hint of melancholy. You were still figuring out what he was making you feel, but at times like this, he felt worlds away.

You were pulled away from your thoughts as quickly as they came to you, as you engrossed yourself in content with the F1 Academy drivers. When you weren’t doing that, you were organizing paperwork, analyzing metrics, and sifting through footage on your phone and camera.

The feeling you suppressed earlier only returned as the F1 cars hit the track. You thought about how near he felt at present, just at touching distance in the space between your hotel room and Grisignano de Zocco; but you also thought about how faraway everything would become after Prema, and how much you’d have to feel if you allowed yourself to let your guard down around Ollie.

After all, every sane racing driver would hope that feeder wouldn’t be forever. Deep inside you, though, you wished this feeling wouldn’t just be hidden in the footnotes of what would become Ollie’s career. Nevertheless, the sheer idea of wanting someone who was literally the face of a future generation of racing amidst the backdrop of him being capable of being wanted by every other person in the world felt incredibly absurd and daunting to say the least.

(The two of you weren’t even anything. You weren’t really sure about these thoughts.)

After your rumination and the inevitable conclusion of the free practice session, you continued your work as you were directed to. It was entirely a coincidence, though, that your next duties included bringing parts of Ollie’s race kit and his water to his area in the shared driver’s area in preparation for qualifying. As every internship went, you often had miscellaneous work to fulfill.

Kimi had already finished his personal preparations for qualifying, already looking over last minute data, while Ollie was running late due to his prior commitment. The air was undeniably stress-ridden, as your first real encounter of the race day with Ollie was him scrambling to get into his overalls and suit, but you set everything down calmly while pointedly avoiding eye contact.

“Was starting to think you didn’t miss me at all.” Ollie was the first to break the silence, imploring you to look up at him.

Warmth filled your body at his words. For a moment, you worried that he knew he had some type of effect on you, but you quickly pulled yourself together mentally.

“One less person to persuade to listen to my content briefs.” You shrugged, smiling at him playfully, almost daring him to retaliate.

As the rush caught up to both of you, the only cohesive answer to your banter that he gave you before exiting into the garage was a soft squeeze on your forearm.

“We’re friends, right?” Ollie asked, already tucking himself into your bed without hesitation.

Once Ollie was done slumping over in qualifying debriefs with the team, he made his way to your room again. It was the same routine as last night, just with a lot less talking.

The thing is, you weren’t saying anything either. That in itself said a lot.

You looked at him, eyebrows scrunched together. “Yes?”

Well, you were sharing a bed, tucked under the same sheets, staring face to face at each other in the dim yellow light of your Barcelona hotel room.

“Maybe? I don’t know, Ollie—“ You second-guessed for a moment before continuing, “—I’m literally an intern. We work together, technically.”

Ollie’s face twisted into something unreadable. His eyes shifted to the side as he mouthed the word ‘technically’ under his breath.

“I mean, I guess we could be friends if you want.” You followed up. God, you felt ridiculous for having a conversation that sounded like this.

He took a breath, deep and slow. “I want a lot of things,”He answered.

Ollie looked at right you, eyes so big, bright, and endless.

“I know.” You replied impulsively, in a voice barely above a whisper.

He got so dangerously close to you that you could feel the warmths of his breaths on your face.

“You don’t.” The weight of his gaze felt like it was melting you from the inside out. “You really don’t.”

Ollie closed the gap between the two of you, his dry lips engulfing yours for what felt like an eternity, despite it being maybe a five-second peck at most. When he pulled away, you were breathing like he’d taken all of the air out of your lungs just from the sheer pace your heart was beating at.

A look of uncertainty flashed across his almost annoyingly pretty face. The kiss was so sweet, and you hated to be the one to make him question himself.

“We shouldn’t.” You said in conjuction with your uncontrollable heartbeats and air-filled breaths.

“Then tell me you don’t want this.” Ollie challenged, laying one calloused, warm hand on your cheek.

“Ollie—“ You tried to protest. Every logical part of your brain was telling you how wrong all of this was, and how stupid you were for letting this happen in the first place.

In spite of all that, you couldn’t bring yourself to say it. You couldn’t lie to him for the life of you.

You wanted this so bad. All you could do was want.

You laid your cold hand atop the one cupping your face, and let yourself look back at the earnest look on his face. You felt overexposed, sensitive all over like you’d been put out in the sun for too long.

“Please.” You could barley manage words, but you finally let yourself lean into him to erase every seed of doubt planted in his mind.

The movement of your lips against one another quickly turned hot and heavy, and you let Ollie take and take everything he could’ve wanted. His hand wandered down to your neck and achingly close to your chest, as his kisses migrated down to your neck.

“We—ah—we really shouldn’t be doing this,” You weakly attempted to be rational, even if your hand was tangled in his hair and heat was quickly pooling between your thighs.

In response, he dove right below your collar bone, beginning with a bite and continuing with not-so-subtly marking you there, coaxing a mix between a gasp, wimper, and a soft moan out of you.

It was glaringly obvious that he didn’t care all that much.

#ollie bearman #ollie bearman x reader #formula one #f1 x reader #f1 x you #f1 #formula 2 #f1 2024 #f2 2024 #ferrari driver academy #fda #f2 x reader #f2 x you #f2 fanfic #prema racing #friends to lovers #fluff #b38rman fics

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mariacallous · 3 months ago

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On Tuesday morning, five days after Hurricane Helene ripped through Boone, North Carolina, David Marlett was on his way to the campus of Appalachian State University. The managing director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center, Marlett was planning to spend the day working with his colleagues to help students and community members understand their insurance policies and file claims in the wake of the storm. He didn’t sound hopeful. “I’m dreading it,” he said. “So many people are just not going to have coverage.”

Helene made landfall southeast of Tallahassee, Florida, last week with winds up to 140 miles per hour, downing trees and bringing record-breaking storm surges to areas along the Gulf Coast before charging up through Georgia. But perhaps its most shocking impacts have been on inland North Carolina, where it first started raining while the storm was still over Mexico. At least 57 people are dead in Buncombe County in the west of the state alone. Communities like Boone received dozens of inches of rainfall despite being hundreds of miles from the coast. Waters rose in main streets, sinkholes and mudslides wreaked havoc, and major roads were blocked, flooded, or degraded by the storm.

Now, there’s a good chance that many homeowners in North Carolina won’t see any payouts from their insurance companies—even if they have policies they thought were comprehensive.

“The property insurance market for homes was already a patchwork system that really doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Marlett says. “Now you’re adding in the last couple of years of economic uncertainty, inflation, climate change, population migration—it’s just an unbelievably bad combination happening all at once.”

For North Carolinians, the issue right now has to do with what, exactly, private insurance is on the hook for when it comes to a storm. An average homeowner policy covers damage from wind, but private homeowners’ insurance plans in the US do not cover flooding. Instead, homeowners in areas at risk of flooding usually purchase plans from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The way a hurricane wreaks havoc on a state is a crucial deciding factor for insurers’ wallets. Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida as a category 4 storm with some of the highest wind speeds on record, caused $63 billion in private insurance claims. In contrast, the bulk of the $17 billion in damage caused by 2018’s Hurricane Florence, which tore up the North Carolina coast, was water damage, not wind; as a result, private insurers largely avoided picking up the check for that disaster.

This breakout of flood insurance from home policies dates back to the 1940s, says Donald Hornstein, a law professor at the University of North Carolina and a member of the board of directors of the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association. Private insurance companies decided that they did not have enough data to be able to accurately predict flooding and therefore could not insure it. “In some ways, that calculation of 50 years ago is still the calculation insurers make today,” he says.

While the NFIP, which was created in the late 1960s, provides virtually the only backup against flood damage, the program is saddled with debt and has become a political hot potato. (Project 2025, for instance, recommends phasing out the program entirely and replacing it with private options.) Part of the problem with the NFIP is low uptake. Across the country, FEMA statistics show that just 4 percent of homeowners have flood insurance. Some areas hit by Helene in Appalachia, initial statistics show, have less than 2.5 percent of homeowners signed up for the federal program.

“Even in coastal areas, not many people buy that, much less here in the mountains,” Marlett says. “People have never seemed to fully understand that flood is a separate policy.”

Flooding is not unprecedented in the mountains of North Carolina: Hurricane Ivan swept through Appalachia in 2004, and flash floods from rivers are not unheard of. Purchasing flood insurance is mandatory with a government-backed mortgage in some areas of the country, based on flood zones set by FEMA. But the data is based on extremely outdated floodplain maps that have not taken the most recent climate science on record rainfall into account.

“The biggest non-secret in Washington for decades is how hopelessly out of date these flood maps are,” Hornstein says.

Even if water wasn’t the cause of destruction for some homeowners in North Carolina, the storm’s disastrous mudslides—another risk supercharged by climate change—may not be covered either. Many home insurance policies have carve-outs for what are known as “earth movements,” which includes landslides, sinkholes, and earthquakes. In some states, like California, insurers are mandated to offer additional earthquake insurance, and homeowners can purchase private additional policies that cover earth movements. But in a state like North Carolina, where earthquake risk is extremely low, homeowners may not even know that such policies exist.

It’s also been a tough few years for the insurance industry across the country. A New York Times analysis from May showed that homeowners’ insurers lost money in 18 states in 2023—up from eight states in 2013—largely thanks to expensive disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. Payouts are increasingly costing insurers more than they are getting in premiums. Homeowners are seeing their policies jump as a result: According to statistics compiled by insurance comparison shopping site Insurify, the average annual cost of home insurance climbed nearly 20 percent between 2021 and 2023. In Florida, which has the highest insurance costs in the country, the average homeowner paid over $10,000 a year in 2023—more than $8,600 above the national rate.

Florida has made headlines in recent months as ground zero for the climate-change insurance crisis. More than 30 insurance companies have either fully or partially pulled out of Florida over the past few years, including big names like Farmers’ and AAA, after mounting losses from repeated major hurricanes like 2022’s Ian, the most expensive natural disaster in the state’s history. Florida’s insurer of last resort, now saddled with risk from multiple homeowners, has proposed a rate increase of 14 percent, set to go into effect next year.

In comparison, North Carolina’s insurance market looks pretty good. No insurers have exited the state since 2008, while homeowners pay an average of $2,100 per year—high, but avoiding the sky-high rates of states like Florida, California, and Texas.

“What traditionally has happened is that there’s a rate increase every few years of 8 to 9 percent for homeowner’s insurance,” says Hornstein. “That has kept the market stable, especially when it comes to the coast.”

But as natural disasters of all kinds mount, it’s tough to see a way forward for insurance business as usual. The NFIP is undergoing a series of changes to update the way it calculates rates for flood insurance—but it faces political minefields in potentially expanding the number of homeowners mandated to buy policies. What’s more, many homeowners are seeing the prices for their flood insurance rise as the NFIP adjusts its rates for existing floodplains using new climate models.

Many experts agree that the private market needs to reflect in some way the true cost of living in a disaster-prone area: in other words, it should be more expensive for people to move to a city where it’s more likely your house will be wiped off the map by a storm. The cost of climate change does not seem to be a deterrent in Florida, one of the fastest-growing states in the country, where coastal regions like Panama City, Jacksonville, and Port St. Lucie are booming. (Some research suggests that the mere existence of the NFIP shielded policyholders from the true costs of living in flood-prone areas.)

Asheville, at the heart of Buncombe County, was once hailed as a climate haven safe from disasters; the city is now reeling in the wake of Helene. For many homeowners, small business owners, and renters in western North Carolina, the damage from Helene will be life-changing. FEMA payouts may bring, at best, only a fraction of what a home would be worth. Auto insurance generally covers all types of damage, including flooding—a small bright spot of relief, but not enough to offset the loss of a family’s main asset.

“People at the coast, at some point after the nth storm, they start to get the message,” Hornstein says. “But for people in the western part of the state, this is just Armageddon. And you can certainly forgive them for not having before appreciated the fine points of these impenetrable contracts.”

Marlett says that there are models for insurance that are designed to better withstand the challenges of climate change. New Zealand, for instance, offers policies that cover all types of damage that could happen to your house; while these policies are increasingly tailored price-wise to different types of risk, there’s no chance a homeowner would experience a climate disaster not covered by their existing policies. But it’s hard, he says, to see the US system getting the wholesale overhaul it needs, given how long the piecemeal system has been in place.

“I sound so pessimistic,” he said. “I’m normally an optimistic person.”

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collapsedsquid · 2 months ago

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But the other natural reaction you might have to seeing the same contract trade at different prices in different locations would be: Well, are they the same contract? What if “Donald Trump will win the election” is worth more — that is, has a higher probability — on Polymarket than it does elsewhere? That seems implausible: There is only one presidential election, and Trump will either win it or he won’t. But that might not be exactly right. There is some history of epistemic uncertainty when Donald Trump loses elections. Different prediction markets might resolve that uncertainty in different ways.

Here is Kalshi’s 2024 Donald Trump election contract, whose rules specify that “If Donald Trump or another representative of the Republican party is inaugurated as President for the term beginning January 20, 2025, then the market resolves to Yes.” Here is Polymarket’s equivalent (but higher-priced) contract, which sounds fairly similar: The resolution source for this market is the Associated Press, Fox News, and NBC. This market will resolve once all three sources call the race for the same candidate. If all three sources haven’t called the race for the same candidate by the inauguration date (January 20, 2025) this market will resolve based on who is inaugurated.

Fun decisions in an election that might have legal challenges, hell this thing based on media calls might have had issues even in 2000.

#matt levine

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allthebrazilianpolitics · 17 days ago

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Time for Brazil to accelerate trade talks with Asia

Asian nations beyond China present opportunities amid U.S. and European protectionism

When former French Prime Minister Michel Barnier went to Brussels to advocate for halting the European Union-Mercosur trade agreement, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen countered: “If we don’t sign the treaty, China will take our place.”

However, in the name of French agricultural protectionism, French Trade Minister Sophie Primas argued that the agreement would not weaken the influence of China or the United States in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, just as a failure in the agreement would not prevent Europeans and French from being present in these countries.

If France is determined to sacrifice preferential access to Mercosur and blow up a crucial economic and geopolitical deal, Europe is going to need all the luck it can get. The Federation of German Industries (BDI) recently reported that the European industry is facing its third consecutive year of recession. It predicts that exports from emerging markets could increase by 5%, compared to the stagnation of exports from developed countries. At the same time, France is one of the largest exporters in agribusiness.

In the United States, Donald Trump threatens to open a unilateral and protectionist toolbox in 2025. The U.S. will be an additional source of uncertainty and instability for Europe and globally. Mr. Trump has already threatened tariff increases against Mexico, Canada, China, and BRICS nations. Brazil will be subject to this situation, compounded by the rise of restrictive measures on global trade.

In this turbulent and unstable scenario, accelerating Brazil’s trade diversification towards Asia is evident. All trade data, in general, and current and future growth figures are more favorable in Asia, excluding China. The OECD projects growth of 6.9% for India next year and 5.2% for Indonesia, for example.

#brazil #brazilian politics #politics #economy #international politics #european union #mercosur #china #india #united states #image description in alt #mod nise da silveira

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theomeganerd · 10 months ago

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Video Game News Stories for February 26th, 2024

Legal Battles Rock the Industry:

Call of Duty Lawsuit Challenges Esports Dominance: A group of gamers sent shockwaves through the esports community by filing a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, Inc., accusing the company of monopolizing control over Call of Duty esports leagues and tournaments. This legal action could have far-reaching consequences, potentially forcing Activision to adjust its esports strategy and pave the way for a more competitive environment.

Platform Shifts and Strategic Moves:

Microsoft Embraces Multiplatform Strategy: In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft Corporation announced plans to release four upcoming Xbox titles on external platforms, including PC and potentially even rival consoles like Sony's PlayStation. This move signifies a significant departure from the company's longstanding strategy of platform exclusivity, a cornerstone of the "console wars." The new approach could lead to wider accessibility for Xbox games, potentially attracting new demographics and impacting development strategies across platforms in the face of increased competition.

Sony Adjusts PS5 Sales Target, Prepares for IPO: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. adjusted its PlayStation 5 sales target downwards, citing ongoing supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainties. This news comes alongside reports that the company is planning an initial public offering (IPO) for its financial unit in 2025. The revised sales target suggests potential adjustments to Sony's production and distribution strategies in the coming months, while the planned IPO could be a strategic move to raise capital for future endeavors.

Beyond the Headlines:

Nintendo Switch 2 Rumors Gain Momentum: Speculation surrounding the potential launch of a successor to the hugely successful Nintendo Switch console later this year continues to gather steam. Fans eagerly await official announcements from Nintendo regarding the next iteration of the popular platform, with potential implications for the continued success of the Switch franchise and the broader handheld gaming market.

Elden Ring Mobile Version: Speculation Ignites Fan Interest: Rumors of a mobile version of the critically acclaimed game Elden Ring are circulating online, sparking excitement among fans who desire to experience the title on the go. While unconfirmed, the prospect has captivated the gaming community, leading to discussions about the feasibility of adapting the game's complex mechanics to mobile platforms and the potential impact on mobile gaming trends.

"Princess Peach: Showtime" Generates Positive Buzz: The recent Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase unveiled "Princess Peach: Showtime," a new title receiving positive first impressions for its innovative gameplay and engaging story. This upcoming release has garnered significant interest within the gaming community, particularly among fans of the Super Mario franchise, potentially influencing player expectations and pre-order trends.

This Week's Video Game Releases (February 26 - March 2, 2024):

February 28, 2024:

Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons Remake (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)

Cook, Serve, Delicious! (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One)

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC)

Additional News Stories:

Call of Duty Servers Crash, Player Stats Reset: Adding to the woes of Call of Duty players, server outages caused frustration and confusion due to data resets.

PlayStation VR 2 Expands Horizons with PC Support: In a move that may delight PC VR enthusiasts, Sony announced that PlayStation VR 2 will support PC games sometime in 2024, potentially expanding its player base.

Fortnite Emote Faces Lawsuit: A choreographer filed a lawsuit against Epic Games, claiming their copyrighted dance moves were used in a Fortnite emote without proper permission, raising discussions about intellectual property rights and fair use within the gaming industry.

#video games #gaming #gaming news #fortnite #call of duty #star wars #star wars dark forces #playstation #sony #xbox #microsoft #nintendo #princess peach #princess peach showtime #nintendo switch #news

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bloghrexach · 5 days ago

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💥 … Excellent question!! - The coming year will usher in pain, uncertainty, restlessness, inequality and so much more!!

By Colin Tiyani Anderson, Artist, 3D Creatot, from LinkedIn …

“Where is humanity heading? With the imminent change in U.S. leadership, 2025 threatens to be an ominous year. It's as if the Ruling Class feel emboldened by what they've managed to get away with already. Now they are about to double-down.

The Ruling Class have been committing Genocide in Gaza for over a year using our tax dollars. Alarmed at the protests of the 99%, they used riot police and compromised university leadership to restrict free speech for the pro-Palestinian movement.

The Ruling Class billionaires are currently scheming in Washington on how to steal even more from the poor to give to the rich. They can call it "Government Efficiency." For ordinary people, it's called exacerbated, extreme inequality, or, more simply, theft.

Luigi Mangione demonstrated that the Ruling Class care a million times more for a single member of the 1% than the tens of thousands of working poor who are denied healthcare in order to fuel their bloated profits.

Don't get suckered into falling for Trump's phoney culture wars. Muslims and minorities and migrants are not your enemy. There's absolutely nothing there. It's a cynical, irrelevant distraction to pull your attention away from the real game: reverse Robin Hood - steal from the poor and give to the rich.

You only need to take a look at Trump's billionaire political appointees to see where his allegiance lies. The chickens voted for the fox. The mice voted for the cat. The people voted for a sullen leech.

“And then many things became very clear... we learned perfectly that the life of a single human being is worth millions of times more than all the property of the richest man on earth.”

― Ernesto Che Guevara!!

In a decent society, Palestinians would be valued as much as Israelis and Luigi Mangione would be valued as much as Brian Thompson. The inherent racism of Zionism and the inherent greed of free market capitalism is tearing society apart. Oligarchs are inherently destabilising. Standing up for human rights means fighting, taxing, and holding to account the Ruling Class.” … 💥

@hrexach

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themelanindigitalwave · 2 months ago

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Don't quit. Every successful entrepreneur has faced challenges, setbacks, and self-doubt. It's the determination to keep going that sets them apart.

With just a few months until 2025, now's the perfect time to start building your business. Don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Keep pushing forward, and watch your dreams become reality.

Ready to keep going? Explore our collection of digital products, merchandise, and affiliate marketing opportunities designed to help you on your journey.

Save this post for a daily dose of motivation. Leave a comment below sharing your biggest challenge and how you're overcoming it. Share this post to inspire others to never give up.

#motivation #melanin #melanin faceless #black tumblr #black excellence #mindset #mindfulness #black owned #affiliatemarketing #black entrepreneurship #digital marketing

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mysmorgasbordoffantabulosa · 2 years ago

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What are your thoughts on BTS's future and TK's future with BTS? I have a gut feeling BTS aren't going to reconvene in 2025. Especially with Bang's uncertainty shown in the press conference.

Maybe TK aren't re-signing? Idk what to think

Ok this ask has been in my drafts for nearly a fortnight. Firstly, I wanted to apoligise to the original sender that it took me this long to get sorted. Last week was busy with work and I've also had to deal with a tonne of asks too. So apologies.

This post is also F.A.O. @nonalisa @lullaby-of-taekook @taekookgotjamz who asked about my thoughts so to you and the rest of you...

First, I'll give a bit of context and then my thoughts on what might be happening now and could happen in the future....

First, the context:

This will be broken up into 3 parts...

2018 & the 2020 contract

Fake Rumours about contracts and lack of support

What HYBE are saying

2018 & the New 2020 contract.

We can't talk about the future without looking back to the previous renegotiation.

In 2017, BTS were close to breaking point and in early 2018 contemplating disbandment. Under this cloud BigHit initiated negotiations with BTS, over several months the boys renegotitated there second phase contract, due to start in June 2020, and most likely an adjustment to the then current contract.

I have speculated that BTS, and in particular Taekook, used Dispatch to hint at them being a couple as form of contract negotiation.

Whatever happened BTS re-signed.

It should be noted that BH suggested that BTS use their own lawyers and even to consult with their parents about the contract proposals.

I feel the new contract afforded BTS a lot more autonomy and control over their futures, content and lives. First indications of this was the two-month break in 2019.

It's clear from June 2020 there is a stark change in how the boys are presented and how they interact both in front and behind the camera.

Most reports indicated that the new contract was until 2026

Major news outlets would not report that date unless it came directly from BH.

Then in 2020 during the IPO of BH on the Korean Stock Market, this came out...

So why the two dates? My initial thought was a 5 year contract with an option to extent for 2 years. However, I now think the answer is a lot simpler, BTS signed a 5 year deal which factored in 2 year time out for military enlistment, so there would be an automatic extension to 2026, hence why nearly all news outlets in 2018 mention this obvious press release date.

The Fake Rumour(s) about Contracts

Between June 2020 and now amongst some Taekookers and solo stans there is a perception that HYBE is sideling and not supporting Tae and JK.

Then, in Jan 2023, a Taekook twitter account started circulating a "blind item" claiming to be from October 2020 about how 5 members of BTS had re-signed/extended their contract, but 1 member hadn't, and another was supportive of them (despite there being not a single shred of evidence of such a blind item existing back in 2020)...

Then BANG! on 11th February, on the well-known blind item website CrazyDaysCrazyNights, the exact same blind item resurfaced but with 2023 twist that set out to villainise HYBE and Scooter Braun...

My guess, because people can submit gossip to CDCN, someone did this recently for this blind.

Following it's posting, it was clear that some Taekookers and Solo JK/Tae Stans used this blind as justification for their fav's perceived lack of support from the company (despite that not exactly being the case) and ongoing assumption that Taekook were the only ones who hadn't re-signed, and will not enlist and would leave BH after 2024. Obviously forgetting that not a few days earlier they claimed this all happened back in 2020. Odd that isn't it....

These rumours were initially compounded by JK's Lives on Weverse, where he talks about not working on his album that he's not doing much. Then within days, we hear about Tae's work and promotion of it, as well as JK going to work and rumours of a BA with Calvin Klein.

HYBE, BigHit and Band PD....

As the speculation grew - within the fandom about how supposedly some of the members, particularly Taekook weren't getting the same level of support from the company - we suddenly start seeing statements and interviews, reiterating that the company supports all members in their solo projects.

In particular, Bang PD does an interview and conference where he talks about the future of K-Pop. He specifically mentioned BTS and that they are currently in contract renewal talks with BH. So unlike the blind all the members are currently negotiating their new contract, but it's likely nothing will resolve until BTS return from enlistment.

My thoughts...

I'll break this down into BTS as a whole and what might be the key points in the contract talks, then look briefly at Taekook.

BTS

BTS back in 2018 decided to renegotiate together as 1 and got a new contract as a collective. That contract I think gave them a lot more freedom, control and opportunities for solo activities until 2024/26 from June 2020.

During this new contract negotiation, which likely started last year, it's clear they're doing the same thing. We know this because RM stated it in his Live the other day. I think the catch up with Jin last week, whilst was about catching up with him it was also about the new contract. RM also stated it would be resolved until they all return from the military.

I think the new contract is about allowing BTS to create music and go on tours together every few years and in between allow them to grow as soloists too. As well as, giving them even more control over their time and music.

This is where a new BTS Label, separate from BigHit and HYBE, could come into play. It will be like what Apple Records was like for the Beatles. However, this may be the biggest sticking point for HYBE, it would be predominantly owned by BTS, with HYBE as a minority shareholder. I also wonder if BTS want their Masters, as this would increase their control. I think HYBE want to retain as much control/profit as the can from BTS, but obviously the boys want more of that for themselves too. So, I think a compromise will be reached.

I do think HYBE will give them most of the control and freedom they want and possibly more control/ownership over their Masters.

Taekook

There is a perception in certain quarters that Tae and JK are victims and are just riding out their contract until 2024. That doesn't tally with what they and the other members have said. I definitely think all 7 re-sign with BH/HYBE in some way. But I wonder if Taekook want some specific for them included too. I could see them asking for no "fanservice" moments, but that's small fry. Could they want a managed (sort of) coming out plan? That's possible. In light of recent events, could they want HYBE to support them officially moving in together as flatmates?

These are all interesting questions and thoughts I currently have.

Final thought:

What is clear though to me, is that BTS will be re-signing with HYBE in some way, and we'll possibly get that announcement shortly after the last members return from the military.

#my asks #taekook #jungkook #taehyung #jeon jungkook #kim taehyung #bighit #hybe #bts contract renewal #bts #bts military enlistment

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feedyourmind1031 · 6 months ago

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Economic Overview: Key Market Developments

Critical Update

Sudden market shifts may occur due to significant events. Monitor trading positions and implement risk management strategies during these uncertain times.

Economic Overview

As we enter a new quarter, the market faces numerous challenges. Rising war tensions, de-dollarization efforts, and upcoming elections in the U.S., France, and Iran contribute to the uncertainty. Here’s a detailed analysis of these developments and their potential impacts.

Currency Shifts

Russia’s move to use the Chinese Yuan for international trade and the increase in gold reserves by central banks are noteworthy. While the Yuan may not replace the U.S. Dollar soon, these actions indicate strategic shifts. Gold purchases serve as a hedge against potential currency volatility.

Geopolitical Conflicts

Middle East: The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has intensified, with Iran warning of severe retaliation if Lebanon is attacked. Daily strikes continue, and countries like the U.S. and Germany have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon.

South China Sea: On June 19, 2024, Chinese coast guard officers attacked Philippine military personnel near the Second Thomas Shoal, escalating tensions. The U.S. has reaffirmed its defense treaty with the Philippines, which could lead to military involvement if violence escalates.

Korean Peninsula: North and South Korea are on edge, with Russia signing a defense treaty with North Korea. Border incidents and threats over South Korea’s potential troop deployment to Ukraine have heightened tensions.

Nuclear Brinkmanship: France and Russia’s nuclear brinkmanship is a significant risk, with both countries attempting to establish deterrent boundaries.

Economic and Market Effects

These conflicts could alter monetary power dynamics and supply chains. Expect increased oil demand and gold purchases as safe-haven assets. Silver demand will also rise due to its military applications.

Diplomatic Relations

Zimbabwe and Zambia: Tensions are high as Zimbabwe aligns more closely with Russia, accusing the U.S. of militarizing Zambia.

Election Updates

Iran: Presidential elections are nearing completion as candidates drop out.

France: The first stage of snap parliamentary elections is complete.

U.S.: The first debate between Biden and Trump was contentious, adding to the uncertainty of the upcoming election.

Natural Disaster Considerations

While not detailed here, it’s crucial to consider the impact of natural disasters on economic activities and implement strong risk management.

Key Market Data and Analysis

Final GDP: Increased from 1.3% to 1.4%.

Unemployment: Fell by 3k more than forecasted, indicating a stronger U.S. economy.

Core PCE: Decreased from 0.3% to 0.1%.

Consumer Confidence: Fell but remained above forecasted numbers.

Housing Market: New home sales dropped significantly, while pending home sales improved slightly but missed expectations.

GOLD

Gold prices remain within a range, with resistance at 2431.705 and support at 2295.536. A bullish trend is expected despite fluctuations.

SILVER

Silver prices showed growth, reaching 29.900 before settling at 29.018. Resistance is expected at 29.900, but an overall upward trend is anticipated.

DXY (Dollar Index)

The dollar index showed growth but may face weakness with the anticipated September rate cut. A bearish outlook is expected.

GBPUSD

The pound remains within a range. With potential rate cuts in both the U.K. and the U.S., significant price changes are unlikely in the near term.

AUDUSD

The Aussie dollar shows upward momentum but needs to break above 0.67142 to confirm this trend. Analysts predict rate cuts only in late 2025, potentially benefiting the currency.

NZDUSD

Similar to the Aussie dollar, the New Zealand dollar shows growth and may benefit from delayed rate cuts until late 2025.

EURUSD

The ECB’s cautious rate cut approach has weakened the Euro. Further cuts are expected but at a slower pace, indicating potential continued weakness.

USDJPY

Despite interventions, the USDJPY continues to grow. Watch for further interventions and economic data to gauge future movements.

USDCHF

The Swiss Franc fell after recent rate cuts. Further rate cuts are uncertain, making the USDCHF volatile.

USDCAD

The CAD showed weakness against the dollar, with analysts predicting further rate cuts. Price consolidation is expected as we await more data.

Stay informed and practice diligent risk management as we navigate these challenging market conditions. More updates to come.

#forex market #forex trading

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formulatalk · 10 months ago

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Ocon Confirms Mercedes Management Amidst Hamilton's Ferrari Move Triggering Early Driver Market Shift

In a surprising twist of Formula 1's driver market, Esteban Ocon has affirmed his continued management by Mercedes amid the upheaval caused by Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton's decision to depart from Mercedes, where he had achieved immense success, has set the stage for a frantic scramble among teams and drivers.

Ocon, who is currently with Alpine, emphasized his enduring ties with Mercedes, despite no longer being classified as a junior driver. He stressed the importance of focusing on track performance while acknowledging the speculation surrounding potential replacements for Hamilton at Mercedes.

"It is clear that I've got good links with Mercedes," Ocon stated. "I'm still managed by them in a way, I'm still a Merc junior even if I'm not that 'junior' anymore. But my focus goes into the racing and into the plan that we have with Alpine, and I need to focus on what's on track, which is the most important."

The unexpected move by Hamilton has accelerated the driver market's activity much earlier than anticipated, leading to a prolonged period of uncertainty regarding contract negotiations, according to Ocon.

"I knew it was going to be a crazy season, for sure," Ocon commented. "I didn't think it was going to start that early because in January it's early, but it's going to be like that all year, so you guys will have a lot of paper to write!"

Meanwhile, Ocon's teammate Pierre Gasly expressed optimism about Hamilton's move to Ferrari, believing it would invigorate Formula 1. However, Gasly also acknowledged the potential impact on his own position in the driver market, emphasizing his ambition to compete at the highest level of the sport.

"I think it's great for the sport," Gasly remarked. "It's a big move, the most successful driver of our sport leaving Mercedes after the most successful collaboration ever as a team and a driver in Formula 1."

Gasly's aspirations to compete among the elite drivers remain undeterred, as he continues to strive for success with Alpine.

"As a driver, I want to fight at the top of Formula 1," Gasly declared. "That's what I do. I've been working every single day trying to chase every single thousandth of a second, hundredth of a second for a win because I want to fight for wins."

With the landscape of Formula 1 undergoing significant changes, the forthcoming season promises excitement and intrigue as teams and drivers adapt to the evolving dynamics of the sport.

#esteban ocon #pierre gasly #formula 1 #lewis hamilton

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mdabdulwadud · 1 year ago

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🚀 Is Now the Perfect Time to Start Your Online Business?

The entrepreneurial itch is tingling, that spark of inspiration for your online business is blazing bright, but a nagging question clouds your mind: Is NOW the right time to take the plunge?

💡 Fear not, fellow go-getters! Let's dissect this dilemma and turn your anxieties into actionable steps.

🔍 Here's the reality:

The online business landscape is BOOMING. E-commerce sales are projected to hit a staggering $5.7 trillion globally by 2025. That's a massive pie, and there's a slice waiting for your unique venture.

Technology has slashed barriers to entry. Building an online store, launching marketing campaigns, and connecting with customers is easier and more affordable than ever. Think user-friendly website builders, powerful social media tools, and a plethora of free resources at your fingertips.

Consumers are craving convenience and personalization. From the comfort of their couches, they're actively seeking out niche products and brands that resonate with their values. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd with your distinctive offerings. ✨

🌐 But wait, there's a twist! ️

Competition is fierce. The online space is teeming with businesses vying for attention. You need a watertight plan, a killer value proposition, and the resilience to navigate a dynamic market.

Economic uncertainties can be daunting. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, and global events can impact consumer spending. However, a well-adapted business model and a focus on essential needs can help you weather the storm. ️

Success takes time and dedication. Don't expect overnight riches. Building a thriving online business requires consistent effort, strategic adjustments, and a healthy dose of learning agility.

📈 So, is it the "right time"?

The answer lies within you. If you have a burning passion, a well-defined plan, and the grit to persevere, then every time is the right time. Remember, the most successful entrepreneurs didn't wait for perfect conditions; they created them.

🚀 Here's your call to action:

Validate your idea. Research your target market, identify their needs, and ensure your product/service solves a real problem.

Craft a solid business plan. Outline your goals, strategies, finances, and marketing approach.

Start small and iterate. Don't wait for everything to be perfect. Launch, test, learn, and adapt.

Embrace the journey. There will be ups and downs, but your passion and perseverance will fuel your success.

The online business world is waiting for your unique contribution. Take the leap, chase your dream, and make your mark!

Remember, the time is NOW. The only limit is your own potential.

P.S. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let's create a supportive community of aspiring online entrepreneurs.

Let's get started on building your online business empire! ✨

#online marketing #organic traffic #seo services #marketing #ecommerce #digital marketing #commercial #carpet cleaning #website seo #branding #cleaning tips #website traffic #website optimization #business growth #organic growth #seo

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srpl-group · 3 hours ago

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In what ways can Businesses Benefit from Investing in Solar Power?

The focus on business sustainability has led to solar power being one of the smartest investments in the future. With the rising energy costs, government incentives, and corporate responsibility in mind, 2025 is a promising time for businesses to invest in solar energy. We’ll discuss in this blog why it’s important to switch your business up to solar, and how a highly respected supplier of solar racking systems company, SRPL Group, can help you tap into the sun without spending too much.

1. Higher Energy Costs, Need for Reliability

Despite the uncertainty surrounding energy prices, businesses often encounter fluctuations in electricity rates. Solar power can reduce the need for reliance on the grid, which in turn helps to stabilize energy costs over time for businesses. While the initial outlay may be substantial, the savings over time will be considerable.

Installers can easily find a solar racking system from rooftop, ground or tracker and floating solar solutions with SRPL Group? Businesses can utilize solar energy as a simple way to save energy consumption.

2. Government incentives and Tax Benefits

A multitude of governments across the globe grant, rebates, and tax credits to businesses that choose to use solar energy. The upfront cost of installation is reduced by these incentives, making solar power the most affordable option. Business owners in the United States have the option to receive substantial deductions on solar system expenses through the Investment Tax Credit (ITC).

By offering our systems at SRPL Group, you can enjoy the benefits of solar racking while keeping your investment low.

3. Long-Term Cost Savings

Solar power provides long-term financial benefits that exceed the initial investment. Why? On average, solar systems generate free energy for 25 to 30 years and last for 5 to 7 years. These saved funds can be invested in other areas of your business, ultimately contributing to increased profitability.

Regardless of the size of your project, our range of racking systems will be tailored to meet your needs. The SRPL Group’s long-lasting, top-notch solar solutions that generate cost savings are consistently being implemented.

4. Energy independence and Reliability

By utilizing solar energy, businesses can achieve complete energy independence without having to connect to the grid and are shielded from electricity price changes. Besides, solar energy systems, especially when combined with battery storage, offer emergency power for your business, ensuring its uninterrupted operation.

SRPL Group’s solar racking systems are designed to support all types of installations, from ground-mounted to floating systems, so businesses can be powered even when disruptions occur.

5. Boosting Corporate Sustainability and Brand Image

Building a strong brand in the market today is all about sustainability. The adoption of solar energy by businesses leads to an increase in corporate CSR as it promotes environmental sustainability. Solar energy adoption not only lowers a company’s carbon footprint but also enhances its reputation, increasing appeal to customers, employees, and potential partners.

6. Net-Zero Goals and Corporate Social Responsibility

Many businesses are now striving for net-zero emissions, and solar power is one of the most efficient ways to achieve this goal. By producing your own clean energy, you can significantly decrease your business’s carbon footprint while contributing to your CSR and reducing global warming.

We at SRPL Group aim to meet these sustainability goals by offering solar racking systems that can accommodate rooftop, ground, and floating solar systems.

7. Technological Advancements in Solar Power

The advancement of solar energy technology has made it even more efficient and affordable. Businesses are increasingly choosing solar power over traditional energy sources due to the availability of advanced technologies like solar tracking systems and bifacial solar panels, which offer greater efficiency.

SRPL Group’s solar racking systems are designed to meet the needs of new technologies, so you can have optimal solar installation. Why?

8. Assistance for Local Communities and Innovation

By embracing solar, local economies can thrive and innovation can flourish. You’re supporting the renewable energy industry by investing in solar, which is also generating jobs. Why? Local communities can benefit from solar power thanks to the participation of businesses in community solar programs.

SRPL Group’s investment in energy solutions for businesses is helping to promote a more sustainable, green economy.

The Smart Investment for Solar Power in 2025: A Practical Guide

As we approach 2025, businesses can benefit from solar power as it offers a unique opportunity to reduce costs, improve sustainability, and ensure the future of their operations. The SRPL Group’s solar racking systems are both high-quality and low-cost, making it possible for businesses to incorporate solar energy into their operations.

The adoption of solar power is not only about renewable energy, but also about creating a more sustainable future for your business.

Ready to take charge of your future with solar power? Are you ready? We, at SRPL Group, are here to help you every step of the way.

#solar structure #solar racking #solar investment #renewable energy

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mariacallous · 6 months ago

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Apple has become the first big tech company to be charged with breaking the European Union’s new digital markets rules, three days after the tech giant said it would not release artificial intelligence in the bloc due to regulation.

On Monday, the European Commission said that Apple’s App Store was preventing developers from communicating with their users and promoting offers to them directly, a practice known as anti-steering.

“Our preliminary position is that Apple does not fully allow steering. Steering is key to ensure that app developers are less dependent on gatekeepers’ app stores and for consumers to be aware of better offers,” Margrethe Vestager, the EU’s competition chief said in a statement.

On X, the European commissioner for the internal market, Thierry Breton, gave a more damning assessment. “For too long Apple has been squeezing out innovative companies—denying consumers new opportunities and choices,” he said.

The EU referred to its Monday charges as “preliminary findings.” Apple now has the opportunity to respond to the charges and, if an agreement is not reached, the bloc has the power to levy fines—which can reach up to 10 percent of the company’s global turnover—before March 2025.

Tensions between Apple and the EU have been rising for months. Brussels opened an investigation into the smartphone maker in March over failure to comply with the bloc’s competition rules. Although investigations were also opened in Meta and Google-parent Alphabet, it is Apple’s relationship with European developers that has long been the focus in Brussels.

Back in March, one of the MEPs who negotiated the Digital Markets Act told WIRED that Apple was the logical first target for the new rules, describing the company as “low-hanging fruit.” Under the DMA it is illegal for big tech companies to preference their own services over rivals’.

Developers have seethed against the new business terms imposed on them by Apple, describing the company’s policies as “abusive,” “extortion,” and “ludicrously punitive.”

Apple spokesperson Rob Saunders said on Monday he was confident the company was in compliance with the law. “All developers doing business in the EU on the App Store have the opportunity to utilize the capabilities that we have introduced, including the ability to direct app users to the web to complete purchases at a very competitive rate,” he says.

On Friday, Apple said it would not release its artificial intelligence features in the EU this year due to what the company described as “regulatory uncertainties”. “Specifically, we are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security,” said Saunders in a statement. The features affected are iPhone Mirroring, SharePlay Screen Sharing enhancements, and Apple’s first foray into generative AI, Apple Intelligence.

Apple is not the only company to blame new EU rules for its decision to delay the roll out of new features. Last year, Google delayed the EU roll out of its ChatGPT rival Bard, and earlier in June Meta paused plans to train its AI on Europeans’ personal Facebook and Instagram data following discussions with privacy regulators. “This is a step backwards for European innovation, competition in AI development and further delays bringing the benefits of AI to people in Europe,” the company said at the time.

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