#sensible world of soccer

[retrocgads]

UK 1998

[fght-ff-yr-dmns]

An ode to 90's video game developer, Sensible Software.

Creators of the legendary Sensible Soccer, Cannon Fodder and Wizkid to name but a few titles.

Pixel art is a labour of love.

[retrogamingloft]

Sensible World of Soccer 96/97 for the Amiga stands as a crowning achievement in the history of gaming, not just as a soccer title but as an experience that has captivated players for decades. For me, it isn’t just the best soccer game ever—it is the ultimate gaming experience. I’ve been playing it since the first release in 1992, when it was simply called Sensible Soccer, and though that earlier version already captured my attention, it was with 96/97 that the series truly became extraordinary.

The game retained the iconic top-down perspective that made the series famous, but it refined the gameplay to perfection. It offered tight, responsive controls that allowed players to immediately engage with the action while rewarding those who mastered its subtleties. The ball physics, the pacing of matches, and the strategic depth elevated it beyond mere simplicity. The inclusion of an extensive database of real-world teams and players gave it a layer of authenticity, while the career mode allowed fans like me to immerse ourselves in managing a team for up to twenty seasons, with transfers, finances, and long-term planning. This combination of fast-paced gameplay and intricate management became almost addictive, pulling me in match after match.

Upon its release, Sensible World of Soccer 96/97 was universally praised, not just as a game but as a milestone in sports gaming. Its seamless blend of fast-paced, arcade-style action and surprisingly deep managerial elements was unprecedented. Reviewers marveled at its ability to capture both the thrill of the pitch and the tactical complexities of team management. Its replayability became legendary; players like myself could lose countless hours chasing league titles, perfecting free kicks, or building dream teams from scratch.

Like I said, my journey started in 1992 with Sensible Soccer, a groundbreaking game in its own right, though it lacked the depth that later entries like 96/97 would bring. The early versions were pure and addictive but focused solely on gameplay that, despite being incredibly engaging, had flaws. By the time 96/97 arrived, the series had matured, introducing polished mechanics and ambitious features that made it a complete package. The career mode, the sheer scale of its player database, and the smooth animations on the Amiga hardware elevated it to an entirely new level. It didn’t just improve—it defined what sports games could achieve, and it cemented itself as my all-time favorite.

Even decades later, Sensible World of Soccer 96/97 remains a cultural icon. In 2007, it was inducted into the list of the greatest games of all time, a fitting recognition for a title that has endured through generations of players. Having played it since its inception, I don’t see the game as merely nostalgic—it’s a testament to a golden age of gaming when creativity and gameplay were paramount. The combination of its thrilling action and strategic depth ensures that it will always hold a unique place in gaming history and in my heart.

Every match, every perfectly executed goal, and every managerial success feels timeless. Sensible World of Soccer 96/97 isn’t just a game—it’s a connection to a simpler time when the joy of gaming was pure and unfiltered, and it continues to inspire that same excitement in me today.

In this video, I take on the challenge of leading Lazio to victory in the UEFA Cup, scoring some memorable goals along the way. It was an incredible journey, filled with the lowest lows and the highest highs. From teetering on the edge of elimination against a much weaker team to dominating the tournament's absolute favorite, every moment was a rollercoaster of emotions. This experience only reaffirms that SWOS continues to deliver intense gaming thrills—and it probably always will.

[riririnnnn]

These Itoshi brothers are going to be my end one day.

Every time I'm like, "Yay, I made a sensible theory. I'll stick to it now," these two always whack me out of nowhere. It's like they love to go, "🗣️📢 HELL NAH❗HE-HE-HELL NAH❗"

Anyway, so I was re-reading Rin's part in the LN, and I realised something:

So, after Sae left for Spain, there was a visible decline in the performance of both Rin and their Soccer Youth Club. Rin says it's because he could see the goal path and stuffs, BUT his teammates couldn't and the only person who could match his vision was, of course, Sae.

That's why Rin had to change his playstyle to match that of the Team's. He began passing instead of waiting for a pass and all. Things starts to get better, and the whole team starts to get their glory days back.

There was a line in the LN which goes something like, "The teammates thought they were playing good, but they were actually just playing in strings of Rin's. Rin was controlling everything."

He then goes, "This is tough and Nii-chan was doing this all along? Nii-chan was holding back. That's why he chose to go to Spain, so he can play the way he wants."

See.

THIS

is exactly where my brain started to churn.

So, Sae was in that soccer club since way long, and he was legit considered as the pillar of it or something. However, all these years, he was, in fact, holding back himself and when he got to go to Spain, he thought like, "Yes! Finally! I can show the world what I got," but sadly, he found out he just wasn't it.

Maybe it could be because he played UNLIKE his real self for so long that he forgot himself.

OR

He just wasn't that good as he thought he was. He found out that he was the Frog in the well.

HOWEVER.

He still had Rin back home, and he trusted him because he knew about his younger brother's true potential or impulses.

So time passed and the day of the U-15 Championship Finals came.

Reminder: Sae was scouted by Real Madrid/Re Al when he won in the U-15 Championship alongside Rin. That's why it was really important for Rin to win that Final match too.

What I said above was a fact Sae, probably, knew too. That's why he came a whole day AHEAD of his schedule to watch the younger Itoshi play with his own eyes (Rin had pointed out that Sae was supposed to come a day after).

But, surprisingly, what Sae saw was what he feared— he saw Rin play the way he himself used to. He was probably like, "I sacrificed everything for you and you became exactly what I sacrificed myself for you to NOT be."

Reminder: Rin gets into his real flow state/becomes berserk during the LAST three minutes of the whole game.

Which gives us two possibilities:

Firstly, Sae just gets up and leave without seeing Rin's berserk mode. After which he comes back to confront him once the match is over.

Secondly, Sae stayed the whole match and saw Rin's berserk mode and was somewhat relieved to know that the younger Itoshi hadn't completely lost his true self. After which the confrontation proceeds.

I don't want to say much about their reunion in this post, but I do want to add another perspective to why Sae challenged Rin for a 1V1:

Sae, probably, had thought that, "I couldn't beat the world and if you can't even beat me, then you are nothing in this world."

That's it, I guess.

.

.

.

I really wish for a Itoshi brothers spin-off because it's hinted that they had a big shared room, so I really want to see how everything is like after Sae returns from Spain.

[poetlcs]

one thing I like about heartbreak high as an australian piece of media is it doesn't do that self conscious thing a lot of australian media does where it's fixated of it's international (especially american) audience. which is not only a symptom of general australian insecurity about our cultural exports (culture cringe ect) but also a very literal problem wherein australian creatives are encouraged and sometimes expected to cater to international markets over the domestic one. a lot of the jokes and references (especially in season 2) would not make sense to most international audiences, and yet they included them anyway. despite international audiences confusion following the release of season one over some of these aspects (particularly Missy and Malakai calling themselves Blak) it still decided to encourage those audiences to come into the australian cultural/political/social world rather than warping it to fit those sensibilities and I really liked that! they could of had the characters plays soccer or even rugby rather than AFL, but they didn't! they went for the particularly australian sport. they could have cut the engadine maccas or succulent chinese meal jokes, or chosen any other song expect for fkn untouched by the veronicas to be playing in the background of the dramatic scene, but they knew the australian audience would get it, and love it, and recognise this as an Australian Piece of Media with them in mind & I think that is nice! It's different!! it's unusual!!

[francesderwent]

my brain is fried i'm so overtired I've cried spontaneously at least once a day for the past three days will you please help a girl out with a soft cozy wholesome movie recc please and thank you

I’m so sorry my dear!! I dug to the depths of a bunch of old tag games and my film tag and this is what I came up with!

when I’m strung out I tend to gravitate to movies that will make me happy-cry so this list will at moments tend in that direction. I tried to sort by what was available to stream now, and the sub-lists are in no particular order

if you have amazon prime (the basic package):

Penelope (2006). highly recommend, a funny little modern fairy tale about a lonely young girl searching for a way to break her curse. this one heals something in my heart

Stardust. also highly recommend! a chaotic fairy tale about true love and what a person would do for it.

Street Gang. the Sesame Street documentary. sometimes people are good and they’re trying to make the world a better place and they’re doing it with their friends.

How To Train Your Dragon. it’s a perfectly executed film and the score and animation is gorgeous. (also available on netflix)

if you have netflix:

Feel the Beat. a dance flick about a seemingly cold-hearted ambitious young woman becoming a dance teacher in her hometown

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. so so so rewatchable.

She’s the Man. the funniest movie on this list and possibly of all time. I have never shown this movie to a person who didn’t end up loving it. it’s Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at boarding school as a soccer movie

if you have tubi?? you might not need a membership I don’t know how tubi works??

The Music Man. some of the best costumes and choreography my favorite age of movie musicals had to offer. a con man comes to a small Iowa town and starts to want to believe in the beautiful lie he’s selling.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. this movie was written by Roald Dahl and it is buck wild. widowed inventor and his two children buy a broken down racing car and?? hijinks and musical numbers ensue

if you have disney plus:

Princess Diaries (1&2). we know them, we love them.

Sky High. if you haven’t seen this, I highly recommend it because it is silly fun but it understands the genre it’s playing with.

Newsies (1992). scrappy newsboys form a union, sing songs, punch each other, ???, profit

Holes. the single best adapted book to film ever? the cast commentary is also hilarious

Rodgers and Hammerstein Cinderella (1997). absolutely delightful. Whitney Houston as the godmother! Jason Alexander as the butler! Brandy as Cinderella! Bernadette Peters as the stepmother!

if you feel up for a trip to the library, things to look for:

The Hundred Foot Journey. I only saw this one once but it’s about a family who opens up an Indian restaurant across from a Michelin-starred French restaurant and it’s gorgeous

A League of Their Own (1992). sisters! best friends! married women and their disreputable drunk coach friends!

The Secret Garden (1993). highly recommend! this one fixes me down to my bones.

This Beautiful Fantastic. also highly recommend! a woman who’s afraid of the world falls in love with it.

Secondhand Lions. also highly recommend!! a boy gets dropped off with his great-uncles for the summer, hears possibly made-up stories of their wild and adventurous youth

August Rush. a young musical prodigy searches for his parents.

Sense and Sensibility (1995). if you need Austen energy, this is the one.

Cinderella (2015). this movie is so gentle and so lovely.

Little Women (1994). life is gonna be hard and sad but it’s gonna be beautiful and the love will endure!!!

I hope this helps and I hope you feel better! ❤️❤️

[plurapony]

A completely unnecessary dive into My Little Pony Tales! 🩷🐴

My Little Pony Tales is the second cartoon series that came out during the first generation of Hasbro's My Little Pony from 1992 to 1995. It revolves around the life of 7 school aged human-like ponies and their adventures.

Unlike the precursor, My Little Pony N' Friends, MLPT doesn't have an overarching plot or any conflicts that span over multiple episodes. It's episodic and has the girls learn life lessons, with every episode ending with a song sung by the ponies. All of the 7 ponies are in a friendship group, and each has defining personality traits. And uniquely from the rest of the franchise, there are no other species of ponies present in the show - only earth ponies.

Starlight - Responsible and Sensible.

Starlight dreams of becoming a teacher and is considered the leader of the group. Her mother owns the Rainbow Beauty Salon and the ice cream shop where she works.

Sweetheart - Kind.

Sweetheart, like her name, is extremely sweet and always sees the best in her friends and every other pony she encounters. She has dreams of being a doctor in the series and is the oldest pony in her family with three younger siblings.

Melody - Passionate.

Melody is the lead singer of her band "The Rockin' Beats" and aspires to be a famous rock star when she grows up. She can be quite selfish and put her own interests ahead of her friends at times but will always remember at the end of the day her friends matter more than anything else.

Bright Eyes - Intelligent.

Bright Eyes is the brains of the friendship group. She loves to learn things and think logically to solve a problem they are facing. She's the quietest of the group and wants to be an environmentalist when she's older.

Patch - Tomboy.

Patch is the class clown who wants to go on and become an actual clown in the circus when she grows up. She's a member of the soccer team and very much enjoys practical jokes. She's often the one to encourage bad behavior and act irrationally.

Clover - Sensitive.

Clover believes she is either lucky or unlucky and is extremely superstitious and gullible to others ploys. Clover is also clumsy and prone to creating accidents (which are usually blamed on bad luck) and quick to tears when things go wrong. She dreams of being a ballerina like her sister.

Bon Bon - Well-Rounded.

Bon-Bon is very caring towards her friends and her family. She comes from a big family being the second oldest of 7 children and enjoys cooking for her friends and family. She dreams of becoming a world famous model one day.

Now you have been introduced to the main cast of the series, here's the ponies that were released for them! And here's one more thing I wanted to talk about that I found interesting with this series!!

The boys. Even in FIM boys aren't a big subject, there's a small amount of male characters and they aren't often the focus of any episodes. (With the exception of Spike of course) But the secondary cast of My Little Pony Tales is entirely boys! We explore their character traits, and their insecurities. We see them grow as ponies and they're extremely well developed characters overall. It's just very interesting to me considering My Little Pony N Friends never had ANY male ponies at all - until the final two episodes with the big brother ponies.

And that's all! If you were ever looking for a casual show to watch I would absolutely recommend!! It's very fun and the cast is extremely loveable.

If you're considering it -> give it a go!

[hirocimacruiser]

●CEFIRO (A31) Autech version

●Overall length x overall width x overall height: 4690 x 1695 x 1375mm Wheelbase: 2670 mm ●Tread (F/R): 1460/1455mm Vehicle weight: 1400kg

Engine: RB20DET water-cooled inline 6-cylinder DOHC turbo 1998cc Maximum output:225PS/6000rpm Maximum torque: 30.0kg-m/2800rpm Suspension Front (F/R): Strut/Multilink Brake (F/R): V disc/V disc Price: 3,393,000 yen (5MT)

BUYER'S MEMO

Market price rises due to popularity of drifting

Due to the popularity of drifting and the so-called "oni camp", the used car market price for the A31 Cefiro, which has become popular as a base car with such specifications, seems to have gone up. Of these, the most popular is the twin-cam turbo sports cruising model. As far as this grade is concerned, 1.2 million yen is still a ridiculous amount. Additionally, unfortunately, there are fewer cars in normal state.

The Autech version, which is the vehicle we photographed this time, is produced in extremely low numbers, so even if you can find a good one, it will definitely be quite expensive.

PIC CAPTIONS

By adding a large turbine to the RB20DET and changing the cam and port shapes, it produces 225PS, an increase of 20PS.

The genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel that fits comfortably in your hand is made by Italvolante, Italy. This is also an equipment exclusive to Autech.

Aluminum wheels made by PIAA exclusively for the Autech version Cefiro

The size is 6JJ x 15, which is the same as the normal one.

Autech version exclusive emblems attached to the left and right sides of the front fender.

Carefully tanned Connolly leather

The seat is fully equipped with adjustment mechanisms such as dual lifters and lumbar support.

Exclusive seat and door trim made from genuine leather made by British company Connolly, which has a luxurious feel and has been used on many famous European cars and luxury cruise ships.

A trunk with a mechanism that turns into a tray and armrest when folded down. Also trunk hood

A special rear spoiler is installed.

The same rear multi-link suspension as the Silvia is made up of multiple links and ideally controls tire movement according to road conditions. The basic movements of running, turning, and stopping exhibit extremely high levels of grip.

Demonstrate your ability to move.

Early type sports touring. After MC in 1992, all cars were 2.5 liters with 3 number plates.

Since the Autech version was also slightly changed after the first MC, there are two types: an early type and a mid-term type.

MAIN TEXT TRANSLATION.

Our Standard Neo Historic Jays

Anti-high-soccer cars that bring a new sensation

Cefiro is a car that is often seen in towns and mountain passes with a strong negative camber and is considered to be a representative example of a demon-camber spec car. Nowadays, we have a strong image of such a drift machine, but when it was first announced, it had a very different impression. Under the catchphrase ``Kuneru Asobu,'' the product was sold with a strong personality and a unique coordination system that appealed to the new sensibilities of urban comfort enthusiasts. Eventually, as this new sensation wore off, another side began to attract attention. Well-made suspension with multi-link + HICAS-II, high-power engine, and FR...

Text: Yoshio Ishikawa Photography: Hiroyuki Matsuoka Vehicle cooperation: Kenichiro Takashima

A new sensation sedan introduced during the Mark II's heyday.

Today's sedans are said to be ``sluggish'' due to being pushed around by buskers and the like, but 10 years ago it was often said that sedans were enjoying the spring of the world in the mid to late 1980s. I was in a situation where I was.

Among these, the upper middle class has seen particularly rapid growth. This must have been an expression of the consciousness that all 100 million people are middle class. Under the name High Society, the popularity of the white Mark II continues to grow.

He was showing great strength.

It has a sense of class that will make you look good wherever you go, and the equipment is full of Toyota's hospitality. Armed with this feeling of ``I can feel safe with this,'' the Mark II is my father's favorite. It received a lot of support not only from users of different generations, but also from young male users who wanted to be popular with girls. No. 2 Nissan was the one most anxious about the Mark II's dominance. The R31, which debuted in 1985, shifted the Skyline, which had gained a fixed fan base due to its sports orientation, to a luxury route. We carried out major reforms.

However, this makeover ended up being a failure.

Waru. Therefore, Nissan came up with the next step, which was to create a clear model compared to the Mark II/Chaser/Cresta, which differed only in design taste.

The method was to pit three cars with different personalities against each other. The first stage of this was its debut in September 1988.

This is the first generation Cefiro that was visible. Incidentally, Nissan would later launch the Laurel in December and the R32 Skyline in May of the following year, completing the upper middle three-car alliance.

What is difficult here is the character of each car.

That's it. As for the existing models Skyline and Laurel, the former is a return to and evolution of a sports saloon, while the latter is a re-proposal of the luxury sedan model with a slightly defective essence sprinkled on it. The problem is the new model Cefiro, which is a new model whose core users are relatively young people in their early 30s.

It was positioned as a sensational sedan.

The focus is on style and packaging.

What's new about Cefiro?

Multi-link suspension adopted at the rear,

DUETIS S with integrated control of supersonic suspension and electronically controlled power steering, HICAS-II 4WS with maximum turning angle of 1 degree.

The focus is on style and packaging.

What's new about Cefiro?

Multi-link suspension adopted at the rear,

DUET-S S with integrated control of supersonic suspension and electronically controlled power steering, refinement of HICAS-II 4WS mechanism with maximum turning angle of 1 degree. There were many points of interest in terms of mechanics, such as the straight-six RB engine that achieved sharp response due to its improved performance but what stood out most of all were the styling and packaging. Although it was a sedan, its rounded design, which resembled a monoform rather than a three-box design, was innovative and seemed to be a direct commercialization of the direction Nissan had proposed at the motor show with its concept cars CUE-X and ARC-X. The basic packaging is long and low nose/short and high deck, which is typical of European cars, but what was new about Cefiro was that it didn't emphasize this too much and unified the whole car with a softer image.

Details such as projector headlamps being adopted as standard for the first time, this collection of lights, and rear combination lamps placed in continuous black garnishes on the left and right sides emphasize a new sense of style. In any case, the Cefiro had an exterior that made you think, ``Wow, this is a sedan with a shape that has never been seen before.''

Also, the grade is “Cefiro Coordination "

He developed a unique method called "coordination." All engines are 2-liter inline 6-cylinder, but cars equipped with SOHC RB20E are used for town riding, cars equipped with DOHC RB20DE are used for touring, and DOHC+ turbo RB20DET specifications are used for sports driving.

Three types are available under the name Lusing. There are two types of suspension: DUET-S S is comfort and HICAS-II is sports. Additionally, three interior styles are available: dandy, elegant, and modern, and you can choose any combination of these.

It had become a system.

9 body colors and 2 types interior

If you include the interior base colors that have been set, there are over 900 combinations, which is amazing. The Cefiro Coordination, a ready-made choice system, is said to be a great weapon for people in their 30s who are particular about comfort in their lives and are particular about food, clothing, and housing.

The production team must have calculated this.

Yosui Inoue's TV commercial ``How are you all?'' and the catchphrase ``Kuneru Asobu,'' which seems obvious but is not very clear, also helped to attract attention, and Cefiro quickly became a popular model immediately after it's appearance. The Cefiro was certainly groundbreaking at the time, offering a new design and the natural beauty of its styling as the antithesis of the upwardly mobile, high-speed car line . However, because its freshness was its selling point, there was a strong tendency for it to become a trendy product, and although at one point the three-car alliance was steadily increasing the number of units sold, it gradually became less popular.

Cefiro slows down. In 1992 in addition to widening the body with moldings and installing a 2.5L engine, minor changes were made to the the design in the direction of diluting its characteristics, and although it ended up being a car with a long lifespan of 6 years, it fell into a rather obscure state in its final years.

The second generation, which appeared in 1994, was integrated with the Maxima and transformed into a full-fledged three-number FF saloon.

Although it lacks the strong individuality and new proposals of the first generation, it continues to exist today as a popular model that maintains the basics.

However, the interesting thing about the first-generation Cefiro is that in recent years it has suddenly come into the spotlight as a handling machine for the mountain passers. Touring manual transmissions, which were an overwhelming minority at the time, fetched unusually high prices, and people finally replaced ATs with manual transmissions.

It even created a movement to convert. The most important factor behind its popularity is the affordable price of a used car, but I think that behind its popularity is the freshness and youthfulness that the original Cefiro still has.

It is analyzed that the effect is small.

A sporty saloon where you can seriously enjoy FR

Now, it's been a long time since I've faced Cefiro.

faced. Secretly “oni campaign”

I was scared that someone would come.

However, the test car was the Autech version that was released in January 1990. This is a special Cefiro based on the sports cruising model of RB20DET+HICAS-II, which has a +20PS power increase using a ball bearing turbo, harder suspension, full aero parts, and a Connolly leather seat.

The price is nearly 800,000 yen higher than the normal model, which is why the initial monthly sales target was 30 of them, so how rare is this model?

I know it's Del.

I have no recollection of test driving this Autech version when it was new, so this will be my first experience. Compared to normal sports cruising, the engine power is clearly superior, and although it seems that the effective boost rises at a slightly higher rpm, it is truly powerful from around 350O rpm to the rev limit of 7500 rpm. This time it was an AT specification, and this one is also set to take advantage of the engine's characteristics to pull the car to its limit. As you might expect, the shift shock is quite large, and if you drive like this all the time, the load on the AT will be considerable.

I'm worried that this will happen, but anyway...

The speed of a modern 2-liter sports sedan

There is no big difference when compared to.

As a high power FR with great driving abilityit is quite stable. So that's why you can attack to the fullest.

Drift machine with demon camp specifications

This image may make the Cefiro seem frivolous, but the true nature of this car is that it is a sporty FR saloon that was built with great seriousness. Therefore, I seriously want to master the movement of FR without making any strange modifications.

This is the perfect machine for those who

want do this.

Tester Yoshio Ishikawa

When the era name changed from the Showa era to the Heisei era, a boom in self-restraint began, led by the line "How are you?" in a Cefiro commercial. The role of Yosui is played by Yoshio, who looks good in sunglasses. the female driver next door

Ichi is a rock-paper-scissors girl who is rumored on the street.

[freneticfloetry]

inspirational seven sentence sunday

We're chugging along. Writing TK is a very different animal, but I love him so. Thanks to @lemonlyman-dotcom, @orchidscript, @reyesstrand, @rmd-writes, @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut, @walkinginland, @strandnreyes, and @alrightbuckaroo for the tags!

He thinks of Enzo, warm and wry and weirdly refined, who's loved him without strings since he was a kid. Who whipped up chicken nuggets and butter noodles like it didn't offend his delicate chef sensibilities, who went to soccer meets and tennis matches when even his parents weren't in the stands, who wrapped him up in the world's biggest bear hug the night he told his mom that he was gay. He's been balding since before TK was born, which his dad has always treated like some massive moral failing. He also has two wrists with no TiMER and zero qualms about its absence. And TK's never really given that much thought before — it's always been a moot point, with his mother's made useless ten years before they met. But he looks at Carlos now, with two TiMERs between them — one already disarmed and inert and one still counting down to impact — and wonders if it's the real reason for his father's irrational resentment. If Enzo's ease and longevity and stretch of empty skin make him feel like the match with his mother was some sort of mistake, and he was simply the best statistical option available, in the absence of what was truly meant to be.

Is Enzo Stanley Tucci in my head? He absolutely is. Thanks to @liminalmemories21 for that particular headcanon (consider that a tag!).

I’m all over the place this week, and so is my inspiration.

Tagging @welcometololaland, @carlos-in-glasses, @ambiguouspenny, @heartstringsduet, @ladytessa74, and @catanisspicy. No pressure!

[theciaris]

My Journey as a Gamer and the Perfect Keychain for Every Gamer

Being a gamer is more than just a hobby; it’s a journey through decades of technology and experiences. Born in 1982, my gaming adventure started with the legendary Commodore 64, an icon for those lucky enough to grow up in the ’80s. Some of my earliest memories are the hours spent playing Bubble Bobble and Ghostbusters on the C64 (and I don’t think I ever finished Ghostbusters!).

From there, I moved on to unforgettable titles like Super Mario World on SNES, and on my trusty Amiga 500, I spent hours on classics like Sensible Soccer and Cannon Fodder. When I shifted to PC, I discovered the world of strategy games with titles like Dune, Command & Conquer, and Red Alert. I also fondly remember Gran Turismo on the PS1 and the terrifying moment the Doberman dogs burst into Resident Evil.

In recent years, I’ve spent countless hours battling through Call of Duty and epic multiplayer showdowns in games like PUBG. Each game left its mark, and my love for gaming has only grown over time.

This passion inspired me to create something special. In my Etsy shop, you’ll find a collection of fully customizable leather keychains inspired by the video games we love. These keychains aren’t just accessories; they’re an extension of your gamer identity. You can pick your favorite game, and we’ll add a design inspired by that title along with your name, user name, or gamer tag engraved directly onto the leather.

Each keychain is handcrafted with high-quality materials, designed to be as unique as you and your gaming style. Whether you’re a fan of classics like Super Mario or your heart beats for the modern battlefields of Call of Duty or Fortnite, there’s something for you in my shop.

Check out my collection on Etsy and customize your gamer keychain today. I can’t wait to share my passion with you!

[meat-wentz]

hi! I've been watching lots of movies with my sister recently and I can't get her into horror because she dosnt like scary stuff but I was thinking I might try and show her some weird movies instead. you are the God of movies in my head so I was wondering if you have any weird movie recs?

this question is very good because it had me mulling this over all day! i had to sort of question myself on what i would categorize as “weird cinema,” and after much deliberation i’ve come up with a few very subjective definitions:

1) a film with an arthouse or experimental sensibility, often that shifts our world slightly to the left and plays with larger concepts of reality, philosophy, identity, etc by use of dreamlike or psychotropic visual styles, odd imagery, metaphor made literal, surrealism, and slightly “off” performance:

brazil, 3 women, the cook, the thief, his wife and her lover, a zed & two noughts, paprika, the fall, urusei yatsura: beautiful dreamer, wild at heart, daisies, orlando, nowhere, the adjuster, enter the void, teknolust, august in the water, company of wolves* (some scary imagery but peak 80’s fantasy with horror aspects)

2) weirdo cinema, cinema that is by or about weirdos, that no matter how realistically grounded a film may be in its content, that simply being steeped in the world of weirdos is enough to make a film weird:

saved!, election, welcome to the dollhouse, lars and the real girl, problemista, secretary, raising arizona, the king of comedy, moonstruck, vampire’s kiss*, after hours, desperately seeking susan, gates of heaven, tickled, the quiet family*

3) WTF cinema, cinema that often works within genre and plays by genre rules however approaches the material and genre in ways that are unexpected or play out with transgressive results, hard to explain, but often leads to expressions of “wtf,” “this is unhinged,” and “this is fucking wild,” or “holy shit.” often will exaggerate and push genre tropes to their limits:

total recall*, sukiyaki western django, killer joe, tank girl, police story, shaolin soccer, crimes of passion, body double*, cry baby, blood for dracula* (this is sexy camp with blood but also like absurd blood so it’s not so much scary as it is ludicrous :3), phantom of the paradise*, communion*, lisztomania

i hope there’s some stuff in here that you like and these are some of the kinds of movies you’re looking for!!! if you like any of these then lemme know and i can make a more specifically tailored list for you!!! and this is only just a little scratch on the surface of weird cinema, i don’t even know if i wholly agree with these definitions still but damn i do like this selection!!! some of these have horror elements but nothing too intense, i would watch a couple trailers and gauge whether they’re gonna be too scary! i’ll mark them with a * :3

[fght-ff-yr-dmns]

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Crowned 2023/4 Bundesliga Champions last weekend, breaking a 11 year streak of back to back Bayern Munich wins.

Pixel art by me, in the 8-bit classic Sensible Soccer style.

[retrogamingloft]

Swos '96/'97 (Amiga Version) - Carrer Mode Longplay (Part 2) The second part of my 20-season career. From India to Latvia...

[its-moopoint]

With a long hiatus between S7 & S8 again SC are continents apart. Shippers have no problem with him barely in the UK since March and in the US till end of August. Before C's photo today in London, they were saying she's with him, somewhere not wanted to be seen together. After C's photo, they don't need to be together because they are not joined at the hip and after working together for months they need some space between them. This is how they convince themselves and reinforce their fantasy.

Anonymous

I see Cait is still in London, rings back on 🙄 (Aisling Bea's IG) and it looks like she cut her hair again! I hope people chill now, Sam is working in the US and for now Cait is chilling in London, I assume, hoping the strike ends soon so she can go back to work. They don't need to be attached at the hip at all times. Spaces in their togetherness and all that.

bat-cat-reader

Finally a sensible and consistent anon. 😍

Their agendas were programmed with a lot of time, the strike has only meant a change in them. Cait would be working on her film in Europe and Sam working on promoting his gin in the US. Work, not vacation 🙃

shoutlandish

I’m in the mood to say this, so I will. How many weeks can a man be separated from his wife and children without feeling lonely and desperate for affection? That goes for the wife as well. If they don’t find ways to be together, they are headed for a cliche Hollywood divorce. Oh wait, I forgot, they are not together! 😏

shoutlandish

They seem to have a lot of space in their togetherness. 🤔

poughkeepsielass

@shoutlandish Well, they desperately want us to *believe* that there is a lot of space between them. At this point for me it’s like whatever…. 🤷🏻‍♀️

out4321

She could have finished the match and went directly to the airport so, who knows? Agree they don’t need to be attached at the hip. After spending 8 months working with my partner bet I’d need some space in order to keep my sanity. So it’s a big whatever for me.

2truthsandalie5

When something seems out of character, you have to wonder a little JMO.  Also that would be photoshopped very easily, it would be more believable if it were a selfie  with the two friends enjoying a pint and women's soccer.

shoutlandish

@out4321 What about the kids? What do they need?

bluemaypop

@shoutlandish I’ve wondered about that too. So many separations, some for weeks. Not good for the couple or children.

happysunnyyellowlove

People assume to know how much time Sam and Caitriona are actually separated based on SM posts. In truth, we know nothing of how they spend their time. I’m sure whatever the case may be, it works for them. We see what want to show us and make us believe. And it works.

mariaae 

We only see what they want us to see in addition to their official public appearances. Yup, they’ve been apart lots of times when not filming OL but I think they have always managed that well.

auburncurlslass

Their schedules were already setup prior to the Strike…which added a hiccup to their plans..like last year.  This time, it’s a world wide problem that could not have been foreseen either. My bet is that she will hook up with him in LA when his Sassenach Spirits Traveling Road Show concludes in LA, later in August.  But hey, what do I know….

zeya-zg

Well said @bat-cat-reader, finally a sensible anon and kudos to you, anon, on having a healthy outlook on what relationships are. especially with both being in the industry and Sam having a promotional tour is not something to drag family along. that does not mean something is wrong or does not make them any less together. 

Anonymous

We already have the very private Cait located, from now on people will assume she is in Europe. Work done. If, from now on, she continues in radio silence she can move freely without us actually knowing where she really is…just like Sam.

bat-cat-reader

Good point anon, Sam we already know where he has to be but not with "who" he can be in the background and out of prying eyes 😉

Anonymous

Not sure why people are upset that Cait is in London. Surely both SC had work plans for July and August. Sam in US and Cait filming Amateus (now on hold). She'll be kicking her heels for the next few weeks. Waiting for her to turn up in US later in August.

And this is prime example of how it works: they always win. Hope for an scenario, if it doesn't happen then what happens can also be used for their narrative. Not being seen together means they are never together for Tait. You have shooting break and SC going their separate ways and it's called work.

LMFAO such hypocrisy.

[lansplaining]

(found this in my drafts and I’m not sure if I’ll keep going with it or not, but I liked this opening, so here is the beginning of a silly women’s soccer wangxian AU) 

There is simply no question about it, in the end. Lan Zhan gets a masters, partly because her uncle thinks she should and partly because it buys her another two years of playing time. Maybe if she had a realistic shot at the national team, the conversation would be different, but competition for keepers is brutal, and the current starters are still young. Lan Zhan will be the skip generation: too old, by the time the current set retire, not to be overlooked for the promising up-and-comers a cohort below her. 

“This new league…” says Lan Huan gently, but Lan Zhan shakes her head and rolls her eyes and says in her uncle’s voice, “Even the top salaries for players who aren’t on the national team aren’t enough to live off of. And it will just fold like the last league.” 

Neither of them point out that generations of players have made do while working other jobs. But they are Lans. Lans do not make ends meet: Lans succeed. Lans are not struggling semi-professional athletes, they are sensible, elegant things that pay well and do not raise eyebrows at parties. It is at 22 that Lan Zhan realizes sometimes, generations of success are upheld by quitting before you can fail. 

“You can still play recreationally,” says Lan Huan, who plays the flute in a community group and is the best player by an embarrassing distance, with a sad smile. 

So Lan Zhan turns to the thing she always liked second-best (besides music; as Lan Huan has demonstrated, that does not count) and becomes a statistician. 

+

Wei Ying’s problem has always been that she doesn’t ask enough questions. She just does things. Waiting for explanations is boring, and they rarely succeed in changing her mind anyway. Does she know what Uncle Jiang and Aunt Yu would say about her entering the college draft for a brand-new, likely-to-fold-like-the-last-one professional women’s soccer league instead of focusing on her studies? Well, she can guess. So why listen to it out loud when she could already hear it in her head? She just has to see what will happen. 

What happens is, she’s picked near the end of the first round. First-round draft pick Wei Ying. It’s a phrase the Jiangs’ friends can understand, and so they give their grudging blessing, not that Wei Ying needs it, since Aunt Yu assures her they’ll be providing no financial assistance anyway, so what exactly did she stand to lose if she defied them? Contact with A-Cheng and A-Li, maybe. Best not to risk it, since she doesn’t have to. 

What happens is, she probably should have cut ties with the Jiangs back when it would have been easy, since it happens anyway, and is messy and hard until she makes it easy by asking to be traded to a new team and getting a new phone. And then she tears her ACL on said team’s shitty turf pitch and then the team folds at the end of that season and blah blah rehab, blah blah medical debt. It’s supposed to be impossible to lose track of people in the modern world, but it turns out it’s pretty easy. 

She ends up on a new team eventually and her sisters track her down, and after A-Li gets married she ends up in the same city and Wei Ying lives in her big sister’s spare bedroom to save money on rent and it’s all pretty great. And then she gets traded, because that’s what happens when you don’t have a national team contract to give you a bit of leverage, and she gets ready to do it all again: new apartment, new friends, new part-time job. 

“Are you sure it’s worth it, Yingying?” A-Li asks worriedly as Wei Ying shoves her stuff haphazardly into her backpack, because they’re running late and she just found a whole drawer she forgot to pack and A-Li offered to mail it but honestly it’s mostly underwear and she’s gonna need that. “Zixuan could help you find a job here.” 

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Wei Ying says, shoving a thong into the side pocket of her backpack alongside some spare shin guards and deciding to just hope it doesn’t fall out in public. “I love this.” 

+

Lan Zhan has been living in her big sister’s spare bedroom for two weeks while Lan Huan spends a few months helping establish a new branch of her company in Ireland when she is forced to break their pattern of weekly video calls. 

“There is someone coming,” Lan Zhan says. 

“I… see?” Lan Huan says uncertainly. 

“A soccer player. They said you signed up to host a player for the season and she is on her way.” 

Lan Huan’s eyes go wide. She searches through her emails and finds it, shares her screen so Lan Zhan can see: the email a week ago asking if she’s still interested in hosting a player, the affirmative reply she sent in what she now recognizes was a jetlagged daze at 2:15 AM GMT. 

“I’m so, so, sorry,” says Lan Huan. “If you can give me until Monday, I can call them and figure something out.”

“She is arriving today,” Lan Zhan says. “You do not mind if I give her your room?”

“No, of course not,” says Lan Huan. “She’ll be exhausted, she can’t just sleep on the couch. You can put up with it for a weekend, can’t you?”

“Of course,” says Lan Zhan, trying not to sigh. It isn’t-- well, it is Lan Huan’s fault, but-- not in a way where Lan Zhan can really blame her. “You didn’t mention you had signed up for this program.”

“Oh, yes.” Lan Huan looks sheepish. “I have season tickets, actually. And then Mingjue told me they were looking for host families and I thought it sounded fun… that was before you moved back to town, of course, and then the season started and they hadn’t reached out, so I forgot about it. We can go to a game, once I’m back, if you’d like…?” 

It all makes sense, now. Lan Zhan cut soccer firmly and completely out of her life once she stopped playing. It makes sense Lan Huan took that to mean it was a topic she should not mention. Lan Zhan sometimes forgets how fragile her older sister thinks she is. 

“Mn,” says Lan Zhan. “I will check in on Monday. I should make sure I have things prepared for the weekend.”

“I’m really sorry,” Lan Huan says again. “Try to be nice. It’s just for a weekend.” 

+

“Her name is uhhhhh…” The nice blonde-haired lady who picked Wei Ying up from the airport flicks through her phone once they’re stopped at a red light. “Anne! Anne Lan. Ha, it rhymes.” 

Wei Ying suspects that in fact it doesn’t, but she doesn’t say so. Instead she says, “Awesome. I’m looking forward to meeting her.” 

“Season ticket holder-- oh wow, since the team started, eight years, that’s nice-- non-smoker, no pets--”

“Oh, good,” Wei Ying says. She doesn’t mind cats, but a blanket ‘no pets’ seems simpler. 

“Really good location. You could probably walk to the stadium if you wanted. Or bike, but the coaches’ll probably try to talk you out of that, kind of dangerous…”

Wei Ying is incapable of not holding up her end of the conversation, even though she’s exhausted from the flight and absolutely starving. She almost convinces herself she’s struck up enough of a rapport to ask the lady-- Tessa-- to take them to a drive-through, but then they pull off of the freeway into a residential area, and Tessa says they’re almost there. Wei Ying flips down the mirror on the sun screen to see if there’s anything she can do about, like, her face, and then decides it’s a lost cause and flips it back up again. 

“Oooookay,” says Tessa as they pull in front of a lovely little powder-blue house on a lovely little residential street. The houses are all Victorians of varying sizes: this one is tiny, a cute little dollhouse of a place with a postage-stamp yard and a flowering dogwood tree. “You want me to come in with you, or…?”

“Nah, nah, I got it,” says Wei Ying, hoisting her backpack onto her shoulder as she opens the door. “My flight was already late, it’s almost dinnertime! Just pop the trunk for me and I’ll get my bag. I’ll see you at the match tomorrow?” 

“Yep!” says Tessa brightly. “Everyone’s really looking forward to meeting you. Don’t hesitate to call me if there’s anything you need.” 

Tessa pulls away and Wei Ying drags her stuff up the steps and onto the little porch. She thinks maybe the clunk-clunk-clunk of her wheelie suitcase on the perfect little steps will draw attention, but the door’s still shut when she reaches it, so she rings the bell. The curtains are drawn across the front window, but the lights seem to be out. Hm. 

“Forgive me,” comes a low voice from behind her. “I was delayed at the store.”

Wei Ying turns, smile ready. “Anne? Hi! I-- woah. No.” She stops. “Shit. I know you.” 

Lan-- Lan-- Lan. 

“Lan Zhan!” She breaks into a brilliant smile. “Do you remember me?!” 

Lan Zhan tightens her hands around the handles of her grocery bags. “Wei Ying.” 

+

So, back up. 

Lan Zhan plays for Stanford, Wei Ying for USC. Wei Ying is the bane of Lan Zhan’s life. Wei Ying breaks Lan Zhan’s first streak of clean sheets, and Lan Zhan never forgives her. She doesn’t know if Wei Ying ever thinks about her, but she thinks about Wei Ying, how she can make sure this preening, recklessly fouling, defense-neglecting midfielder can never score on her again.

Lots of people probably think about Wei Ying that way, Lan Zhan assumes. She’s a talent, someone whose name comes up, someone who is considered a future national team prospect, a future Olympian, a future star. 

Then she saves a penalty from Wei Ying, and she can at least rest confident that Wei Ying is occasionally thinking about her, too. 

+

Obviously Lan Zhan can’t have known that Wei Ying was talking shit to Jiang Cheng just that morning about how she’s never missed a penalty, about how it’s all about confidence, about how she has an unbeatable technique. 

Even worse, Wei Ying can just tell from the way she’s seen Lan Zhan play and the things people say about her that if she had known, she would have tried even harder to save it. And God, fine, it was an amazing save-- she guessed right and fucking leapt, full-stretch, and palmed it down to the ground then crumpled herself on top of it in that keeper defensive posture that honestly Wei Ying finds so cute even when it’s depriving her of the chance to at least score on the fucking rebound and preserve some of her dignity. 

So yeah, after that, she’s out for revenge.

+

“This is insane,” says Wei Ying once she’s settled on the couch. “You go by Anne now?”

“My sister’s English name,” says Lan Zhan. “This is her house. She signed up for the program. I only moved here a month ago.”

“That’s perfect!” Wei Ying cries. “We can explore the city together. I actually almost came up here for college, but my family wanted a bigger name for my degree. And USC was awesome, to be fair. Or, wait, did you grow up here?”

“No,” says Lan Zhan. “Seattle.” 

“West Coast lifer! I’ve been in Orlando ‘til now. I know,” she adds, though Lan Zhan is almost certain she did not make any particular reaction. “But my sister was living there, so that was nice. I mean, if I got married to someone and then they made me move to Florida, like, that would be a deal-breaker. I’m so excited to have seasons again.” She spreads her hands and beams. “Your turn. Where have you been since Stanford?”

“I-- remained at Stanford for my master’s. I then took a job in Silicon Valley. I now have a new job here, with the city.” 

“Shit,” says Wei Ying. “So you’re like… rich, hot, and successful. Good to know.” 

“You are a professional athlete,” Lan Zhan cannot help but point out. “You are also successful.” And hot, she does not say. 

“This is so great,” Wei Ying says, ignoring this entirely. “I love people, but I was getting a little freaked out at the idea of living with just some complete stranger, as a favor, you know? But this is amazing!”

“You should shower, and put away your things,” Lan Zhan says, completely overwhelmed by the idea that Wei Ying does not consider her a stranger. What constitutes a stranger if not a woman you played against a handful of times nearly ten years ago? “You must be tired. I will start dinner.”

When Wei Ying has disappeared into Lan Huan’s room, Lan Zhan types a very quick text: Do not worry about contacting the team. I do not wish to inconvenience them or the player. I do not mind if she stays. 

She sends it before she can change her mind. 

[laresearchette]

Saturday, February 24, 2024 Canadian TV Listings (Times Eastern)

WHERE CAN I FIND THOSE PREMIERES?: SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (W Network) 8:00pm

NEW TO AMAZON PRIME CANADA/CBC GEM/CRAVE TV/DISNEY + STAR/NETFLIX CANADA:

AMAZON PRIME CANADA THE HOLDOVERS

CRAVE TV GUS THE ITSY BITSY KNIGHT (Season 1)

NETFLIX CANADA THE 30TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS — Netflix Live Event

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS (YTV) 10:00am (SERIES PREMIERE): When Scissors runs out of money, he tries to become a janitor but discovers that the job involves way more skill than he initially thought; Rock and Paper try to motivate Scissors in an unusual way.

NHL HOCKEY (SN360) 12:00pm: Blues vs. Red Wings (TSN2) 2:00pm: Habs vs. Devils (SN360) 3:00pm: Rangers vs. Flyers (City TV/SNPacific) 7:00pm: Bruins vs. Canucks (CBC/SN) 7:00pm: Leafs vs. Avalanche (SN1) 7:00pm: Knights vs. Sens (CBC/SN) 10:00pm: Flames vs. Oilers

MLB SPRING TRAINING (SN) 1:00pm: Phillies vs. Jays

CURLING (TSN) 2:00pm: 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts: Page Playoff (TSN) 5:00pm: Curling Day in Canada (TSN/TSN3) 8:00pm: 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts: Page Playoff (TSN4/TSN5) 9:30pm: 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts: Page Playoff

PWHL HOCKEY (SN1) 2:30pm: Ottawa vs. Montreal

MLS SOCCER (TSN4/TSN5) 7:00pm: Orlando vs. CF Montreal

W5 (CTV) 7:00pm: Who's at Your Door?; Who Is Dillon Brooks?: "W5" investigates companies that allegedly trick homeowners into signing long-term contracts for items they don't need; why a Canadian is the most-hated man in the NBA.

UFC MMA (SN360) 8:00pm: Moreno vs. Royval 2 - Prelims (SN1/SN360) 10:00pm: Moreno vs. Royval 2

AURORA TEAGARDEN MYSTERIES: SOMETHING NEW (CTV) 8:00pm: Young Aurora Teagarden returns home to Lawrenceton to pursue her post-graduate degree but soon finds herself embroiled in a mystery involving her friend's fiance.

LOVE AT FIRST LIE (Lifetime Canada) 8:00pm: Kate is looking for the perfect match online when she swipes and meets Walker, a jet-setting art dealer. After Kate falls for the dashing dealer, she learns that he is a hustler who cons women out of their money.

SNOW SCHOOL (Nat Geo Wild) 8:00pm: When every day is a snow day, school is always in session; a baby walrus gets a swim lesson from Mom; young stoats' playtime teaches them how to hunt; otter pups take a slide and learn to avoid predators; owlets practice leaving the nest.

THE HAPPINESS PLAYBOOK (Super Channel Heart & Home) 8:00pm: Journalist Amy goes under cover at a happiness retreat run by the handsome Paul. Sparks fly between the two, but when Amy learns Paul is the secret son of a wealthy investor, she must choose between a career-making story and her growing feelings.

NBA BASKETBALL (TSN2) 8:30pm: Celtics vs. Knicks

THANKSGIVING (Crave) 9:00pm: An axe-wielding maniac terrorizes residents of Plymouth, Mass., after a Black Friday riot ends in tragedy. Picking off victims one by one, the seemingly random revenge killings soon become part of a larger, sinister plan.

DEAD MAN'S HAND (Starz Canada) 9:00pm: A gunslinger teams up with a marshal to save his kidnapped wife from a ruthless mayor and his private army.

WOLVES OF WAR (Super Channel Fuse) 9:00pm: During World War II, a decorated British officer leads Allied commandos across enemy lines to rescue an American scientist held hostage by the Nazis.

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (CTV) 12:35am: Offered a plea deal by the FBI, William O'Neal infiltrates the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party to gather intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton.