#sony camera deal

[thephoblographer]

The Best Cyber Saturday Deals for Photographers in 2024

The Phoblographer has shared great deals with you all year. And now, we’re rounding up the best cyber Saturday deals for 2024. These ones are just for photographers. So without further holdup, you can check them out below. We’ve got listings on the best deals from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Tamron, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and more! And if you’re curious about any of these products, then please look them up…

[captainlunaxmen]

All For the Cameras

Chapter 11

Finnick Odair x fem!reader

Chapter 11 ladies and gentlemen!🥳

I'm sorry for keeping you waiting so much, but with my life right now, it's hard to find any good time to put my mind into writing.

Chapter summary: time to deal with the aftereffects of Capitol's imprisonment.

Chapter warning: mention of being raped, description of torture, panic attack, Finnick being a sweetie pie.

Tag list

@guacam011y @justtrying2getby @idontevenknow1359 @alexandra-001 @bambikitten @maggiecc @redh00dsbf @haneybunny @1-800-styles @sisiking99 @merromimo @yourdailymemedelivery @regsg18 @gordorio @bambikitten @gracieeleanorr @shev3nom @honethatty12 @savingprivatecass @erindiggory @martahabla @sterredem @aawdrea @wpdarlingpan @strawberry--fawn @barbarathewanderer @ih8books @a-mysterious-potato @mayonesavegana @celinaiscrying @katherinejess @meri-soni-meri-tamanna @abaker74 @syd649 @meikoo @secretsicanthideanymore @p1stachi @laylasshiftingtonight @yourmumstoy @s0urw00lf @kermits-bitch @littleshadow17

@piya-re @ivymyers @potao-o @wqstedyouths @kaceyh24 @miniatureblazellama @lillell4670 @11jaz @f1blogs @ooddiieesblog

I'm sorry if I can't tag everyone😔🥺

Masterlist

Finnick's Pov

Finnick is back at making knots, he need to keep his hands busy. Katniss and him are waiting for any news in his room.

"She's the reason we got ready on time." Katniss suddenly says.

"Uh?"

"Coin told me that Peeta confirmed her fears, but Y/n's message got her to be ready." She explains.

"Yeah? What did she say?" Finnick can't help but ask.

"Quick. Hide. Attack." She replies, "she had to choose her words carefully, but she managed."

"She's smart." Finnick wipes away a tear, "always been. I just hope they're okay."

"Me too." She whispers softly.

They stay in silence, waiting and waiting.

Finnick fears they're been sitting here for ages now. Thankfully, the door opens and Haymitch's head appears.

"They're back."

They on they feet in no time, running to the hospital side of the building.

As they enter the room they immediately hear Johanna screaming and snapping at the nurses and doctors.

"Johanna.." Kantiss gasps.

Her head is shaved and she looks like she's not been eating for weeks.

As Katniss sees and runs to Gale, Haymitch and Finnick follows her, Boggs being close.

"Where's Y/n?" Finnick can't help himself.

"She's resting." He answers.

"Why?!" Finnick's panicking hands holds the knot, "did something happen... is she okay?"

"It's not serious... but she was bleeding when we got to them." Boggs reassures him.

"What..?"

"Calm down." Haymitch puts a hand on his shoulder, "can we see her?"

"Of course, she's in the room next to Peeta's." Boggs makes way and they follow him.

They enter, quietly not to wake her up in case she's resting.

"Miss L/n?" Boggs calls.

"Please..." her broken voice almost brings tears in Finnick's eyes, "stop it..."

"It's alright, you're safe.." Boggs reassures her, he signals Finnick and Haymitch to stop where they are, "I promise, you are safe now. And... There's someone here for you."

"I'm... stop...pl.. please."

"What did they do to her?" Finnick broken voice comes out in a whisper, Haymitch hardly hears it.

"She's safe now. Let's focus on that, okay?" Haymitch puts a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Y/n... I'm colonel Boggs, district 13's head of security. You're in 13." Boggs tries again, "you are safe."

"It's not real, it's not real, it's not real..." she keeps repeating, using her hands as a shield to cover her face.

"I'm not sure, now's the best time. Whatever they did to her, I think it's-" Boggs starts to explain.

"Y/n..?" Finnick can't stop her name coming out of his mouth, he watches her stopping her movement. If before she was rocking back and forth covering her face, now she's as still as a rock. "Y/n... it's me."

The other two watch the scene carefully, silently.

Their eyes fixed on her next move. She slowly move her hands down, hesitantly. Her eyes carefully raise to look up at him, only to fill up with tears once they're set fully on him.

"No... don't... please." She cowers back, shaking her head.

"I'm here, my love." Finnick instinctively rushes to her, when she flinches he stops, raising his hands up, "I promise."

"Oh no..." she sobs, "they caught you too..."

"No... no, my love." He's fully crying now.

"It's all my fault, it's all my fault, it's... all my fault... it's all...." she keeps whispering.

"Love..." Finnick tries again, but she's almost deaf to his voice. He looks at Haymitch for support, but finds him completely powerless.

"Y/n... it's alright." Haymitch moves to come closer, but a loud noise from the room next to hers catches their attention.

"What's going on?" Haymitch asks, Boggs immediately rushes out, "I'll be right back."

Finnick goes back at looking at Y/n, her small figure breaks his heart into millions of pieces. He searches into her for a glimpse of the fighter he knows, he notices it... he notices her hand blindly moving on the mattress towards him, he doesn't think she's completely aware of it.

He takes a deep breath and reaches out to touch her hand. Once their hands touch she retreats her hand and her eyes shoot back to him in less than a second. They stare into each other's eyes, Finnick stays as still as he can, afraid that any movement could make her run or disappear. After a long, never ending moment she reaches again for his hand.

"Is that... are you..." she takes shaky breaths looking at any part of his face, "you're real..?"

"I am..." he nods, trying again to hold her hand, she lets him, "I'm real, I'm here... and we're in district 13."

"13..?" She gaps, "really?"

"Really, my love." He nods, bringing her hand to his lips to kiss the back of it, "we're really here."

"Are..." she tries to fight her broken voice, "are you sure?"

"Very." He nods again, "you're not in the Capitol anymore. You're with me."

"I'm sorry... I'm afraid I'll ask you that too many times."

"You can ask me as much as you need to," Finnick tells her softly, "and I'll answer each time."

She starts to sob, and brings a hand to cover her mouth, Finnick can see her relieved smile and can finally feel some calmness after so long.

"Oh my god..." she lets out an incredulous laugh, but it ends quickly when they hear a knock on the door.

"Can we come in?"

"It's Haymitch." Finnick tells her.

"Haymitch's here?"

"Yes, we're all here, I promise. Katniss, Beetee, Plutarch. Safe." Finnick explains, "can he come in? Is that okay?"

When she nods Finnick calls for Haymitch to enter.

"Hey, princess." Haymitch greets as he enters the room, "how do you feel?"

"I... I think I'm... not in danger..." she answers on a soft voice.

"Well, we take what we can get." Haymitch smiles.

"What... happened?" She asks motioning to the room.

"I..." Haymitch's hesitant, he looks at Finnick for support, but Y/n's voice regain his attention.

"I can take it, Haymitch." She smiles, tiredly.

Finnick too smiles, happy to see her regaining her fight.

"Peeta attacked Katniss."

"What?" Finnick asks, alarmed and confused.

"We don't know why..." Haymitch shakes his head, "it doesn't make sense."

"Where is he now?" She asks, pulling her hand back to herself.

"Sedated."

Y/n nods, understanding. When she starts fidgeting again, Finnick gently takes her hands.

"It's okay." He whispers softly.

"I can see the gears in your head working, L/n, what is it?" Haymitch asks.

"Uh...it does make sense." She simply says, "it makes so much sense."

"What do you mean?"

"I..."

A knock interrupts her, and Plutarch's head comes into view.

"May I?" He asks, and opens the door once he got a nod, "how are you feeling?"

"Can I not get asked that question for the next... 10 years?" She weakly chuckle and Finnick squeeze her hands.

"Of course." Plutarch smiles reassuringly, "may I introduce you to someone?"

"I... guess."

"Do you think this is the right time?" Finnick asks, getting protective.

"We're heading towards a war, mr Odair, we can't afford such thing as right time." He states before opening the door again, letting President Coin in.

Y/n sits up straight, getting a pang of pain, Finnick's immediately checking on her, but gets dismissed almost immediately.

"Easy, miss L/n. I'm president Coin, I came here to thank you personally." President Coin smiles. "If it weren't for your hidden messages, we would've never been ready on time for the attack. You helped save lots of lives."

"I... it was really the least I could do, ma'am." Y/n casts her eyes down, at her hands in Finnick's.

"You risked your life. Without knowing for sure if we even could get those messages, we owe you." President Coin continues, "Thank you."

Y/n and Coin look at each other, Y/n still looks like she thinks herself not deserving a thank you.

"You're welcome." She nods, grateful.

"Whatever you need, I'd be honoured to be of assistance." The president adds.

"Thank you... especially for rescuing us."

"Sorry, to interrupt this moment, but we were hoping you could give us some more information." Plutarch chimes in.

"She just got here, coul-" Finnick starts, but her hand squeezing his stops him.

"It's okay." She whispers to him, then referring to everyone, "I might have some... clarification on what's going on with Peeta..."

They all listen carefully at what Y/n is explaining.

Finnick notices her wincing a little when she talks about Peeta's treatment. He wants to ask more, but he decides to give her more time.

He owes her.

Y/n's Pov

The first hours here in 13 have been... surreal, to say the least.

I still find it hard to believe this, I'm so afraid everything will turn out to be just another illusion created by the Capitol to torture me. Sometimes I can't even look at Finnick... touching his hands is a comfort... most of the time, but seeing him is simply too difficult now. He keeps talking to me, to keep me grounded, I think, keeping the nightmares away at least when I'm awake. I try to keep a brave face, though I fear he sees right through it sometimes.

"You don't have to, if you don't feel good." He tells me as we follow Boggs to Katniss' hospiral room.

"It's okay. I promise." I say, looking straight ahead.

"You don't have to be so brave all the time." He grabs my hand, to reassure me. I squeeze it back and take mine back almost immediately.

"Here." Boggs opens a door for us.

"Thank you." I say entering and as soon as I see Katniss I rush to her.

I'm so glad to see Prim there too. Knowing her mother and sister are safe are a relief.

I see her trying to speak, but Prim stops her.

"It's okay... I-I'm sorry." I tell her sitting next to her, seeing her confused expression I add, "I.."

"She thinks it's her fault." Finnick explains, "one of the many gifts from the Capitol."

I unconsciously flinch at that, the guilt eating me every moment of the day, I try to rationalise it, think that it can't be all my fault... but I can't stop it.

Katniss puts her hand on mine, to comfort me, so I look at her with a sad smile.

"Good, you're already here." Plutarch walks in, followed by Beetee and Gale too, "we can start with the explanations."

"Yes, uh... what they did to Peeta is called, they call it, hijacking." I start, fidgeting with my hands once again, "I think they started doing... it to him as soon as they got us... uh...it's about using fear to change the person's perception."

"They enhance it with tracker jacker venom." Beetee adds. "You were stung your first games, remember?"

Katniss blink once, which makes me assume is yes.

"Exactly... uh..." I take a deep breath, "the venom sort of helps the subject dissociate... then they use shocks and beating to torture them... then all that fear and anger is reassociate with something else, person, memory... place..." I try to not let my broken voice show.

"They can change his memories of Katniss?" Prim asks me.

"Yes, if she was once his friend, now he's been tortured to see her as the enemy." I say.

"But why?" Gale asks, I look at him, he looks like he doesn't believe any of what I said, or he's just really confused.

"They turned him into a weapon, Katniss." Haymitch says, "to kill you."

"That's too easy, Haymitch..." I scoff out a laugh, "nothing is easy at the Capitol."

I notice Gale rolling his eyes, but saying nothing. I can sense he doesn't trust me.

"But you can reverse it." Prim guesses.

"The fear is the most difficult thing to overcome. We're hardwired to remember fear best." Beetee explain and I nod, sadly.

"It's new terrain," Plutarch chimes in, "but we've put together a team. I'm optimistic."

"Yeah... optimism won't do it this time." I scoff again.

"If any of this is true." Gale mutters and my head snaps to his direction.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Finnick asks, annoyed.

"What everyone here thinks." Gale answers, just as annoyed.

"Which is, mr Hawthorne?" I ask, as cold as I've ever been.

"As if you can't figure it out." He replies, jaw clenching with annoyance.

"Enlighten me." I challenge, Gale looks around and sighs deeply.

Everyone is either confused or frustrated by Gale's comment. Finnick and Haymitch particularly mad.

"You're Capitol's Princess. That says it all." He finally speaks again.

"Care to elaborate?" Haymitch asks, I don't think I've ever seen him this mad.

"What guarantees she's telling the truth? Or that she's not just a spy?" Gale asks.

"You think Peeta's actually mad at Katniss?" Prim's soft voice asks.

"You saw what he said on TV." Is Gale's answer which makes me actually laugh. The others looks at me confused while Gale's still angry.

"What?" I ask, "wasn't that a joke? Oh sorry."

"Do you think we're joking here?" Gale snaps again.

"Oh fuck off, will you?" I almost shout, standing up, "let me fucking guess, you're one of the people who believed Katniss and Peeta were actually in love in their first games? Despite knowing her, nonetheless." I ask and when he says nothing I go on, "you think yourself so smart, so above the 'lies' the Capitol tells everyone, but you're not. You're really not. They fooled you." I laugh again, frustration finally getting out.

He stays silent, answering my question.

"I think you should go, mr Hawthorne." Plutarch says.

"No, no, let him stay, let him stay." I rush out, "do you want to know what was actually happening?" He says nothing, "Hell. Hell was happening."

"Sure.." he says unconvinced.

"Yeah... of course you believe all the bullshit about the Princess, don't you?" I say, a bit calmer, shaking my head disappointed. "Did you know I had a brother?" I notice with the corner of my eyes Finnick lowering his head, he's one of the few who knows. "Did you?" I stress.

"No." Gale firmly says.

"That's because he was killed, right in front of me, because I dared to say no. Then Snow threatened to kill everyone else I care about if I refused again, and by that time I befriended almost all the mentors and victors. He got leverage. But that's still nothing, you all lost people because of the Capitol, nothing special right?" I see him swallowing nervously, "I bet you think the Victors' lives are a piece of cake. No. Once you win, you're a prisoner. If the Capitol find you attractive enough, you're sold." I look at Finnick, he nods reassuringly, "you either get sold or you're family pays. And the downside of being Capitol's sweet princess is people finding you just as attractive. So I was sold too. That's how I met Cal. His father paid for me, and I couldn't say no. I couldn't say no to anything he wanted to do. Anything." My voice starts to break. "He lived this as a love story, so engraved in his delusion that he felt this as a personal betrayal. He was the one torturing me every time."

"Y/n..." Finnick calls me softly, but I shake my head.

"Do you want to know what Peeta has been through there?" I look at Gale with tears in my eyes, " because I know... I was there, at every session, each noise, each silence, each... scream... I heard it all, not even my own pain could suppress it."

"I.." Gale starts, but I'm not having it.

"You what? You're sorry? You're sorry that they made me live fake memories? That they made me live memories where... where... "I blow out some air, tears making it hard to breath, Finnick comes beside me to comfort me, but I can't be near him, not right now, right now everything I've kept to myselfis coming out "they made me live a memory where all the people I've ever cared about blamed me, for all of this. Everything is my fault, I know, but hearing them all screaming at me...no. Then they made me believe I was being... I was... shit!" I scream, taking a deep breath, "they made me believe he was raping me... when actually it was Cal all the time... and of course he didn't stop there, I mean he didn't need to wait for the sessions.. when he was in the mood I was in a cell, where he could always find me... the day you arrived he... was just in time to... mark me" I lift my shirt to show Cal's name on my lower stomach, engraved,I take another deep and shaky breath as I lower the shirt back down, "so you see... the Capitol hurts your mind, it doesn't stop at your body. Too. Fucking. Easy." Venom clear in my voice, I turn to look at Haymitch wiping away my tears, his eyes are wet too, my voice gets softer, "they.. uh... they didn't turn him into a weapon to kill her, at least that's not their main reason... they want to destabilise her. Now if you'll excuse me."

I walk out.

I walk faster to the hospital room they assigned me, but I can't find it, I haven't got through chance to get my head around the labyrinth this place is. My breath is getting heavy and I need to be alone, but I don't know where to go.

"Miss L/n!" Someone calls, I turn around seeing Boggs jogging to get to me.

"I'm sorry... I... I just needed a moment." I tell him breathlessly.

"It's okay, come." He leads me to my room and sits me on the bed. "Match my breathing, okay?"

I nod and try to follow his breathing. In, hold it, and out. He uses his hand to emphasise the breathing, and to give me something to look at and focus on. Once I can breath normally again I look at him.

"Thank you."

"You might not agree, but we're the one who should thank you." He says and I shake my head, "I'm not one to soften things up, I'm not just being nice to you. I meant what I said."

"I... it's just..."

"The Capitol fucks you up?" He asks.

"Yes..." I lower my eyes, "I'm sorry."

"I can promise you, there's no one here you have to apologise to." He assures me.

"I just didn't mean to snap like that and throw everything that happened out like that."

"It would've been worse if you didn't." He explains, "bottling all that inside, won't do you any good. So anytime you feel like snapping, do it. Call me if you need to."

"Thanks."

"I stopped Odair from coming himself, I had a feeling he wouldn't do you any good at the moment." He tells me.

"Yeah, no... you were right..."I mutter, softly, I want to say more but I just take a breath.

"Okay, here's what we can do. You can tell me what you're clearly holding back, and I can just listen without saying anything. Or we can just breath." He suggests.

I look at him once more, and seeing his genuine offer to help I nod my head and after a long deep breath I start to explain.

"They use electricity and shocks to make you docile... numb. Then they project all around you images of people, places, then a voice narrate what they want you to live. It's like they put you to sleep and makes you dream of whatever they want... only the pain is real and you can't escape it by waking up." I sigh, "they used Finnick most of the time... having him blaming me, hurting me. I... I can't even look at him..."

"But you do know that's not real." He states.

"Yeah, I've lived in the Capitol all my life... I know their ways, long before they caught me I was preparing myself." I say, going back at fidgeting, "but I guess I was underestimating it."

"I don't think you did." Boggs tells me, "You know that what they showed you is not real. You're already halfway out of this."

"I don't know..." I shake my head.

"Plutarch and Haymitch told us a lot about you." He sits in front of me, "said your brain was one of a kind. Your strategies, ideas and suggestions are always on point."

"I think they were exaggerating..."

"I've know those two for merely weeks and the one thing I gathered is they don't praise just anyone. They meant what they said about you." He firmly explains, I sigh, looking away from him, "I understand you still have the lingering guilt in your head, you try to rationalise it, but you can't shake it off. But that doesn't make it real, okay?" I nod, "first step: say it out loud."

"I don't think I'm ready for it yet." I sadly smile.

"It's okay." He nods, not showing any disappointment, "also.. what you said to Gale... I was waiting for someone to put him in his place."

I laugh and he does too.

"Glad I could've been of assistance." I chuckle.

"Want me to call Odair or Haymitch?" He asks.

"I... no, thank you, but I need to be alone... for a bit more.." I answer.

"It's alright." He stands and walk to the door, "if you need anything, don't hesitate."

"Thank you." I nod. He does too and exits the room.

I stand up and walk to the glass cupboard close to the bed. I look at my fade reflection and lift my shirt up, looking properly for the first time at Cal's work on me. They gave me stitches, it will probably leave a scar. I sigh, lowering my shirt once again and I go to lay on the bed again.

Flashes of what happened at the Capitol make their way into my brain, I close my eyes and cover my ears to prevent them from getting out. I start to have troubles breathing, I sit up straight, a hand on my chest to control my heartbeat. Tears forming in my eyes. I try to remind myself that I'm not there anymore, I'm not a prisoner anymore.

"It's not real, it's not real, it's not real." I keeo whispering to myself.

Dread fills my veins when I hear a knock on the door.

"Y/n?" Finnick careful voice reaches my ears, "are you okay? I won't come in, just... say something."

I try to take a very deep breath and walk to the door, not opening it, but I hold my hand to touch it.

"I'm okay." I weakly say.

"Would it be okay if I stayed out here?" He gently asks.

"You... you don't have to." I tell him, "I' sure you have things to do."

"None more important than you." He states, "I'll just sit here, if you need something, knock." He lets out a soft chuckle.

"Finnick..." I start.

"You know I'm stubborn. There's no use in arguing."

I hear him sitting down.

"I'm okay, Finnick." I try one more time.

"I know." He replies, "this is just a great spot to sit and rest actually."

He makes me chuckle a little and I decide to sit down against the door too, we would be back to back if it weren't for the door between us.

"It is quite comfortable, I have to agree." I say.

"See? Best spot in the whole district." He laughs.

We sit in silence, a comfortable silence.

Every now and then I'm sure I heard Haymitch's voice trying to get him to go to lay down on a proper bed and Finnick would always answer that he's more than comfortable like this.

He spent all night out of my room, checking on me every now and then.

Tomorrow I'll get checked again, any sort of injuries they haven't detected, or help me get my mind to work better again.

I need to fix my mind, I want to stop these thoughts, I want to... I need to.

[speedygal]

i went into goosebumps 2023 anticipating it would suck since it was Disney's first go at the property as a television series and it have this bad feel as the first artemis fowl movie and have mcu styled comedy, i was immediately slammed with 'a sony pictures production' and a story that deals with objects per episode in a creepy and horrifying way.

it does have it's humor but it's so... non-mcu style. it's it's own creepy thing. it isn't even forced. it comes naturally.

For those who remember a few of the objects from the os vaguely, it's like 'oh, that's similar to':

the clock

the camera.

the worms, uh, but veeeerry diffeeeereeeent.

Side note; these are things I was able to remember in the series when i watched the series a decade ago or maybe. Things that stuck with me.

i'm going to finish 4 then start episode 5 tonight.

it's like someone gave it the Mike Flanagan treatment

It's actually really good.

[brickcentral]

🤩 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: SKABRAM.builds Hello everyone! It's time to direct the spotlight toward our community members, and today we will get to know better SKABRAM.builds!

"Hi everyone, I’m Bram and I live in the Netherlands.

I rediscovered LEGO when my oldest son got his first set about 2,5 years ago. Soon I found out about digital building LEGO and got hooked building MOC’s of one of my favorite things: birds. I created some of my favorite birds to display in our house and published the building instructions for others to build. That was all I did until LEGO announced the Icons Kingfisher set. It got me thinking about sharing my own bird builds too.

This idea got kickstarted when I got tagged in a photo where someone used my instructions for a bird build. Apparently there was a little search for brick built birds in nature photos. I got in touch and was encouraged to participate. Since I already have some years experience with wildlife photography this seemed fun. I emptied my camera bag, filled it with my bird models and went to a local park. And here we are…

I see my photography as the final touch of my MOC. I spend a good amount of time designing and building the model, getting it out in it’s natural habitat feels like a logic last step. I try to get as close to the real bird and it’s environment as possible and aim to create realistic photos. My approach is the same as in my wildlife photography: I want to show the bird and some of its surroundings. These surroundings are important since they tell a lot about a bird and it’s behavior and habitat. Since I’m shooting a LEGO model this is a lot easier than with real birds, so I got plenty of time to focus on composition. I often try to get on eye level with my subject and to find interesting colors or lines that complement the composition. Most of my images are composed using the rule of thirds.

I prepare my photos not extensively. I think about the posing and what I might need for it (string, stand or extra LEGO parts) and throw everything in my bag when I go outside.

I don’t take a model of a coastal bird to the forest, but besides that it’s just looking for the right opportunity. Working with natural light and shooting without a tripod makes everything very flexible.

My 50-400mm lens is very versatile, so I can shoot real birds and LEGO ones during the same walk. The higher aperture (4.5-6.3) of this lens is no deal breaker since I often shoot with higher aperture to include more of the surroundings.

The hardest part might be getting the model posed right. It’s not always easy to find the right branch to clip the feet on (not all branches are in system…) and wind should not be underestimated when shooting around water (yes, I had to fish). Sometimes someone is holding a loose branch with a bird model up so I can get the right image. To compensate for the inevitable movement here I increase my shutter speed (which is already high because I shoot handheld).

Combining my love for wildlife photography and LEGO has been a bliss thus far. Working with static models and a lighter lens has it’s advantages! The gear i use is a Sony A6700 Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 Tamron 50-400mm 4.5-6.3 Tamron 150-500mm 5.0-6.7 (used for wildlife only) I do have a simple Rollei tripod, but only use it inside."

Thank you for accepting our invitation and let the community knows you better!

If you want some insights on the exclusive picture and for a better view of the others, head to our blog at https://brickentral.net/.

- @theaphol, Community Outreach Manager

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

1967 Toyota 2000GT

1967 Toyota 2000GT

1967 Toyota 2000GT

1967 Toyota 2000GT

When James Bond star Daniel Craig was asked what his favourite Bond car was, the answer was a bit surprising as it was from a film made many years before his time as 007. It was the Toyota 2000GT that starred in the 1967 film 'You Only Live Twice'. Its the one where Sean Connery is disguised as a Japanese citizen despite being about a 18" inches taller than anyone else...

Apparently James Bond was a very big deal in Japan and Toyota were very keen to allow the makers to use one of their cars and the 2000GT was chosen and 2 coupes were supplied.

However the first problem was that Sean Connery was simply too tall so Toyota went off and made two convertibles which also made filming inside the tight car a touch easier. they were the only two roadsters ever made.

Next problem was also slightly daft: the actress who played Bond's lady friend, Akiko ‘Aki’ Wakabayashi, couldn't actually drive so in the end Toyota had to supply a couple of their own drivers to operate pedals and gears.

Toyota and Sony kitted the car out with typical futuristic Bond gadgets such as CCTV, a VCR, cameras behind the front number plate, two-way radios, voice-controlled tape recorder and an audio system.

I think three of the four cars used still exist; one was reputedly crashed and written off though there were rumours that it had been sold on anyway.

[whileiamdying]

With Searing Political Drama ‘I’m Still Here,’ Walter Salles Delivers an Urgent Warning: ‘A Country Without Memory Is a Country Without a Future’

By Brent Lang

There was something about the Paiva family’s house that Walter Salles never forgot. It was a few blocks from the beach in Rio de Janeiro. The doors and gates were always unlocked, the windows open to let in sunlight and ocean breezes. It was filled with music and dancing, parties and people, debates and ideas. But that all changed in 1971 when Rubens Paiva, a former leftist congressman turned engineer, was hauled away by the police or the military (it wasn’t initially clear) to be interrogated, tortured and, eventually, murdered. That left his wife Eunice and their five children to pick up the pieces and search for answers something in short supply since Brazil was seven years into a military dictatorship that would last for 14 more.

“There was such a vitality to the house. It was a place we all wanted to drift through,” says Salles, who was a teenager when he would visit the family. “Then one day when we went by, it was completely closed and there was police guarding it. You can imagine the shock.”

Salles grew up to become one of Brazil’s greatest filmmakers, spending much of his career dramatizing his country’s slow, often slouching, move towards democracy in films like “Central Station.” But “I’m Still Here,” which documents that harrowing period in the lives of the Paivas, may be his most personal yet, as it deals with people he grew up knowing so intimately. What he’s pulled off is nothing short of a triumph, as well as an urgent reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism. The film debuted to raves at the Venice Film Festival, with critics citing Fernanda Torres’ performance as Eunice as Oscar-worthy. It screens at this year’s Toronto Film Festival before Sony Pictures Classics releases the movie domestically this fall.

Though the movie deals with an explosive subject matter, Salles took an understated approach to the production. He resisted in close-ups, push-ins or other camera moves that would have heightened the tension in a melodramatic way. “I wasn’t trying to amplify emotions,” he says. “I wanted to be truthful.”

And he takes time getting to Rubens’ disappearance, following the parents and the kids over summer days spent on the beach, evenings at the ice cream shop and social occasions where Eunice’s famous soufflés were in demand. “You had to allow the life to breathe in,” Salles says. “In the beginning, I want to invite you to be sensorially in a family.”

The goal was to make it clear how much joy was snuffed out when Rubens was “disappeared.” To help the actors get into the proper emotional state, he shot the picture chronologically. It was a logistical nightmare for a movie shot on location, since shifts in weather or availability often necessitate filming things out of sequence. “It allowed me to get into my character’s skin,” says Torres. “You had this sunny part of the movie with children and parties and friends. Then it’s all taken away and you are filled with this sense of loss. I felt like I, Fernanda, had experienced that.”

Salles encouraged Torres to underplay Eunice’s grief and anxiety, reminding her that her character needs to keep it together for the sake of her young children. “She remains in silence,” Torres says. “She cannot just panic. She doesn’t have time for self-pity. But there’s something profound about her actions. When something violent was happening to her, she stayed calm. She smiled. She didn’t show she was suffering.”

The Paivas begin the film comfortably middle class, but Rubens’ disappearance plunges them into economic uncertainty. Without a death certificate (something Brazilian authorities took decades to grant the family), Eunice had no access to her family’s money and was forced to sell everything and start over. She went back to school and became a human rights attorney.

“Her journey blended with the journey of Brazil as it sought to redefine itself,” Salles says. 

That journey continued during the seven tumultuous years that Salles labored on the script and then in cobbling together the film. It was a period that saw Jair Bolsonaro, a right-wing aspiring strongman, win the presidency, only to lose office in a tight contest four years later against Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. In scenes eerily reminiscent of the Jan. 6 riots, Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed Brazilian government buildings, radicalized by his claims of election fraud.

“We started this project thinking that we were retelling a story from the past, but we came to realize that it was also a reflection on our present,” Salles says. “We have to remind ourselves of what happened. Cinema can be a powerful instrument to push against those forces — to help us avoid oblivion. A country without memory is a country without a future. “

[sunhlland]

Yes I doubt he wants retire it's just his poor pick of roles and looks like rejection or even too many enemies in Hollywood will force him move behind the camera. I think he have this executive qualities that will help he done deal,I'm don't rule it out if Tom with time move to Sony,looks like they appreciate him.

I don't think so. enemies? I don't rule out that there is envy and everything is disgusting in that world, but I think everyone has made a movie in their heads. rejection? If that were the case, no one would have gone for "him" to his play. the general public loves him...what are we talking about here? .. and right now he wouldn't be the lead of a Nolan film. Its true that he has chosen bad projects but at that time he was very young and all those people controlled him as they pleased, now he knows his power as an actor well, he rejects roles that he does not want to do, and he even has close relations with Sony. His retirement looks very distant and his future bright. At 28 years old he already has a production company and also his own beer company, I would say he is a privileged guy.

He can be a dad and still be an actor, producer, CEO LMAO

[nickcarr-scoutstories]

Hi everyone, I hope you've had a good year. It's been quite a while since I was last posting here regularly - I think maybe February or March. A number of you have written to me over the past many months to ask if I was OK and if I’d be returning with daily updates about scouting, and I’m sorry I haven’t gotten back sooner.

The simple answer for why I haven’t been sharing stories and pictures from my life as a movie location scout is that, since March of this year, I haven’t been a movie location scout.

As you may have heard, the film industry had two major strikes this year. The first kicked off on May 1 when the Writers Guild decided strike; the second on July 14, when SAG joined them on the picket lines.

But if you look at the timeline, something’s off. If the strikes didn’t begin until May, why have I been out of work since March?

When you work in film and TV, you go from project to project, as opposed to working directly for a particular studio. In January, I was just wrapping up the final season of FX’s Snowfall, one my favorite shows I’ve ever scouted for (you really get to explore your dark side when you’re asked to find creative places to stage murders and drug deals on a weekly basis!).

Typically, there are always a number of new productions gearing up at the beginning of the year, and it rarely takes longer than a few weeks to hop on something. Except, as I started reaching out to see what was on the horizon, something became starkly clear: there was nothing.

It quickly became apparent that the studios, anticipating that the strikes were likely to happen, opted to simply halt all new productions. That meant that by the time you heard about the writers strike in May, thousands of below-the-line crew like myself had already been out of work for months, with many more months to go.

I know hindsight is 20/20 and all, but I still kick myself for not predicting what was likely to happen in advance. Ha, in fact, as proof of my ignorance, when my five-year-old camera finally broke toward the end of Snowfall, I decided it was the perfect time to treat myself to a brand-new Sony set-up. That new camera has sat unused on my shelf laughing at me ever since.

Once I realized the severity of the situation, two things became clear: one, the strikes were going to last for a long time. And two, there was absolutely nothing I could do about it, other than to find a way for my family and I to survive until everything resolved.

As part of this effort, I made the conscious decision to focus my attention only on things I could control, and that were positive influences in my life. For that reason, I had to turn away from anything industry-related (a good decision in hindsight, as roughly 95% of the media predictions and insider sources about the strikes turned out to be wrong).

And by extension, I also stepped back from posting here. It was just too sad to try to write with my normal enthusiasm about scouting and exploring when everything about my work was in such upheaval.

Both strikes have now come to an end, and despite all the pessimistic naysayers, both unions wound up with extremely good deals that the studios initially swore were simply not possible. Though I’m neither SAG nor WGA, all of the benefits and protections I have from being a Teamster only come from working in an industry with extremely strong unions. If there was any question, 2023 made it undeniably clear.

My family has made it through, our credit scores bruised but otherwise happy and healthy and looking forward to a much brighter 2024. I was able to accomplish several projects that would have literally never happened if not for the strikes, including one creative endeavor that may be the best thing I’ve ever written and I can’t wait to share with you.

Hollywood has been slow to re-open, and I’m still waiting to put that camera to use on the first post-strike feature or TV show. Thankfully though, some print advertising work in the past few weeks has given me an excuse to finally take it off the shelf and wipe the dust off. And there are growing rumblings that the TV/movie floodgates should burst soon.

Finally, I wanted to end the year on a positive note by putting out the delayed third issue of my Scout Stories publication. This one is for you Scouting NY fans, and focuses on my all-time favorite “hidden in plain sight” locations and finds on the streets of New York from my ten years of scouting there. I’ll have the big announcement with purchase links up either later today or tomorrow, and they will definitely come in time for Christmas, should you be looking for a unique stocking stuffer!

So that’s what’s happened, where I’ve been, what I’ve been up to, and what’s ahead. If you asked me to sum up 2023, I’d say that financially, it was terrible! But in all truth, it was a happy year, simply because I made it a point to focus on the things that brought happiness.

Sharing my work as a scout with you has always made me happy, and I’m very much looking forward to doing a lot more of it in the coming year.

Happy holidays!

Nick

[twopoppies]

I’ve been here for about 9 years and I am fully aware that these guys owe me absolutely nothing. What hurts when a stunt like this occurs is just the 2nd hand embarrassment I feel and frustration that kissing someone like her or anyone else in public like this is part of the deal. I am an empathetic person but I didn’t think I misjudged the character and general vibe with Harry. I’ve started to question it in the last 2 years and that makes me sad. I put the tumble app icon in a folder so I don’t go to it right away. That’s about as far as I can get in terms of distancing myself. You are my favorite Larry blogger so thanks for that and for always shooting straight.

That’s a good way to handle the Tumblr addiction. I might have to try that. As for his character, I don’t know, love. To me he seems like the same person underneath it all. I’ve noticed a lot of people feeling the same way you do the further away he’s gotten from who we perceived him to be in the band. But I think it’s quite difficult to compare because when they were in the band it was very easy to blame everything we didn’t like on Modest or Syco. And I think, with Louis, that still does happen (now people blame Sony or BMG or old contracts etc). It’s really uncomfortable to allow for the fact that Harry and Louis are involved in making the decisions that result in things like Holivia or parading Freddie around for the camera.

I guess for me it comes down the idea that I don’t know them or their goals or their limitations, so I don’t think I have a right to judge how they navigate their careers. I can be affected by it and dislike it, but I don’t have enough information to say they’re fundamentally different people from who I’ve always thought them to be.

I’ve said for years that I think they’re fundamentally good people working in horrible industries. And I still believe that they’re trying to navigate those industries the best they can, while keeping their morals as in tact as they can.

[lashton-is-my-drug]

i was at the fonda (night 1) when luke referred to sierra as his wife. however, no wedding band. i'm sure someone else has mentioned that, but i haven't seen anyone else talking about it. this weekend's fashion display by luke in milan..sierra nowhere to be found. he does have a ring on his left hand, but it doesn't seem like a wedding band to me. and if it were, why didn't he have it on at the fonda? rhetorical question. anyhow, this is a very lengthy way to ask your take on it all, and do you think they are married or was it a planned "announcement"..which he didn't seem to make mention of night two?

OK, ready?

Luke saying “my wife Sierra” at his solo show at the Fonda in LA

Pardon the delay in my response, I wanted to wait a beat to see what happened after.

First, Luke was wearing his matching ring with Ash. Ash was wearing his the prior couple of days of events and with fans. Luke hasn’t ever worn a matching ring with her, which therefore there’s nothing to construe as a wedding ring for them. Ever. Luke and Ash have been wearing theirs ever since the band Twitch stream. Check out my various black onyx ring tags. Also, since Youngblood era (stars rings), Luke and Ash have worn various matching rings. They’re sneaky about it. Sometimes they both will wear it, sometimes only Luke, sometimes only Ash. Ash doesn’t wear any rings when drumming.

Released his album with Sony (known for using stunts and people’s personal lives as promotion. Example: all of the Spidermen and Mary Jane’s have “dated”). He’s also managed by Matt Emsell/Ben Evans, who have managed the boys all throughout Modest days.

No article or anything afterwards, which would typically happen with these things…. instead there’s a mystal pregnancy announcement to overshadow it. (Which don’t even get me started on THAT whole thing….)

Luke hasn’t mentioned it anywhere else or made a formal announcement. There was a big deal made about the engagement (along with the standard PR article in People, Ben earning his money) so if the marriage was real, wouldn’t there be one? Luke said some lovely words in his ig post but nothing about any marriage? HELLO?

I truly 100% don’t think they’ll ever get married. Luke and Ash remain devoted to one another. The time is ticking on the Lierra breakup. (Side note: Notice how Ash nor any of the other boys nor anyone on their team nor family members have acknowledged it either??)

Another side note that I find entertaining: I find it very reassuring that the fans actually don’t favor the duet (Older), which was supposed to be this beautiful love PR move between the stunt. Caramel is intensely much better of a song. The gays tend to do a much better job at it. (Hello Elton John and so many others.) Ash would never think of trying to overshadow Luke, like S tried to at London ONO.

Luke’s been flying solo to events ever since the guys were in Aussie. She wasn’t at Fashion Week either. (I’m including video clip proof he was solo.) [Theory: A couple fellow Lashies believe it was some sort of trade off that he had to say the marriage thing at his show so he could be sans Sierra at Fashion Week. Fashion is his. He wants to be himself whenever he can. One day Ash will be next to him though, cheering him on proudly.] Luke has been at events with bandmates, family members (his brother), or is solo ever since they were in Aussie at the end of Take Me Home Tour? Which we need to acknowledge how much Luke absolutely SLAYYYYYED at Fashion Week!! Multiple of different outfits! Get it!!

[Camera flashing warning]

Ash needed to be next to him. 🥺❤️

There’s just so many reasons it was a flat out lie. 

Hey Siri, play “Lie to Me”. Actually, seriously, stream Lie To Me, it’s a banger. Writing credits of Luke and Ash, so, of course it is.

[cuprohastes]

Things that Kids Today just Don't Understand...

... but actually, they do because they don't live in a vacuum, but we all like entertaining lists:

The sound the digital camera makes is an old school camera shutter! ... which everyone kind of knows, but the reason it's there is that when digital cameras started to be a thing that normal people could afford, it was hard to tell if your camera had actually taken a picture without audio feedback. And also because people immediately started being creepy and taking upskirt shots of random women or kids or whatever and 'beep' tells you nothing: It could be someone's digital watch. But if you hear a shutter... you'd know your spongebob panties are now on some dude's Sony Mavica. And so specifically for a while all cameras had to make a clear audio sound.

The save icon is actually a thing called a floppy disk! Again. Not exactly news. But it's a 1.44mb 3.5" disk. as opposed to a 5.25" floppy which was large and therefore held less data. Somehow. Up until fairly recently - the last 5 years or so - the Nuclear launch computers used an eight inch floppy*. Partly because some institutions are adverse to swapping out tech that's got a really specific use case and has been customised wit e.g. EMP shielding, and partly because you cannot hack a computer that's so detached from the outside world that the only way to make it work is to get a sheet of plastic covered in magnetised rust and make the computer deep throat it. I mean you can but it's really annoying. @foone probably has a how to guide or at least thoughts on floppies. *Eight Inch Floppy is not an actual porn movie. I'm as surprised as you are.

Until 1991 all cats were orange. That's why Garfield was an orange cat, because that's the only sort anyone had ever seen, and you only saw other colours in animation because that's the only way you could show that. Not actually true but I felt like I had to throw in some outrageous bullshit.

Duvet Quilts only happened in the 1980s. Previously beds were made with layers of sheets and blankets and eiderdowns. Then in the late 1970s/80s, "Continental Quilts" got introduced from Scandanavia. These were originally invented as a way for children to deal with the complexities of bed making but proved so useful and popular that they are a staple of European bedding. Also probably in the US but since they decided a quilt was a sheet of stitched patterns, they just fucked up the naming again, so I have no idea what y'all call these things or if you're smart enough to be using them in the states where water freezes.

Laundry used to be an all day event. Before household washing machines and delicious forbidden gushers laundry pods, to wash clothing you'd have to grate a block of soap or if you were a profligate wastrel, buy laundry flakes, boil water in a huge cauldron, dump your clothes in and beat it all with a big stick, just take the mild chemical burns and skin damage from steam, then wring out your clothes on a mangle which would occasionally deglove your fingers or crush a toddler, then hang it all up and hope that the pollution wouldn't turn it all grey. You'd have to separate your clothes by colour, and fabric. If you washed wool wrong, your ancestors would drag you screaming into the netherworld. It was such an amazing faff that people used to make a living doing it for their neighbours. It was such an amazing faff that if you were in the klondike gold rush it was easier to ship your clothes off to get them cleaned and then have the brought back on the supply ships. With the invention of cheap washing machines and detergent that can work as low temps, and fast dyes... you just throw everything in, whang in a laundry pod and go do something else. This freed women up (Fantastic, hilarious TED talk) to investigate this whole 'education' and 'being treated like a human being' thing.

Ok, thundermuffins: Don't forget when you reblog I will derive satisfaction and age backwards by 12.4 seconds if you add your opinion. Comments are not only OK but absolutely encouraged.

Remember: this thing ain't monetised. I just like chatting to all y'all.

[are-we-really-doing-this]

Ladies and gentlemen, if I may, allow me to introduce to you...

The Real Fans of ECW One Night Stand 2006

Aww, does someone wanna go home? Well too bad, the main event is just starting.

Honestly, best sign of the night and that is saying something considering your competition there. I mean they really thought of that ahead of time and I'd imagine they were right on the money.

Oh yeah by the way, I love this fucking guy.

I just liked this guy's jersey is all, and that other guy's overbite is cute.

All you need to know is that Ricardo is gay and this will be important later.

The fits are like 70% why I'm doing this in the first place if you couldn't already tell.

I did too bro, I did too. Also I still am not at all clear as to what "Meems" is. Memes in 2006 were called fads as far as I'm concerned and that sign is too professionally printed for it to mean nothing.

Omg what if we were girls together in the nosebleeds at an ECW show and you took a grainy video of it with your shitty digital camera and we looked at it together on the subway ride home.

Took me a minute, but that says "ARCHANGEL".

No seriously what don't you fucking love about this guy right here. I wish he had pierced nipples though.

I liked the framing of this guy's double middle fingers.

Another high quality bird and another very much not high quality video being taken that will no doubt fill up that shrimp dick SD card.

I like this guy because he's literally just me.

I liked the solemn look on this guy's face as he adjusted his hat with the random bird comically flying in from out of frame.

I figured we needed some good shots of the backs of people's heads and I'm only now realizing how fucking SICK that hockey jersey is, goddamn I want one.

Another very paralyzed looking young man, nice tee shirt though.

This guy literally had to beat people off of him to get that shirt just to throw it back at Cena and I think that's beautiful.

I have to appreciate the high emotion of this image as John looks on in disappointment as his shirt is thrown back for something like the fifth or sixth time.

I should add, I'm pretty sure that is a backstage pass around his neck because Tazz at this time says he recognized him. Also hey look, my favorite guy ever. And fuck the Mets too.

Just in case you needed a reference for how I looked the first time I saw this match.

It appears we have found the illegitimate brother of Henry Rollins as well as the third Gallagher brother, Joem, the one who needs to fall asleep to the silky smooth tones of Clutch or else still pisses the bed at night. Also hey look it's THE sign of the night. You didn't really think I'd forgotten it, did you?

Quick, spot the Van Dam in the soup of Motorolas, Sonys, hot bodies, and dank, sweat-misted t shirts.

Oh Rob Van Dam, oh Rob Van Dam, wherefore art thou Rob Van Dam?

Together again at last. I know I know, the sex was probably incredible BUT, I just wanna know, you think he had the spinner belt on while hitting it from the back? Cuz I do.

Bro, I know you're excited, but give the happy couple two feet, please.

Truly the renaissance painting of the night, all the bodies hanging off his, basking in his glory, AND he has his babe. Could it get any better? Hold onto your fucking ass, bitch.

I FUCKING TOLD YOU. AHAHHAHAHA, RICARDO IS GAY BIATCH, DEAL WITH IT. LOOK AT HIM, LOOK AT HIS STUPID GAY FACE. AHAHHHAHAHA.

[vpjdrums]

Tomtoc Navigator-T61 Rolltop Backpack 20L Review

I Recently ordered a backpack after years of using shoulder bags. I still like my briefcase/shoulder bags for client meetings or office scenarios, but they’re just not convenient for travel or out in the field work. I didn’t need a backpack specifically for cameras because I use a Sony point/shoot camera and/or a small Sony camcorder, so no extra lenses or flashes are needed to be packed. But, I definitely need something that can protect my MacBook and other gear/necessaries.

That’s when I discovered @tomtocbags a relatively newer designer/manufacturer of laptop sleeves/bags/backpacks and gear cases. I really like the modern and sleek designs of their offerings. I also like their sustainability features: Manufactured with at least 50% recycled materials, manufactured at facilities that protects the rights and health of workers, and made with chemicals safer for people and the environment. They seem to be going for the market taken up by more expensive bag manufacturers like Timbuk2. Tomtoc was a refreshing and pleasant finding.

What I like about this backpack:

Modern, sleek, sustainable, and durable design.

Ample room for gear, clothes, and other necessities. Especially when rolled all the way up. Nice padded protective pockets for both a laptop and tablet, and slots for additional gear/tech.

Water resistant materials and waterproofed front pocket and back access zippers.

Expandable side pockets that can easily accommodate larger water bottles.

Quick access back zipper for laptop/tablet pockets, luggage strap on back, and a nice key hook/strap inside front side pocket.

Comfortable back padding and padded shoulder straps (no sternum strap, which I don't mind) with three carabiner loops on each side.

Price points that are much less than what companies like Timbuk2, Stubble&Co, and Wandrd are charging.

My wishlist for Tomtoc:

Side mount/compression straps to secure a longer umbrella, taller water bottle/thermos, and/or tripod would be nice. The backpack does have two top loops on both sides of bag that a carabiner paracord (see 1st above photo) or something like a Think Tank Photo Disguise Strap could be attached to.

I would have liked the inner lining to be orange, bright yellow, or lime green for visibility when searching for things inside.

I would have liked the bag to be a little larger at least aesthetically. I’m taller/larger (6’ 1” over 200lbs) so when not fully rolled up it looks a little small on me. Not an issue when the backpacks fully packed and rolled up (expands from 17 to 20L) though. However, I can see the size being a benefit when traveling by plane or when getting around in a city environment.

Though not that big of a deal, waterproofing the top and front side zippers like the front pocket and back access ones would be a smart move going forward.

Along with the carabiner loops, I wouldn't mind seeing a D ring on one of the shoulder straps in the future. But, nothing that a carabiner paracord (see 2nd above photo) wouldn't solve.

Final thoughts:

The Tomtoc 17-20L Navigator Roll Top Laptop Backpack definitely strikes a nice balance between great quality and affordability, making it one of the best minimalist roll top backpacks available at this price range. Not only is it constructed with durable materials, but the inside is ample enough for clothes and gear perfect for both short leisure and business trips, and also daily commutes and onsite work. Definitely recommend this backpack. Looking forward to checking out more of their products.

Update: I attached an 8Link Quick Release Magnetic Sternum Strap. Helps when I’m carrying more than usual and especially while traveling/away.

[postgamecontent]

Nintendo Switch Weekly Round-Up for the Week Ending November 16th, 2024

Hello gentle readers, and welcome to the Nintendo Switch Weekly Round-Up for the week ending November 16th, 2024. Lots of interesting games to look at this week, and those who enjoy the classics are especially well-served. Dragon Quests, Tetrises, Yses, and even a relatively obscure NEOGEO fighter. We even have a game published by PlayStation, which is a first for a Nintendo platform. Neat. Let's check out this week in the world of Switch!

Featured New Releases

Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake ($59.99)

The fancy new HD-2D remake of Dragon Quest III arrived this week, and while the Switch version is the least technically-proficient option, it's good enough to do the job. I really enjoyed this version of the game, and if you are on the lookout for a nice classic-style RPG you really can't go wrong here.

Tetris Forever ($34.99)

This is the latest in Digital Eclipse's Gold Master series, covering the well-trodden story of how Tetris came to be. It includes a bunch of Tetris and Bullet-Proof Software games, but very little outside of the ones the Tetris Company owns outright. So don't expect Game Boy Tetris or Tengen Tetris, because they aren't here. The documentary content is worth it, and if you give the games a shot I think you'll find something to like there too.

The Rise of the Golden Idol ($19.99)

If you enjoyed the superb adventure The Case of the Golden Idol, you'll almost certainly want to dig into its follow-up, The Rise of the Golden Idol. Solve twenty strange cases using your powers of observation and deduction. It's good stuff, as you would expect.

LEGO Horizon Adventures ($59.99)

The very first PlayStation-published game on a Nintendo platform is perhaps not the monumental one such an occasion would ideally offer. This spin-off of Sony's popular Horizon franchise retells the story of the first game in a more family-friendly way, and that's probably the context it works best in. It's not a bad game, but it's not going to scratch that Horizon itch if that's what you were hoping for.

Petit Island ($29.99)

You play as a little cat trying to relive her grandpaw's adventures on Petit Island. It's a place full of things to see and treasures to find, along with some interesting characters to meet. You'll need to use your camera to snap some shots of the sights, which will hopefully help jog your grandpaw's failing memory. A cute, chill little game to mess around with if you're looking for one.

Goblin Slayer -Another Adventurer- Nightmare Feast ($39.99)

Here we have the first console game based on the popular Goblin Slayer property, and it's a tactical turn-based RPG. It is not a particularly great one, but it's functional enough. I think if you like Goblin Slayer, you'll have enough fun with this to make it worth your while. If not, I think you can find better games in this genre to play. Probably cheaper, too.

IREM Collection Volume 2 ($24.99)

Time for another Ratalaika-developed collection of Irem arcade games. This one has the vertical shoot 'em up Air Duel and run-and-gun action games GunForce and GunForce II. You also get the Super Famicom version of GunForce. This set arrives in better shape than the first volume launched in, though the included GunForce II has some unusual flicker that isn't present in the original game. Not really a deal breaker. I'll be reviewing this soon.

Rage of the Dragons NEO ($19.99)

The Double Dragon franchise was an absolute mess in the twilight years of Technos Japan, with very little consistency from title to title. Somehow, a one-on-one fighter based on the movie was made for the NEOGEO. It wasn't very good, but it wasn't bad. Good enough to earn a follow-up, but one that would file off the serial numbers and go on without the license. Like, barely filing off those numbers. QUByte handled this but it's one of its better jobs, so that's nice. It has online play but no cross-platform support, so enjoy that ghost town.

Little Big Adventure - Twinsen's Quest ($29.99)

This is a remake of the original Little Big Adventure, and despite some extra bugs coming along for the ride it manages to capture much of the charm of that game. It's an action-adventure game played from an isometric perspective where you use a Magic Ball to do a variety of things. With this being a Microids release you can probably wait for a discount, but I think it's a fair effort for what it's asking. We've seen far worse from this publisher.

Arcade Archives Konami's Table Tennis ($7.99)

Oh boy, Konami's Table Tennis. You might know this as Ping-Pong, and if it looks familiar then it's possible you've run into it in its NES/Famicom guise. It's a fine enough game for its age, but you can probably get your fill of this on the Nintendo Switch Online NES app if you're a subscriber.

EGGCONSOLE Ys MSX2 ($6.49)

No, your memory isn't failing you. We've already seen Ys release in the EGGCONSOLE line. But that was the PC-8801 mkII SR version, and this is the MSX2 version. There are differences, but unless you're a fanatic I can't see a reason to buy both. It's entirely in Japanese, just like the last one. I imagine we'll see the second game's MSX2 version before long.

Great God Grove ($19.99)

This… is a weird and lovely game. You play as the mail carrier of the gods, and you solve puzzles by sucking up speech bubbles and tactically deploying them. You'll meet a ton of characters, and they've got some serious personality. If you like adventure games, I'd strongly recommend giving this a look. I'm going to review it over on the TouchArcade Patreon soon if you need more details.

VED ($24.99)

If I awarded full points for style, this would get a very high score indeed. It's got a slick look to it. The turn-based combat is a little limited at first, but eventually opens up into passable fare. But this is a story-driven game, and I think it's going to live or die for each player based on how much they like its narrative. I did not care for its narrative. You might, though! An effort was certainly made.

Debut Project: Cooking Cafe ($29.99)

From the look of the game and the price its charging, one might hope for a decent Cooking Mama-style affair. Alas, this isn't anywhere near as good as Cooking Mama. The minigames are repetitive and not very satisfying, and that's pretty much the game. I'd avoid it, personally.

Mindcop ($14.99)

Wow, another good mystery adventure game this week? We're being spoiled. In this one, you'll enter into people's minds to find clues and solve dastardly murders. There's a bit of abstract puzzle solving in the mix, and you also need to manage your time carefully. You only have so many actions per day, so you can't chase down every single lead. I like it!

Heretic's Fork ($9.99)

The easiest way to describe this game is to chuck some buzzwords in the blender. Tower defense, deckbuilding, Survivors-like. That probably sounds like a mess, but Heretic's Fork mostly works. You're the new manager of Hell and you need to construct towers to punish sinners. It gets old a bit faster than, say, Vampire Survivors, but I think it makes a good run of things.

NAIRI: Rising Tide ($14.99)

Here's the next game in the NAIRI series, and I'm going to do the lazy thing here and say that if you enjoyed the first, you should check out the second. If you didn't, I don't think this will change your mind. If you haven't played the first game at all, you absolutely shouldn't start here. The story picks up where the first left off, and its ending points towards at least one more game. Lots of puzzles to solve, very much in the vein of what you would have seen in the previous title.

MONPIC -The Hatchling Meets a Girl- ($8.99)

This is a point-and-click style adventure game about a girl and a baby dragon. If you're here for the cute, this game delivers the cute. That's about all I'm qualified to speak on with this game, as I haven't had a chance to play it yet.

Bullet Runner ($16.99)

This is a top-down run-and-gun action game that puts an emphasis on the mayhem, much to its benefit. Lots of guns, lots of set pieces, and lots of explosions. If that's what you're after in a game, I imagine you'll find some satisfaction with this one.

49 Keys ($9.99)

A Lovecraftian puzzle adventure based on an actual gamebook. The game leans into that, and everything unfolds in a book set on a table in front of you. Lots of text, the occasional picture, and icon-based interactions for solving puzzles. Solid enough for what it is, just be aware of what you're getting into.

Deserted ($19.99)

A survival-ish game that apparently is thematically inspired by Another World. There are some things about it I like, particularly with regards to its art style. Unfortunately, it has so many rough edges it could pass for a chunk of amethyst. No, I don't know why that was my go-to for a comparison either. But they're pretty spiky, I assure you. You wouldn't want to step on one, and you also wouldn't want to step on Deserted.

Slam and Roll ($14.99)

Do you like Snow Bros.? Do you like the idea of Snow Bros. but without Snow Bros.? Maybe swap those Snow Bros. out for a couple of kids in sports gear? Then you'll want to check out Slam and Roll. It's a slick little elimination platformer. If that's a genre you're into, I think you'll enjoy this.

Doors: Paradox ($14.99)

I liked this one on mobile, and I still like it here. It's an escape room style affair with puzzles to solve that mainly come down to using this with that on the other thing. What makes it stand out is that each of the "rooms", and there are almost sixty of them, is a 3D diorama that you can spin around and poke at. A good presentation and some enjoyable puzzles to unravel.

Carpathian Night Starring Bela Lugosi ($16.99)

How do you help your Castlevania homage stand out in the small crowd of Castlevania homages? Well, you can license the likeness of Bela Lugosi to use for your Dracula, I suppose. I can be a bit harsh on Castlevania-inspired games, and I'm going to be again here. It's okay. It's no Castlevania. I think the price is pushing it a little, but it feels rude saying that considering the developer probably worked on this for years. Anyway, it scratches an itch Konami hasn't been scratching lately, but I'd rather just replay a proper Castlevania.

Dorfs: Hammers for Hire ($14.99)

A massive army is on the march, but what's happening on the battlefield is someone else's problem. Your problem is filling all the orders the soldiers need, and that's the basic idea of this wild party game for up to four players. It has just enough of a whiff of Overcooked about it to fill in for a party night or two if you need something new in that capacity to play. It's pretty hectic though, so I'm not sure if less experienced players will be able to slide into it and have a good time as easily as all that.

Matsuro Palette ($9.99)

You're trapped in a studio with a cursed painting for seven days. The girl in the painting is counting on you to paint her portrait in that time, but if you upset her in the slightest she'll kill you. You'll have to pay attention to the notes left by her past victims and figure out how to survive. It'll only take you a few hours to finish it, but it's a memorable few hours.

Miniatures ($5.99)

This game looked interesting when I was preparing this article, but the name makes it very hard to search for information on. Developers, choose the name of your game carefully. If doing a web search on your game's title plus the word 'game' brings up a million things that aren't your game and not your game, you messed up. Anyway, this game might be neat! Shaun of the Past thought it could be!

That's all for this week, friends. We'll be back next Saturday with another Round-Up as we head into the end of November. Next week is a little quieter, with the biggest title so far looking to be Stray. Well, we'll make what we can of it. As ever, I will plug both my Patreon (where you can find lots of cool exclusive articles) and my Ko-Fi (tips help me run this blog). There, plugged. I hope you have a super Saturday, and as always, thanks for reading!

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[dearly]

Can you please expand on your tags? I would like to hear your thoughts.

it's wild to me that anyone would even ask why there are so few solo louies because if you've had the misfortune of being around since the ot4 disintegration then you've seen how anyone who cares about his artist career has been pushed out. but the fact that fans were pushed out is exactly why that question is asked. bc his music is so good it makes no sense that his fandom is essentially scraps from other fandoms.

but the fandom was never there for artist louis. larries wanted him to be a the voice coach; hets wanted him to be a family man living in a commune. he is the accessory to whichever dream scenario you have. he can't do festival shows because he's raising his siblings, don't you know? he can't do festival shows because he's hiding from the BTS cameras in jamaica.

i was declared an untouchable ~rad~ because i didn't like harry's pr and "new image" -- but the majority of declared rads didn't even talk about harry. i could list the accounts that were focused on business and were chased off by e**ie with the same lies that live on now, years and years later, with such conviction they could never be convinced otherwise. i hate harry but i have never said or done what these people accuse me of.

anyone declared ~rad~ is excised from the fandom with surgical precision. block them from all UAs and gifmakers, if they participate in any fests, helpful users will join in and WARN PEOPLE of the DEVIL!!

maybe that goes back to the sony slides that emphasise that he is a package deal. but it's gone beyond hets. people who meet him, the stalker fans and others do it with a mission: what did he say about harry? about danielle eleanor freddie briana? what did he look like when he asked? did he smile??? he's a weathervane, and that's what he should be.

i also blame LTHQ, because they've made absolutely zero effort to foster a healthy fanbase based on his own output. from headlines about 'eleanors boyfriend' or 'freddie's dad' -- propaganda works. he's a footnote in other people's stories. and if you challenge that, you are the threat.

it's been enough years now that tired fans tried to wait and make an effort but you can only do so much. especially with an unreceptive hostile fandom, and HQ that would rather have piggyback fans.

"why are there so few solo louies" because fandom follows the leader. and if you don't, you're an island of your own, cut off. you might last a while like so many did, but eventually the returns are too few to be worth it.