#Encore spa specials

[mainsbe]

Encore spa specials

#Encore spa specials download

During your event's design phase, please contact Encore regarding specific rigging requirements for your event.

#Encore spa specials download

No matter the event type, all of Encore’s teams ensure your event receives the individual attention, creative direction and solutions that will provide the best results.įollow the links below to download the file of meeting space diagrams. With unmatched creative and technical resources, Encore’s production teams can help enhance your event even further. We are classified as a beauty salon, hair salon, nail salon, barbershop, day spa. In addition to our onsite resources, you have the support of thousands of trained production professionals in the Encore family. Salon and spa promotions, discounts and special offers in Lexington, VA. The stunningly-designed space features designer treatment rooms, garden villas, and. To make an appointment, please call (702) 770-3900. Experience the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award-winning spa at Encore. The Encore Salon is open everyday from 10 a.m. Using a combination of traditional and innovative technology, we’ll help you bring your event to life. The Wynn Salon is located on the Spa level at Wynn and is open Sunday - Thursday from 10 a.m. Our team members’ unique knowledge of the venue provides for a creative and efficient planning process. Our skilled experts are ready to help you create a transformative event through solutions that will enhance the attendee experience. When people get together with a common purpose, ideas get formed, relationships are built, and new possibilities emerge. Interested in a Hybrid or Virtual Event? See our capabilitiesĮncore’s onsite team is passionate about producing events that transform. The 17 treatment rooms host a variety of services, such as the Good Luck Ritual (starting at 210, 80 minutes starting at 250, 95 minutes), a customized.

[d-criss-news]

Napa winery offers Broadway star Darren Criss fertile setting for intimate outdoor concert

[UHQ] Broadway star Darren Criss performs at Napa’s Carneros Resort and Spa as part of the Broadway and Vine series on Friday, July 28. (Photo by Bob McClenahan)

Broadway star and “Glee” actor Darren Criss is the latest star to make a compelling case for staging more musical theater events outdoors.

Performing against a backdrop of pink skies and rolling vineyards on Friday, July 28, the San Francisco native and Emmy-winning actor was exceptionally charismatic as he tackled classic show tunes and covered a dizzying array of artists. “Welcome to my wedding,” he joked upon taking the small outdoor stage facing several hundred folding chairs. From there, he was off, serving as a one-man jukebox as his selections veered from British alt-rockers Keane to singer-songwriter royalty Carole King. Between sets, Criss peppered in stories from his strange journey to stardom.

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The intimate outdoor concert provided a perfect opportunity for Criss, best known for the five seasons he spent playing Blaine Anderson on the popular Fox series “Glee,” to formulate a set list that doubled as an autobiography of sorts. At one point, he introduced a cover of “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds by explaining that he’d originally intended for it to be his character’s last song on “Glee.” It’s hard to say Criss made the wrong choice, given the original number he ultimately wrote (“This Time”) would earn him an Emmy nomination in 2015. But his take on Folds’ lovelorn ballad, played at the piano, was a breathtaking glimpse into what might have been.

Later, he dusted off  “To Have a Home,” which a small subset of the audience may have recognized as one of the songs Criss penned for a Harry Potter parody musical he made with friends back in 2009. It was a gesture of appreciation to an audience built from many factions of fandoms. By the end of the night, Criss had done an admirable job of catering to as many of them as possible. 

Alternating between piano and guitar, he managed to imbue every note with a lively joy, be it a take on Tom Petty, his version of “Grease” torch song “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” or his spot-on Kermit the Frog impression. He even invited fans to make requests of songs his character did on “Glee,” which he then compiled into an improvised medley for his encore.

But the moment that best encapsulated the evening was watching Criss belt a faithful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as real birds flew past him and merrily chirped away into a backdrop of the Napa Valley sunset. 

And yet, there was another highlight that may have topped it all, this one in the form of an unexpected guest.

As part of the series, each Broadway and Vine show typically includes a duet or group performance where local students are given a chance to sing alongside their idols. On Friday night, Criss welcomed Amarech Mendez, a 17-year-old student at Burlingame’s Mercy High School, to cover Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”

Arranged in the style of pop singer Adele’s recent rendition, the presence of Mendez was clearly no favor but a well-earned honor as she belted out her parts with impressive conviction. It was a moment that instantly reminded Susana Gonzalez, 57, of the time her own daughter, Diana, now a student at Stanford, was invited to sing a duet with musical theater star Shoshana Bean in 2021 as part of the Broadway and Vine series’ first season.

“This is a real gift,” Gonzalez said. “Jacob is an ambassador, not only to the community but to the kids. It allows them to dream and think about the fact that they can do anything. I mean, where else do you get a performer singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and get actual birds?”

Nic Meerholz, 40, of Napa, was also impressed with the show, which should be welcome news to Criss, who saw Meerholz’s hand go up twice early in the evening when he asked if anyone in attendance “didn’t give an eff about musical theater” and was “dragged here by their partner and has no idea what’s happening.”

Criss thanked Meerholz for his honesty and dedicated the rest of the show to making a convert of the man. 

At the conclusion of Criss’ 16-song set, Meerholz confirmed the artist accomplished his mission.

“I came into the show not knowing anything about musicals or Broadway and it was just absolutely fantastic,” he said, “ I didn’t even know who Darren was. I’ve never watched ‘Glee.’  Nothing. Magical! It was just a magical evening.”

[crystalis]

ive been thinking of ways that delcatty could be buffed so its not so terrible and i think i have some sorta interesting ideas

firstly i think it would make sense if delcatty were part fairy-type.. bc it has a lot of mystical qualities, like it learns cosmic power and wish and simple beam etc, and one of its abilities is Wonder Skin and it evolves from a moon stone. and the added fairy-type would give it more useful resistances and a dragon immunity so it could have more opportunities in battle

also an obvious thing would be to buff Delcatty's stats a bit bc theyre so bad.. i would keep them kinda low though

HP: 70 -> 90 (+20)

Atk: 65 -> 75 (+10)

Def: 65 -> 75 (+10)

SpA: 55 -> 75 (+20)

SpDef: 55 -> 75 (+20)

Spe: 90 -> 100 (+10)

BST: 400 -> 490

i like how unique the Normalize ability is, so i wouldnt want to get rid of it, but change the way it works kinda.. bc its such a double-edged sword and mostly hurts delcatty more than it helps

normally, it turns all of Delcatty's moves into normal-type and boosts their power by 1.2x (so Iron Tail changes into a normal-type move instead of steel-type, and has 120 power intead of 100). it also affects status moves, so Delcatty can use normal-type Thunder Wave and paralyze ground-types. the obvious drawback is that Delcatty has no coverage moves, so all its attacks are resisted by Rock or Steel and it cant deal damage to Ghost types at all

i would change it so that all of Delcatty's attacks become the same type as Delcatty (which is now normal / fairy) rather than specifically normal-type. any move that Delcatty uses will become Normal-type OR Fairy-type, depending on which is more effective (it wouldn't use both types simultaneously like Hawlucha's Flying Press, but would just choose one, like how Necrozma's Photon Geyser chooses physical-attack or special-attack depending on the targets stats)

so for example if delcatty uses Sucker Punch against a Flygon, it would be fairy-type. but if it uses Sucker Punch against a Charizard, it would be normal-type and deal neutral damage

i feel like this would make delcatty a lot more threatening while still being a sorta bad gimmick pokemon.. it'd still be walled by steel types, but not Rock or Ghost types anymore except the ones with specific type combos that resist both normal & fairy

i would also buff delcatty's movepool and give it Knock Off and Moonblast and U-Turn and Stored Power (i thought delcatty already learned Stored Power but apparently not ..) i think a set with Calm Mind and Stored Power would be pretty cool even tho delcatty still has bad stats because one if the drawbacks of Stored Power is that dark-types are immune, but nothing is immune to fairy (and poison / fire types would be getting hit by normal-type Stored Power)

i feel like it would mostly just use Knock Off, Sucker Punch, U-turn, and Thunder Wave or Encore or something as the last move. and take advantage of having fairy/normal Knock Off / U-turn, and a strong priority move that is always supereffective against dragon or dark or fighting types

[khushidave4]

Ramada Encore Indore: Moments Turn Into Memories

In the heart of Indore, a city that's a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, stands a place where moments are not just experienced; they are etched into the annals of cherished memories. Welcome to Ramada Encore Indore, where hospitality meets excellence and where your every expectation is not just met, but exceeded.

Hotels for Wedding in Indore  Indore is not just a city; it's a canvas of dreams where countless love stories are etched, and what better way to start your love story than with a grand wedding? Ramada Encore Indore is not just a hotel; it's a wedding destination where your nuptial dreams come to life.

Our expert team takes care of every detail, from planning to execution, leaving you free to savor every moment of your special day. Whether it's an intimate affair or a grand celebration, our banquet halls and outdoor venues provide the perfect backdrop for your love story to unfold.

Hotel Near Airport Convenience is the cornerstone of great hospitality, and Ramada Encore Indore understands that well. Located near the airport, our Hotel Near Airpot ensures that your journey to comfort and luxury begins as soon as you land in Indore. No long commutes or tiresome rides; your oasis of relaxation is just a stone's throw away.

From the moment you step into our lobby, you're enveloped in an ambiance of sophistication and warmth. Our rooms are designed to cater to the modern traveler's needs, with a touch of luxury that makes your stay unforgettable. With amenities that rival the best in the business and a staff that's always ready to serve with a smile, we redefine hospitality.

The Ramada Encore Experience At Ramada Encore Indore, we understand that it's not just about staying; it's about experiencing. That's why we offer a range of dining options that cater to every palate. From the eclectic menu at our restaurant to the calming vibes of our coffee shop, culinary delights await at every corner.

For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, our wellness center is a haven of tranquility. Recharge your senses with a dip in our pool or indulge in a therapeutic spa session; the choice is yours.

After a hectic flight or a busy day exploring the city, you can look forward to unwinding in the cozy embrace of our well-appointed rooms. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our proximity to the airport ensures that your stay is as seamless as it is enjoyable.Top Hotels in Indore is a city of choices, and when it comes to hotels, there are many. What sets Ramada Encore Indore apart and makes it one of the top hotels in the city is our unwavering commitment to excellence. We don't just provide rooms; we provide experiences.

The Ramada Encore Promise What truly makes Ramada Encore Indore stand out is our promise – a promise of impeccable service, unforgettable experiences, and moments that turn into memories. Whether you're here for a wedding, a business meeting, or a leisurely vacation, we ensure that your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.

Indore is a city of dreams, and at Ramada Encore, we add a touch of luxury to every dream. Your journey with us is not just a stay; it's an experience, and we invite you to be a part of this beautiful journey. Ramada Encore Indore – where moments turn into memories, and every stay is a story waiting to be told.

[yug-blogs]

Discovering the Best of Indore: From Historical Monuments to Fine Dining and Luxurious Weddings at Ramada Encore

Indore, a bustling city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is known for its rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering food, and architectural marvels. The city has been attracting tourists from across the globe for decades, thanks to its diverse range of attractions. From historical monuments to shopping destinations and natural wonders, Indore has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do and see in Indore and also talk about the best hotels in the city, with a special emphasis on the Ramada Encore.

Sightseeing in Indore

Indore is home to several historical monuments that are worth visiting. The most famous among them is the Rajwada Palace, a seven-story palace built by the Holkars in the 18th century. The palace is an excellent example of Maratha and Mughal architecture and is a popular spot for tourists.

Another must-visit attraction is the Lal Bagh Palace, a grand palace built in the 19th century. The palace boasts of exquisite gardens, fountains, and sculptures and has been converted into a museum, showcasing the Holkar dynasty's artifacts and belongings.

For those interested in spirituality, Indore has several temples and shrines. The Kanch Mandir, also known as the Glass Temple, is a Jain temple built entirely of glass. The Bada Ganpati Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is another popular temple in the city.

Food and Shopping in Indore

Indore is known for its street food, and no trip to the city is complete without indulging in some local delicacies. The city is famous for its poha-jalebi, samosas, chaat, and dal bafla. For those who prefer fine dining, Indore has several restaurants offering a range of cuisines, from Indian to Chinese and Italian.

Indore is also a shopper's paradise, with several markets offering a range of products, from traditional handicrafts to designer clothing. The Sarafa Bazaar, known for its jewelry and street food, is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the local culture.

Wedding Hotels in Indore

Indore is a popular destination for weddings, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and the availability of excellent wedding venues. Several hotels in Indore offer wedding packages, including accommodation, catering, and decorations. One of the best wedding hotels in Indore is the Ramada Encore.

Ramada Encore Indore

The Ramada Encore is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Indore, offering world-class amenities and services. The hotel has 140 well-appointed rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities, including high-speed internet, LCD TVs, and tea/coffee makers.

The hotel has several fine dining options, including the Encore restaurant, serving Indian and international cuisines, and the Sky Lounge, offering stunning views of the city. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool.

The Ramada Encore is an excellent choice for those looking for a wedding hotel in Indore. The hotel offers a range of wedding packages, including accommodation, catering, decorations, and entertainment. The hotel's banquet halls can accommodate up to 800 guests and are equipped with modern audio-visual equipment and lighting.

Conclusion

Indore is a city with a rich cultural heritage and a range of attractions, from historical monuments to shopping destinations and natural wonders. The city is also home to several excellent hotels, including the Ramada Encore, which offers world-class amenities and services, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a luxury hotel in Indore. Whether you're visiting Indore for business or pleasure, the city has something to offer everyone.

[encore-yacht]

What you should know about a yacht before renting it?

A Yacht is the best way to spend your vacation with the family and friends but it's important to know about it before renting one. There are many companies providing yacht rental in Miami but the following information is common in every:

Capacity

The capacity of a boat is decided by the size and the strength of the yacht you are traveling in. Generally a small Yacht can carry only upto 15 people excluding the crew members. The mega Yacht has a better capacity than others as it has to travel a long distance.

Location

The location also plays a great role while deciding the number of passengers. If the location is near by like the Miami beaches or Bahamas from the other Miami beach, the number of passengers are higher than the yacht which has to travel a greater distance. The stability of the yacht is very important for which over flow of passengers acn be risky for a greater time.

Menu

There are very different types of passengers coming from different taste and choices for renting the boat. It is compulsory to keep the customers satisfied and specially in case of food. The normal menu of almost every Yacht has sea food in common, the other dish is added by the customers themselves according to their wish.

Price

Yacht size and type affects charter cost

Yacht size is an important factor influencing price:

65 feet (20 m ) to 80 feet (24 m)), charter rates between $20,000 and $80,000. Between 80 feet (24 m) and 100 feet (30 m), weekly charter rates are expected to be $80,000-$120,000.

For superyachts over 100ft (30m), weekly charter rates are $100,000 and up. Again all this is just an estimate it can vary with the company you go with as they have different taxes imposed on it. As in case of Encore Yacht the taxes imposed by this company is less than any other company in that area. To charter a mega yacht over 60 m (200 ft), weekly charter rates range from $300,000 to over $1,000,000

Other services

There are many services provided at the yacht which includes the followin:

1.Dedicated Crew

When chartering a superyacht, it's the details that make the biggest difference. As part of your charter, a dedicated crew will attend to your every need and provide advice and assistance as you travel from destination to destination. From concierges to waiters to butlers to housekeeping, superyachts are effectively luxury resorts on the water, including staff. With a dedicated crew taking care of things behind the scenes, you can enjoy a wonderful charter that is as luxurious as it is effortless.

2.Luxury Accommodation

Staying on the Super yacht is all about comfort and style. From cabins to luxury cabins, there's something for everyone. Sleep in a king-size bed and enjoy a room with a large flat-screen TV, private bathroom and luxury amenities. Wake up to a freshly prepared breakfast in bed before heading out onto the patio for your morning yoga session. Freshen up with a power shower or an afternoon siesta, put on your finest clothes and dance the night away at one of the world's best party hotspots. Whether you stay at a luxury resort or spend the night on a super yacht, quality and comfort add charm to your stay.

3.Fantastic Amenities

Luxury superyachts are equipped with all the modern entertainment facilities and amenities you would normally expect. From private cinemas under the stars, to swimming pools and jacuzzis, gyms, saunas and quiet nightclubs, all can be found on his charter yacht. Depending on the size of the superyacht, private bars, state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, intelligent assistants, onboard spas and more are available

The above mentioned article has some information regarding the Yacht, which I hope will help you know more about it.

[shoutascoffeepot]

Satoru is the type to...

care for you with both big lavish gestures and little things. a keychain reminded him of you, a dish you like, you mentioning you needed a new pair of mittens, one time you talked about a place you always wanted to visit, a way you wanted to be surprised. he will note all the things you wanted to do to accompany you to them.

stare, a lot. he does not feel ashamed if he made above-average eye contact or if his piercing blue eyes have lingered on yours. if anything it's as if time slows down and he finds it soothing that the world seems to stop spinning and breathe with him at you when you stare back before quickly glancing away, flustered. then the world resumes spinning, encore.

talk like his life depends on it. maybe it would seem shallow and he's just an idiot with a big mouth at first glance. albeit it's also just part of his complexity. he talks big to hide his true intentions and even when he speaks the truth his enemies take him lightly (jogo, for example). but this trait doesn't fade when he's with you; he uses his big words to describe in painful details how much in love he is. how he had developed a new purpose because of you and how you're his one and only.

gossip, more than aunties drinking chai together. it's one of his favorite activities too! to just chill in some place with sunlight and scenery with you and just reciting all the incidents and nitpicking at things then laughing together at bad humor.

book spa dates for you to to continue to either discuss topics concerning the broken humor you both share, your endless undying love for each other, or how this bitch at work dared to play dumb to brush you off.

cook. while he does enjoy spending god-knows-how-much eating out, he does sometimes cook. not the greatest gourmet chef of all time but he does know a trick or two with the cutting and can put edible, tasty food on his plate. it probably surprises most as he always buys food you might think he doesn't know how to cook, but then why the hell does he have a kitchen for?

constantly redecorate in his free time. it's true, he does have a minimalistic luxe house. yet he always finds ways to waste his rotting money. he probably buys a new sofa and donates the last one because he found it more fitting to his vision. (what vision really?)

listen. he's surely a talk-big-time person but he also has the secret ability to listen. only when he wants to, though. so if his special someone is feeling down and starts venting out and/or breaking down in front of him he would listen intently until the end. then offer a forehead kiss and comfort you with whatever words he can think of at that moment to respond with.

[imaginebalancedpokemon]

Zoroark

I really love Zoroark, but it’s not very good in PvP due to it being a Pokemon that requires mind games and clean switch-ins to function but to minimal gain. Personally, I think Zoroark should be a high skill high reward OU staple because of its really unique design. I’d want to build it to encourage players to build Zoroark either for damage or disruption and for it to have builds that are meant for different stages of the game. 

Stats

If we were to make minor adjustments, I’d give it a defense and special defense stat of 75, opposed to their current stats of 60. The reason I want to give Zoroark this additional bulk is to enable more disruptive builds and to give it the opportunity to set up. Alongside that, it would help compensate Zoroark’s weakness to u-turn, which could be a thorn on the side of a more disruption oriented Zoroark. 75 is not a lot of bulk, but it would be enough to prevent Zoroark from getting one-shot by common neutral attacks, especially if the player chooses to invest in some defense. 

Moves

To enable both offensive and defensive Zoroark, I’d want to expand its moveset. I’ll start with disruption Zoroark. The idea behind this playstyle is to switch Zoroark in pretending to be one type of Pokemon then quickly inflict some effect that fucks with the opponent’s MO and leaves. For example, Zoroark is a great abuser of Choice Scarf Tricking due to being able to disguise itself as a more passive wall and its illusion not being broken by common tools for wall battles like toxic. I also believe that whether Zoroark is built damage or disruption, it should have a wide option of moves to consider rather than its somewhat narrow selection compared to a lot of OU pokemon. 

I also think that ATK Zoroark should have a lot attacks that can compliment a hybrid between damage and secondary effects, SpA Zoroark can just hit very hard, and a tankier Zoroark should have a lot of potent but interesting utility moves. 

Here’s a list of moves I’d consider giving to Zoroark and a brief explanation as to why and under what conditions. I also want to give Zoroark a signature move, which I’ll go into more detail after the list.

Will-O-Wisp

Honestly surprised that Zoroark doesn’t have this one. It’s thematically a strong fit and this is a widely distributed move.

Thunder Wave

Zoroark should definitely have access to some way to inflict paralysis. I chose Thunder Wave over Glare and Nuzzle because it’s the most standard method of distribution. 

I think Glare would fit the Hisuian Variant thematically, but I don’t think Nuzzle makes a ton of sense for either of them.

Mean Look

Considering that Zoroark’s MO is to bait the opponent by pretending to be another Pokemon, having a trapping move would be a great way to compliment the idea of the opponent not realizing they’ve been fooled until it’s too late. Since Zoroark’s stunt is difficult to pull off effectively, it should be punishing when it does work.

Defog

Defog is a commonly distributed way to get rid of hazards. It’s so common that it will appear even on pokemon where it makes very little thematic sense such as Kartana, Lumineon, Lurantis, Conkeldur, etc. 

I also think that pairing an elusive fox with fog does make some amount of sense as it fits the idea of “smoke and mirrors”

Follow Me

Redirection is a really powerful tool in doubles. If Zoroark were to use Follow Me in a doubles game, it would effectively be sacrificing its disguise or potentially its life to give its partner a free turn. The reason why this would be useful on Zoroark specifically is because Follow Me isn’t a widely distributed move, so it going off unexpectedly or even just the threat of it going off unexpectedly could be quite powerful.

It would definitely belong on tankier Zoroark sets, which the stat boosts in DEF and SPDEF would help enable.

This would give Zoroark the potential to fulfill a similar niche as Togekiss as a pokemon with both Follow Me and Encore.

Ally Switch

It’s a tricksy move that I don’t love using in doubles. Given the correct predictions and set-up, this move could allow Zoroark to maintain its disguise or tank a hit for its partner. 

I think the move ally switch is similar to Zoroark itself in that it’s a neat concept that’s just rarely useful due to being too prediction reliant compared to the potential rewards. Basically, I think Ally Switch itself could benefit from a buff, but I also think it has the potential to synergize decently with Zoroark itself.

Wide Guard

Another useful defensive doubles move. The main reason why I’d give this to Zoroark is to enable it to act as a support in doubles alongside singles.

Parting Shot

Zoroark in particular benefits from swap-out moves, so it would be nice to give it more options than U-Turn. Personally I don’t think Volt Switch and Flip Turn fit thematically enough to justify giving to it, but Parting Shot does make sense, especially since it’s not a common move, so it’s like Zoroark is flipping off the opponent on the way out. Which I personally respect.

Alongside that, because of Zoroark’s speed, using Parting Shot would allow it to decrease the opposing Pokemon’s damage before swapping in an appropriate Pokemon. 

U-Turn would still be potentially useful if the player’s goal is to fake certain pokemon having access to switch-out moves as it’s a very commonly distributed move.

Crafty Shield

I think Crafty Shield should be buffed to protect both the Pokemon and its ally in double battles, otherwise I don’t really see the point in using it over protect.

Doing this would give Zoroark another way to support its ally in doubles. An indirect buff for Crafty Shield Zoroark would be to make the move more widely distributed.

Court Change

While this is a signature move of Cinderace, I don’t understand why it should be. The move has a unique effect and it isn’t so thematically Cinderace specific. Like, I could see it being thematically reasonable on Pokemon like Grimsnarl, Meowth, Gengar, etc. 

This also fits better into a disruption oriented playstyle rather than whatever Cinderace has going for it. 

Reflect Type

Honestly Reflect Type is a niche move at best, but it could be a lot of fun to mess around with. 

Me First

This would be a fun move to attach to a hybrid between a disruption and damage Zoroark build. Zoroark already has access to the move Copycat, which I like using to counter Calyrex Shadow. Giving it Me First would give it some niche purposes like as a potential counter to certain leads. 

I don’t imagine this move being a common Zoroark move, but I do think it belongs in its arsenal.  

Spikes

In order to make Zoroark’s ability as useful as possible, it should be usable as a lead Pokemon. Generally leads want access to entry hazards. 

The reason I chose Spikes was because I can imagine it running around and scattering them.

Spikes wouldn’t be an optimal ability for Zoroark because they require time to set up and Zoroark’s more of a one-and-done type Pokemon. But using them would allow Zoroark to both set up entry hazards while maintaining its illusion, depending on the opponent’s lead.

Toxic Spikes

Similar reasoning to Spikes.

There aren’t that many non-poison type Pokemon that can learn Toxic Spikes, but it feels appropriate here. 

Stealth Rocks

I don’t think Zoroark should have access to Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Stealth rocks. Rather, I think it should have access to Spikes, Spikes and Toxic Spikes, or just Stealth rocks.

The actual approach I’m thinking is giving Zoroark Spikes and Toxic Spikes while Hisuian Zoroark gets Stealth Rocks.

Destiny Bond

This has the potential to be very mean because Zoroark could bait a killing neutral attack as a Pokemon without access to Destiny Bond and then die in its place. So much so that I’d definitely want to perform playtesting before giving Zoroark access to this move. The specific reason this could be so bad isn’t necessarily Zoroark doing this, but the player leveraging the threat of Zoroark doing it to make the act of attacking feel coin-flippy. 

So basically, Destiny Bond Zoroark could be a cool idea that enhances Zoroark’s playstyle, or it could be extremely toxic for the meta, I have no idea which is more likely.

Haze

Haze is a standard disruption tool to shut down set-up sweepers. It thematically makes sense on Zoroark for the same reason Defog does. It’s also a move that I believe needs to make more sense gameplay wise than thematically for a Pokemon’s kit.

Fake Out

It’s just a generically nice move to have, especially in doubles and it works with Zoroark’s theming.

Darkest Lariat

This would be a nice STAB move to give ATK Zoroark. It also fits the theme of disruption. 

It would be stronger on Zoroark if it was more widely distributed, atm the list of non-dark type Pokemon with DL is quite small, so a Zoroark using this move would most likely give itself away in the process.

False Surrender

Similar to Darkest Lariat where it could be a nice physical STAB move but due to being a signature move, its low distribution would give Zoroark away unless it was more spread.

Personally, I don’t think this move should be a signature move since Grimsnarl is a really good defensive Pokemon that rarely runs False Surrender (at least in Doubles OU, I don’t know the meta RU singles build for it).

Breaking Swipes

Breaking Swipes isn’t a common move and is normally considered to be bad, but I think if it were buffed to have 70 base power, it could be quite nice in doubles as a damaging support move.

Dire Claw

Another signature move. Basically, it’s a physical variant of tri attack with an increased crit rate. Considering that this buff is focused around giving Zoroark more disruption tools, I think a physical tri attack would be reasonable for it should this move be more distributed.

Poison Jab

An alternative to Dire Claw. I don’t think this would be unreasonable since Zoroark already has Sludge Bomb. Personally, I think it would make more sense for Zoroark to have Poison Jab but not Sludge Bomb. 

Elemental Punches and Fangs

These moves are low power coverage moves that are decently distributed among Pokemon. Giving them to Zoroark wouldn’t be a huge game changer, but they would allow it some extra coverage without necessarily needing to sacrifice its disguise.

Zoroark already has a fire type move in Flamethrower, but it doesn’t have any Electric or Ice attacks (excluding Hidden Power). This would give it super effective coverage against Dragon and Flying, which it previously lacked, alongside less conditional coverage against Ground and Water types (it has Grass Knot, which is conditional on the opponent’s weight). This would give Zoroark better offensive pressure and more Pokemon its builds could fight.

Superpower

It’s a fairly commonly distributed high power fighting type attack. I think giving Zoroark Superpower but not Close Combat would be fair since Superpower has more relevant drawbacks and surprise nuking an opponent should have relevant drawbacks. 

Close Combat is a more spammable ability than Superpower is, so it makes it more difficult to run on a Band or Scarf Zoroark. My main concern with Close Combat Zoroark is that it could potentially render its disguise meaningless if Band/Scarf Zoroark can tear through your team whether you know its coming or not. Band/Scarf Zoroark with Superpower could still function as a late game cleaner or as a fuck you to certain steel or opposing dark types.

X-Scissor

Bug type attacks don’t cover much in the way of offensive pressure due to having more resists than weaknesses. However, X-Scissor is still a widely distributed and decent attack, thus giving it to Zoroark would give it a wider range of potential impostering without breaking anything.

Acrobatics

Considering that this is a very powerful attack, I’m a bit iffy on it, but I want to give Zoroark a decent signature item, so running no item on Zoroark wouldn’t be incentivized.

It’s pretty common for people to run knock-off as a neutral or supereffective attack and Zoroark resists that, so giving it a move that allows it to punish opponents using knock-off against it would be useful, and I believe it would be a healthy addition to its playstyle.

My biggest concern with Acrobatics Zoroark is that it would give it a base 110 attack that’s super effective against fighting types. Given Zoroark’s speed and emphasis on mind games, having it just throw out Acrobatics with little repercussion could be too punishing.

Power Trip

It’s a very powerful move to give to a set-up sweeper, which is a role Zoroark can fulfill already. This would reward Zoroark for using its ability to create as many free turns as possible. 

This isn’t a widely distributed move, but by the time Zoroark would likely use this, it’s unlikely that the disguise is still up.

Air Slash

This would be nice for giving Zoroark an attack that’s super effective against fighting types. It’s a relatively low base power, which would prevent it from nuking counterplay, but it would still be a powerful tool in Zoroark’s kit.

Flash Canon

It’s another decent special attack that I don’t think contradicts Zoroark’s thematics and is widely distributed. Zoroark also already has a special fairy coverage move, so giving it Flash Canon too would allow it more options to compliment its disguises.

Ice Beam and Thunderbolt

It already knows Flamethrower. I’d consider these three attacks to be the special equivalents to elemental punches/bites. 

Base 90 isn’t super crazy, but it does provide coverage, which could be quite potent. That said, none of these three attacks do super effective damage against types that directly threaten dark types. 

I could see Ice Beam becoming a problem in spite of my previous point just due to how common ice weaknesses are compared to electric and fire, and base 90 damage is noteworthy.

I can imagine most of these moves carrying the potential to be quite mean if used correctly, especially if the Zoroark user makes the disguise properly convincing. Zoroark’s threat builds the more roles it can fulfill and the better it can fake being other teammates. The pokemon also synergizes really well with slow swap out Pokemon or moves like Teleport. Therefore, Zoroark needs to be able to perform a wide array of roles decently to be effective, but perhaps less effectively than Pokemon who specialize in those roles. Especially since having this much versatility is powerful even without Zoroark’s ability and because this many options allows for Pokemon to fulfill multiple roles at once. My other concern is that giving Zoroark too many powerful coverage options could quickly become unfair since the opponent first has to decide whether Zoroark is Zoroark and then figure out whether it happens to be carrying powerful moves that delete dark type counters. This is also why Zoroark needs to be frail enough to be reasonably two-shot by neutral attacks and why it shouldn’t have good recovery options. 

Signature Stuff

I think Zoroark should have a signature move and a signature item that both act to encourage keeping up its illusion for as long as possible. So first the signature item. I think the item should give Zoroark a flat damage boost of x1.3 while Zoroark’s illusion is up. I didn’t want to make the damage too insane because surprise factor is meant to be important and I want Choice Items to still be reasonable builds on Zoroark, thus the boost would be a similar amount to a Life Orb. The advantage of this over Life Orb is that it wouldn’t give away the disguise as quickly and it wouldn’t compromise Zoroark’s ability to survive a hit. It would also give a decent incentive to keep Zoroark’s illusion up for as long as possible since increasing damage output is a generically useful attribute unless you’re running specifically a trick scarf set or a damage/utility set.

The other thing I’d give Zoroark is a signature move. It would be a 75 base power dark type special attack that does double damage if Zoroark is disguised but removes the illusion. Functionally with its signature item and factoring in STAB, this attack would have a power of 292.5. The point of this attack would be to act as a mini-explosion and as a reward for the player using Zoroark’s ability correctly. I mainly want something like this in Zoroark’s kit to encourage using its ability. 

Overall

These changes are meant to make Zoroark an extremely powerful but difficult to use Pokemon. I want its gameplay style to reflect its personality and I think this would accomplish that. I’m aiming for a strong OU Pokemon that can be viable in both singles and doubles formats. 

[leblogdemarinaetjeanmarie]

SAMEDI 9 JUILLET 2022 (Billet 1 / 3)

La plupart d’entre vous savait que si le Blog ne reprenait pas alors que nos 2 albums photo de l’année 2021 étaient terminés et que nous vous avions annoncé une parution encore suspendue durant 2 semaines, c’était que tout simplement nous étions partis en vacances.

Et lorsque vous voyez les 2 photos ci-dessus, vous avez deviné que nous étions à Marrakech.

Le lendemain de notre arrivée, c’est-à-dire dimanche, nous sommes allés à la Messe (voir le Billet suivant)… et le soir, nous invitions Joëlle (T.), une ancienne collègue du Club Med, en vacances comme nous avec sa fille, dans un Riad situé dans la Médina, le « Riad Kniza ».

Un dîner très gourmand et une soirée très sympathique (sur lesquels nous reviendrons dans un prochain Billet, il y a de la matière comme on dit…). JM a fait bien sûr des tas de photos. Allez savoir pourquoi, le lendemain, nous avons trouvé amusant de choisir 2 d’entre elles pour faire croire à certains d’entre vous, sur WhatsApp… Mais lisez plutôt.

« Ça y est, hier nous avons signé avec le propriétaire du Riad Kniza (nous l’avions découvert lorsque nous y avions fêté un anniversaire de mariage il y a 3-4 ans), en pleine médina de Marrakech. Nous nous installerons ici 6 mois par an, vous y serez bien sûr les bienvenus… BIZ. Marina & Jean-Marie »

Et le plus incroyable, c’est que beaucoup y ont cru !

Du coup, voyant l’importance que cela prenait, vous avons envoyé à tous un démenti.

« Nous étions persuadés que personne n’allait nous croire. C’était une blague ou plutôt, « just a dream »… Mais tout le reste est vrai : l’anniversaire de mariage et le merveilleux dîner hier soir. »

Franchement, on aurait bien aimé avoir les moyens d’acheter un tel Riad !

Si vous voulez en savoir plus sur lui, cliquez sur le lien ci-dessous :

[bechloeislegit]

Save a Horse, Ride a Cowgirl - Chapter 1

A/N: First, I'd like to say Happy (Belated) Birthday, malexfaith (the actual day was April 14)! Second, I asked for an idea for a fic for her birthday, and this is one idea she sent me. It was originally going to be a one-shot, but it got away from me. (I hope y'all like it).

Award-winning singer Beca Mitchell has had a rough few months. Her bosses force her to take some time off to get herself together. They send her to a ranch where she meets Chloe Beale. They knew each other when they were children; can they be friends again or will a different kind of relationship develop?

Award-winning singer/songwriter Beca Mitchell stood in front of her two best friends, Stacie Conrad and Cynthia Rose (CR) Adams. The two women currently standing before Beca weren't just her friends; they worked for her. Stacie was her manager, and CR was her publicist.

"I'm not going!" Beca yelled at the two women, stomping her foot like a child.

"You have no choice!" Stacie yelled back. "Do I need to remind you why we are having this discussion in the first place?"

Three Days Earlier. . .

Beca hit the final note, and the crowd started cheering and applauding. Beca smiled out at the crowd as she waved and made her way off the stage.

"Beca! Beca! Beca!" The crowd chanted.

"Encore time, Beca," Stacie said.

"I need some water first," Beca said, trying to catch her breath.

"Here," Cynthia Rose said, handing Beca a bottle of water.

"Thanks," Beca said, chugging down half the bottle.

Beca wiped her face and ran back onto the stage. The band started playing, and the crowd started cheering.

Beca started singing and made her way over to the band. The bass player played a riff, and Beca was getting into it when she suddenly stopped and put a hand to her head. A loud "oh" went up from the crowd as Beca started to fall; the bass player grabbed Beca and eased her down to the ground. Several people came running from backstage.

CR yelled for someone to call 9-1-1 as Stacie hit her knees and grabbed Beca to her.

"Beca?" Stacie called her name as she lightly smacked her cheeks.

Beca did not respond, and Stacie yelled, "Someone call 9-1-1!"

"Already done," CR said as Stacie continued trying to rouse Beca.

An announcement was made asking that everyone leave the building in a calm and peaceful manner. The place emptied out for the most part; there were still a few who made their way close to the stage and stood watching what was happening. Security prevented them from getting onto the stage.

Beca came around about five minutes later, and a small cheer went up from the small crowd. They became quiet again when two EMTs arrived and made their way onto the stage, immediately going over to Beca.

"Want to tell me what happened?" one of the EMTs asked as he started to take Beca's vital signs.

"I'm not really sure," Beca said. "I was singing, and then I felt dizzy. Next thing I know, I'm waking up to this one," she points her thumb toward Stacie, "slapping my face."

"You passed out," Stacie said. "I was trying to wake you up."

"We should take her in so a doctor can check her out," the EMT told Stacie.

"I'll ride with her," Stacie said. "CR, you call Theo and let him know what's happened."

"Got it," CR said.

"I don't think I need to go to the hospital," Beca said.

"I don't care what you think you need, Beca," Stacie said, shaking her head. "I just knew something like this was going to happen."

The EMTs helped Beca up and onto the gurney. They proceeded to fasten the restraints to hold Beca securely. Stacie followed the EMTs out to the ambulance; Beca complained the entire way about not needing to go to the hospital.

"Shut up, Beca," Stacie said. She looked at the EMT and asked, "Is there any way you can knock her out again?"

"I heard that," Beca said.

"You were meant to," Stacie shot back.

Back to the present. . .

"You passed out because you were drunk and dehydrated," Stacie said.

"I didn't do anything!" Beca said, running a hand through her hair.

"Didn't do anything!" Stacie repeated. "Are you drunk right now?"

"Stacie, calm down," CR said. "Yelling at her is not helping anything."

"She is going to ruin us all," Stacie said. "I can't keep doing this with her. We're running out of favors to call in to keep her shenanigans out of the tabloids."

"I know," CR placated. "She just needs to understand that the studio isn't playing around this time."

"This time?" Beca questioned. "What did I supposedly do to make this time so special?"

"Have you totally forgotten the drunken brawl you started?" Stacie asked. "And let's not forget about the threesome thing. You're lucky you're not in jail."

"For what?" Beca asked. "We were in a bar, and they were both being served alcoholic drinks."

"Yeah, well, one of them was only seventeen," Stacie said. "The age of consent in California is eighteen. And don't think because you're a woman, you get a pass. Her parents have every right to have you charged with having sex with a minor. You're lucky they were more upset that the bartender was serving their underage daughter alcohol, or it could have been so much worse for you."

"I can't be blamed for not knowing how old she really was," Beca mumbled.

Stacie rubbed her temples and looked at Beca. "You'd better get your head on straight, or you're done."

"I'm still not going to wherever it is the studio wants to send me," Beca said. "I'm an adult, and they can't make me do anything I don't want to do!"

"Take it easy, Beca," CR said in a calmer voice. "I'm telling you this as your friend. You're under contract, so yes, they can make you do whatever they want you to."

"Wanna bet?" Beca said petulantly. "Tell the studio I don't want to go."

"The studio folks aren't asking you if you want to go," CR said, stepping into Beca's personal space. "They're telling you, you have to go. You need to take some time off to rest and get your head back in the game."

"I don't understand why," Beca said, lowering her voice and taking a step back.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Stacie yelled. "You literally passed out during the encore at your concert because you were drunk, Beca. You're exhausted, and you're making bad decisions; really bad decisions."

"Not to mention the fact that your daddy issues are becoming a PR nightmare," CR added. "I know you were hoping your dad came back it was to make amends . . ."

"I don't want to talk about him," Beca interrupted, crossing her arms and glaring at Stacie and CR.

"Okay, you don't want to talk about your dad; that's fine," CR said. "Let's talk about how the studio is considering canceling your contract and letting you go."

"What?!"

"CR's right," Stacie confirmed. "If you don't take time off, you're done. Fired. No more music. No more VIP treatment. No more one-night stands with your fans. No more making money. Are you ready for that?"

"And, if Khalid fires you," CR said. "Don't count on another studio wanting to sign you."

Beca ran a hand through her hair and stared at Stacie and CR. She let out a loud sigh.

"Fine, I'll go."

"Good," Stacie and CR said simultaneously.

"But. . ."

"But. . . what?" CR asked hesitantly.

"But," Beca said, smirking. "You two have to go with me."

"Not gonna happen," CR immediately stated. "Denise is due in two weeks, so I can't go."

"I'll accept that as a good reason for you not going," Beca said and then turned to look at Stacie. "What about you?"

"I don't want to go," Stacie said.

"If not wanting to go isn't a good enough reason for me not to go," Beca said. "It's not a good enough reason for you either. So, if I don't get a choice in the matter, you don't get a choice. Make sure you tell the studio honchos if you don't go, I don't go, and let's see what happens then."

Beca turned and left the room.

~~ Save a Horse, Ride a Cowgirl ~~

A week later, Beca and Stacie were on a private jet heading to Denver, Colorado. Beca was sulking as Stacie calmly flipped through a magazine. Neither woman spoke, and they flew in relative silence for close to two hours before Beca broke that silence.

"I can't believe you caved with the studio and are making me do this," Beca huffed. "I thought you were my friend."

"I am your friend," Stacie said, continuing to flip the pages of the magazine. "But, I'm also your manager. I love you, but I love my job more, and I'm not going to do anything to lose you or my job. So, if I have to go to Denver and babysit you, then that's what I'm going to do."

"Why exactly were we going to Denver?" Beca asked. "Is it like a spa retreat or something?"

"Nope," Stacie said, setting her magazine aside while pulling something out of her bag. She held it out toward Beca. "We're going to be spending the next three weeks at a western-style dude ranch."

"A DUDE RANCH?" Beca screeched, causing Stacie to grimace. "Whose bright idea was that?"

"Theo's," Stacie replied with a shrug.

"I should have known," Beca snarled. "That guy never did like me." Beca sighed and asked, "What the fuck am I supposed to do there?"

"You're supposed to rest and relax," Stacie said. "And they run a dry ranch, so there won't be any booze to get you into trouble."

Beca scoffed, and Stacie handed a pamphlet over to Beca.

"Read the brochure if you want to know what you'll be doing," Stacie said.

Beca took the brochure and looked through it.

"The only form of transportation on the ranch is on horseback," Beca read aloud. "The only horses I want to deal with are the ones under a car's hood."

"What part of the only form of transportation is on horseback are you not understanding?" Stacie asked. "Get it through that thick skull of yours; there are no cars, trucks, or other motorized vehicles. Just horses. I'm personally looking forward to riding again."

"Good for you! But there's no way I'm riding one of those beasts," Beca grumbled. "I hate horses."

"Just give it a shot, Beca," Stacie said. "Horses will help calm you; you're supposed to try and relax. And, you could always save a horse and ride a cowboy instead. Or in your case, a cowgirl. But only if she's over eighteen."

"Haha," Beca scoffed. "I get ridden plenty, thank you very much."

"Groupies and one-night stands don't count," Stacie said. "You need to find someone to have an adult, meaningful relationship with."

"Says the woman who calls her vagina a hunter," Beca snorted. "When was the last time you had an adult meaningful relationship?"

"We're not talking about me," Stacie said. "Plus, I'm not under contract, so what I do is nobody's business but my own."

"I'm starting to regret signing a contract," Beca said. "Almost as much as I regret hiring a friend to be my manager."

Stacie shrugged and picked up another magazine. "You know you love me."

"We both know I do," Beca said, sighing. "But would it kill you to let me live my life the way I want to?"

"Probably not," Stacie shrugged. "But, it might kill you and I'm not willing to take that chance. Believe it or not, I actually do like having you around."

Beca was saved from responding as the Captain announced, "Ladies, please fasten your seatbelts. We're making our final approach into Denver and should be landing in about ten minutes."

~~ Save a Horse, Ride a Cowgirl ~~

A van from the ranch was waiting in the hangar when the jet came to a stop. The pilot opened the door and lowered the stairway. Stacie stepped out first to find a man looking, every bit the cowboy in blue jeans, checkered shirt, boots, and hat, staring up at her from the bottom.

"Miss Mitchell?" the cowboy asked, tipping his hat.

"That's her," Stacie replied and pointed over her shoulder.

Beca gave a small wave over Stacie's shoulder.

"Nice to meet you, ladies," the cowboy said. "My name is Tom and I'll be escorting you to the ranch. I'll get your bags while you make yourselves comfortable in the van."

Stacie got into the van and watched as Beca grabbed two of the bags and placed them in the van herself. Tom grabbed the remaining bags and placed them in the back. Tom opened the driver's door, removed his hat, and situated himself behind the wheel.

"The drive will take about forty-five minutes," Tom said, looking over his shoulder at the two women. "There's water in the cooler behind you. Help yourself."

Tom turned to face the front and started the van.

About an hour later, the van turned off the main road onto a dirt road. Beca sat up and started looking around. Off in the distance, she saw several buildings.

"Looks like something from an old Western movie," Beca said.

"I love the log cabin look," Stacie said, looking around.

"Will we be staying in a log cabin?" Beca asked Tom.

"Sort of," Tom said. "All our guests stay in individual one-room cabins. The main building houses the offices, gym, game room, kitchen, and dining room. Since this is our slow time, you'll both probably be given your own room."

"That actually sounds cool," Beca said.

Stacie lowered her window, saying "Look at all this wide-open space. And smell that clean, fresh air. We're definitely not in LA anymore."

"If I click my heels three times and say there's no place like home," Beca said. "Will I wake up from this nightmare and find myself in my own bed back in LA?"

"No," Stacie said. "And I can't believe Miss I Hate Movies, just used one to make a point."

Beca let out a snort and looked out her window.

"Those things are huge," Beca said, spying two horses being ridden by a man and a woman; they looked as if they were racing.

"Oh, wow," Stacie said, leering at the couple. "The scenery just keeps getting better."

The woman's hat flew off and red hair flew out behind her. Both riders stopped and the woman said something to the man that could not be heard in the car.

Beca's eyes widened in surprise when she saw the redhead's face as she turned and trotted back to where her hat landed. She was gorgeous.

"If she can ride a horse," Beca said, pointing at the female rider. "I may just have to take up riding myself. She makes it look hot."

"She's really pretty," Stacie said, looking the girl up and down.

"She sure is," Beca mumbled. "She kind of reminds me of someone I knew when I was a kid."

Beca and Stacie continued to watch the two riders.

"He's also really hot," Stacie said. "He can park his boots under my bed anytime."

"Ew, gross," Beca said. "Try and keep it in your pants, Stacie."

"I will if you will," Stacie said, laughing. "Who does the hot redhead remind you of?"

"Someone I knew from back when I lived in Atlanta," Beca responded. "We actually met in Kindergarten and became fast friends. I'd say she was my best friend from the time we met up until we were nine."

"What happened when you were nine?"

"Didn't I already tell you about that?" Beca asked; Stacie shook her head. Beca continued. "My grandmother got sick and my mom took me with her to Seattle to help her out. I was only supposed to be gone for the summer. But, my grandma died and left my mother her house. My mom and dad were going through a rough time and my mom decided to stay in Seattle and asked my dad to come there. He chose to stay in Atlanta and promised to come to visit, but he never did. They eventually divorced."

Stacie looked at Tom and asked, "Who are they?"

"That's Chicago and Chloe," Tom said, glancing over at the couple. "Chicago's dad owns this place and Chicago runs it. Chloe is a vet and takes care of the animals on the ranch."

"Chloe?" Beca repeated. "What's her last name?"

"Beale," Tom said as the van came to a stop in front of the main building.

"Oh, my God," Beca whispered as she continued watching the redhead. "I do know her! Or rather, I did."

"Are Chicago and Chloe a couple?" Stacie asked.

"God, no," Tom said, chuckling. "Chicago is married to Jessica and Chloe is his cousin."

"Good to know," Stacie murmured, looking at Beca watching the redhead.

~~ Save a Horse, Ride a Cowgirl ~~

Beca and Stacie stood next to each other and watched as Chicago and Chloe rode up to them and hopped off their horses. A woman walked out of the main building and stood next to Chicago. He put his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.

"Good afternoon, Miss Mitchell, Miss Conrad," Chicago said, removing his hat. "Welcome! My name is Chicago Walp and this is my wife, Jessica. We run this Ranch for my dad, so if you need anything, anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask either one of us."

Chloe cleared her throat and Chicago smiled over at her.

"Sorry, Chlo," Chicago said, chuckling. "And this lovely young lady is Dr. Chloe Beale. She takes care of all the animals. She also gives riding lessons for anyone who wishes to learn."

"Please, we're just Beca and Stacie," Stacie said.

"I know who Beca is," Chloe said, smiling. "I was totes excited when I heard you were going to be a guest. I'm a big fan."

"Thank you," Beca said, looking down at the ground.

Tom was retrieving the luggage from the van and Chicago moved to help him.

"Please be careful with those two bags," Beca said, rushing over to them. "I'll take them."

Beca put one of the bags over her shoulder and pulled the other over to where Stacie was talking to Jessica and Chloe.

". . .said she'd love to learn to ride," Stacie was telling Jessica and Chloe.

"Who said that?" Beca asked. "It wasn't me. I hate horses; they're just huge, scary beasts."

Jessica and Chloe both laughed.

"Didn't you also say, if Chloe was riding that you might have to reconsider riding because she made riding a horse look hot?" Stacie asked, chuckling when Beca's face turned red.

"That's not-," Beca stuttered, looking from Stacie to Chloe and back again. "I, uh, didn't, um. Ugh! I hate you so much right now."

"It's okay, Beca," Chloe said, chuckling. "I think you'd look hot riding, too. And our horses are very tame. I'd be happy to teach you to ride and show you how tame they are."

Beca blinked a few times and stared at Chloe. Chloe looked at Beca and then at Stacie.

"I'm sure Beca would love that," Stacie said, causing Beca to snort.

"I might be game," Beca said. "If Stacie takes lessons, too."

"I already know how to ride," Stacie said, smirking. "But I'll go along with you so you don't get scared."

"Good," Jessica said. "Now that's settled, let's get you to your rooms, shall we?"

"Ladies, if you'll follow us please," Chicago said as he and Tom walked past them.

Beca and Stacie followed. When they entered the main building, Tom grabbed a luggage cart and he and Chicago set the luggage on it. Beca gently placed the two bags she was carrying onto the pile and stepped back.

"Let's get you checked in," Jessica said, leading the way over to the registration desk. "Thanks, Tom, Chicago."

"No problem, babe," Chicago said, shooting Jessica a smile.

"You're welcome," Tom said. He tipped his hat at Beca and Stacie, and said, "Enjoy your stay, ladies."

"Thanks, Tom," Stacie said, winking at him.

Tom smiled at her before turning and exiting the building behind Chicago. Chloe walked over and stood by the desk; she couldn't stop looking at Beca. Beca looked back at her, blushing and looking away when Chloe smiled at her.

Jessica got Beca and Stacie checked in and grabbed their room keys, handing them to Chloe.

"Chloe, would you like to show Beca and Stacie to their cabins?"

"I'd love to," Chloe said excitedly, grabbing the keys. "Thanks, Jess."

Jessica winked at her and Chloe walked over to the luggage cart. She looked back at Beca and Stacie.

"If you ladies will follow me," Chloe said as she started pushing the cart.

Stacie nudged Beca's shoulder when she noticed Beca looking at Chloe's ass.

"Rein it in, Beca," Stacie whispered. "A bit of discretion wouldn't kill you."

Beca blushed and moved her eyes up to stare at the back of Chloe's head.

~~ Save a Horse, Ride a Cowgirl ~~

Chloe took the cart outside and started toward a row of cabins. The path was wooden and stretched from the main building around to all the cabins. Chloe stopped at Cabin #4 and unlocked the door. She left the luggage cart outside and stepped through the doorway. Beca and Stacie followed her inside.

"This is your cabin, Miss Mitchell," Chloe said, waving an arm around the room. "Your bathroom is through that door over there."

Beca looked to where Chloe was pointing and nodded her head in acknowledgment.

"Please call me Beca," Beca told Chloe as she looked around the room.

"Okay," Chloe said, stepping back out the door. "Beca, if you'll point out your luggage I'll bring it in for you."

Chloe reached for a bag and Beca stopped her, saying, "I got it."

Beca grabbed her laptop case and another case, and took her cases over to the desk, and started to unpack them.

"No offense," Stacie told Chloe. "She's just very particular about people touching her equipment."

"Understandable," Chloe said. "I'm sure it's very expensive. What else is hers?"

"I'll help you with them," Stacie said. "This one stays here and that one there." Stacie grabbed one of the suitcases and pointed at the other.

The bags were placed near the bed and Chloe walked over to the wall, getting both Beca and Stacie's attention. She placed her hand on the thermostat and explained, "Each cabin has its own thermostat. You can control both the heat and air conditioning to your liking. It's usually mild during the day, but the temperatures drop somewhat at night. If you need an extra blanket or pillow, you can find them in the closet next to the bathroom. That's also where we keep everything you'll need for the bathroom, like towels and soap, among other things. If there's something you need and can't find, just pick up the phone and dial star zero one. That rings at the front desk in the main cabin. Someone is always there 24/7. Or you can dial star zero three and reach me; I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have."

"Thank you, Chloe," Beca said.

"Stacie," Chloe said, tearing her gaze away from Beca to look at Stacie. "You'll be right next door in cabin #5. The rooms are set up in the exact same way. Do you have any questions? Or need anything?"

"I'm starting to get a bit hungry," Stacie said. "What time does dinner start being served?"

"Oh," Chloe said as she walked over to the desk and pulled a folder out of the drawer. "There's a weekly schedule of activities and a menu for all meals inside this folder. It's updated every Sunday night. I know tonight we're having a barbecue with all the fixin's. You'll get a chance to meet some of the staff as well as the other guests." She glanced at her watch. "Aubrey will probably be ringing the dinner bell shortly."

"Who's Aubrey?" Stacie asked.

"She's my best friend," Chloe responded. "She's also the cook. You'll love everything she makes; I know I do."

"I'd like to unpack before dinner," Stacie said. "Beca, I'll swing by and get you when the dinner bell sounds. Okay?"

"Okay," Beca said. "I'll unpack and freshen up a bit."

"Great," Chloe said. "Here's your room key. We have a master key to all the rooms if you should lose or misplace it."

"Thanks again, Chloe," Beca said, taking the key.

"Stacie," Chloe said, turning toward her. "Let's get you to your room."

Stacie followed Chloe out the door. She took a deep breath. "Something smells good!"

"It's the meat from the grill."

"Whatever it is, it smells delicious."

"The meats are great, but it's the sides that make the meal for me. I'm sure Aubrey made potato salad, pasta salad, as well as a vegetable salad. Corn on the cob and baked beans for sure, and several desserts."

"Sounds like quite the feast," Stacie said.

Chloe pushed the luggage rack to the next cabin and helped Stacie take her bags inside.

"Here's your key," Chloe said as she handed the key to Stacie.

"Thank you, Chloe," Stacie said.

"You're welcome. I'll see you and Beca at dinner."

Chloe left and was surprised to see Beca looking out her door.

"Did you need something, Beca?"

"I was wondering if you had a minute?"

"Um, sure."

Beca stood aside and let Chloe enter the cabin. Chloe walked over to the desk chair and sat down.

Beca started pacing back and forth. Chloe watched her for a moment.

"So, um, what can I do for you, Beca?"

~~ Save a Horse, Ride a Cowgirl ~~

About ten minutes after Chloe left her, Stacie was startled by a sudden loud clanging sound. Realizing it must be the dinner bell, she laughed quietly to herself and shook her head.

It was only a few minutes later that Stacie grabbed her room key and left her cabin. Beca and Chloe were coming out of Beca's room as Stacie reached it.

"Oh, hey, Chloe," Stacie said, surprised to see her. "I wasn't expecting to see you with Beca."

"Beca wanted to know about the riding lessons," Chloe said. "You two have a lesson tomorrow morning at ten."

"We do?"

"I told you, Stacie," Beca said. "If I'm going to take lessons, so are you."

"And I told you, I already know how to ride," Stacie said. "Besides, will you even be up before ten?"

"Don't worry about me," Beca said, glaring at her. "I'll be up in plenty of time."

Stacie ignored Beca's glare and looked her up and down.

"Loving the cowgirl look, Beca," Stacie said. "I'm guessing you only brought your plaid shirts and jeans without knowing you'd end up on a ranch."

"I think she looks adorable," Chloe said, causing Beca's cheeks to redden.

"I'm not adorable," Beca mumbled.

"She does love her plaid shirts and jeans," Stacie said.

"What's wrong with that?" Beca asked. "They are good for any occasion."

Stacie snorted as she looked out over at the tables that were set up for the cookout.

"That looks like a lot of food," Stacie said. "How many guests do you have?"

"Including you and Beca, we have eight guests," Jessica's voice said from behind them. "And all the staffs' meals are provided. Come with me and I'll introduce you to some of the other people who work here."

Beca and Stacie followed Jessica and Chloe over to the huge grill that was being manned by two of the cowboys.

"Guys," Jessica calls out, getting their attention. "I'd like you to meet some VIPs that will be with us for the next three weeks."

The two men turned to look at Beca and Stacie. One had dark brown hair and was a couple of inches taller than Stacie; the other's hair was a lighter brown and he was about Stacie's height. They both have boyish faces and grinned at the two women.

"I know her," the taller of the two said, pointing toward Beca.

"No, you don't," Beca said, shaking her head. "He doesn't."

[formula1live]

How to Watch (F1) Formula 1 Live Stream Online Free

Get the latest (F1) update on Formula 1 live streaming for free race grand prix online, schedules, date and timing and more information.

The 2021 F1 season is off to in inauspicious start before it even begins. The season-opening Australian Grand Prix — which originally was scheduled for March 21, has been moved to the back of the season and is now set for Nov. 21, 2021.

That would make the Bahrain Grand Prix the first race of the 2021 Formula 1 Live season on Sunday, March 28.

The Chinese Grand Prix also have been moved to a date to be determined, due to ongoing travel restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussions on when that race could be run are ongoing, F1 says. Meanwhile, look for the Italian Grand Prix at Imola in that April 18 slot.

From there, if all goes according to plan — and it certainly feels a little odd typing that sentence given the state of things — the series would wrap up Dec. 5, 2021, back where it closed out the 2020 season, in Abu Dhabi.

The updated 2021 F1 race calendar now looks as follows:

Here’s a 2020 F1 event breakdown courtesy of FIA. Check your streaming site of choice for times. Dates listed here may be subject to change.

28 March — Bahrain (Sakhir) 18 April — Italy (Imola*) 2 May — TBC 9 May — Spain (Barcelona) 23 May — Monaco (Monaco) 6 June — Azerbaijan (Baku) 13 June — Canada (Montreal) 27 June — France (Le Castellet) 4 July — Austria (Spielberg) 18 July — United Kingdom (Silverstone) 1 August — Hungary (Budapest) 29 August — Belgium (Spa) 5 September — Netherlands (Zandvoort) 12 September — Italy (Monza) 26 September — Russia (Sochi) 3 October — Singapore (Singapore) 10 October — Japan (Suzuka) 24 October — USA (Austin) 31 October — Mexico (Mexico City) 7 November — Brazil (Sao Paulo) 21 November — Australia (Melbourne*) 5 December — Saudi Arabia (Jeddah**) 12 December — Abu Dhabi (Yas Island)

Watch Formula 1 live stream free with official streaming links in the 4K HD this season. The F1 2021 season was supposed to have total 22 races but now it has been reduced.

The free f1 live streaming of all the Grand Prix to broadcast on multiple devices such as PCs, tablets, Mac, and smart tv and smartphones including iOS, Android and Windows.

Stream the 2021 F1 live online on Locast for free

Price: Free

Channels: ABC

You can watch the official ABC broadcast for free on Locast.

Channels and availability vary depending on your IP and browser location, so be sure to check the TV guide to know when to watch.

To stream F1 live on Locast:

Get ExpressVPN.Connect to a server location in the U.S. where ABC is available.Download the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge to spoof your browser location. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.Go to Locast.org and sign up. Select the market that corresponds with the server location you’re connected to.Enjoy watching!

Watching on mobile? Fire up the Locast app (on Android and iOS).

Watch 2021 F1 races on ABC and ESPN

Price: 20 USD/month and up

Channels: ABC, ESPN, and ESPN 2

If you don’t have a U.S. cable subscription, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN 2 are a good way to tune into the races. ESPN Deportes, available as an add-on for Sling or Hulu will provide a Spanish simulcast of select races. Sync with the official ESPN schedule. A variety of free trials are available.

Most F1 races are shown on ESPN 2. The Monaco and British GP races will be broadcast live on the main ESPN channel, while the Canadian, American, and Mexican GP races (as well as the afternoon encore of Monaco GP) will be broadcast on ABC for free.

To watch the F1 on ESPN and ABC:

Get ExpressVPN.Connect to a server location in the U.S.Go to Sling TV Orange (20 USD/month and up), Hulu (65 USD/month), YouTube TV (65 USD/month), or AT&T TV Now (55 USD/month) and use a free trial. You may also need a U.S. credit card or PayPal account.Kick back and enjoy!

Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Watching on mobile? Fire up the AT&T TV Now app (on Android and iOS), the YouTube TV app (on Android and iOS), the Hulu app (on Android or iOS), or the Sling TV app (on Android and iOS).

Note: You may need a U.S. credit/debit card to subscribe to Sling TV, Hulu, and AT&T TV Now.

Learn more about watching Sling TV, AT&T TV Now, Sling TV, and Hulu with ExpressVPN.

Live stream the official F1 TV Pro stream

Price: Varies

The official F1 TV Pro stream varies depending on your location. To watch:

Get ExpressVPN.Connect to a server location where F1 TV Pro is available.Head to the F1 site.Tune in to the races!

Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Watching on mobile? Fire up the F1 TV app (on Android and iOS).

Stream 2021 Formula 1 on Sky Sports F1

Price: 22 GBP/month and up

Channels: Sky Sports F1

Sky Sports in the UK will broadcast Formula 1 in 2021 on the Sky Sports F1 channel. Check the official Sky Sports schedule to know when to tune in. However, specialized equipment is required to watch the TV broadcasts. You will also need to provide a valid postal code and a UK/Ireland credit or debit card.

If you already have a Sky subscription, you can stream its content online via Sky Go. With a VPN, you can watch Sky Go even when you’re traveling abroad.

To watch the F1 on Sky Sports:

Get ExpressVPN.Connect to a server location in the UK.Head to Sky Go and log in.Enjoy the races!

Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Watching on mobile? Fire up the Sky Go app on your Android or iOS device.

Learn more about watch Sky with ExpressVPN.

Watch 2021 F1 highlights on Channel 4

Price: Free

Channel 4 will be broadcasting highlights from the races.

To watch F1 highlights on Channel 4:

Get ExpressVPN.Connect to a server location in the UK.Visit Channel 4.Watch the highlights!

Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Watching on mobile? Fire up the All 4 app on your Android or iOS device.

Watch Formula 1 highlights on YouTube

Check out the latest Formula 1 highlights, interviews, funny moments, and more on the official F1 YouTube channel.

To watch:

Get ExpressVPN.Connect to a server location where YouTube is available.Go to the Formula 1 YouTube channel.Enjoy!

Listen to F1 Grand Prix commentary live on BBC Radio 5

Price: Free

BBC Radio 5 provides live audio commentary of the Formula 1 Grand Prix races.

To listen with added security and privacy:

Get ExpressVPN.Connect to a server location that’s nearest to you.Go to BBC Radio 5 Live.Enjoy the live commentary!

Listening on mobile? Fire up the BBC Radio 5 Live on your Android or iOS device.

[tegoshigeftw]

Tegoshige Top 25

“More Tegoshige, please!” - said absolutely noone and I delivered. Well, this isn’t for 5 likes, this is for me. I’ve had this blog for 6,5 years now and I decided to look back on the best it had to offer. This is my rating of top Tegoshige moments, excluding those that tightly involved other members (so the making out had to be left out ;;). The things that made my heart doki doki... It was originally a top 10 but it was getting hard to pick so I decided there literally was no reason to hold back so here we are.

#25 4x9

That one time Tegoshige went on location together (which is already a blessing) and Tegoshi got freaked out because of insects running about and nearly got into Shige’s lap. Nearly. So it heads the list.

# 24 Halloween 2017

Tegoshi was Oiran - an elite courtesan - and Shige was Alex from Clockwork Orange. This was but a short moment but is lasted forever in my mind.

#23 Dropped earring

This was during White final. After the boisterous MC scene where Shige was the couch and Tegoshi was the girlfriend, Shige noticed Tegoshi dropped his earring, picked it up and gave it back to him. Just a minor moment, but Tegoshi was still in girlfriend mode and it was incredibly soft. Video here.

#22 Neverland in Tokyo encore 2017/06/11

Tegoshi got very emotional after he went backstage but the fans kept cheering so they went back on stage again and Tegoshi wouldn’t stop crying so Shige led him softly.

#21 As long as Tegoshi is happy...

Before a live performance, they were interviewed and as it was just after Tegoshi’s birthday, they were asked what they wanted to give so...

S: … (in his best ikemen voice) As long as Tegoshi is happy, that is enough! T: Ahhh! ♥ I am loved! Thank you, Shige-chan! I wanna hug you!~

Video here.

#20 The Spa

It was a photoshoot for Biteki. They were originally in different sandboxes but Tegoshi got lonely very soon.

#19 Hairstylist Shige

Shige has been Tegoshi’s stylist for years, since the early days. You can see it in photos and several DVDs, most notably Live Diamond. Video cut here.

#18 “Shige, thank you!”

The night after the Neverland Tokyo concert, 2017 Shige got a call...

S: After the concert ended, Tegoshi had a party with his friends. And so late at night he suddenly called me saying “Could you come for a bit?” S: He seemed to be serious and he cried so much at the concert. (laugh) I got worried and came over but this guy… he just fell asleep! (laugh) K&M: That’s terrible. S: He woke up once, looked at me saying “Shige, thank you!” and went back to sleep. T: Moreover, I was sleeping in Shige’s lap. [S]

Tegoshi: After the last concert in Tokyo Dome I invited several members of staff and Juniors and we basically did a wrapping up party. I called Shige at 3 AM and he came but I ended up falling asleep in Shige’s lap though I don’t remember that at all. I heard it afterwards but apparently I sang “I’m coming” and Shige sang “Ayame” but I don’t remember a bit… [S]

#17 Neverland in Tokyo 2017/06/10

According to a fan report: At the intro of some song, Shige grabbed Tegoshi by the waist tightly. At first, Tegoshi was playing along but Shige didn’t let go and Tegoshi, not used to being attacked, got embarrassed.

#16 Umeboshi

Shige’s been making umeboshi for years now and his #1 fan is none other than Tegoshi.

S: I’ve been doing it for 10 years. It’s not that I like them, I hardly eat them myself. During the tour our Tegoshi eats quite a lot of them. I leave it (in the dressing room) so after the concert he opens it and eats it. About half of them I make for Tegoshi. [2017.02.08 Moshimono Futari]

Q: If you were to give Christmas presents to the members what would it be?

A: …Well, umeboshi! Umeboshi! Eat my umeboshi and get healthy! I give it to Tegoshi every year though. Ah, but that’s showing “Love”. I give it all the time but it’s a deep love that has a special depth! (laugh) [2018.12.05 TVガイド]

#15 Blue making

This is perfect for several reasons, how naturally this fells, how there’s a perfectly empty chair next to them, and how at the end Tegoshi stumbled and Shige is cautioning him.

#14 That 2013 photoshoot

You know the one. That is all. No comment needed.

#13 Tegoshige Kabe-don and confession

During k-chan news, they played the Prince game and Koyama wanted a kabe-don. So Tegoshi kabe-don’d Shige and told him “I love you!”

The audio available here.

#12 Tegoshi’s kirakira eyes

Back in 2009, Shige had a diary and I’m really sorry he does not anymore because one day after a photoshoot he wrote this:

At that time he had seemed to be already smiling and looking at me Looking at me at such a close distance Is this an effect from DREAM BOYS As compared to before, the distance was so much more closer Tegoshi Yuya Indeed is a prince………….. Oh please won’t you be even a little embarrassed. Just how strong is your heart? Don’t look at me like that………… Being looked at with those shiny eyes…………… The atmosphere will become weird (oдO) ………………………………….. Tegoshi Yuya who has ended the photoshoot using those shiny eyes, had walked towards DREAM BOYS with that pair of eyes Ah~ shiny shiny Tegoshi eyes~ I’ll be waiting for that photoshoot~ I wonder… for which magazine would it be Oh the kira kira eyes

Full text here.

#11 That Taiwan hotel video 

We all remember that one. Tegoshi in his bathrobe going out to visit ‘other members’’ rooms but he only goes to Shige’s and gets comfortable on his bed, and gets pounced, and the next thing they show, it’s morning.

#10 Soukon thigh stroking

That time the camerman got very fascinated with Tegoshi’s legs and the other members teased him about it and called him a pervert. Then, Shige decided to stroke those thighs because... well, he can. 

#9 Taking a bath together!

- An unforgettable episode that happened on stage.

Kato: Because of a thunderstorm we had to stop the concert. We moved it to a later date. After a break the 4 of us got into tiny bathtubs, 2 in each and it felt sort of like a field trip, (laugh) the bath was warm. [Duet 2015.04]

They also talked about it during an MC at the time.

Shige pretended to climb into the “tub” with Tegoshi. “We were Team… What was it again?” T: Team “We haven’t done our solos yet”. S: And Tegoshi was sliding all over the place and smacking into me. He was such a naughty guy. T: It couldn’t be helped. It’s slippery. K: But baths are nice, aren’t they? Shige answered in a chill voice, “Yeah, they’re great.” [S]

#8 Worldista routine

I think this was during Weeek where they make up different letters with their bodies. Every concert it went differently but several times Tegoshi left his place and went over to Shige. This fancam pictured the time he got on top of him. Or tried to.

Also here’s a report from Nagano, May 25:

Tegoshi goes to Shige and captures him in a hug and Shige hugs him back. Then Shige picks Tegoshi up and carries him like a sleeping child to his original position. [Fanart here]

#7 Showers

Tegoshi is long known to invade other people’s privacy and during the tour, other people’s shower stalls are no exception. There are many recent episodes but here’s one account:

Q2: Shige-chan said in Nagoya when he took a shower Tegoshi appeared right before his eyes but does he do it always?

S: Not… always but he did it quite a lot on this tour. He trespassed about 3-4 times I think. He would enter the shower room I went to really quietly. That’s why I got really startled. He’d get happy he made me surprised and start grinning. (laugh) I would counterattack by pouring water over him.  

[Tour Stories from Popolo 2016.09 FUN’S QUESTION - SHIGEAKI]

Then, there’s an important MC from 2008. One time, during the tour Massu wanted to take a shower but as he entered the stalls, he met a naked Shige standing proudly. Shige explained he was only waiting on Tegoshi who earlier danced for him naked. Massu was like “Cool, I’ll leave you to it.”

The full account is here. There used to be an audio of this but I didn’t manage to get it.

#6 DTF ‘ago-kui’

There were many instances during two whole tours and also a SCP performance. Each time seems a little closer and more intimate, but each time looks equally fun on both sides.

#5 Accessible Emma outfit

Now we know that Shige, unlike Tegoshi, is not a touchy kind of guy. So him doing something like this, especially on air, is pretty unusual. Tegoshi said Shige did it a lot backstage too.

#4 “I wanna stir you up”

This line from ‘S’ was a real hit and Tegoshi basically admitted it got him horny. Twice. Detailed posts here and here.

#3 Tegoshi saying they’re basically married

Here’s the video.

#2 Tegoshi knows what’s up

Who do you think has the most sex appeal?

Tegoshi: Shige. His face is handsome like a nobility but he’s also manly. Rather than a shining sexuality his sexuality is monochrome… a deep sexuality. It’s the kind that slowly unravels as you get to know him.  [Wink Up, 2013.12]

Who would be a perfect boyfriend in NEWS?

Tegoshi: Wouldn’t that be Shige? It seems like he wouldn’t be clingy but all the while even when he’s silent, in his heart he’d be like “I’m thinking about you properly ♥” keeping a good distance. [Ane Can 2015]

Look with a “female gaze” and say who’s the most handsome member Tegoshi: Alright, I’m switching to female… click! …Hello, I’m Yuko! (laugh) So… for me it’s Shige. The reason is his face and his way of life. His face is up to my taste (laugh) and he doesn’t hesitate in words or in actions. His open-minded way of thinking is similar to mine. It’s refreshing and feels good. [Potato 2016.10]

To name but a few.

#1 Shige radio confession

During k-chan news, they played the Prince game and Koyama wanted one person to say what they liked about the other person and this is how Shige confessed.

K: Do it properly! Seriously. Connect hands “lover style”, look at each other. *giggle* S: Tegoshi has a really cute face. Really cute face and a good voice… K: That’s not it. S: A nice voice and beautiful eyes… K: Something you really like, really like.  S: But I really do like it. K: Something more about his personality. S: If it’s about his personality then… even when he complains he still does his job properly.

Sorry, but that’s just... yeah. You have to hear it though. Full transcript and audio here.

[tektokbet-blog]

Most Popular Table Games Casino

There are so many table games to choose from when you’re at the casino. The list is seriously endless.

I’m not going to going to all of them here just the most popular ones.

The first is Baccarat which is one of the oldest card games. It’s purely a game of chance. It’s defined as a comparing card game between the player and the bank.

There are three possible endings a win for the player, the banker or a tie.

The next game is roulette, which is also a game of chance. Players bet on either the colors black or red, or specific numbers. A ball is placed in the roulette wheel

and spun, and whatever number and/or color it lands on is the winner.

The next table game is blackjack. This is a game of pool with chance and skill. The goal of the game is to reach 21. Each player is initially doubt two cards and has a choice of staying or hitting. If you get 21 you automatically win. The game is played against the house. Whoever has the highest card total wins.

A player and hit play stuff of the odds of whether they will go over 21 or not. If you go over 21 you automatically lose.

The fourth and final table game we will talk about his poker. This is probably the most popular game of all. It is a game of skill. It is played against other players and not the house. There are so many variations out there. The goal of the game is to have a better hand than the other players. They don’t see your cards and you have the opportunity to bluff and rates your bet to try to get them to fold and beat them.

As you can see you have a lot of choices.

Top 5 Hotel Casinos in the World

Casinos offer the widest selection of gambling options for anyone who wants to have fun and win money. Plush hotels have become synonymous with popular casinos that have risen to greatness all over the world. Here is a list of the top 5 hotel casinos on the globe. These gambling meccas offer mind-blowing accommodations and amenities to go with their top notch, unique casino experiences.

5. The Wynn (Includes the Encore), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – This $2.7 billion resort features two towers with 45 floors in one and 48 in the other with a combined 4,734 rooms. It has an 111,000 square foot casino and the Hotel, Restaurant and Spa all have a five star rating.

4. MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – This 2nd largest hotel in the world has 30 floors with 6,852 rooms. It has one of the largest casinos in Vegas at 171,500 square feet with 2,500 slot machines and 139 casino tables.

3. Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA – One of the smaller hotel casinos on the list at 2,248 rooms in two towers with 14 floors in one and 95 in the other. What it lacks in number of rooms it makes up for with lavishness and a casino that is known for its tournaments and high stakes gambling.

2. Hotel de Paris, Monte Carlo, Monaco – Built in 1863 with 4 floors, 187 rooms, 75 suites and 3 restaurants. Climb the stairs to the lavish Place du Casino and enjoy exquisite architecture and 150 years of rich history and breathtaking views.

1. Foxwoods Resort Casino, Connecticut, USA – This sprawling hotel casino resort actually has 6 casinos, 38 restaurants and two championship golf courses. Its 340,000 square foot casino is the 2nd largest in the United States. The entire resort covers 4,700,000 square feet.

Top 5 Casinos in Vegas

The first thing that comes to mind when gambling or casinos is mentioned is the gambling mecca Las Vegas. Las Vegas used to have the top casinos in the world before massive casinos popped up all over the world like The Venetian Macao in China or the Foxwoods Resort Casino right here in the United States in Connecticut. If Vegas is your destination; here are the top 5 casinos in Vegas.

5. The Venetian – This is one of the newer casinos in Vegas on the old site of The Sands with a 120,000 square foot casino. Transport yourself to old Italy with an artificial canal with gondola rides 4. The Luxor – One the most recognizable casinos in Vegas because it’s a massive pyramid. It’s built like and Egyptian palace. It’s owned and operated by MGM Resorts and also has a 120,000 square foot casino with close to a hundred table games and more than 2,000 slot machines.

3. The Bellagio – The epitome of classic Las Vegas comfort and style. This casino is also easily recognizable by the giant fountain out front. It was built on the property of the old Dunes and is also owned by MGM Resorts.

2. Caesar’s Palace – This world famous casino and hotel is built like a Roman fortress infused with Vegas style. The classic casino specializes in offering various gambling opportunities to all levels of players from beginners to high stakes professionals.

1. MGM Grand Casino – This is the granddaddy of them all. The MGM Grand is always teaming with people year round who travel from all over the world to gamble in the largest casino in Sin City. The casino has 165 game tables and more than 3,500 slots. The impressive gaming floor is a massive 171,500 square feet.

Top Three Most Popular Casinos

Many of the most popular casinos are still in Las Vegas. Since popularity of gambling has grown worldwide, there are many casinos giving Vegas casinos a run for their money. Some of these casinos are abroad, but some are right here In the United States. Below are three of the most popular casinos in the world and only one of them is in Las Vegas.

Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut – The Foxwoods Casino if far from Vegas, but it is part of the fourth largest hotel in the world and has almost 50,000 visitors a day. This massive casino received a makeover in 1992 and now has over 7,000 slot machines and every casino game you can think of. It is surrounded by lush greenery and has a 4.7 million square feet gaming floor. There’s even a two story arcade for the kids.

The Venetian in Las Vegas – The unforgettable gambling environment is just one of the reasons that The Venetian has become one of the most popular casinos in the world. There’s an artificial canal out front complete with gondola rides that transports you to old Italy. The Venetian opened in 1999 on the site of the old Sands Hotel. It’s attached to the Pallazzo with six separate gaming areas including exclusive areas like a high stakes luxury poker room.

Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco – It might be a little surprising that this casino is so popular because they do not allow local citizens on the property. It is mostly a publicly owned company. The government and the monarchy have part ownership. It remains one of the main tourist attractions in Monaco and it’s one of the country’s primary sources of income. It’s considered to be the best place to gamble in Europe and has appeared in several popular movies.

Play Popular Casino Games Today : Click Here

[yug-blogs]

Discovering the Best of Indore: From Historical Monuments to Fine Dining and Luxurious Weddings at Ramada Encore

Indore, a bustling city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is known for its rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering food, and architectural marvels. The city has been attracting tourists from across the globe for decades, thanks to its diverse range of attractions. From historical monuments to shopping destinations and natural wonders, Indore has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do and see in Indore and also talk about the best hotels in the city, with a special emphasis on the Ramada Encore.

Sightseeing in Indore

Indore is home to several historical monuments that are worth visiting. The most famous among them is the Rajwada Palace, a seven-story palace built by the Holkars in the 18th century. The palace is an excellent example of Maratha and Mughal architecture and is a popular spot for tourists.

Another must-visit attraction is the Lal Bagh Palace, a grand palace built in the 19th century. The palace boasts of exquisite gardens, fountains, and sculptures and has been converted into a museum, showcasing the Holkar dynasty's artifacts and belongings.

For those interested in spirituality, Indore has several temples and shrines. The Kanch Mandir, also known as the Glass Temple, is a Jain temple built entirely of glass. The Bada Ganpati Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is another popular temple in the city.

Food and Shopping in Indore

Indore is known for its street food, and no trip to the city is complete without indulging in some local delicacies. The city is famous for its poha-jalebi, samosas, chaat, and dal bafla. For those who prefer fine dining, Indore has several restaurants offering a range of cuisines, from Indian to Chinese and Italian.

Indore is also a shopper's paradise, with several markets offering a range of products, from traditional handicrafts to designer clothing. The Sarafa Bazaar, known for its jewelry and street food, is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the local culture.

Wedding Hotels in Indore

Indore is a popular destination for weddings, thanks to its rich cultural heritage and the availability of excellent wedding venues. Several hotels in Indore offer wedding packages, including accommodation, catering, and decorations. One of the best wedding hotels in Indore is the Ramada Encore.

Ramada Encore Indore

The Ramada Encore is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Indore, offering world-class amenities and services. The hotel has 140 well-appointed rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities, including high-speed internet, LCD TVs, and tea/coffee makers.

The hotel has several fine dining options, including the Encore restaurant, serving Indian and international cuisines, and the Sky Lounge, offering stunning views of the city. The hotel also has a state-of-the-art fitness center, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool.

The Ramada Encore is an excellent choice for those looking for a wedding hotel in Indore. The hotel offers a range of wedding packages, including accommodation, catering, decorations, and entertainment. The hotel's banquet halls can accommodate up to 800 guests and are equipped with modern audio-visual equipment and lighting.

Conclusion

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[edsmysterygirl]

Ed Sheeran - Part 3

Wembley, June 15 & Amsterdam, June 28

As many of you know, I was fortunate enough to see Ed twice during this Divide World Tour. Read Part 3 down below.

Click here for Part 1. Click here for Part 2.

And then it was time for Ed!!! At Wembley we used my boyfriend’s phone for pictures and videos, but since I didn’t have that phone in Amsterdam I wasn’t able to take any good pictures and the videos are of much lesser quality. Also, as I already mentioned in Part 2, Castle on the Hill is fine but during Bloodstream and Photograph you can hear me really well, and I am a horrible singer, I’m so sorry. 🙈 I did want to share the videos with you guys, though. Just keep in mind that if you don’t like it when people sing through videos, these videos may not be for you.

Castle on the Hill:

© edsmysterygirl/dailymotion

Bloodstream:

© edsmysterygirl/dailymotion  

Photograph:

© edsmysterygirl/dailymotion

I’m not going to talk about every individual song again like I did for Wembley, since my opinion about the songs live hasn’t really changed. But it was just as amazing, if not more amazing. Some of the speeches were different and particularly catered towards us. Before he played The A Team he talked about being on tour with Passenger at some point and going #1 in the Netherlands for the first time. And after I See Fire he talked about how he loves playing that song over here, since it wasn’t meant for radio play and then someone did put it on the radio and it got super popular over here. And for the encore he came out in a Dutch football shirt, of course.

And now I’d like to talk about the moment that you guys have probably already heard all about...

So what happened was, he basically played the same setlist, except he left I’m A Mess out. I didn’t notice this at the time since I hadn’t really remembered the setlist order or anything. Anyway, after Perfect he said he was going to bring out this keyboard player. And I got all excited and said to my friend, he hasn’t changed his setlist in ages and now he’s bringing out this keyboard player, I think he’s going to play this song that he hasn’t played in a while, this is so special! What I thought was going to happen was that he was going to play How Would You Feel. Except he didn’t... AND ROBBIE FUCKING WILLIAMS CAME OUT. IN ED’S MERCH!!! I couldn’t believe it. I had travelled all the way to Wembley, kind of expecting a special guest because Elton John appeared in 2015 of course. And then I got one out of the two shows (out of four) that didn’t have a special guest... And now Robbie Williams was here IN AMSTERDAM?! Who would have thought?! Certainly not me. I didn’t film it, my friend filmed it but she’s having some problems with her camera. Of course I don’t want to leave this moment out of my post, though. Here is one of the better YouTube videos I could find of them singing Angels. So this is not my video. All credit to the original poster:

© Elise/YouTube

Like the Wembley show, I’ll add Zak’s pics at the end to finish this post off:

© zakarywalters/Instagram

© zakarywalters/Instagram

Again, I am in there somewhere!!!

Which show did I prefer? That’s a very hard question. Audience wise, I think Wembley was the better audience. Everyone got up as soon as Ed came out and no one ever sat down again. In Amsterdam, on the other hand, there were plenty of people sitting down throughout most if not all of the show, not singing or dancing at all. Even around me. That didn’t stop me from having fun, though!

Sound wise I preferred Amsterdam. I read some reviews for the Amsterdam show and all of them complain about the sound quality and the bad echoing, except to me this was worse in Wembley. I feel like the mixing (so basically the volume of the different loop station feeds, already recorded vs. being recorded, etc.) was way more balanced in Amsterdam. So to me it’s weird that everyone is complaining about Amsterdam whereas I’ve heard no complaints about Wembley.

I also preferred the screens in Amsterdam. Apart from that we actually got the complete stage, I feel like the camera work and effects came out better. Not sure if that was because of the extra circle screens or if that’s just in my head.

Overall, I think I prefer Amsterdam. And not even because of Robbie. Maybe it’s because it wasn’t the first time so I had more time to take it all in and enjoy it more. Or maybe it was the little things, like seeing Anne-Marie and Ed drink from Spa bottles (a Belgian water bottle brand that’s really popular in the Netherlands). That sounds weird but it was so surreal to see that, lol. 

Either way, I loved both shows and I would do it all over again. Worth every penny/cent! 

Thank you for reading if you’re still reading at this point!

Click here for Part 1. Click here for Part 2.