#amr scenery

[faiiryteethh]

if you need me i'll be here 🧜🏻‍♀️

[zegalba]

Karim Amr: Cairo, Egypt (2023)

[clickbliss]

Trepang 2 is FEAR for the creepypasta generation

by Amr (@siegarettes)

Trepang2

Developers - Trepang Studios

Publisher - Team 17

PC, PS5, Xbox

When Monolith’s FEAR hit the scene in 2005, it astounded with its sharp AI opponents, technical achievements and blend of slow motion gunplay and J-Horror atmosphere. Even now there’s a particular appeal to that first game, with the two sequels tossing away its unique atmosphere and gunplay for something more conventional. And with Monolith stuck working on whatever license Warner Bros. assigns them, it seemed that nothing would even attempt to achieve the same alchemy that defined the first FEAR entry.

That is, until Trepang 2. Trepang immediately makes it clear where its influences lie. From the way bullets tear through scenery, to the oversharpened look of the slow motion, the enemies’ ragdoll reactions to melee attacks, and the way shotguns instantly pulp bodies, Trepang’s entire aesthetic is directly pulled from the first FEAR game. Even mechanical choices, like the lack of aiming down the sights and the particular feedback of the guns, reflect the very specific gunplay dynamics of the original game and the era it was made in. Some modern conveniences keep Trepang from becoming a complete throwback, but its modern influences are most felt in the works of horror it draws from. 

Where FEAR drew on the J-Horror wave sparked by movies like RING and Ju-On, Trepang is rooted firmly in the halls of internet horror. Cryptids and creepypasta lurk in the world of Trepang, and find yourself unlucky enough and you may even take a trip to the Backrooms. By far the strongest influence here is the SCP Foundation’s wiki based meta fiction, which chronicles attempts by a shadowy foundation to contain and document various anomalies causing a wide range of bizarre effects. Different documents across the world reflect the typical format various authors use across the SCP wiki, going as far as using the term “anomaly” in a directly analogous way, with the Syndicate your character works for having similar stated goals and a formidable paramilitary force.

SCP entries and creepypasta are known for being deeply variable in their quality thanks to the open format, and this is something that Trepang unfortunately inherits. The wide well of influences it draws on ends with a scattershot atmosphere. It opens with you fighting cryptids and bioweapons, before focusing in on the wider corporate conspiracy, leaving only side missions to explore the horror side. Even then it’s sporadic, with some missions being little more than combat arenas, and some laying on everything from cheap jumpscares and bad stealth, to genuinely unnerving and atmospheric moments. 

It’s in the commitment to the alchemy of horror and action that Trepang 2 most disappoints. It simply can’t make up its mind on what it’s trying to achieve, and shoots in too many directions to make an impact. Given more breathing room, it might have had time to explore all of these, but its main campaign is comprised of only a few missions, over in a compact few hours, with many threads left underexplored. Side missions and combat simulator leave plenty of action to return to, but the story leaves a hurried impression, especially with its last hour revelations and sudden conclusion. It’s a world that’s sketched out more than suggested, and even with all the supplementary material you never get a real sense of the how or why. And not in the classic horror ambiguity way. 

Thankfully, a lot of Trepang 2’s narrative failings are easy to forget when engaged in its sharp combat. Trepang keeps surprisingly faithful to the original FEAR and its era specific quirks, meaning there’s no aiming down the sights to slow down the action, with only scoped weapons allowing you to zoom in. Combined with the gunfire, smoke and debris tearing up the battlefield, every engagement is chaotic and blisteringly fast. The stimulation is borderline excessive, made manageable by the ability to slip into slow motion to track enemy positions and line up precision shots. Quick melee attacks supplement the gunplay, with the most crucial move being the slide, which acts as both a method to escape and knock down enemies for a quick execution.

The stealth mechanics are underbaked, but mostly serve as a way to silently take down a few enemies for an advantage before a fight, or escape under fire. My favorite addition has to be the ability to take unaware or stunned enemies hostage, using them as a shield, instantly killing them, or tossing them into a crowd while pulling the pin on their explosives, turning them into a free grenade. 

Combined, the moveset allows an explosive hit and run play style, weaving in and out of gunfire, then sneaking out with your cloak to appear at your next victim’s flank. Damage is high enough that even at full health and armor it only takes a few seconds under fire to get yourself killed, so even with this massive advantage you’ll need to make smart tactical decisions to survive. 

With a massive suite of arena missions and a recently added survival mode that strings multiple arenas together, there’s a huge amount of challenges to keep digging into in the post-game. I’d definitely like to see more full sized, directed level designs, since that’s where the combat shines best, but what’s here provides plenty until the inevitable future DLC. 

Trepang 2 isn’t quite the FEAR successor that I envisioned, never hitting the same highs of combat or atmosphere as the original game, but even Monolith couldn’t pull it off twice. Instead Trepang 2 forges its own identity, taking those ideas that inspired it, and bringing them forward for a new generation to enjoy. 

[amrantoinerubini]

Top Ten Destinations You Must Visit

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Lifestyle Elevation channel! Today, we're thrilled to bring you "Top 10 Unbelievable Travel Destinations You Must Visit." Join us as we embark on a virtual journey around the globe, exploring some of the most breathtaking and lesser-known destinations.

Machu Picchu, Peru: This iconic Incan site is not just a testament to the architectural prowess of ancient civilizations, but also offers breathtaking views of the Andes. The journey through the Inca Trail itself is an adventure, encompassing lush forests and majestic mountain scenery.

 Amalfi Coast, Italy: Stretching along the southern edge of Italy's Sorrentine Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is a blend of steep cliffs, vibrant blue seas, and picturesque towns. It's a paradise for those seeking scenic beauty, fine dining, and a taste of the laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.

 Kyoto, Japan: The cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is where you can witness the harmonious blend of modernity and tradition. From the serene Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, to the historic Gion district, Kyoto offers a journey through Japan's rich history and heritage.

 Santorini, Greece: Famed for its stunning sunsets, white-washed buildings with blue domes, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, Santorini is a romantic and picturesque island. Its unique volcanic beaches and ancient ruins add to its allure.

 Banff National Park, Canada: Located in the Rocky Mountains, Banff National Park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its turquoise glacial lakes, abundant wildlife, and numerous hiking trails, it's a place of natural wonder and adventure.

 New Zealand’s South Island: Known for its diverse landscapes, from the fjords of Milford Sound to the rugged Southern Alps, the South Island is a playground for adventure sports and outdoor activities, coupled with stunning natural scenery.

 Marrakech, Morocco: This historic city offers a sensory journey through its bustling souks, fragrant cuisines, and vibrant streets. The medieval architecture, such as the Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque, provides a glimpse into its storied past.

 Maui, Hawaii, USA: Maui is not just about beautiful beaches. It offers a diverse landscape, from the volcanic crater of Haleakalā to the lush Hana rainforest. The island is a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation.

 Tuscany, Italy: The region is renowned for its landscapes, art, history, and culinary tradition. Rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns like Siena and Pisa make Tuscany a quintessential Italian experience.

 Cappadocia, Turkey: Famous for its unique geological formations known as fairy chimneys, Cappadocia is a visual spectacle. The region is best viewed from a hot air balloon, offering a magical perspective of the landscape.

 Each of these destinations offers a unique travel experience, from natural wonders and outdoor adventures to rich cultural and historical explorations.

Remember, the world is full of incredible places waiting to be explored. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel, click the bell button to get notified about our latest adventures, and visit us in Boston at AMR Antoine Rubini on 1 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110. For more travel inspiration, check out our website at www.antoinerubini.com.  

[heidiblairalaska]

Heidi Blair and Amr Higgy - The Exciting Lifestyle of Alaska

When you think of Alaska, what comes to mind? Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures? While these are all true characteristics of the 49th state, Alaska offers so much more than that. Heidi Blair and Amr Higgy have traveled to Alaska numerous times throughout their lives and have fallen in love with Alaska and the beautiful nature around it. In this blog, Heidi and Amr discuss the exciting lifestyle that Anchorage has to offer visitors and talk about some of their favorite experiences from visiting. Read on to learn more about this amazing place!

  A view you won’t forget

Alaska is a land of extremes and it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth. With towering mountains, pristine forests, and glistening glaciers, it's no wonder that people are drawn to this amazing state. Heidi Blair and Amr Higgy have experienced firsthand the excitement and adventure that Alaska has to offer. From dog sledding to ice climbing, they've done it all and loved every minute of it. If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, then look no further than Alaska.

 Get close with wildlife

According to Heidi and Amr, one of the best things about Alaska is getting close with wildlife. Travelers have the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat, which is an unforgettable experience. Seeing animals in the wild is an amazing opportunity that everyone should take advantage of.Alaska is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. It is no wonder why people come from all over the world to explore this wonderful place.

 Go camping under the stars

Traveling in Alaska is an amazing experience because of the beautiful scenery. Heidi Blair and Amr Higgy say that one of the best ways to experience this is by camping under the stars. Camping allows you to really appreciate the vastness and beauty of the night sky. It's a great way to relax and connect with nature. Plus, it's a lot of fun!

 Meet friendly locals

Heidi and Amr love the locals in Alaska. They are always willing to help visitors with directions or recommendations on the best places to go. Heidi and Amr have never had a bad experience with locals in Alaska. In fact, they believe that the people here are some of the most friendly they have ever met! Heidi and Amr also like how people in Alaska try their hardest to preserve the environment. The state is so beautiful, it’s hard not to feel an instant connection with nature.

[basicsofislam]

ISLAM 101: ISLAM AND OTHER RELIGIONS: DIALOGUE: Part 2

What are the examples of interreligious dialogue and tolerance shown to the members of other religions during the period of the Four Caliphs?: Part 2

b. Tolerance Shown to their Worshipping and Sacred Values Within the framework of the freedom of religion and conscience that Islam granted non-Muslims, they worshipped however they liked, and they were not interfered no matter what their worshipping style was. During the conquest actions that started shortly after the death of the Messenger of Allah most of the cities were conquered peacefully. The non-Muslims who signed a contract with Muslims were presented their responsibilities and rights through a treaty in return for a tax called jizyah. In the treaties that were given to non-Muslims after the conquest during those periods, there were items guaranteeing that the existing churches in those areas would not be demolished. On the conquest of Jerusalem, Hazrat Omar, who came to the city to sign a peace treaty, gave all kinds of assurance to the people. When the Patriarch Sofronios offered Hazrat Omar to pray in the Church of the Resurrection, Hazrat Omar rejected this offer lest it should be converted to a mosque in the future. Caliph Omar Ibn Abdulaziz tried to correct a wrongful application about the church of St John that was demolished by Walid Abdulmalik while the mosque of Damascus was being extended. Omar Ibn Abdulaziz decided to demolish the mosque in order to return the church – though the Christians did not accept it – and presented an important example of respect to law and treaties. There are a lot of worshipping places that were present before Islam and that are still preserved today. The monastery of St. Catherine, which was built in the 3rd century, is an important place still visited today. Because it was one of the first worshipping places of Christianity and has a very high value for Christians, it was not converted to a mosque; only a small room of it was chosen by Muslims to pray as a memory. When it is looked at from outside, the scenery with a small minaret and a bell tower at the foot of Mount Sinai shows the attitude of Muslim towards non-Muslims and proves the understanding of real dialogue, surviving so many events and standing today.  We can say the following as a summary: Our Prophet (PBUH) assured Christians that their churches would not be demolished. There is no information in the early documents that he put forward any conditions for this assurance. Later after the conquests, some new situations emerged in the treaties. They were the conversion of some churches to mosques and their confiscation because Muslims first established their mosques when they conquered a place. The establishment of mosques in that city was important because it showed the sovereignty of Muslims and their religious identity. Therefore in some cities depending on the situation, some churches were shared with Christians temporarily.  c. Religious Discussions between Muslims and Non-Muslims and the Tolerance shown to them Islam shows its general attitude towards the People of the Book (Christians and Jews) through many verses in the Quran. Its best interpreter and executor, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) formed a framework of it. The People of the Book were at first warned about the issues that they were mistaken, and they were invited to the same belief that was present in the essence of the heavenly religions. Muslims were warned about their persistent orientations and deliberate enmities, and it was emphasized that conveying the truth should be carried out through the best methods and wisely (al-Ankaboot 46). 

The most important aspect to be mentioned is that it is the Quran that started the discussion of interreligious beliefs. When it is taken into account that the Quran invited members of Christianity and other religions to religious discussions, and the freedom of thought both in the early period of Islam and later, and even during the Crusades, it will not be possible to say that the people living under Islamic rule had any oppression and did not have the opportunity to discuss religious matters.  It is not possible to say that Muslims had difficulty in dealing with the different religions and schools, especially Christians in the conquered countries because Muslims were informed about the other religions by the Quran and became familiar with them. It is an indisputable fact that from the very beginning there were always mutual discussions, verbal criticisms, written criticisms or defenses in the communities under Islamic rule in which zimmis were apart. What is more, in time some of these verbal discussions were reported by narrators or rarely even by the people who discussed.  Christians were always able to discuss their ideas, and they were never prevented from defending their religions, beliefs, and values in the environment of respect beyond tolerance in terms of the freedom of religion and conscience. A lot of books and booklets were written by Christians related to these issues. The discussions recorded between the Jacobean Patriarch of Antioch Jean I and a commander of the Islamic army, the Jacobean Patriarch of Egypt and Amr Ibn al-As, a Nestorian priest and a Muslim can be recalled here. When one of the prominent Christian theologians, John of Damascus, and his follower Abu Qurra put forward ideas that criticized Islam they were shown tolerance and given necessary answers. The conversations between the Nestorian Patriarch Timothy and Caliph al-Mahdi, discussions between members of different religions in the presence of al-Mamun are known today, and booklets containing some of those discussions reached today.

[rapide40slideout]

AMR ~ THINKING ABOUT THEMES, LISTENING TO BENEDICT DREW “The Ughhh Ballads” - Trapped in a room with Andrew Neil’s nose (bad feeling) / escaping the false memory of a once great nation boogie (good feeling) / standing stone tour guide (bad feeling) / in praise of the chemical that produces the effect of feeling empathy (good feeling)

- doors/windows/frames/boxes/containers/squares - plantlife, greenspace, trees, flowers or is this just easy? - weeds, however, are funny, because they are tenacious yet small/insignificant/but not insignificant because they benefit biodiversity and support the ecosystem - buildings, old buildings, brutalism shapes, residential buildings, repetitive shapes,  minimal shapes, rural textures on buildings... comes back to first theme of contained shapes - landscapes - scenery, again, too easy? simply pictorial, basic aesthetic beauty? - plants intercepting with containers/fixed shapes/urban shapes and the complete unpredictability of that

[Paul suggests we play the album Tomasz Bednarczyk - Let’s Make Better Mistakes Tomorrow]

- daughter and allowing her autonomy within the photo, always, as a way of exploring her character unintrusively   - depicting “love” in oblique ways, introducing narrative subtly through softness and usually light and natural forms - flowers, rock, mountain, moss - Coventry, urban-world, under-loved such as corners, dilapidated things, half-complete things, things with traces/markings, things that jar like tower blocks and flowers - rambling/drifting/walking - walking as a THEME, these images are often sparse with a wide horizon, they depict seasons, they are about the feeling of being outside, they are really about finding what is ‘within’ by being without (the house, the kids, the chatter, the work) or by being with-outdoors ... what are the feelings towards humanity or the purpose, what am I trying to sooth or speak to or look after which went neglected? What’s the cause?

[shadowetienne]

Etienne’s Top Fives of 2017 - Kazakh Pop Edition

I started getting into Kazakh Pop (Qpop) sometime late last year, and this has been my first full year really listening to it.  I’ve definitely found some singers and groups that have really impressed me, and overall, I’m enjoying this adventure into another pop realm.  I’m super glad that I accidentally stumbled over a few Qpop MVs when I was searching for something completely different and fell down that rabbit hole.

(A special thank you here to @qisforqazaq for helping me hear about more groups and see more MVs!)

There are so many things that have caught my ears in Qpop this year, and some of them obviously can’t make it into this list, so here are a few musicians and groups that didn’t make my list that are definitely worth the listen:

Ali Okapov with “Jenimpaz” 

Jayrun with “Aimalashy”

Alem Band with “Bolyndar Dos”

Niyazova with “Dai Mne Znat”

Dinara Sultan with “Oralmaidi Ol”

Ziruza with “Ayt Endi”

Dana Kentai with “Konyrau”

ST Brothers with “Kazakhsha Jazz”

Amre with “Aitshy Zauabyn”

Baurzhan Bimakhan with “Bir Zhol”

To find out Etienne’s Top Five Kazakh Pop Releases of 2017, look under the cut!

5. Renzo

With the song “QARA” above, Renzo managed to put together a song that really gets stuck in my head!  It’s a well put together MV, and I really like they way it builds up tension musically.  They picked a style that suits their voices, and they did a good job with it.  I’ll be interested to see what else they come out with!

4. KeshYOU

KeshYOU is definitely one of the first Kazakh pop groups that I came across.  And they were definitely a contributing factor to me getting further into the genre.  These ladies have amazing voices, and both of their MVs this year have been on point.  “Kalay Gana” (above) is definitely the more intense song, and I love it for that.  “Here” definitely has a mellower spring/summer fun song style, and I like it a lot for that.  Both of them show off the vocals spectacularly!

3. BN

BN brings me some stunning mixed gender group vocals, and I am here for this.  I liked all of their releases this year, and they definitely kept me well musically fed with some well spaced MV releases.  “Mektep” (above) was probably my favorite, but they were solid across the board.  They definitely make a style of music that I really like.  “Bir Sen” was a lot of musically enjoyable very silly fun, and “Top Tompak” brought a smoother more serious style.

I am looking forward to more from them and their excellent voices a lot!

2. Almas Kishkenbaev

Almas Kishkenbaev’s “Gazhap Alem” (above) is an excellent song from an amazing vocalist, and the MV has amazing scenery and cinematography.  I love the song, and it’s even better with the MV.  The use of effects makes it even better too, which is not something that I say lightly.  This is one of the songs that I’ve played over and over a few times this year!

1. The Kitchen Songs

The Kitchen Songs is one of the singers who caught my attention when I was first making my way into Qpop.  I really liked some of his older releases, and I didn’t get something from him until near the end of the year, but this song (and adorable MV) were well worth the wait.  “Tap Tattisin” (above) is a really good, mellow song with great vocals, and the MV is really cute.  (I love how well he portrays cat body language; I giggled so much.)

[appliancesreviews]

What is HFR (high frame rate) format?

Of course, modern television is one of the fastest growing segments of consumer electronics. Stiff competition encourages companies to spend significant funds on the development of innovative technologies. As a result, only in the last few years, companies have developed several revolutionary technologies, including OLED and QLED matrices, HDR technology (Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10 +, etc), flexible screen, HDMI 2.1, etc. By the way, at CES 2019, 260 flexible OLED screens, connected together to imitate a cloudy sky struck the imagination of the most imperturbable viewers.

As a consequence, the market already today offers TVs with 8K resolution, with transfer of dynamic matadata via HDMI 2.0a or HDMI 2.1 for HDR, etc. Unfortunately, information from companies often contains elements of marketing that partially distort their customer value. Of course, experts are actively discussing the prospects, pros and cons of each technology. But the natural contraversiveness of any discussion and the large amount of information complicates its perception. Therefore, even limited information about these technologies can simplify the task of the optimal consumer choice.

Refresh rate and FPS

Of course, the development of the HFR (High Frame Rate) format refers to an innovative trend. As known, playback speed significantly affects the perception of video content. It, in turn, depends on the screen refresh rate and FPS of video. The list of its values historically includes 24, 25 and even 29.97 fps. Refresh rate characterizes the matrix class and reaches 100 or 120 Hz in modern models. The adoption in 2017 of the new HDMI 2.1 standard with an expanded bandwidth has stimulated an increase in the refresh rate to 120 (100) Hz. Frequency difference was formed because of synchronization with the mains frequency in the United States and Europe, where they are, respectively, 50 and 60 Hz. It was convenient for matching the frequency of a line transformer on CRT TVs. In fact, it characterizes the rate of updating frames on the screen. In addition, almost all companies use efficient frame interpolation technologies and dynamic scenes indices, including Clear motion rate (CMR), Picture Quality Index (PQI), Picture Mastering Index (PMI), Perfect Motion Rate (PMR), Motionflow XR, Active Motion & Resolution(AMR), Backlight scanning BLS, Clear Motion Index (CMI), Subfield Motion, etc. They form intermediate virtual frames to smooth the image in highly dynamic scenes. Models with HFR support can to play video content with 48, 60 or even 120 fps. Manufacturers of computer games have long used animation with high fps. Today, 30fps is the minimum even for the base level. Improved animation requires 60fps. In addition, the most popular Youtube video service also supports 60fps video. Such video clips began to look smoother, brighter and more spectacular.

History

Of course, the filmmakers have already tried to increase fps. For example, Cinerama (26fps) and Todd-AO (30fps) formats appeared on the American market in the 50s of the last century. But they didn’t gain much popularity by presenting only a few films, including the famous “Around the World in 80 Days” by Brit Michael Anderson.

The new format demanded big expenses, including the construction of special cinemas. However, the film industry continued to experiment. Showscan (60fps / 70 mm film) in the early 80s and IMAX HD (48fps) in the 90s were the next generation. The magnificent cinema IMAX has rightly become a landmark in London.

Unfortunately, the too high cost of shooting once again slowed down the modernization of this industry. It was only at the end of the zero years of the 21st century that Internet piracy and the popularity of home theaters stimulated the modernization of the film industry. Initially, film studios focused on 3D format. But, despite the loud success of "Avatar" by James Cameron and some other films, 3D had a significant drawback. Many viewers experienced physiological discomfort in the perception of 3D images, including headaches. Of course, this format required improvement. James Cameron put forward a simple but ingenious version that the traditional 24 fps are not well suited for 3D. He correctly assumed that an increase in fps would reduce the strain on the eyes, eliminate the flickering stroboscopic effect and increase the playback smoothness. In addition, the new digital cameras did not require a film, eliminating the influence of fps on its cost.

HFR

In the spring of 2011, Cameron announced at the CinemaCon forum in Las Vegas about the decision to shoot Avatar in HFR format at 48fps. In addition, he demonstrated two versions of the same scene, shot with different fps.

A few months later, he presented the first low-cost Christie Solaria projector for playing 48 and 60fps formats at the Amsterdam IBC. Inspired by HFR technology, Peter Jackson shot the Hobbit trilogy in a new format.

The implementation of the technology took place without any particular difficulties, because modern film projectors required only software refinement. He used a RED Epic camera with built-in HFR function.

Soap opera effect

Increasing frames per second reduces eye fatigue, eliminates blackout at the corners of the frame, and improves overall brightness and image clarity. HFR dramatically reduces flicker, strobing and motion blur effect. But it, unexpectedly, created another problem. The super-sharp image and the absence of Motion Blur dramatically increase the visualization of the smallest details, including facial expression and makeup of the actors, the quality of the scenery and costumes, etc. As a result, traditional cinematic perception is distorted. Many viewers lose a sense of theatricality due to the soap opera effect.

This aspect was noted by many critics after the release of the Hobbit in the HFR 3D version with 48fps. Traditional films with 24fps adapted our sub-awareness to a slightly blurry cinematic image. Therefore, many viewers experience discomfort with a sharp increase in detail, which creates the effect of a magnifying glass. HFR visualizes the smallest flaws in makeup. But, the increased realism reduces the theatrical fabulousness of the movie. In fact, Cameron removed the glass from the cinema, which served as the "rose-colored glasses". However, this psychological barrier is unlikely to remain with the next generation of viewers. Most likely, most of them will initially perceive these nuances as the norm and this problem will disappear. But the director made certain conclusions. Filming of the second film has already used special Pro-Mist filters that reduce image clarity.

120fps

Probably, the shooting speed of 120 fps will be the next logical step in the development of this technology. This value is very convenient for creating virtual 24, 30 or 60fps with the help of combinations of 2, 3 or 4 frames with different exposure times and different shutter angles. Such a shooting has virtually no motion blur and artifacts and does not require extrapolation of motion. It, of course, requires bandwidth expansion, but simplifies processing using standard post-algorithms. Shooting 60fps is quite difficult to convert to 24fps for outdated equipment due to the need for advance motion compensation. The 120fps / 24fps conversion uses simple decimation, retaining basic motion information. In fact, it only requires linearization of the data, merging and averaging of the image and re-color calibration. This technology has been working for a long time and provides efficient post-processing. HFR is claiming to become a new broadcast technology, which improves the quality of 4K Ultra HD by increasing fps of video to 120. This is the maximum value for broadcast content compared to most modern technologies that support only 50fps content or less. Today, many modern top models already support the HFR format. For example, LG introduced TVs with HFR support at 120fps at CES 2019. This video shows 25fps vs 50fps. Read the full article

[tripstations]

Have Instagram Influencers Ruined Travel For An Entire Generation?

What a great platform Instagram has been for influencers to show off the worlds best destinations. Inspiring wanderlust and uncovering new hidden gems. Then, almost overnight, everyone seemed to want to do the same thing. Become an influencer, whilst missing the part about actually being influential. Images became less about the destinations, and more about pretty and edited images where individual egos and a drive for self-fame took over from the overriding message of inspiring travel. The destination took a back seat, and in an ever increasing attempt for ‘insta-fame’ people portrayed perfect lives of 365 days travel a year. Recent stories that have surfaced of apparent influencers editing the same pictures of clouds into different images does little to throw any water on the flames of the current argument.

Almost overnight, the word influencer became one of the most toxic words on the internet. The audience woke up to the fact that entitled ‘influencers’ actually have very little qualification to tell their audience what to buy, where to go and what to think, simply because they take set-up pictures. And rightly so people have woken up to this reality. There are plenty of influential people on social media – that is very different to ‘influenecrs’ who have seemingly largely now renamed themselves to ‘content creators’ – simply discounting from the actual talented content creators ranging from photographers to videographers out there. The crowd pilling into the ‘influenecer’ bandwagon also unfortunately discounted from those that could be classified as an influencer and being influential. Granted, that certainly exists—there are many people on social media that have built-up an adorning audience that cares about what they have to say, and where they go, but it has now become increasingly difficult to distinguish these people in amongst the wider noise. Having followers doesn’t translate to actual influence. This was recently demonstrated by the revelation that an ‘influencer’ with over 2 million instagram followers couldn’t sell 20 T-shirts to her audience. 

Instagram is displayed on Apple’s App Store. (AP Photo/Amr Alfiky)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

How many times have you seen a beautiful picture of an overwater villa in the Maldives on Instagram? Could you actually remember the name of any resorts you see though in the Maldives or the hotel captured in those perfectly set up floating breakfast tray shots in Bali, with overly edited pictures? I certainly can’t.

Looks great doesn’t it? Double tap images, and then move on with your day. The remaining marketing message that you have been left with is that you want to go to said promoted destination, eventually. We are being sold a dream of a room that costs thousands of dollars a night, by people that (largely) couldn’t and wouldn’t be able to afford to stay there off their own accord, without complimentary nights to market the message—influencers have been using a follower count to live complimentary lifestyles sold to whoever pays the most—paid for, in kind, by their followers.

Would that be considered false advertising? Perhaps, but that’s a different topic altogether. The very problem here, and with the never ending push for influencers to get more ‘wow’ content, is that what we are seeing visually, is rarely what we are likely to experience when we travel in reality.

So what happens when we see this visual stimulation? We as the audience see someone’s supposedly perfect life and we wonder why and how this person has these amazing experiences and we don’t. Importantly, we see all these amazing destinations and when we as the audience make that once in a lifetime trip to them, it leads to disappointment that said destination isn’t how we have been made to believe it looks like. The book ‘Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass’ gives an interesting insight into this. Douglass talks about slaves never being made to feel worthy. This hypothesis can be translated to how influenecers make an audience feel, that they have got it so ‘right’. We as an audience seeing all these beautiful destinations feel less worthy and over time, we actually need this ‘expert’ even more, so we can figure out how they are doing so well. We need to buy their product, their service, their presets even! But no you don’t, you categorically don’t. Because that’s how so many of these ‘influencers’ are able to portray such beautiful images onto us and continue this lifestyle. The audience inevitably pays.

Social media users seem determined to push the limits of photos. Taken in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

James Asquith

I’ve heard of ‘influencers’ waking up so early at 5am to go and capture what later appears as perfect pictures at the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Granted, the number of tourists here is incomprehensible, and yes, visually, pictures may look better when you have the fountain to yourself—but what message does that send? When we turn up and see this beautiful landmark and it’s filled with hundreds if not thousands of people with selfie sticks and munching on gelato? The overcrowded reality vastly differs from what we have seen on Instagram, and it often disappoints—why wasn’t I able to get that perfect picture? How did the influencer get it so right and I didn’t? But the visual stimulation we have previously seen means travel is being ruined, because we should be appreciating the buzz, the vibe and the people that bring the destination to life. Would you rather have everything to yourself? No noise, no crowds? I certainly wouldn’t. This is why to all those influencers that edit people out of pictures on the Charles Bridge in Prague, or do idiotic couple acts like hanging out of a train kissing in Sri Lanka, my message to you, from someone that uses Instagram often as well, and has indeed visited every country, is to stop deceiving audiences with unobtainable visual stimulation. Be realistic, otherwise every travel experience will be a let down for your audience. People that have saved up for perhaps years to go to the Maldives and when they get there and don’t have that beautiful huge overwater villa we have all seen ‘influencers’ take a picture of on instagram—disappointed aren’t you? I would be too. The influencer got the villa for free, you would have had to pay thousands of dollars more for it beyond a standard room, and your vacation is not how influencers or instagram would have you believe it would be. There’s a continuing theme here.

Rewind back a couple of years. It all started out so well. The word influencer was quite new, and to a large extent, respected. A group of people that had carved out a niche on social media platforms to showcase the world’s best places and products. Then, like with anything good in this life, almost overnight, everyone tried to get in on being an ‘influencer’. Unqualified at best, and fraudulent at worst. Being an ‘influencer’ seemed a great ‘job’ for many—who wouldn’t want to travel for free and get paid to promote products you’ll likely never use? 

Bali rice terraces – another popular ‘instagramable location’ that gets perfected in photos by many influencers

James Asquith

Because someone takes an unattainably realistic photo and uses extensive editing software, how does that qualify them to preach about what is good and not. Let’s stop to think about the visual stimulation we get shown – ‘influencers’ show off these great destinations, but the pictures we see are rarely ever about just the destination are they? It is about ego and fame. Almost every post has aforementioned ‘influencer’ in the picture pulling some pensive pose like they have just discovered an entirely new destination— whilst likely promoting a clothing line at the same time. 

What happened to a good old picture of scenery or a monument? Now, the people that take those pictures are the real content creators and photographers with actual talent in my opinion. Videographers that make inspirational content that inspire travel. We don’t need to go to a destination and see it as we have seen on an instagram post. The world isn’t perfect and that should be appreciated. The atmospheric buzz of crowds of people in our pictures I would rather take any day over a ‘perfect shot’. Stop for a moment and appreciate your surrounding, who you’re with, and become inspired. But again, you shouldn’t even be listening to me—carve out your own way and don’t let anyone on social media make you feel inferior. 

Pisa, Italy. Influencers have popularised perfect and quirky pictures at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but tourists are regularly amazed to see the extent of what lays the other side of the camera lens here

James Asquith

I myself use Instagram extensively, but not as a platform to make my income, and have almost never done any paid posts. That doesn’t mean I’m against paid posts, but only when it’s a product an ‘influenecer’ would use themselves, and more importantly would and could pay for themselves, without their followers essentially footing the bill. I have also visited every country in the world and spend 360 days of the year on the road working remotely – does that instantly qualify me as an expert in the travel field? Absolutely not. If I get more likes than other people does that make me ‘better’? Not a chance. We need to appreciate our own individual experiences and stop pursuing the manufactured ‘influencer’ content we are shown. I’ve personally put a light hearted approach on this by laying on the floor like a splatted egg in front of monuments where there are scores of people trying to get that perfect picture like they may have seen on social media.

So the next time we arrive at that bucket list destination, and it doesn’t appear as visually stimulating as to what ‘influencers’ have demonstrated it to be, just remember to enjoy travel on your own terms. Not everything we see has to be about ‘Melbourne’s Top 10 most Instagrammable coffee shops’. Why should a coffee shop that looks aesthetically better than others get more customers, when other coffee shops may serve much better coffee? It shouldn’t all be about replicating what an ‘influenecer’ has done. Pictures are important memories from our travels, but so are the experiences we have. Social media should genuinely inspire us to travel, rather than make our experiences seem inferior to what we have seen. Therefore, I think it’s important to detach that ‘influencer’ content is generally not real life. Tagged brands, likely. A great picture, most definitely. But likely not the great experience that we can all have on our own individual level. 

The post Have Instagram Influencers Ruined Travel For An Entire Generation? appeared first on Tripstations.

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[design-faves]

Amr Elshamy: The Art of Storytelling and Magical Sceneries

[flyingcarpettours]

Egypt Budget Tours

Explore Egypt and visit all the important and most famous sites with Egypt Budget Tours as Flying Carpet tours promise you to exceed all your expectations by offering high quality services and accommodations and transportation means with your budget money, just count on us and join our great tours discover Egypt without spending unnecessary money we got your back.

See the best of Egypt with your minimal budget with Flying Carpet Tours great trips to the must see monuments and temples all over Egypt.

Get the opportunity to visit and take a tour around Egypt the biggest city and the capital of Egypt, Cairo Cheap Vacation save money and travel with Flying Carpet tours, Visit Memphis Museum and witness the colossi of king Ramses the 2nd and all the ruins and antiques of the ancient Egyptians, then go to Sakkara area to see the step pyramid where the oldest funeral complex surrounding the whole area, Have your at one of the most famous restaurants at Giza to have a taste of the oriental Egyptian cuisine, Moving to the great pyramids of Giza to see one of the seven wonders of the world the Great Giza pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the great Sphinx statue and you will get the chance to the shopping market to buy some gifts in the city tour.

Your visit to the Egyptian museum is going to be started as you will see all the unique ancient Egyptian antiques but not only see them but also you will have you own private tour guide to explain all the antiques and unique pieces, ,make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to join us to a tour to the old Cairo to visit the citadel of saladin which dates back to 1171 AD, then a tour to Mohamed Li Pasha Mosque, the Hanging Church, The Synagogue of Ben Ezra and the mosque of Amr Ibn El-AAS.

Get to discover the marvelous Cities of Cairo and Luxor with Cairo and Luxor Budget Tours as Flying Carpet tours visit all the important and famous Temples, museum and monuments such as the West Bank and the features it gathers also Luxor Temple which have one-third of the whole world monuments, Valley of the Kings and Queens, Temple of the Queen Hatshepsut and the colossi of Memnon and a free evening market tour to shop for gifts as much as you can.  

Cairo, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor Budget Tours get to tour around those amazing cities and visit all the must see temples and tourists attractions and site sightseeing.

Get to try the unforgettable desert safari adventure and discover the amazing scenery views at the desert with Flying Carpet trips to Cairo and Hurghada Budget Tours whatever the activities you will find in the city of Hurghada as we know that not all the people are an adventure lovers so we recommend to you trying the magical under water activities whether by Diving, Swimming in the Red Sea or even snorkeling, But what if you want to dive into the deep water of the Red Sea without even getting your feet wet! Don’t worry because the Submarine tours will give you the chance to discover the underwater life and explore all the amazing colored fish and the wide range of the one like no other Coral reef which are giving the red sea area the best competitive advantage with this variety of colored coral reefs and the distinctive underwater creatures.

If you got a short time to spend on Egypt and don’t want to spend it in only one destination or you don’t know which destinations is the best to visit first don’t worry because  Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada Budget Tours we get to all the great must visit destinations in Egypt with a well-organized itinerary to make sure you visit the magical cities Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada in your short time trip.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Cairo

At the time your flight touching Cairo Land, one delegate from Flying Carpet Tours will be holding a sign with your name, transfer to hotel, relax from the inconvenience of your travel, overnight in Cairo.

Day 02: Cairo Tours, Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx

Taste the flavor of your breakfast at hotel, then Flying Carpet Tours guide will lead you to a ravishing tour to Pyramids of Giza, feast your eyes by visiting Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinus, then your guide will take you to panoramic view of the pyramids, memorable photos available to the three pyramids together, next move to the Sphinx, scout the valley temple, Optional to visit the Step Pyramid of Sakkara and Memphis City where you can beguile your eyes at the open Air Museum which contains a huge statue of Ramses II, finally back to hotel, overnight in Cairo.

Day 03: Cairo Tours, Egyptian Museum

Taste the flavor of your breakfast at hotel, then Flying Carpet Tours  guide will escort you to ravishing day tour to the Egyptian Museum which contains amazing treasures of King Tut Ankh Amun, Mummy room available with an extra fees, Optional to visit Citadel of Salah El-Dein to watch the glorious of the Alabaster Mosque belongs to Mohamed Ali, Or Optional Tour to Old Cairo, visit the Hanging Church, Abu Serga Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, then back to hotel, overnight in Cairo.

Day 04: Cairo at leisure

Taste the flavor of your breakfast at hotel, relax at your hotel in Cairo, Variety of optional tours waiting for you to scout, either to visit Alexandria, explore Kom El-Shokafa (Cata Comb), Alexandria Library, Montazah Palace, Qaitbai citadel, the Roman amphitheatre (if it was allowed to visit), try as well optional Dinner Cruise on the magic Nile River with Folklore show, and Belly Dancer, surprises are waiting for you, optional to the sound & light show available as well, overnight in Cairo.

Day 05: Final departure

Today is the valediction day, taste the flavor of your breakfast at hotel, then one of Flying Carpet Tours delegates will lead you to Cairo International airport, for the final departure.

Including

04 Nights accommodation in Cairo with Breakfast and all taxes

02 Half Day Tours in Cairo to the sites mentioned at the above program

Entrance fees to the sites mentioned at the above program in Cairo

English speaking guide in Cairo

One Bottle of Mineral Water to each person

All service charges and all taxes

Meet at Cairo Airport upon arrival

Transfer to Cairo International airport on final departure

Excluding

Egypt Visa

International flight

Any Optional tours

Tip.

[r0tt13]

amrs so mcfuckin good it took me forever to beat just cuz i was doing nothing but lookin at the scenery

[heidiblairalaska]

Heidi Blair and Amr Higgy-Life in Alaska is Exciting and Stunning

Bold and beautiful, Alaska is one of the most exciting places in the United States to live or visit. From Anchorage to Fairbanks, from Denali National Park to Juneau, this vast state has scenery that will stun even the most jaded traveler. Heidi Blair and Amr Higgy are two Alaskans who have traveled to all corners of their home state and know it well, whether they’re talking about its astounding mountains, its vibrant cities, or its breathtaking wildlife. For them, there’s no place else they’d rather be than Alaska!

[drkhaledamr-blog]

The Top Places to Hike Near Columbus, Ohio

Dr. Khaled Amr has over three decades of experience in medicine and is certified through the American Board of Anesthesiology. For the past six years, he has served as medical director at Columbus Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, where he practices pain management and provides treatment for narcotics addiction. When he is not working, Dr. Khaled Amr enjoys being outdoors and spends time hiking. Here are some of the best areas to hike near Columbus, Ohio: 1. Rocks and Roots Trail Located in Alum Creek State Park, The Rocks and Roots Trail has challenging terrain that requires a moderate skill level for both hikers and runners. The trail is north of Columbus in Delaware, Ohio, and gives visitors the choice of hiking the north or south loop. The north offers forest and lakeside views while trekking the south loop will take visitors through the forest where they can spot a variety of different bird species. 2. Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve Trail Southwest of Columbus by 45 miles is a trail in the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. The trail runs along a gorge and through protected land where hikers can enjoy scenery untouched by humans, including small waterfalls. One location where visitors can start their hike is at the Clifton Trailhead, which is nearby Clifton Mill where they can also stop for rest and food. 3. Buckeye Trail Also southwest of Columbus, Caesar Creek State Park features a 20-mile section of the Buckeye Trail. The trail offers unpaved hiking and branches off to other hiking trails where visitors can walk across a swinging bridge and see a small waterfall. Staying on the Buckeye trail loop will give visitors a view of Caesar Creek Lake.

[fenyutas]

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/fenyutas?sub_confirmation=1 More videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/Fenyutas/videos?flow=grid&view=0 Dachstein: a Glacier full of opportunities Experience the exciting Dachstein glacier world & all its sights and activities above it all. At 2,700 meters the highest mountain of Styria presents itself with a legendary natural scenery and a panoramic view over the mountain peaks of Austria far to the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Attractions such as the Dachstein suspension bridge, the Sky Walk, the Ice Palace or the Dachstein stairway to nothingness make your unforgettable mountain experience even more exciting. Within this scenery, breathtaking moments are guaranteed as well as thrill with a view. Already the ascent - during summer on the balcony of the Dachstein panorama gondola is an outstanding experience for its own. I watch this themes: DIY, crafts, tips, amazing life hacks, how to, toothpaste, how to make, handmade, homemade, reuse, ideas, tutorial, 5-minute crafts, coca-cola, create, clean, tricks, balloon, useful life hacks, coke, banana, recycle, drill, coca-cola life hacks, handcraft, diy projects, balloon tricks, useful things, simple life hacks, lifehacks, do it yourself, balloon life hacks, repurpose, easy life hacks, survival life hacks, smartphone hacks, coca-cola can, coca-cola hacks, life hacks with smartphone, ice cream, 3 simple, 2018, iron, science, ball, test, vs, for kids, at home, coca cola, motor, foam, way, ways, metal, orbeez, science experiments, 1000, ice, matches, awesome, free energy magnet, satisfying video, satisfying, free energy, liquid nitrogen, experiments, experiments to do at home, degree, car vs, experiment videos, glowing, science projects, free energy generator, mentos, 12v, home science, experiments with water, science fails, dry ice, light bulb, dc motor, new technology, amazing science experiments, experiment science, free energy generator homemade, home experiment, science experiments you can do at home, new idea, lifehack, experiment at home, easy science experiments, diy experiments, experiment with egg, explosive test, coca cola bottle, fun life hacks, free energy device, mentos experiment, free energy motor, science experiment, matches experiment, experiment matches, 3 simple life hacks, 4 simple life hacks, free energy light bulb, crazy experiment, diy science experiments, liquid nitrogen vs pepsi, edible experiments, foiled ball, safety matches, mentos test, electric free energy experiment, 5 simpe life hacks, experiment with matches, fish trap, fish, experiment using matches, experiment with fish, pepsi vs liquid nitrogen, 5 awesome experiments, pencil life hacks, science experiment: liquid nitrogen vs lighter, what happens if you put coke can in liquid nitrogen, liquid nitrogen into plastic bottle, can of coke in liquid nitrogen, liquid nitrogen experiment, tips and tricks, you can do, useful tricks, easy experiments, easy crafts, magic, trick, magic trick, diy activities, how to impress, make it easy, ideas for life, best life hacks, experiment, easy tricks, useful lifehacks, water tricks, best tricks, ever, diys, shows, ways, liquid, experiments with liquid, tricks with coca cola, coca cola tricks, awesome coca cola tricks, tricks with coca-cola, 5 crazy water tricks, balloon tricks at home, balloon tricks easy, how to make a fidget spinner, glue gun life hacks, hot glue gun hacks, with glue gun, water magic tricks, mentos & coca-cola, what to do, easy, baking soda, coca-cola tricks, phone tricks, fire tricks, liquid tricks, amazing tricks, water tests, plastic wrap, cable ties, plastic bottles, amazing life, ice cubes, glue gun, tricks 2018, awesome people, fidget spinners, spinner toys, fidget spinner, satisfying tricks, best satisfying, 5 awesome, amazing, crazy, viral, cool, wow, reverse, awesome reverse, amazing reverse, satisfying reverse, video reverse, aluminium, aluminium foil ball, aluminum, hot, I LOVE Youtube channels : power vision, mrgear, lhack tv, 5-Minute Crafts, 5x One, ADDYOLOGY, AlumiTube, American Hacker, American Tech, Amr MCI, Aredrine, Artkala, Be Creative, Beyond the press, BOKIN DIY, BrainfooTV, Brainiac75, brusspup, carsandwater, CELIMA, Chris Notap, Coverrise, Craftingeek, CRAZY BD, Crazy Experimenter, Crazyartline, crazyPT, CrazyRussianHacker, Creative Channel, Creative Ideas KM, DaveHax, DDelectroTech.com, Delta Hack, Dr Nozman, Dr.Hacker, DrBolt, DrScrew, Experimentboy, Genesis TV, grain, Hack Room, HaerteTest, HawkGuruHacker, HaTri, Hihacks, Household Hacker, How to Raju, Imaginative Guy, JLaservideo, JoshBuilds, Just5mins, Kinder miX, Life Hacks & Experiments, LXG Design, Magnetic Games, Mini Gear, MORENA DIY, Mr DegrEE, Mr Novruz, Mr Sagoo, Mr SunY, Mr. Hacker, Mr. Llega, Mr. Reverse, MR.ROMEO, MrEngineer, NDA Hack, NewKew, NightHawkInLight, OVT, PressTube, Rupoti, SkyBek, Slivki Show, Superconeri, Target Engineer, Thaitrick, The Action Lab, The King of Random, The Q,