#original is quite large like 7 times that web version I could make into a wallwide poster in my office

[tenebrare]

Hellraiser - Baptismus Impius

[letterboxd]

In Focus: The Truman Show.

Inspired by Letterboxd data that revealed it to be a lockdown favorite, editor-at-large Dominic Corry looks at the ever-evolving importance of contemporary masterpiece The Truman Show.

It has long been apparent that The Truman Show is an unnervingly prescient film. The story of a man who becomes aware that his superficially idyllic life is, in fact, a live-streamed television show has gone from being high-concept to every-day.

Thanks to the three Ps—the prevalence of mass urban surveillance, the proliferation of reality television and the pervasiveness of video in social media—the notion of cameras filming our every move is no longer a paranoid fantasy, but real life. The twist being that, for the most part, we all willingly signed up for it, and did all the filming ourselves. As Yi Jian saliently observes in his review: “Not to get all ‘we live in a society’ on Letterboxd but I know a person or two in real life that would actually give anything to trade lives with Truman, it do be like that sometimes”. It indeed do, Yi Jian.

So it’s something of a cliché at this stage to point out how we are all living in some version of the The Truman Show, and you don’t have to be a member of the royal family to feel that way. Yet, somehow, the film has become even more pertinent over the last eighteen months. And it’s a pertinence reflected in the massive uptick in viewership for the film as seen in Letterboxd activity.

During the month of February 2020, the last moment of the Before Times, The Truman Show had a modest 1,235 diary entries. That number tripled in April of that year, by which time the seriousness of the pandemic had become clear. And by July, deep in the worst of the pandemic, Truman fervor peaked, with a further 178 percent leap over April’s numbers, firmly placing it in the top 200 films watched by our members in a year of lockdown. (By the way, ‘diary entries’ mean activity where the member has added a watched date; many thousands more also marked Truman as ‘watched’ in those dark months, but didn’t specify a date.)

It’s not difficult to imagine why we might become more interested in revisiting this eminently re-visitable film. During lockdown, social media—including Letterboxd—took on a greater presence in terms of how we communicated with each other. We got used to seeing footage of faces more than actual faces. We were all the stars of our own ‘Truman Show’, and simultaneously the audience of everyone else’s ‘Truman Show’.

Christian Torres boiled it down effectively when he wrote: “Now every movie I see seems to be related to my life in quarantine. I am Truman and I want to escape.” And Sonya Sandra eloquently captured the film’s increased contemporary significance in her review: “This is a real-life daylight horror film. The best kind. Even more relevant in 2021 than ever. We are all Truman, we all want to find what is real in our fake lives filled with media, capitalism and ideology. And it’s our job to fight the storm and get to the truth of it all. Nothing is real, everything is for profit, and everyone is selfish. Go out and find what is real, because it’s definitely not here.”

With its deft, dazzling blending of the profound and the humorous, the optimistic and the cynical, it’s difficult to think of anything released since The Truman Show that comes as close as it does to being a modern-day Frank Capra movie. It’s hopeful, but has its eyes wide open. There’s a darkness in the themes of the film that is never replicated in the colors on display.

While everyone involved delivers career-best work, we must principally credit the triumvirate of talent at the center of the film: director Peter Weir, screenwriter Andrew Niccol and star Jim Carrey.

Star Jim Carrey and director Peter Weir on the set of ‘The Truman Show’ (1998).

Weir is a director who inspires much online love whenever his name is mentioned, but he isn’t really mentioned all that often. Or at least as often as he should be. The Australian filmmaker has delivered masterpieces across multiple genres, and it’s extremely sad that he hasn’t directed a movie since 2010’s not-quite-true World War II drama The Way Back, arguably one of his lesser works. That’s also, insanely, one of only two movies he’s made since Truman, the other being Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, the wide and rabid affection for which regularly kicks up on Twitter (not to mention demand for a sequel).

Weir doesn’t do many interviews, and while this 2018 Vanity Fair article marking Truman’s twentieth anniversary has many quotes about the film’s modern relevance, Weir doesn’t offer any commentary to that effect, presumably preferring to let the work speak for itself—though in this 1998 interview he did talk about the relationship between the media, the general public and the people we become fascinated with, as a “complex situation”.

The Vanity Fair article does, however, reveal a fascinating ‘what if’ scenario relating to Christof, the god-like director of the in-movie TV show played by Ed Harris, who offers up a pile of pretentious auteur clichés: mononymous, beret, etc. (beyond the whole god thing, that is). When Dennis Hopper, originally cast in the role, wasn’t working out, Weir considered playing the role himself, which would’ve added yet another meta layer. It brings to mind how George Miller styled Immortan Joe (played by Hugh Keays-Byrne) after himself in Mad Max: Fury Road, or how Christopher Nolan’s haircut shows up in most of his films.

Ed Harris as Christof in ‘The Truman Show’ (1998).

And, at one point, it could have gone mega-meta. Weir, in the 1998 interview, talked about a “crazy idea” he had, a technical impossibility back then but easily achievable with live-streaming now. “I would have loved to have had a video camera installed in every theater the film was to be seen [in]. At one point, the projectionist would … cut to the viewers in the cinema and then back to the movie. But I thought it was best to leave that idea untested.” Imagine.

Weir also played a role in helping to shape the originally much more overtly dark screenplay into the cheerier (on the surface at least) shooting script, which is solely credited to fellow antipodean, New Zealand-born Niccol, also a producer on the film. Both men have done the majority of their work in America, but it’s tempting to credit the film’s tone-perfect sense of heightened Americana to the degree of separation offered by their foreign provenance. In any case, it’s clear that open-air mall designers were paying attention.

Niccol’s original screenplay made his name in Hollywood, and revealed a storyteller excited by big ideas. He moved into directing with the smaller-scale Gattaca, released a year prior to Truman (itself delayed to meet Carrey’s availability). Niccol’s subsequent filmography includes several legit bangers (Lord of War hive step up!), and his endearing dedication to lofty allegories in a genre setting makes him an increasingly rare breed in Hollywood.

Like Weir, he is not the greatest fan of giving interviews, but the Vanity Fair piece quotes him making an interesting point: “When you know there is a camera, there is no reality,” thereby making Truman “the only genuine reality star.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by MusicMoviesMe, who writes that “‘Truman Show’ beats all other reality shows out there like Bachelors, Survivors and Kardashians. Come on, when you know there’s a camera at your tail, there’s no reality. So yes, Truman beats all reality shows out there bar none!”

The role was perfectly suited to Jim Carrey’s affected mannerisms, and his status as one of the world’s biggest stars meant he could relate to Truman more than most people. Then, at least. Nowadays, of course, we are all Truman.

“It is always incredible to see how far The Truman Show was ahead of [its] time,” observes The Closer79. “In a world where celebs are monitored 24/7 and we are showered with unnecessary private information on the web, where talent-free wannabes become famous and where you sometimes [wonder] what kind of surreal show society you are in—Truman and his fake show life cleverly have anticipated all of this. Only Truman knew nothing of his luck and he was granted an escape from his glass prison. We don’t really have this possibility… Aren’t we all Truman? Sometimes even voluntarily…”

Austin Burke concurs: “I have always known that I really enjoyed this film, but I had no clue that it would hold up so well years later… Could this be because the strange world that he finds himself in is far more similar to our world today? Possibly, but the idea and themes are so much more relevant now compared to when this originally released.” And while DallasFrance is conscious of piling on about the film’s prescience, his review highlights how there really is no limit to the film’s meta qualities:

“Instead of writing a review about how this film predicted social media, or how we’re all Truman, or yadda yadda yadda, I’ll instead fixate on the miraculous fact that two absolute legends were cast as primary viewers of the Truman Show:

1. The old lady from The Running Man who starts betting on Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger). ‘He’s one bad motherf*cker!’

2. The villain from The Karate Kid Part II:

‘Live or die, man?!’ ‘Die!’ ‘Wrong!’ *hooooonnnkkk*

I’ve never seen either of these actors in any other roles. With the second one, I felt like I was watching a character from my childhood watch a character from his childhood come to realizations about the characters in his childhood. So actually… the movie’s really about me.”

Never change, LB membership.

We are all generally pretty aware of how ahead of its time The Truman Show was, but that doesn’t lessen its impact. Maddie’s review shows that there’s always some new angle to consider: “Imagine being an extra in this movie… You would be an extra, playing an actor, playing an extra. Think about that long enough and tell me that doesn’t make you want to walk into the ocean.”

Kev goes even further: “Watching other people watch somebody else while also watching that person while also watching the person watching over that person is a great reminder that watching is weird, and to be watched is to not own yourself. Don’t watch, don’t try to be watched. Just live.”

Or perhaps Will encapsulates the film’s ability to present an ever-evolving message best, writing that, “clearly, this is video proof that we live in a simulation.” Beyond mere prescience, The Truman Show is a telling mirror to whatever era it is viewed in. Its message will continue to evolve.

Now that we’re finally (touch wood) emerging from the pandemic, it will be fascinating to see what The Truman Show has to say about its audience and the world they live in, in years to come. Rest assured, it will be well-documented by you, the Letterboxd audience.

Also: can Peter Weir please make another movie? Like, seriously.

Related content

A Meta-Reality: Robert’s list of layers of film in life and life in film

Follow Dom on Letterboxd

[solarscholarsofmagick]

7 Feelings that Most Witches Can Relate To

1. Feeling shame when you forget about a holiday (again)

Let’s be honest; it happens to us at least once. Life gets busy and before you know it, you see posts on Twitter, saying, “Blessed Ostara!” while you are in the breakroom, scarfing down bagel bites while simultaneously trying your damnedest to get marinara sauce off your white shirt. What happens next can only be compared to the 5 stages of grief:

Denial: Maybe everyone was just posting stuff early. Maybe they’re in a timezone waaaayyy ahead of yours. You didn’t see anything posted about it yesterday, so there’s no need to look at a calendar, because you didn’t forget about the holiday.

Anger: It’s not your fault, it’s society’s fault. It’s not like there’s tons of advertisements about it in the media. No, everyone is hung up on Easter. The lack of accurate representation pisses you off and you’re prepared to scream from the top of your lungs about your beliefs.

Bargaining: Okay, so maybe you initially forgot about it, but you can totally make up for it. You still have time in the day to go to the store and buy some ingredients to make a quick meal as an offering. Wiping that stain off your shirt can kinda represent creating a clean-slate, can’t it?

Depression: You are legit the worst witch in the world. What kind of witch doesn’t even remember the major holidays. No amount of salvaging the day will erase the fact that you forgot about it in the first place.

Acceptance: Missing the occasional (or every) holiday isn’t something worth beating yourself up for, especially since they traditionally span three days or a week anyways. Even non-witches will forget about mainstream holidays. Besides, there’s always next year if you absolutely can’t do anything this week.

2. Trying not to destroy your bank account on a really cool crystal

For most witches, the fascination with what are essentially pretty rocks predates their official delve into the craft. When we do delve, however, that love (pretty much an obsession at this point) amplifies. So, when we go by that crystal kiosk in the mall, it becomes all too hard to resist buying that $50 bonsai tree with leaves of tiny jade shards. Sometimes it’s a jade tree, sometimes it’s a large amethyst geode, and sometimes it’s a hand-crafted obsidian dagger with an ornate elk-antler handle. However, the little voice in the back of your head desperately screams out that this money can be better used on food or on hoarding toilet paper (excuse our memeing). Who wins the argument? Hell if I know. *tries to sneakily slide card across the counter*

3. Not being sure which *witchy* aesthetic you want to represent

There are so many different aesthetics that you see witches portray on social media such as Instagram, Twitter, and even Tumblr. There are so many, and they’re all so damn cute, so finding one to truly commit to is about as difficult as choosing your starter in the first Pokemon game. (Charmander is the right answer to that decision, by the way). Those aesthetics include, but are not limited to:

The “traditional” witch- This aesthetic is typically described as Goth, witchy, or spooky. It can entail black lipstick, straight pitch-black hair, spider-web stockings, and platform boots that go up to your knees or thighs. There is nothing wrong with following this aesthetic. Go for it and relish in the fact that you can easily crush your enemies under your 5-inch platforms. And the fact that you are able to walk in them while normies just can’t seem to quite grasp the skill.

The plant witch- These witches will wear lots of greens and often have floral or tree tattoos. Their social media is usually saturated with pictures of their green children. Their hands are more often than not coated in a thin layer of dirt, especially under their nails. They yearn for their own greenhouse or maybe just a really nice sunroom.

The bohemian witch- These witches fulfill an aesthetic similar to the hippie movement of the mid-1900’s. You can usually find them wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, and, more often than not, barefoot. Their Instagram is typically full of yoga poses and soap that they just hand-crafted.

The closet witch– Because these witches are not open (or are actively hiding) their craft, it is not easy to spot one. You have to look closer to see the signs. Such signs will usually be in the form of crystal and/or symbolic jewelry.

Pro-tip: You don’t have to fulfill a certain aesthetic. The aesthetic is never what makes a witch a true witch. So go nuts and wear what you want to wear. Your personal style is your aesthetic.

4. Getting Roasted by Your Own Tarot Cards/Runes/Divination Method

We usually consult our cards when we need answers. However, sometimes, we already know the answers and are just in denial. In these times, we consult our trusty tarot cards to find the real answer, since the one in our heads is obviously not the right one. It can feel like a slap in the face whenever we do a reading, hoping/praying for a different answer, and receiving what we already knew or facts we wished we hadn’t discovered. In these situations, it can mean that something unpleasant is the result of our own actions or that we have to do something unpleasant in the near future. The cards do not care about your feelings. The cards care about giving you the answers you need and helping you.

5. Forgetting About the Jar That You Put Outside to Collect Rainwater

It’s supposed to be simple. You wait until it rains, you grab a jar, you put it outside, and, once it finishes raining, you bring it back in. But, no, it never ends up this simple. It all seems to go wrong at step 4. After we put the jar out, more often than not, we go on about our day and the jar leaves our mind… usually for a few days. By that time, however, the water has either been evaporated or it has been contaminated with dirt, pollen, or even bugs. Just like with forgetting holidays, we tell ourselves that we won’t forget next time, but you don’t need to consult your cards in order to know that, unless you set an alarm on your phone, the cycle will only repeat itself.

6. Being Overwhelmed in the Beginning

Witchcraft is such a broad, broad term. When you say that you’re going to “practice witchcraft,” it can mean a multitude of things. You could be performing a spell, praying to your gods, drawing sigils, astral projecting, divining, and much, much more. You quickly discover this when you start your journey into the craft and it becomes overwhelming. We are in an age where vast amounts of information is at our fingertips at any moment. You find yourself asking, “Where do I begin?” We tell ourselves, “Let’s find a guide!” Then, we see that there are hundreds of “beginner” guides to the craft in bookstores and thousands online. It’s stressful and there’s a pressure of picking one that had the “right” version of things. In the end, you just have to make a leap of faith and pick one that feels right to you. Build your craft from things that pique your interest. Or, like me, you can close your eyes and grab one off the shelf and go with that.

7. Being Exasperated with Incorrect Portrayals of Witches/Paganism/Magick

You’re just hanging out with someone or a group, or you’re just chilling by yourself, innocently checking out something claiming to be about witches or paganism or magick- or even those books or movies about Ouija boards and/or malignant spirits- and as you’re watching, you notice some things are wrong. Very wrong. In fact, if the people in this had any knowledge at all of magick or paganism, they wouldn’t be in this unfortunate circumstance to begin wi- hey, don’t go without closing the ritual prope- at least the salt is still lini- hey, don’t do tha– I don’t even care anymore, they had no respect or reason to even do this in the first place. If people look to these things as what practicing magick is like (there are some very ignorant people out there), then they are getting a lot of misinformation and downright insulting stereotypes and stigmas ingrained in their minds. No, not all spirits are bad and trying to kill you, maybe if you’d show some respect, Karen, things wouldn’t try to kill you or possess you or whatever the fuck is going on here.

Please consider supporting us by viewing the original post on our website here!

[moatgrease44-blog]

Mini Facelift London

Femiwand info

Content

Fat Freeze!

Fat Freezing Brighton & Hove.

Fat Freezing.

British organization Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Cryolipolysisfat Freezingbristol

download treatment.

At Pall Shopping center we guarantee that you get the most effective feasible recommendations and treatment which you fit with the treatment, process and aftercare. Helena has to execute an appointment and also a patch test on one of the skin tags prior to dealing with additional skin tags at a different visit. For big skin tags, electrocautery with Aesthetic Registered nurse Moira is the very best therapy, for very large one minor surgery perhaps is called for. Skin tag removal is an aesthetic procedure, which is really seldom readily available with the NHS. It is not likely that you will certainly need time away from help skin tag removal, but this all relies on your individual needs and the sort of job that you do. If you have a local anaesthetic, after that are able drive to and from healthcare facility on the day of your operation.

Cauterisation is one of the most reliable elimination method for skin tags, by cold and also eliminating the lesion. During your appointment our clinician will certainly go over with you just how your skin tag will certainly be removed. A completely certified Consultant/ Medical professional will thoroughly examine your skin tag prior to any type of therapy begins and additionally check your medical history. Your cost-free assessment will be with one of our Surgical Nurses. During the examination, they will examine your skin tag and decide whether it is suitable for therapy as well as what sort of treatment would be most valuable. On the day of your treatment, you will certainly also be evaluated by the Medical professional; this is consisted of in the overall expense of the therapy.

Originally I was was nervous yet all the personnel were truly polite as well as kind and I was soon secure.

As a competitors champion I was treated the same as a paying client, with no aggressive high-pressure salesmanship.

Constantly feel my benefits are at the heart of their suggestions as well as therapy strategy options.

Dr shirin described the entire treatment throughly making sure I recognized and was most specialist.

Will definitely be placing every one of my therapies through Dr Shirin.

Having done vast research study before having any kind of therapies I picked Elite and also have not recalled.

As constantly wonderful experience at Elite If you desire a professional solution in a wonderful tidy atmosphere then I advise you give Elite a shot.

Fat Freeze!

You will certainly have an official appointment with a healthcare specialist. During this time you will have the ability to discuss your medical history, signs and symptoms as well as raise any problems that you could have. If you have a skin sore such as a mole, cyst, wart or skin tag as well as would like it gotten rid of, it is normally a straightforward procedure. You may want to take this action since it might hurt and limiting your movement. Or it can look unattractive and it is having a negative effect on your confidence, particularly if it is on the face or another visible component of your body. visit this web-site are unusual after this therapy nevertheless infection, reaction to anaesthesia, lesion recurrence, skin atrophy, skin ulcer, skin discolouration and the development of a scar can occur.

Complete elimination-- your entire skin sore is cut out and also operatively eliminated plus a margin of skin around its side. The injuries will certainly be shut utilizing glue, glue strips or stitches.

Is a facelift major surgery?

A facelift often will enhance the appearance of your cheek, jaw line and neck region but is considered major surgery.

There is no surprise costs as well as you are not obligated to wage your procedure. Skin tag removal procedures begin with ₤ 60.00 depending on the size and also location.

We also make use of excision as a fast, effective method to get rid of moles and skin lesions. The one quit center in Cheshire with experts in Chiropody, Dermal Fillers, Laser hair removal, Tattoo and also Red blood vessel elimination. Aesthetic Skin Clinic in Cheshire using Profhilo, CACI therapies, Microblading and also Electrolysis. Problems are uncommon hereafter therapy; nevertheless, infection, response to anaesthesia, lesion reappearance, skin atrophy, skin ulceration, skin discolouration as well as the formation of a scar can occur. You will certainly see a scab form at the treatment site and some completely dry, shrivelled skin where the lesion was located the area will certainly soon recuperate and also it is typically totally recovered within 7 days. If you have several skin tags, it is quicker as well as extra economical to have a fluid nitrogen therapy. Advanced Electrolysis service technician Helena removes skin tags using advanced electrolysis extremely comparable toelectrocautery-- the sore is excised making use of a fine electrical reducing suggestion rather than a scalpel.

What is a lunchtime facelift?

The “lunchtime facelift,” or thread lift, is a faster, cheaper and less invasive version of the traditional facelift. As Cryolipolysis Croxley green Rickamansworth implies, the procedure uses threads (sutures) to lift different parts of the facial skin. Essentially, it hooks the skin and pulls it up.

Anybody can develop skin tags, however they are particularly usual in older people. This method of doing away with skin tags uses an electric current and needle, working in comparison to the cold approach, by instead warming up the lesion. It's also quiet usual for the skin tags to merely diminish normally after cryotherapy treatment. Reserve your assessment today and we'll provide you the most effective therapy choice for your specific skin tag. The very best way to eliminate skin tags and also the treatment advised depends. Most of the times, the skin tag can be gotten rid of in one session nonetheless in rare instances relying on the dimension of the skin lesion, 2 sessions perhaps needed.

Fat Freezing Brighton & Hove.

Do facelifts ever look natural?

When performed correctly by the hands of a skilled surgeon, facelift results can be some of the most natural looking of any cosmetic procedure and can leave you with a rejuvenated and more youthful facial appearance.

Fat Freezing.

Clients might want to have skin tags eliminated due to the fact that they are impacting their self-confidence. If they are in a cosmetically sensitive location on the face, for instance, they may cause embarrassment. As well as often they are a problem due to the fact that they get in the way of apparel or jewellery.

Skin tags are little developments attached to the skin and typically occur around the armpits, neck, busts and even eyelids. Normally tiny, skin-coloured developments, they can vary in size as well as appearance, typically showing up knobbly or hanging from the skin.

British organization Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

Our highly certified Aesthetic specialists use a Fibroblast electrode to eliminate the skin lesion. We use a localized numbing gel prior to the treatment as well as it normally takes a couple of mins to get rid of a single a skin tag. Skin tags, consisting of those from near your eyes, can be removed or frozen off with fluid nitrogen.

How do you tighten sagging jowls?

Exercises 1. Yawning and opening the mouth as far as possible, then closing it very slowly without letting the teeth touch. 2. Puckering the lips outwards. 3. Blowing the cheeks up as far as comfortable. 4. Chewing with the head tilted slightly up. 5. Grinning as widely as comfortable then slowly tilting the head up and down. More items•

If you want to have an added examination with a Doctor prior to the day of the procedure, prices begin with ₤ 95. To make a consultation you can call us or book a clinic visit online. If you do so, please check out the section "How TVVS works", thoroughly. In situation you are bothered with discomfort, please visit this site to see just how we give painfree surgery. some people have large number of them, others have huge solitary one. For pain alleviation they can be infused with a regional anaesthetic such as Lidocaine.

Many people choose to have skin tags got rid of as they can feel mindful of their look or experience discomfort if they are irritated by textile or apparel. Our appointments begin at ₤ 89.00 and also our medical professional will encourage you of the cost of removal throughout your consultation.

Cryolipolysisfat Freezingbristol

Benign skin sores are usually operatively gotten rid of under neighborhood anaesthetic or moderate sedation. The kind of surgical procedure to remove your benign sore will certainly depend on the type, dimension and also place of your sore. The removal of benign skin sores under regional anaesthetic is executed in a variety of means including slashing off, eliminating, freezing off as well as scooping away.

Skin tag therapies are readily available at both our Kensington and also Wimbledon skincare centers. Skin tags are generally not cancerous although skin tag-like bumps that show numerous colours such as pink, brown, red or black call for a biopsy. Additionally, if you have a piece of skin that appears like a skin tag that bleeds you need to reserve a consultation with your medical professional to ensure it isn't skin cancer or any kind of various other causes. Good candidates for skin tag removal include individuals with highly visible tags or tags that are located in sensitive areas of the body. You might likewise be a prospect for skin tag removal if you've attempted one or more home-remedies without success.

In a lot of mole removal, skin tag removal and also wart removal no stitches are required and possibilities of any kind of scarring are negligible. These guide rates are an estimate of costs and also you will certainly obtain a formal quotation cost following your appointment with one of our surgeons. This formal quote for your benign skin lesion will certainly be valid for 60 days and also consists of unlimited aftercare. If your skin sore has actually been removed under regional anaesthetic you might not have complete feeling in the treated location for an hour or 2 so you need to be mindful not to bump it. The area may really feel tender later on and also you can take over the counter pain alleviation.

The sort of treatment will certainly depend on your skin sore type, dimension as well as location. A benign skin sore might be eliminated if it is triggering you substantial problems or is troublesome, if there is any concern that maybe cancerous or for aesthetic factors. Any type of skin lesion which has a questionable look e.g. with ulcer, altering coloring, bleeding, need to be biopsied. If we consider your skin tag to be in all questionable, nonetheless, you will certainly be encouraged to see your General Practitioner if you do not wish to wage this minor surgical treatment on a private basis. When you schedule your consultation, our care group will discuss your issues and whom it would be best to see. You will certainly be able to reserve an analysis, as well as tell us if you wish for a removal during the very same visit. Cryotherapy is a secure, economical and trustworthy therapy which makes use of fluid nitrogen to ice up benign moles or skin lesions so that they leave without the need of any kind of surgical treatment.

You will certainly see a scab kind at the treatment site and also some completely dry shriveled skin where the lesion was located the area will quickly recover and also it is generally fully healed within 7 days. It is believed skin tags grow where skin massages versus skin or apparel. This would certainly discuss why they often tend to affect obese people who have excess folds up of skin and skin chafing.

Additionally, a topical anaesthetic such as "Emla Cream" can be used in advance. We will certainly after that typically use electrosurgical equipment to shave your them and quit bleeding at the same time. Additionally, consider specialist surgical treatment if you have bigger or several Skin Identifies. Expert skin surgical treatment will certainly additionally send your Skin Tag to a laboratory to have them evaluated giving you total comfort. If they are like on the image over they are very likely skin tags, however if in doubt it is constantly more secure to ask your General Practitioner for suggestions or book an appointment with us. Tiny skin tags less most likely to hemorrhage dramatically might be removed by a cut excision. Adhering to application of a neighborhood anaesthetic, often in the form of a lotion, a tool called a Dermablade is used to cut the growth off.

[eliaspsuedo]

Making Pokemon Adventures an Anime

“Pokemon Adventures needs an anime” is definitely a phrase you’ve heard before if you’ve been to any discussion on PokeSpe. It definitely deserves more attention, that’s for sure, and an anime definitely brings so many eyes to it. Just look at all the manga series that exploded in popularity once an anime got made of it!

On the other hand, I can see why The Pokemon Company wouldn’t really make one for a number of reasons.

The Pokemon Anime is still very popular and profitable, so another Pokemon anime on TV would just be cannibalizing their returns and skew the audience. Not to mention eat up resources like animators or budgets.

Upcoming products like Pokemon Masters are much higher priority to make a promotional anime out of, rather than something that’s promoting out-of-date things, like how cool Steel-types, Zorua, etc. was.

A number of prominent Pokemon and even moves are embargoed from appearing in other media besides the games. Notably Kadabra, Earthquake-like moves, and especially Porygon. Maybe you can get around Sabrina’s Kadabra by just making it an Alakazam, but how about Blue and Gladion’s Porygon?

This a bit more speculative, but I imagine there has to be some form of royalties for the writer and artists for using their versions of the characters, not just the OC’s, but the specific versions of the dexholders found in the manga.

And many more reasons why it probably won’t get a full length TV anime any time soon.

But what if it did get an anime? What would be the format? How would they condense a 50+ volume series, with multiple main characters and interconnecting plot points, and all to boost sales and show what makes Pokemon Adventures a great piece of the Pokemon franchise, into an anime?

The most realistic option: A 2-3 minute PV promoting an upcoming arc like SwSh, or better, the whole series for an omnibus rerelease. A basic sizzle reel of various scenes, with a narrator for minimal voice work, is what’ll mostly be.

The ideal option: A promotional anthology web series in the vein of Pokemon Generations.

Now this definitely has been suggested before, but I want to get into the specifics. Here’s how I imagine it:

One 10-12 minute episode will be devoted to a specific character or, for the remakes, one arc (Episode Red, Episode Diamond, Episode HGSS, etc.), covering roughly 2-3 rounds or chapters. This is so that there will be enough material to see who this character is, the basic plot of their arc, and the basic plot of this particular generation. It’s short, straight-to the point, and can easily sell Pokemon Adventures. Let’s not forget, it has to be an inviting and exciting episode for newcomers!

Now there has to be a lot of changes to fit the runtime, so certain scenes and dialogue has to be cut or skimmed. Some original parts has to be put in to for the episode to flow better. Plus, I imagine getting into the exciting Pokemon battles will be more appealing than earlier chapters, which are very exposition heavy. So cold opens or going from the introduction scene in the opening chapter to an “In Medias Res” battle is some later chapter, is one of the many tricks to keep the flow going.

The reason why I say 10-12 minutes is because of the amount of episodes it will take to cover all the Dexholders and the remakes alone! At least 21 Dex Holders + 3 remake arcs. The amount of resources it’ll take would be pretty large, even with a reduced runtime, and I don’t think TPC would shell that much cash. Even then, most promotional anime series clock in at around 6-8 mins, not enough time to properly show off a character or a cool battle. So if it can go above the usual time, 10-12 minutes is what I think it could be stretched too, while keeping the costs to make it low. I also want to see an episode devoted to the evil teams or villains, as that too is one of PokeSpe strengths. It’ll bump up the episode count for sure, unless the series is broken up into chunks by generation and released months apart.

But which chapters? Well here’s a few examples on how I see it being adapted:

A basic adaptation with bits and pieces of later chapters.

Episode Red: Round 1 & 2 and maybe a bit of Round 3 or 4.

The introduction chapter starts things off, of course! The basic structure of the two chapters can remain the same. A few bits of dialogue can be trimmed, most notably Red explaining what Pokemon are, and some scenes can be altered, like Blue being seen with a Pokedex when fighting Mew, to streamline the story. For the ending bit, Prof. Oak’s narration at the end of round 3 while Red and Blue argue, establishing their rivalry, is a good way to cap it off. Alternatively, the part in Round 4 where Red is trying to befriend Pikachu and Blue challenging him that he’ll get the boulder badge first, is also a good cap to the episode.

A two-parter with original material.

Episode Gold: Round 91-95

We can better start out with Gold playing billiards, and listening to the radio, and getting Elm’s bag. The Hoothoot part can be offscreen, with a quick shot of Team Rocket stealing his bag. During the end of his and Silver’s battle, where he gets knocked out by Elekid, we save Silvers part for his episode. Gold wakes up, gives his account to the Police, and goes after Silver. Ending Prof. Oak appearing and giving him the “What are Pokemon to you?” Question.

Episode Silver: Round 94, 95, a bit of original material.

Starting off when Gold was knocked out, we get Silvers battle with Team Rocket. A bit more original scenes may be needed after Silver makes his escape and maybe talks to Green. Actually seeing Prof. Oaks account of how he stole the Pokedex can also be included. Ending with Gold getting the Pokedex after giving Prof. Oak a good answer, cutting out the part where he saves Ratata for time.

Opening scene then cut to an “In Medias Res” Battle

Episode Emerald: Round 303-304, 306-307 Emerald calming down Sudowood will open things up. After his declaration of conquering the Battle Frontier, the title card appears, and we move to Emerald moving up the Battle Tower, showing off his skills and strategy. A “How did we get here?” Narration from Todd can quickly explain the time skip. The episode ends with the discussion over Sceptile, brief flashes of Wally, optional.

And that’s just a few examples I can show! I actually did write a list of what rounds are suitable for this sort of adaptation, but I think a few will do.

If there’s one thing PokeSpe definitely needs, it’s more promotion. As part of the marketing machine that is the Pokemon franchise, it’s actually surprising how much less love this branch gets is in comparison. I think it has to do with a lot of factors, Viz not printing the series past Vol 7 for the longest time, Not wanting to overshadow any of the other manga series, Being over 50+ volumes long, etc. Recently, it’s been getting a bigger push both in Japan and the US, so things are looking up. 

At the end of the day, it’s all about seeing the world you love and thought you knew, come to life in new and different ways. Pokemon Adventures has the love and spirit through and through, and it’s better shared with familiar and newer faces.

It’s like when Red got his Pokedex, he thought he knew all there is about the Pokemon world, and revealing that maybe he didn’t quite knew everything, showed him there’s a whole world out there to explore. One filled with mystery, danger, and friendship.

Plus, showing that the Arbok lived might finally shut most people up.

[cookiefonster666]

Thoughts on the Homestuck Epilogues (Tumblr Edition)

I predicted the future!

Might as well adapt this Blogspot post I made about a week ago into Tumblr form, why not. With a few minor changes. I don’t like using Tumblr but I figure it’s a good additional platform to share my surprisingly positive views on the Homestuck Epilogues.

The epilogues have a lot of controversial content, most of which I avoid talking about here.

BRIEF SUMMARY

4/20, read through Meat: epilogues pretty good

4/20, started Candy: what the fuck

4/21, stopped: aaaaaaaaughhhhh bluh i hate everything

4/24-ish, continued Candy: epilogues alright i guess also i am sad now

4/27-ish, finished: I LOVE HOMESTUCK

BRIEF-ISH SUMMARY

Meat was a wild ride that started as cool plot stuff and things that make you go "OH FUCK", continued as basically chapters 7-9 of Detective Pony (which I naturally enjoyed a lot), and ended as a mess of sheer chaos and destruction. My thought process ended as, "oh duh, this is the bad ending, candy must be the good ending". I was in for quite the nasty surprise.

I quit reading Candy just a few pages in. It didn't take long for it to suddenly become the weirdest fanfiction ever. Frustrated, I started skipping and searching through later parts and got rather salty when it turned out both sides were the "bad ending". I saw firsthand what vfromhomestuck meant by "clear your whole week": this is not something most people can just read in one sitting. Then I recovered a few days and read Candy in earnest, in a somewhat anachronous order and with many parts read multiple times. Slowly, I started to hope that the epilogues would be followed up with a true happy ending for real this time. I may or may not have written a snippet of some form of fanfiction paving the way for a happy ending.

Once I finally accomplished the equivalent of reading Candy as intended, I got hit HARD with feels. I accepted that the epilogues have many issues but as a whole (not just the sum of parts) are an absolute masterwork, sometimes because of those issues. It didn't take me long to realize the brilliant duality either. Meat is a side-splitting metafictional farce that (for me at least) is impossible to treat as anything resembling a story of people doing things. Candy is a tale of FEELS, and I don't use the word FEELS lightly. FEELS means I almost cried, like I did when I watched the Futurama episode Luck of the Fryrish.

DETECTIVE PONY AND METAFICTION

Before I move on and talk about the CHARACTERS, I'm going to discuss the meat epilogue's resemblance to sonnetstuck's Detective Pony. I love everything about Detective Pony, more than almost anything else in existence. My abnormal love for that godlike fanwork probably skewed my perception of Meat a bit. Starting from page 17, Dirk takes over the narration then fights over it with god tier Calliope; both do rather questionable deeds and Dirk was hit hard by fans as a result. Seeing other fans react towards that character with such hostility gave me a very distinct feeling of "what, am I missing something?" Dirk's takeover felt like a lengthy work of comedy to me; a story that never strips away from the fact that it's fiction, in a vein near identical to that of Detective Pony. I like to think I am in the right for perceiving that arc this way, because I think everyone who has read Homestuck should read Detective Pony. One of the epilogue authors read Detective Pony after writing the epilogues and was struck by it; I take this accidental mirroring of (post-)canon as proof that sonnetstuck understands Hussie's ways through and through. I like to think I have a solid understanding of Hussie's ways by now, but this guy is on a whole new level.

That said, the meat epilogue gets a bit carried away with metafiction to the point of making me think, "god when will things go back to normal". Towards the end of Detective Pony, Dirk goes through an existential crisis followed by a powerful revelation, and then resolves to do whatever it takes to erase his abominable creation. But the meat epilogue ends with (both figurative and literal) crashing and burning; no ultimate redemption for our poor Strider. Homestuck doesn't usually have much of a problem with getting carried away with stupid nonsense; maybe a few rare occasions in cases like Hussie's self-insert scenes. But getting carried away is a major criticism I have with cool and new web comic. I love that comic to death, but the parts that take a long time to dwell on the cool and new characters being creepy or weird are a chore to go through. o (the author of CaNWC) seems to have improved in that regard; the cool and new trolls' arc is much more to-the-point with such nonsense.

Meat getting carried away with metafiction is a major cause of my initial burnout shortly after starting Candy. I was sick of this mass dump of metafiction and expected Candy to be a refreshing change of pace. Haha, if only. My fault for reading Meat first. At night I sometimes ponder in envy of the parallel universe me that started with Candy. Actually I don't do that, I just thought it was a funny thing to say. Though I have on more than a few occasions sat in bed fantasizing about how awesome my life probably is in some parallel universe. What point was I making again? Oh whatever, it doesn't matter. I guess I should write a similar overview of Candy's narrative nature. Here goes:

LUCK OF THE FRYRISH AND SADSTUCK

Sad things are sad.

^ There, that's my candy overview. How hard was that?

With the two summaries out of the way, I figure the best way to dump out my residual thoughts on the epilogues is going character by character. I won't do every character, mostly just the ones who played large roles and were already characters in Homestuck proper. I'm sorting these characters in tiers of how well I think the epilogues handle them, mostly from worst to best.

N-TIER

N is not the lowest tier; it's the tier that cannot be ranked. N stands for two things here: "Not Applicable" and "Narrators". Naturally enough, two characters fit into that tier.

Dirk Strider: I've already talked about this guy quite a bit. I have a fondness for Dirk's character and I think his dialogue and narration in meat do a good job portraying some ascended, ultimate version of his character without straying from his voice, the tone that makes him Dirk. That said, I'm a bit peeved that "normal Dirk", the one iteration of Dirk Strider that isn't total bonkers and just wants his friends to be happy, doesn't exist in this story. In Candy, Rose suddenly loses the memories of her alternate selves, but for some reason Dirk keeps those memories and soon after commits suicide; he's left out of the picture until Candy's postscript, which I guess is a reasonable balance considering his indulgence throughout Meat. But why is only one of the succulently verbose Strilondes let off the hook? Some readers imagine Dave as the comic's protagonist and Dirk as the antagonist; I've toyed with that idea myself and can see it symbolized, but it just feels so wrong to me. Maybe the authors did too good a job writing Dirk for me to be complacent with such a shift in role. His conversations with Rose were just as delightful as I had hoped and they aren't weighed down too much in light of his shift in role, at least not for me.

Alt Calliope: The narrative rival to Dirk, as I mentioned previously. I'm not totally sure what to say about her, other than that one could see her as a counterpart to let's say Anna Harley; a necessary piece in the Detective Pony analogy. Alt Calliope's narrative arguments with Dirk were hilarious and that's all there is to say on the matter.

G-TIER

I'm lucky Gamzee's name starts with a G, because this means I can give him a tier of his own worse than F. As an individual arc that is; he'd get a much higher rating when taken as part of a whole.

Gamzee Makara: Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I despised reading every word that came out of this guy's mouth as soon as his """redemption arc""" started. But I can clearly tell that was the point and that the suffering that is reading his words has a much greater purpose. Before you deem me a masochist or the kind that insists everything is "bad on purpose", know that I am neither of those things but really do mean what I say here. Gamzee's role in Candy draws tension between individuality and the whole. Reading this guy's hogwash is suffering in and of itself, but ultimately it serves a role of showing us how fucked up the world of Candy is and helps the reader experience John's existential crisis with him.

F-TIER

As before, these tiers are strictly about character arcs in isolation and not the big picture. This tier is home to none other than the legendary...

Jane Crocker: Boy did I predict the future on that one. A bit like Dirk, I would've liked it more if in only one epilogue did sweet innocent little Jane become such a monster. No way in hell am I going to run through the asshole things she does; it's a load of sensitive topics I'm not comfortable discussing in any capacity. Instead, I'll say that if I had to choose only one epilogue where Jane ran through her crazy presidential campaign it would be Candy; as with Gamzee's arc, this campaign serves well as a part of John's existential crisis. What's weird here is that in Candy she originally cancelled all this, but later ended up basically doing it anyway with Dirk gone. I can imagine Jane going back to normal in Meat, maybe? Or in the hypothetical "true ending" I discussed prior.

D-TIER

Better known as "meh" tier. Mostly the characters that don't do much and I wished did more.

Meenah Peixes: Needed more screen time, god damn it. She survives the Furthest Ring apocalypse, nabs the Ring of Life, then makes her way to Candy Earth and joins Karkat in the rebellion. Maybe it makes sense that her and Karkat teaming up in war is relegated to the background, to show how far the shouty guy has come in comparison to everyone else. I'll come back to this point when I talked about Karkat.

Roxy Lalonde: Doesn't do too much in either side, but does go through some touchy topics I'm not sure what to think about; I'm most certainly not ready to talk about those topics now. And regardless, Roxy's role in the epilogues is better discussed when I talk about John and Terezi a few tiers up.

Calliope: Doesn't do all that much either, full circle to being the exposition alien with mysterious morality. I'm actually pretty OK with that. Certainly beats out the slog of endless "ur pretty" conversations. Calliope pretty much fades into the background on both sides, which is sad but fitting.

(About pronouns: I'll keep referring to Roxy and Calliope as "she" unless I find reason to talk about the little those two do in Meat. I just avoided using pronouns in those paragraphs above.)

C-TIER

Better known as "meh" tier, but with a more positive "meh" than before. It's the "meh" that indicates lukewarm satisfaction rather than annoyance at mediocrity.

Jade Harley: Really should be on a lower tier, because she did dick squat other than being horny and painfully oblivious to all the nonsense going on. But I'm a sucker for Jade being "Jade" and was happy to see even a trace of that early in Meat. As before, I'll avoid the controversial topics surrounding Jade in the epilogues, aside from pointing out that this post reads very different now.

Karkat Vantas: This guy's a bit of an odd spot. His leadership role is addressed in the absolute last way I expected. Could've gotten more attention from the story I suppose, but damn if his character arc didn't get the most triumphant return imaginable.

Kanaya Maryam: I touched upon Rose and Kanaya's relationship when I discussed the "buddy system" in my first epilogues post and I still stand by what I said there. Her strong attachment to Rose is integrated well into Meat without seeming like fluff or defining her entire character, because she actually does other things there too. In Candy they remain a stable happy relationship and I guess I'm cool with that.

Aradia Megido: Role is the same as ever and I'm fine with that. Death fangirl who works for predestination and has ambiguous morality. Her arc with alt Calliope ends with a cliffhanger that is easily the biggest reason to hope for a follow-up to the epilogues; if such a follow-up were to happen, I really look forward to hearing more from Aradia.

Sollux Captor: Sollux is by nature the other guy, that's an immutable fact of life. He doesn't do much other than snarking at whoever's nearby and I can't imagine it any other way.

Jake English: If not for a scene near the end of Candy, I'd put Jake at D-tier. Through all of Meat and most of Candy, Jake's role is one of the oddest spots of all and it's pretty hard to pinpoint what the authors were going for, lest I dabble in controversial topics some more. But Jake's scene with John near the end of Candy is uniquely touching and makes the most out of his role as a second John. He moves in with John, bringing his son Tavros with him, and encourages John to reconcile with his former wife and make amends of sorts, ultimately giving a small portion of the cast a pseudo-happy ending. That whole part of Candy made me tear up.

Talking about the really GOOD parts is a perfect point for me to move on to...

B-TIER

Stuff that didn't make it into A-Tier, which I've reserved for what struck me HARD.

Dave Strider: In both epilogues, Dave's behavior generally seems based on how he acted in Act 6 Act 6 Intermission 5, which is actually a LOT better than it sounds and hell if I know why that is. Dave's rants about politics and sexuality now have a charm I can't quite describe. His absurd fixation specifically on the economy matches shockingly well with the nature of Homestuck. The three-way romance between him, Karkat, and Jade goes in very different directions on either side, which I'll discuss a bit later. The epilogues even made Dave x Karkat an actually decent ship, how crazy is that??? The writers deserve a big badge of honor for doing that. Not sure what to say about specific things, but Dave was really well-written in an unexpected way.

Rose Lalonde: Again not sure what to say about anything in specific. Just really enjoyed reading Rose on both sides of the story. Shoutout to the heartwarming moment with John near the end.

A-TIER

Oh boy. Oh boy. Time for the big guns.

Vriska Serket: My mind hurts to process just how good Vriska's appearance in Candy was, after leaving the Furthest Ring and landing on Earth. First she talks with John rather aggravated, then she brutally murders Gamzee, then she sits down and has an honest talk with her ectobiological clone raised by Rose and Kanaya, and in the end gets in touch with Terezi which leads to a cliffhanger. The story somehow created the PERFECT balance of sincere reflections and typical Vriska flavor, which was deeply lacking in A6A6I5 with its horrific polar opposite versions of Vriska. Two Vriskas converse once again late in Candy and this time it's incredibly endearing and almost feels like an apology for the controversial Vriska/Vriska encounter back then. I accept the apology with open arms. Why is everything always so wonderful?

John Egbert: <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3. WHY IS EVERYTHING ALWAYS SO WONDERFUL? John gets a deep meaningful existential crisis arc in both epilogues; both cases I easily latched onto and found a bit of myself in. I absolutely loved seeing him and Terezi interact as a duo of people with some perception of canonicity; I'll get back to that point soon enough. John's marriage to Roxy not working out is a testament to both his issues with canon and Roxy's issues dealing with harsh situations. Roxy latches onto John and their son as a huge carefree pushover and he doesn't like that at all. And that's actually cool with me because John x Terezi is better in every way, as the epilogues made me realize. If that wasn't enough, the end of Candy spoils our little hearts by having John reconcile with Roxy anyway and give hope for a better future. Though a part of me does want to see a true happy ending where John and Roxy date with their delightful dynamic from their first interactions, I'm beyond pleased with the epilogues' handling of John either way. Swaying deep into some rather sad territory while remaining 100% faithful to his character that I've always loved so much.

Terezi Pyrope: FUCK YES FUCK YES FUCK YES FUCK YES FUCK YES. Every scene with Terezi in the epilogues was so goddamn awesome. Her interactions with John were such a blast to read, with exactly the mix of humor and touching aspects that make both of the big John/girl ships what they are. How did the authors pull it off, making deeply emotional scenes without ever sacrificing that goofy Terezi flavor???

S-TIER

S in rating systems these days is way misused in my eyes. Normally A is meant to be the highest rating and S is used for the very rare absolutely exceptional case A doesn't do justice. But now you see shit like SS, SSS, SSSS everywhere like one S isn't the ultimate badge of honor? S is a rating I'd gladly give Detective Pony and may or may not give cool and new web comic. Same goes for my very favorite Futurama episodes. I'd give a few of Neil Cicierega's works that rating if I'm feeling up to it. In this post, I've reserved the S rating for:

Barack Obama: THE BEST PART OF THE EPILOGUES, HANDS DOWN. His conversation with Dave near the end of Candy is perfect in every way, it really transcends words. Humor, emotional touching, plot revelations, and straight up "Homestuck feel" are blended into the most delicious melting pot imaginable. When Dave confesses that he might be gay and explains troubles in his three-way romance, Obama responds with a truly inspiring speech about identity that raises an excellent point about the differences between the epilogues involving aspects of people that may seem immutable to some. I think Obama's speech leaves a powerful message I never expected Homestuck of all things to convey so well. I hope readers take that speech's message into account, though I know many will probably be a bit naive about it.

If you refuse to read the epilogues at all costs, then I implore you to read Dave and Obama's conversation anyway. You won't be disappointed.

CONCLUSION

epilogues good

that’s all there is to say on the matter

though if you don’t like them that’s also fine

[meowloudly15]

Stranded: Day 7 - JAMMED FINGERS

Hello! I'm still not sure how updates are going to progress from here. I don't want to barrage you with chapters, so I think I'll stick to the typical Monday-Thursday posting strategy for the time being. That may change. I would like to finish posting before the end of August.

Anyway, enjoy!

First | Previous | Next

Gwen perched on a rooftop and looked out over the vast crowd of mourners. Many of them wore cheap replicas of Spider-Pete's costume. They murmured amongst themselves, stealing glances at the podium on the top of the church steps from time to time. A large number of reporters stood near the front, holding video equipment and steno pads.

She checked her phone. It was a few minutes until 2, but nobody was here to officiate yet.

She found herself growing impatient for a number of reasons, not the least of which was because it was cold and snowy (which was unusual for the middle of October). Gwen was eager to learn more about Spider-Pete. What was his family like? Did the city have a favourable opinion of him? Frankly, that question answered itself, judging by the mass of people present.

It was good that so many people were here. Spider-Pete deserved all the fans he had, if he was anything like the Peter she had known.

Two women passed through the red cordoned barrier and climbed to the top of the steps: a young lady with bright red hair, a black dress, and a white hat; and an older lady with grey hair dressed in a sharp black blazer and skirt.

The younger woman approached the podium and cleared her throat. The noise echoed over the loudspeakers.

A hush fell over the crowd.

"Good afternoon," the lady began. Screens projected her face onto numerous buildings surrounding the square.

Gwen furrowed her brow. The lady looked oddly familiar, but she couldn't quite place her name. The older one was presumably Peter's aunt, or his mother. More likely his aunt. Where was his uncle?

"My name is Mary Jane Parker."

Gwen blinked. This lady was Em Jay? She had MARRIED Peter? Good for him. This version of Em Jay had better be nicer than the one from her universe.

She directed her full attention towards Em Jay. She was genuinely interested in hearing what she had to say.

"And my husband is… was Spiderman."

Em Jay cast her gaze downwards for a moment, then looked back up, scanning the crowd.

"I know you're all scared about what's going to happen next. Believe me, so am I."

A murmur raced through the crowd.

"There's a lot of bad stuff in this city, let alone this world. We all think we're just normal people, that there's nothing we can do about it all just because we're nobody special.

"The thing is, my husband was a normal guy. He liked Swedish Fish and my aunt's pet cat. He stayed up too late and got hyper after drinking espresso. He couldn't stand rush hour traffic or getting bitten by my aunt's pet cat. He ate mac and cheese on the kitchen ceiling."

The mass of people chuckled.

Em Jay cracked a faint smile. "Well, that was slightly less normal."

Another laugh, weakened by somberness, echoed from ten thousand voices. Gwen couldn't stop the small smile that spread onto her face.

"The point is, Peter was just any other person. He always liked to say that it could have been anyone behind the mask. He was just the fellow who happened to get bitten on that one fateful field trip. He didn't ask for his powers - didn't want them, sometimes - but he chose to be Spiderman.

"Spiderman's not a person. It's a way of life, and it's not beyond our reach. We're all capable of doing good and being responsible. We all have talents of our own. Maybe you can paint. Maybe you can build. Maybe you can teach. Maybe you can do something completely wild and original. We all have powers. In our own way, we're all Spiderman. And we're all counting on you.

"For Peter's sake, for the sake of us all, take up the mask. Be Spiderman in your own personal way. It's the least you can do to honour all that he's done for us."

Gwen took off her mask and held it over her heart.

The crowd cheered.

Em Jay deserved the applause. It was a beautiful speech, especially given on such short notice.

LIKE YOU

Gwen glanced around and saw a distant figure perched on a nearby building to her left. Who was it? Was it another dimensional traveller? Was it the one who had arrived before the collider incident?

She pulled her mask back on. Whoever this person was, she ought to talk to him.

With a standing start, Gwen leaped from the building, her legs propelling her across the urban canyon but not quite far enough to land neatly on the other side. She shot a webline from her right glove towards the building. It sputtered as it flew, forming a thin but sturdy line that she used to yank herself to the next roof.

The building on which the mystery spider-person was located wasn't far off. From this distance, Gwen could make out a distinct humanoid outline in the silhouette. His head drooped as though it was too heavy for his neck to support.

Gwen steeled her nerves and prepared herself to meet the mysterious spider-person. At least, she assumed it was a spider-person.

She backed up a few paces, and, with a running start, leaped onto the other skyscraper. She crept around an air conditioning unit and peered over at the figure.

PERSONS TAKING NOTICE

The spider-person whipped his head around. Gwen flattened herself against the AC vent, waiting for him to turn back. But he didn't. Instead, the spider-person leaped off of the building, some sort of cape flapping in the wind behind him, and vanished without a trace.

Whoops. She must have made too much noise. No matter. She could follow him.

Gwen ran to the edge of the building. Sure enough, the spider-person had left behind a webline and had made it a fair distance through the urban jungle already. The line was smoother than hers was.

She leaped off of the skyscraper, following the mystery web-slinger.

JAMMED FINGERS

Feeling a distinct sense of dread, Gwen pressed the firing button on her left web-shooter.

Nothing happened.

She frantically hammered on it. Had she simply run out of webbing or had too much of it gummed up the mechanisms?

The webshooter sputtered slightly, releasing a hiss of air, a few useless tiny strands flying out. Her right one fared no better.

The ground rushed towards her at a furious rate.

Gwen slammed her webshooter against her leg. If it didn't unjam now, she would hit the pavement. That would not be fun.

It didn't unjam.

She barrelled into the street. The asphalt cracked. A viable line flew out of her glove, soaring in a weak arc, before landing limply on the sidewalk.

A bus braked to a stop to her left. It honked loudly.

Muttering cuss words under her breath, Gwen hauled herself to her feet and walked off.

There was no way she could find the mystery spider at this point.

However, there was something else useful that she could do.

Em Jay's surprisingly deep words echoed in her head. "For Peter's sake, for the sake of us all, take up the mask."

It was time to go on patrol.

First | Previous | Next

[jugheadzarchive]

A (very detailed) tutorial: How I make my gifs and use timeline to set the frame rate

Applicable for both windows AND mac users

I use photoshop CC 2018, but any version should work the same

Use high quality clips only (720p or 1080p)

Beginners could really benefit from this tutorial

Many people use KMPlayer, VLC, or another program to extract screenshots of a clip and then load the files into a stack. If you have a mac, you probably know these programs are void for mac. 

Here are a couple mac alternative programs for taking screenshots if you prefer to do it that way: [ x ] [ x ] 

I will not be taking screenshots for this tutorial I find it to be extra time consuming with little difference in outcome on a mac.

LET’S GET STARTED!

STEP 1: Open your clip in photoshop by going to:

file > import > video frames to layers.

☆ TIP: If you have a large file such as a movie or a tv show I suggest you clip it first before opening it in photoshop. Mac users can do so in imovie or just use [this] free program to clip it quickly. If you don’t take this step, you’ll probably end up with like 500 frames, which is fine... But it will take you longer to sort through your frames and layers to delete them. I’m usually too lazy to do the clipping. Choose your battle.

Now move the sliders inward to get the bit of clip you want to gif. 

☆ TIP: I usually do not tick the “limit to every _ frames” box. I think the gif looks better to include every frame. I would only do this if I wanted more of a scene to fit in a gif, but you’re sacrificing mild quality of the way the gif moves if you do so.

STEP 2: Remove the extra frames in your timeline you don’t want by clicking the first frame (1 in my example), and last frame (5 in my example) of the group you want gone while holding shift, then click the trash can. 

I suggest keeping it anywhere from 70-120ish frames for medium sized gifs, and only about 35-40ish for large gifs.

Now change your frame rate to 0 sec (or “no delay”). Yes, ZERO. I’ll explain why later in this tutorial. To do this, make sure all frames are selected, then click on the little arrow next to the time on any one of your frames.

STEP 3: Assuming you know how to crop and resize in photoshop, do so now. 

☆ TIP: I always use the tumblr standard dimension width 540x for large gifs, 268x for medium sized gifs, and 177x for small square-sized gifs for best quality.

I made mine 268x140. 

STEP 4: At this point you’ll want to color your gif, or add a psd. Make sure the psd sits at the top of all the layers like so:

STEP 5: Convert frames to video timeline by clicking the same 3-bar menu on timeline

You can also find it in the bottom left corner of timeline. Your icon might look a little different depending on your version of photoshop.

Next, delete the extra frame layers that aren’t included. The frames that are not a part of your gif will not have an “eyeball” next to them.

You should have a single gif layer now with your timeline on the side looking something like this:

STEP 6: Add your sharpen action. If you don’t have one, this is always the safe option: filter > sharpen > smart sharpen

MAKE SURE “MORE ACCURATE” IS TICKED otherwise your gif will look microwaved.

 Your gif is basically finished. But we aren’t done quite yet.

STEP 7: Render your gif back into a video. Click 3-bar menu > Render Video

This window will pop up. Select the folder or location you want your video to save to so you can find it on your computer. Make sure your settings look like this. The only things you need to worry about are the ones in red. Click Render.

When the export window disappears, your rendered video is complete and you’ll find it in the form of a .mov file.

Simply drag this file back into photoshop and you’ll notice that your gif is now a video. This is where we change the frame rate.

FINAL STEP: Right click on the blue timeline bar and you’ll see this.

The reason why I had you set your frame rate to 0 secs is to keep this process consistently easy. Change your speed to anywhere between 50%-60%. (If you hadn’t changed your original frame rate to zero, your speed would’ve had to be altered to somewhere around 70%-80% in order to look natural and not be EXTREMELY slow.)

Drag the duration slider all the way to the right of the bar. This is A MUST. If you don’t, half of your gif will be cut off. 

Every time you alter the speed, make sure to fix the duration as well. When you slow the speed down, the duration automatically shrinks for reasons unknown.

☆ TIP: I find this technique helpful when my gif size ends up being too big, I just shrink the duration of the clip until it’s under 3 MB.

Your gif should play in real time, so hit play and see if it’s at the speed you would like.

That’s it! Now save it. 

File > Export > Save for web. 

I used these settings:

To see if your gif is under 3 MB, check here and click the “preview” button to view what your gif will look like in your browser. 

FINAL RESULT:

[gustafsson06gustafsson-blog]

Games Archives.

California is experiencing an extensive dry spell, and also given that it's been actually thus dry, our company have actually been blocked from shedding timber in the fireplace. Object-find activities thrive on smart devices and tablets, as well as one of the most preferred contestants today has been actually given a Halloween makeover. Since then, the authentic video game has been ported frequently to more recent platforms-- and also certainly, that implies this is actually on call on Android also. Gu Happy Continuously through Laurie Colwin is an offbeat story of relationship, passion and partnerships between 4 eccentric people, set in mid-1970s Cambridge MA and also Nyc City. In closing, these are a number of the very best shooter video games readily available on Android to kickoff 2017. . Most of all, it helped me to cope with the complications and to definitely discover aid from those willing to do so. That is because of Hannah as well as whatever she worked with: chance; desires; help, anything that goes with a happy lifestyle, that I experienced that I had to start creating again. Similar to Angry Birds, the creator this terrific tower protection game has drawn out a distinct model this loaded with periodic degrees. No Male's Heavens is actually a consistently creating available galaxy game along with space expedition, planet exploration and also more as you resolve an ever-expanding planetary system from planets. We observed a great deal of brand new apps appear in 2013, and the redesign from iOS 7 allowed for a whole brand new crop from applications as well as activities to release, but Apple definitely simply touched the tip of the iceberg with its Greatest From checklist, so our company made a decision to gather merely a few from the new iphone apps that our experts saw this year that definitely obtained attention, but certainly not as much as they are worthy of. DeNA possesses a long background from making free-to-play video games as well, which certainly does not injure the chances from the game being actually free of cost either. A Dark Version of the video game costs $99.99, straight coming from GameStop Amazon doesn't have the Black Version, but carries out have the Accident Bandicoot version for PlayStation proprietors and also basic starter packs. Oh, as well as if you were wondering how many stones reside in my satisfied wagon: my own's full. He begins guide checking out the concept from games/gaming over the millenia, tracing the earliest games and also exactly how they were actually made and played. Eventually, The Assassin Video game promised a great deal, but that failed to totally met my assumptions. When the New Nintendo 3DS launch date gets here shoppers will have the ability to get an unique Creature Crossing: Delighted House Professional package along with it. That bundle includes the video game, pair of Pet Crossing themed faceplates as well as a single Creature Crossing themed Amiibo card for $219.99. The New Nintendo 3DS conserves individuals off must change its 3D modern technology. Basically, that helps make the game a little bit much easier compared to vanilla, which may be actually alright if you are actually a pure-FPS sort of player. There are actually fewer feats in this mode, but it's therefore absurd that the pussy-cat version from the game fast became our fave. The simplest points are created right into funny and satisfying difficulties, as well as the art type accepts and emphasizes the specialist's constraints to produce a enduring as well as creatively striking activity. Ysabel and Jacob are extremely actual adolescents Happy Famlies filed the Nicholls family as they have a hard time to follow to phrases along with the descison of loved ones patriarch Christopher to start impersonating a, female with the long term target from residing lifestyle as Christine. Only that adjustment coming from a singular leaper to a strand of nutters transforms the video game exceptionally. Here are http://planete-beaute.info that may encourage you to get hold of one, as well as this's merely the superficial for Android TV fun. Her non-fiction publication, Reimbursement: Debt and the Shade Edge of Wealth -in the Massey series, appeared in 2008, and her recent novel, The Year from the Flooding, in the fall from 2009. This novella occurs a little over a year after completion from the 1st publication as well as reviews the relationship between Ellie and Graham and also just what had occurred because completion this is Exactly what Happy Looks Like. This game from combating the undead with flora is just like addictive, along with various strategy possibilities and also lots of degrees to keep you held. Without a doubt, in this particular brand new age from post-release acquisitions and video games as services, annual versions are most likely to obtain more unusual, probably restricted to the truly significant, quite conventional labels like Call from Responsibility and also Assassin's Creed. Trim may not fit as properly within the puzzle genre as some others on this list, yet that doesn't cease that coming from being just one of the best exclusively captivating and also original activities you can easily play on Android.original site ='float:left;margin-right:10px;' src="http://2happybirthday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cumpleanos-feliz-spanish-birthday.jpg" width="237" alt="happy"/> The whole video game is actually paid attention to separating large manager battles and events that utilize whole entire regions. Take a look at Hanukkah Dreidel FREE for a technique to play the unique Hanukkah turning leading activity coming from the comfort of your phone. The trunk increased right into the air as well as came down delicately on Nancy's skin in a pleased welcoming; this resembled being actually smooched by the tube from a hoover. Unlike many modern-day adventure video games, Obduction is the kind of video game you'll must take notes to finish, being actually hyperaware from everything in your settings to draw out refined hints from its atmospheres. Brainy and also planned, easily accessible as well as yet vibrant, this is actually a perfect game to fall into-- then proceed infatuating over. Ideally, investigate what does it cost? installment plan you could get for your video games online at the store's site before moving in. The last trait you desire are unpleasant surprises. Whereas Sony charges for accessibility to older labels with the PS4, Xbox One enables you to have your preferred video games with you when you upgrade. And also while the initial focus on periods and vacations stays usually in one piece, the activity has actually taken fun discrepancies at the same time-- like the NBA-themed improve. Just what you're buying using it is actually access to every item of web content that's released for the game after launch. Add in an Intel Atom N450 or dual-core Intel Atom N550 at its heart, the Aspire One Satisfied and 2GB moment and you have a respectable level netbook with an Android twist. After a handful of screams from Michelle, terms of encouragement from the midwifery and my father raising and also with pleasure- I was pretty certain that was good for him today, but hey he mored than happy. I also appreciated that the whole story-telling was tried in a comparable design to the video game from Tetris itself. Despite very familiar beefy visuals (Crossy Roadway has a lot to answer for), this hectic, breezy video game is a great deal of fun, with you pulling left and best to stay clear of blundering right into rocks, as well as raising your hands to escalate in to the air, intending to catch one more rampaging creature. However MH4U goes far beyond easy refinement, and right into delivering exactly what is perhaps the most content-rich activity Capcom has ever before created. The submitter of this particular thread has actually accurately postured of investigation right into the video game they would like to talk about, they recognize the particulars of exactly how the game participates in and also deliver some examples from this. The question they provide is actually one without a very clear response, and also motivates users to explain their actions. Hence, different video games supply other means from grouping together with good friends as well as playing on the internet one you are inside them.

[darrowbyeightfive]

The Scenic Route: A Diversion

An All Creatures Great and Small/Doctor Who pastiche/crossover - an affectionate and (hopefully) humorous tribute to these two series and, particularly, to one of my favourite actors, Peter Davison. 

Familiarity with the Fifth Doctor era and Series 1 Episode 7 of All Creatures Great and Small is definitely recommended for this to make any kind of sense.

Revised, tidied-up, all-in-one-place-for-added-convenience version.

Please enjoy and do let me know if you find any mistakes, plot holes or other infelicities.

(ca. 4000 words - consider making a cup of tea/coffee/other beverage of choice).

- 1. -

The Doctor did not feel at all well. His head throbbed, his throat was sore and, despite wearing an extra jumper and one of the long scarves he had favoured in his previous regeneration, he still shivered, chilled to the bone. He wondered what had happened to the other scarf that he had unravelled – a rather clever trick, that, one that he had learned from a very bright young Cretan lady – during his regenerative crisis. It was something of a shame that in all these years he had never got around to learning to knit, he now thought. Knitting must have much to do with mathematics. He began to imagine the yarn, passing over and under itself, creating all sorts of intricate patterns, over and under and around and behind and backward and forward, just like the threads in the web of time. He saw them, past, present, future, the definite and the possible, all weaving themselves together in the air in front of his eyes… and then he came to himself again with a start, realising that he was drifting into delirium and must try to find somewhere he could rest until his fever broke and he was on the way to recovery. Somewhere, ideally, with soft sheets and blankets, plenty of hot cups of tea and sympathetic company.

He might have known this would happen. There had been an outbreak of space flu on the planet Mintaka-VIII, which was inhabited by a race of technologically advanced, but physically somewhat susceptible, lizardlike beings. The ruler of the lizards, Zorg, had contacted the Doctor in some desperation, asking him for any help he could provide. Concerned about the possible effect of space flu on his Trion companion – the TARDIS Data Bank entry on the subject made alarming reading and he had no wish to watch Turlough twitching and frothing at the mouth a second time – he had left him for safety on the Eye of Orion, travelling alone to Mintaka-VIII. His analyses had identified a particular type of crystal that could act as a febrifuge for the Mintakans’ ruthenium-based metabolisms and, the crystals not being available locally, he had set off in his TARDIS to a mineral-rich moon in another star’s system to obtain them. However, even before leaving Mintaka-VIII, he had started to feel distinctly shaky, and reluctantly had to admit that he was in the grips of space flu himself – not fatal for Time Lords, but unpleasant and, for a day or two, very debilitating, leaving one in no fit state to be able to conduct trade negotiations on moons with only rudimentary facilities.

Where should he go to recuperate? His fevered brain felt full of fog, but he remembered that Earth in the late 20th century was a pleasant enough place, if a little technologically backward. He was delighted to read in the Data Bank that space flu had no ill-effects on humans beyond minor snuffles and sneezing. Perfect! He set the time and space coordinates for Brendon School in 1983; the Brigadier would surely be happy to let him sleep on the sofa-bed in his secluded little house for a day or so until he was well again, and then he must take the Mintakans their medicine.

It seemed that the TARDIS had other plans, or perhaps it was just that with his woolly head and shaking hands, the Doctor had entered the wrong data. The TARDIS landed in a field at the back of a large, grey stone house in a green, hilly landscape. It was clearly part of Earth and looked to be England, but was certainly not the grounds of Brendon. He picked up a haversack that he had packed with a few essentials, opened the TARDIS door and walked unsteadily (oh, how his head ached, and how heavy his legs felt!) towards the house, rapping on the glass in the back door and hoping very much that some kind person was inside.

A middle-aged woman, wearing an apron and with her greying hair tied back in a bun, answered the door. “Oh, Master Tristan! What have you been doing with yourself? I suppose you went to the pub after your cricket match, and then somehow ended up waking up this morning under a hedge with someone else’s clothes on. You get yourself into some right scrapes! Whatever are we going to do with you?” she chuckled. “You do look peaky, though,” she added in a more serious tone, when the Doctor failed to reply.

“’M not… M-m-mas-t-t-ter-” stuttered the Doctor, but he couldn’t seem to get his words out. He staggered a little and began to sway. Mrs Hall was quick-witted enough to realise what was happening, and caught him as he fell limply into her arms.

“Eh, poor lad, you’re shivering,” she said, as she picked up the haversack, put the Doctor’s arm around her shoulder and helped him up the stairs. “Let’s get you up to bed. That’s the best place for you.”

The bed, with its silky green quilt and piles of pillows, looked wonderfully inviting.

Mrs Hall went downstairs, promising to return with tea. The Doctor unpacked shakily and changed into his white flannelette pyjamas with their red question-mark motif, then wrapped himself up in the paisley-patterned dressing-gown that Lady Cranleigh had given him by way of apology for the events that took place at her home. By the time that Mrs Hall returned with tea and a very welcome hot-water bottle, the Doctor was tucked up under the covers. He swallowed down the tea while it was still hot, then drifted off into somewhat feverish sleep.

- 2. -

“Who are you, and what are you doing in my bed?”

Tristan had come home, tired and dirty, from a long day spent out on cold, exposed hillsides, and was looking forward to a hot bath before dinner. He whistled as he climbed the stairs to his bedroom to collect a change of clothes. Pushing open his bedroom door, he was astonished to find his bed occupied. The mysterious person was snuggled deep under the covers, with only a little blond hair showing. Tristan didn’t remember any college friends having invited themselves to stay, and in any case, surely Mrs Hall would have put up someone of that kind in the spare room. So who was this? Unless… it couldn’t be one of the nurses, could it? Perhaps one of them had finally been kicked out of her accommodation for breaking the curfew too many times, and had thought to presume on his kind heart. He would be in tremendous trouble with Siegfried if a nurse was found in his bed. Siegfried would imagine all sorts of things had been going on that had not, in fact, been going on.

“I say,” said Tristan. “What do you think you’re doing, sleeping in my bed?” He went over to the sleeping figure and gave what he supposed must be its shoulder a gentle shake. If it was a nurse, or any other visitor whose presence had not been approved by Siegfried, then the sooner this person was out of his bed, down the stairs and out of the house, the better.

The Doctor woke, turned over, pushed back the covers and peered groggily at the person who had been speaking to him in such an indignant tone.

Tristan and the Doctor stared at one another in surprise. The Doctor’s surprise was tinged with trepidation. Could Omega have come back once more? Had he somehow managed to escape his pitiful antimatter existence and to re-emerge into this world?

The Doctor propped himself up into a seated position, put out his hand and said “Hello, how do you do? I’m the Doctor.” The greeting didn’t really seem equal to the occasion, and perhaps a handshake wasn’t the best idea if one was dealing with one’s antimatter double, but he was feeling too ill and muzzy-headed for such considerations of originality and caution to play any great part in his thinking.

Tristan, unperturbed by concerns about renegade Time Lords, just stared at the stranger in bemusement, before realising that his manners were wanting, shaking the Doctor’s hand and introducing himself.

“So, let me get this straight,” said Tristan, some time later. “You travel through time and space in that blue box thing that’s sitting out there in the paddock at the moment, trying to put things right, and you just happened to turn up on our doorstep this morning, suffering from some sort of influenza. I have to say that it feels as if I have landed in the middle of a novel by Mr. Wells.” He had extracted the story from the Doctor amid much coughing and many cups of tea.

“Yes. The blue box, as you call her, has something akin to a mind of her own. The old girl does her best by me. I think she must have known that in this house, at this time, there would be someone who would let me in and put me to bed without even asking any questions.” The tea and the sleep had given him a lucidity that he had lacked previously. “I’m terribly sorry for sleeping in your bed without asking, but when I arrived I was feeling so giddy that I didn’t really know what was going on, and was just grateful for somewhere to rest.” He broke off as another coughing fit overtook him. “The lady who let me in was most tremendously kind to me. I really ought to thank her properly.”

James and Siegfried had arrived home by this point, and were gathered around the bed with Tristan, listening to the Doctor’s story.

“Well, little brother, I’ve got to hand it to you,” said Siegfried. “You really do know how to cause a stir. I leave the house in the morning and when I get back in the evening you have a sick time-traveller in your bed.”

“But – but – but – it wasn’t anything to do with me,” said Tristan, with an air of injured dignity.

“Are you quite sure this isn’t all a college prank, Tristan? All smoke and mirrors and stage make-up? You do have rather a regrettable flair for the theatrical. There was all that business with the ghostly monk not too long ago, after all.”

“Who told you about the monk?” said Tristan. Siegfried wasn’t supposed to know anything about that.

“No one,” said Siegfried. “It was just, let us say, educated guesswork. In any case, assuming our visitor is indeed a time-traveller rather than one of your more disreputable college associates, I would be very unwilling to let him fend for himself with such a nasty case of flu. You can’t put a chap out on the street when he’s in that sort of state, particularly when he looks so much like family.” Siegfried realised that he had been talking over the Doctor’s head, and made amends by addressing him directly. “I’m very sorry, my dear chap. My little brother does play so many pranks that I suspected that he had been up to something. Would it suit you to stay here for a while? And could you worry down some soup? We’ve got to keep your strength up, and Mrs Hall makes a most excellent cream of celery.”

The Doctor, exhausted from giving so many explanations and from listening to the exchanges between the brothers, weakly croaked out a grateful “oh yes, please, and cream of celery would be splendid”.

- 3. -

The Doctor was not recovering as quickly as he had hoped. At present, he was sitting up in bed, eating a bowl of porridge. Tristan was sitting beside him, reading out extracts from the newspaper. He had developed a fondness for his Time Lord lookalike over the past few days, which was not due entirely to vanity (“He’d be really rather good-looking with that pleasant, open face of his if his nose weren’t so red and he didn’t look so pale and peaky, and he looks just like me, so that must mean that I’m quite decent-looking, too. I shall remember that the next time I’m trying to make a good impression on a girl. Courage, mon brave, and imitate the action of a Time Lord.”). It also owed much to the Doctor’s courteous and cheerful demeanour and the exciting tales he told of his adventures (unfortunately still too often cut short by coughing fits and exhaustion). It really was like having the hero of a novel by Jules Verne or H G Wells novel as one’s houseguest, albeit one who lay in bed all day alternately sleeping and drinking tea. Tristan did wonder whether he could claim to have space flu the next time he wished to get out of early morning calls.

The Doctor had realised with delight that he had landed in a part of England that was very fond of cricket, and when he felt too weak to talk very much, he asked Tristan to read him the cricket match reports. Tristan was happy to acquiesce, and soon progressed to reading out articles that he thought the Doctor might find amusing – while he did not possess Tristan’s very highly developed sense of humour, the Doctor was certainly capable of a chuckle at a funny anecdote – and items of general interest. On his third day at Skeldale, when his mind had regained much of its clarity, the Doctor found out that the year was 1938. Of course, Time Lord rules forbade him from letting his new friends know what was in their future, and he realised sadly that Tristan and James, and even the somewhat older Siegfried, would probably have to serve in the upcoming war. He was not party to their individual destinies, but he thought that he would like to thank them and offer them an experience to which that they could look back in the dark days ahead – a trip to the stars in his TARDIS. But first, he must deal with the problem of the Mintakans. He was still too weak and ill to make the trip to the mining moon and then to Mintaka. Yesterday he had tried to walk over to the window to take a look at the view, but he had only gone a few steps before his head began to spin alarmingly and he had to abandon his attempt. He would try again today and every day until he managed it. Meanwhile, he worried about the Mintakans. How would they manage without their medicine, and did they think he had abandoned them?

Tristan put down the newspaper. An idea had occurred to him.

An idea had also occurred to the Doctor.

James came in, with his arm in a sling. “That wound that I picked up at Bentley’s has become infected,” he said “I’ve got to wear this for the next few days until it has healed, so I won’t be able to drive.”

“I was meaning to ask you -” said Tristan and the Doctor, simultaneously.

“Would you show me how to fly your TARDIS?” asked Tristan.

“Would you two run an errand for me?” asked the Doctor.

- 4. -

“This is the life!” exclaimed Tristan. “Whizzing through space and time!” He pushed a few buttons on the TARDIS console, just for the pleasure of hearing the bleeping noises they made(*). “Do you think this Time Lord garb suits me?” He strutted backwards and forwards in the console room. Unknown to James, who had been asleep at the time, he had spent several hours the previous evening practising how to make his frock-coat flap behind him in the most satisfying way.

“It does, oddly enough,” said James, who had no wish at all to flatter Tristan’s vanity but did feel the compulsion to be honest. “It’s a strange collection of garments, and it seems to be the Doctor’s own idea of what Earth people wore a couple of decades ago, but it does look as if it was designed for you.”

They both, separately, imagined Tristan arriving at a dance in the Doctor’s outfit and seeing heads turn. James’ imaginings focused on the embarrassment associated with being in Tristan’s company when he was dressed thus, and on ways of avoiding this eventuality. Tristan, for his part, daydreamed hopefully of the female hearts that might be set fluttering by an appropriate flick of his dashing coat-tails. “Oh, you look just like Prince Charming in that coat” an attractive young admirer was sighing, gazing adoringly up at him with big blue eyes. “Yes, and you know what Prince Charming wants to do to his pretty little princess,” he imagined himself saying, leaning down to kiss her rosebud lips…

“Why did he ask you to wear his outfit?” asked James, interrupting this gratifying fantasy.

“I think he thought it would make it easier for me to negotiate with the moon miners if they believed they were dealing with him. He obviously does have a certain amount of clout in some corners despite his odd taste in trousers. Or perhaps he just thought it would be a jolly wheeze, which of course it is! It’s just like ‘The Prince and the Pauper’ that we saw at the pictures!”

“Who’s the Prince and who’s the Pauper?” laughed James.

“Anyway, our errand is accomplished and everything’s tickety-boo! I thought that after studying Vet. Med., I knew most of what there was to know about strange creatures. Never did I thought I’d see lizards in trousers… which, now I come to think of it, looked remarkably like the Doctor’s. Perhaps this sort of get-up is considered quite the thing on certain planets. Don’t you think it was remarkable how similar the space lizards’ constitution was to that of felis catus? Perhaps I should write a paper on it for the Veterinary Record. Do you think Zorg and co. appreciated that little speech I made to them: ‘We love you, that’s why we’re here’ and all that? I thought they seemed rather moved.”

“And now it’s time to get back to Skeldale” said the voice of common sense. He looked through the viewing screen and then down at the console. “Wait a second! This isn’t the way back to Earth!”

“Yes it is,” said Tristan, grinning. “It’s the scenic route! You do know that this machine travels through time and space, don’t you? We can go on a nice little detour through a few galaxies and still be back in time for tea! You know, I think I have an instinctive feeling for space-travel. I could have been a pilot for a living, looping the loop and all that. Flying this thing is just like driving the Austin, only with a few extra gears. The Doctor is a nice enough chap, thoroughly decent and all that, but he can be a bit of a stuffy old fusspot. Anyone would think he was hundreds of years old, the way he talks. All these instructions and watch-out-for-this and don’t-press-that-please and you-know-you-really-need-to-be-careful. He seems to think it’s his job to worry about the whole universe.”

“Perhaps it is.”

“I thought I would have to sit through hours and hours of lectures on how to fly this thing before I could get the key out of him. Worse than old Jenkins on Parasitology. Fortunately he got tired and drifted off halfway through.”

“Possibly the only person who has fallen asleep in his own lecture,” said James, laughing nervously.

“Oh, that’s happened plenty of times at Edinburgh.  When he woke up, he didn’t seem to realise that he’d been asleep. Must have been giving me flying instructions in his dreams. He gave me the key and just said ‘Please do try not to damage my TARDIS. She’s rather delicate,’ then just sort of flopped down and went back to sleep”.

“Imagine if it had been Siegfried and his Rover!” said James. “‘One scratch,’ he would have said, ‘just one scratch, and I’ll kill you with my bare hands’”.

Tristan laughed merrily and pressed a few more buttons.

“Don’t you think we’re going rather fast?” asked James. They did seem to be hurtling through space and time far too quickly, if that makes any sense when you consider Einstein's theories of relativity and whatnot, which Tristan didn't.

“Calm down, Jim, as I said, I have an instinct for these kinds of things and -” Tristan broke off with a yelp of horror as he saw, on the viewscreen, a phalanx of spacecraft flying directly toward the TARDIS. In panic, he pressed anything within reach on the console. The TARDIS made a nauseating lurch and swerved off in a different direction. It was not long before it crashed into something with an unpleasant, splintering crunch. Looking out of the viewscreen, the two young men saw that they had crashed into a rocky planet.

Remembering at least some of the Doctor’s warnings about planets without breathable atmospheres (perhaps the old bird did have a point with all his warnings after all, now he came to think of it), Tristan passed a shiny silver space helmet with an oxygen supply to James then took one for himself. Stepping out onto the planet’s surface, James picked up a chunk of space-rock off the mangled outside of the TARDIS and threw it down. Tristan, coming out to survey the damage, clutched his head in anguish (through his space helmet) and imagined how angry the Doctor would be after discovering what a mess he had made of his precious TARDIS.

***

The Doctor was propped up comfortably against the pillows, still feeling a little weak but in excellent spirits. His health had finally taken a turn for the better and he could convalesce at leisure, relieved of worry about the Mintakans thanks to those thoroughly decent young people who had made the trip in his place. After he had fully recovered his wits he had realised that there was, of course, no great hurry to get back to the Mintakans after all; after he had recovered, he could simply have set the coordinates of the TARDIS to arrive in Mintaka not long after he had left. That was the problem with space flu – it did addle the brain so. By the time this had occurred to him, the young men had already left. He just hoped that they had properly assimilated his instructions on how to fly the TARDIS. The people of this era were still very primitive when it came to space- and time-travel, and while James was a very sensible fellow, he sensed that Tristan, on whom he had had to rely to do the piloting with James’s arm out of action, tended towards excessive high spirits and recklessness.

“Thank you, Mrs Hall. It’s very kind of you to take care of me and bring me these most excellent cups of tea. I’ve been enjoying doing the crossword immensely. Ah, here are young Tristan and James. How did you get on with the errand I sent you on? Did you manage to get the healing crystals to Zorg and his lizards?”

“Yes,” said Tristan, who looked a little uneasy. “The lizards are now, er, basking in good health. But I’m afraid I took a bit of a detour and there was this flock, er, convoy of spaceships…”

The Doctor was overtaken by a coughing fit. He began to wonder whether he was about to regret having handed Tristan the keys to his TARDIS.

“I’m afraid the nearside wing of the TARDIS is rather mangled,” said Tristan, attempting to marshal his features into an expression of sweet, choirboyish innocence.

The Doctor made various expressions of polite, Edwardian-sounding indignation before managing to compose himself. “Crashing a chap’s ship! That really isn’t cricket, you know!”

- The End -

(*) “Do you mind?” grumbled one of the sound technicians. “Every time you press one of those buttons, we have to make a bleeping noise to go with it.”

“Yes, I know,” said Tristan, “that’s why I’m doing it.”

[hellzyeahthewebwieldingavenger]

Mayday’s Costumes Through the Years

Spider-Ben Costume (What If Volume 2 #105)

Mayday’s first costume was literally her uncle Ben Reilly’s old Spider-Man costume (apparently repaired since his death). She adopted this to battle the Normie Osborn Green Goblin and save her parents back in What If Volume 2 #105 where she debuted.

Makeshift Costume (Spider-Girl #1)

Since Ben’s costume (along with most of Peter’s ones) were burned at the end of the previously mentioned issue, Mayday’s second costume was a makeshift affair composed of a black Lycra gym suit, a black ski mask and silk gloves. It is rather appropriate that Mayday have her own makeshift costume when dabbling in life as a superhero. Both her father (as ‘the Masked Marvel’ in his wrestling days) and Ben Reilly have similarly thrown together costumes before adopting more traditional superhero attire.

Spider-Ben Costume 2.0 (Spider-Girl #1)

At the end of Spider-Girl #1 Mayday managed to perfectly recreate Ben’s old costume with one exception. The tips of the white lenses in her mask were more pointy and pronounced than had been the case in her original costume. You might think that that’s a nitpick and merely down to artistic licence on the part of the Pat Oliffe (who hadn’t co-created Mayday nor Ben’s outfit). But in fact the different design of the eyepieces was not only maintained when Ron Frenz returned to drawing the series, but was commented upon in Spider-Girl #76 by Kaine. Like her makeshift suit, Mayday’s ability to single handily create a full body suit (with a rather complex pattern) is appropriate given her father and uncle doing the same, to say nothing of the sewing abilities of her mother and great aunts May and Anna.

Makeshift Costume 2.0 (Spider-Girl #7)

Mayday temporarily wore this even more plainclothes makeshift costume in Spider-Girl #7 after her parents took away her regular costume.

Black Costume (Spider-Girl #75)

Mayday’s next noteworthy costume change occurred in Spider-Girl #75. The issue was originally going to be a major turning point for Mayday as she would ‘grow up’ and begin calling herself Spider Woman. Part of this growing up (and by extension I suppose, growing ‘darker’) would involve a new more serious costume. And so she purchased a sleek black and white number from the Spider Shoppe (a store which specialized in Spider-Girl related merchandise). The costume visually recalls her father’s black costume which debuted in Amazing Spider-Man #252 drawn by Spider-Girl co-creator (and artist of SG #75) Ron Frenz. MJ was actually scared of May in this outfit (due to past experiences with Venom) which is ironic since she owned the Spider Shoppe and presumably designed or approved of the manufacturing of the suit.

Black Costume 2.0 (Spider-Girl #76)

This ‘costume’ was worn by May after she literally ripped her black mask apart. She did this to reassure her hysterical mother who believed that she was encountering Venom again. May’s tactic worked but she was left without a mask and so made so by borrowing an old mask of her father’s.

Symbiote Costume/Spider-Ben 3.0 (Spider-Girl #100)

In Spider-Girl #100 a critically injured Mayday was healed when the Venom symbiote bonded to her body. After she was saved the symbiote temporarily stuck around and used its shape shifting abilities to create a costume which looked nearly identical to Mayday’s regular outfit. The only major differences were that her forearms and hands had patches of the red-and-black patterns from the rest of her costume and her fingers were all blue, giving the impression she was wearing finger less gloves.

Makeshift Costume 3.0 (Amazing Spider-Girl #1/Avengers Next #1)

This costume was yet another makeshift attempt by Mayday although even more thrown together than the black gym affair in Spider-Girl #1. Whilst the outfit first appeared in print in ASG #1, chronologically she was wearing it in Avengers Next #1 which was set before ASG #1 despite being published later.

Spider-Ben 4.0 (Amazing Spider-Girl #1/#2)

Although no in-universe explanation was ever presented, in Amazing Spider-Girl #2 Mayday is given her red and blue Spider-Girl costume by Mary Jane but it looks noticeably different than the cloth costume she wore from Spider-Girl #1 onwards. The eyepieces are much smaller. There is a larger patch of blue around her armpits. And her webshooters have been redesigned, being both smaller and more closely resembling her father’s as opposed to Ben Reilly’s. These changes are never commented upon in the series so could be attributed to artistic licence although between the time skip from SG #100 and ASG #1 and the fact that Ron Frenz drew both it would be easy to say Mayday modified her outfit. Indeed later issues depict the suit as having a kind of zipper around the neck area, which is something never depicted in the previous Spider-Girl or Spider-Man suits.

This costume technically first showed up on the cover of ASG #1 (albeit with Mayday’s regular large eyepieces) but didn’t appear within the series itself until the second issue.

Spider-Ben Costume 5.0? (Amazing Spider-Man Volume 3 #8/Spider-Verse Team-Up #3)

Whilst it could be a matter of mere artistic licence Mayday seemed to wear a slightly different costume during Spider-Verse. I’ve placed ASM v3 #8 as when it technically first shows up but since Frenz drew SVTU #3 and her suit looked different in that I thought it better to mention that too. This costume mostly seems like a throw back to the costume Mayday sported in Spider-Girl #1, with larger eyepieces and web shooters resembling Ben Reilly’s once more. However she retains the larger blue areas around the armpits and the eye pieces are not quite the same as we’ve ever seen before on her. In other issues (though not drawn by Frenz) her mask is shown to act somewhat like a hoodie rather than just a mask or the neck zipper we’ve seen in the past. Whether Mayday merely modified her outfit since her previous appearance or if this was artistic licence is unknown although it should be noted that it should be noted that the intentions of Frenz and DeFalco in SVTU #3 was to imply the Mayday we see might not be the actual MC2 Mayday. So the differences in her outfit can be attributed to a concerted effort by Frenz and Sal Buscema to make her look different implying the costume’s changes go beyond artistic licence.

Spider-Man Costume (Amazing Spider-Man Volume 3 #15/Spider Island #1)

At the end of Spider-Verse Mary Jane reveals she managed to save one of Peter’s Spider-Man costumes and gave it to May, who adopted it as her own along with the title of Spider Woman. Witht he potential exception of her white eyepieces retaining their familiar points the costume is identical to the one traditionally worn by Spider-Man sans webpits. Although given the costume in ASM v3 #15 and depicted as wearing it in a kind of ‘vision of the future’ int he same issue, Mayday was not shown wearing it herself until Spider Island #1 as part of the 2015 Secret Wars event.

Spider Woman Costume/Spider Island Costume (Spider Island #5)

In Spider Island #5, having begun to move on from her grief regarding her father’s death, Mayday adorns a new costume. It combines elements from both Peter’s traditional suit with Ben Reilly’s with some new features. The suit keeps the dark blue of the Spider-Ben suit along with the ‘half boots’ on her legs, the webshooters outside the gloves and making the arms and gloves almost completely blue exempting the thumb, index finger and pinkie. The back of the costume also has the red and black web pattern running down it. The front of the torso is effectively identical to Peter’s including the belt area.  New additions include the back of the ‘belt’ curving downwards, the two middle fingers also having red and black web patterns, a new spider symbol on the front and back (larger than Peter’s front symbol but smaller than Ben’s), the shoulder areas having the red and black patterns (but not drawing it down the length of the arm), the red and black on the back finishing in a triangular pattern and web wings (not dissimilar to Peter’s web pits or Jessica Drew’s own web wings) connecting from the back to the arms.

Whether Mayday retains this outfit after Secret Wars remains to be seen.

Venom Earth X

As a little bonus the Earth X version of Mayday Parker had bonded with a symbiote and become her world’s version of Venom.

[massielandnetwork]

Important Economic Trends During Anarchy

2021 - Let the Games Begin

3.   A Christian Secession – Opposing Privus Legis.

Two quick observations:

1.     Did you read that half of the windmills in Texas froze contributing to the huge decline in electricity available during the Artic Vortex in Texas.  People complained their electric cars and cell phones all died.  I did not read about any gasoline powered vehicles not working.  AOC’s tweet blaming white privilege for the power outages demonstrated her level of intelligence, roughly equivalent to a box of rocks. What great leadership.  Not!

2.     How about the impromptu Trump Rally in south Florida on President’s Day?  The pictures I saw displayed great enthusiasm and energy.  Quite a contrast with The Demented Marxists (DM) in DC who celebrated President’s Day by huddling in fear behind fences and soldiers.  I read that the faux president (fp) was at Camp David where he was able to stay up until 7 PM before going to bed.   Millions of Americans without electricity in Texas and other southern states but fp could not be bothered with a call to the governors to see if he could help.  According to the media, fp was busy with a rousing game of Donkey Kong so when some foreign leaders called, they were treated with a conversation with Harris.   Has anyone started a pool betting on how long fp will be in that chair/bed/the White House Nursing Home?  The Deep State loves him.

Privus Legis is a Latin term that means “Private Law”.  That is the origin of our word “Privilege” which refers to the existence of two sets of laws.  Unfortunately, this phrase describes the situation in the USA today.  The Clingers Deplorable Chumps are subject to one set of laws and the Demented Marxist (DM) and their allies, the Global Elites/Deep State, play by a different set. 

Last week saw two confirmations of Privus Legis:

1.     The unusual press release by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce bragging about how they along with their large international corporation members worked with the media to determine the outcome of the 2020 election.  I read the article that came from the press release.  It displayed a complete lack of concern for the average American while demonstrating their total focus is on the profits of the major international corporations.  They were very proud supporting those that ignored Clinton’s private server, Anthony Weiner’s laptop, Hunter Biden’s laptop, massive vote fraud, etc.  More ice cream?

  2.     The Impeachment for Giggles II, The Sequel.  The DMs spewed their hate and thereby turned what should have been a somber experience into a comedy of errors reminiscent of a Shakespearean play.  Seven so called Republicans and 50 Democrats self-described as having been in DC too long.  Did you see the interview with the hapless CBS female talking head (they have no reporters) with one of Trump’s attorneys who correctly called her out for suggesting that it is acceptable to manipulate evidence.  It was a hoot! I loved it when he dropped the mic. The talking head was clueless. Privus Legis was highlighted! 

  Privus Legis is extremely dangerous to the economy because the Chumps eventually will decide that “What is sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander”.  Add to that the current situation where the majority realize they were robbed in November 2020.  No wonder Nancy and Chuckie want a military guard in DC until September. 

Among the many newsworthy items last week, there are two more that I want to highlight because of their impact on the economy and therefore the land market.

1.     Chairman Powell of the The Federal Reserve (The Fed) gave a speech indicating that

a.      The Fed would keep interest rates low via Quantitative Easing (QE - continuing to buy $120 Billion per month of US debt) until the USA has full employment;

b.     The Fed is happy with increased inflation.

  Increased inflation will be a result of the $1.9 Trillion “Virus” stimulus bill the DMs are scheduled to pass in mid-March.  This ugly monstrosity is being touted as “virus stimulus” but really is simply the DM wish list including having the USA taxpayer bailout state governments -Illinois, New York, and California (20% of the bill) and various union pension funds (10%).  Just like the Center for Disease Control modified its criteria for a positive Wuhan Virus test once Biden got installed so that the number of virus cases have rapidly declined, now the DM governors are keeping their states locked down to aid the passage of this horrible bill. 

  2.     Christian Secession – Facebook, Amazon, Google, Apple, Twitter all banned Trump supporters.  Microsoft has announced they have withdrawn financial support of Trump supporters and others (Christian?).  This past week Google/YouTube concentrated on taking down every Christian site that is antiabortion.  This “Censorship” is consistent with Marxist behavior.  Marxists hate Christianity because they want people to worship the “State”.

Amazon’s profit comes primarily from its Amazon Web Services (AWS).  The easiest way to impact Amazon is to terminate any use of the AWS “cloud”.  I have found that Barnes & Noble (BN) has an excellent website that makes book buying, electronic or printed, just as easy as Amazon.  I have already purchased one book from BN and became a member this week.  If you have an Amazon Alexa in your house and are uncomfortable with the Chinese Communist Party knowing everything that is discussed in your house, I suggest the Alexa device would make excellent sledgehammer target practice.  For me, it is “Goodbye Amazon”.   

  Whether one is in familiar or uncharted territory, it is critical to have landmarks to guide decisions.  In a capitalistic society, the financial markets are critical to the allocation of resources via the cost of money versus the anticipated return.  Because of the importance of the 10-year Treasury relative to interest rates especially mortgage rates, we have discussed that your “canary in the mine” is the 10-year Treasury. 

  However, The Fed is massively distorting the 10 Year Treasury market.  Elon Musk made a $1.5 Billion bet on Bitcoin.  This highlighted both the level of speculation (not investing) in our economy and the need to avoid the Treasury market since The Fed declared they are happy to fund the DMs via QE and devalue the Dollar (called inflation).  Last weekend I started looking at other markets to determine what might be a good landmark for financial decisions. 

  In the process of my review, I noticed that oil has increased from approximately $35 per barrel in late October 2020 (prior to the so-called election in November) to $60 per barrel today.  The resulting increase in gasoline prices is the equivalent of a huge tax increase.  We discussed this several weeks ago as being one of Bidenharris’ pins that burst the economic bubble here in the USA.  The DMs and Global Elites will be fine, they do not care about the Clinger Deplorable Chumps.  But the oil market is too easily distorted to be a guide for anything other than its impact on the Chumps and therefore a broad indication of the trend of the economy.  However, rising gas prices are a seed of the coming recession.

  The residential real estate bubble is still intact.  In the next 60 days we should see an increase in both commercial foreclosures and retail bankruptcies which will begin to hit the real estate and the financial markets.  The current land market – the commercial land market is soft, industrial land will soften under Bidenharris, residential land is a bubble that will burst, and the rural land market is active but price sensitive.

  It sounds trite but the best way to weather what is coming is with a balance of liquidity and solid investments.  The peak of a bubble is a risky time to buy.  Fear is keeping a record $5.9 Trillion in cash in insured bank accounts.  I encourage you to remember that in times of financial panic “Cash is King” and make your decisions.

  “Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that, though they may malign you as evil doers, they may see your honorable deeds and glorify God when He comes to judge”.

(1 Peter 2:12   New Revised Standard Version, Oxford University Press)

  A great piece of land remains The Best investment long term unless the DMs get us to full-fledged Marxism.  Capitalism builds wealth, Marxism/Socialism consumes it in self destruction.  Pray for a return to honest elections in the USA.  God is in control.  Men make plans, God wins. 

  Stay healthy,

Ned 

  Copyright Massie Land Network.  All rights Reserved.

[douchebagbrainwaves]

I'VE BEEN PONDERING STOCK

And are English classes even the place to do it. By definition they're partisan. Would the transplanted startups survive?1 One of the best in the business. The other reason the number of startups started within them. Do they let energetic young people get paid market rate for the work they do.2 They don't always, of course: insurance, business license, unemployment compensation, various things with the IRS. But if I have to pause when I lose my train of thought. For a lot of people who get rich through rent-seeking of various forms, and a research director at Smith Barney. An essayist can't have quite as little foresight as a river. And so began the study of ancient texts had such prestige that it remained the backbone of education until the late 19th century.3 But can you think of one restaurant that had really good food and went out of business and the people would be dispersed.

A wimpy little single-board computer for hobbyists that used a TV as a monitor? Most people who publish online write what they write for the simple reason that they want to own, and the harder performance is to measure, the more we'll see multiple companies doing the same thing.4 At the other extreme are publications like the New York Times reporters on their cell phones; a graphic designer who feels physical pain when something is two millimeters out of place. But only graduation rates, not how much students learn. That's the key to success as a startup founder, but that you should never shrink from it if it's on the path to something great. I seemed awkward and halting by comparison.5 And they're going to be developing it for people like you. And since all the hackers had spent many hours talking to users, we understood online commerce way better than anyone else. Almost by definition, if a startup succeeds its founders become rich.6 The main reason they want to. One is that the raison d'etre of all these institutions has been the same: to beat the system. Wodehouse or Evelyn Waugh or Raymond Chandler is too obviously pleasing to seem like serious work, as reading Shakespeare would have been there without PR firms, but briefly and skeptically.

This does happen. This is called seed capital. This seems a common problem. Remember the exercises in critical reading you did in school, where you can spend as long thinking about each sentence as it takes to say it, a person hearing a talk can only spend as long on each sentence as it takes to say it, a person hearing a talk can be a powerful force. And the days when VCs could wash angels out of the picture. Why do the media keep running stories saying suits are back?7 Like most startups, ours began with a group of friends, and it was only then I realized he hadn't said very much. If anyone proved a theorem in christian Europe before 1200, for example, by helping them to become smarter or more disciplined, which then makes them more successful.8

Sometimes I even make a conscious effort to remind oneself that the real world you can create wealth as well as as apportioning the stock, you should either learn how or find a co-founder. Our offices were in a wooden triple-decker in Harvard Square.9 But this is a situation where it would really be an uphill battle. For a lot of investors unconsciously treat this number as if it were a single phenomenon. Reading P. You have more leverage negotiating with VCs than you realize.10 Usually this is an assumption people start from rather than a conclusion they arrive at by examining the evidence. We should fix those things.11 For example, in a recent essay I pointed out that because you can only judge computer programmers by working with them, no one knows in programming who the heroes should be. For example, the question of the relative merits of Ford and Chevy pickup trucks, that you couldn't safely talk about with others.

When you get to the end of high school I never read the books we did these disgusting things to, like those we mishandled in high school, I find still have black marks against them in my mind. The path it has discovered, winding as it is, represents the most economical route to the sea. A few years later I heard a talk by someone who was not merely a better speaker than me, but a famous speaker. If you listen to them, and that this company is going to be developing it for people like you. Design, as Matz has said, should follow the principle of least surprise. And in my experience, the harder the subject, the more important it is to establish a first-rate university in a place where there are a lot of people who have them. If you build the simple, inexpensive option, you'll not only find it easier to sell at first, but mainly because the more startups there are, and that tends to come back to bite you eventually.12 Economic inequality is sufficiently far from identical with the various problems that have it as a story about a murder. This was also one reason we didn't go public. Often they're people who themselves got rich from technology.13

Financially, a startup is to run into intellectual property problems.14 By the end of that year we had about 70 users. They seemed wrong. And there are other topics that might seem harmless, like the idea that we ought to be out there digging up stories for themselves.15 But for nearly everyone else, spoken language is better.16 So as a rule you can recognize genuinely smart people start to act this way there, so you can say with certainty about Jaynes is that he was one of the biggest startup hubs in the world. Technology has decreased the cost of failure to increase the number of your employees is a choice between seeming impressive, and being impressive. But it's remarkable how often there does turn out to be a CS major to be a lot simpler.17 So what's interesting? And when readers see similar stories in multiple places, they think there is some important trend afoot.

Notes

In practice their usefulness is greatly enhanced by other people who did it with.

It's hard for us to see.

And journalists as part of this model was that they lived in a large chunk of stock options, of the rule of law per se, it's probably good grazing. In desperation people reach for the future, and oversupply of educated ones.

Together these were the seven liberal arts. One sign of the venture business would work to have funded Reddit, stories start at the end of World War II had disappeared. Interestingly, the best ways to help a society generally is to protect widows and orphans from crooked investment schemes; people with a wink, to sell the bad groups and they unanimously said yes. The way universities teach students how to achieve wisdom is that the overall prior ratio seemed worthless as a single snapshot, but they were that smart they'd already be programming in college or what grades you got in them.

Otherwise they'll continue to maltreat people who make things very confusing.

When the Air Hits Your Brain, neurosurgeon Frank Vertosick recounts a conversation in which multiple independent buildings are traditionally seen as temporary; there is undeniably a grim satisfaction in hunting down certain sorts of bugs, and in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, Oxford University Press, 1996.

One of the War on Drugs.

But a couple predecessors. I think it's confusion or lack of transparency. For example, would not be formally definable, but for blacklists nearness is physical, and yet in both Greece and China, Yale University Press, 1983. 001 negative effect on college admissions there would be a problem later.

Wufoo was based in Tampa and they would never come face to face meetings. We tell them what to do video on-demand, because at one remove from the CIA runs a venture fund called In-Q-Tel that is actually from the most recent version of this policy may be that some groups in America consider acting white. Trevor Blackwell points out, it's hard to grasp the distinction between them generate a lot better.

Apparently there's only one founder is in the sense of the web. In practice formal logic is not yet released. 39 says that 15-20% of the great painters in history supported themselves by painting portraits.

Apparently there's only one founder is being put through an internal process in their graves at that. For example, the transistor it is.

Loosely speaking.

As he is much into gaming. It would have become direct marketers.

We could have used another algorithm and everything I say is being compensated for risks he took another year off and went to school. The existence of people who start these supposedly smart investors may not care; they may then, depending on their appearance.

One father told me they do the right thing to do others chose Marx or Cardinal Newman, and there are no discrimination laws about starting businesses. But if so, why did it. Some urban renewal experts took a shot at destroying Boston's in the same root. Default: 2 cups water per cup of rice.

Like early medieval architecture, impromptu talks are made of spolia. 4%, Macintosh 18. 5%. If Bush had been able to resist this urge.

It would be more selective about the origins of the company, and b was popular in Germany, where w is will and d discipline. Unfortunately, not conquest. Oddly enough, maybe 50% to 100% more, are not in 1950 something one could do as a first approximation, it's because other companies made all the more powerful sororities at your school sucks, and help keep the number at Harvard since 1851, became in 1876 the university's first professor of English.

Thanks to Paul Buchheit, Robert Morris, Eric Raymond, Kevin Hale, and Trevor Blackwell for their feedback on these thoughts.

[oqurarsorp6o782-blog]

How can i download gta 5 for mobile

Keep in mind of which you will require a lively internet connection to play GTA 5 iPhone, along with a similar goes with the PC version with the game. The many downloads of GTA 5 mobile need to be produced with the aid of a fantastic online service. By means of accomplishing this, you will not really only have the ability to download the overall game with a faster pace, however, you may call someone who can afford an individual with aid. Continue to be tuned to learn more relating to this inspiring video games inside the in close proximity to future.

How to sell garage in gta 5 online

As you possibly live through, this specific GTA mobile is very popular world-wide. You will discover likewise a great deal of new enthusing shocks which you'll be able to look forward to if you head to the online store of the game.

That ends a great deal of excitement with cool by it's own. Thus, should you have become looking forward to the probability to experience the Grand Theft Auto V mobile game, you can now benefit from the item devoid of to have to wait for a download.

The ultimate way to have the ability to get gate in order to GTA 5 iOS version becomes if you take advantage of the services of the online portal. You'll be able to benefit your own phone for you to take from traditional bank and operate the vehicle to drive present with bargain funds via various locations. Combined with discovery on the collection, you've got to escape in the patrols with do daring heists to be able to help retrieve your current possessions.

Even so, the Grand Theft Auto 5 news remains into the future, and yes it may perhaps occupy to an alternative week or perhaps so or it could be launched. You will find one stuffs that are very important being absorbed when you may make different options with what style of update of which you would like to download with the game. You will find so many interesting stuff that you can do inside the Grand Theft Auto V mobile game. Rockstar state likewise exposed new reports to occur said to be launched from the game of which you can be able to enjoy.

The belief that that you are downloading something was not covered won't persuade that you commit any money. Not necessarily solely they can play GTA 5 mobile phone version other than they may play the idea happening some other mobile phones as well as tablet PCs. Always hold see of the end time of the downloadable versions with the game.

How to transfer gta 5 character?

You will find deliveries of things that you can apply, so acquire your efforts in addition to investigate all the elements. In addition to ending up being a digital hole anywhere anyone play upon your own, video games may also be becoming a middle for human being interaction along with interaction. The emancipation of Grand Theft Auto 5 has brought the infamous city of Los Santos your for gaming.

As much as this kind of services can be standard with they've got turn out to be more dynamic just, they will not be something that ends up being made for all people. And you may wish to achieve that throughout the public Google Play Store.

Every news fund will certainly tell you which Rockstar hath got a brand new game coming out. You can find even different Grand Theft Auto 5 news of which says but to be told, as well as you will discover likely going to be many important updates within the occurring 7 days. So, tips on how to attempt receiving the GTA 5 download for Android? Nonetheless, quite a few relations experience complained how the games wouldn't work effortlessly for the apps.

You can find different options to you are able to treatment for you to expose the infections and when you could have got rid of them, you possibly can easily reestablish the overall game. The spot accomplished only obtain one characteristic on the story completely wrong, the whole lot was improper. That is due to the fact at some time the idea turns out that the website may well stop the proposition within a quarter or so. An appraisal web page, which is https://www.storeboard.com/blogs/general/why-cant-i-install-grand-theft-auto-5-version-12-to-update-on-ps4/2720362 commonly function next to a few standard origin from the game, can certainly deal a around time Grand Theft Auto V review that you study.

How to transfer gta 5 character from xbox one to pc 2019?

Rockstar GTA 5 news is usually acquired just about everywhere. They can certainly play this particular game whether or not they survive conversely on the world.

That is something that really should become a ton superior so than the old version from the game, plus it will likely be something which will be received with a lot of families too. That is a large substitute for your collection, specially when you contrast this on the last Grand Theft Auto game that was relieved.

[fuzz1912]

10 years of iPad - the curse of an early adopter

In early 2010, I wrote this piece on Apple’s newly introduced tablet computer for MacTalk Australia, speculating on what it could mean for the future of personal computing. Ten years later, we all know now how that turned out. 

Steve Jobs heralded the iPad as a ‘third’ category of devices (the other two being smartphones and computers) that performed a key set of functions far better than the others - he identified these as web browsing, reading and writing email, viewing photos and video, listening to music, playing games, and reading e-books. Rather than replace the other two categories, the iPad would supplement them - where the PC was a multipurpose agricultural truck, the iPad was a car that simply got you from A to B with no fuss or frills.

That first reveal was polarising (as is the case with the launch of many first generation Apple products) - either you were sold on Jobs’s vision of the future of computing or this was nothing more than a big iPhone / iPod Touch with larger versions of existing apps (somewhat true at the time). And the name provided much mirth to the American crowd many of whom would compare it to a sanitary product. 

In my initial reaction, I mentioned that the iPad may not be a PC killer (at least not yet), but a real threat to Netbooks. Remember Netbooks? Cheap, tiny, cramped, underperforming PC laptops that were all the craze of the late noughties? I didn’t think so. The iPad annihalated them (as, to be fair, did larger smartphones and lighter full featured laptops like the MacBook Air and its ilk). It did so for largely the reasons Jobs highlighted - it made some key computing functions more pleasurable by making them simpler and more tactile. And the roughly A4 sized handheld screen made it a perfect device for mobile content consumption, something a mini laptop with a dim low-res screen could never do as well.

Despite much incremental enhancement over the years (especially in multi-tasking), the one challenge that many contend the iPad has not been able to overcome entirely has been content creation. While the iPad features Apple’s own slick productivity suite (and more recently Microsoft’s own Office applications) and dedicated apps for media creation, certainly when it comes to detailed word processing and spreadsheet manipulation, or photo and video editing, a laptop is undoubtedly a superior tool. The availability of better external connectivity, file management, and cloud syncing have certainly improved the iPad’s ability to be used for productivity but for some the absence of a pointing device or a fully transparent file system without sandboxed limitations means that the iPad won’t match the utility of a laptop anytime soon (which, in Jobs’s view, it was never supposed to). Even Google’s line of stripped down, cheap Chromebooks (that have taken a strong lead in the educational space for now) would equally struggle with replicating some of the ‘truck’-like functionality of a proper laptop. 

But still nothing compares to the iPad as a dedicated tablet. By eliminating the control layer of a computer and focusing the large screen UI on dedicated tasks, it makes completing those tasks more accessible (and dare I say it more enjoyable). Despite the passage of a decade and heated competition from Android manufacturers in the smartphone market, no other tablet device has even come close to the iPad - it overwhelmingly dominates its niche. Comparisons have been drawn to Microsoft’s Surface line, which are impressively nimble devices in their own right and run a full implementation of Windows. I currently work at an organisation where Surfaces are standard issue. But Surfaces are used primarily as light (and slightly underpowered) laptops, not as tablets or true hybrid devices. When it comes to consumption and dedicated tasks leveraging a simple UI, iPads win every time (indeed, part of my work relates to the use of iPads and the like to replace previously analog processes through the use of a CRM platform).  

There will be many retrospectives that will cover the specs and evolution of iPads over the past 10 years, its impact on modern consumer technology, and missives on how far it still has to go. Instead of rehashing all that, I thought it would be a better tribute to reflect on how I have used this most personal of computing device over the years. As a perennial early adopter, I have had the privilege (curse?) of owning and using almost every model of iPad that Apple has released over those 10 years. Thanks to a complex web of hand-me-downs and repurposing, many of them are still in use today. 

iPad (2010)

As with the iPhone before it, the original iPad was a US-first release that came to other markets several months later. I had the fortune of having willing relatives in the US order one of these online on my behalf at launch and then forward it over to me in Australia. I later had the dubious pleasure of waiting for hours on a freezing May morning to pick up another model (with 3G) for work on the opening day of the Apple Store at Bondi Junction. 

It didn’t take much more than a few minutes holding and using the device to feel its transformative potential. While the iPhone completely changed the way we thought of a phone, the size of the iPad made it feel more like a window into a simplified computer - and using a computer had never before felt so tactile. Immediately it ticked off some of the “far better” objectives Steve Jobs had listed - a far better web experience, viewer for photos and video, and a great way to read eBooks and magazines. I took this iPad on an overseas trip not long after which quickly reinforced the fact that the touch-tablet form factor would be the absolutely perfect flight companion - a light, large screened device, that for the most part could be stowed in a magazine pocket and didn’t have to be removed from your bag through security (benefits that have fluctuated over the years). While it was great to use while seated, it wasn’t particularly well suited to using whilst lying flat - I probably still have a few indents on my nose from dropping the original iPad on my dozing face. The original iPad’s accessories included a fully-enclosing case that allowed it to be opened up like a book or propped up on an angle, as well as a 30-pin connector keyboard for use in (unusually) Portrait mode.

I would use this iPad for a year, until the release of the iPad 2. My wife used it for a little while before it ended up in a Fisher Price case to be used by my kids just emerging out of infancy to watch videos of themselves and play some educational games to learn the alphabet and vocabulary. I finally retired it around 2015 by which time the kids had finally received a superior hand-me-down and compatibility of the iOS was no longer able to keep up with the apps they were using. This original iPad shipped with iOS 3.2 and was not updated past iOS 5, so did not quite have the longevity of its successors (that being said, Apple launched it with the promise of support up to iOS 5, so they did deliver on that). Neither did it receive the “polish” of the over-the-top skeuomorphism in iOS 6 or the extreme flatness of iOS 7. I still occasionally take it out for a play with the past or to compare it against whatever is new - remarkably, the battery still holds up even if the home button is a little flaky.

iPad 2 (2011)

The iPad 2 shipped in several international markets very soon after it did in the US. In Australia it was also widely available at resellers, so I joined a friend for a few hours at a local JB HiFi. Unlike almost every other release to come, the iPad 2 officially went on sale at 5.00pm local time so for once this simply involved passing time inside an already-open store. 

The iPad 2 had a few significant things going for it over and above its predecessor. Most apparent was the fact that it was thinner, lighter, and finally had feature parity with the iPhone with front-facing and rear cameras. Much fun was made of those who dared use the iPad camera at public events (see the infamous shot of Spike Lee with President Obama) but despite their relatively low resolution each of these cameras paved the way for significant functionality - such as taking photos of meeting notes / whiteboards for later reference, and FaceTiming on a screen with a more lifelike size. Rather than adopting a fully-enclosed case like the original iPad, the iPad 2 was accompanied by a magnetic “Smart Cover” that snapped on the side, sat on the front of the display and could wake or sleep the iPad by being opened or closed. It could also be folded up to prop up the iPad at the ‘laptop’ viewing angle. 

I got a year’s worth of use out of this iPad before handing it down to my mum, who would use it for email and web browsing while traveling. After that my toddler daughter used it for about a couple of years or so for watching videos while traveling and at home. While I updated the iPad to iOS 7 (rather painfully given the relatively low non-Retina resolution screen) and it made it all the way to iOS 9, I took advantage of an uncharacteristic Apple bug to downgrade it back iOS 5. After nearly 9 years, it’s now still in regular use by my son for certain apps that he still loves that never made it past the iOS 7 watershed, and can only be accessed on this iPad.

This was also the final iPad (and product) that Steve Jobs keynoted, and it was already apparent that he was under considerable strain - he would step down as CEO of Apple Inc soon thereafter, and passed away later that year.

iPad third generation aka iPad 3 aka the “New” iPad (2012)

The first iPad launched by Tim Cook came with problematic nomenclature - to achieve some sort of unnecessary simplification, instead of calling it iPad 3 it was simply introduced as the “New” iPad. The point of this move was never explored or allowed sufficient air to make sense, as it was followed quickly later in 2012 by the “iPad 4” which reverted to the old naming scheme. Even Apple would come to refer to the “New” iPad as either the “iPad 3” or “iPad third generation”.

This was in many ways a transitional iPad - with Retina screens available on all other products, Apple needed to bring one to the iPad but had missed the boat for the iPad 2 in 2011. On the other hand, the processors needed to drive the Retina screen well wouldn’t be ready until late 2012, so Apple instead enhanced the graphics power of the chips used in the iPad 2. Similarly, the Lightning connector that would used in the iPhone 5 - and all future iOS devices until the 2018 iPad Pro - was also not yet ready to ship. The iPad 3 was also the first iPad that was actually thicker and heavier than its predecessor (though still lighter than the original iPad). In Australia it was initially advertised as offering 4G connectivity, at a time when no Australia carrier offered 4G on the bands accessible by that model. This resulted in Apple having to offer refunds and a rare instance of having to redo its packaging to meet local regulatory requirements by referring to future iPads (and in turn, Apple Watches) as offering “Cellular” connectivity, without reference to the specific type of connection. Nearly all of these issues were rectified by the iPad 4 not long afterwards. Accordingly, the third generation iPad was only available for sale for a few months and is often criticized as the worst iPad for its sub-par performance and longevity. 

All that being said, my iPad 3 is probably the device that has given me the most joy and value over the many years it’s been used. It was a day one release in Australia, and represented the least amount of work in acquisition for me - it was delivered to my door before any Apple Store had opened on launch day. The Retina screen finally coming to an iPad (before it made the leap to any Macs) was incredible and finally came close to replicating the experience of holding a digital piece of paper in your hand. It elevated the already-great experience of viewing photos and watching movies to another level entirely, and made reading eBooks or PDFs rival the clarity of paper. If ever there were a device that felt like it had dropped out of Star Trek and into your lap, it was the iPad 3. 

My iPad 3 was my primary device and frequent traveling companion for a good year and a half. I saw no reason to upgrade to the iPad 4 that followed because the iPad 3′s performance was more than adequate for what I needed - mostly watching movies, web browsing, and taking notes. As with the iPad 2, I handed this one down to my mum for a year or so, but it was the third life of the iPad 3 that meant the most to me. My son was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the time I had this iPad, and it represented my first exploration of how such a device could leverage customised apps to provide assisted communication, targeted learning, and other sensory functions for children with ASD. 

Eventually this iPad was later handed down to my son during his years in early intervention and school as an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device using the Proloquo app (which used to require a very costly standalone device), as well as a device for him to use for learning, behavioural regulation, and leisure. My son used this device (the “Purple iPad” as he called it, after the colour of its rugged case) for almost four years at a critical time of his development. During that time it took a daily beating in his school bag and was dropped frequently, but all the while pulled through. It received software updates through to iOS 9, and we only replaced it a little over a year ago when some of the apps he used needed iOS 10 or beyond for future updates. It currently still sits on a wall at home, functioning as a hub for some smart home devices and a security camera. 

iPad Mini (2012)

After a swathe of Android tablets (and ‘phablets’) made the case for the 7 inch form factor, Apple finally caved in 2012 and released the iPad Mini. The Mini’s launch was slightly delayed after the launch of the contemporaneous iPad 4 (requiring online pre-orders) and turned up on our doorstep a few weeks later. It was a hot commodity as it encapsulated essentially all of the features of the beloved iPad 2 and shrunk them down to an almost A5-notebook size that was almost pocketable, and at the very least could easily slip unnoticeably into most small bags. It was the debut of the modern iPad design language, drawing on the chamfered edges of the iPhone 5 with uniformly rounded sides that would be echoed later in the iPhone 6 and beyond. The design persists to this day in all modern iPad models, with the sole exception of the 2018 iPad Pro. The iPad Mini’s official accessories included a full-body leather “Smart Case” that was one of Apple’s better cases (but sadly hasn’t stuck around for as long as I’d have liked, with Apple reverting to “Smart Covers” like they did with the iPad 2).

This was the first iPad that I didn’t buy for myself - it was to replace my partner’s aging original iPad, and due to its size it quickly became a mainstay of her handbags (where its successors continue to find a home to this day). The old adage about the best camera being the one you always have with you easily transfers over to the iPad Mini, whose easy portability vaulted it to becoming her best web browser, email composer, gaming device, and e-book reader. This Mini was eventually passed down to both my kids as a play device for videos and apps, then briefly performed a similar function for their younger cousins while visiting at my parents’ house. We finally parted with it very recently when a friend wanted a simple device to give it to her grandmother to FaceTime with their kids.

iPad Air (2013)

The original iPad Air was released in late 2013 as the new flagship iPad. It adopted the “Air” moniker ostensibly because it was much lighter and thinner, taking the design of the iPad Mini and shaving off some of the vertical bezels on the sides of the screen - the first substantial change to the size of the 9.7 inch screen iPad. It was famously advertised by using a side profile comparison to a pencil, alluding to similar versatility. It was also the first iPad that shipped with the flat, minimalist software of iOS 7.

This was the first iPad since the original for which I lined up on the launch morning at an Apple Store. If I recall correctly, I had my young son with me as it was a relatively brief wait due to there being plenty of stock and comparatively low localised demand given the expansion of the iPad distribution chain. As a relatively mature product, the iPad Air probably represented a first significant upgrade for many early iPad adopters as well. I also took the leap back into acquiring a cellular model as the iPad Air had ‘proper’ 4G in Australia (which was resolved in the iPad 4 a year earlier) as well as a Smart Case like the iPad Mini. 

This was a solid workhorse iPad that served me well for a year, and was then given to my mum who used it for almost four years for her basic computing needs, which by now had shifted more towards media consumption. About a year ago it became my daughter’s primary device, which she uses to play videos, watch YouTube Kids, colour and draw, and use educational gaming apps. It did not receive last year��s update to iOS 13 and is starting to feel slow to use, so to may be on the path to an early retirement or relegation to feature duty like the iPad 3 - but over six years of solid service is not bad at all in isolation, even if slightly less impressive than some of its counterparts.

iPad Mini with Retina Display aka iPad Mini 2 (2013)

Shortly following the launch of the iPad Air came the iPad Mini 2, which I snagged on release day at a nearby Big W store. The iPad Mini was the final iOS device to receive a Retina screen - this was especially significant given the iPad Mini’s smaller size, which meant higher pixel density had a far greater impact on clarity than in the larger iPad. Interestingly the iPad Mini 2 had mostly the same internals and resolution as the iPad Air, leaving Tim Cook to famously suggest that the feature parity between the two models meant that all that was left to decide was what size you preferred – though to be honest, he should’ve added price, as the iPad Mini and iPad Mini 2 were easily the cheapest iPads on offer to date.

It was an easy decision to get the iPad Mini 2 to replace my partner’s iPad Mini, as it freed up the latter to be used by the kids when traveling (which was far more convenient than traveling with their bulky full-size iPads in rugged cases). After a couple of years it became my son’s primary device for play and travel (used alongside his iPad 3 for school and AAC), following which it also went to my parents’ house for use by visiting cousins and other guests where it remains to this day. We never ended up getting the iPad Mini 3 that followed the year after, primarily because it shared the internals of the iPad Mini 2 and only differed in its selection of colours and the TouchID home button.

iPad Air 2 (2014)

The iPad Air 2 is what I would call “peak iPad” - much like the iPhone 6 before it, iPads are still being released to this day that superficially could not be distinguished from the iPad Air 2. It represented both a refinement to its predecessor and probably the first iPad that was clearly overbuilt for its time, with a level of performance that would see it and be able to cope with years of updates to come (right up to today, and likely beyond). It was much thinner and lighter than even the original iPad Air, and held that record right up until the release of the 2018 iPad Pro. Here was an iPad you could read in bed, without worrying too much about the injury you’d suffer if you dozed off and dropped it on your face. It also came in a fetching shade of gold, the first new colour variation in the iPad line since the iPad 2 introduced black and white.  

The iPad Air 2 also came with the TouchID home button (taken from the iPhone 5S the previous year) and introduced the celebrated ‘laminated’ display, which eliminated the tiny air gap between the glass surface and screen, reducing apparent latency and making it feel as if you were practically touching the screen itself. Unfortunately, the trade off for this was higher cost and lower repairability - if you happened to break the screen, you’d have to replace the entire digitiser and not just the glass surface on top. The inclusion of this display has been a distinguishing feature of higher-end iPads since, though its absence from the lower-end ‘budget’ iPads has been a sore spot for many. For me, while it’s certainly a ‘nice-to-have’ that enhances the experience of using an iPad, it is far from a necessity and its absence does little to hamper the usability of iPads that have non-laminated screens. 

By this stage everyone in my family right down to the kids were all using iPads, so we’d entered the phase of repurposing all retiring older devices. I got a good year out of the iPad Air 2 before passing it on to my father, who continues to use it when traveling and on the go. He has only recently started commenting on it being a little slow at times, which I put down to perception rather than reality due to the slow internet at places he visits - and while it still multitasks really well, he now has an iPhone XS Max with a four-generation faster processor which makes the Air 2 seem clunky in comparison. I expect that when the 2020 line of iPads Pro debut, this iPad Air 2 will find its way to my daughter to replace the iPad Air.

iPad Pro 12 inch (2015)

The first iPad Pro debuted in a massive 12.9 inch screen that was a sight to behold (and hold). While 13 inch screens have been standard (if not small) for years in laptops, having such a screen float freely in your hands in a (relatively) light slate was an experience resembling the tactility of first using an iPad but on a full-sized computer display - 5K iMacs had finally been released the year prior, and the iPad Pro’s screen had roughly the same usable area. Interestingly, the dimensions of the screen more closely resembled an A4-sized piece of paper then the original 9.7 inch iPad, but somehow this still felt bigger - almost like an A3 page. The size of the 12.9 inch screen would enable it to allow split-screen multitasking of two apps in the full-screen display they’d have on the 9.7 inch iPad - a feat still unequalled by any other iPad, including its younger 10.5 and 11 inch siblings.

With the iPad Pro came the first “Smart Connector” on the rear of the device, which allowed accessories to connect and draw power through three small magnetic dots. This connection held much promise but in the years since has only really ever been used for keyboards, like the Smart Keybord Folio released at the same time for the iPad Pro. What appeared to be a relatively simple case (if quite thick) needed to be folded out almost like an accordion in order for the iPad Pro and Smart Keyboard to resemble a small laptop. The fabric covered keyboard itself was quite durable, though the Smart Connector pins have worn out over time creating occasional connection problems. 

The iPad Pro had an odd launch in Australia - rather than morning or midnight, I found myself waiting for 1.00pm to tick over on launch day at my local Apple Store before they were made available for sale. As such, it was pretty much a sight-unseen purchase. The full-screen multitasking is what really sold me on the iPad Pro. Even if limited, it felt like a step in the right direction towards not just emulating a computer’s multitasking but creating a more effective paradigm for multitasking where only the windows that really matter are open and featured front and centre. 

On the other hand, the downside to the iPad Pro’s size was... its size. At 12.9 inches large (and considerably heavier when adding the new Smart Keyboard Folio and rear case) it was far larger than even the original iPad (let alone the Mini) and as such was no longer as snug and comfortable a fit in many bags and cases tailor made for iPads - rather it approached the heft of a laptop. Neither was it as handy a traveling companion, especially on aircraft where the iPad had previously excelled. This was a tablet that was better used at home. After a little over a year I’d finally decided that such limitations didn’t work for me and handed it over to my father, who continues to use it more properly as a “home” iPad for most computing tasks (email, browsing, basic mobile gaming) that he’d previously have done on an iMac. 

The one other significant feature of the iPad Pro was the concurrent introduction of the Apple Pencil, still one of the most responsive input devices for a tablet. Writing with the Apple Pencil on the huge iPad Pro resulted in fine script that felt as close as you could to writing on paper (without the same level of friction). This also resulted in revealing deficiencies in handwriting for which a pen and paper were more forgiving. But the Pencil really excelled when used for drawing, colouring, and painting using the pressure-sensitive tip. Despite its much maligned “eraser” charging port, I rarely separated the Pencil from my iPad Pro and was more than happy to have it awkwardly stick out for a couple of minutes for hours worth of charge. After finding some teeth marks in that “eraser” area and finally updating to a newer model, I gave that original Apple Pencil first to my son who used it for handwriting practice with his current iPad (replaced by a Logitech Crayon), and then to my mum to use with her current 10.5 inch iPad Pro. 

iPad Mini 4 (2016)

While the iPad Mini 3 was a somewhat unimpressive reskin of the iPad Mini 2, it wasn’t until the quietly introduced iPad Mini 4 that we got a true mini version of the “peak” iPad, with the same incredibly thin and light profile, TouchID, and laminated display. And with its even smaller size, this made the Mini 4 effectively lighter than most A5 notepads and, with the bright laminated display, almost as pleasant to read from. 

The Mini 4 replaced my partner’s Mini 2 for about three years, freeing up both the Mini 2 and original Mini to be used as travel iPads in rugged cases for both kids. The Mini 4 was not updated by Apple again for several years, and for some time appeared like it would be the final Mini Apple would release - thankfully not the case, as the form factor really made the device incredibly appealing to those like my partner to whom it represented the perfect compromise between screen size and portability. 

iPad Pro second generation 10.5 inch (2017)

Some of the issues I had regarding the size of the original iPad Pro were mitigated soon after by the release of a smaller 9.7 inch iPad Pro in early 2016, also with the benefit of a better camera and wider range of colours (Gold and Rose Gold). However this was basically a beefed up iPad Air 2, so I wasn’t yet ready to give up on a larger sized iPad until the following year when the intermediate size 10.5 inch iPad Pro landed. Both the new 10.5 inch iPad Pro and updated 12 inch iPad Pro came with a new display with a 120Hz refresh rate for more ‘lifelike’ scrolling and transitions, and more importantly greater responsiveness from the Apple Pencil.

The 10.5 inch iPad Pro also signalled a clear differentiation between two sizes of ‘Pro’ iPads - one larger with more usable space, and one smaller and more portable. However, with that smaller size came a significant compromise - unlike the 12 inch iPad Pro, the 10.5 inch model could not do full-screen split-view multitasking, instead reverting both apps to the ‘compact view’ that more closely resembled a smaller iPhone app than a full-sized iPad app. I sweated on this difference for some time and sat out the launch, for the first time seriously considering passing on a new iPad. However, not more than a few hours after store opening I buckled and drove over to one of the only Apple Stores in the city still showing stock. 

In the end I found the 10.5 inch iPad Pro to be an absolute pleasure to use, a good compromise between size and portability, much lighter and easier to carry, but without what I then considered to be the killer feature of the iPad Pro - a sacrifice I simply learned to live with, and did not end up missing as much as I thought I would. As a consequence, I pushed my usage of this iPad Pro and tried using it as much as possible as a laptop replacement (indeed, during this time I stopped carrying around my laptop with me and relied on a combination of this iPad and the newly functional iCloud Drive file browser in iOS 11). While there were inevtiably certain tasks I still needed to use my laptop for, I was surprised at just how much of my mobile computing needs were achievable (and possibly even more pleasant) on this iPad Pro. 

This was also one of my longer used iPads, giving me a good year and a half of service before being handed to my mum to replace her long-in-tooth iPad Air. I used it with its Smart Keyboard accessory, which unfortunately now did not have a matching rear case leaving the back of the device exposed - the first time I had carried around a ‘half-naked’ iPad in pretty much forever. This required a degree of extra care on my part, having to use the front keyboard side as a buffer against other items while ensuring that the exposed side was always flush to padded fabric in my bag. When I gave it to my mum, I was sure to pick up a third party accessory that would both protect the back of the iPad and also included a holder for the Apple Pencil (which sadly she does not use as frequently as I’d like). 

iPad sixth generation (2018)

While the iPads Pro had established themselves as the new flagship line of iPads, Apple quietly released a ‘budget’ iPad in 2017 based on the old, thicker iPad Air chasis and non-laminated screen, but featuring more updated internals (similar to the first iPad Pro). This product matured even further the following year with a processor similar to my then-current iPad Pro and a screen that was compatible with the original Apple Pencil - for a fraction of the cost of the iPad Pro. 

To this point my son had been using the old iPad 3 as an AAC device at school and the iPad Mini 2 at home, and this new iPad represented the best of each device - so I bought one on sale a few months after it launched to consolidate and allow him to be able to use updated versions of his apps that were no longer supported on the older devices. In particular, Pencil compatibility has opened a way to use the device to enhance his fine motor skills, and the relative thickness and non-laminated screen are beneficial from a repair perspective in the event of unforeseen kid damage (mercifully not yet required due to adequate encasement). I’ve given him one of the Logitech Crayons, which lack the pressure sensitivity of the Apple Pencil but are cheaper, more durable, and have a flat, textured surface that is much easier to grip. This iPad’s already clocked up almost a year and a half’s worth of use and still looks and feels brand new in use.

iPad Pro third generation 11 inch (2018)

Following the release of the iPhone X with its all-screen display, FaceID security mechanism, and infamous “notch”, it was only a matter of time before that design found its way to the iPad line. It took a year but it was finally realised with the release of the 2018 iPad Pro, which eliminated the notch by simply having a smaller uniform bezel around the entire screen. The 12 inch model shaved its bezels and shrunk in physical size substantially, more closely resembling an A4 size page. Instead of retaining the 10.5 inch size, Apple traded some of the bezel of the smaller model for a tiny bit of extra screen space, brining the screen up to 11 inches. While that seemed quite close to the 12 inch, the difference was deceptively significant. In particular, even at 11 inches the smaller iPad Pro couldn’t quite do full screen split-view multitasking. 

Finally, instead of the iPhone X’s rounded stainless steel sides, the 2018 iPad Pro adopted a slate-like appearance with a flat aluminium back and thin, flat sides - making it the thinnest iPad ever at just 5.9 mm, and more closely resembling the back of the original iPad than any other model. The iPad Pro is covered in magnets to enable easy attachment of the corresponding Smart Folios and Smart Keyboard Folios (now with a smaller profile that involves less folding). The flat sides and magnets also enabled a new Apple Pencil 2, with a flat magnetic side that attaches nicely to the top of the iPad Pro - good to carry around in the hand, though not quite strongly enough to withstand significant movement or friction when carried in a bag.

But the two most important developments in this iPad Pro were first, the use of a USB-C instead of Lightning port (opening up a variety of charging and IO options that had long eluded iOS devices) and increased performance (said to rival then-recent benchmarks for the MacBook Pro) making a compelling argument for its ability to replace a laptop. With improvements in multitasking in iOS 12 and iOS 13, and the ability to use the new Files app and USB-C port to directly access external storage, some significant limitations that had dogged the iPad since its original release had been mitigated (if not quite overcome). Of course, the primary limitation - availability of apps that fully take advantage of this new functionality - persists, and may yet take some time to overcome. For example, there are some great video editing apps available for iPad (such as Luma Fusion) but I would love to see Apple port its own Final Cut Pro to the iPad, and take advantage of the external file management options offered by the USB-C port, to really kick the iPad up a notch. If nothing else, the passage of the past 10 years has demonstrated that such functionality may take some time to come, but when it does it should represent a refinement of the experience that makes much more intuitive sense than something slapped together for the sake of feature creep. 

This is my current iPad, and the device on which I am currently typing this post - other than the early adopter urge and my dad’s unreasonable concerns about his iPad Air 2 (which let’s face it, are probably enough), I wouldn’t see any compelling need to upgrade to whatever new version of the iPad Pro is released in the coming months. I rarely carry around a laptop anymore as the iPad Pro (in conjunction with iCloud) now meets almost all of my mobile computing needs. But for a few tasks that I can’t yet do without a laptop (mainly organising storage of file libraries and some video editing), I’d almost be prepared to get rid of my MacBook Pro entirely (in fact, I haven’t bought a new MacBook Pro in almost eight years, in which time I’ve bought all but three of the iPads in this list). 

iPad Mini 5 (2019)

For a while it seemed like the aging iPad Mini 4 would never be replaced, and the iPad Mini product line would fade into obscurity (much to the chagrin of my partner, and many others who relied on its small form factor). Apple pulled a cat out of the bag by surprising everyone with a very late update to the iPad Mini in early 2019, bringing it back into line with the specs of the newly-refreshed iPad Air (feature parity not seen since the original iPad Air and iPad Mini 2 in 2013). I picked this up from a local Apple Store a few months after release to replace my partner’s iPad Mini 4, and it currently sees daily use from her handbag.

Touching quickly on the recent products not in this list, the new 2019 iPad Air is essentially a refresh of the 2017 10.5 inch iPad Pro model, with some minor differences such as the lack of stereo speakers. It allowed Apple to offer most of the performance of the Pro line at a lower price point. Initially it also brought smart connector accessories and Pencil functionality as well, but Apple has subsequently released an updated ‘budget’ 10.2 inch iPad with a smart connector on top of the existing first generation Pencil compatibility. The iPad Mini 5 is thus currently the only model offered without a smart connector (though plenty of third party keyboard accessories are available) and the entire iPad line offers some form of Pencil compatibility. 

[stabrap]

Why It Is Advantageous To Gamble At On-line Casinos

In the early 90's, way before on line casinos were being commonplace, I appreciated a terrific recreation of Roulette at one of my most loved land casinos three or four situations a 7 days. These days, I do not even have to go away the comforts of my have dwelling to get in on the genuine motion. With the beginning of on-line casinos during the mid-90's, and soon there following, their recognition has catapulted them into the most well-liked type of on the web enjoyment all more than the globe. Currently, on the internet on line casino gambling services are debuting each and every week it looks. In contrast to the typical land on line casino, you will discover that taking part in at on line casinos has its various benefits. In actuality, we have compiled just a number of of the lots of benefits to actively playing on the net. Acquire a glance: Enjoy Any Time, Everywhere If you have Web capabilities, you have your decide on at hundreds of that hardly ever shut. No make any difference exactly where you are on the world, you can enjoy at Net casinos for authentic revenue. What is extra, these virtual casinos have a lot of fantastic recreation possibilities that even the most discerning participant will locate himself entertained and even able of profitable a large amount of cash. No Have to have To Gown A Sure Way Some land casinos are likely to have costume codes to bet large amounts of cash. Now, you can even participate in the formal version of Baccarat in your tub gown if you want to. No need to have to costume to impress, you will be playing in the privateness of your individual house. No one will thoughts your glance what so at any time. Now you can even wherever that hideous but incredibly blessed poker cap you enjoy so significantly with out folks staring. No Dilemma With Weather Or Local weather Actively playing at on the web casinos will put a quit to your disdain of Las Vegas summer warmth. Rain or shine, you can be rest certain that you can get into an online casino devoid of having to have an umbrella or large overcoat. Try to remember, you do not have to embark on any vacation to a casino. You can sit in your preferred snug chair at house for the duration of sleet, snow or sunshine and log on to a fantastic journey. Vacation Not Essential Lots of folks who appreciate to gamble do not have the luxurious of residing in Vegas or even want to go there. With the superb new earth of on the internet on line casino gambling, you will save precious time and cash by actively playing suitable from dwelling. The income you conserve from not owning to journey can be turned into a greater lender-roll for you to budget. The time you help save from travel could be revenue in the lender, also. The Personal Basic safety Component When participating in at on the web casinos, you really don't have to stress about unknowingly dropping your dollars or chips on the ground and strolling off only to realize that you dropped a ton of revenue. You can also experience at simplicity that no a person will be out to consider actual physical gain of you when actively playing on the internet. Actively playing from house, you will be 1 one's straightforward goal possibly. These days, females are taking part in additional on the net on line casino games and successful some of the Internet's leading jackpots, numerous feminine players feel much more self-confident at property than they are likely to at land casinos by themselves. The At any time Current Smoking cigarettes Difficulties With more people involved about participating in in smoky environments, taking part in at home is an obvious edge. Furthermore, those people of you that do delight in using tobacco will be ready to do so with out any flack from other individuals. These days, numerous land casinos will not permit using tobacco in their poker rooms possibly. Statistically, many regular casino gamblers are large people who smoke, if this is a problem for you, remaining at residence will ensure a fantastic surroundings for you. Group Manage We all know gambling is the new favourite past time. Land casinos get real chaotic. Often it is very tricky to discover a table sport or slot machine in your enjoy-array - not so at home. Numerous gamers are intimidated by crowds. New and even seasoned players down like persons ogling there match-engage in. On line casinos deliver the privacy and self confidence you will want. It is generally great to sit at dwelling and engage in at your have group-totally free tempo. Online games Choice As we pointed out now, online on line casino give just about any game you could probably want to wager on. They provide even far more than your usual on line casino on land, also. Assume of just about any kind of theme for a slot device, you will uncover it on-line. On line casinos are often hunting to give more casino game all the time. You will not get bored. Deposit and Withdraw Approaches If you play at casinos on land, you ought to use dollars to commence recreation participate in. Casinos on the Net give a full range of funding or deposit strategies to commence you actively playing. Credit history card use is permitted and recognized most usually. Not getting to use chilly tricky hard cash only provides you with much more funding alternatives than casino on land will deliver. Cost-free Video game Participate in Just about any on-line on line casino will allow for gamers established up a dummy accounts in which you can follow and turn into common to the software and game titles devoid of making use of real money. You can generally apply until you truly feel totally all set to wager serious income. Becoming in a position to examination the waters for free of charge is a wonderful gain to on the net casino activity playing. Self-confident gamers are good gamers. Absolutely free Income Bonuses Certainly, cash fro nothing. Most all on-line casinos now offer you you a totally free money deposit. Some are recognized as indication-on bonuses listed here if you deposit a specific volume of funds the casino will match it the initial time (up to a sure limit) these kinds of bonuses tend to be in the hundreds of dollars.  If you have any sort of inquiries pertaining to where and how you can use http://209.95.41.131/, you can contact us at our web site. Other types of free cash quantities can be nearly anything from twenty - 50 bucks, and even considerably extra based on your original deposit - so be absolutely sure to check out great on the net on line casino testimonials.