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randomvarious · 6 months

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Today's compilation:

Totally Hits 2 2000 Pop / Alternative Rock / Teen Pop / R&B / Adult Contemporary

Man, they weren't ever gonna find a way to eclipse the goodness of Now That's What I Call Music!, but the conglomerate that made up Sony, BMG, Warner, Elektra, and Atlantic came damn near close with this second dispatch from their competitive Totally Hits series here. Leans a bit too heavy on the soft, anodyne, slow, and schmaltzy adult contemporary-type of pop ballads at times, but the rest of it still sure makes for a top-notch nostalgia rush 😊.

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So, for some headlining, certified instant classic, turn-of-the-millennium hits here, we've got songs like Santana and The Product G&B's "Maria, Maria," Christina Aguilera's huge debut smash, "Genie in a Bottle," and the cringe-inducing swing revivalist one-hit wonder pop of Lou Bega's "Mambo No. 5." But after that, the choices seem to get less and less obvious, and that's where this comp seems to truly shine. Songs like Filter's radio-friendly "Take a Picture," which marked a gaping departure from their super heavy and aggro debut hit from four years prior, "Hey Man Nice Shot," are included, as well as Moby's terrific "Natural Blues," a song that didn't even manage to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, but helped to get him back in the good graces of serious music critics after having been vociferously written off for his previous and widely panned punk album, Animal Rights.

And we also have Madonna's "Beautiful Stranger" here too, a song that never actually ended up appearing on any of her studio albums, but was instead the lead cut from the soundtrack for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. With this great tune, we see Madonna and veteran UK producer William Orbit picking up from where they left off on her 1997 album, Ray of Light—often considered by many to be her magnum opus—to deliver a rich pop song that was both simultaneously futuristic and 60s retrodelic as well. And other songs that had been turned in for that soundtrack, like Lenny Kravitz' cover of The Guess Who's "American Woman," while decent, did not come anywhere close to achieving the same type of vibe that "Beautiful Stranger" did, and so it was a no-brainer as the song of choice to represent the film.

So, another really great trip down late 90s/early 2000s memory lane here. Totally Hits would run out of steam and end up bowing out from the contemporary hits compilation game some years later, but specifically with this album, they were certainly proving themselves as a more than worthy adversary to top dog Now That's What I Call Music! Their collective catalog and roster never had the same firepower as that of the combination of Capitol, EMI, Universal, and Virgin, but what they managed to amass here was still plenty good pop music anyway.

Highlights:

Santana feat. The Product G&B - "Maria, Maria" Christina Aguilera - "Genie in a Bottle" Third Eye Blind - "Never Let You Go" Sugar Ray - "Falls Apart" Lou Bega - "Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of...)" Madonna - "Beautiful Stranger" Whitney Houston - "My Love is Your Love (Jonathan Peters' Radio Mix)" Filter - "Take a Picture" Missy Elliott - "Hot Boyz" Moby - "Natural Blues" Donell Jones - "U Know What's Up" R.E.M. - "The Great Beyond" Sarah McLachlan - "I Will Remember You"

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harleiquina · 9 months

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All TV series I've ever seen III

1940 - 1970

1980 -2000

2010 - now (this post)

2010 - Mike & Molly

Sitcom with some funny jokes... got lost at season 3 maybe... I don't know.

I know some people can't stand Melissa McCarthy but what I can't stand is the typical jokes of "well she's fat so she has to be eating in every scene or making a big deal about food" as it happens in Ghostbusters.

2011 -Once upon a time

At first I thought it was a silly premise (and maybe it is) but I do like fairytales twisted over and over again to create something new.

I stopped watching around season 5... because I was watching it through Sony (LatAm) and they started to play it dubbed and the voices were horrible.

I should pick it up someday.

2011 - 2 broke girls

Yet another sitcom that sometimes lands and others don't. Good enough to watch when there's nothing else available.

2011 - Person of Interest

A man creates a system (AI?) that can identify a criminals so hires someone to take care of them. I might've watched two seasons... then I lost track.

2013 - The Blacklist

James Spader has one of the best voices in the planet and when he plays a snarky a-hole he's at his best. The first two season were great... then I lost track and all the sudden they are ending the show after 10 seasons. I have a lot to catch up.

2013 - The Goldbergs

I might've been born in 1992 but thanks to mom and my aunts I grew up with in the '80s so this show was made for me... or so I thought. Some things are cringy, once Adam grows up the whole nerdy thing isn't as funny but it's ok... ish.

2013 - Father Brown

You can never be wrong with Chersterton's creation. Altough as all british TV shows it can be a little too slow for my taste.

2016 - Nafta Súper (Argentina)

The whole thing started with a simple question: what would've happened if Superman fell in a poor neighbourhood in Buenos Aires instead of the Kent's farm? This was the premise for Kriptonita a book that presented the DC heroes in their argentinean versions. But beware since they are outlaws and not always do good (but compared to our police they aren't as bad)... it is kinda hard to root for them. I mean Nafta Súper (is the name of a type of gasoline you get here) got his name because whenever he had to meet with other crime bosses he would carry gasoline with him and set them on fire if they didn't agree with his views 🤷🏻‍♀️

The movie was a good enough hit, so the TV show was meant to happen and expand the universe. Each episode focuses in one of the members of the Justice League (El Federico/Batman, Lady Di/Wonder Woman, El Faisán/Green Lantern, Ráfaga/Flash) while they all look for Nafta Súper/Superman that, after the end of the movie, is hiding.

As I said, it is hard to root for them but I have to give it to the creatives with all the clever ways to twist this heroes and villains so they fit in our culture. And I do like El Federico & Corona (Batman and The Joker) they are the highlight of the show for me.

2016 - Анна, детектив (Anna, detective -Russia)

Do you remember Medium? Have you ever thought how it could've been set in the early 1900s in a backwater town in Russia? Well now you don't have to!

Anna Mironova is a young woman that always had psychic abilities but they would come and go during childhood. Now this abilities are back around the same time the Officer Shtolman is assigned to her town.

Sometimes is very VERY telenovela (I am not entirely on board when it happens), each case lasts 2 episodes and I do think that is a bit of a strech. But I do have to recognize that Dimitri Frid (Shtolman) plays a man that is very smitten and deeply in love very well.

You can see it in Youtube in Star Media English (captioned in this language)

2018 - Killing Eve

We all know that the first 2 seasons were the best (we can add the 3rd in it too when we compare it to the 4th). This cat-and-mouse spy thriller started strong mixing dark humour and just darkness and left us all with a bad taste in the last episode. Still Eve and Villanelle will live forever in our hearts.

2019 - Good Omens

An Angel a Demon beeing close friends got 20K christians so angry that they started a pettition to cancel this show adressed to the wrong company. And people still ask me today why I am Agnostic?

The Antichrist was born, the Four Horsemen summoned so it is time to stop the Apocalypse.

Really funny, layered and worth a lot more than just a watch (mom and I watched it about 4 times in less than a year, so... is that good)

2019 - The Mandalorian

At home we were never huuuuuge Star Wars fans (we would watch for Harrison Ford and some creatures). Still, since the premise to this show was that you didn't needed to be a hardcore-fan we gave it a go and we loved it! It's very close to old shows, like Zorro, where you have the adventure-of-the-day kinda plot (that some people just can't dig, don't know why) and I do like good fights on TV/Cinema

Never underestimate the power of Baby Yoda!

2021 - Wandavision

Even if we never read a comic, we did watched most of Marvel movies and we wanted to know what all of this was about.

It's a lot more effective if you already know the shows they pay homage to.

Beware... it will break your heart.

2021 - Falcon & the Winter Soldier

Following the MCU, came the buddy-mov... erm, TV show, buddy-Tv show starred by Falcon and Bucky.

At a moment you might think that there are too many things on the plate (super soldiers, the new & bad Captain America, a black market dealer, Zemo) so some things do feel a little rushed. But well... at least was fun.

2021 - Loki

Don't kill me but I do not understand people's obsession with Loki.

I mean, the mythological god is a thing... but aside from Tom Hiddleston's fans I don't see the appeal of any nordic god in the MCU (as I said, I don't read comics).

The show is ok...

2021 - Hawkeye

Since I'm little I always liked archery and I was curious about this Avenger that is easily lost in the background of the movies.

It is not the greatest show ever made... but at least is less "the world will be destroyed" and that is a good change. Less is more.

2021 - The Book of Boba Fett

Of course after watching Mando I had to follow the story... and yes, he did took over in the last episodes. But still... it was nice seeing Boba Fett's arch that transformed him from a Bounty Hunter to a Leader (???).

Something could be a little bit more explored, but well... we'll see what the future holds for him.

2022 - Our Flag means Death

When I had a glimpse of the trailers (mostly focused on Steede's most feminine traits vs the tough life of a pirate) I was like "yay... another show making fun of a clearly gay character. Awesome. Are we in 1980 again?" But some gifsets in here spiked my curiosity... does the story really shows a romantic relationship between Blackbeard and Steede or this is the fandom beeing fandom once again?

Well... watch and find out!

2022 - Moonknight

I love the Ancient Egypt so this show was for me. I didn't know that there was a superhero based on those myths (nor that he had DID) and I really liked him.

Fingers crossed for a second season... or a movie (once the strike is over, of course).

2022 - Ms. Marvel

I was expecting something more teenage-based but anyone can see Ms. Marvel.

I don't understand why so many hated it... oh wait... Sor Juana said it better "foolish men that accuse the woman without reason..."

2022 - She-Hulk

And odd experiment, I do think that the last episode was kinda cheating but if she breaks the fourth wall... what can we do? 🤷🏻‍♀️

At least they aknowledged some narrative issues that have been dragging for a while.

2022 - The Sandman

Loving this show is an understatement.

Once again, I didn't read the graphic novel with the exceptions of a few panels here and there that I saw many years ago in Facebook (when Morpheus meets The Fates and the baby scene on The Sound of her Wings).

I love when all mythology and fairytales and other myths can be combined into something new. So this was my jam.

Waiting for season 2 (and getting a better paid job so I can buy the books).

2022 - Obi-Wan

Is there anybody in this world that hates Ewan McGregor? I don't think so.

The show was ok... some twists were predictable from the get-go (still some didn't see them coming and got angry at them 🤷🏻‍♀️). But well... everybody wanted Vader vs Obi-Wan and they sure had it!

2022 - Andor

I don't know if living in Argentina absolutely killed the idea of a heroic guerrilla, revolution and such (because we are the spoils of that and, trust me, thinks don't get better. But this is not about argebtinean politics so... moving on)... or it is because in USA is heavily romanticized but... Andor didn't clicked with me.

It was a task watching it and we only finished it because we started it... don't know if we will watch a second season.

2022 - Wednesday

A lot of people say that Tim Burton is overrated (I disagree, I think that he is tired of beeing ask to be Tim Burton, wacky director or weird films) but Wednesday is heavily overrated to me. Really? This has 12 Emmy nominations and The Sandman has zero? What the Bloody Hell?!

I like the Addams Family, I watched the TV show... the movies... this is not the Addams Family. I know, I know... this is about Wednesday blah, blah, blah. But this isn't Wednesday either... this is moody goth teenager with the biggest ego in the room.

Let's leave aside all the character and worldbuilding inconsistencies... Wednesday is a sharp and blunt person but she is never mean without a good point. This Wednesday is cruel even with people that loves her!

Did people forget that the weirdest thing about the Addams Family was that they are weird and they deeply love each other? That was what made them who they are! Instead of having the husband complaining about the wife, you have Gomez. Instead of having the wife trying to have the perfect house scolding her kids for their behaviour , you have Morticia with her own interests aside from beeing a housewife and assists her kids with their passions... I'll stop ranting now or I will never end.

Not a fan of the powers, the story is ok-ish...

2023 - The Last of Us

Never played videogames either and zombies (I'm sorry, infected) are not a big genre at home unless is Michael Jackson's Thriller video. Still we decided to give it a go because Pedro Pascal is latino and you have to support your people... even if they are chileans... or brazilians (argie joke. You wouldn't understand it).

We loved it!

I was ready for mom to complain with "is it necessary to always have gays?" in episode 3 but she didn't... and I dare to say that its one of her favourite episodes. (And no, readers, mom isn't conservative... but she's against tokenism -just like me-. If you want to have diversity in the world you've created, that's awesome... if you are doing it just to check some items off a list, it's annoying and feels like a desperate move)

2023 - The Muppets Mayhem

We love The Muppets but since Jim Henson's death they are kind of a hit-and-miss.

It does get better as it goes... wouldn't say is ✨️the best✨️ Muppets yet... but it is a lot better than the Haunted Mansion from last year (?)

2023 - FUBAR

Did you liked the movie True Lies with Arnold Schwartzenneger and Jaime Lee Curtis? Well... what if we do the same premise but this time his daughter is also a secret agent?

It is still good though... sometimes humor can be a little cringey, but Arnie knows his audience well enough and delivers.

2023 - Secret Inavsion (current)

It is still going so I cannot tell much just yet. Doesn't feel like a spy-thriller as I imagined but we'll see.

#very vague tv reviews by harleiquina #very vague reviews by harleiquina #tv shows #2010s #2020s #mike & molly #2 broke girls #good omens #ouat #ofmd #the sandman #wednesday #marvel tv shows #dc universe #argentina #killing eve #star wars #tlou

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barbaramillicentgordonroberts · 11 months

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: (I wonder if they will be able to have much more pins of the movie besides from all of the other past posts, and this one 👆 (it is a mirror image that reads "Go With The Flow!") , since because Clod is a funny little Earth dude, but not only him, everyone else of the movie will be able to be equally be a fan favorite in their own way from by having all of their own great highlights like all of the other Pixar characters from the past, currently, and all of the other characters from the future becoming their own version of how it will be able of what it will be able to be a scene stealer of the movie as well as for all of the books, toys, and all of the other stuff from all of the merchandise, and all of the rest of the fandom that we all have so far from the past, currently, and all of the things that we will be able to get in the future!)

: My homestate is third, but it is Dallas' Stonebriar Centre which is going to be able to have the address for unknown directions for how to get there, but thank goodness for the internet telling me what the address is which is 2601 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas 75034, so today, Friday, June/2nd/2023, and tomorrow, Saturday, June/3rd/2023 will be able to be open at 11 A. M. to it being closed at 8 P. M. , but for the day after tomorrow, Sunday June/4th/2023 will be from 12 P. M. to 6 P. M. :

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: (I just found this on YouTube, if there is a longer version of the one that is shown 👆, I wonder how that will be able to look like besides from all of what this short ad has so far to include in the longer version of this) :

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: Part 3 in my next post!

#pixar elemental #elemental

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infaclouduk · 1 month

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Why Your Website Should Be Built On WordPress

If you are involved in website development or have an interest in creating your own website, chances are you are familiar with WordPress. Renowned for its versatility and user-friendly interface, WordPress has become a popular choice among individuals and businesses alike. In this post, we will explore the numerous advantages of using WordPress as a website building tool, highlighting why it is an excellent decision for your web development needs.

What Is WordPress?

Started off as a blogging platform, WordPress has now turned into a super handy website builder and content management system (CMS). It’s perfect for folks who aren’t tech-savvy because it comes with ready-to-use code and lets you tweak things easily. Plus, it’s free! So, it’s easy on your pocket too.

Did you know that almost half of all websites are built on WordPress? That’s right, over 43% of them! It’s a favorite among website builders and we totally get why. The sky’s the limit with WordPress – from crafting a fully functional site to blogging your heart out, or even setting up an online shop with eCommerce software. It’s got it all!

Some of the big shots are actually using WordPress. We’re talking about: Spotify Newsroom, Microsoft News, Sony Music and Time Magazine!

Is WordPress Safe And Secure?

WordPress is often compared to Fort Knox when it comes to website builders. It offers password protection for things like folder contents, and you can even add an SSL certificate for added security. However, it’s important to remember that keeping your site updated and your passwords secure is crucial to ensure maximum security. Updates not only help fix bugs but also protect against potential security threats. And here’s the best part – you can further enhance the safety of your WordPress site with a wide range of available plugins.

How Flexible Is WordPress?

WordPress is super user-friendly and perfect for anyone, whether you’re a total newbie or a pro. It’s like a blank canvas that allows you to create your online presence just the way you want it. You can keep it simple and make beautiful blogs effortlessly, or you can take it up a notch and transform it into a full-fledged eCommerce platform, complete with an awesome catalog of products that will make your customers go wild! The possibilities are endless with WordPress!

How Customisable Is WordPress?

WordPress is like a magic box, ready to be molded any way you want. Whether you’re building a unique website or just need a spark to ignite your creativity, WordPress has got your back. It’s packed with thousands of themes that can be tweaked for any kind of website – be it a portfolio, an online store, or even a podcast. You can play around with everything on these templates – switch up the colors, change the background or mix and match layouts to make your site one-of-a-kind!

Oh, and let’s not forget about the plugins that are just waiting for you to install! These little gems can work wonders by adding extra functionality to your website, making it even more awesome than before. From enhancing the user experience with interactive features, to boosting your site’s performance and security, these plugins have got you covered. So go ahead and explore the exciting world of plugins – there’s something for everyone!

Once we wrap up a website and hand it over to the client, they have complete control over the backend. They can freely add more content, tweak layouts, and essentially do whatever they please with the website going forward. It’s like giving them the keys to a car and letting them cruise along on their own digital journey. They become the captain of their own web ship!

How Affordable Is WordPress?

One of the best things about WordPress is that it’s completely free to install on any hosting package from InfaCloud. So, whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking for a cost-effective solution, WordPress has got your back. Not only is it easy on your wallet, but it’s also super user-friendly. You don’t need to be a coding wizard or have any technical expertise to get started. With its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality, you can create and customize your website with just a few clicks.

You can also take advantage of our team of expert website designers who can create a more advanced WordPress website design for you. We will design your website, making it easy for you to edit. If needed, we can also provide custom development and coding to ensure your website is exactly how you want it!

Author Bio:

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rogersip · 1 year

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The Best Asian Stocks to Invest In

If you want to know which Asian stocks to invest in, there are many options to choose from. Some of the best names in Asia are China's Tencent Holdings and Alibaba, as well as the Chinese firms Kunlun Energy and Bilibili. However, before you dive in and start making your investment decisions, you may be wondering how these companies perform over time. You'll also want to look at the stock charts of these firms to learn more about their performance, and how much you can expect to make on your investment.

Alibaba

Alibaba is a Chinese e-commerce, cloud, fintech, and Internet giant. It hosts 37% of all China-based websites, serves 860 million active customers, and mitigates 800 million attacks per day.

In the United States, Alibaba is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As of January 4, 2019, the company has $12.9 billion in ADRs. The company's stock has risen a little more than 8% in the past two days.

The company is also one of the largest tech stocks in Asia. It hosts a number of websites, including Weibo, SeaMoney, and JD.com, which runs Shopee.

The company also has a reputation for providing fast proprietary logistics services. While its first quarter results were weak, it highlighted synergies from its merger with Taiwan's Shopee.

One of the best reasons to invest in Alibaba is its growth prospects. The company is building out within the core marketplace and expanding into adjacent markets.

Some analysts think the company could get a major boost if it gains direct access to mainland Chinese investors. This would help it overcome a few of its regulatory concerns.

Meanwhile, the company's stock has fallen by more than 25% in the past two years, but it still trades for more than 1.8 times sales. That's more than enough to make it a solid value play for 2023.

Tencent Holdings

Tencent Holdings Limited is a Chinese internet services giant, providing social network, payment system, e-commerce and mobile gaming. Its flagship product is WeChat, an instant messaging application. The company has a strong and engaged user base.

With its vast user base and high-quality digital content, Tencent is a world leader in the Internet. Its main focus is to use technology for good.

Tencent is also a huge investor in domestic game companies. As a result, its games division generated $4 billion in revenues last quarter.

Despite the recent revenue declines, Tencent remains a top notch Internet and gaming company. In fact, its gaming operations span across the entire value chain. From game development, to publishing, to live streaming, Tencent is a global powerhouse.

However, it is facing increasing competition from other video game developers. In addition, China's strict gaming regulations have made it difficult for Tencent to maintain its competitive advantage.

Nevertheless, the company is still a market leader in China and around the world. Tencent has invested in other major Chinese game live-streaming platform operators such as Iflix. These investments will allow the company to generate more advertising revenue.

According to a report from Morgan Stanley, the MSCI China Index is expected to rally 14% by the end of next year. This could be a sign of a sharp rebound in the company's stock.

Sea

The best Asian stocks are the ones that offer strong growth and are available at a reasonable cost. However, it's important to do your homework before you jump into a trade. You don't want to make a bad investment.

There are several ways to buy and sell shares of Asian stocks. One of the easiest is to buy a stock market ETF. Investing in an ETF gives you access to the financial markets in Asia without the high fees and risks involved in investing directly.

Some of the largest and most successful companies in the world have their roots in Asia. Japanese technology firm Sony has a huge presence in the Asian market. While the stock has not performed as well as it did before the recession, it still has a lot to offer investors.

Chinese real estate is expected to recover in the next few years, but the recovery will be bumpy. In the best-case scenario, it could be the next decade before this sector finds its feet.

The best Asian stocks are able to give investors a competitive dividend yield. They also offer capital gains. A low-risk way to get in on the action is to purchase shares of large Japanese firms.

For the best results, do your research and diversify your portfolio. It's a good idea to look at stocks across several sectors.

Bilibili

Bilibili is a Chinese video service provider to a young audience in China. Its primary focus is on live broadcasting, but the company also has a robust gaming business. The company's average monthly active users (MAUs) are expected to grow to 400 million by 2023. However, the company has been hampered by an unpredictable crackdown on live-streaming videos.

Bilibili's revenue comes from five main areas: online advertising, e-commerce, value-added services, live streaming and games. Last year, online advertising contributed about one-quarter of the company's revenues, but this figure is expected to decline. In addition, the company is attempting to diversify its offerings.

During the first three quarters of last year, Bilibili's operating expenses reached 8.63 billion yuan. This represents a 36% decline from the same period a year earlier. That said, the operating loss widened by 105%.

Although the Chinese economy has rebounded since the middle of last year, it is still slowing. This has affected consumer spending and ad spending. Additionally, Beijing has been implementing restrictions on video game licenses.

While a tightening regulatory environment could benefit Bilibili, it is unlikely that it will immediately lead to a surge in profitability. Instead, the company will need to demonstrate self-discipline in order to break even.

Bilibili has been under the microscope for a year. Since then, it has seen its share price plummet from a high of 800 Hong Kong dollars to 753 Hong Kong dollars.

Kunlun Energy

Kunlun Energy is an integrated energy company, with operations in China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. It operates through four segments, namely Exploration and Production, Natural Gas Pipeline, Liquefied Natural Gas Processing and Terminal and Natural Gas Sales.

The Exploration and Production segment engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. The Natural Gas Pipeline segment involves the transmission of natural gas through pipeline. And the Liquefied Natural Gas Processing and Terminal segment is engaged in the processing and terminaling of liquefied natural gas.

The Natural Gas Sales segment is engaged in wholesale and retail sales of natural gas. These two segments account for a substantial portion of the company's total profit before tax.

Kunlun Energy is a subsidiary of the energy behemoth, PetroChina. In the 1H2019 period, the company had an overall annualized gas sales volume of 25.2 billion cubic meters.

Kunlun Energy's P/E is 8.5 times forward FY2019 estimates, and trades at a discount to its Chinese peers. But this is not a bargain by any stretch of the imagination.

The company's natural gas transmission business accounted for 39.6% of its 1H2019 profit before tax, and is expected to grow in the coming year. However, this is still only a fraction of the total assets of the company.

Kunlun Energy has a decent balance sheet, with comfortable gearing at the end of June. It is also positioned well to take advantage of the growth in the Northeast China market.

eToro

If you are looking for a platform to trade asian stocks, there are two contenders: eToro and Webull. Each has its pros and cons. While eToro is more user-friendly, it is less sophisticated than Webull. It offers only a limited selection of tradable assets. But it also provides access to options and crypto.

eToro is a social trading platform that allows users to interact with other traders. Traders can join a club and participate in live chat. The site features a news feed similar to Twitter, which highlights the top movers and copy-trader portfolios.

eToro enables users to copy the performance of other popular investors. However, copying is risky. Traders may be unprofessional or inexperienced, and their decisions might not align with your own. Therefore, it is important to take into account the risk you will be taking in your own trades.

eToro is regulated by various financial regulatory bodies, including the Financial Conduct Authority and the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. eToro (Europe) Ltd. is licensed by the Cyprus Securities Exchange Commission. eToro (US) LLC is a subsidiary of eToro AUS Capital Limited, which is authorised by the Australian Financial Services Commission.

While eToro's social aspect is strong, it also confuses investing with social interaction. Users cannot add AAXJ or MCHI stocks to their virtual portfolios. In addition, eToro's lack of a proper volume indicator reduces the accuracy of volume-related investment strategies.

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surly01 · 3 years

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This Week in Collapse April 11, 2021

"Give me bacon, or give me death!" ~Shaneka Torres, February 9, 2014

If you believe, as we do, that environmental and social collapse is already well underway, the news of the week provided a cornucopia of data points in confirmation. Next week will mark the sixth anniversary of the conviction and sentencing of Shaneka Torres for storming a Michigan McDonald's upon discovering her baconless burger. The frustration Torres felt is now mirrored in all of us as we consume each day's headlines in similar frustration.

But hostility, like violence, is as American as cherry pie. Did you know that members of the starving Donner party were offered assistance by local natives, only to be shot at for their troubles?

Washoe scouts brought the stranded migrants food — including a deer carcass, fish, and wild potatoes — but were met with hostility. On one occasion, an offering of fish was refused. On at least three others, the Washoe approached the Donner camps with food only to be met by gunshots, leaving one man dead…

When a scout saw the white people cannibalizing their dead, the tribe was said to retreat, afraid they too might be killed and eaten. From then on, the Washoe referred to the migrants as “not people.”

Today this hostility toward others, even those trying to help you, pervades most of American society. Many look back upon their high school years as an American version of "Lord of the Flies." Similar put-downs, one-upsmanship, and attack behavior can also be seen in our popular entertainments. This framing our headlong retreat from the natural world and from one another as we immerse ourselves in our phones. To say nothing of our political divisions, best characterized by objectification (of the other, making them “not people”) and derision, and where any attempt to find common ground is met by the back of the hand of friendship. Little wonder that the rising generations find our current set of arrangements hopeless.

But this week's headlines suggest that for a variety of reasons, that set of arrangements won't last indefinitely.

Who could forget the recent Suez Canal flap with the large container ship stuck like a throat lozenge? Not Egypt, who has said to Ever Given’s Owners: Pay Us $1 Billion Or You Aren't Getting Your Big Boat Back. If you thought the Egyptian government would be thrilled to see it go, think again. Nice boat you have here… be a shame if anything happened to it…

“The vessel will remain here until investigations are complete and compensation is paid,” Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, told state television in Egypt on Thursday.

“We hope for a speedy agreement,” he said. “The minute they agree to compensation, the vessel will be allowed to move.”

A country filled with people traumatized by the Great Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020 paid full attention to the threat of supply chain collapse. Why you should expect more Suez-like supply chain disruptions and shortages at your local grocery store In one short week, the price of oil went up, and companies fretted as hundreds of ships carrying everything from coffee and cattle to toys and furniture were delayed. Just-in-time delivery means low to nonexistent inventories. Experts estimated that every hour traffic remained stuck cost the global economy over US$400 million in lost trade.

The pandemic revealed that even simple supply chains, such as that of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, can easily break in the face of disruptions. The same was true with food, personal protective equipment, pharmaceuticals and ordinary household items, which all suffered from severe shortages that lasted for months into the pandemic.

Pandemic-strained supply chains are now creating a global shortage of semiconductors, a component used in a wide variety of consumer goods, from Samsung smartphones and Apple laptops to Ford Explorers and Sony PlayStations. Virtually every piece of electronics needs a chip, and the supply chain is much more complex than for toilet paper.

All coming to a supply-chain chokepoint near you. Read more in The Conversation.

The weekly economic news is not good, but economic news is never good. How does a country deal with climate disasters when it’s drowning in debt? Not very well, it turns out. Especially not when a global pandemic clobbers its economy.

Today, the debt that Belize owes its foreign creditors is equal to 85 percent of its entire national economy. The private credit ratings agency Standard & Poor’s has downgraded its creditworthiness, making it tougher to get loans on the private market. The International Monetary Fund calls its debt levels “unsustainable.” Many other smaller countries are in a similar bind. It's a house of cards.

Government Admits Zimbabwe Dollar Collapse, Pegs Passport Fees In US$. Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the senior government officials had acknowledged Zimbabwean currency was no longer a viable option for offshore purchases. That's weaselspeak for “our money is officially toilet paper.”

“Foreign currency is required for the off-shore procurement of consumables. However, the current fees payable in the local currency are no longer viable…”

And that is just one domino. Africa offers others.

Collapse often follows insurgencies. Hunger spreads as Mozambique crisis reaches tipping point.

Insurgents from a group known as Al Shebab attacked Palma, a town in Mozambique’s far northern Cabo Delgado province. They launched an attack on the coastal town, firing indiscriminately, setting fire to buildings and killing dozens, according to local officials. Residents there did what people do: scattering in a desperate attempt to reach safety by whatever means possible: on foot, by road and boat fleeing with the clothes they were wearing and a few things for their children. To hide in the bush for the smoke to clear.

Townspeople joined thousands of others sheltering in displacement camps with limited food supplies across Cabo Delgado.

Much of the strife in the Global South stems from the stresses unleashed by climate change. The climate news this week was as ugly as the economic news.

Despite pandemic shutdowns, carbon dioxide and methane surged in 2020

NOAA announced last week that levels of the two most important anthropogenic greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane, continued their unrelenting rise in 2020 despite the Covid-driven economic slowdown. Carbon dioxide levels are now higher than at anytime in the past 3.6 million years. The last time atmospheric CO2 was this high, sea level was about 78 feet higher than today, the average temperature was 7 degrees F higher than in pre-industrial times, and forests occupied areas of the Arctic that are now tundra.

Methane Has Never Risen This Fast in the Atmosphere

There’s more methane in the atmosphere than any other time since record keeping began. Levels really spiked last year, despite the fact that we were all inside for most of the time. Methane shattering records is one of those things that seems to happen every year. But what’s really troubling is that last year’s rise in methane levels was the biggest rise in a single year since record-keeping began. Methane is over 80 times more potent as a warming agent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

Short takes and highlights from the week:

'A biological Fukushima': Brazil COVID-19 deaths on track to pass worst of U.S. wave

Brazil’s coronavirus death toll passes 4,000 a day for first time

Bolsonaro a 'Threat to the Planet,' Says Lula as Brazil's Daily Covid Death Toll Hits All-Time High

New 'Double Mutant' Coronavirus Variant Found In California

Americans' Worry About Catching COVID-19 Drops to Record Low

A record-low 35% of Americans worry about catching COVID-19. At the same time, 77% say the coronavirus situation is improving.

Ecocide: Should Destruction of the Planet Be a Crime?

Atmospheric CO2 Passes 420 PPM for First Time Ever

Scientists: Mass Extinction Is Coming as Organisms Flee the Equator-- Oceanic life is fleeing the increasingly-hot equator for more hospitable water, and a mass extinction event is likely to follow.

The Coming Antibiotic-Resistance Pandemic that Could Make COVID Look Like the Flu

America Never Wanted the Tired, Poor, Huddled Masses

Another Day, Another Far-Right Fantast: Texas Man Tried to Blow Up the Internet-- Federal Investigators allege that a Texas man wanted to use C-4 to blow up around 70% of the internet.

So it’s been a week of extortion for supply chain disruption, CO2 and methane-based catastrophe, immanent ecosystem collapse, unsustainable debt, and worthless currencies. Another week of downward spin as the American Empire unwinds along with late stage capitalism..

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breadknight-likes-things · 4 years

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Bread’s Game Journal 06/11/20: Playstation 5 Reveal Personal Highlights

Sony's big blowout for the Playstation 5 was today, and it's something I desperately needed. None of us knew quite what would be shown, nor how much they would actually show. Up to now Sony has been fairly stingy with games on PS5, preferring to talk about specs over anything we'd actually be playing, today that changed in a big way. There were a lot more games shown during this presentation than I'm going to cover here, so be sure to watch it if you haven't had a chance yet! Without further ado, i'm gonna go down the top 3 most exciting things, for me personally, shown during this presentation!

3. Demon's Souls, The Title I Will Never Say Correctly:

I didn't play Demon's Souls back when it came out, it's a pretty big gap for me in terms of the From Software library. I've heard from so many people I know that it's a shining paragon on the series right off the bat, with unique bosses, deadly locations and the same wonderful sense of overwhelming dread. So frankly, i'm looking forward to finally playing this old game with a fresh coat of paint! It may not be strictly new content, but it's absolutely something to get excited about right off the bat in this looming new console generation!

2. What's Up Danger? It's Me Again, Miles:

Spider-Man: Miles Morales, is a game I never actually thought would exist. Miles was a main character in Spider-Man on PS4 so I never thought he would simply vanish from the sequel, but for the sequel to be based on him entirely? I am absolutely thrilled about all of this. Miles Morales is easily one of the best characters in the Marvel stable, from the time he was introduced as the replacement Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe way back in 2011, to the unbelievably great "Enter The Spider-Verse" movie from a couple years back. From the sound of things, this isn't so much of a full sequel as it is a sort of mid sized game making use of a lot of existing assets and characters to create a new experience. Think an Uncharted: The Lost Legacy situation, and hopefully the same level of quality! It's also a big deal that this is obviously intended to be a launch game, people have been wondering what day one looks like for a long while, and now with this in the picture I think we know exactly what it's going to be: more web swinging action!

1. What is Ratchet & Clank May Never Die:

I can't believe it's 2020 and we're getting a brand new Ratchet and Clank game! Not that this is that strange, Insomniac clearly loves their Lombax and Robot duo, and it's incredibly endearing that as a franchise it's stuck around this long. I have vivid memories of getting the first game way back in 2002 on the PS2, primarily because I knew it was the "Spyro The Dragon People". The series has just kept going from there, and this latest one looks like an extremely strong return to form! The main gimmick of this entry seems to be falling through dimensional rifts that send you around to different times and places, most notably, totally seamless in their execution. The entire concept of the dimensional rifts and some of the terrain deformation they showed off in the brief gameplay demo seems to be a big proof of concept for the power of the SSD that Sony has insisted is such an integral part of their new system. If this is what a dev can get working with it this early in the consoles life cycle, imagine what they could do as time goes on! It doesn't seem Ratchet and Clank will hit the PS5 in it's first year, they specified no date other than a vague "we'll talk more soon", so who knows when we'll actually get our hands on this one. That said, that also gives us something to look forward to!

Now, Sony, be a bro and just accept the money I've been throwing at my computer screen all day. Please, I beg of you, just let me pre-order one of these things!

Random Screenshot Of The Day:

Resident Evil seems to be moving off from crazed hillbilly families, and onto....witch covens? Man this franchise is wonderfully absurd.

Stray Notes:

- There were so many more games I didn't cover here at that event! Horizon: Forbidden West seems like the biggest one I've left out! I had trouble getting into Horizon Zero Dawn but it's a franchise I really do want to love! I should probably give that game one more try at least!

- If the event turned out to be uneventful I had a whole post lined up about this incredibly cute little Itch.io game I played today. Y'all just gonna have to wait until tomorrow to hear about the absurdly cute little frog learning how to balet dance!

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techsavvyin-blog · 4 years

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The best Smart TV in 2020

The best TVs offer much in excess of an unmistakable picture and sound. The present savvy TVs offer unbelievable 4K and even 8K goal, colossal quantities of applications, free streaming substance, and even reasonable costs that fit your financial plan. Regardless of whether you're after an exceptional home theater arrangement, a financial plan benevolent fundamental shrewd TV or that ideal set that does everything, we're here to assist you with doing precisely that. We've burned through many hours testing and evaluating many TVs, from moderate 4K sets and highlight filled savvy TVs to stunning 8K OLED TVs, to locate the best TVs you can purchase, at any cost.

We're here to help with true exhortation, clarifications for all the specialized language and careful, test-based audits that assist you with knowing a decent TV from terrible. We've assessed little second TVs for the kitchen or carport and premium TVs for your home performance center that will take your breath away when you fire up a film in 4K. From OLED brilliant TVs and QLED options in contrast to 75-inch LCD sets and significantly climate sealed open air TVs, Tom's Guide is here to assist you with finding an incredible TV. read more

Television purchasing guide: Quick tips for purchasing the correct set

Cutting the string: The best TV reception apparatuses

Most recent: Samsung reveals most moderate 8K TV yet

What are the best TVs?

For our champion top choice, the LG CX OLED is the best TV we've audited, conveying faultless picture quality and a lavishly highlighted savvy TV experience, all in a sharp-looking structure. Notwithstanding the heavenly OLED board, the LG CX gloats HDMI 2.1 network, has double voice collaboration with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa worked in, and even a more brilliant variant of HDR with the presentation of Dolby Vision IQ.

The TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635) is a definitive in reasonable TVs, giving you the best 4K keen TV we've seen for under $1,000. Truth be told, disregarding the spending plan neighborly value, it's as yet probably the best television available, on account of a quantum-speck upgraded LCD and little LED-sponsored show and highlight rich Roku TV interface. Consolidate this with predominant gaming highlights and a refined structure, and it has bounty to cherish.

What's more, for the best survey and listening experience around, we suggest the Sony Bravia A8H OLED, which may sell for a premium, yet has the flawless picture quality and splendid sound to back it up. Consolidate the fabulous exhibition with the most recent adaptation of Android TV, and you have extraordinary compared to other 4K brilliant TVs you can purchase, paying little heed to the cost.

The best TVs you can purchase in September 2020

Best TVs: LG CX OLEDTop Pick(Image credit: LG)

1. Best TV generally speaking: LG CX OLED

The most sizzling OLED TV of the year

Dazzling pictureExcellent brilliant TV featuresTop score sound capabilitiesUltra slender designRelatively excessive cost

The LG CX OLED is the best 4K shrewd TV in general, and the champion TV of 2020, with an astounding presentation, inherent Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa uphold, and a huge amount of other keen highlights. From LG's webOS 5.0 to the expansion of keen home control and a natural movement control far off, it's probably the most astute television we've at any point seen.

LG has enhanced its sublime OLED with an all the more impressive processor, the expansion of Dolby Vision IQ (which changes HDR execution dependent on the surrounding lighting) and amplifies the sound with AI-controlled sound tuning. And keeping in mind that the LG CX OLED's top notch cost may put off certain customers, it packs in more superior incentive than more costly OLED contenders, while as yet conveying an unrivaled picture. It's the TV to beat.

Peruse our full LG CX OLED survey.

TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635) review(Image credit: TCL)

2. Best TV Value: TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635)

The best TV estimation of 2020

Superb QLED and scaled down LED displayGreat gaming performanceRoku TV offers a gigantic application choice and simple interfaceImproved Roku remoteSound is a little weakRoku is feeling the loss of probably the most recent applications

The TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635) offers huge incentive at it's reasonable cost, offering premium picture quality and an incredible savvy TV experience for substantially less than the opposition. The 2020 follow up to the 2019 TCL 6-Series, the R635 raises the stakes with small LED backdrop illumination notwithstanding QLED. The outcome is amazing shading and splendor, with probably the best HDR execution we've seen on anything this side of an OLED show.

However, TCL continues conveying more, as THX Certified Game Mode, which makes the 6-Series outstanding amongst other gaming TVs accessible, in any event, for yet-to-be-delivered supports like the PS5 and the Xbox Series X. From the plan's savvy contacts, similar to link the executives in the remain, to the consistently strong Roku TV stage, the TCL 6-Series R635 is the best TV estimation of 2020, and it's off by a long shot.

Peruse our full TCL 6-Series Roku TV (R635) survey.

Best TVs: Sony Bravia A8H OLED TV(Image credit: Sony)

3. Best picture and sound: Sony Bravia A8H OLED

Unparalleled quality, however at an exceptional cost

Meager, smooth chassisGreat dark levels and movement smoothingHighly adjustable UIOnly two size optionsNo HDMI 2.1

The Sony Bravia A8H OLED is our top pick when faultless picture and sound are what you need. With first class shading, unbelievably fresh detail and the most recent (and best) rendition of Android TV we've at any point seen, there's a ton to adore about the new Sony OLED. We anticipated incredible things from the OLED TV, yet the Sony A8H has something beyond wonderful 4K picture, with Sony's amazing X Motion Clarity movement smoothing fueled by the X1 Ultimate Picture Processor. That astounding picture is coordinated by the arrival of Acoustic Surface Audio, which offers preferable sound over ever, directly from the screen.

As far as unadulterated film watching execution, the Sony Bravia A8H OLED substantiated itself the class chief for premium OLED TVs. It's hampered just marginally by the absence of full HDMI 2.1 help and a somewhat greater cost than the opposition.

Peruse our full Sony Bravia A8H OLED TV audit.

best TVs: TCL 6-Series Roku TV R625(Image credit: TCL)

4. Best TV under $1,000: TCL 6-Series Roku TV R625

Staggering quality at a moderate cost

Satisfying pictureGood upscalingVery serious priceLess extreme colorsNo earphone jack on the Roku far off

Sitting in the sweet spot between costly, bleeding edge sets and clearance room models, the TCL 6-Series R625 offers the perfect blend of highlights and picture execution, making it the best TV you can purchase for under $1,000. In a year loaded up with new quantum-spot shows and highlight filled reasonable shrewd TVs, the TCL 6-Series holds solid with better-than-normal picture and sound and the best usage of Roku TV you'll discover, including an amplifier empowered controller for voice search.

Where most spending TV makers cut corners, TCL figures out how to hold to a better quality in assembling and quality control, and it shows. The QLED board looks extraordinary, with sensible shading, sharp detail and noteworthy difference, and the general structure is upgraded with exquisite contacts and highlights. In case you're careful about spending in excess of an amazing on another 4K TV, this is unquestionably the TV to get.

Peruse our full TCL 6-Series Roku TV R625 audit.

Best TVs: Vizio V-SeriesVizio V-Series 50-inch (Image credit: Vizio)

5. Best TV under $500: Vizio V-Series 50-inch (V505-G9)

A financial plan inviting shrewd TV

OK picture quality with better-than-normal HDR supportBuilt-in Google ChromecastFree content comes standardLimited port selectionQuiet sound

The Vizio V-Series (V505-G9) figures out how to be a quite extraordinary 50-inch savvy TV at its minimal effort. For under $300, you get great shading and OK HDR uphold, with skilled underlying sound. It's likewise a full-highlighted keen TV, with Vizio's SmartCast programming, which incorporates a few applications, quick admittance to free substance, implicit Chromecast for significantly more alternatives and similarity with the best Alexa speakers and best Google Home speakers.

Add a cell phone or tablet to the blend and you'll have a profound seat of streaming applications to appreciate on the TV notwithstanding the several free shows and motion pictures you jump on the small bunch of neighborhood SmartCast applications and Vizio's WatchFree streaming contributions. The Vizio V-Series (V505-G9) offers quite incredible quality for the cash, and offers an assortment of shrewd highlights that vibe like a take.

Peruse our full Vizio V-Series 50-inch (V505-G9) audit.

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Best TV: Samsung Q90 QLED TVSamsung Q90 QLED TV (Image credit: Samsung)

6. Best Samsung TV: Samsung Q90 QLED TV

The best OLED elective

Fabulous picture quality with brilliant hues and profound blacksClean plan with Samsung One Connect BoxRich, savvy TV stage with restrictive Apple TV appSubpar Bixby voice assistantNo Dolby Vision

The Samsung Q90 QLED TV is the best top notch 4K LCD TV available and a legitimate option in contrast to OLED. Samsung's quantum-dab innovation keeps on shutting the hole with OLED, offering premium picture quality so great that we needed to contrast the two next to each other with detect the dif

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cheswirls · 4 years

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i havent played swsh yet but ive been meaning to write this for a few months so im pushing it out now. jus small headcanons w sonileon and bea/allister/nessa

when sonia was little, she remembers thinking charmander was a bad match for leon.

her grandmother would tell them not to go too far right before the door slammed shut behind them, leon dragging her along by the hand, a bright grin on his face, and leading her to where charmander waited by the gate.

it was leaned up against the wood, almost cowering, and not for the first time sonia feels a frown slipping onto her face. she gestures for her own pokemon to follow before they leave the property, and turns to watch as leon beckons charmander along, that smile on his face growing careful, like he wasn’t sure what to expect, wasn’t sure what he’d do if things turned out bad.

she’s still frowning, slightly, as he leads her up the hill, further than they should’ve gone. a root trips up leon, and her by extension, leaving her knocking into his back. the movement startles charmander, who jumps back with a shout, and an ember shoots out, landing on the grass.

leon jumps over to stomp it out before it could spread, and sonia crosses her arms over her chest, huffing. “you almost hit wooloo!” she complains to the fire-type, eyes harsh. her pokemon was still getting up from where she’d rolled away to dodge the embers, and sonia doesn’t doubt that her wool would’ve easily ignited had she not managed to avoid it.

leon turns back around, arms out, placating whereas charmander covered his face and begins to tremble. “hey, soni, he didn’t mean it,” leon says. “it was an accident, okay?”

sonia turns her head away. “there’s always an accident.”

leon sighs, but decides not to put up a fight, crouching beside his pokemon instead. “hey, it’s okay,” he tells charmander, who peeks out from behind his hands. leon smiles, patting charmander on the head.

they continue forward, but sonia still isn’t happy, and she places wooloo to her other side while leon walks with charmander in his arms. “i’m tired of your lizard attacking my sheep.”

leon reaches out and pats her on the head, too. sonia swipes at his hand, hissing, and he laughs.

“charmander will grow up when he wants. there’s nothing wrong with the way he is now,” leon says, looking to his pokemon at the last bit. sonia is less inclined to agree. not that charmander was a bad pokemon, but she couldn’t see why leon bothered to deal with him. the two were so different.

but, when she turns to see the soft way leon eyed charmander, and all the patience he held for the fire-type, she admits that this is a side to her friend that no one else got to experience.

“what are you thinking about?”

sonia blinks back to the present, and then reaches forward, rubbing a hand over charizard’s middle. the dragon groans in appreciation, and she smiles. “just how things have changed,” she tells leon.

he comes to sit on charizard’s other side, rubbing near the same spot she was fondly. “oh, yeah, didn’t people used to say we’d end up together? then you dated nessa and-”

“i was talking about charizard,” she fumes.

“huh.” he blinks. “that would make more sense.”

“people still think we’re dating, by the way.”

“really? didn’t you go out with nessa for three mon-”

sonia jerks forward and plants her hand at leon’s mouth, preventing him from saying more. “stop talking.”

charizard huffs, bemused by his lack of tummy rubs, and sonia moves back once leon nods.

“i guess you have changed,” he says jokingly to charizard. the dragon eyes him just the statement was obvious and needn’t be mentioned, but he plows forward. “just needed a little courage, that’s all.”

“took scarring wooloo to get it,” sonia mutters.

leon laughs a little, rubbing his head. “wanna watch the match?” he asks, suddenly needing a change in subject.

sonia hums, but she lets it go. “sure.”

bea already has the tv on when nessa walks into the room.

her eyes fall to the potted plant on the windowsill, wondering how long it’s been since someone had watered it. she sets her keys on a tray and moves to the chair next to bea’s bed. she has four pillows propping her up, today. her face is too pale.

“did you take him?” bea asks, taking her eyes off the screen. it was still pre-match, so she could afford to look away.

“yeah,” nessa replies. she leans forward in her seat until her arms are splayed on the bed’s white sheets. “the chairman offered, apparently, but. y’know.”

“he likes you best.”

nessa stifles a sound by biting on her lip. “he likes you best, actually. he asked me to make sure you watch his match. like you haven’t had the tv on all day, waiting.”

there’s a question in there, though she doesn’t phrase it like one. how long had the tv been on? had she been awake all day? her eyes glance over to the monitors, everything reading as normal as she could interpret. she doesn’t like how pale bea is, though, and briefly she considers finding a nurse to come check-

“just for a few hours,” bea mumbles. “i’ve been tired, but i’m okay.”

she flips her hand over, the one without the iv, and nessa takes it. “you’ve eaten?”

“what i could manage,” is her reply. not very reassuring, but some days she didn’t eat at all, so nessa would take it. “you think he’ll win?”

“allister? of course.” her faint smile pulls into a grin. “he never loses, when you’re watching.”

bea’s eyes fall back to the television screen. “i wish i could go watch in person.”

the room falls silent. nessa doesn’t know what to say. it had been a long time, that bea had been here. no one knew when she was getting out. if she was getting out. she would like it, too, if she could take bea to a match, sit with her in the stands, watch her cheer loudly for her brother as he defended his title.

but she couldn’t picture it without the coughing fit bea would break into, how her eyes would go blurry, unable to see the battle. she couldn’t picture it without something going wrong, and her ending back up here, in the same drab room with the same dying plant.

bea had been sick for a long time.

“it’s starting.”

nessa turns her attention to the screen at the words, the announcer introducing the trainers. she squeezes on bea’s hand. “we’ll call him, after. congratulate him.”

bea nods, only half paying attention. “i’d like that.”

later, after the match, nessa would drive back out to pick allister up while reporters covered post-match. bea stayed entertained with the highlights, and allister never bothered giving a statement, so he would be ready to go as soon as she arrived. he’d either take a nap in the car, worn out, or be too brimming with excitement to stop talking about the match. either way, once he got back to bea, he’d spent the next few hours relaying how the match went as if she hadn’t been glued to every second of it, and she’d smile and tell him how proud she was, and wouldn’t tell him anything of how she wished she were in his place.

but, for now, the match is starting. nessa scoots her chair up so she can lay her head on bea’s shoulder, and an arm wraps around her in return. the one without the iv.

#swsh #pkmn #gym leader nessa #gym leader bea #champion leon #sonia #gym leader allister #writing #anyway im still living in the bea/allister are siblings camp its great come join

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newlaptopprice-blog · 4 years

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Inexpensive Laptops - Tips for Searching Stylus Laptops

In this post I hope to highlight some inexpensive laptop computers offered either online or offline. Bear in mind that when I state low-cost, it does not suggest low quality laptops. I wish to attract your attention to a few of the inexpensive yet wonderful top quality laptop computers readily available out there so that you can make an informed choice on your following acquisition. If you are not planning on developing heavy-duty graphics then, Samsung, Dell, Acer, HP, Toshiba, Sony, Asus, Apple as well as Lenovo all have cheap laptops offered online and also in their physical shops. You simply need to put in a little of extra initiative to do your study and also snag the most effective bargains available.

If you read this short article you are obviously trying to find stylus laptop computers that are cheap. However just how inexpensive do you desire them to be. Do not be saving on something like a laptop, due to the fact that you could at least wish to use it for more than a couple of months. So choose the very best rate you can pay for and tighten your search from there. A blast to seek affordable laptop computer is during display room sales or seasonal sales when prices are lowered because of brand-new stocks being available in or owing to seasonal joy. You may also search for pre-owned or refurbished laptop computers if you want cheaper laptop computers, yet if i were you i will certainly keep away from them unless they offer a warranty or they are from an exceptionally reliable source. If you are not pleased with any one of the laptop computers offered both online or on physical shops, try to find simple settlement systems or rate of interest totally free charge card settlements to acquire the laptop ideal fit to you.

When it involves low-cost laptops, some HP pavilion designs provide an excellent visuals performance and a relatively long battery life for an extremely budget-friendly rate. Incredibly smooth and modern in layout, the HP structure range additionally supplies the Cool Feeling innovation. It has exceptional battery life if that is what you are searching for and also the stereo is okay either. The Toshiba satellite collection additionally has a few inexpensive laptop computers which offer piece de resistance. These laptop computers have bigger screens contrasted to others in the same price. It deserves the reference that it also has above average battery life.

If battery life is just one of the vital attributes you are trying to find, after that include the Toshiba satellite series to your list of low-cost laptop computers out there. The MSI model likewise has a couple of economical laptops you can take a look at. Although, it takes a bit longer to increase USB, but then it has an excellent audio output, streamlined styling as well as comfortable keyboard, above typical battery life and also most importantly solid visuals performance for the discounted rate it gets on deal.

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gaycyclekink · 4 years

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Best Electric Motor Scooter

If you're here searching for more advice on the best electric scooter for adults, be informed that you are only in the right location. Thus, you believe people lugging about on scooters seems cool?

Well, you're not the only individual -- because there are lots of lovers of the best electric scooters who are to buy and try this wonderful sport for an alternative and better exercise. For more, visit Geekwake.

Finding an adult electric scooter could be for a variety of reasons. They offers mobility, and are easy to learn and ideal, simple to assemble. Aside from that, these fun rides are fantastic for any age. For kids, teens and grownups -- that the motorized scooter is an equal fun.

In this report, however, we will follow the adult electric scooters that are especially designed for grownups to sail with, and steer clear of public transport.

We will list the top 10 products down according to our research and experience we will present our favorites to you, and last but not the least, we'll try to answer some of your questions. So, without any additional ado, let's get down to business.

The Best Electric Scooters for Adults at 2020:

1. GoTrax GXL -- Best All Round Electric Scooter

The most significant factor when searching for a motorized scooter to get grownups is your battery pack. Having a riding space of 9-12 miles (depending on how many hills you ride up), this can be a lot for most commuters to ride to work on. This is lots of time to control the scooter at work and ride home on a battery without range stress kicking in! To buy this, visit here.

The GLX has a maximum speed of 15.5 miles per hour, which makes it one of the fastest scooters in our review range up to now. Rest assured you will feel whilst weaving through traffic, due to the reinforced baseboard & back fender of GoTrax 2 models.

A characteristic that many of manufacturers lack is quitting power. GoTrax has conquered this by creating a hand-operated electric/disc brake hybrid, giving you control over your trip if you need to think fast.

When I want to travel, how can I see and be seen sometimes it's dark? They've thought of that! The GLX V2 is equipped with an ultra-bright headlight to ensure you can see and be seen whilst driving the streets. The scooter also features a back reflector.

Why We Liked It -- The very simple fact that you may ride for nonstop for as many as two hours is very handy if you are destination is a little further away than normal. With its sleek design and superb price point, this is number one on our list for a reason. For the best electric scooters, visit here.

2. Ninebot ES4 Sleek E-Scooter by Segway

You are going to love the Segway Ninebot ES4 from tires to the total frame, if you are a lover of sleek design products, everything about this ride is notable.

Sporting a battery system boasting a strong 800 Watts of batteries, this also helps to ensure that you just go undisturbed and of recharging for more than 28 miles, without any stress. That the whole day, it means you could ride on it and there will still be some juice left in it. Geekwake refers one of the best scooters on Amazon.com.

The double shock absorber with this particular folding scooter is well-engineered. You can ride it and you won't feel the vast majority of sidewalk cracks and lumps. The wheels are only the correct size to ride up a control, which is quite handy. 19mph's drive speed is great as well, making it the electric journey for commuting.

Segway has developed a electrical and mechanical system to make certain you develop a safe stop. With a entire weight of just 30.9 pounds and a distinctive one-touch fold system, the ES4 can be consumed in a matter of minutes. You store it in home or in your work may easily place it under your vehicle and enjoy the ride where you go.

If you are looking for someone unique, that's capable of turning heads at the park -- afterward Segway Ninebot ES4 Electric Scooter should be your selection. $400 scooters are also pretty well.

The highlights do not finish here -- it is technology exceptional with an LED screen, Bluetooth connectivity, customizable ambient colours, cruise control, and mobile app connectivity, this scooter has everything!

Why We Liked It -- The Segway Ninebot is full of numerous awesome features. Everything about this ride is perfect. Characteristics like durability disk brakes, durable battery , and the waterproof design make us fall in love.

3. Glion Dolly Foldable Commuter Electric Scooter

One of the most important things to search for in motorized scooters for grownups is its own battery pack. This top rated electrical folding scooter for personal transport has one of the greatest battery pack you will see in the industry. Yes, we're talking consisting of 30 Sony nmc and 18650 cells. It is one of the best for $500.

Essentially, all these technical specs mean that you will be enjoying to get a nonstop running time of 3.25 hours. Glion Dolly Foldable Commuter scooter has a fast Charging time as well.

The motor within this ride is really a luxury one that is 250-watt. It is extremely quiet, which means that you could float across the interior of your house without anyone. The wheels on this adult scooter are airless rubber tires.

This adult scooter provides mobility too. You can fold it, put it in a standard traveling bag, and take it everywhere you want.

The brakes are also located in the motor, which requires zero maintenance and is the kind. The ride's speed is pretty fantastic too -- you can go at 15 mph and impress everybody around you. On a single charge, you may use this super scooter for at least 15 miles.

Why We Liked It -- The very simple fact which you may ride this for a nonstop 3.25 hours is something quite cool. Our attention was captured by other than the super system without maintenance. All in all, Glion Dolly Foldable Commuter Adult Electric Scooter is the ride for any adult looking for a few zip in his or her life. If you're looking for the electric scooter in the marketplace -- this might be this.

4. MacWheels MX1 Electric Scooter

The Macwheel scooter is a version to the current market, but don't let that put you off, as it is packed full of features which aren't to be missed.

With a whopping 350W hub motor, this scooter is propelled at speeds of up to 15.6mph and can easily conquer slopes or other small obstacles whilst riding. The battery delivers more than 18.6 miles of range and only takes 4 hours to fully charge.

Among the most impressive features we like about the Macwheel is that the 8.5″ non-pneumatic tires. They utilize"air-free" technology to eliminate the demand for tires to be inflated with air. This means that they therefore are explosion-proof, have shock absorber qualities, cannot be punctured, and required less maintenance. Really handy when you can not afford to miss that important meeting. The last thing any scooter journey wants to do is walk beside their scooter because of a flat tire!

Why We Liked It -- Starting from the building, the long battery life, and comfortable deck all the way to excellent value for money -- the Macwheel includes a whole lot to fall in love with.

5. NANROBOT D4+ Guru Off-Road Scooter

NANROBOT has been in the business of earning rides and class toys for a while now. The business has a history of creating durable and"fall in love" type of rides for a long time. The D4+ Guru is one such product that is made for some fun.

The motor on the item is a 1000 W complimented by 2 motors in the front and back wheels. The only electrical scooter on our review list to have all-wheel drive. The D4+ is one of the most durable and rugged rides today, you will find in the marketplace. It can bear up to 330 pounds of weight on smooth terrain. Thus, no matter if you love scoots, how heavy you are, this ride is for you!

Discussing the rate, this ride may go up to a whopping 40 miles which makes this a high-performance electric scooter that is not to be messed with. (depending upon the type of terrain and the rider's weight).

The D4+ includes 5 shock absorbers and 10″ pneumatic tires (similar to the Macwheel preceding ). It can adapt to various surfaces. This scooter could be taken off-road whilst maintaining rider comfort.

Emergency braking has been build in the product with rears and front ABS disc systems. It may maintain a steady ride whilst emergency. Something lots of manufactures is just starting to develop.

The NANROBOT has an optional extra to include further comfort to the ride, using a seat that is detachable. Handy if you wish to sit for part of your travels and plan on driving for a long time.

Why We Liked It -- If you plan on riding on rough terrain or your commute included some off-road riding, then this is the electric scooter for you. Able to keep up with cars in a residential area (40mph), this scooter is just one of those speed freaks! For more electric scooters under $1000, visit Geekwake.

#scooter #electricscooter

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your-guide-to-music · 5 years

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Your guide to: George Michael

Welcome to your guide to: George Michael! This guide is designed to help anyone looking to explore his music with getting started. The guide covers his background and history surrounding both Wham! And his solo career, and also the music produced during these periods. It is a long guide, as is every guide that will go on this blog but it’s meant to give a very in depth view of the artist and help new fans get to know who they really are. I may update this in the future so if you have anything you want added or have any questions, just let me know!

Background and history

So first off, just like the last guide, I’m going to give a bit of background info on who George Michael is - George was a British pop star who found fame in the early 1980’s as part of a duo with Andrew Ridgeley, a friend he met during his teenage years. He was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in East Finchley, London in 1963 and moved to Hertfordshire in his early teens.

To date, George has had a combined 9 studio & compilation albums go to #1 within Wham! and his solo career. His first two albums inside Wham! - Fantastic and Make It Big both hit the top spot in the UK and although these are the only albums released in the UK, there is a third album called Music From the Edge of Heaven. Music From The Edge of heaven was not released in the UK, but it was in North America and Japan, where it’s peak position landed at #10. The album includes tracks such as the hit ‘I’m Your Man’ and ‘Edge of Heaven’ which both hit #1 in the UK.

In terms of his solo work, these are all his albums to go to #1. LWP Vol.1 actually hit the top spot twice after its reissue in 2017.

The Wham! Era (1981-1986) - Wham were a pop duo formed by friends George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. The group began in 1981 and initially signed to Innervision records after the boys sent a homemade tape to record labels. George acted as Lead Vocalist, Composer and Producer with Andrew primarily acting as guitarist and backing vocalist.

Alongside the duo were backing dancers Shirley Holliman (Who would go on to become Shirley Kemp, the wife of Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp) and Dee C. Lee, though Lee left early on to work as part of the group ‘The Style Council’ with Paul Weller, and was replaced by Helen ‘Pepsi’ DeMacque. After Wham!’s split in 1986, the girls would go on to form their own duo called Pepsi and Shirley, spanning songs such as Heartache and Goodbye Stranger.

The first record released by Wham! was the upbeat ‘Wham Rap (Enjoy What You Do)’ in August 1982, reaching #8 on the UK charts, it is arguably one of the band’s most well-known songs. The next single was Young Guns (Go For It), released in October 1982 and reaching #3 in the UK charts. This forecast further success for Wham! and in June 1983, they released their debut album - Fantastic. The album hit #1 and things only went up from there. Other hit singles from this album include the ever memorable Club Tropicana and Bad Boys which hit #4 and #2 respectively.

The second album released by Wham! was Make It Big, by this time they had moved to Epic Records after disputes with Innervision. The album was released in November 1984 and was accompanied by 3 #1 singles - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go, Freedom and Careless Whisper (That last one is actually a George Michael solo song as you all probably know but it is credited to Wham! featuring George Michael. George put Andrew on the writing credits so he wouldn’t have to worry about money as he’d always get royalties from that song.) They almost had a Christmas #1 in 1984 with their classic ‘Last Christmas’, but were beat to the top spot by Band Aid, a venture George was also a part of. The royalties from LC went to the Ethiopian Famine Appeal to coincide with the fund-raising efforts of Band Aid.

In 1985, Wham! became the first western group to have a 10 day visit to China on their world tour. They played a concert at the People’s Gymnasium in Beijing for 12,000 people and a further concert in Canton for 5,000 people. Footage from their tour was featured in the video for Freedom and the tour attracted mass media attention, keeping Wham! at the height of success.

In 1986, George released a second solo song - A Different Corner. This song is always bittersweet to listen to for me, and it was a big success just like Careless Whisper was 2 years earlier. It was around this time that breakup rumours began to circle and Wham! officially announced their disbandment after the release of Music From the Edge of Heaven and a compilation album of their singles called ‘The Final’. A sell-out 8 hour farewell concert by the same name of the compilation album followed and the last Wham! single ‘Edge of Heaven’ reached #1 in June 1986.

The solo years (1987-2016) - In January 1987, a duet between George and Aretha Franklin - I Knew You Were Waiting (for me) - was released. The song was another success for George and it hit #1 in both UK and US charts. This was the third solo #1 he’d had before his debut album was even released.

His debut album, Faith, was released in the UK on October 30th. The album has now well-known classics of George’s discography such as Faith, I Want Your Sex, Father Figure and One More Try. This album spent 12 weeks at #1 in the US and stayed in the UK charts for 92 consecutive weeks. Furthering it’s success, Faith won the Grammy for Album of The Year in 1989 and George embarked on a world tour in support.

It’s no secret (now) that George was unhappy during this time, and in fact at future various times of his career too. The very execution of Faith, including the promotion and touring for it, left him exhausted. At the same time, George was battling with his sexuality and had been for some time which only contributed to his opposement to promotion and the press in general in the future.

In 1990, his second album - Listen Without Prejudice Vol.1 - was released. This album is personally my favourite, George had moved away from the cute little teen idol image he was in Wham! and was starting to pursue a more serious image. The album includes notable tracks such as Freedom ‘90 and Praying For Time and George refused to do any promotion for it.

Freedom ‘90 is particularly notable for its music video, which featured some of the biggest supermodels in the world at the time. He didn’t appear in the music video at all and instead had Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Tatjana Patitz lip-syncing to the song, inspired by this photo from the cover of Vogue Magazine. George would work with Linda Evangelista again for the video of ‘Too Funky’, as well as other supermodels such as Tyra Banks.

The 90’s brought a lot of struggles with it for George, he entered a long battle with Sony over his rights as an artist and he lost his partner, Anselmo Feleppa, as well as his mother.

The battle with Sony was tough to say the least. George argued that Sony had failed to promote his latest album LWP Vol.1 properly as punishment for his choice to downplay his sex symbol image. Sony, on the other hand, argued that it was George’s refusal to appear in promotion for the album that caused the poor performance compared to Faith.

Sony ultimately won the lawsuit and George remained trapped in his contract, something he referred to as ‘professional slavery’. It wasn’t until 1995 that Sony sold George’s contract to Virgin Records and DreamWorks Records, freeing him from the confinements he detested so heavily.

In 1991, George performed Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me at his Wembley Arena show with Elton again, this version was recorded and released, reaching #1 in the UK and US.

That same year we sadly lost one of the best musicians I personally think we’ve ever seen. Freddie Mercury was an incredible man on and off stage, and in 1992 a tribute concert was held in his memory. George attended this concert as a performer and sang queen hits such as Somebody To Love and These Are The Days of Our Lives with Lisa Stansfield.

It was during this time that George discovered Anselmo had been diagnosed with AIDS, the same thing that took Freddie from us, and was feeling not only the hurt from losing one of his idols, but also distraught from understanding he was potentially going to lose his partner.

Anselmo died in March 1993 after a long battle with AIDS. This severely hurt George and led him further into a state of depression and grief. Because of the battle going on with Sony, George wouldn’t release another album until 1996.

Older is, arguably, his best work. After all the pain he had experienced and the struggles he had gone through in recent years, he came back with a strong album that included the hit song ‘Jesus To a Child’, dedicated to Anselmo. Other songs such as Spinning The Wheel and Fastlove Pt. 1 highlights the danger of AIDS and explore the notion of love without commitment.

Looking back, I think it is relatively easy to see the real messages in the music. I think back when these albums were released it probably wasn’t as widely considered and so few were looking for the real messages, just looking at the music but not observing.

In 1997, George also lost his mother to cancer, just 4 years after losing his Partner. I have to say, George created some amazing music during this decade and I believe he came out stronger for going through these things but it’s hard to deny that this was an incredibly difficult time for him and I often wonder how he did it.

1998 was the year George’s sexuality was finally revealed in a more than subtle way. He was arrested in Beverly Hills in April of that year for ‘Engaging in a lewd act’ in a public restroom located at the Will Rogers Memorial Park. The arrest was part of a sting operation using ‘Pretty Police’, the arresting officer involved in the incident was Marcelo Rodríguez and as a result of the publicity, it was soon known that George was gay (not that it was any of our business anyway).

1998 also saw the release of his first solo greatest hits album entitled ‘Ladies and Gentlemen: the best of George Michael’. The album included some new songs such as ‘Outside’, the first single which made fun of his April arrest, and a duet with Mary J Blige singing a cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘As’. The album had to be released through Sony as per the contract severance terms from 1995 and the album reached #1 in the UK, staying there for 8 weeks and making it one of the best selling albums of all time in the UK.

George’s next album came a year later - Songs From The Last Century. This album was completely covers with no original work, songs such as Roxanne (originally performed by The Police) and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (originally performed by Peggy Seeger) and hit #2 in the UK charts.

Now we’re getting into the 2000’s, the decade in which some of my favourite George Michael songs came to life. I’m 2000 he recorded a duet with Whitney Houston which was going to feature Michael Jackson instead of her at first. He began working on his 5th studio album this year and it was released in 2003.

The album, ‘Patience’, had its first single released in March 2002 and what a single it was. Titled ‘Freeek!’, the song was far, far away from the usual wham! Sound. Georgie had grown up and we were not allowed to forget it. Unfortunately I’ve hit the photo limit for this post but I suggest you watch the music video below if you want an idea of what I’m talking about.

https://youtu.be/VLnYPXTs9LY

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The next single was quite controversial, it’s called Shoot The Dog and the lyrics criticise UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US President George W. Bush in the run up to the 2003 Iraq invasion. He also recorded a version of Don McLean’s ‘The Grave’ and performed it on various music programmes, gaining further controversy but praise from Don.

In 2003, George resigned to Sony despite the history between them. Patience was released in 2004 and became one of the fastest selling albums in the UK, selling over 200,000 copies in its first week alone. A number of other singles were released from this album including Amazing, Flawless, Round Here and John and Elvis Are Dead.

The next piece of work from George came in 2006 titled simply ‘Twenty Five’. It marked George’s 25th year in the music world from the time Wham! begun and debuted at #1 in the UK. It was a compilation album, much like the greatest hits from 1998 but this time it included songs from Wham! as well as his solo work. It also debuted some new songs such as An Easier Affair and a new version of Heal The Pain featuring Paul McCartney.

To celebrate the album, George also went on a tour titled The 25 Live tour. The tour consisted of 80 shows and was watched by approximately 1.3M fans. A tour DVD was released featuring his shows at Earl’s Court, London and I definitely suggest watching it, it’s a very good show.

In 2008, George released what is considered to be his first Christmas song since recording Last Christmas with Wham! 24 years earlier. December Song was released to the fans free of charge with George hoping the fans would make a donation instead to a charity.

Now we enter the 2010’s, some of the last years of George’s life. He started his Symphonica tour in August 2011, singing mainly songs from his album Patience and Songs From The Last Century.

In November, the rest of the tour was rescheduled as he became dreadfully ill with Pneumonia whilst in Vienna, even going comatose at one point. Thankfully, he pulled through and even made an appearance at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympics.

On August 25th 2012, George released a song called ‘White Light’, inspired by his battle with pneumonia and near-death experience during it. The song got it’s live debut at the 2012 olympics closing ceremony and reached #15 on the UK charts.

The Symphonica tour resumed and finished in October 2012 at Earl’s Court, marking George’s last ever concert.

Symphonica got released as a live album in March 2014 and became George’s 7th #1 solo album in the UK. George’s team announced in November 2016 that there was a documentary titled ‘Freedom’ that would be released in March 2017 but due to the sudden death of George, it was pushed back to October 2017 instead. I really suggest you watch this documentary as it’s very informative about his journey.

LWP got a reissue at the same time and Freedom ‘90 was released as a 7” single in limited numbers to coincide with the documentary and reissue. September 2017 saw the release of a new version of Fantasy featuring Nile Rodgers. At this time, we’ve not had any more new music but have been advised there is some coming. Georgie’s family and estate update us from time to time (see link below, this where all updates are usually posted)

In 2017 I and countless other Lovelies spent a week straight streaming and buying the Last Christmas single, we wanted to get it to #1 for George as it had been a year since he passed but unfortunately somehow despite our efforts, the song was a non-mover and stayed at #3. To this day I’m suspicious about that as there were so many of us streaming and buying etc. That I don’t understand how it could possibly have not moved. But anyway, we tried and George would be proud of us even if it didn’t work.

The music

Okay, well... that was the history of George Michael. Now all we really have left to do is go through the albums (I’m omitting compilation albums though, and giving special mentions to songs not on studio albums instead) and pick out some underrated and favourite songs. I’m going to include his Wham! days in this as it seems only right to, he was a brilliant solo artist but it’s important we recognise where he started.

Fantastic - Bad Boys, Wham Rap (Enjoy What You Do), Club Tropicana and Young Guns (Go For It!)

Make it big - Freedom, Credit Card Baby, Everything She Wants, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Music From The Edge of Heaven - I’m Your Man, Edge of Heaven, Where Did Your Heart go?, A Different Corner, Blue

Faith - Monkey, One More Try, Father Figure, Hand To Mouth, Faith, Kissing a Fool

LWP Vol.1 - Praying For Time, They Won’t Go When I Go, Cowboys and Angels, Freedom ‘90, Mother’s Pride

Older - Spinning The Wheel, You Have Been Loved, Star People, The Strangest Thing

Songs From The Last Century - Secret Love, My Baby Just Cares For Me, Roxanne, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Patience - Freeek! ‘04, My Mother Had a Brother, Amazing, Flawless (Go To The City), Shoot The Dog

Special mentions: An Easier Affair, White Light, Outside, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (with Elton John, I can’t make you love me, Killer/Papa was a rolling stone, Somebody To Love (From the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert 1992)

And we’re finished! That was your guide to George Michael, if you have any questions or want me to add/correct anything then please let me know. Like I said I’ll probably update this in future so it’s worth checking back from time to time. Thank you for reading this far, if you have!

#your guide to George Michael #George Michael #Wham!#80s #andrew ridgeley

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gamersonthego · 4 years

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Matt Giguere’s Top 10 Handheld Games of 2019

Handheld gaming is in a weird spot. Beyond the plethora of mobile devices running iOS or Android and the app store fronts they offer; the handheld market has now been distilled down to one major device in 2019. Lo and behold, Nintendo, once again sits alone on the hill. While the Switch has seen great gains in maintaining a constant flow of software on its platform, the vast majority of their releases are either mobile ports or older games from generations past. It is amazing on how much has been released so far, but what makes a handheld game a “handheld game” now anyway? When your choice can be a small bite sized game like BOXBOY! + BOXGIRL! or a massive single player game like Tales of Vesperia, there really isn’t much of a difference what a handheld platform can offer compared to the home consoles for the types of games that can be played. As the Nintendo 3DS and Sony PlayStation Vita sunset into their legacy years, there seems to be a wider line on what can be considered a handheld game.

Nintendo did release a portable only version of the Switch this year, dubbed the SwitchLite. Considering that most of my playtime has been in handheld mode, I picked one up shortly after release. After a few months of playtesting, I think this will be my go-to system for the foreseeable future. I adore the form factor size. The original Switch still works great for quick pick up and play in my home, but I find the new model easier to hold in my hands and store away when I’m travelling. The dedicated directional pad, as opposed to separate buttons because of the nature of the detachable joy-cons, is a big selling point for the myriad of 2D platformers now on the system. I sometimes miss the “HD Rumble” feedback that had to be cut, but that is a small gripe. If you don’t care for playing games on the big screen in a higher resolution and varying framerate, I highly recommend picking this dedicated handheld up.

Admittedly, a lot on my best of 2019 list are games that can be enjoyed on the big screen, especially with the convenience of the Switch’s hardware. Of the games I played this year, I think this smattering represents a healthy dose of what managed to present a case that gaming on the go is still well alive and ever changing.

Top 10 of 2019 or the Hollow Knight Memorial List*

*Sometimes when making a top list our favorite thing came out in a different year or is so clearly ahead it is a lock of number 1 across every critic. This year Hollow Knight from Team Cherry captivated me like nothing else that released this year. Alas, this game came out in 2017. So instead of placing it on my official list for 2019, it takes the honor of being my list’s name. This Metroidvania style exploration platformer is full of surprises, sometimes subverting my expectations when I thought there wasn’t anything left to uncover. If you have a Switch, I highly recommend checking out one of my favorite games in the genre since Metroid: Fusion.

10. My Friend Pedro (Switch, Xbox One, PC)

An action, score-based shooter that I’ve had my eye on for years since seeing the gif put out by publisher Devolver Digital and developer Dead Toast Entertainment. The nature of this very tricky to pull off and even harder to master game lies in its focus on style. Moving across short levels on a 2-D plane, you must, roll, spin, flip, kick, skate, and, of course, kill combo as many enemies to place a high score and a top rank. While there is a story to keep the drive of the game moving forward, I wouldn’t say that should be the guiding factor to check this out. Rather, I found the quick get up and quick play of a level or two perfect for on the go gaming. Once the controls click, this game really delivers on its promised “Bananas” style.

9. Untitled Goose Game (Switch, Xbox One, PS4, PC)

“What if Hitman, but a Goose?” is probably the most quoted pitch heard for this small, but very charming game by developer House House. In it you play as, well, a goose who terrorizes a small town from every front. From untying shoes so people trip to locking helpless victims in garages, no one is safe from this feathered menace! Okay, so the Hitman comparison is apt, minus the extreme brutality, for this sandbox-lite adventure. The best I can compare it to is an interactive toy; one that is unique in how the player can approach a situation and explore the possibilities of what can and will happen within the rules of the program. It might not have the deep experimentation of a larger game of its kind, but I found its calm and lighthearted nature makes this a very stress-free experience, especially when you are the one dealing out all the harassment.

8. SteamWorld Quest (Switch, PC)

I don’t normally go for card-based RPGs, but when Image & Form provide a new adventure in the SteamWorld universe, I had to check it out. This might be the one that changed my mind, because after several turns, I was hooked. The adventure itself keeps things relatively jovial with plenty of jokes and wit to keep the story moving forward. It can be easy to stick to one group of characters, a limit of three per battle, but I find more enjoyment in the battle system when different combinations are put into play. The battle system also provides linked combos that offer bonuses and stringing cards together in a row also adds more to the strategy. Building a potent strategy is where I found the most engagement in this RPG, and all the trappings around the edges made this one stand out in my mind. A good starting point in the genre for those curious.

7. Baba Is You (Switch, PC)

A tough logic puzzler I think goes the extra mile with its charm and style. You play as Baba. Or, rather, Baba is you, or a wall, or section of water, or a skull, or... well you get the point. The goal in each stage is to reach the “Win.” What is the “Win?” Most of the time it is a flag, but really it can be anything. Using a simple push function mechanic that many top-down puzzlers have used before, the twist comes in that you can have these sentence blocks to push around and affect the game’s logic. For example, if the winning object is out of reach by a wall that forces you stop (“Wall is Stop”) you can push one of the sentence blocks away so you can pass through the wall. Even making a sentence to “You is Win” will also result in a victory. The difficulty can be a bit stiff, but I would often find myself just thinking about a stuck puzzle while out and about and think of the solution as a sort of epiphany. Even when getting stuck on a tricky brain teaser, the game offers multiple paths so you can keep progressing through. Certainly, Baba Is You has been on my mind since first playing it.

6. What The Golf? (Apple Arcade, PC, Switch TBD)

If Desert Golf is the pinnacle zen of the golf sport genre, What The Golf? embodies its “party mindset.” Yes, it is golf, and yet, it becomes something more than just golf. Sometimes you will find yourself having to hop across a very familiar level. Other times you will have to coordinate trick shots while being an exploding barrel. And sometimes, there’s just good old-fashioned bowling. What The Golf? will keep you on your toes, especially if you are fond of video games released prior to this. I won’t spoil some of the surprises in store, but some of them had me in stitches from laughing so hard. It would be nice to fully outright buy this game on the iOS App Store, but for now, a subscription to Apple Arcade is the only way to play this on the go.

5. Sayonara Wild Hearts (Switch, Apple Arcade, PS4, PC)

Another Apple Arcade exclusive for mobile (you can also buy it on the Switch at this time), this one showcasing music and style. If there is one thing that counts in making an impression on me, it’s presentation. Sayonara Wild Hearts is described as a pop album video game; one you experience as much as you listen to. The format seems simple at first. Guide your character along the track and collect different items for points to rank a high score while also dodging obstacles. Soon though, things start to mix up as fast as the soundtrack’s BPMs start to pump up. While the touch controls are adequate, I think for certain spots, a physical controller would have been nice. However, there are movements that are far easier to pull off using a touch interface, such as time hits reminiscent of music games like Elite Beat Agents. This gem of a game needs to be experienced at least once, not only for the wonderful soundtrack, composed by Daniel Olsen and Jonathan Eng and featuring Linnea Olsson on vocals, but also to see the twists and turns the game takes. This little game surprised the hell out of me, and I think it will be one that I will revisit again based on its production.

4. Ape Out (Switch, PC)

Sometimes we all need to get out. Especially when you are an ape stuck in a cage. That’s the conceit of the top-down, twin stick, hyper violent, and super stylized game, Ape Out. There is one goal: Be the ape and get the hell out! The concept is very rudimentary which I feel allows the game to shine. You will have to run, dodge, grab and toss enemies to reach the exit while the only advantage is being able to take three hits before going down. Enemies have guns that the player can’t use in the typical way. Instead, grabbing a foe allows one immediate shot to be fired from the grappled target. Used strategically, it can get you out of a lot of close calls. Other enemies can have bombs or body armor to keep this from being too repetitive and thanks to the game’s art style, they all look distinct so there’s no confusion on who you are fighting. Levels are procedurally generated as well, so even thinking on memorizing enemy patterns doesn’t always work. The fluorescent color palette and very minimalist style, like that of a Saul Bass movie poster, highlights the chaos and violence without making it too gross or unappealing. Even the soundtrack is minimalistic, utilizing only jazz percussion that plays out dynamically as the action plays out in real time. A feast for the eyes and a challenge on the thumbs.

3. Katana Zero (Switch, PC)

Taking a page from one hit kill action games like Hotline Miami, Katana Zero plays out at first like a typical note from the genre, right down to its ‘80s aesthetic. You clear room after room of enemies, slashing with your katana, wall jumping to high points, and focusing time to slow down and either dodge or reflect projectiles. A lot of this game is a throwback thanks to its choice of graphics, 2D platforming and story points from movies like Drive and Leon: The Professional. It is thanks to the presentation that makes this game shine for me. The story, music, graphics and gameplay presentation are what makes Katana Zero so high on my list. Clearing rooms is fast paced and quick, with messing up only taking several seconds to get back into the fray. While the loop of the game can get a bit repetitive, there are plenty of surprises that change up the standard formula of the game as you progress. The story does a nice job of not only driving things forward, but also tying in gameplay concepts into the narrative. The music is a healthy blend of synthwave and some very heavy and experimental electronic tunes (one that I’ve had on repeat most of the year). The overall games is fairly short and ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but there are speedrunning modes and secrets to uncover from replaying. Katana Zero stands as one of the best independent games this year.

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses (Switch)

There was a time when Fire Emblem was on the ropes, becoming a lagging franchise that was not connecting with strategy enthusiasts on the home consoles. Then in 2013, things changed with the release of Fire Emblem: Awakening on the 3DS. Nintendo and Intelligent Systems had intended that game to be the last in the series. Instead, we got another 3 (and 1/2) games released on the 3DS this past decade. Now it’s time to pass the torch onto the Switch and boy did they deliver on a packed adventure! Instead of just following one or two paths like most FE campaigns, Three Houses offer up to four different story playthroughs that each roughly takes about 50 hours or more to complete. There is also a vast amount of customization thanks to the setting being centered around a military school and teaching classes. If you love watching meters and bars fill up, there are tons of those to be had in Three Houses. Even though not every aspect is well thought out (the amiibo gazebo comes to mind, even though it is the best named mechanic), the cast of characters and support conversations (all fully voice acted) provide some rich storytelling from a character development standpoint. Do check out this game as it is one of the best in the series.

1. Tetris 99 (Switch)

“Where are we dropping, Blocks?” In a personal first for me, a multiplayer game has taken my number one spot. Tetris 99 is just that. Tetris. However, it’s you versus 98 other players in a battle royal style completion. Released as a free download to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, it now has multiple versions that can be bought as well. Thanks to constant updates and weekend tournaments, the online community is still strong, so finding matches is quick and painless. Playing against such a wide number of challengers turns the typical Tetris strategy on its head. Racking up combos instead of quickly clearing lines, for example, is one way to secure victory, but leaving too many gaps and holes can prove disastrous if you suddenly become the target of a handful of players. Even though I have yet to secure a 1st place finish, the nature of Tetris keeps me coming back for more. Whether it’s facing against bots, friends, marathoning solo or playing the featured battle royal, this is a fun version of Tetris to be had.

#matt giguere #goty #gotggoty2019 #my friend pedro #untitled goose game #steamworld quest #baba is you #what the golf #sayonara wild hearts #ape out #katana zero #Fire Emblem Three Houses #tetris 99

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