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skippyv20 · 5 years

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Thank you😁❤️❤️❤️❤️

Throwback - Prince Albert`s trip across the Empire

Prince Albert Edward – future Edward VII – (front left) visited india in the 1870s,

In October 1875, Prince Albert Edward (known as ‘Bertie’ to his family) set off on a four-month tour of the Indian subcontinent; as future King, he was expected to visit the Empire and learn about it, hopefully preparing him for his ultimate destiny of wearing the crown.

The trip took Bertie to India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal, travelling some 10,000 miles. Diplomatic gifts, much like today, are an important part of relationship building, and no expense was spared for the British royal party. The locals lavished expensive gifts on the Prince to welcome him, as did the 90+ different local rulers he met. Some of the highlights of this display include enamelled peacock feather fans (morchals) – also captured in this illustration in use against the hot weather and flies – a gold and emerald turban ornament, a walking stun-cum-gun and jewelled daggers.

Pair of morchals (fly whisks) constructed of peacock feathers, inlaid with diamonds and set with layered bands of gold tinsel. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

‘State elephants at Baroda’ Sydney Prior Hall captures the use of the peacock feather fans. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

He was accompanied by advisers and friends, too. This included William Howard Russell, who was responsible for writing the official tour diary, and Sydney Prior Hall, an artist who captured the tour through his ‘animated pencil drawings and watercolours’. The diary is watercolours and photography from the tour.

This page from Sydney Prior Hall’s sketchbook, similarly favoured as the official royal artist, shows his quick pencil study of Russell writing a dispatch on board the

Serapis

seen alongside a drawing of the Prince of Wales and King of Greece seated at table. The juxtaposition of the figures demonstrates the assimilation of both Specials into the intimate circle of the Royal entourage.

Sydney Prior Hall, Album: Scraps, pencil, 1875

Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2016

William Simpson, H.R.H, The Prince of Wales at the School Children’s Fete Bombay, 10th November 1875, 1875, pencil with grey wash and white, ©CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and Libraries Collection: The Mitchell Library, Special Collections.

William Simpson, often himself the recipient of private royal commissions, travelled separately for the

Illustrated London News

, along with two artist-reporters for the

Graphic

(Walter Charles Horsley and Herbert Johnson). Over the course of this seminal royal tour, which lasted seven months in total (including the journey to and from India), between them they channelled a constant stream of images back to Britain through the pages of the periodical press. They chronicled every aspect of the Royal visit, including civic ceremonies such as this representation of the Prince of Wales’s visit to the School Children’s Fete on 10 November 1875 in Bombay. Documenting an event designed to promote the educational benefits instituted by the British administration, Simpson, in this illustrator’s sketch, provided an attractive view of the moment the Prince received a garland of jasmine from ‘A beautiful Parsee girl, attired in pink satin, whose name is Miss Dhunbaee Ardaseer Wadia’ (

ILN

, 11 December 1875, p. 586).

After William Simpson, ‘H.R.H The Prince of Wales at the School Children’s Fete, Bombay’, wood engraving, Illustrated London News, 11 December 1875, p. 569. © National Portrait Gallery, London [CAP00499]

Enamelled gold inkstand presented by Ishwari Prasad Narayan Singh, Maharaja of Benares. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

There were numerous gifts of traditional arms and armour, including jewelled daggers, swords and ceremonial shields.

One piece that stands out is the sea-creature walking stick, which actually conceals a gun inside. Thought to have been presented by Maharao Ram Singh of Bundi, it houses a three barrel gun, whose trigger is the makara (a mythological Indian sea creature) handle.

this walking stick is also a gun (royal collection trust)

This flower-like perfume holder is especially beautiful; of course, perfume was much more expensive in the 19th century, and to house it securely, but also in a way was surely impressive to the recipient. This was a piece from Ram Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur. Records show that it took five years to produce and is enamelled with depictions of Jaipur’s iconic palaces in hues of pink, green, red and blue.

An intricate perfume holder on display (royal collection trust)

A necklace came from Ranjit Singh, Raja of Ratlam; it was an especially personal gift, featuring a depiction of the Prince and Princess of Wales. There was also a matching brooch, in the form of a flower.

the necklace features the prince and princess of wales royal collection trust)

A jewelled turban ornament (sirpech or sarpech) came as a welcome present from Sajjan Singh, Maharana of Udaipur. It features emeralds in a gold setting with enamel. It would have been worn on the front of a turban as a symbol of royal status.

By the end of the tour, the Prince had received over 2,000 gifts, and recognising the cultural value and artistic merit of these items, on his return to Britain he made arrangements for them to be placed on public display at the V&A, which was the South Kensington Museum. It was called ‘The Prince of Wales’s Indian Collection‘.

Emerald and gold enamelled Sirpech (turban ornament) will soon be on display at buckingham palace. Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

Gold and jewel encrusted crown presented to the Prince of Wales in 1876, Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

a perfume holder presented by the then Maharaja of Jaipur

Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur is the current holder of the distinguished Jodhpur title. There is a painting of his ancestor Jashwant Singh being invested with the honour the Star of India by the Prince of Wales on January 1, 1876.

This perfume holder was presented by Banesinhji Jaswantsinghji, Raj Sahib of Wankaner (1842–81), and was probably designed to store solid perfume. The inscription in Gujarati on the lower tray is obscured from view by the upper tray and bottle, indicating that they were made separately and then attached together at a later date, probably to make a more impressive gift. The screws holding both the trays together unscrew anticlockwise. This is unusual in Indian metalwork and implies this perfume holder was assembled by a non- Indian craftsman possibly working in Bombay, where this gift was presented.

This perfume holder was presented to the Prince of Wales by Jashwant Singh ii, Maharaja of Jodhpur (1838–95). The Prince first met the Maharaja at the Madras Racecourse on 15 December, and later at Calcutta, where the Maharaja was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India on New Year’s Day 1876 ./RCT

The bud-shaped holder opens up when the finial is pressed to reveal five perfume holders held by silver filigree brackets. The openwork floral designs on the outside ‘leaves’ of the bud, the gold bottles and the silver filigree suggest that it was produced in different parts of India and later brought together. The gold scrolling foliage on the outer ‘leaves’, the ruby-inlaid perfume bottles and the fluted base are similar in style to metalwork from Madras, and the interior silver filigree work is similar to that produced in Orissa.

A silver and gold perfume holder or attardan in the form of a lotus bud. The four ‘petals’, decorated with an elaborate gold openwork floral pattern, open when the finial is pressed. /RCT

The Prince of Wales met Pragmalji ii, Rao of Cutch (1832–75), at Bombay, in November 1875. Here he was presented with this pair of rosewater sprinklers in the form of cranes holding a fish in their beaks. The fish have a bouquet of flowers issuing from their mouths, which have been perforated with holes to allow for the rosewater to be sprinkled./ RCT

The strange iconography of the sprinkler may be linked with the legend of the two rival goldsmiths, Gangu and Nandu, working in the court of Anhilpur Patan, in modern-day Gujarat. The legend recalls that both goldsmiths were invited to take part in a contest of skill by the Solanki ruler, Jayasimha Siddharaja (c.1094– 1143). Gangu produced a gold fish, which could float and move in water. In response, Nandu produced a crane that pecked at the fish causing it to drown and thus won the contest. However, Nandu later incurred the wrath of the ruler and was banished from Patan, taking refuge in Cutch, where this tale inspired later metalworkers in the state.

Silver versions of these sprinklers in other collections suggest that this pair, made from gold, were produced as unique presentation pieces for the tour.

Shamsher Prakash, Raja of Nahan (1856–98), presented this pair of silver rosewater sprinklers when he met the Prince in Calcutta in December 1875. The Raja of Nahan established the Nahan Foundry in c.1873, where these sprinklers were made. Managed by Frederick Robert Jones, an Austrian engineer, the foundry predominantly produced industrial items such as sugar-cane crushers and railings. The bulbous body of the sprinkler is decorated with eight embossed and chased European baroque-style medallions./RCT

The Prince of Wales met Kharak Singh (1850–77), Raja of Kapurthala, during the reception he held for the rulers of Punjab in Lahore on 18 January 1876. Here the Raja presented him with this set of four perfume holders, cast as seated lions with articulated tongues./RCT

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rainmearainbow · 5 years

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Day 219/365 - Part 5 #Throwback to March 2018. Bits & Pieces of the performances I got to see & enjoy onboard this amazing cruise. 😍 . . . #gentingdream #gentingdreamcruise #dreamcruise #lifeatsea #performances #stageshow #architecture #sea #sky #nature #landscape #dream #beautiful #mothernature #timetoescape #travel #jstravelette #salinatravels #salinatravelette #faraway #potd #photooftheday #photography #photo #photograph #memories #memoirs #asia #igsg (at Genting Dream Cruise 云顶梦号) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0-W4PKnlSi/?igshid=pslhb7z6t0qu

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illustratedtapes · 5 years

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Welcome to Illustrated Tape’s favourite releases of 2018 that sounded and looked good, chosen by this year’s contributors. We’ve put together a playlist featuring one track from each of the releases featured so you can check out the sounds we were digging this year. Happy listening!

➔ spoti.fi/2LCgrQp Listening in order recommended

Delta Sleep - Ghost City Big Scary Monsters, 10 August Artwork: Owen Findley at Or8 Design Selected by Megan Reddi // IT014

This is my favourite music/artwork combo of 2018! The whole album is just amazing - it is beautifully arranged and has this lovely dreamy quality to it, with repeated musical motifs woven throughout to really pull the whole album together. Not only is Ghost City musically fantastic, but the artwork is beautiful and so fitting for the album. It is designed and screen printed by Owen Findley and the warm colours, imagery and textures are just spot on.

Definitely my favourite release of 2018. It is my go-to driving album and I will be blasting it while we’re driving around this Christmas!

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 014: Nautical Dusk by Megan Reddi

Okay Kaya - Both Heavy Body, 1 June Artwork/design: Kaya Wilkins, Aaron Maine, Phillip Wong

Selected by Hannah Buckman // IT016

Okay Kaya’s Both as an album that came out this year which I enjoyed, and which I feel has a strong visual component to it. To me the album feels sickly (in a good way), gloomy but still pop. I think the mood is conveyed really well through the Adinah Dancyger directed music vids and the album art.

I liked finding out more about Kaya’s thinking behind the project, like how the twin in the videos is like a physical manifestation of trauma... it’s something that once I read I couldn’t stop thinking about. The idea of something traumatic inducing this birth of a second self, a kind of split off part that is still attached in some way to the whole, but there being a kind of safety in acknowledging what might be a darker part of yourself, from a distance. Also the album art kind of conveys the idea of duality and how that relates to race/sexuality, but I didn’t feel like that was really explored as much. I think I like this album ‘cos it kind of ties in with things (mentioned above) I’m currently interested in, but maybe it feels a bit surface-y at times.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 016: Protect Your Extremities by Hannah Buckman

Quavo - Quavo Huncho Capitol / Mowtown / Quality Control, 12 October Artwork: Mihailo Andic

Selected by Conner Perry // IT020

I think my favourite music/design combo of this year has to be Quavo’s Quavo Huncho. Not only is it full of bangers, the cover by Mihailo Andic is just brilliant. It really sets itself apart from the Migo’s visuals and changes the way you listen to the record. Definitely check out the rest of his work, especially the stuff for Lil’ Yachty.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 020: Nice one bruva by Conner Perry

Parquet Courts - Wide Awake! Rough Trade, 18 May Artwork: A. Savage

Selected by Holly St Clair // IT021

I was really late to the Parquet Courts party, but actually both of my initial encounters with their two recent releases have been solid arguments for the importance of decent album artwork. For both Wide Awake! and Human Performance I ran into - literally - the artwork before the music. Twice, two years apart, whilst wandering around London I turned a corner and came face to face with Adam Savage’s superb cover work. He smacked me in the face with poppy colours and amorphous dancing forms and I loved every moment. Add in an anarchic use of type and you’ve got me shouting, “Oh shit! A new Parquet Courts album!” to no one in particular outside an old meat market in Shoreditch.

A. Savage is both front man and painter and that adds a special flavour to the whole affair. Album marketing can be a laboured, commercially driven affair, there’s something authentic - a little DIY flavour - about this relationship between artwork and music. It’s a nice parallel to the musical throwbacks typical of the bands style. Wide Awake! dropped earlier this year and it’s fab. (Although, I love the artwork so much even if it was god awful I’d still buy the record and hang it on my wall.)

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 021: To: You, Love: Me by Holly St Clair

D.A.L.I - When Haro Met Sally Burning Witches, 23 May Artwork: Luke Insect

Selected by Thomas Hedger // IT017

According to my recently played, I’ve been stuck on a pre-'90s loop. I've crept slowly into 2018's releases picking out albums like books - by their covers - and it really paid off! I don’t often delve into electronic but I love this album, it’s a perfect blend of hopping on your bike and hitting the tracks, nailing the look of how the album feels in all its haze. A solid sunny day good time.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 017: Sink by Thomas Hedger

Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar Ninja Tune, 9 March Artwork: Tom Hingston

Selected by Katie Chandler // IT003

This cover was immediately striking and memorable to me. Upon listening to the album, I found that the artwork resonated with this feeling of odd, unrestricted expression. It's a little unsettling, ultimately bold and intriguing. Much like the music, it feels hot and cool all at once, like a burst of energy that leaves you in a sweat. It's the exhilarating soundtrack to your runner's high, and you're not really sure why you're running or what you're running from.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 003: Porch Light by Katie Chandler

Gesu no Kiwami Otome (ゲスの極み乙女。) - Suki Nara Towanai (好きなら問わない) Taco Records, 29 August Selected by Greg Stasiw // IT009

Although it’s not the ambient and electronic fare I usually enjoy, Suki Nara Towanai (好きなら問わない) by Gesu no Kiwami Otome. (ゲスの極み乙女。) is a hoot. The artwork features a stylized neon pachinko machine. Or maybe it’s a console in a rad indie pop spaceship, which would also make sense for this funky fresh group! It feels somehow familiar, somehow alien, and altogether really, really cool.

The neon suggests something retro, and there are some retro leanings in their funkier tracks, but it's definitely neon as seen in 2018. Modern pop (and J-Pop) tropes emerge, but infectious basslines, tight drumming, and smart keys make this album something special. Some math rock even surfaces at times, and the remix included proves that this group goes for whatever feels fresh. One look at the artwork reminds me that this is one of the funnest albums I've listened to in a while. “Funnest” is definitely a word when you’re talking about this band!

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 009: Atmospheres by Greg Stasiw

Aphex Twin - Collapse EP Warp, 14 September Artwork: Weirdcore

Selected by Alex Vissaridis // IT002

2018 was a great year if you grew up listening to the music I was into. Some of my all-time favourite artists released new stuff this year, and they didn’t disappoint. The artwork was pretty excellent too, but nothing grabbed my attention like the world created around Aphex Twin’s Collapse EP. Album art doesn’t seem to mean as much as it once did, so it’s always exciting when it appears outside of the little square on your screen in unexpected ways.

This year, Aphex Twin logos appeared all over the world, from Elephant & Castle tube station to the side of a record store in Tokyo, designed in a way that made it look like the logo was collapsing into the environment around it. I’m a sucker for stuff like this; random cryptic messages that send internet detectives into a frenzy. It was eventually announced as marketing for the Collapse EP, but they kept the ‘collapsing logo’ visual going on the EP artwork, in the music video for the track ‘T69 collapse’, and even through to projection-mapped videos around London (again announced in typical smoke-and-mirrors fashion) and a collaboration with Crack magazine. Way more than just a collection of pixels.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 002: Tape Fuzz by Alex Vissaridis

Flohio - Wild Yout EP Alpha, 2 November Selected by Rachel Maughan // IT012

I got into Flohio after I saw her on COLORS in January with 'Band'. She's fucking explosive on that track, you can feel her spitting straight into your chest. She's been savvy with her producers and killed her work with God Colony - 'SE16' was my most played track of the year. Her 2018 EP, Wild Yout is a cocktail of perfection.

Mashing up genres it's a high energy listen with punchy, grimey hip-hop that is uniquely South London. The artwork is beautiful simplicity - her achingly slick androgynous aesthetic, the clean photographic composition, with a flowing chain to bring it tightly back to SE. Gorgeous.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 012: High Rise by Rachel Maughan

Sudan Archives - Sink EP Stones Throw, 25 May Photography: Jack McKain Design: Jeff Jank

Selected By Tom J Newell // IT004

Sink submerges the listener in flowing loops and beats, with splashes of violin and vocals floating above the sunken monolith, which stands tall on the deep blue cover art. The composition is reminiscent of two of Jank’s other iconic Stones Throw sleeves, Donuts and Madvillainy and continues his striking yet varied art direction for the label.

Check out the ‘Nont For Sale’ video from the EP too, which adds powerful choreography and styling to create another successful visual accompaniment to the music. Much love to Sudan Archives and hats off to Jeff Jank. I painted a tribute to the cover art on a 12x12” piece of wood.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 004: FEAR. by Tom J Newell

Drinks - Hippo Lite Drag City, 20 April Selected by Molly Fairhurst // IT015

Hazy, dazed, an album I hold dearly to 2018 (and many strangely lit walks in a then new, unknown city).

A collaboration between Cate Le Bon and White Fence’s Tim Presley, the pair took an (isolated) retreat to St Hippolyte-Du-Fort in the south of France to record, frankly, crudely, seemingly, whatever the fuck they wanted to. Hippo Lite is born, a joyful, playful, sometimes quiet, sometimes screaming object.

What senses like an eavesdrop through closed doors rightly has a cover that can’t be quite understood- a narrow column of, at the glance of the reader, ‘nonsense’ notes, which flank photos of Le Bon and Presley. Both are snapshots of an absurd holiday we have been invited along to, so long as we sit across the table. A tender and private piece.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 015: The Wilder Woman by Molly Fairhurst

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs - King of Cowards Rocket, 28 September Artwork: Sophy Hollington

Selected by Drew Milward // IT010

First off, this album is wall to wall, solid gold bangers. Kind of like the lovechild of The Fall and Black Sabbath, who has been cautioned by the police for possession of a massive bag of skunk, a bong in the shape of a skull and a copy of ‘The Holy Mountain’ on DVD.

Aside from the fact it’s a full on riff-o-rama, the artwork by Sophy Hollington is absolutely incredible. It summons up the sound of the band, via folk horror infused wildness. It really captures the sonic landscape of the album, yet completely avoids any of the cliched imagery that could so easily have taken its place. It really is the whole package.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 010: BE GONE, YOU CREATIVE GREMLINS! by Drew Milward

Djrum - Portrait With Firewood R&S, 17 August Artwork: Michael Mitsas

Selected by Sam Ailey // IT001

Portrait With Firewood is one of those rare gems within the electronic genre - a true ‘album’. With holistic production, emotional range, and a captivating narrative, this really is a stunning listening experience from start to finish. Felix Manuel combines electronic and acoustic sounds seamlessly on this intimate record, with exceptional attention to detail in his sampling and tender piano sections played by Felix himself.

Michael Mistas’s cover art is a real departure from the typical design aesthetic of electronic albums and caught my attention straight away. I love its composition and rough, imperfect execution. To me these feels reflective of the range and depth of emotional states explored across the album, and the feeling that some things are easier to express through your craft than with words. Plus I’m a sucker for pink things.

➔ Listen to Illustrated Tapes 001: Quiet by Sam Ailey

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pulsdmedia · 2 years

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The Week Ahead 4/3-4/9

How do burgers, beers, cocktails, outdoor exploration, art, music, and meeting “the one” sound? If you’ve dropped everything and are captivated by all of the above, it’s happening this week, and we’ve got it all mapped out for you - so clear your schedule and get to it...

Wednesday: $19 To Whitmans Flight Club: Beers, Burgers & More

Back for another sold-out session, Whitmans Flight Club is a must-try for beer lovers, with this week's session focusing on Captain Lawrence Brewing Co. Cheers with your pals as you work your way through Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.'s delectable brews - namely the Kolsh, Citra Dreams Hazy IPA and Pacific Dawn West Coast Imperial IPA. After you've delighted in the tasting notes, aromas, and effervescence, you'll be gifted a souvenir pint glass that you can take home! Your bubbly beverage is the perfect compliment to the mouthwatering Whitmans Classic Burger. The house specialty is stacked with a juicy patty and all the fixins on top to make this burger one you won't soon forget. Make your Wednesday absolutely wonderful at Whitmans...

Reconnect With Nature and Get Excited For Summer

Summer on the Hudson begins its annual programming with a Sunset Forest Therapy session. You're invited to join in reconnecting with nature by participating in a guided Forest Bathing experience. Allow yourself to connect with the park in a way you never have before as you amble through the greenery and admire the beauty that is nature!

Sunday: $9 Tickets To Artexpo, Featuring 1,000 Artists & 400 Gallery Owners

Upholding its reputation as the most beloved and the largest international gathering of art, Artexpo New York presents over 400 local, national, and international galleries and publishers, along with pioneering independent artists and photographers, exhibiting thousands of forward-thinking, boundary-pushing works for you to enjoy over a gorgeous spring weekend. Join 35,000+ art lovers, 1,000 artists, as well as 400 gallery owners, dealers, and publishers who have ventured from all over the world to savor this stellar event. Original artwork will be in abundance in the form of prints, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, giclees, lithographs, glass works and more, so let this wondrous weekend empower your creativity...

A Billie Holiday Birthday Celebration

The JC Hopkins Biggish Band plays tribute to the most influential jazz singer in the history of the music, Billie Holiday, on her 107th birthday. The ten piece band backs singers Vanisha Gould, Joy Hanson and Izaiah Harris as they interpret the music of the great Lady Day featuring musical arrangements commissioned for the occasion.

$29 VIP Ticket: Open Bar Studio 54 Themed Disco Fever Party

Kick off your weekend with glitter, sequins, and the music of the 70s at Casa 51's Disco Fever Fridays - a groovy spectacular that harkens to the Studio 54 heyday, with a heavy splash of unlimited drinks, DJ sounds, and vibes aplenty for the most epic throwback. This $29 VIP Ticket includes admission to this fabulous fête, as well as a 2 Hour Open Bar from 10:00pm until 12:00am featuring Nostalgic 70s Inspired Cocktails. Retro Disco Drinks include the favorite of Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones in 1972, the "Tequila Sunrise," while modern libation interpretations include the glittery, sweet "Disco Fever" and the fiery, spicy margarita "The Inferno." This night is all about peace, love, and having the grooviest time...

Meet New People, Enjoy Great Beer, and Put an End to Swiping

If you are tired of endless swiping and messaging on dating apps and actually want to meet people face to face, join other singles for a Singles Social at Mika in Bushwick! Chat with people looking to make new connections, enjoy craft beer and Japanese style comfort food, and see what happens!

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aion-rsa · 2 years

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15 Most Underrated Games of 2021

https://ift.tt/3IeEAtd

While I understand why some have called 2021 a “slow” year for video games (the challenges of developing during the Covid-19 pandemic delayed numerous games and clearly impacted the quality of others), a quick look at the sheer number of underrated games that managed to sneak under the radar this year reveals how deep the modern gaming industry really is.

While it’s understanable that the average gamer doesn’t have nearly enough time or money to play every game they might enjoy even during a “slow” year, there’s alawys been something sad about the idea that there are games out there that you might absolutely fall in love with but may never even hear about simply becasue there is only so much time in the day.

There are dozens of such games that deserve a bigger share of the spotlight than they ultimately got, but these are 15 of the most noteworthy titles that I feel went ciriminally overlooked this year.

15. The Medium

The Medium is one of those modern horror games that is arguably a little too ambitious for its own good and will likely be remembered as much for its flaws (like its uneven story and diminishing central premise) as its greatness.

But there is certainly greatness in The Medium. This psychedelic reimagining of classic survival horror games is beautiful, surprising, and often genuinely scary. Horror fans who didn’t get enough from this year’s biggest genre releases should give this one another look.

14. The Ascent

I had hoped that The Ascent’s day one availability on Xbox Game Pass would help this ARPG reach a slightly larger audience, but it feels like this one is just destined to become a bit of a cult classic.

The Ascent manages to translate the basic Diablo ARPG formula into a more than solid isometric shooter experience that is amplified by a surprisingly compelling universe and storyline. It’s definitely a little rough around the edges, but it gets the better parts of this genre right.

13. Steel Assault

We’re going to be highlighting a couple of throwback action games on this list, and while I think the other game we’ll get to in a little bit is slightly better, Steel Assault deserves a lot of credit for feeling like a tribute to an era of retro action game rather than a license-free recreation of a specific experience.

Steel Assault is a relentless 16-bit action title that features incredible set pieces, an amazing soundtrack, and a surprising number of little innovations that really turn this otherwise retro experience into something that is so much more than a nod to a different time. It’s also incredibly difficult in the absolute best way possible.

12. Cozy Grove

As a game about a lone camper exploring a haunted island, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Cozy Grove is some kind of slightly ironic horror game. However, this strange blend of Don’t Starve, Animal Crossing, and Stardew Valley is actually one of the most charming games of the year.

While Cozy Grove doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of the titles it was clearly inspired by, this real-time experience is surprisingly relaxing and undeniably lovely. It’s also designed to be played for months, so those who fall under its spell will certainly get a lot out of it.

11. No More Heroes 3

The No More Heroes series has always been easy to recommend to fans of fundamentally weird games, and No More Heroes 3 certainly carries on that particular tradition. It’s a magnificently strange game.

In a way, though, I’d also argue that some of No More Heroes 3’s gameplay refinements make it the most accessible entry in this franchise. No More Heroes 3 doesn’t quite land all of its new ideas, but this is truly one of the most fascinating and unique creative visions of the year.

10. TOEM

While New Pokémon Snap ended up being one of the year’s most surprisingly good games, TOEM is undoubtedly 2021’s best game about photography and possibly the best example of that strange subgenre ever made.

This puzzle game’s hand-drawn graphics will certainly lure you in, but it’s TOEM’s photo-based brain teasers and wonderful cast of characters that make this one of the most uplifting and surprisingly deep games of the year.

9. Tormented Souls

Given how often I hear people cry out for classic survival horror experiences, I’m shocked that Tormented Souls generated almost no real buzz this year despite being the most glowing love letter to Resident Evil, Alone in the Dark, and Silent Hill that you will ever have the privilege of playing.

Tormented Souls may wear its inspirations on its sleeve, but it’s the ways this game incorporates modern visuals and intelligent gameplay refinements that help it stand tall next to some of the horror genre’s most memorable entries.

8. Oddworld: Soulstorm

Look, I’d be lying if I told you that Soulstorm is the best Oddworld game ever or even a game that regularly reaches the heights of its best predecessors. Honestly, it might only appeal to those who already love this franchise and are willing to put up with some of this title’s wrinkles in order to experience some already niche gameplay.

However, anyone who loves truly difficult puzzle experiences that require you to think well outside of the box owes it to themselves to give this game a chance. It’s always been amazing that an idea this weird became a franchise in the first place, and Soulstorm will remind you why gaming is better with the Oddworld series in it.

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7. Astalon: Tears of the Earth

I’ve heard some fans argue that Astalon is actually 2021’s best Metroidvania game, and while I don’t know if I’m willing to go quite that far given some of the competition in that particular category this year (which includes an actual Metroid game), I will say that Astalon is a simply brilliant example of the versatility of this genre.

Astalon is a Metroidvania game with roguelike elements and a character-swapping mechanic that offers a surprising amount of gameplay variety. Don’t be thrown off by the retro graphics; Astalon is a brilliant evolution of the Metroidvania concept that will appeal to hardcore genre fans and dedicated newcomers alike.

6. Dodgeball Academia

As a sports RPG about dodgeball, I have to admit that it feels like Dodgeball Academia may have been made to appeal to fascinations that even I didn’t know I seemingly had until I played this game.

While Dodgeball Academia isn’t as tight of a sports RPG experience as Golf Story, there is an undeniable charm to this game that makes it easy to overlook its rough gameplay edges. Anyone vaguely interested in the sports RPG genre will almost certainly fall in love with this game.

5. The Artful Escape

The Artful Escape deserves more love than it has gotten so far on the basis of its cast alone (where else can you find Lena Headey, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Strong, and Carl Weathers working together?), but this really might be the best platformer adventure game of the year.

While The Artful Escape’s apparent disinterest in its own gameplay will almost certainly alienate many potential fans, the quality of this title’s visuals, story, music, and characters is impossible to deny. It’s just a beautiful all-around game that you have to experience for yourself.

4. Overboard

Overboard casts you as a young woman who has just killed her husband aboard a 1930s luxury ship and must now find a way to cover her tracks long enough to make it to New York City. It’s basically a “Whodunnit?” in reverse, and it’s absolutely as brilliant as that description makes it sound.

Overboard‘s visual novel-esque gameplay certainly won’t be for everyone, but this game’s clever premise and the ways that its various twists and turns afford you a surprising amount of freedom in such a seemingly “small” game deserve to be celebrated.

3. Bonfire Peaks

While I tend to love puzzle-based adventure games that turn entire worlds into elaborate brain teasers, I will admit that there are times when even some of the best games in that genre tend to be a bit too clever for their own good. It’s hard to get into a game when you have no idea what you’re supposed to do the moment you start it.

That’s why Bonfire Peaks is so brilliant. It’s certainly challenging, but there’s a joy to just existing in this game’s world and slowly discovering its secrets that helps ensure that you’re rarely so frustrated that you’re not willing to beat your head against the wall one more time to find that solution that has eluded you so far.

2. Cyber Shadow

It’s easy to look at Cyber Shadow and see yet another indie tribute to old-school, 8-bit action games like Castlevania and Ninja Gaiden. Truth be told, that’s pretty much what it is.

However, Cyber Shadow manages to nail the feel of those games in a way that so many other 8-bit tributes simply fail to do. This is a devious and clever little game that (much like the 2016 reboot of Doom) somehow taps into the purity of this genre while offering an experience that feels fascinatingly modern in the best ways.

1. Mundaun

Mundaun had me at “hand-penciled folk horror game,” but believe me when I say that this stunning take on the survival horror/adventure genre defies any simple descriptions.

This is a pure horror game that forces you to use your wits to overcome some impressive challenges. While it sometimes reminds me of some of the great point and click adventure games of the late ’90s and early 2000s, this title manages to remain very much its own thing even as elements of it invoke certain classic experienes.

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Mundaun is too weird, too complicated, and, admittedly, occasionally too janky to ever be a massive hit, but it’s the many ways this game confidentally manages to be so different that ultimately make it truly underrated.

The post 15 Most Underrated Games of 2021 appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/3EqrLcU

#aion-rsa #Den of Geek

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badefuwa · 3 years

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S O F T Credits: @lxuyuhan fuses classic + softness + sculptural + architectural elements in pieces... #fashion #fashionista #instagram #art #love #amazing #tbt #instagood #repost #selfie #lol #beautiful #blackandwhite #photographer #photo #photography #summer #instadaily #photooftheday #followme #me #fun #style #throwback #color #creative #europe #africa #wedding #thinkoutsidethebox https://www.instagram.com/p/CHFsesTr-nW/?igshid=ghnl2c9015p6

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afrostylemagazine · 3 years

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E X P R E S S I O N S P E C T R U M Paco Rabanne Piece...Gorg!! #fashion #fashionista #instagram #art #love #amazing #tbt #instagood #repost #selfie #lol #beautiful #blackandwhite #photographer #photo #photography #summer #instadaily #photooftheday #followme #me #fun #style #throwback #color #creative #europe #africa #wedding #thinkoutsidethebox WWW.AFROSTYLEMAG.COM https://www.instagram.com/p/CN5gYrpF9fY/?igshid=14k6zjsafwoxb

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williamexchange · 4 years

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The 10 Best Graphic Design Blogs to Boost Your Inspiration

As creatives, you can get stuck in your own head from time to time. And failure to expose yourself to new ways of looking at things can take a toll on your the quality of your work.

Because you need to look at things from a different perspective, here is a peek at some of the best graphic design blogs to keep you inspired.

Without further ado, let’s drum up some inspiration. While there are countless graphic design blogs out there, here are ten of our very favorite sources of design eye candy.

1. High On Design

High on Design is a blog developed by the Wix Design team that covers all ends of the visual spectrum. The blog has everything from interviews with designers to book reviews and articles that talk practice and philosophy. What’s more is, they’ve curated a monthly playlist to get those design juices flowing.

2. Design Clever

Design Clever is a curated online design space. Rather than a source of articles and op-ed pieces, Design Clever is an online gallery that showcases product design, photography, and top-shelf branding.

Additionally, readers can submit their own designs to be featured on the website. While this site isn’t necessarily a resource for designers seeking new information, it’s kind of a scaled-back version of things like Instagram–a quiet look at cool graphic designs.

3. FormFiftyFive

FormFiftyFive, or FFF, has been around since 2007 and was formed by a group of designers, coders, and illustrators, coders.

FFF is an established resource for viewing some of the best design out there, as well as for reading the latest design news. There’s even a jobs board for creatives looking for a new gig.

4. Logo Design Love

This one is for all those logo designers out there. Logo Design Love celebrates the art of simplicity, dedicating the bulk of its content to showcasing the beautiful and brilliant logos that make us identify with a brand. Additionally, you’ll get some insights into famous style guides from NASA to the Boy Scouts of America.

5. AIGA’s Eye on Design

The AIGA, The Professional Association for Design, is an institution that’s been in the design game since 1914. As the oldest organization for designers in the US, the AIGA is a wealth of resources for designers at all levels.

We have to say, Eye on Design is one of the best resources if you’re looking for an in-depth read on topics like sexuality, money, music, and more — and how they relate to the world of design.

6. Illustration Age

Illustration Age is a solid resource for illustrators. It’s a delightful combination of comic books and artwork, articles, classes and digital tools.

This design blog is unique in that it offers so much content geared at artists and designers–covering the challenges of making it in a competitive creative field.

We like Illustration Age for its ability to bring something new to the table — something more than just a showcase. That said, you’ll still get your fill of eye candy.

7. Old Brand New

Old Brand New is the brainchild of the artist, Dabito, who identifies himself as a “vintage vulture.”

Dabito’s blog isn’t exactly a traditional graphic design blog, but the colorful compilations of modern and vintage homewares are inspirational nonetheless.

We like this one for its sunny color palette — which brings together items from eBay and vintage shops and combines them with envy-inducing plant arrangements.

8. The Dieline

The Dieline is a blog developed by Andrew Gibbs, a designer known for iconic branding for Jelly Belly, Target, and Bed Bath & Beyond.

The blog serves as a gathering place for the best package design the world over. And users can review, critique and get inspired by their peers. Additionally, the site features articles, trends, and plenty of visual stimulation.

The site features everything from articles on the state of the industry to concepts, materials, and beyond. Plus, you’ll have the option to sort through the wealth of content by material or vertical (i.e. food packaging, beauty, etc.). While the Dieline is very niche, it’s a valuable resource for those designers seeking use cases for packaging design.

9. Canva’s Design School

Sure, Canva is known for being an affordable tool that pros and novice designers alike can use to create their own designs. But, they also have a fantastic blog. The content is diverse, ranging from help with business card design to best practices for graphic designers.

Canva’s blog is one of the best graphic design blogs for readers who wish to level up their skill set and learn more about the craft. The blog is called “Design School” because it provides so much information. We’re talking marketing and blogging tips, templates, and good old fashioned inspiration.

10. Grain Edit

Grain Edit is a modern design blog that focuses on the “classics,” great design work from the 1950s through the 1970s. They also feature contemporary designers that have a throwback feel. The blog feels pretty straightforward, and it’s a good resource for designers looking for their new favorite artist, whether it’s someone from the past or present.

The site also features interviews with designers, articles, posters and anything ephemeral.

Conclusion

Well, we certainly hope this fuels your creative spirit–from logo design and typography to getting your nostalgia on, creeping around on the internet can give you that same visual inspiration you’d get from visiting a gallery–except, well, you don’t need to go anywhere.

Finally, we’d like to add our name to the list — Designs Desk is a new blog specializing all things graphic design. Stay tuned for the latest industry news, as well as how-tos and inspiration.

If you are considering an enterprise call analytics platform, our team of Website Designers in Aurora, CO will help you decide whether or not you need one.

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princessborn2shop · 4 years

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I travel… “...because I want to learn in a classroom called world.” "...because the world has so much to offer.” "...to avoid monotony.” "...because it makes me happy.” “...to discover just how far I can go.” “...to challenge myself.” "...to explore, experience and be inspired.” “...to find some bits of me and life on the road.” “...because it completes me. ” “...to experience life itself.” “...to experience life in different ways.” “...because I want to.” “...to capture memories of this journey called life.” “...because of photography, capturing the beauty of a place in a single frame.” “...because I can.” “...just coz.” “...to encourage people to travel too.” “...because it’s fun.” “...because I want to be inspired.” “...to discover because I want to share what’s out there.” “...because I wanna experience more.” “...to both lose and find pieces of myself.” “...because it’s the only cure to my self-diagnosed disease called compulsive travel syndrome.” “...because it makes me happy thus; happiness is my reason.” “...to learn and experience the things that make one place unique among others.” “...to learn more and to find missing pieces of myself.” “...because I just love exploring places.” “...to be the fairies and pirates of our childhood storybooks.” “...to escape.” “...to experience and understand.” “...to have fun.” “...because it feeds my soul.” “...to enjoy life and savor God’s wonderful creations.” Travel on my mind. Feigning for sand, sunshine and ocean. Ready for a new adventure. #tbt #tb #throwback #throwbacks #thursday #thursdays #tripmode #ready #readyforanadventure https://www.instagram.com/p/B8zVPjcFvOW3hEpxiIjGPGg7h3NtFvw__fv-sg0/?igshid=7o7yx4eamgly

#tbt #tb #throwback #throwbacks #thursday #thursdays #tripmode #ready #readyforanadventure

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editorsmusings · 4 years

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Staying within the edge will not get you to cutting-edge. Risk a little to achieve. - Kailin Gow. Strong Kailin Gow . . . #throwback to this SS10 statement piece by @viktorandrolf Cutting Edge Couture @magdalenafrackowiakjewelry by @josholins . . . Explore VMM via link in bio or visit website WWW.VOIXMEETSMODE.COM . . . . #voixmeetsmode #fashion #art #design #beautyeditorial #beautyphotography #creative #creativity #style #styling #creativedirection #create #viktorandrolf #magazine #fashionmagazine #creativemagazine #artmagazine #photo #photography #photooftheday #fashionphotography #editorial #fashioneditorial #beauty #mua #makeup #photograph #beautyphotography #couture #cuttingedge https://www.instagram.com/p/B6Q-kSEAoQS/?igshid=2zjfi2al1k6r

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evilpawnjewelry · 6 years

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#tbt Throwback Thursday (2010) to when I used to make large couture pieces for runway and showroom galleries. Those days have passed and will be no more but I have such beautiful images of those days that have passed on. So grateful for the amazing people I have gotten to work with on this strange journey. This Choker was micro paved with over 200 little crystals. The Deer shed I found in the Ozark woods. When I picked it up, held it against my face, and I thought ‘My mask I shall wear when the world falls inward and we all live tribal again.’ Lol! Of course with crystals! 🤣 This actually sold to a very well known singer. I always wonder if she wears it around her house. I would and did. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 • • • #evilpawnjewelry #crystals #epj #love #earthmedicine #deerMedicine #antlerShed #thankYouLife • Handmade by Evil Pawn Jewelry Photo by Eyeworks Photography Hair by Marty Serroque Make up by Jessika Kells and Model Grace Roney 💜💜💜💜💜💜

#epj #tbt #evilpawnjewelry #crystals #antlershed #earthmedicine #thankyoulife #love #deermedicine

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rainmearainbow · 5 years

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Day 219/365 - Part 4 #Throwback to March 2018. Bits & Pieces of the performances I got to see & enjoy onboard this amazing cruise. 😍 . . . #gentingdream #gentingdreamcruise #dreamcruise #lifeatsea #performances #stageshow #architecture #sea #sky #nature #landscape #dream #beautiful #mothernature #timetoescape #travel #jstravelette #salinatravels #salinatravelette #faraway #potd #photooftheday #photography #photo #photograph #memories #memoirs #asia #igsg (at Genting Dream Cruise 云顶梦号) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0-WwfYnC2l/?igshid=ixv8n1auaxdr

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artcenterstories · 5 years

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A New Coat: Meet Besame Cosmetics Founder Gabriela Hernandez

ArtCenter: What’s the most unique thing you’ve created? Gabriela Hernandez (BFA 89 Photography) President, Besame Cosmetics: All of our products are historically based. We research makeup and formulas manufactured from different eras and bring them back for people to enjoy now.

Collaborating with Disney on the Sleeping Beauty Collection was a lot of fun. We worked with their Archives to create makeup shades that matched the original ink colors used to paint the film cells. I learned a lot of really interesting information about how these women worked to color the cells, and how they came up with the colors.

AC: What are you working on right now? GH: As we go into the 2020s, I'm finishing a collection that celebrates the 1920s — as a kind of throwback type that brings back the products and colors of that era. I also like to do things tied to powerful women — I recently did a collection for Marvel inspired by Agent Carter. I'm doing a Lucille Ball collection that will launch next year, so I'm working with CBS and Lucille's daughter and granddaughter.

AC: How did you get into cosmetics? GH: I was a photographer working on advertising campaigns and product photography. When Photoshop came along, this kind of work dwindled quite a bit, so I went into art direction and design. I owned a freelance practice where I got involved in developing cosmetics.

As a side project, I decided to make one item from a collection I designed: a little, tiny lipstick, Besame Red. There weren't minis on the market at the time, and I was reproducing a vintage lipstick from an era when women carried small purses. I put it on a small website, and mostly by word of mouth, people started to buy it. One product became two and so on.

AC: How do you define success? GH: Being content with what you're doing every day.

AC: Do you have any superstitions? GH: The usual ones: black cats, ladders, breaking a mirror. I cringe if any of the mirrors in our compacts are broken.

AC: What’s the one tool you can’t do without? GH: Being without a ruler is mind-boggling to me because everything I do involves measurements. I have rulers everywhere, several of them, in cubbies, by my computer, measuring tape in my purse...

AC: What’s the first site you look at when you open your computer in the morning? GH: I listen to NPR; I like news, updates, intelligent content in the morning. I usually check my email or WhatsApp — I manufacture things all over the world, and that's how we communicate.

AC: Where do you go (online or offline) when you’re taking a break? GH: I like watching old movies. I wrote a book on the history of makeup and I advise films and TV shows on how to create the looks and lighting for different time periods, so I'm always watching old movies.

AC: What do you do to detox from media and screens? GH: I like to take long walks to clear my head and let my mind wander. I get so much input from all over, every single day; to detox, I need to stop the input, or at least, put a pause on it.

AC: If you could trade jobs with anyone for a day who would it be? GH: I'm curious about so many different things, so someone who works in an industry very different from mine, like the head of a TV studio, media company or a factory. Or another type of professional like a psychiatrist — it would be interesting to see how they approach their day.

AC: If you could have a superpower, what would it be? GH: Being invisible. Since I'm curious, I'd like to be in places where I'm not supposed to be.

AC: What book is on your bedside table? GH: The Shocking Miss Pilgrim, a memoir by Frederica Sagor Maas. She was a screenwriter for most of the major studios in the 1920s. It's a very enlightening read about a woman working in the entertainment industry during that time, and how things have changed, or stayed the same, for women in entertainment. If you're interested in historic Hollywood, I highly recommend it.

AC: Describe a moment in your childhood when you first identified as a designer. GH: I think I was born wanting to find some kind of self-expression by drawing, sculpting or painting. Growing up in Buenos Aires, art wasn't something you pursued as a career — it was considered more of a hobby. My family encouraged me to go into law or something that was more economically feasible, and I did study law in Argentina. When I moved back to the U.S. as an adult, I decided to pursue the arts.

AC: What’s your most irrational or rational fear? GH: At ArtCenter, you're trained to reach for perfection. It took me years to learn this can be detrimental; you can't run a profitable business if you're never satisfied enough to release a product. It can paralyze a company to reach for a level of perfection that's always fleeting. We almost went out of business because we were seeking this perfection. You learn to be OK with a level of performance, always improve but always move forward.

AC: What’s your most prized possession? GH: My mind. I moved so much when I was young, and each time I'd lose some of my things. I guess I'm not very attached to physical items, not that I don't value them. What you have in your head, no one can take that from you. All you learn and everything you experiences are treasures; if you collect those they're worth more than anything.

AC: Where is your happy place? GH: Getting lost in my work. When I'm feeling creative and making something, it's very satisfying for me. I don't need to eat or drink anything; I'm in a different place.

AC: How would your closest friend describe you? GH: I think determined, persistent and probably serious and introspective. I'm not too much of a party person; I never was. I've always wanted to have my mind on something productive.

AC: What’s your best piece of advice for an ArtCenter student who’s interested in following your career path? GH: Study what interests you but keep your options open. Look to see how you can use your talents in different ways. The way we design is always changing; as an artist or a creative, you have so much latitude to go into so many different fields. Everything you learn is useful one way or another — use your creativity to adapt and solve problems.

#artcenter #artcentercollegeofdesign #makeup #vintage #sleeping beauty #besamecosmetics #besame #gabriela hernandez #disney

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ramajmedia · 5 years

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10 Things From Stranger Things That Kids These Days Won't Understand

The Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things is set way back in the 1980s when things were very different from now. Not only are the clothes, hairstyles and décor very much of the time but each bit of technology is also reflective of this era.

The crew went to great lengths to ensure that the show perfectly mimics the 80’s, from the outdated technology to the replica covers of old Dungeons and Dragons manuals for the time. There are also old stores, brands and even magazines which don’t exist today.

While some of these items are making a comeback, especially with 80’s influenced styles becoming more common, much of the technology, in particular, may be unrecognizable to younger audiences. Here are 10 things from Stranger Things that kids today won’t understand.

10 Walkie Talkies

In Stranger Things, none of the kids have mobile phones. Instead, they use two-way radios, commonly known as walkie talkies, to communicate. While this wasn’t a common way of staying in touch, many schools had AV clubs, which would use this technology alongside that of ham radios and other longer-range analog communication methods.

RELATED: Stranger Things: All The Monsters Hawkins Has Dealt With, Ranked

Since the boys are members of the Hawkins AV club and all live near each other this is a somewhat realistic method of keeping them in more constant contact, except when the batteries go flat or they move out of range.

9 Jonathan’s Vintage Camera

Jonathan Byers has a camera unlike most the kids of today have seen. It is a 35mm film camera, common for photography enthusiasts or photojournalists in the 1980’s.

Camera technology has come a long way over the last 20 years in particular and this camera is likely to appear as a relic to many younger viewers.

The main thing you need to realize is that seeing the photos wasn’t instant. You couldn’t look at a screen and see the image you’d just taken, instead they needed to be developed.

8 The Darkroom

Along with the camera is the darkroom, which kids know as “that weird room with the red light Jonathan goes into a lot.”

Jonathan is using chemicals to reveal the images on his camera film, something known as photo developing. This was how photos were produced back then, although most people had to send their films off to a lab and wait for the photos to be sent back.

RELATED: Stranger Things: 5 Reasons Why Nancy Should Be With Jonathan (And 5 Reasons She Should Have Stayed With Steve)

It needed a very specific type of light to work properly, which is why Jonathan is so cross when Nancy keeps bursting in, letting in all the light. Her interruptions would likely have ruined some of his photos.

7 Will’s Boombox

When we see Will listening to music in his room most kids won’t recognize the format. He is actually listening to cassette tapes. This was the analog format for music which immediately pre-dated CDs. His boombox also has an analog radio function, visible just above the cassette deck.

Cassettes were often low in quality and gave listeners issues when the tape from the inside, which contained the music, would randomly get tangled in the cassette player. Like VHS tapes for movies, the format was much more prone to damage and degradation than CDs or DVDs are.

6 Jonathan’s Record Player

Technically vinyl, or records, came before cassettes but many music fans consider the format to give a purer and more realistic sound. This is likely the reason why the team chose to give music fan Jonathan a record player. The implication being that his cassette player was likely handed down to Will.

RELATED: Stranger Things: Top 5 Sibling Pairs (And Top 5 Friend Pairs)

These days while cassette tapes are virtually impossible to find, vinyl is still available in certain specialist places. This technology is old but younger viewers may have seen it if they frequent music stores.

5 CRT Televisions

The television’s used in the show are also a throwback, which kids today have likely never seen. Not only are they absolutely huge at the back with tiny screens but most of them don’t even have a remote.

Back in the 1980s, we changed the channels on our 22-inch screens by getting up and pushing buttons on the set. Not that we needed to do it often since there were also far fewer channels to choose from back then.

Some TVs even had to be tuned, with users needing to turn a dial to find the channels, like on an old radio. This is how they tuned the TV into channels full of static during the show.

4 A Phone Attached To The Wall

These days no one has a phone attached to anything. Even landline phones, which are becoming a rarity themselves, are usually cordless. However, this wasn’t always the case. Back in the 80’s many phones didn’t even have buttons, instead having a huge dial which you turned to literally “dial” the number.

RELATED: Stranger Things: The 10 Worst Decisions Hopper Ever Made

Those phonecalls where the kids are trying to have a conversation while in the same room as their parents? Children of the ’80s and ’90s will remember that feeling all too well. Mobile technology wouldn’t become common for a number of years so we spent our childhoods stretching phone cables around corners and trapping them in doors.

3 Mike’s Calculator Watch

This is an example of a tiny piece of 80’s technology most people won’t even have noticed. Mike’s calculator watch.

Back then most watches just told the time. The smartest tech was a digital watch that told the time and had a basic alarm and stopwatch. Until the calculator watch. This beauty had a tiny calculator as well, something which seemed amazing at the time.

All you need to know about this watch is that those buttons are numbers for the calculator and Mike would have been the envy of nerds everywhere. It was basically the equivalent of owning a smartwatch.

2 Pudding In Cans

These days you can’t buy pudding in cans but back in the 1980’s it was a common product, much loved as a treat. It’s a dessert which will often make children of the era recall their childhood.

Younger viewers will have never seen those neat little cans because this was one item which the team had to entirely fabricate due it simply not existing anymore.

According to Wired, Every can of chocolate pudding is actually a tin of luncheon meat or Vienna sausages, with a carefully produced replica label attached.

1 Retro Bikes

Something many viewers may not have thought about is how different bikes are these days. Back in the 80’s, bikes didn’t have modern-looking lights, numerous gears and fancy lightweight carbon fiber frames.

The bikes we see in the show are faithful replicas of the BMX bikes kids of the ’80s would have ridden around on. If you notice the kids looking tired after going uphill it’s likely because they were. Back then these bikes were more heavy, cumbersome and slightly awkward, making bike riding much harder work.

NEXT: Stranger Things: 10 Most Heartbreaking Scenes, Ranked

source https://screenrant.com/hings-stranger-things-kids-wont-understand/

#screenrant

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