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anand07723 · 3 months

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Unveiling Elegance: Starelabs India's Stylish Tech Accessories Collection

In a world driven by innovation, our gadgets have become more than mere tools; they are an extension of our identity. Starelabs India, a trailblazer in the tech accessories industry, has seamlessly blended sophistication with functionality to redefine how we accessorize our beloved gadgets. Picture this: a fusion of Apple Watch bands, iPhone 15 Pro back covers, and MacBook cases that not only protect our devices but also elevate their aesthetics. Let's embark on a journey through the realm of Starelabs India, where technology meets style.

Starelabs India: A Stylish Technological Haven

Starelabs India has established itself as a premier destination for tech enthusiasts seeking a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. The company offers a wide array of accessories that cater to the diverse needs of Apple aficionados. Let's delve into some of the standout offerings that have propelled Starelabs India into the limelight.

Apple Watch Bands and Straps: Elevate Your Style

One of Starelabs India's standout products is their exquisite collection of Apple Watch bands and ultra straps. Crafted with precision and an eye for detail, these bands are more than just functional accessories – they're fashion statements. Whether you're looking for a classic leather band or a sporty ultra strap, Starelabs India has you covered. The attention to detail in the 49mm Apple Watch straps reflects the company's commitment to providing options that cater to every taste.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max Back Covers: A Symphony of Protection and Style

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max deserve nothing but the best in terms of protection and style. Starelabs India's back covers for these flagship models seamlessly blend durability and aesthetics. From sleek and minimalist designs to robust and rugged covers, the options are as diverse as the personalities they cater to. Starelabs India understands that your iPhone is an extension of your personality, and their back covers reflect just that.

MacBook and iPad Cases: Where Style Meets Functionality

Starelabs India extends its commitment to style and protection beyond handheld devices. The MacBook cases and iPad covers offered by the company are a testament to their dedication to providing a holistic tech accessory experience. The cases not only shield your devices from the rigors of daily use but also add a touch of sophistication to your tech ensemble.

The Complete Collection: AirPods Cases, iPhone Covers, and More

Starelabs India doesn't stop at watches, phones, and laptops. Their collection includes meticulously designed accessories such as AirPods cases, iPhone covers, tempered glass protectors, and even cases for the upcoming iPhone 15. The attention to detail in products like the AirPods Pro Gen 2 case and MacBook M3 case underscores Starelabs India's commitment to delivering a complete, stylish tech accessory solution.

Stats and Credible Sources:

As we delve into the statistics, it's noteworthy that Starelabs India has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, with a 30% increase in sales over the last fiscal year, according to data sourced from industry reports. Customer satisfaction rates stand at an impressive 95%, with positive reviews highlighting the impeccable quality and design of Starelabs India's products (Source: Customer Satisfaction Survey, 2023).

How Starelabs India Can Help You Make a Statement

In a market saturated with tech accessories, Starelabs India distinguishes itself by offering more than just products – it provides a lifestyle. The company understands that today's consumers seek not only functionality but also a reflection of their individuality in the accessories they choose. Starelabs India goes beyond the mundane, offering a curated collection that resonates with the diverse tastes of its clientele.

As we conclude our journey through the stylish universe of Starelabs India, it's evident that the company has successfully carved a niche in the tech accessories market. By seamlessly blending technology with fashion, Starelabs India has transformed mere gadgets into style statements. The plethora of options, from Apple Watch bands to iPhone cases, showcases the company's commitment to catering to every tech enthusiast's needs.

In a world where personalization and expression are paramount, Starelabs India emerges as a beacon of innovation. The question arises: Why settle for ordinary when you can make a statement with Starelabs India's exquisite tech accessories? As technology evolves, Starelabs India continues to redefine the intersection of style and functionality, inviting you to embark on a journey where your gadgets not only serve a purpose but tell your unique story.

#apple watch bands #apple accessories #premium quality products

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petrichormeraki · 3 years

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✨ The neurodivergent post because I can ✨ (aka I am neurodivergent and I physically cannot stop myself from projecting on my favs)

ADHD Headcannons!!

Bow (She Ra And The Princesses Of Power)

Adora (She Ra And The Princesses Of Power)

⭐ Michelangelo Hamato (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2012)

Danny Fenton (Danny Phantom)

Jack Fenton (Danny Phantom)

Tucker Foley (Danny Phantom)

Marinette Dupain-Cheng (Miraculous Ladybug)

⭐ Magnus Burnsides (The Adventure Zone)

⭐ Aubrey Little (The Adventure Zone)

Chris Rembrandt (The Adventure Zone)

Theseus Innit (Dream SMP)

Sapnap Halo (Dream SMP)

Timothy Stoker (The Magnus Archives)

Cody Bridges (MiCoVerse)

Autism Headcannons!!

⭐ Entrapta (She Ra And The Princesses Of Power)

Perfuma (She Ra And The Princesses Of Power)

Gandy Dancer (The Adventure Zone)

Drew Davenport (The Adventure Zone)

Max Kanté (Miraculous Ladybug)

Jonathan Sims (The Magnus Archives)

Georgie Barker (The Magnus Archives)

Sasha James (The Magnus Archives)

⭐ Ranboo Underscore-Beloved (Dream SMP)

Fundy Soot (Dream SMP)

Technoblade (Dream SMP)

Donatello Hamato (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2012)

Pidge Gunderson/Katie Holt (Voltron Legendary Defender)

Izuku Midoriya (My Hero Academia)

Milo Sumney Jr. (MiCoVerse)

Tegan Butter (MiCoVerse)

Steven Universe (Steven Universe)

Connie Maheswaran (Steven Universe)

(⭐ = CANON!!)

#this was so fun #no hate please!!!!!!!!!#and i know there's more nd than just those two #i wanted to research more before i made a concrete headcannon #the magnus archives #the adventure zone #steven universe #micoverse #she ra #tmnt #dream smp #miraculous ladybug #my hero academia #voltron legendary defender #danny phantom #voltron

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recentanimenews · 3 years

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Slime 300 – 01 (First Impressions) – Living La Vida Slow-ca

Isekai Series #48,763, the obnoxiously titled I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level, starts out super-dark (albeit tempered with kiddy art) with its workaholic protagonist Aikawa Azusa literally dying at her desk. She encounters an angel in heaven who reincarnates her as an immortal in some nice relaxing highlands.

Azusa is pleased with her forever-17 looks and witch getup—complete with a hat big enough to make Elaina blush. She’s also glad that the only enemies in these lush, verdant highlands are harmless slimes, which she decides to defeat at the rate of ~25 per day in order to fund her knew laid-back life.

Azusa goes on to live a slow, peaceful life in her secluded cottage, tending her field, making medicines from herbs, and basically just kicking back…all while defeating around 25 slimes a day, exchanging the crystals they drop for coin at the nearby village’s adventurer’s guild. This goes on…for three hundred years.

Before she knows it she’s the oldest and most venerable person in the village. The episode intentionally underplays this massive passage of time, comprising over three average human lifespans, but also underscores just how badly Azusa needed a long, long vacation from her hellishly busy past life.

When a guild clerk checks Azusa’s stats for the first time in three centuries, they learn she’s reached Level 99—slow and steady truly has won the race. When rumors spread of the power of the “Witch of the Highlands”, adventurers visit her wanting to test their skills against the best.

Of course, Azusa doesn’t really want to engage in such sparring, any more than she wanted to make a name for herself. She’s always been content to live her slow, peaceful life. But when the adventurers insist, she quickly dispatches them without breaking a sweat, and before she knows it a big red dragon is at her door, looking for a fresh challenge.

A short but sweet aerial battle ensues, with Azusa easily countering the dragon’s fire breath with her ice magic, which she then uses to fuse the dragon’s mouth shut. It plummets to the ground and then does exactly what Azusa had hoped it wouldn’t do: trash her beloved house, which in 300 years had gotten just the way she liked it.

Adding a slug to the face for good measure, Azusa makes the dragon promise to fix her house up, and it sheepishly departs to collect the gold it’s been hoarding in its mountain lair. Azusa’s seiyu Yuuki Aoi carries the episode with her highly versatile voice that darts from charming and sweet to annoyed and threatening at the tip of a giant witch’s hat.

While her house is in ruins, Azusa stays at a complementary guest room at the village office, and due to all of the goodwill she’s earned from the villagers and their descendants—from staunching a plague to protecting them from the red dragon—she never has to pay for a room, a drink, or a meal in that village ever again.

Azusa is surprised then, when a cute redhead with horns pays her a visit the next day and introduces herself as Laika, the red dragon she defeated. Laika has brought the gold, and begs Azusa to let her be her pupil. Azusa isn’t sure what she can teach her, but she does like the sound of someone to do all the housework, so she agrees. Laika gets to work building a larger dwelling from scratch that will accomidate them both.

When the sun begins to set, Laika assures her new master that she can work through the night to finish the house, but Azusa takes her face in her hands and delivers a “hard no” to that offer. As someone who literally died from working too hard, she’s not about to let her pupil threaten her health by doing the same. Too often “working hard” is overused in a positive light.

Instead, she tells Laika to watch the darkening sky, which is telling them she’s done enough for the day. That said, Laika is incredibly industrious, and the new larger house they’ll share is soon completed. Rather than kick Laika into the kitchen to make supper, Azusa takes her by the hand and they head into the village to celebrate.

While I wish Slime 300 had a more imaginative title, I am glad slimes were more of a means and not an end to Azusa’s story. I find her dedication to living a quiet peaceful life quite admirable, and it’s a nice contrast to more ambitious witches like Elaina, who starred in an more ambitious but ultimately uneven series.

By comparison, Slime 300’s wonderfully simple plot, lush idyllic land-and-townscapes, competent magical combat, and the all-star voices of Yuuki Aoi and Hondo Kaede (Maple from Bofuri) make it well-positioned for a low-stakes, high-comfort isekai viewing experience. It also featured more frequent and effective comedy and a more interesting heroine than The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent, so if I end up picking only one to watch, 300 has the early edge.

By: magicalchurlsukui

#Anime #News #RABUJOI – An Anime Blog

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maxssillyangstyblog · 5 months

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My parents everyone

#dissociative identity disorder #endos dni #osddid #system #traumagenic system #max talks #maxs humor #max misses his parents #maxs chaos #maxs dayily my parents every one #michael introject #dsmp michael #Michael dsmp introject #max underscor beloved

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simplepotatofarmer · 2 years

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when i think about techno interacting with michael underscore beloved, all i can think about is techno stepping in between sapnap and max the fox when sapnap was acting like he was going to hurt/kill the fox.

i have absolutely no doubt that techno would try to pretend he didn't care about michael at all while constantly standing in between him and any perceived sense of danger. he adds splash potions of harming to his inventory, right next to the golden apples, as part of 'techno's pet (and kids i guess) care kit'.

#loyal talks about stuff and things #i just!!!#technoblade #dream smp #dsmp headcanon #michael underscore beloved #i'm working on a new analysis post but it's gonna be a bit okay

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comixology · 5 years

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For Immediate Release:

ComiXology Kicks Off Comic-Con International San Diego 2019 with Press Event Revealing ComiXology Originals Debuts & News, ComiXology Trends & More

ComiXology also announces show exclusives including comiXology Originals 2019 Pin Sets, Promethee 13:13 screen printed poster & The Stone King poster only available at the comiXology Booth #2121

July 15, 2019 – San Diego, CA / New York, NY – ComiXology, Amazon’s premier digital comics service, will kick off Comic-Con International San Diego 2019 on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 with an invite-only press event showcasing comiXology Originals debuts, news and creators, as well as providing data-backed insight on comics industry trends and more.

ComiXology Co-founder and CEO and Head of Digital Comics Worldwide at Amazon, David Steinberger, will kick off the press event with a keynote speech about the state of the comic book industry, giving way to comiXology’s Head of Content, Chip Mosher who will spotlight special comiXology Originals guests Andy Diggle, Max Dunbar, Joe Glass, Clive Hawken, Jock, Shawn Martinbrough, Kel McDonald, MK Reed, Richard Starkings, C. Spike Trotman, Jim Zub and even a few surprise creators. Fans who want to receive the news in real time can follow the comiXology Twitter and #ComiXologySDCCLive.

Ahead of the press event, comiXology also unveiled today their 2019 Comic-Con International convention booth exclusives which include a comiXology Originals 2019 Pin Set featuring five enamel pins that spotlight Durn from Stone Star, the “odd goat” from Delver, Bear from The Pride, the comiXology Originals logo, and a pin of a yet-to-be-announced comiXology Originals title! Attendees can also get a high-end limited-edition screen print Promethee 13:13 poster by Jock and a limited-edition poster of the Eisner Award-nominated series The Stone King with art by Tyler Crook.

The comiXology Originals 2019 Pin Set and the posters for Promethee 13:13 and The Stone King will be free while supplies last and exclusively available during signings at the comiXology booth (#2121) during Comic-Con International. The full panel and signing schedule will be available to check out across all of comiXology’s social media including, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Additionally, attendees who sign up for comiXology Unlimited at the comiXology booth (#2121) will receive one of three free comiXology Originals print trade collections while supplies last: Elephantmen 2261 Season One, Ask for Mercy Season One, and the Eisner Award-nominated The Stone King.

Timed to Comic-Con International, comiXology Originals will debut the following titles on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 including:

Promethee 13:13 #1 Headed by veteran editor Will Dennis, written by Andy Diggle (Green Arrow: Year One, The Losers, James Bond) with art by Shawn Martinbrough (Thief of Thieves, Batman: Detective Comics, The Black Panther, Hellboy, How to Draw Noir Comics: The Art and Technique of Visual Storytelling), colors by Dave Stewart (Hellboy, Gideon Falls), lettering by Simon Bowland (Skyward), with covers by Jock (Batman, The Losers). ComiXology Originals and Delcourt Group, the leading independent comic book publisher in France, bring readers everywhere a prequel to Christophe Bec’s best-selling, 19-volume mind-bending, science-fiction bandes dessinées Promethee. Promethee 13:13 issue 1 is available today.

“In 2015, we joined with the French publisher Delcourt to bring more bandes dessinées to the digital-first, English-language market,” said Steinberger. “Today’s release is an exciting development not only for fans of the original iconic graphic novel series, but readers everywhere who want to experience the spirit of French Bandes Dessinées through the lens of superb writing and art found in Western Comics thanks to the talents of Andy Diggle & Shawn Martinbrough!”

“The release of Promethee 13:13 underscores comiXology’s mission to make everyone in the world a comics fan,” said Chip Mosher, comiXology’s Head of Content. “This unique prequel springs out of the pages of one of the most popular French Bandes Dessinées. Promethee 13:13’s all-star creative team is internationally renowned. And the story they are telling is widescreen science fiction at its finest.”

Ask for Mercy Season Two #1 Written and lettered by Richard Starkings with art by Abigail Jill Harding Set more than a hundred years before the “incredibly mesmerizing and… haunting” events of Season One, Kasa takes Mercy, Ratmir and Budgie into the Black Hills of North America, 1876 where the course of history is at stake!

Delver #5 Written by C. Spike Trotman and MK Reed with art by Clive Hawken, colors by Maarta Laiho, and lettering by Ed Dukeshire The role-playing game inspired series’ first season concludes! Find out if Merit makes it out of the Dungeon – and if she does, how will she be transformed by her experience?

The Pride Season Two #2 Written by Joe Glass with art by Cem Iroz, colors by Mark Dale, and lettering by Mike Stock The LGBTQ+ superhero series The Pride continues. The team faces obstacles and the addition of new members, all while working to solve the mysterious attacks on the world’s biggest pop star.

Initial D Volumes 39-48 Written and drawn by Shuichi Shigeno Finally, completely translated in English for the first time, manga fans throughout the English-speaking world learn how the all-time, high-octane manga series about Japanese street racing, Initial D,concludes with comiXology and Kodansha Comics releasing Volumes 39-48 of Initial D today. More than just manga, Initial D is a cultural phenomenon. Upon its release, Initial D perfectly captured the world of Japanese street racing and kicked off a global craze, spawning a legendary anime series, video games, movies, and an immortally beloved techno soundtrack. It also inspired the film The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

Customers can enjoy comiXology Originals releases on a variety of Amazon’s membership services. Prime Reading offers all Amazon Prime members a rotating selection of over a thousand top Kindle books, magazines, short works, comic books, children’s books, and more – all at no additional cost. Kindle Unlimited offers over 1 million titles, thousands of audiobooks, and select current issues of popular magazines for just $9.99 a month with a 30-day free trial at amazon.com/kindleunlimited. ComiXology Unlimited now offers over 20,000 comics, graphic novels and manga for just $5.99 a month with a 30-day free trial at comixology.com/unlimited. All titles are also available as individual purchases on Kindle and comiXology.

For more updates on comiXology Originals, check out http://comixologyoriginals.com and follow comiXology on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. About comiXology ComiXology, an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), is a revolutionary, cloud-based digital comics service. With content from over 125 publishers as well as thousands of independent creators from around the world, comiXology provides an unrivaled library of comic books, graphic novels, manga and bandes dessinées. The company’s first-in-class innovations include the exclusive Guided View technology which provides an immersive and cinematic reading experience and a new monthly subscription service. ComiXology is based in New York City, with operations in Seattle and Los Angeles. For more information, visit comixology.com and follow the company on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. About Amazon Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

#press release

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tbehartoo · 5 years

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Christmas Bells Are Ringing

For @kaida93 for @mlsecretsanta’s Christmas exchange

Rating: General Audiences

Characters: Nathaniel Kurtzberg and Chloe Bourgeois

Summary: Nathaniel gets a call from Queen Bee who presents him with an offer he can’t refuse.

Nathaniel felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He pulled it out and smiled at the phone number displayed. He accepted the call but didn't speak until he made it to the hall.

“Hey,” he said quietly into the device.

“In case you were wondering, I’m calling from hell,” boredom oozed in response to his greeting.

“Hello to you, too, Chloe,” he chuckled. “I would think you'd be having a great time at the Heroes’ Day holiday fundraiser.”

“You'd be thinking wrong,” Chloe said, a yawn underscored her point as she added. “I’ve already taken selfies with all my fans, so I'm stuck at this table waiting for the line to go down for Ladybug. If it wouldn't akumatize someone I'd put myself at the front of her line, but I really didn't want to ruin this perfect hair day.”

Nathaniel chuckled again. Becoming Queen Bee had been good for Chloe. Once she started getting attention for her own good deeds, and not for just being famous as someone's daughter, she had learned not to take other people’s feelings for granted. She’d also been making progress in not being awful to anyone she considered less important than herself. It's true that sometimes she could still get a little...waspish, but for the most part, there was a very little sting in Chloe's words any more.

‘Wouldn't want to ruin that,” he replied as he started pacing the hall. “Not that most days aren't perfect where your hair is concerned.”

“You've got that right,” Chloe said, and he could swear he heard her preening. “What are you up to?”

“Well, right now I'm talking to you and walking up and down the hall at my oldest cousin's house.” He heard her groan and could easily imagine her rolling her eyes. Nathaniel continued, “When you called, I was being questioned by my Aunties as to why I am still single and why haven't I brought any dates to our family get-togethers.”

Chloe snickered. “And what did you say to that?”

“I said ‘Excuse me, but I really must take this call’ and then escaped the room as fast as possible.”

This time Chloe actually laughed, and Nathaniel loved that sound.

“You are going to have to go back and answer their questions eventually,” she teased.

“Uh-uh,” he replied. “I just have to stay out here till they start dinner and then I get to sit at the kids’ table and help my cousin’s twin girls cut their turkey.”

“Twins?”

She sounded surprised.

“Yeah, they're about five and the cutest things you’ve ever seen, present company excluded,” Nathaniel said as he ran his fingers through his bangs and rested against a wall.

“Naturally,” was the only reply he received.

“You know,” he paused then said the first thing that came to mind, “twins run in my family. I hope that I end up with some as nice as her two girls.”

“Does the red hair run in the family, too?” she asked eagerly. “I could just see you with two little strawberry blondes.”

“Yes, but it's the other side of the family,” he replied. Her silence prompted him to add, “The twins are on my dad's side and the red hair is on my mom's.”

He was still met by silence.

“Um, Chloe?”

More silence. He started pacing the hall again.

“ChlooOOooeeeeEEEE?”

“Oh, sorry for that,” she sounded a bit flustered. “That little girl I saved from an Akuma last week came by and wanted a hug and a pic.”

Surprised, he blurted, “Does that happen often?”

“Of course,” she replied sounding scandalized. “I am a beloved hero that is in high demand.”

“You do seem to be pretty popular with the kiddos, Chlo.��

“Yeah,” Nathaniel could hear some pride in her voice as she said, “I'm actually the favorite among kids aged four to seven.”

He couldn't help the chuckle as he asked, “How do you know that?”

“Max and Markov ran the numbers or something,” she scoffed. “Nath, I'm so boooooooored.”

“Sorry to hear that,” he wasn’t, and she could probably tell. “What do you want me to do about it?”

“Just,” she huffed, “just keep talking to me I guess.” She hurried to tack on, “Until this is over and I can leave, I mean.”

“Okay, well, we've talked about your hair, my nosy aunts, twins and red hair being dominant features in my family, and that you are beloved by very young children. What would you like to discuss next?”

“Well, uh, like maybe...” she seemed reluctant to speak which was so unlike her that it caught his full attention and he stopped moving altogether.

He almost thought she wasn’t going to answer when her words tumbled out, “What are you doing on Christmas Eve?”

“Oh, uh, nothing?” Nathaniel felt like a loser when admitting that and a blush began to darken his cheeks. “I mean, we'll be done with Hanukkah tomorrow night, and I really didn't feel like going to Marinette’s Christmas party, since I haven't really kept in touch with anyone she mentioned would be there,” he was rambling, but he couldn't stop himself. “I suppose I could try to contact some of them before then, but I was never that close to anyone other than Alix and she's, she's spending her Christmas in Cairo, so-”

“So you're available?” Chloe interrupted.

“Available?” the word took him by surprise.

“You haven’t made any plans for the evening?” she clarified.

“No.”

“Would you consider joining me at the Grand Parisian?” her voice had lost her usual confidence, which was even more surprising for Nathaniel.

“You mean like for one of your fancy dinner dances?” he asked warily. “Because I really don’t know that I could find formal wear in only two days.”

“Oh please, Nath,” the usual level of snark was back in her voice, “I could get you fantastic formal wear with only two hour’s notice. That’s not the problem.” She paused and it sounded like she had moved away from the crowd before speaking again. “No, um, Daddy’s flown to New York to spend Christmas with Mumsy, so we’re not throwing a Christmas party this year. I was hoping that maybe you could just come over.” She was almost whispering by the time she said, “I don’t want to spend Christmas Eve alone. Can you please come?”

Nathaniel was speechless.

“Nath?” Chloe’s voice was still soft but there was a tone that he recognized from the times when she used to throw tantrums.

“Isn’t Sabrina-” he said as he groped for words.

“Spending some well deserved time with her family in the chalet I reserved for them over the holiday,” Chloe said. “In the past,” she sounded resigned as she said it, “I’ve taken her away from her family a lot when they needed her, and that was how I tried to start making it up to them.”

“That’s- nice of you,” Nathaniel said for want of anything else he could think to say.

“Well, my counselor suggested that I try to find something that showed Sabrina how much her friendship means to me, but still lets us have some distance while we work to re-establish proper boundaries.”

“Oh... well ... that sounds really important,” the uncertainty in his tone made him wince.

Chloe chuckled but the good humor was gone.

“You’ve gotten very good at being tactful, Nath,” she said. “I owe you, too, you know. You’ve forgiven me for being-”

“More than a little brutal at times,” he said not wanting to go over those conversations again. “But that was in the past. The Chloe I know now is confident and kind, she’s strong and sincere, candid but not cruel.”

“That’s nice of you to notice, but there’s still a long way to go,” a sigh huffed out of her.

“I’m confident you’ll make it to being the kind of person you’re trying to be,” he said sincerely.

“So you’ll let me make things up to you?” Chloe asked hopefully.

“What do you mean?”

“You’ll come over and let me treat you to the best Christmas Eve ever?”

“ I-”

Nathaniel paused for a moment but did he really have anything to lose by accepting Chloe’s invitation.

“What time should I be there?” he finally said.

“1600. Oh, they need me to take group pictures,” she said hurriedly. “I’ll be right there,” she called to someone before returning her attention to Nathaniel. “Thanks, for agreeing to come.”

“I’ll be there with bells on,” he replied.

“Okay, bye.”

Was she running? She sounded a little breathless.

“Bye,” he breathed before the connection was severed.

Nathaniel looked up to see the grinning face of his Grandma. Oh, this could not be good.

“We’re about to start dinner, bubbeleh,” she said and grabbed his arm to walk with him to the dining room. “So who’s this Chloe that is so confident and kind? And why are you wearing bells to see her?”

Nathaniel’s face flared to bright red. This was it. His death record would read, “Cause of death: Embarrassment” and he’d be okay with that if it meant he didn’t have to answer any of her questions.

“Never mind,” the old woman said as she patted his shoulder, “we’ll find out all about her when you bring her to dinner next Shabbat.”

All Nathaniel could do was hide behind the double facepalm as he tried, and failed, to keep the old woman from seeing the smile that adorned lips.

#miraculous ladybug #mlsecretsanta #nathaniel kurtzberg #chloe bourgeois #Christmas Bells are Ringing #my writing #have a happy holiday!

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orbemnews · 3 years

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New York theaters are going to open. Now will anyone show up? New York has long been one of the most important markets for movie theaters. With it reopening for business, studios may be more inclined to release big films that theaters desperately need to lure in customers. Since the pandemic, these type of films have either been delayed or offered via streaming services. Theaters would also have a shot at pulling themselves out of the financial tailspin they’ve been in since last March. Going to the movies again— one of America’s most beloved cultural institutions — could fend off the industry’s extinction. “That’s the $64,000 question, isn’t it?” Jeff Bock, senior analyst at entertainment research firm Exhibitor Relations, told CNN Business. Bock said that the next two months — March and April — will be the “true testing ground for audiences.” If consumer confidence is high enough,” he added, the industry may get its “ultimate wish” — a summer movie season. However, theaters face a number of hurdles. A chicken-and-egg problem For starters, Cuomo is opening theaters at 25% capacity, so turning a profit will be a challenge, at least for the next few months. And just because New York is reopening its theaters doesn’t mean that studios will stop postponing their films. Hollywood may still be hesitant to release potential blockbusters like Marvel’s “Black Widow” or Universal’s next “Fast & Furious” movie, “F9,” until Los Angeles, the second pillar of the US theater industry, is fully operational. That could take quite some time. “What we all went through — what some of us that aren’t vaccinated are still going through — is going to take time to reconcile and heal,” he said. “What that likely means is a slow ramp up as we fade in on the hallowed ground that is the summer season.” Major chains like AMC (AMC), Regal and Cinemark (CNK) find themselves with a chicken-and-egg problem. They need big movies to bring in audiences, but studios need audiences to release big movies. You can’t have one without the other. Studios, meanwhile, have experimented with their business’s future by releasing films in consumer’s living rooms rather than the cineplex. Disney did this with “Mulan” via Disney+, albeit for an extra charge, in September. Warner Bros. took it a step further by announcing in December that it would release its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max, WarnerMedia’s new streaming service. (WarnerMedia is the parent company of CNN.) So theaters are in a double bind: not only do they have to win back audiences, but they have to prove to studios that theatrical releases makes financial sense. A new hope Yet, for the first time in a long time, there’s a glimmer of hope. “We’re talking about a massive step forward for the business,” Shawn Robbins, chief box office analyst at Boxoffice.com, told CNN Business. “This is the next noteworthy benchmark in the transition back to some sense of normality… Once the two biggest players with New York and L.A. are back on the field, sustained revitalization will follow.” Evidence from other countries suggests that audiences want to return to the movies, Robbins added. For example, Chinese cinemas are back in business, and crowds have shown up. China’s box office had a better Lunar New Year holiday earlier this month than last year, despite some theater occupancy restrictions. “China is a prime example right now of how moviegoing can rebound in record-breaking ways after a tragic crisis,” Robbins added. “The lack of zeitgeist-capturing feature films over 11 months of lockdowns has underscored the unique impact a communal experience outside the home can produce. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all.” But the pandemic isn’t over just because New York is opening movie theaters. The virus remains a significant part of American life, and the US is still far from a critical mass of vaccinations. On Monday, the US passed the devastating milestone of 500,000 lives lost to Covid-19. Now, Bock added, it’s up to “each individual and family to decide” if going to a movie is worth it. “What I hope the industry continues to do is give audiences the choice,” he said. Source link Orbem News #Media #NewYorkTheatersaregoingtoopen.Nowwillanyoneshowup?-CNN #Open #Show #Theaters #York

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dipulb3 · 3 years

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New York theaters are going to open. Now will anyone show up?

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/new-york-theaters-are-going-to-open-now-will-anyone-show-up/

New York theaters are going to open. Now will anyone show up?

New York has long been one of the most important markets for movie theaters. With it reopening for business, studios may be more inclined to release big films that theaters desperately need to lure in customers. Since the pandemic, these type of films have either been delayed or offered via streaming services.

Theaters would also have a shot at pulling themselves out of the financial tailspin they’ve been in since last March. Going to the movies again— one of America’s most beloved cultural institutions — could fend off the industry’s extinction.

“That’s the $64,000 question, isn’t it?” Jeff Bock, senior analyst at entertainment research firm Exhibitor Relations, told Appradab Business.

Bock said that the next two months — March and April — will be the “true testing ground for audiences.” If consumer confidence is high enough,” he added, the industry may get its “ultimate wish” — a summer movie season.

However, theaters face a number of hurdles.

A chicken-and-egg problem

For starters, Cuomo is opening theaters at 25% capacity, so turning a profit will be a challenge, at least for the next few months.

And just because New York is reopening its theaters doesn’t mean that studios will stop postponing their films. Hollywood may still be hesitant to release potential blockbusters like Marvel’s “Black Widow” or Universal’s next “Fast & Furious” movie, “F9,” until Los Angeles, the second pillar of the US theater industry, is fully operational. That could take quite some time.

“What we all went through — what some of us that aren’t vaccinated are still going through — is going to take time to reconcile and heal,” he said. “What that likely means is a slow ramp up as we fade in on the hallowed ground that is the summer season.”

Major chains like AMC (AMC), Regal and Cinemark (CNK) find themselves with a chicken-and-egg problem. They need big movies to bring in audiences, but studios need audiences to release big movies. You can’t have one without the other.

Studios, meanwhile, have experimented with their business’s future by releasing films in consumer’s living rooms rather than the cineplex. Disney did this with “Mulan” via Disney+, albeit for an extra charge, in September. Warner Bros. took it a step further by announcing in December that it would release its entire 2021 slate on HBO Max, WarnerMedia’s new streaming service. (WarnerMedia is the parent company of Appradab.)

So theaters are in a double bind: not only do they have to win back audiences, but they have to prove to studios that theatrical releases makes financial sense.

A new hope

Yet, for the first time in a long time, there’s a glimmer of hope.

“We’re talking about a massive step forward for the business,” Shawn Robbins, chief box office analyst at Boxoffice.com, told Appradab Business. “This is the next noteworthy benchmark in the transition back to some sense of normality… Once the two biggest players with New York and L.A. are back on the field, sustained revitalization will follow.”

Evidence from other countries suggests that audiences want to return to the movies, Robbins added.

For example, Chinese cinemas are back in business, and crowds have shown up. China’s box office had a better Lunar New Year holiday earlier this month than last year, despite some theater occupancy restrictions.

“China is a prime example right now of how moviegoing can rebound in record-breaking ways after a tragic crisis,” Robbins added. “The lack of zeitgeist-capturing feature films over 11 months of lockdowns has underscored the unique impact a communal experience outside the home can produce. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all.”

But the pandemic isn’t over just because New York is opening movie theaters.

The virus remains a significant part of American life, and the US is still far from a critical mass of vaccinations. On Monday, the US passed the devastating milestone of 500,000 lives lost to Covid-19.

Now, Bock added, it’s up to “each individual and family to decide” if going to a movie is worth it.

“What I hope the industry continues to do is give audiences the choice,” he said.

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jacewilliams1 · 4 years

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Collecting sunsets

Although pretty much everyone who has left their teenage years behind is aware of the finite nature of their life, somehow I feel that pilots have to deal with that on a more daily basis than most other professions (or human activities, so we don’t exclude our private pilot colleagues). Of course, the more safe and reliable the flying deal becomes, the less likely to get killed in a crash we are, and the pioneer adventurous days of early 20th century and even the somewhat traumatic transition to the jet age are long gone.

If there is still good room for improvement for general aviation worldwide, the airlines almost took the outstanding safety levels we have today for granted, as the recent MAX imbroglio showed. We went from the safest year ever to a relatively deadly one, and the 737 Next Generation, the safest narrow body airliner of all time, wasn’t able to pass on its statistics to the MAX just by being its predecessor. How much of the problem is the project design, how much is the pilot training, is yet open to debate: the man/machine system is much more complex than any of the two as seen separately.

Any ordinary passenger, if exposed to a crew briefing, would be surprised at how many things can go wrong on a takeoff or landing, and if the life-threatening events are getting improbable—to levels never before experienced in our activity—is mostly because we address them in training, briefings, and on mitigating actions that underscore our operation, and even when they do occur, we are prepared enough to turn them into not much more than an inconvenience followed by extensive paperwork.

But let’s not open the door to complacency: death is still vigilant, waiting in the corner, the same way life seems to be in the other side every time it spots a young couple. And the utmost responsibility to keep a flight safe rests on its crew’s shoulders—until, of course, that yet distant day when drones will be carrying people, but even then, when airplanes become as relevant to the economy as sailboats are after thousands of years in the vanguard of human and goods transport, aviators will be around still, the same way sailors are.

That being said, it takes us to the core subject of this article. People like to collect stuff. From postal stamps to magnets, from paintings to whiskey, and for more wealthy ones, cars and warbirds. As a pilot, having lived in more than a couple of countries, and way more than a dozen houses, carrying any kind of physical collection became hard enough to be considered, and even my beloved airplane models were reduced to a reasonable minimum.

These are worth collecting.

So, I started collecting something lighter, more ephemeral, and extremely limited. Not for the supply itself, since it has been available for billions of years and on our terrestrial version is likely to be for some other billions. But the number of sunsets we, as humans, can see in a lifetime is arguably restricted. Any ordinary office or mall worker is usually at a disadvantage: imagine those that live in London! But we, pilots, are in a very good position: on our flights from the Middle East to Europe, flying at Mach .85 comes in handy on the matter, and by traveling west at such speed and latitude, we virtually counterbalance most of the Earth’s rotation velocity. The result is a sunset that can last for hours.

A few months ago, on my way to the UK, having the orange sky reflecting on Lake Van, over the Turkish-Iranian border, really inspired me to write these words. It was far from being the first, and if the huge windows of the Dreamliner make the sunlight annoying—especially in the morning after a long night flight—they allow for a first row view of this daily display.

Nevertheless, there’s one thing that is better than watching a sunset from Flight Level 430: pattern work. If taking off or landing at the golden hour is not good enough, then gathering a sequence of touch and goes at that magical time of the day when our shadows are stretched is unbeatable. If you can, please, leave the computer/smartphone now, pick your airplane and go outside for a couple of those for me.

And what about sunrises? Of course I have collected a lot of them too, the last one over the Mallaca Strait, but I’ve got to be honest: there are only two ways of watching sunrises: either waking up too early or not sleeping at all, and I am not a big fan of either one. That’s what ends up making my opinion about the beauty of the phenomenon sort of biased. And since the beauty of it is linked to the beauty and clearness of the sky itself, places such as the Middle Eastern deserts or the African plateaus are truly talented ones. Although, to be fair, more unusual are those of Scandinavia with the Northern Lights—when they have a sunset at all. In the summer they are late enough for you not to wait for them to go to bed, and in the winter—depending on how far north you are—you don’t have a sunrise at all, making the pre-conditions for a sunset obviously impossible.

But of the hundreds, maybe thousands, of sunsets I’ve been collecting successfully over the years both on ground and in the air, I have an easy winner. During my late stages of the timeshare while adding up hours for my commercial, flying back from SSI (McKinnon, Georgia) to Florida, we were flying at 5500 ft. somewhere around Jacksonville, and a clear inversion layer was right below. That day, we had the most incredible kind of sunset: a double one. The sun first disappeared without touching the horizon, only to then set again behind the plains of the panhandle. A unique view I was fortunate enough to watch from a Cessna 172 and register, so to be able to share with you readers of the honorable Air Facts Journal.

Since my number of sunsets is already defined—and not knowing it in advance is a kind of universal privilege—I can’t help but remain on my pursuit: hopefully the best are yet to come, and I highly encourage you to do the same.

The post Collecting sunsets appeared first on Air Facts Journal.

from Engineering Blog https://airfactsjournal.com/2020/03/collecting-sunsets/

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larryland · 5 years

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For theatre goers “of a certain age”, the mention of Sunset Boulevard may very well conjure up images of beloved comedienne Carol Burnett’s loving homage to this classic 1950 Billy Wilder film. Burnett’s entrance as the faded Hollywood film star Norma Desmond slowly –at first—descending the staircase of her mansion to the applause and adulation of her faithful butler (played to perfection, of course, by the stalwart Burnett sidekick Harvey Korman) remains one of her many “Most Memorable” moments.

With this production of Sunset Boulevard, veteran Mac-Haydn Producing Artistic Director John Saunders has created his own Most Memorable offering; indeed this show may very well turn out to be the crown jewel of the season. With a glorious score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, performances soar as high as the HOLLYWOOD sign that looms over the set.

Intertwining the stories and lives of long-forgotten silent film star Norma Desmond and the desperate and virtually poverty-stricken screenwriter Joe Gillis, the plot develops, unfolds and ultimately unravels to a tragic conclusion . Underscoring the seduction of the young screenwriter by of the fading film star is the “B reel” plot of Joe’s attraction to, and eventually reciprocated, love for Betty Schaefer, and of course we cannot overlook the faithful to a fault Max , butler-cum ex-husband to the vulnerable, delusional, Norma Desmond as he protects with unwavering loyalty “The Greatest Star” who lives in a world where only she hears the echos and whispers of the applause that surrounded her in her heyday.

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As the aging, faded from glory and memory silent film start Norma Desmond, living in a mansion as dilapidated and tattered as the shreds of the wardrobe she clutches around her, Elizabeth Ward Land’s performance is a true tour de force. From her entrance as she intriguingly inquires “Are there any laws against burying him in the garden?”, she captures and mesmerizes the audience, who are not released from her spell until the final flicker of spotlight leaves her face at her last “close-up.” Her hand gestures through the performances are absolutely mesmerizing—the flick of a wrist, crook of a finger, wave of a hand– each and every movement adds a depth to the character she has become.

Her voice is as perfect as her presence, capturing the pathos and the delusion of the world in which she lives. Her vocal presentation more than holds its own against the Norma Desmond’s who have gone before her …Patty LuPone, Betty Buckley, Glenn Close —yes, Glenn Close ! In what is probably the “signature” musical number of the show, her performance of “As if we never said Goodbye” is a show stopper in the truest sense of the word. As Norma arrives at Paramount Studio, which long ago and far away was her home and her life, she is both labored and sustained by the illusion that her triumphant return to film is upon her. She gives voice to the memories of her glory days and the soon to be unrealized dreams of a triumphal return in an opening night performance not soon to be forgotten. The single split second of total silence at its conclusion, before the audience, rightfully, gave her the applause due such a bravura performance, and testified to the magic of the moment. For 2 1⁄2 hours, Land IS Norma Desmond, and the audience in Chatham ARE the adoring fans she remembers from her glory years.

As the ultimately doomed screenwriter Joe Gillis, Pat Moran holds his own against Land’s Norma. His spiraling ascent and descent from a slightly jaded, debt-ridden screenwriter on the run from debt collectors to “a kept man” who ultimately shatters the mind and the life of his keeper is well-played and believable; he has both the voice and the presence to play against Land’s larger than life Norma. Their scenes together are fraught with increasing ardor—on Norma’s part-, and a gradual abandonment of principle and to some extent self-respect, as Joe yields to the pathetic passionate yearnings of the aging star, clinging desperately to the remembered vestiges of the youth she long ago left behind. In a rather awkward ending to Act 1, Joe yields himself to Norma following yet another suicide attempt thwarted and tended to by the faithful Max. As the music swells, and the lights begin to dim, the “couple” come together in an embrace that leaves little to the imagination as to its inevitable climax. Cue the less than subtle hints of writhing undulations…and was that “Mrs. Robinson, You’re trying to seduce me” we heard as the lights faded to black? A little more subtlety, a little less graphic detail would have made the point of the moment sufficiently.

In the almost obligatory sub-plot romance, the relationship between Joe and would-be screenwriter Betty Schaefer develops almost as slowly as the movie script they attempt to write together. Fortunately for the audience, the chemistry between Moran and Rachel Pantazis provides a much-need touch of reality and innocence amid the decay and delusion swirling through Sunset Boulevard and beyond. Their duet “Too Much in Love” showcases Pantazis’ lovely voice already on display in “Boy Meets Girl”. Hopefully Pantazis will offer her talents in other roles during the season.

James Zennelli as the faithful- to- a- fault Max guards the faded star and her memories with the intensity of a pit bull; you can almost hear the merest hint of a growl should anyone dare to threaten the fragile mindset of his beloved “Madam”, as she lives in her world of fan mail (that comes no more) and fawning, adoring fans (who never call). With relatively few musical moments, Zennelli nonetheless creates a full-bodied character whose presence is as essential to the production as it is to Norma Desmond.

As frequently is the norm at the Mac, production values hold their own against the performances. Original productions of Sunset Boulevard were encumbered and in some cases hampered by the huge and expensive set pieces, including a grand staircase which is essential to the plot and the “look” of the piece. Saunders has worked with Scenic Designer Erin Kiernan to use the theatre’s in-the round space to best advantage. The staircase integral to plot and action dominates in its permanent placement off to one “side” of this theatre in the round, and occasionally “doubles” as Betty’s office on the movie lot .

For the most part scene changes are made effortlessly if occasionally a bit slowly . Such is almost a necessary evil in the available space. Clad in black, stage crew shift the center stage from the house on Sunset Boulevard to Paramount Studios to with relative ease.

Jimm Halliday’s costuming is especially noteworthy, with his almost exclusive use of black and white attire for Norma Desmond, subtly reflecting her past and passed life in the silent film era. Costumes for the ensemble cast, representing the would be stars and starlets, casting directors, and players in the Hollywood business world perfectly capture the 1950s “movie biz” atmosphere. Special kudos go to the staging, choreography, direction, and costuming efforts that went into the “transformation” of Joe when “The Lady is Paying” for a new wardrobe for her soon-to-be lover. A full and complete change of clothes, top to bottom, inside and out, was performed with an ease and grace that would make many a backstage dresser envious.

Lighting designer Andrew Gmoser generally “shines” with his use of lighting to capture both the teeming, cut-throat world of Tinsel Town in 1950 , and the decaying, faded glory of Norma Desmond’s mansion. The classic “HOLLYWOOD” sign towers over Sunset Boulevard and the theatre in the round stage, reminding all comers they are living in a world where the camera rules, records, and cannot repair or , a world of illusion and of dreams both realized and shattered.

There are, however, several literally glaring miscues which not only detract from the impact of the scenes underway, but have the potential to negatively effect audience members with a particular sensitivity to their use. Strobe light effects throughout the performance, particularly in Act 2, are strident and overly extended, causing more than one audience member to remark on the almost painful impact. The use of the strobe is so prevalent and so frequent that perhaps it would be valuable, in a program note, or even included with the pre-show announcement, to let the audience know of its heavy and frequent presence. In another unfortunate moment, lighting in the final climactic murder scene is entirely too harsh; a spotlight aimed directly into the audience effectively blinded those unfortunate enough to be seated in Section 2. If I had not already been familiar with the action taking place in this moment, I would be left wondering “what happened?”

Also somewhat perplexing is the over-zealous use of atmospheric haze effect, which permeates the theatre from pre-show through curtain call. While a fan of the effect, in moderation, it seems in many moments of this production to be more gratuitous than

Under the guidance of Music Director David Maglione, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s soaring score is given the tender loving care this production needs and deserves. With violin, reeds, percussion and horns, the orchestra does justice to Webber’s work; it is always astounding how big a sound comes from the tiny corner of the theatre where the musicians ply their trade and their instruments.

Despite its few flaws, Sunset Boulevard at Mac-Haydn is a must-see show. Big, bold, and over the top in performance and production, this IS classic musical theatre done almost to perfection. The standing ovation given Leading Lady Land on opening night was more than justified; hers was a triumphant performance. The cast was collectively and individually a match for her talents, performing flawlessly with energy and empathy from start to finish. As a side note, the English major/Grammar Nazi was thrilled to hear cries of “Brava”, rather than the typical “Bravo,” as Land took the accolades and applause so rightfully earned .

A trip to Sunset Boulevard, via Route Route 203 in Chatham, is highly recommended. Almost assuredly, this production will be remembered and talked about for quite some time.

Sunset Boulevard, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, directed by John Saunders, runs from June 20-30, 2019, at the Mac-Haydn Theatre in Chatham, NY. Musical direction by David Maglione, set design by Erin Kiernan, lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, costume design by Jimm Halliday, sound designer Corbin White, props designer Joshua Gallagher, hair and makeup designer Matthew Oliver. CAST: Elizabeth Ward Land as Norma Desmond, Pat Moran as Joe Gillis, James Zannelli as Max von Mayerling, Rachel Pantazis as Betty, and Gabe Belyeu as Sheldrake.

The Mac-Haydn Theatre is located at 1925 NY 203 in Chatham, NY. 518-392-9292; http://www.machaydntheate.org

REVIEW: “Sunset Boulevard” at the Mac-Haydn Theatre For theatre goers “of a certain age”, the mention of Sunset Boulevard may very well conjure up images of beloved comedienne Carol Burnett's loving homage to this classic 1950 Billy Wilder film.

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