Hi,
For context, I am a late-20yr old but still consider myself an OG since I've been a fan of pokemon since RBY came out and fully loved and experienced late 90s pokemania.
My inspiration for this post is the following tier list and podcast: https://youtu.be/6LclCDBikR8
I was so happy to see a list and group of old pokemon fans that I finally agree with. You can skip to the end of their video to see the final rankings, but I pretty much agree with 99% of their placements. The following will be a little further detail and addition of my opinions on the mainline pokemon games. Everything is obviously my opinion and I wil try my best not to make any opinions that come off very objective. You are welcome to disagree. For example the fact that I will be ranking BW2 as S tier even though circumstances in my life didn't let me play it may discredit my opinion to you which is fine. At the end of the day this is all for fun.
Red/Blue/Yellow: The games that started it all. My first ever pokemon game was Blue version and of course I played the hell out of it, even if I was so young that my name in initial playthroughs was "AAAAAAAAAAAA". I think these games are truly iconic and later on I'll express how they should always be respected and thought of in creation of newer games. I'll try my best to rank games based on the time they were released and how they hold up today. For their time, they are considered one of the greatest games/innovations of all time. For how they hold up today, of course they have the least mechanics and numerous bugs. For that reason , they will be - B TIER
I will now go into what I consider the golden age of pokemon, that is Gen II - V. There will be a few games that are relative duds, but for the most part, this is where gamefreak clearly put their heart and soul into each game. The common theme will be connections and homages to previous games that create a greater pokemon world.
Gold/Silver: Perfection. If I were to describe these games in one word. These games along with crystal will probably be the games I have spent the most thousands of hours in. Let's put the whole "other region" thing aside for a minute because that arugment has been beaten to death. Just the sheer amount of little easter eggs and small details that I kept discovering the more I played the game was just genius and really showed the effort of gamefreak. Of course, the inclusion of a super boss in the end was the greatest surprise. The only reason why they are not S tier is because other games will take these games to even greater heights. A TIER.
Crystal: This game is my personal greatest pokemon game of all time. Nostalgia definetely factors into this, but I think there are a lot of valid reasons why TO THIS DAY, Crystal offers a wholistic pokemon experience. It takes the perfection that is GS and adds a legendary story as well as (For the time) modernized features such as improved graphics, Boy/Girl, and even a Battle Tower. I'm okay with anyone else placing this game as A tier, but for me with a little bit of nostalgia glasses, it is S-TIER.
Ruby Sapphire: Came out post pokemania. For the longest time I viewed these games as the lesser after generation II, however there are a lot of amazing features that were introduced. Not much of a post game though. A soft reboot to the franchise. B-Tier.
Emerald: Emerald is going to be my first "greatest game I haven't played". I actually did complete one emulator playthrough, but it did not last long and I didn't get to fully experience it. From other people's opinions and looking at the "extra effort" factor of a whole anime inspired (or vice versa) Battle Frontier, this game desparetly needs a replay from me. This is the number one game that I am hoping gets a Switch release. Has potential to go up, but for now, A TIER.
Fire Red/ Leaf Green: Modernized the classics for the time, which was amazing. Added a decent amount of post game as well. A - Tier
Diamond and Pearl: One of the first duds. Also were released during one of my pokemon hiatus. I did not like how slow the game was and some of the elite 4 trainers pokemons didn't make sense. Also not much postgame. C - Tier
Platinum: A vast improvement and a solid game. Homages and easter eggs to previous games. A whole battle frontier just because. A-Tier.
Heart Gold/ Soul Silver: One of the most popular amongst OG pokemon fans. These games are the PINNACLE of what I mean when I say gamefreak puts in effort and heart into the features. So many easter eggs and homages to older games. So many added features that did not even have to be in their. Battle frontier, fleshed out second region, post game story details like Giovanni/Silver. Arguable the best games of all time who's level of effort has not been replicated since. S-TIER.
Black White + BW2: So these games are the second of my "greatest games I've never played". I've actualy never had the chance to play these games as they came out during another hiatus of mine. However, my brother swears by BW2 and from what I've seen, especially with the World Tournament, these games connect the greater pokemon world so well with so many added features. I think the general OG fan base also agrees so I will base my opinion on that. BW (?), BW2 - S Tier.
END OF GOLDEN AGE
X and Y: Now these games are special to me because mega evolutions brought me out of my pokemon hiatus. Added so many amazing features such as easy EV training and PSS. HOWEVER, HOWEVER, HOWEVER. with the lack of postgame or even third version, I believe these games mark the beginning of a down-hill spiral where pokemon games stop trying to connect to the greater world and good fleshed out post games become a rarity in mainline games. Gamefreak, I believe, begins to get lazy starting here. Nonetheless, these games are underappreciated. A-Tier
Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire: CArried over the excellent gen 6 features and added to the already great mega evolutions. HOWEVER, skimping out on the battle frontier was a signficant let down. B-Tier
Sun Moon/Sun and Moon 2: These games came out during a pokemon hiatus and during a down time in my life so I did not play them. However, there was just something about the vibe of these games that from what I've watched on online playthoughs I just do not enjoy. REd and Blue coming back for the battle tree as well as Rainbow Rocket is pretty cool though. Z-moves is just a not cool gimmick as well. C- Tier.
Lets Go eevee and pikachu: I don't really consider these as mainline games but for fun I'll include them. I enjoyed going through Kanto but the lack of basic pokemon standards makes it just a side game for me. The graphics however were gorgeous and arguably the best I've seen. B-Tier
Sword and Shield: Now we enter modern pokemon. I have a lot to say about these games. For the sake of a ranking, I will include DLC. If I went just based off the main game, these games would be C/D tier. Starting with the negatives, the story was the worst of all time and seemingly the shortest. I hated how much they skimmped out on the routes. I won't knock the wild area too much because it gets expanded later on and is more of a prototype. THERE IS ZERO attempt to pay homage to older characters and games, with minimal easter eggs and secrets. I do not consider Gmax forms as homages, as you can argue that a Gmax charizard is just a Galarian exclusive thing. Now the positives, the DLC did add a lot and expanded the wild area for the better. As you will read later on, the random Wailord in the ocean was a great inclusion. Further positives, these games were incredible for simplifying gameplay mechanics and quality of life features. These games made creating competitive teams incredibly easy and were the first games I was able to dable with competitive pokemon battling. I mentioned before these are arguable the beggining of the modern pokemon games that focus on online features and raids and lack in post game content. I thought the frequently changing monthly raids were lackluster in comparison the SV, but they did succeed in keeping me coming back to the game. Major props to the Mewtwo raid, I think it was the introduction and precursor to difficult raids that require signficant strategy. B-Tier
Scarlet/Violet: I'm enjoying these games, even more the Sword and Shield. I'll get the negatives out of the way, AGAIN, these games are failing to connect to the greater pokemon world aka the past games. Is it really that hard to throw in a past character as a cameo??? Is it that hard to have an in-game post game with a secret super boss? Does everything really have to be online related and DLC? Why can't we have characters talk more about past regions? This is all very frustrating to me about modern games.... alright now the positives. The story is actually intriguing. The overworld is amazing. As I'll discuss later, how pokemon interact in their wild enviorments is one of my favorite things about pokemon and they do it so well in these games. I love seeing Forretress hanging from a tree and burrowing pokemon popping out of the ground. Continued most quality of life features. I'm finidng Terastalize as so far the most competitively intriguing gimmick. The raids are so much better than Sword and Shield and as everyone is finding, are actually challenging and take strategy. I'm PRAYING PRAYING there is some sort of homage/cameo/easter eggs SOMETHING to the older games in the upcoming DLC, but my hopes are not high. Nonetheless, A-TIER
BDSP: F Tier. Worst mainline games of all time. Peak laziness. I know it wasn't gamefreak but so disappointing. If they remade Platinum these games would've been decent.
Wolfe Glick: If you look up his ranking of pokemon games video, I feel like we couldn't be any different. I respect what he's done for modern pokemon and I enjoy his recent longer videos. As pokemon OGs though, I get the sense that he got into pokemon after the Later 90s Pokemania. I feel like his first game was probably gen 3 or 4. He argued gen 2 and HGSS were not higher tier games because "he didn't have time or interest for the daily events".... The essence of the Golden Age of Pokemon are the in-game experience that lasts on average 3 years. I LOVED exploring in Gold and Silver and after 2 years of playing finding out on Fridays Lapras appears. I LOVED thinking about what day I'm playing and if I can rechallenge my rival or give an eevee a haircut. I think his opinions are valid for modern pokemon. I respect that he's a world champion for VGC. But as a fellow OG, I challenge him to give Gen II a non-streamed thorough playthrough over a month long period.
What do I love about pokemon? So what I love about pokemon is the essence of the Pokemon World. It's hard to explain, but my thoughts of what makes pokemon so awe-inspiring is what I think of in the first couple of seasons of the anime. Seeing pokemon in the wild almost like real animals is so exciting to me. Another example is how they are portrayed in the TCG, both old and modern. My favorite example to explain what I mean is the original Mankey from Jungle, swinging from the trees. I love well-done pokemon art showing them in their wild enviornment. Modern TCG continues to do this well. The other thing I love about pokemon is the greater connection amongst games, as you guys can tell. I LOVED the random inclusion of Crasher Wake gym leader in the Celadon Market in HGSS. I LOVED Janine from Gold and Silver randomly in DPPT. Stuff like that is sorely missing in modern games and it's such a shame. It makes the greater pokemon world feel disconnected.
- Pokemon Origins/Generations/Twilight Wings, etc.: Random side thought, but I LOVE how these expand and connect the greater pokemon world. I enjoyed how in Pokeon Generations I got to see events of Gold and Silver remastered essentially. I watch Pokemon Origins annually because it was so well done. The anime style Black and White 2 trailer with high quality animations is exactly what I'm talking about too. Seeing Arcanine aggressive and dog-like.
Final thought and dream of my ideal modern pokemon game!: So I'm enjoying the modern pokemon games, but I want to share what I think is MY ideal modern pokemon game.

1. Has homages/easter eggs/cameos and connections to prior games
2. Has a FULL In-game experience that is not reliant on online expansions. Aka this includes post game super boss, areas, etc.
3. Top-down experience ala BDSP

The essence of pokemon to me is being able to enjoy a full pokemon adventure during long care drives, airplane, under the covers. For games that are meant for kids, these games should be able to provide the full expereince without WIFI. If it were up to me, I would keep the Breath of the Wild graphic dreams to the Legends games. Keep the mainline games to the basics.

Let's chat!

It could be about Love island USA or about anything you'd like. Please no spoilers!

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Please dont mark this thread as Warner Bros's unrelated, as WB are the ownership of Vampire Diaries. But ive got a copyright question to ask.........i always thought that any movie or TV series under the WB umbrella would only use music in movies or tv series that's under the Warner Music Group umbrella? (well it would make sense wouldent it?)
But in one episode of Vampire Diaries they used a snippet of the Bon Jovi song You Give Love A Bad Name. That song is from the album Slippery When Wet, and that album is on the Mercury label (in the USA) and Vertigo (in the UK), both labels are not owned by WMG, they are both under the Universal Music Group umbrella.
In the scene where Eleanor kisses Damon at the motel, the song Never Let Me Go by Florence and the Machine plays. That song is from their album Ceremonials which is on the label Islands Record Group. That label again is owned by Universal Music Group. So did this mean WB had to pay money to Universal Music Group to be able to use it?

How about one more "off-season" post?
The 2023 WBC is over, and it was the best baseball I’ve ever seen. A lot of people are going to make their All-WBC Teams over the next couple of weeks with a large bulk of Japan, USA, Mexico, and maybe a few of the Group D players mixed in… But after watching 30-35 of the games this tournament offered & having seen at least one of every game with each team in full, I think I can make a pretty good team.
But this ain't no All-Star Team. This is my personal favorites. These are my Vibes Per inning Leaders. The Baseball Cards I’d Chase. The Personal & All-Time Favorites. This is my…

WBC 2023 ALL “MY BOY” TEAM

To make it interesting it’s a 20 player roster with 1 man from each team.
COACHING STAFF

• Manager - Bruce Bochy (FRA) - I know this is cheating since France didn't qualify (this time!) but he’s our new boss, and I love him - wish we could have seen him have a trial run in this year but here's to 2025!
  
• Coach/BCH - Nelson Cruz (RDA) - The GM with Power! The GM of the Hour! I still love Nelson Cruz for his 2010-2013 heroics despite him fucking us over numerous time since then. His little Baseball Dad moments with Cano this year were amazing.
  
• Coach/BCH - Ray Chang (CHN) - I’ve never heard of this old guy before this event - but imagining a big Chinese guy with a southern US/Kansas accent is amazing & his willingness to be an ambassador for the nation is just as amazing. I hope pushing 45 he’s on the Qualifier Team for WBC in 2025!.
  

STARTING LINEUP

• SS - Tommy Edman (KOR) - Apparently this guy’s a bit of a stud for the Cardinals, but I’d personally never heard of him before this! When I first saw Korea’s lineup v. Australia I was like “who the hell snuck some guy named Tommy Edman in” , but then I looked him up & learned his cool story. It's a shame we didn't see more of him
  
• 3B - Jurickson Profar (NDL) - While The Kingdom was a powerhouse this year, not too many people stand out.. But when I watched my first WBC in 2013 it was all because of me wanting to support my Rangers Profar & Cruz. Still supporting him, sad he didn't sign with us after the tournament. :(
  
• DH - Shohei Ohtani (JPN) - I can make all these fun guys in this line-up but in the end of the day Ohtani is fuckin’ Ohtani. I almost had Nootbar here, almost Okomoto. Nah, I decided on the Emperor himself. Who doesn't love Sho-Time?
  
• OF - Alfredo Despaigne (CBA) - As a wrestling fan, I absolutely love Gaijins from around the world coming to Japan and becoming national sensations who then explode across the world. Despaigne is one of those beasts, he's a WBC Legend & Big Guys in Baseball™ are always fun.
  
• 1B - Rowdy Tellez (MEX) - Another big fella like Alfredo, this dude was such a character all tournament and his MLB Mic’d Up on YouTube made me a sucker for him. This was another where I really had to debate for… was almost Meneses, was almost Aroazarena. Decided on my boy Rowdy.
  
• 2B - Vinnie Pasquintino (ITA) - The Mustached Mocha Boys were an underrated story in the WBC. While I do wish they used more of their Italy-born players, the team was still a blast and one of the underdogs to go far after some big wins. I've heard Vinnies name pop around a few times during last year but this was my first time to see him. He rules & I hope he keeps the stache.
  
• C - Sir Harry Ford (UK) - The UK Homer Celebration may be the greatest of all time, and he’s the only to be knighted twice! Seeing kids in the UK celebrating his performance was sick & what he did will help the country a ton moving forward. His MLB debut is SOON, and I hope it v. us so I can see it.
  
• OF - Ulrich Bojarski (AUS) - The first time I saw this guy v. Korea in the Outfield I couldn't help but think ”Who's Dad is that in the outfield?!?”. I thought he was like some 37yo journeyman half the tournament but no - guy’s 24. Guys just built to be a dad & I love it - dude can hit too.
  
• OF - Martin Muzik (CZR) - Muzik Magic! There were countless guys from the ultimate underdog of the WBC I wanted to pick, even seeing Sogard in a prominent role again was fun. There was only one guy though it could be for me & that's the hero of CZR v. CHN.
  

BENCH

• DH/PH - Ruben Tejada (PMA) - Honestly the Panama team despite being a qualifier was not one of the more exciting teams in terms of stories… But seeing the old guys not in the MLB anymore like Cespedes & Tejada was a treat early in the event. Tejada & his surprising bomb was a highlight for me.
  
• C - Jorge Alfaro (COL) - Another chunk of former Ranger bias, yes he was once a top prospect for us. Alfaro & his Majestic Hair did some good work for Colombia in the tournament, he’s a good reason why I want the WBC 2026 Qualifiers in March. I wanna see him help their cause again!
  
• IF -Yu Cheng Chang (TWN) - If any team had top vibes this year it was Taiwan, it hurts they need to re-qualify but this also means we get more Taiwan insanity in the Qualifiers. You usually don't see an MVP be on the last place team but Chang deserved it, his heroics in the competition really showed me how amazing this nation’s fans are.
  

ROTATION

• P1 - Martin Perez (VEN) - Now for some modern Ranger bias! I had no clue a prominent Ranger was in the tournament, it bummed me out - and then I tuned in to Venezuela’s first game & the man himself was on the mound! He had an okay WBC but he’s still gonna be a stud for us this year.
  
• P2 - Lance Lynn (USA) - Ok now back to Old Ranger Bias. Nobody represents us Americans more than Lance Lynn: Bold, Brash, Gutsy, Dad Bod, Beast. Dude was a powerhouse for a good chunk of the WBC and even wanted to pitch in the finals, I wish he was still with us.
  
• P3 - Shohei Ohtani (JPN) - Like I said. He’s fuckin’ Ohtani.
  

BULLPEN

• RP - Mitch Bratt (CAN) - I’ll keep the Bullpenners short. I was so excited to see our Top 30 Prospect for the first time v. USA & it really sucked to see how much he got shelled. I can’t wait to see what he does for us a few years from now.
  
• RP - Shlomo Lipetz (ISR) - Like fine wine & music, Shlomo Lipetz is what the WBC is all about. I'm so bummed he didn't get into any games this year, here's to 2026!
  
• RP - Duque Hebbert (NIC) - I almost did Juan Montes but ya boy needs a bullpen. Why not the fucking Top 5 Story of the Tournament himself? Shout-Outs to the new Tiger!
  
• CP - Edwin DIaz (PR) - And finally of course, to close it out in more than one way... We’ll keep the trumpets clean until you’re back king. 💙♥️🧡
  

We have arrived here at the non-English language tournament, FG. This will be a long tournament, as we had nearly 300 movies nominated from all over the world (though as to be expected from the history of cinema the most nominated countries were France, Italy, and Japan), so this will take us over the next few months. As always, the polls will last for one day, so get your votes in and come back tomorrow for the results and the next battle.
Letterboxd list of all the participating movies: https://boxd.it/lOu1o
Results of Round 1
8 1/2 (1963) - Italy (48) beat Martyrs (2008) - France (26), Elevator to the Gallows (1958) - France (11), and The Aviator’s Wife (1981) - France (5)
The Battle of Algiers (1966) - Italy/Algeria (28) beat 3-Iron (2004) - South Korea (7), Embrace of the Serpent (2015) - Colombia (5), and Massacre Time (Tempo di massacro) (1966) - Italy (2)
The 400 Blows (1959) - France (34) beat Memories of Murder (2003) - South Korea (32), Battleship Potemkin (1925) - Russia (21), and Eyes Without a Face (1960) - France (12)
Metropolis (1927) - Germany (51), beat Fanny and Alexander (1982) - Sweden (32), 5 Centimeters Per Second (2007) - Japan (16), and The Bothersome Man (2006) - Norway
Fantastic Planet (1973) - France (23) beat Minari (2020) - USA (16), A Brighter Summer Day (1991) - Taiwan (14), and The Conformist (1970) - Italy (13)
Mirror (1975) - Russia (21) beat Farewell My Concubine (1993) - China (10), The Cranes Are Flying (1957) - Russia (10), and A City of Sadness (1989) - Taiwan (6)
Fists of Fury (1972) - Hong Kong (21) beat A Man Escaped (1956) - France (15), The Cremator (1969) - Czech Republic (9), and Moolaade (2004) - Senegal (5)
My Neighbour Totoro (1988) - Japan (44) beat A Separation (2011) - Iran (22), Fitzcarraldo (1982) - Germany (20), and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) - France (12)
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) - Japan (25) beat The Double Life of Véronique (1991) - Poland (22), A Short Film About Love (1988) - Poland (11), and Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) - India (6)
Night and Fog (1956) - France (14) beat A Very Long Engagement (2004) - France (8), The Emigrants (1971) - Sweden (6), and Girlhood (2014) - France (4)
Nosferatu (1922) - Germany (39) beat Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972) - Germany (26), Godzilla (1954) - Japan (24), and The Exterminating Angel (1962) - Mexico (10)
Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht (1979) - Germany (36) beat Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974) - Germany (21), Goodbye Lenin (2003) - Germany (12), and The Foreign Duck, The Native Duck and God in a Coin Locker (2007) - Japan (5)
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009) - Sweden (17), beat All About My Mother (1999) - Spain (16), Grand Illusion (1937) - France (16), and O-bi, O-ba: The End of Civilization (1985) - Poland (3)
Grave of the Fireflies (1988) - Japan (33) beat Amarcord (1973) - Italy (14), One Cut of the Dead (2017) - Japan (10), and The Green Ray (1986) - France (9)
Amelie (2001) - France (79) beat The Handmaiden (2016) - South Korea (40), Only Yesterday (1991) - Japan (10), and Hamlet (1964) - Russia (6)
Harakiri (1962) - Japan (33) beat The Hidden Fortress (1958) - Japan (22), Amour (2012) - Austria (12), and Ordet (1955) - Denmark (10)
Andrei Rublev (1966) - Russia (29) beat The Holy Mountain (1973) - Mexico (26), Headhunters (2011) - Norway (10), and Obsession (1943) - Italy (4)
The Host (2006) - South Korea (30) beat Another Round (2020) - Denmark (29), Hedgehog in the Fog (1975) - Russia (7), and Out 1 (1971) - France (7)
High and Low (1963) - Japan (33) beat The Hourglass Sanatorium (1973) - Poland (10), Pale Flower (1964) - Japan (5), and Any Number Can Win (1963) - France (2)
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) - Mexico (85) beat Apocalypto (2006) - USA (42), Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) - France (19), and The House is Black (1963) - Iran (5)
Parasite (2019) - South Korea (106) beat Holy Motors (2012) - France (16), The Human Condition I: No Greater Love (1959) - Japan (16), and Army of Crime (2009) - France (1)
Hour of the Wolf (1968) - Sweden (16) beat Army of Shadows (1969) - France (13), The Human Condition III: A Soldier’s Prayer (1961) - Japan (9), and Pastoral: To Die in the Country (1974) - Japan (3)
The Hunt (2012) - Denmark (42) beat I Saw the Devil (2010) - South Korea (25), Ashes and Diamonds (1958) - Poland (9), and Pater Brown – Das schwarze Schaf (1960) - Germany
Ikiru (1952) - Japan (34) beat The Killer (1989) - Hong Kong (25), Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) - France (10), and Pater Brown – Er kann's nicht lassen (1962) - Germany (4)
The Lives of Others (2006) - Germany (42) beat Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987) - France (27), Pauline at the Beach (1983) - France (11), and Il compagno Don Camillo (1965) - Italy (1)
Il Decameron (1971) - Italy (14) beat Pépé le Moko (1937) - France (13), The Man Without a Past (2002) - Finland (11), and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion 2017) - India (10)
Battle Royale (2000) - Japan (76) beat Persona (1966) - Sweden (36), The New Land (1972) - Sweden (7), and Il ritorno di Don Camillo (1953) - Italy (4)
Beauty and the Beast (1946) - France (19) beat Phoenix (2014) - Germany (14), The Platform (2019) - Spain (11), and In a Year with 13 Moons (1978) - Germany (5)
In the Mood for Love (2000) - Hong Kong (42) beat The Raid (2011) - Indonesia (30), Belle de Jour (1967) - France (16), and Pixote (1980) - Brazil (10)
The Red Balloon (1956) - France (23) beat Playtime (1967) - France (22), Inside (2007) - France (12), and Belle Époque (1992) - Spain (10)
Bicycle Thieves (1948) - Italy (39) beat The Rules of the Game (1939) - France (14), Intouchables (2011) - France (6), and Port of Shadows (1938) - France (2)
Ip Man (2008) - Hong Kong (37) beat The Saragossa Manuscript (1965) - Poland (11), Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis (2008) - France (6), and Pratidwandi (a.k.a. The Adversary) (1970) (India) (2)
Princess Mononoke (1997) - Japan (73) beat Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983) - India (47), The Sacrifice (1986) - Sweden (17), and Black Girl (1966) - Senegal (13)
The Seventh Seal (1957) - Sweden (53) beat Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013) - France (18), Jauja (2014) - Argentina (6), and Pushpak (1987) - India (3)
Raise the Red Lantern (1991) - China (28) beat The Skin I Live In (2011) - Spain (23), Bob Le Flambeur (1956) - France (14), and Jean de Florette (1986) - France (6)
Ran (1985) - Japan (32) beat Breathless (1960) - France (14), Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (1975) - Belgium (9), and The Tin Drum (1979) - Germany (2)
Johnny Gaddaar (2007) - India (45) beat Rare Exports - Finland (17), The Turin Horse (2011) - Hungary (15), and Cairo Station (1958) - Egypt (13)
Rashomon (1950) - Japan (37) beat Castle in the Sky (1986) - Japan (23), The Twilight Samurai (2002) - Japan (7), and Joyeux Noël (2005) - France (4)
Raw (2016) - France/Belgium (35) beat Jules and Jim (1962) - France (32), Celine and Julie Go Boating (1974) - France (19), and The Ugly Swans (2006) - Russia (3)
The Virgin Spring (1960) - Sweden (25) beat Red Beard (1965) - Japan (20), Katyn (2007) - Poland (4), and Cemetery of Splendour (2015) - Thailand (3)
Rififi (1955) -France (27) beat Kin-dza-dza (1986) - Russia (8), Children of Heaven (1997) - Iran (6), and The Warped Ones (1960) - Japan (3)
Chungking Express (1994) - Hong Kong (25) beat Three Colors: Blue (1993) - Poland/France (24), Roma (2018) - Mexico (18), and L’avventura (1960) - Italy (17)
Cinema Paradiso (1988) - Italy (23) beat Three Colors: Red (1994) - Poland/France (15), Rome, Open City (1945) - Italy (10), and La Belle Noiseuse (1991) - France (6)
City of God (2002) - Brazil (63) beat La Dolce Vita (1960) - Italy (31), Run Lola Run (1998) - Germany(27), and Three Times (2005) - Taiwan (5)
Throne of Blood (1957) - Japan (42) beat La Femme Nikita (1990) - France (25), Cold War (2018) - Poland (14), and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) - India (5)
Come and See (1985) - Russia (50) beat La Haine (1995) - France (27), Through a Glass Darkly (1961) - Sweden (24), and Samurai Rebellion (1967) - Japan
La Jetee (1962) - France (26) beat Cries and Whispers (1972) - Sweden (19), Sansho the Bailiff (1954) - Japan (18), and Time Regained (1999) - France (3)
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) - Taiwan (80) beat La Notte (1961) - Italy (21), Tokyo Godfathers (2003) - Japan (14), and Santa Sangre (1989) - Mexico (13)
Tokyo Story (1953) - Japan (31) beat Satantango (1994) - Hungary (11), La Vie de Bohème (1992) - Finland (5), and Daens (1992) - Belgium (1)
Das Boot (1981) - Germany (47) beat Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001) - India (7), Tokyo Tribe (2014) - Japan (5), and Satya (1998) - India (1)
Scenes from a Marriage (1974) - Sweden (21) beat Day of Wrath (1943) - Denmark (11), Lakshya (2004) - India (6), and Touchez Pas Au Grisbi (1954) - France (4)
Seven Samurai (1954) - Japan (90) beat Train to Busan (2016) - South Korea (51), Death Rides a Horse (1967) - Italy (4), and Landscape in the Mist (1988) - Greece (3)
Sholay (1975) - India (74) disqualified, Troll Hunter (2010) - Norway (36) beat Dekalog (1989) - Poland (33), and L'atalante (1934) - France (17)
Solaris (1972) - Russia (40) beat Delicatessen (1991) - France (22), Late Spring (1949) - Japan (13), and Ugetsu (1953) - Japan (12)
Umberto D. (1952) - Italy (16) beat Le Cercle Rouge (1970) - France (14), Soy Cuba (1964) - Russia (11), and Departures (2008) - Japan (8)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…and Spring (2003) - South Korea (19) beat Victoria (2015) - Germany (9), Le Doulos (1962) - France (5), and Der Mann, der Sherlock Holmes war (1937) - Germany (4)
Stalker (1979) - Russia (43) beat Le Samourai (1967) - France (16), Der Untergang (2004) - Germany (6), and Viridiana (1961) - Spain/Mexico (5)
View Poll

I’m watching Mako Mermaids for the first time. Loved H2O and thought it was time to try a new story in the same universe. I’m almost done with season 1, and while I find it entertaining, I’m just not that interested in the characters and storylines. I just don’t know who to root for. Cam and Zac act like “the bad guys” but the girls aren’t much better themselves even though they have good intentions. It’s hard to get invested as I just don’t believe anyone to be actual friends. It’s like everyone’s the main character but no one is. I don’t empathize with anyone. Also, Zac is too good a merman. While it’s cool to see a fish out of water story in the girls (no pun intended), I simply don’t buy that Zac is so powerful already. He barely has any trouble hiding his secret. And we haven’t seen him at his lifeguard job since the first two episodes, and when he had to save a little girl, no one bat an eye at his sudden speed in the water or disappearance. His girlfriend is the only one who’s suspicious, rightfully so, but he always manages to get away with everything. I don’t know. It’s like the plot is more important than character development. Does anyone else feel this way? Does it get better?

Fernando Alonso has become just the sixth driver to reach 100 Formula 1 podiums, but the Spaniard has almost undoubtedly taken the most unconventional route to the milestone.
After the best part of a decade in the wilderness of F1's midfield, Alonso's stunning start to the 2023 season suggests he is finally back in the battle at the front of the grid.
A self-proclaimed "anti-hero" from the "dark side", embracing his character role as the villain, Alonso brought up his landmark podium in fittingly controversial style at Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, .
Having shown that Aston Martin mean business with a series of stunning overtakes on George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz to finish third at the season opener in Bahrain, Alonso appeared to be cruising to a far more straightforward podium in Jeddah. However, confusion over the rules saw Alonso celebrate on the podium before being demoted by a 10-second penalty, after which he was finally reinstated following an Aston Martin appeal.
Along with Red Bull's domination, the 41-year-old's unexpected speed has been the story of the opening two rounds of the 2023 season. Alonso's performances have provided inspiration to just about every non-Red Bull driver on the grid, with Aston Martin's remarkable improvement after finishing seventh in last year's constructors' standings showing how quickly progress can be made.
Alonso won back-to-back world championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, but a series of questionable moves around the paddock since then have limited his opportunities to compete for wins, let alone further titles - leaving him to assume a role of underdog while the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton and Verstappen have dominated.
Given the last of Alonso's 32 race wins came in 2013, the penultimate campaign of his five-year stint with Ferrari, most thought his hopes of adding to that tally were all but over, but now a fairy-tale ending to a decorated career appears possible.
We take a look back at the highs and lows of his career.
Alonso's career remarkably started before McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri was born, back in 2001 at Minardi.
The Italian-based team, which still exists now as AlphaTauri having been bought by Red Bull and brought under their umbrella as a junior outfit to the current constructors' champions, certainly could have done with that sort of investment when Alonso was around.
There was very little money available to spend on development, and Alonso apparently helped to bolt pieces of the car together to make sure it was ready in time for the first race in Australia, where he would finish 12th.
At a time when points were only available to the top six finishers, Minardi and Alonso went the entire season without scoring, with a 10th place finish at Hockenheim his best effort.
There were also eight retirements for the Spaniard, highlighting the deficiencies of the model he was attempting to compete with.
Alonso's first taste of Formula 1 was undoubtedly with a genuine backmarker, and came at a time when the lack of a budget cap meant little teams had next to no chance of competing with the big players.
Race wins - 0
Podiums - 0
It was only a one-season stay - not for the last time in his career - for Alonso, as he departed Minardi to become test driver at Renault, whose team boss Flavio Briatore was also Alonso's manager, and had been the one to spot his talent as a go-karter.
At a time when drivers were generally not given their breakthroughs into F1 at the young ages we see today, the 22-year-old Alonso was generating plenty of attention for both his youth and the fact he was Spain's first driver in the sport.
This meant that when he took a maiden pole position before going on to claim his first podium at just the second race of the season in Malaysia, the excitement increased. Next time he claimed a pole position, in August at the Hungaroring, he would convert it to a victory, making him at the time youngest driver to win a Grand Prix.
Not only was there a new star in the sport, but he was delivering for a team in Renault that weren't part of the establishment, and were looking to break up the domination of Ferrari and Michael Schumacher, which they would finally do in 2005.
Alonso took advantage of a poor Ferrari season to quite comfortably beat McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen to the championship, but the race that epitomised his first title-winning season was in Imola, where the Spaniard held back a charging Schumacher in a nail-biting climax where the Ferrari was the quicker car.
Under pressure from the seven-time world champion and driver widely considered to be the sport's greatest of all time, Alonso held strong, setting down a marker for the remainder of the season.
It's fair to say that 2006 was the more impressive of Alonso's back-to-back title-winning campaigns, as this time he went toe-to-toe with Schumacher, who had won five successive titles going into the 2005 season.
Schumacher had announced that he would retire at the end of the season, and came into the campaign with huge motivation to end his career in fairy-tale fashion.
Alonso looked to have put that dream to bed as he won six of the first nine races - and finished second in the other three - to establish a huge advantage in the standings, but Schumacher would fight back with five wins in the next seven races to set up a tense finale.
However, Alonso would keep his cool under huge pressure once more, winning the penultimate race of the season in Japan before finishing second in Brazil to seal the title.
Race wins - 15
Podiums - 37
On paper, it wouldn't seem the most logical decision to leave a team with which you'd just won two successive titles, but that's exactly what Alonso did as he moved to McLaren to drive alongside a rookie named Lewis Hamilton.
The decision did turn out to be a mistake, but not in the way that anyone expected.
In one sense, the move to McLaren was on the money - the Woking-based team competed for the title with Ferrari while Renault were only the fourth-quickest team.
In every other sense, it was a disastrous chapter in Alonso's career that saw tensions flare between him and his team, not least with McLaren boss Ron Dennis and Hamilton.
Arguably, this was the first time in Alonso's career where he was the establishment and not the young outsider - that role fell to Hamilton, with whom he fought for the 2007 world championship.
The pair squabbled and lost each other points, before eventually finishing the season tied, just one point behind the title winner Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari.
"I think that the fallout with Lewis in 2007, where they fell out so spectacularly, basically gifted Kimi that title and it took him away from McLaren," Sky Sports F1's Karun Chandhok said.
"Then Lewis won the championship in 2008, so that's two years there where Fernando should've, would've, could've."
Alonso would leave under a cloud after one year, returning to Renault and giving up the chance to compete for titles.
Race wins - 4
Podiums - 12
The second time around with Renault felt like a bit of a placeholder, with the French team fairly uncompetitive.
Back in his favoured position as the underdog, Alonso took two victories in 2008 against the odds, albeit with one of them coming under controversial circumstances at the Singapore Grand Prix, with his team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr crashing at a convenient time,
The 2009 season would see no wins for Alonso, and just the one podium in Singapore, before he moved onto a new team - this time, it was for a prancing horse.
Race wins - 2
Podiums - 4
Ferrari, the team that all F1 drivers want to race for, was the team that Fernando Alonso remained with for the longest period of time.
Alonso battled with Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel for the title between 2010 and 2012, missing out on glory in the final races in both 2010 and 2012 despite some scintillating drives.
A famous statistic about Fernando Alonso is that If he had scored 11 more points across his F1 career, he could be a five-time world champion, missing out by fine margins in 2007, 2010 and 2012.
In essence, his time at Ferrari was one of 'what ifs' as he competed against the metronomic Vettel, with a Ferrari that was generally weaker than the Red Bull.
In 2014, at the beginning of the hybrid engine era, Ferrari's car was not up to scratch and Alonso began to look elsewhere and would move on a 2015, a decision that Chandhok believes was premature.
"Okay, at the time, Ferrari were pretty miserable in 2014 - but it came good."
Ferrari would win three races in 2015 with Sebastian Vettel, who replaced Alonso in the scarlet car before taking the fight to Mercedes in 2017 and 2018.
"I still believe Fernando would've won the championship in 2018 at Ferrari that year," Chandhok added.
Race wins - 11
Podiums - 44
While Ferrari were returning to contention, Alonso had opted for a surprise reunion with McLaren, with Hamilton having moved on to Mercedes.
2015 was a reunion for McLaren in two respects - Honda, with which it had had fantastic success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and Alonso, with whom they'd had a falling out.
While it was a reunion and world champion driver line-up of Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso, which had lots of promise, it delivered a horror show of slow cars, engine failures and frustrated radio messages that led to a messy divorce with Honda and a move to Renault power in 2018.
The engine performance had clearly been a big problem for McLaren, with Alonso making no secret of where he thought the blame lay as he used his team radio messages to make public statements.
"Driving with this, looking like amateurs", "this is embarrassing" and "GP2 engines" all come to mind.
While Honda's engine was not up to standard, it became clear that underlying poor car performance was also a factor as McLaren still languished in the midfield in 2018.
Though being the underdog is his style, this was a step too far at this stage of his career for a frustrated, helpless Alonso, and so he left McLaren and retired from Formula 1.
Race wins - 0
Podiums - 0
As one of the greatest and most adaptable drivers in motorsport history, Fernando Alonso took the time away from Formula 1 to compete in other series, including the Indy 500, the Dakar Rally and Le Mans 24h.
He was an outsider, a rookie again, and with Toyota, he won the World Endurance Championship.
Alonso still had what it took to compete at the top of motorsport, so when in 2020 Sebastian Vettel left Ferrari, creating a domino effect in the driver market, it was no shock to see Alonso interested in returning to Formula 1.
Having already raced for the team in its Renault guise on two occasions, Alpine was the natural team for Alonso to return to when he came out of retirement in 2021.
The team had been hovering at the front of the midfield, but were unable to push on from that position even with Alonso's expertise.
While he did return to the podium at the 2021 Qatar GP, Alonso couldn't compete for victory - and his career looked to be winding down in mediocre fashion.
But Vettel announcing his retirement midway through the 2022 season would trigger an explosion in the driver market, leaving Alonso with one more opportunity.
Alpine weren't willing to give Alonso a two-year contract, so he went to a team that would. Alonso left describing Alpine "like family" but admitted that the lack of faith from the team was a reason he left.
"It seems that I have to be evaluated every year because of my date of birth," Alonso said, having just turned 41. "It was a bit strange to me and other teams think differently and they trust in my abilities."
It was clear the spirit of the young Spaniard trying to prove his worth at Minardi 19 years earlier was still very much present.
Race wins - 0
Podiums - 1
Lawrence Stroll and Aston Martin had faith in Alonso, and gave him the two-year contract that he wanted.
Given their well-known desires to things on their own terms, many had concerns about Alonso and his new boss Lawrence Stroll's relationship.
However, two races and two podiums in, it appears as though this could be Alonso's type of team - they're an enigma and an unexpected force to be reckoned with that are disturbing the establishment.
Aston Martin are beating Mercedes, the team who supply them with an engine and other hugely significant parts of their car, while the Spaniard has also overcome the might of Ferrari.
While they are well-funded now, Aston Martin carry an underdog mentality with staff still around from their their previous guises as Jordan, Force India and Racing Point, who competed as less wealthy outfits that could occasional steal a race beneath the noses of giants.
As Sky Sports F1's Simon Lazenby put it: "Fernando is always effective, whatever he does he will drag the best out of that car.
"I think if you put everyone in equal machinery, I can't see him being far off Lewis or far off Max Verstappen.
"But Fernando has been operating at that level for 20 years. Fernando relishes being the underdog."
In a season where Red Bull's pace looks scary for the opposition, Alonso has just the car and team to play the role he loves best in the high-speed theatre of Formula 1.
If you didn't know who he was, now you do. After brining up a 100th podium, Alonso's next challenge is to find an elusive 33rd race victory. Can he do it in 2023? Find out live on Sky Sports F1.
Race wins - 0
Podiums - 2
Source: https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12832080/fernando-alonso-how-aston-martin-driver-reached-100-podiums-as-formula-1s-ultimate-underdog

Hey there you lovely people,
I need a bit of help and thought the best help would come from locals.
I will be visiting your gorgeous country in a few weeks with my family and we were thinking of buying a pre-paid SIM card for our 10 days stay, mainly so we can call for bookings and use for Google maps while we explore.
​
I stumbled upon these 2 providers https://imgur.com/7kzzTSC
and was thinking to go for Airtel 3 GB for SCR 499 (€37).
My questions are:

1. Is Airtel a good provider in terms of coverage and network signal?

We will be spending the first days on the small island of La Digue.

1. Is it possible to buy them from a local shop or do I have to order it somewhere?

​
Any help will be greatly appreciated, and looking forward to visit your paradise!

Hi, it's me again
Yesterday I posted a tip for Moon Farmers to get a small bit of Ethereum so you can interact with your Moons. (https://www.reddit.com/CryptoCurrency/comments/11xjctm/tip_for_all_moon_farmers/). It came to my attention that even the most experienced Moon farmers were not familiar with this tip. Also, there were over 100 (of 400) messages of new Moon farmers barely knowing anything about the project. Therefor, I wanted to write a post for some tips and tricks.
What are Moons?
This is for the 100 (or so) people just started. Moons is a governance token from the CryptoCurrency subreddit. It's on the Arbitrum Nova chain, which is an L2 build on the Ethereum blockchain. An L2 is is easy easy easy words a blockchain build on another blockchain to reduce fees and costs to interact.
As you might see on the top of the Reddit you'll see an advertisement banner. In order to advertise (or do AMA's) here you can buy Moons and burn them. What.. burning? It works sorta like a stock buyback what companies do. There is x amount of Moons, when they get burned they'll disappear thus making your piece of pie more valuable.
How do you get Moons?
This is also for the 100 (or so) people mentioned above. You simply get them by interacting in this sub. By getting upvotes and awards you get Karma. Based on the amount of Karma you amass you'll get Moons every 28 days.
Before you start farming, go to setting and click Vault. Open the Vault and go to the settings (within the Vault), click recovery phrase and write the 12 words on a sturdy piece of paper. Why you may ask? In case you loose acces to your Reddit account you can still acces your means? How you may ask? They are stored on the blockchain and not on Reddit, so the Vault is essentially a gateway to interact with your wallet.
If you head over to ccmoons.com you'll see 2 important dates:
- Snapshot: the day you'll find out how much Karma you've earned this month
- Distribution date: The day your Moons get delivered to your Vault (this is tonight! Happy Distribution day!!!)
How are they distributed you may ask? Quite simple actually, amount of Moons to be distributed divided by the amount of Karma earned in the month. Every month x amount of Moons gets distributed which is declining every month -> 40% goes to the Reddit tank, 10% to our hard working mods and 50% are distributed for us Moon Farmers.
Information for the more seasoned farmers to amass more Moons
This information is for the 150 (or so) newer Moon farmers wanting to amass more Moons.
What to look out for when making a post:
​
- When posting a COMEDY post you'll only get 0.1x the Moons per Karma! (CCIP-004)
- When posting a link post, such as a newspost you see all the time, you'll only get 0.5x the Moons per Karma earned. (CCIP-038)
- When posting a SERIOUS flare, you'll earn 2x the Moons per Karma earned. (CCIP-041)
Now before you post everything with a SERIOUS flare. Per flare there are rules so you can't simply upload anything under a SERIOUS flag.
​
BONUS
Moons are governance tokens, which means that you have a say on the trajectory of this subreddit. Every months there are polls on which you can vote with your Moons for new implications. For every poll you vote on you get 5% extra Moons! Usually there are for 4 polls thus you can earn 20% Moons simply for participating in these polls
Type in the search bar GOVERNANCE and/or CCIP
​
25% RULE
Yesterday a kind Redditor donating many Moons to other Redditors didn't know this fact so here it is. Holding your Moons gets you a multiplier or 1.0. When selling, transferring or donating more than 25% of your Moon holdings (every month) you'll get a penalty and thus receive less Moons per Karma next distribution. So, do whatever you want with your moons but keep atleast 75% every month!
You can also upload memes to cryptocurrencymemes and might be rewarded with Moons for your contribution (CCIP-005)
One last thing: you'll need to ATLEAST earned 10 karma to be eligible to receive Moons that month (CCIP-031).
​
Interacting with your Moons
There are a couple of ways to interact with your hard earned Moons. BUT, before you do you need Ethereum to move them around. You can either send it yourself but since Arbitrum is a L2 it's bit of a hassle. There is an easier way but it's done out of the pocket of some enthousiast so don't misuse it.

1. Go to CryptoCurrencyMoons, go to any post and type !gas nova -> You'll receive a bit of gas to do roughly 9-10 transactions
2. Go to https://novafaucet.com/, type in your username and adress and the same happens.

Now that you have gas to interact, what can you do? (Don't forget the 25% rule mentioned above)

1. Sell (or swap), you could ofcourse sell your Moons. Send Moons to a DEX or CEX and sell them.
2. Provide liquidity, send some Moons to Sushiswap and provide to the MOONS/ETH liquidity pool for a bit of extra APY.
3. Tip, you can tip a Moon or two to posts or comments which you find funny, good or informative. You reward good behaviour thus incentivising people to provide useful content! It's done quite easy, go to a post or comment and press the 3 dots.
4. Reddit Coins, a less populair way to spend your Moons is interacting with Reddit itself. You can spend your Moons on a cryptocurrency special membership which is like 450 Moons a month.
5. Governance, do what they are meant for, vote on the future on this subreddit.

The future for Moons is bright so more use-cases might follow!
Enjoy
Moons is a new project, it doesn't have a roadmap or whitepaper. To help better the sub it's future head to CryptoCurrencyMeta and put polls on what changes you like to see happen
I hope you new Moons farmers now have better picture of what Moons are and how to earn them. For a better source of information type in Google: Moons Wiki Reddit. There you'll find most information said above more detailled.
For the seasoned farmers: hope you learned some tips so you can maximise your Moon farming!
Much love u/plusfall5285

IGSRep

[Have]
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Fuck you.Fuck you. You useless piece of shit. You absolute waste of space and air. You uneducated, ignorant, idiotic dumb swine, you're an absolute embarrassment to humanity and all life as a whole. The magnitude of your failure just now is so indescribably massive that one hundred years into the future your name will be used as the moniker of evil for heretics. Even if all of humanity put together their collective intelligence there is no conceivable way they could have thought up a way to fuck k up on the unimaginable scale you just did. When Jesus died for our sins, he must not have seen the sacrilegious act we just witnessed you performing, because I know that your birth may have never become if he did he would have forsaken humanity long ago so that when you die, your skeleton will be displayed in a museum after being scientifically r bone structure, researched so that all future generations may learn not to generate them to a useless reality. your because every tiny detail anyone may have in common with you degrades t piece of trash and a burden to society. No wonder your father questioned whether or not you were truly his son, for you'd have to not be a waste of carbon matter for like a family member your birth made it so that mankind is worse of ine to love you f in every way you can possibly imagine, and you have made it so that society never really recover into a state of ization. can organization. Everything has forever fallen into a bewildering chaos, through which core, you can only find misfortune. I would say the apocalypse is upon us but unrecognizable core, v this is merely the closest word humans have for the sheer scale of horror that is now reality. You have forever condemned everyone you love and know into an eternal state of suffering. worse than any human concept of hell. You are such an unholy being, that if you step within a one hundred foot radius of a holy place or a place that has ever been deemed important by tradius anyone, your distorted sac religious soul will ruin whatever meaning it ever had beyond repair. You are an idiotic, shiteating, dumbass ape and no one has ever loved you. Rhodes Island would have been l fif you'd never joined us. You are a lying, backstabbing, been better off if you'd never cowardly useless piece of shit and I hate you with every single part of my being. Even this worlds finest writers and poets from throughout the ages could never hope to accurately escale which you just fucked up, and how incredibly idiotic you are. Anyone describe the s e on that believes in any religion out there should now realize that they have been wrong this entire time, for if divine beings were real, they would never have allowed a being such as you to stain the earth and this universe. In the future there will be horror stories made about you, with the scariest part of them being that the reader has to realize that such an indescribable monster actually exists, and that the horrific events from the movie have actually taken in the same world that they live in right now. You are the absolute embodiment of everything solute nave actually taken place that has ever been wrong on this earth, yet you manage to make it so that that is only a small part of the evil that is your being. Never in the history of mankind has there been of mankind has there been anyone that could have predicted such an eldrich abomination, but here you are. It's hard to believe that I am seeing such an an incredible failure with my own eyes, but here I am, so unfortunately I cannot deny your existence. Even if I did my very best, my vocabulary is not able to describe the sheer magnitude of the idiotic mistake that is you. Even if time travel some day will be Code invented, there still would not be a single soul willing to go back in time to before this moment to fix o fix history, because having to witness such incredible horrors if they failed would have to many mental and physical drawbacks that not even the bravest soul in history would be willing to risk it. I cannot imagine the pure dread your mother must have felt when she had to carry a baby for nine months and then giving birth to such a wretched monster as you. Not a single word of word of the incoherent, illogical rambling you may be wanting to do to defend ng you may yourself or apologize would ever be able to make up for what you just did. The countries of the world would have wanted to make laws preventing such a terrible event like this from ever happening again, but sadly this is not possible since your horrific actions just now have shattered every form of order this world once had, making concepts such as laws irrelevant. Right from the moment I first set my eyes on you I knew you were an absolute abomination of everything that is wrong with humanity. I was hoping I would have been able to prevent your evil from being released upon this world by tagging along and keeping my eye on you, but it is clear to me now that not even the greatest efforts would have been able to prevent a terrible event in this scale from occurring. You are the worst human being, or even just being in general, that I have ever had the misfortune of witnessing. Events like the infected plague apparently only happened with the goal of teaching humanity to survive such a horrible event e able to even slightly as the one you just created, but not even mankind's greatest trials were a epare anyone for the insufferable evil you have just created. If you ever had them, prepare children would be preemptively killed to protect your suniverse from the possibility of anyone in your bloodline being aan half as he protect this will never be able to have killed f as bad as you are, except you will being even children, because not a single human being will ever want to come within a hu a hundred mile of you and anything you have ever touched. You are a colossal disappointment not only radius to your parents, but to your ancestors and entire bloodline. The disgusting mistake that y have just made is so incredibly terrible that everyone who would ever be to hear about it. usly feel an indescribable mixt mixture would spontaneously feel an who woulding mistake that you of immane immense anger, fear and anxiety that emotionally and physically they would never truly be the same ever again. The sheer scale of your mistake, if ever to be materialized, would not only surpass the size of the world, but it would reach far beyond the edges of the known, and almost certainly the unknown universe. I could sit here and write paragraphs, nay, books describing your immense failure, yet even if I were to dedicate my life to describing the reality of what has just failure e down here, and I would meedoent of it until my heart stone heating working as hard and efficiently spend every moment of it until my heart stops beating v as possible, yet there is not even a snowballs chance in hell that I would be able to come close to transcribing the absolute shitshow you have just released upon the world. You are an irresponsible, idiotic, disgusting, unloved, horrible excuse for a living being who's soul contains less humanity than every ginger in history combined. The absolute disgust I feel when thinking about anything that has even a slight resemblance to anything that might have to do with you and your unholy actions is so incredibly great that when I am honest about it I think that even I do not posses a consciousness great enough to comprehend my own feelings about it. When people of Columbia fought to break free from Lungmen, countless soldiers fought and lost their lives in favor of a chance at a better future for their children, they did not give their lives to have you fuck the world up beyond repair to the degree that you are doing right now. Honestly, even when technology advances and studies on become more and more accurate, I do not think humanity will ever truly be able to the subject understand what your failure actually means for the universe. My hate for you and everything you stand for is so much deeper than the depths of Shambala that you could probably take s so much deepe the entire Lungmen population down there and back up around twenty million times before you would have sunk to the end of my hate, and honestly, I do not want to fun that that in the end of my hate, and I exaggerate, but 1 think that that insult was low balling it such a massive amount that all mountains in this world und being sive amount that all mo combined would not be able to stack up to this imprecise judgement in light of the fact that when being honest, my hate is almost certainly bottomless. There is no one in this world that has ever loved you, and especially after what you just did, no one will ever love you in the future either. There is no hope that your idiotic behavior and especially your crooked soul will ever change for the better, and in fact quite the opposite might be true. By making the mistake that you just did, you have shown me that you are so incredibly hopeless that you will only devolve into a more idiotic and wretched creature than you already are. The only possible way in which your future would be brighter than the black hole your existence currently is would exclusively be because there is absolutely no conceivable way that you would even beable to sink lower than the pathetic place your current failure has put you in.STOP FUCKING USING EMOJIS!!!!! 😡Fuck you.Fuck you. You useless piece of shit. You absolute waste of space and air. You uneducated,ignorant, idiotic dumb swine, you're an absolute embarrassment to humanity and all life as a whole. The magnitude of your failure just now is so indescribably massive that one hundred years into the future your name will be used as moniker of evil for heretics. Even if all of humanity put together their collective intelligence there is no conceivable way they could have thought up a way to fuck k up on the unimaginable scale you just did. When Jesus died for our sins, he must not have seen the sacrilegious act we just witnessed you performing, because i o that your birth may have never become he did he would have forsaken humanity long ago so that your I you die, your skeleton will be displayed in a museum after being scientifically r bone structure, researched so that all future generations may learn not to generate them to a useless reality. your because every tiny detail anyone may have in common with you degrades t piece of trash and a burden to society. No wonder your father questioned whether or not your were truly his son, for you'd have to not be a waste of carbon matter for like a family member your birth made it so that mankind is worse of ine to love you f in every way you can possibly imagine, and you have made it so that society never really recover into a state of ization. can organization. Everything has forever fallen into a bewildering chaos, through which core, you can only find misfortune. I would say the apocalypse is upon us but unrecognizable core, v this is merely the closest word humans have for the sheer scale of horror that is now reality. You have forever condemned everyone you love and know into an eternal state of suffering. worse than any human concept of hell. You are such an unholy being, that if you step within a one hundred foot radius of a holy place or a place that has ever been deemed important by tradius anyone, your distorted sac religious soul will ruin whatever meaning it ever had beyond repair. You are an idiotic, shiteating, dumbass ape and no one has ever loved you. Rhodes Island would have been l fif you'd never joined us. You are a lying, backstabbing, been better off if you'd never cowardly useless piece of shit and I hate you with every single part of my being. Even this worlds finest writers and poets from throughout the ages could never hope to accurately escale which you just fucked up, and how incredibly idiotic you are. Anyone describe the s e on that believes in any religion out there should now realize that they have been wrong this entire time, for if divine beings were real, they would never have allowed a being such as you to stain the earth and this universe. In the future there will be horror stories made about you, with the scariest part of them being that the reader has to realize that such an indescribable monster actually exists, and that the horrific events from the movie have actually taken in the same world that they live in right now. You are the absolute embodiment of everything solute nave actually taken place that has ever been wrong on this earth, yet you manage to make it so that that is only a small part of the evil that is your being. Never in the history of mankind has there been of mankind has there been anyone that could have predicted such an eldrich abomination, but here you are. It's hard to believe that I am seeing such an an incredible failure with my own eyes, but here I am, so unfortunately I cannot deny your existence. Even if I did my very best, my vocabulary is not able to describe the sheer magnitude of the idiotic mistake that is you. Even if time travel some day will be Code invented, there still would not be a single soul willing to go back in time to before this moment to fix o fix history, because having to witness such incredible horrors if they failed would have to many mental and physical drawbacks that not even the bravest soul in history would be willing to risk it. I cannot imagine the pure dread your mother must have felt when she had to carry a baby for nine months and then giving birth to such a wretched monster as you. Not a single word of word of the incoherent, illogical rambling you may be wanting to do to defend ng you may yourself or apologize would ever be able to make up for what you just did. The countries of the world would have wanted to make laws preventing such a terrible event like this from ever happening again, but sadly this is not possible since your horrific actions just now have shattered every form of order this world once had, making concepts such as laws irrelevant. Right from the moment I first set my eyes on you I knew you were an absolute abomination of everything that is wrong with humanity. I was hoping I would have been able to prevent your evil from being released upon this world by tagging along and keeping my eye on you, but it is clear to me now that not even the greatest efforts would have been able to prevent a terrible event in this scale from occurring. You are the worst human being, or even just being in general, that I have ever had the misfortune of witnessing. Events like the infected plague apparently only happened with the goal of teaching humanity to survive such a horrible event e able to even slightly as the one you just created, but not even mankind's greatest trials were a epare anyone for the insufferable evil you have just created. If you ever had them, prepare children would be preemptively killed to protect your suniverse from the possibility of anyone in your bloodline being aan half as he protect this will never be able to have killed f as bad as you are, except you will being even children, because not a single human being will ever want to come within a hu a hundred mile of you and anything you have ever touched. You are a colossal disappointment not only radius to your parents, but to your ancestors and entire bloodline. The disgusting mistake that y have just made is so incredibly terrible that everyone who would ever be to hear about it. usly feel an indescribable mixt mixture would spontaneously feel an who woulding mistake that you of immane immense anger, fear and anxiety that emotionally and physically they would never truly be the same ever again. The sheer scale of your mistake, if ever to be materialized, would not only surpass the size of the world, but it would reach far beyond the edges of the known, and almost certainly the unknown universe. I could sit here and write paragraphs, nay, books describing your immense failure, yet even if I were to dedicate my life to describing the reality of what has just failure e down here, and I would meedoent of it until my heart stone heating working as hard and efficiently spend every moment of it until my heart stops beating v as possible, yet there is not even a snowballs chance in hell that I would be able to come close to transcribing the absolute shitshow you have just released upon the world. You are an irresponsible, idiotic, disgusting, unloved, horrible excuse for a living being whose soul contains less humanity than every ginger in history combined. The absolute disgust I feel when thinking about anything that has even a slight resemblance to anything that might have to do with you and your unholy actions is so incredibly great that when I am honest about it I think that even I do not posses a consciousness great enough to comprehend my own feelings about it. When the people of Columbia fought to break free from Lungmen, countless soldiers fought and lost their lives in favor of a chance at a better future for their children, they did not give their lives to have you fuck the world up beyond repair to the degree that you are doing right now. Honestly, even when technology advances and studies and become more and more accurate, I do not think humanity will ever truly be able to the subject understand what your failure actually means for the universe. My hate for you and everything you stand for is so much deeper than the depths of Shambala that you could probably take s so much deepe the entire Lungmen population down there and back up around twenty million times before you would have sunk to the end of my hate, and honestly, I do not want to fun that that in the end of my hate, and I exaggerate, but 1 think that that insult was low balling it such a massive amount that all mountains in this world and being sive amount that all mo combined would not be able to stack up to this imprecise judgment in light of the fact that when being honest, my hate is almost certainly bottomless. There is no one in this world that has ever loved you, and especially after what you just did, no one will ever love you in the future either. There is no hope that your idiotic behavior and especially your crooked soul will ever change for the better, and in fact quite the opposite might be true. By making the mistake that you just did, you have shown me that you are so incredibly hopeless that you will only devolve into a more idiotic and wretched creature than you already are. The only possible way in which your future would be brighter than the black hole your existence currently is would exclusively be because there is absolutely no conceivable way that you would even beable to sink lower than the pathetic place your current failure has put you in.STOP FUCKING USING EMOJIS!!!!! 😡

The type of snack you choose can also impact your overall health and well-being. For example, choosing healthy snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can provide essential nutrients, boost energy, and help regulate blood sugar levels. On the other hand, consuming high-fat, high-sugar, and processed snacks can lead to energy crashes, mood swings, and feelings of guilt. When choosing snacks, look for foods that are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats, and low in sugar and unhealthy fats.
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When you think about South Indian food, what comes to your mind? A typical South Indian breakfast with idlis, dosas, vada etc., rice, curd vegetables and pickles are some of the staples of this cuisine. But there are also some South Indian snacks that are less known by people outside this part of India. These snacks are loved by the people living here and people who try them for the first time can’t stop coming back for more. Here is a list of our top 5 South Indian snacks that you should try when you plan your trip for the first time to this part of India.
There are so many snacks to try when you are in South India. The food culture here is amazing. I am naming the Top Five South Indian Snacks which will blow your mind.
In conclusion, mindful snacking is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy diet and reducing stress. By being mindful of what you're eating, why you're eating it, and how much you're eating, you can make healthier choices and feel more in control of your eating habits. By planning ahead, paying attention to hunger cues, avoiding distractions, and choosing nutritious snacks, you can support your overall health and well-being.

Hi all, I ended up condensing this story a lot and I changed the trajectory of some of the students. I added a new student (Rachel) and took out another (Sarah). Hopefully you all liked this story! I took out some of the "fluff" scenes and decided just to focus on college stuff for the most part.
This is it *phew*. I had to split in two parts because Reddit has a 40k character limit.
Link for Part 2 below Reddit - Dive into anything
IntroductionEthan Green:

• GPA: 3.6
• SAT score: 1590
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Math Club, School Band (Guitar), Chess Club, Tutoring, Art Club

Julie Green:

• GPA: 4.0
• SAT score: 1500
• Top 5 extracurriculars: School Newspaper (Editor-in-Chief), School Band (Guitar), Model United Nations, Yearbook Club, Environmental Club

Priya Rabinowitz:

• GPA: 4.0
• SAT score: 1570
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Student Council (President), Debate Team, Key Club, National Honor Society, Volunteer at local non-profit organization

Matthew Hernandez:

• GPA: 4.0
• SAT score: 1580
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Science Olympiad, Math Club, Robotics Club, Peer Tutoring, Community Service Club

Rachel Lee:

• GPA: 3.8
• SAT score: 1460
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Creative Writing Club, School Newspaper, Drama Club, Art Club, National Honor Society

David Anderson:

• GPA: 3.7
• SAT score: 1410
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Varsity Football (Quarterback), Student-Athlete Leadership Council, Business Club, School Spirit Committee, Volunteer at local youth sports organization

Minho Park:

• GPA: 4.0
• SAT score: 1590
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Computer Science Club, Math Club, Science Olympiad, Robotics Club, USACO (USA Computing Olympiad) participant

Alicia Davis:

• GPA: 3.9
• SAT score: 1520
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Debate Team, Mock Trial, Model United Nations, Volunteer at local community center, National Honor Society

Alex Madrigal:

• GPA: 4.0
• SAT score: 1550
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Math Club, Science Olympiad, Soccer Team, School Newspaper, Spanish Club

Taylor Chen:

• GPA: 3.8
• SAT score: 1480
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Art Club, LGBT+ Alliance, Drama Club, Environmental Club, School Newspaper (Arts Section)

Raj Singh:

• GPA: 4.0
• SAT score: 1560
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Debate Team, Model United Nations, Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, School Newspaper (Opinions Editor)

Mary Sinclair:

• GPA: 3.9
• SAT score: 1510
• Top 5 extracurriculars: Art Club, Student Council (Vice President), School Newspaper (Features Editor), Yearbook Club, Community Service Club

Chapter 1: Beginning of Senior Year The crisp autumn air swirled around Green Hills High School, a prestigious public high school nestled in the suburbs of New York City. A sense of urgency and anticipation permeated the school, as the college admissions season had arrived. The pressures of academic achievement and looming deadlines weighed heavily on the shoulders of the senior class, who each bore their own unique dreams and aspirations. Among them were twelve students, each with distinct backgrounds and stories, all vying for a chance to secure a place at their dream colleges.
Ethan Green, an academically gifted slacker, found his once-promising future in jeopardy due to personal struggles and substance abuse. However, a stunning 1590 on the SATs breathed new life into his aspirations, rekindling his desire to attend the University of Chicago. With the unwavering support of his twin sister Julie, a straight-A student with a passion for music, Ethan began the arduous journey of repairing his tarnished transcript. Julie, on the other hand, had her heart set on Duke University, where she hoped to pursue a career in journalism.
Priya Rabinowitz, a brilliant, mixed-race overachiever, was the epitome of a perfect student. Her dream was to attend Brown University, driven by her passion for social justice. Despite her many accomplishments, she harbored a secret fear of not being "good enough." Her best friend, Rachel Lee, shared a similar sentiment, feeling inadequate in comparison to her academically perfect older brother Brian, and her high-achieving friend, Priya.
Matthew Hernandez, a top student with perfect grades and a near-perfect SAT score, dreamed of attending Harvard University, but his impoverished background made paying for college seem like an insurmountable challenge. At the same time, David Anderson, the school's star quarterback, yearned to attend Stanford and study business, but feared that his intelligence would be overshadowed by his athletic prowess.
Minho Park, a computer science prodigy who moved from South Korea at a young age, aimed to attend a prestigious school like MIT, Caltech, or Stanford. Alicia Davis, one of the few black students at Green Hills High School, aspired to attend Georgetown University and become a lawyer, her warm personality making her a natural confidante to her peers.
Alex Madrigal, another top student with a passion for math, science, and soccer, focused on getting into Stanford University. Meanwhile, Taylor Chen, a recently out nonbinary student, sought a college that would provide a safe and supportive environment for them to thrive.
Raj Singh, a senior at Green Hills High School who excelled in debate, hoped to attend Yale University. Lastly, Mary Sinclair, a talented artist who faced the pressures of being a double legacy at Brown University, worried that she may not truly be qualified for the prestigious institution.
As the college admissions season unfolded, these twelve seniors navigated the treacherous waters of self-discovery, friendship, and ambition, their journeys intertwining and shaping one another in ways they could never have imagined. The story of Green Hills High School's senior class was one of hope, heartache, and the relentless pursuit of dreams, all set against the backdrop of an unforgiving, competitive world.
Chapter 2: Applying Early The sun had barely risen on November 1st, the day when early college applications were due. A flurry of last-minute edits and double-checking consumed the lives of Green Hills High School's seniors as they prepared to submit their applications. The twelve friends, united by their dreams, sat together in the school library, each nervously finalizing their college applications.
Ethan, his heart pounding, reviewed his application one last time before hitting the submit button for Early Decision at the University of Chicago. He felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation as he considered the possibility of attending his dream school.
Julie, sitting beside her twin, took a deep breath and clicked submit on her Early Decision application to Duke University. She allowed herself a brief moment of relief, knowing she had poured her heart into her application and showcased her love for journalism.
Priya's hands trembled as she applied Early Decision to Brown University, her anxiety about being "good enough" momentarily set aside in the hope that her passion for social justice would shine through.
Rachel, her heart racing, sent off her Early Decision application to Columbia University, trying to shake off the pressure from her family and praying that her talents as a writer would be enough to secure her a spot at the prestigious institution.
Matthew, his jaw clenched, submitted his Restricted Early Action application to Harvard University, knowing that his future depended on receiving sufficient financial aid. He hoped that his stellar academic achievements would make it impossible for Harvard to turn him away.
David's eyes were filled with determination as he sent off his Restricted Early Action application to Stanford University, after completing his football tryouts. He hoped that the admissions officers would see his potential both on the field and in the classroom.
Minho, his fingers tapping anxiously, submitted his Early Action application to MIT. He had poured his heart into his computer science projects and was eager to showcase his passion and talent in his application.
Alicia, with a supportive smile from her friends, applied Early Action to Georgetown University. Her dream of becoming a lawyer seemed closer than ever as she hit the submit button, the pride she felt in herself evident in her eyes.
Alex, filled with anticipation, sent off his Restricted Early Action application to Stanford University. He knew that his academic achievements and passion for soccer had the potential to make him stand out in the competitive applicant pool.
Taylor, their hands shaking with nerves, applied Early Decision to Swarthmore College. They hoped that the accepting environment of the school would allow them to embrace their nonbinary identity and pursue their artistic passions.
Raj, his heart pounding, submitted his Restricted Early Action application to Yale University. He knew that his father would have been proud of his accomplishments, and he hoped that his debate skills and determination would be enough to secure a place at his dream school.
Mary, her face a mixture of hope and worry, applied Early Decision to Brown University. Despite her double legacy status, she longed to be admitted based on her own merits and her passion for art, rather than her family connections.
As the twelve friends hit the submit buttons on their applications, a collective sigh of relief filled the library. They had taken the first, crucial step in the college admissions process, their dreams laid bare for the admissions officers to see. The waiting game had begun, and their futures hung in the balance, but for now, they took solace in their shared journey, knowing that whatever the outcome, they had each other's support.
Chapter 3: Early Admissions Results
It was a chilly December evening when the early decision and early action results were released. The twelve friends gathered at Ethan and Julie's house, huddled around their laptops and phones, each waiting with bated breath for the email that would determine their future.
Ethan opened his email first, his eyes widening as he read the words, "Congratulations!" He had been accepted to the University of Chicago! The room erupted in cheers and applause as Julie hugged her twin, her pride in his accomplishment shining in her eyes.
Next, Julie nervously opened her own email, letting out a squeal of joy as she discovered that she had been accepted to Duke University. Her dream of studying journalism at the prestigious institution was now a reality, and her friends celebrated with her, sharing in her happiness.
Priya's hands shook as she opened her email from Brown University, only to find that she had been deferred. Her heart sank, and she tried to mask her disappointment with a smile. Rachel, whose application to Columbia University had been rejected, wrapped an arm around her friend, offering silent support.
Matthew's face fell as he read that his application to Harvard had also been deferred. He fought back the fear that his family's financial situation might prevent him from attending his dream school, even if he were ultimately accepted.
David beamed with pride as he announced that he had been accepted to Stanford University to play football. His friends cheered for him, although Alex couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, knowing he was more academically qualified. Alex's own email from Stanford revealed that he had been deferred, causing the disappointment to settle heavier in his heart.
Minho's face lit up with joy as he discovered that he had been accepted to MIT. His friends congratulated him, knowing that his hard work and dedication to computer science had paid off. Alicia, too, had reason to celebrate, as she was accepted to Georgetown University, one step closer to her dream of becoming a lawyer.
Taylor's heart raced as they opened their email from Swarthmore College, only to find that they had been deferred. They tried to remain hopeful, knowing that the college search was far from over.
Raj's face paled as he read that he had been rejected from Yale University. The disappointment stung, but his friends rallied around him, reminding him of his incredible accomplishments and assuring him that he would find the right college in the end.
Finally, Mary opened her email from Brown University and was met with the news of her acceptance. The room filled with cheers and congratulations, but Priya couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy. While Mary was a strong student, Priya's test scores and grades had been higher, and she knew that Mary's double legacy status had played a role in her acceptance.
As the evening came to an end, the twelve friends had experienced a roller coaster of emotions. Some had reason to celebrate, while others were met with disappointment, jealousy, or uncertainty. Despite the various outcomes, they knew that their friendship would remain steadfast. Together, they would continue to navigate the ups and downs of the college admissions process, their bonds only growing stronger as they faced an uncertain but hopeful future.
Chapter 4: A Few Random Scenes Before RD Decisions Income Brackets The twelve friends gathered at a local park on a sunny Saturday afternoon, enjoying each other's company as they picnicked and played games. As the sun began to dip in the sky, they sat on the grass in a circle, sharing their thoughts and experiences.
Alicia, ever the good listener, brought up a topic that they had all noticed but rarely discussed: their different income brackets. It was a sensitive subject, but Alicia felt that it was important for them to acknowledge and understand the unique challenges each of them faced.
Matthew, who came from a low-income family, hesitated before speaking up. "You know, sometimes it's really hard being one of the poorest students in our school. I've had to work a part-time job to help support my family, and that's meant less time for studying or extracurriculars." His friends nodded in sympathy, recognizing the additional pressure that Matthew faced in trying to balance his responsibilities.
Ethan, Julie, Minho, Alicia, and Taylor, who all came from middle-class families, shared their own struggles. "It's not always easy for us either," said Julie. "We may not have to worry as much about making ends meet, but we still feel the pressure to work hard and achieve our dreams without having a financial safety net to fall back on."
Priya, Rachel, David, Alex, and Raj, who were considered upper middle class, acknowledged the advantages they had but also shared their perspectives. "Sure, we have more resources," admitted Priya, "but it sometimes feels like there's an expectation for us to succeed no matter what. That pressure can be really overwhelming."
Mary, who came from an upper-class family, listened to her friends' experiences and nodded in understanding. "I know I'm fortunate," she said softly, "but it's not always easy being seen as the 'rich kid.' Sometimes people assume I don't have to work hard, or that I don't have my own problems. Money can't buy happiness, and it can't guarantee success either."
As the conversation continued, the friends found themselves opening up about their fears, insecurities, and the unique challenges they faced because of their different financial situations. They began to understand each other's perspectives more fully, realizing that no one had a perfect life, regardless of their income bracket.
The sun had almost set by the time the twelve friends decided to pack up and head home. As they walked together, they felt a renewed sense of unity and support. They knew that their friendship was more important than any financial differences, and they were grateful to have one another as they faced whatever challenges life had in store for them.
Ethan
The twelve friends were seated in the school library, working on a group project for their history class. Their task was to research and create a presentation on the American Revolution, and each student was responsible for a specific aspect of the project.
As they discussed their findings, Julie mentioned a piece of information that she couldn't quite recall. "I remember reading something about the Battle of Saratoga, but I can't remember the exact details," she admitted, frustrated.
Ethan, who had been quietly browsing through a book, glanced up and said, "Do you mean the fact that it was a turning point in the Revolutionary War because it convinced the French to support the American cause?"
Julie looked at him, surprised. "Yes, that's exactly it! How did you know?"
Ethan grinned sheepishly. "I saw it in one of the books we were using for research last week. I just happened to glance at the page, but it stuck in my head."
His friends exchanged glances, impressed by Ethan's uncanny ability to remember things he had only seen briefly. It was a talent they had all noticed before, but never really discussed.
Curious, Minho asked, "Ethan, do you have a photographic memory?"
Ethan shrugged. "I guess you could say that. I've always been able to remember things I've seen or read, even if it's just for a short moment. It's just something my brain does."
The group marveled at Ethan's unique skill, and they began to ask him questions about various historical events and figures. To their amazement, he was able to recall an incredible amount of information, often down to the exact page number where he had seen it.
As the group continued their project, they couldn't help but feel grateful for Ethan's extraordinary memory. His ability to retain and recall information made their research more efficient, and it quickly became clear that his talent would be a major asset in their project.
The friends were not only impressed by Ethan's photographic memory but also inspired by the way he used his gift to help the group. It was a reminder that each of them had their unique strengths, and when they worked together, there was no challenge they couldn't overcome.
Rachel The twelve friends had gathered at Priya's house for a relaxed weekend hangout. As they lounged in the living room, a pile of their old middle school yearbooks lay on the coffee table, stirring up nostalgic memories and laughter.
Raj picked up one of the yearbooks and flipped through the pages, pausing when he came across the "Creative Writing Club" section. He looked up at Rachel and said, "Hey, I remember you won a couple of writing contests back then. Are you still writing?"
Rachel blushed and nodded. "Yeah, I've been working on a few short stories recently."
Her friends exchanged glances, intrigued. "Would you mind sharing one with us?" Alicia asked gently, her eyes full of genuine interest.
With some hesitation, Rachel agreed and disappeared into her bag, retrieving a small notebook. Her friends gathered around her in anticipation as she flipped through the pages, searching for the story she wanted to share.
"Okay," Rachel said, taking a deep breath. "This one is called 'The Timekeeper's Daughter.'"
As she began to read, her friends listened intently. Rachel's words painted a vivid picture of a young girl named Lila, who lived in a world where time was a tangible currency. Lila's father was the town's Timekeeper, responsible for managing and distributing time to the citizens.
The story was filled with imaginative details and intricate descriptions that transported the friends into Lila's world. Rachel's writing was both elegant and engaging, seamlessly weaving together the threads of the plot as the story unfolded.
As Rachel's voice carried them through the emotional highs and lows of Lila's journey, her friends found themselves hanging onto every word. They felt the young girl's joy and sorrow, her determination and fear, and the ultimate resolution of her story.
When Rachel finally closed the notebook, the room was silent for a moment before it erupted into applause. Her friends marveled at the beauty of her storytelling, praising her extraordinary writing abilities.
"Rachel, that was incredible!" Julie exclaimed. "I felt like I was right there with Lila in that world. Your descriptions were so vivid, and the story was so unique and compelling."
"Yeah, you have a real gift," David added, his admiration evident in his voice. "You should consider writing a book someday."
Rachel blushed again, overwhelmed by their compliments. As her friends continued to praise her creative writing talents, she felt a newfound sense of confidence and determination to continue honing her craft.
For the twelve friends, the experience of listening to Rachel's story brought them closer together, as they were reminded once again of the diverse talents that each of them possessed. Together, they celebrated Rachel's extraordinary writing abilities and the unique gifts that each of them brought to their circle of friendship.
See link below for Part 2!

If you're a fan of the fantasy romance genre, particularly any "enemies to lovers," tropes, you'll know that there's a particular plot twist moment that's a tad overdone.
It's the moment when the love interest's true identity is revealed; and he's actually the evil king, the dark faerie prince, or he's the leader of the underground rebellion which is warring directly with your MC's kingdom/country etc.
In my opinion, I can guess these moments from the get-go. Where I think most of the predictability comes from is the text mentioning Head Baddie guy in exposition, and then suddenly Hot Dark Mysterious man shows up out of nowhere. Like, it's so obvious.
One of my favourite character reveal moments of all time, if you've seen it, is at the end Westworld Season 1 (iykyk).
And in my own story, this reveal moment is something I want to write, and I want to write it well. Unpredictable- shock, gasp, horror. The problem is, how?
For context, my story is an urban fantasy, involving angels and demons. Can you guess my plot twist? My love interest turns out to be none other than the glorious Lucifer, AKA the Devil. Of course he'll be given a different name at introduction, but my MC will know he's a demon from start, and that he works for the Devil. But how else can I subvert expectations? Any ideas?

Note: As I said I want to take my time with this story and write it in better quality ("book alike") with bigger chapters and more characters development and world building. Enjoy this chapter!
Prologue Chapter 1 Prev Next
*****
Karina stepped through the portal for the second time that day, emerging in a bustling square in the heart of Aharedun, the capital city of the Kingdom of Aranthia. Unlike the portal to Thalassar, this one was noticeably smaller and less blurry, allowing Karina to clearly see the guards standing on the other side of the shimmering energy field. They wore their imposing grayish armor, their eyes trained on the group of travelers that had just arrived.
Leading the way was Prince Kaelen, who beckoned Karina and their new Viluna companions to follow him into the city. As they made their way through the square, Karina couldn't help but marvel at the sights and sounds around her. The buildings were unlike anything she had ever seen on Earth, with towering spires and ornate decorations adorning every surface. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and the sound of alien music that made her toes tap in rhythm.
The crowd that had gathered to greet them was diverse, made up of Thalassarians they already met and several others, she wasn’t sure if they were other species or races.
Her attention was drawn to a particular figure in the crowd, a small creature with dark-green skin and carapaces on its body. It wore a bright yellow toga and had a face that was humanoid but with distinct differences. Its nose was small and almost imperceptible, and it had no hair on its head. Karina couldn't help but stare, fascinated by this strange being.
Before she could take in more of her surroundings, Prince Kaelen stepped forward and made a gesture opening both of his hands and waving his head from one side to other, prompting the crowd to follow suit. Karina wasn't sure if it was a greeting or a bow, but she joined in, copying the movement.
"Welcome, citizens of Aharedun and visitors from afar!" Prince Kaelen announced to the crowd. "We are honored to have these new guests among us, the Humans! We will be taking them to the Royal Palace to show them more of our city tonight and in the coming days. In the meantime, please enjoy the festivities and explore our wonderful city!"
The crowd erupted into applause, and Karina felt a sense of warmth and hospitality from the Thalassarians, she wasn’t sure what she expected once they came here, but this was a welcome sight. As they followed Prince Kaelen down the bustling street, she took in more of the sights and sounds around her, feeling a sense of adventure and excitement building within her. She couldn't wait to see what other wonders this world had in store for her.
They walked stone-cobbled streets towards the big Palace prompted on one of the hills that surrounded the city. The whole time Karina and the humans were escorted by the legion of guards and the hooded figures appeared every once in a while on the corners or on top of the buildings.
“How many people live here?” Karina asked her Viluna which was hovering near her shoulder.
“Around five hundred thousand,” Viluna answered with a squeaky voice.
“Is that a lot in Thalassar or?” Karina asked curiously.
“It’s on a bigger spectrum, but that are larger cities, Aranthia has three bigger cities, but this their capital due to its geopolitical position.” A little speck of flittering light answered. “Which city are you from back on Earth?” The little creature asked her.
“I was born in Moscow,” Karina answered.
“Ahh, we have heard of it in our brief time on Earth,” Viluna answered.
“What?” Karina was shocked. “You have been on Earth? When?” She asked.
“We have visited once the portal was open,” Viluna answered. “We are curious creatures, drawn to new things.”
“How come no one saw you?” Karina asked looking at the Viluna as it flown around her head.
“We can’t take physical or any form on that matter on Earth.” The creature said. “See on our moon we have a physical form, down here on Thalassar we are like this, but once we went through the portal we became nothing but a flicker in the air, barely visible if you knew what you were looking for.” The creature said changing its colors.
“So, why are you here and with us if you can just go to Earth and learn all about us from the shadows?” Karina asked.
“Well, it’s not that simple. Since we can not find any form on Earth, we can’t stay long there, no more than an hour at a time and once we get back it takes us long time to recover.” Viluna explained.
Karina furrowed her brows, trying to understand. “Why is that?”
“We start to lose ourselves if we stay longer. Our minds can’t work right without a form. If we were to stay longer, we would probably cease to exist, as our minds would get lost completely,” Viluna said, changing colors.
“Hmm,” Karina said thinking. “You are weird little creatures. We will talk more tonight, I want to take in all the sights now.” With that said the little creature buzzed above her head.
They had almost reached the big palace during their conversation, only a big flight of rounding stone stairs was between them and an enormous gate at the top of the hill.
“Up we go humans,” Prince Kaelen said and started climbing.
They made their way up the grand staircase, their footsteps echoing against the stone steps. Karina looked around in awe at the view of the city that was unfolding before her. She could see the different districts and neighborhoods of Aharedun, each with its own unique architecture and vibe. She noticed a few towering buildings that stood out from the rest, in her mind those belonged to the nobility or wealthy merchants.
As they reached the top of the stairs, they were met with the sight of the enormous gate, decorated with intricate carvings and symbols that Karina couldn't decipher. The gate was guarded by two large statues of armored soldiers riding unfamiliar beasts, their swords raised and ready to strike. The guards opened the gates, and they stepped into a wide courtyard, filled with lush greenery and fountains.
The palace itself was an impressive structure, with several wings and towers reaching up toward the sky. The walls were made of a white stone that shimmered in the sunlight, and the windows were adorned with colorful stained glass. Karina could see balconies and terraces on the upper floors buzzing with people looking down at their new guests.
Prince Kaelen stood and faced the crown. “Welcome to Royal Palace,” He said opening his arms to show the majestic structure spreading on three sides around them. “It’s been built by my family some four hundred years ago and had been our home ever since.”
As Kaelen talked Karina took her time to take in the marvelous Palace. She was struck by the sheer grandeur of the architecture. Towering pillars rose up from the ground, supporting massive arches and intricate carvings that adorned every inch of the Palace's façade. The gardens were a sight to behold as well, with an array of exotic flowers and plants that seemed to glow in the sunlight. Karina could hear the soft babbling of a nearby fountain, which was surrounded by a group of playful Thalassarian children who were splashing around in the water.
Karina took few steps away from the group and noticed the bustling activity of the Thalassarians as they tended to the upkeep of the Palace and its grounds. Some were meticulously cleaning the pavement, making sure that every stone was spotless. Others were hard at work, trimming and pruning the greenery so that it maintained its shape and beauty. Karina couldn't help but admire the dedication and attention to detail that the Thalassarians put into their work.
Despite their busy schedules, the Thalassarians still found time to take in the sights and sounds of the Palace. Karina observed that they often stopped to exchange greetings and friendly banter with one another, even as they went about their tasks. And yet, whenever opportunity arose, the Thalassarians couldn't help but steal glances in the direction of humans. It was clear that they were curious about the visitors.
“This will be your home for the next year, or until you wish to get reassigned to another part of the program.” Kaelen said finishing speech. “There will be a maid so to say or someone to be of your assistance for each of assigned on top of your Vilunas to make your lives in palace easier. Go ahead enter the east wing of the palace and you will find your rooms at the second and third floor.”
Karina's heart skipped a beat as she stepped into the Palace, her eyes wide open as she tried to take in the grandeur of the interior. The entryway was dominated by a massive chandelier, but she noticed that instead of light bulbs, it was adorned with floating spheres of light that illuminated the entire room in a soft, warm white glow. The walls were painted in a rich shade of yellow, resembling the color of the ocean, while the marble floors were decorated with intricate patterns that seemed the follow the motives from their uniforms.
As she followed the grand hallway, she passed by rooms that were equally lush and rich. She couldn't help but marvel at the fine artwork that adorned the walls, the intricate tapestries that hung from the ceiling, and the luxurious furniture that filled each room. It was like nothing she had ever seen before.
Climbing at the third floor she arrived at her room. It was just as grand as the rest of the Palace, with a large four-poster bed draped in luxurious silks, a writing desk made of rare woods, and a balcony that offered a stunning view of the gardens below.
As Karina was lost in thought, the sound of the door opening startled her. She turned to see a young Thalassarian woman with strikingly unique eyes. They were a deep purple with a faint glow, an unmistakable characteristic of the Thalassarians. Karina guessed her to be in her early twenties, but it was hard to tell with them yet.
The woman's beauty was undeniable, but there was also an awkwardness about her that made her all the more endearing. She stood there nervously, clasping her hands together, as she spoke in a soft voice, "Mistress, my name is Nereia. I have been assigned to assist you during your stay here."
Karina couldn't help but smile at the young woman's formal address, "Please, call me Karina. And it's a pleasure to meet you, Nereia."
Nereia let out a small sigh of relief, "Thank you, Karina. If you'll allow me, I'll show you around and help you with anything you need during your stay here. How do you like your room?" Nereia asked.
“I love it, it’s beautiful,” Karina answered truthfully. “It’s all very overwhelming, but it’s grandiose, to say the least,” Karina said with a friendly smile.
Nereia returned the smile, her faintly glowing eyes sparkling in the light. "I'm glad you like it. Well, the Royal Family is known for its luxurious style.” She said. “Is there anything else you need before I leave you to settle in?"
Karina shook her head, "No, I think I'm good for now. Thank you again, Nereia."
“I will be back later with a gown for the welcome feast tonight, you make yourself comfortable and call me if you need anything,” Nereia left and closed the door behind her.
Moments later Karina stepped out onto the terrace, taking in the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of trickling water from the nearby fountain. She noticed Viluna, her sparkling companion, floating nearby.
"Hey,” Karina said, smiling at her companion. “I was wondering if you could tell me about how magic works. That’s one of the things we humans are the most curious about."
Viluna beamed back at Karina. "It won’t be that simple I am afraid, Karina. Magic is a complex and powerful force that is present in all living things. It's the energy that flows through us and connects us to the world around us."
“Why it won’t be that simple?” Karina asked curiously.
“Well, that’s amongst few things we are not allowed to share with you humans yet,” It said.
“What? Why?” Karina asked. “Aren’t you here to share the knowledge with us?”
“Yes, we are. But it was in the deal we made with the Prince,” Viluna said floating near her head. “The King himself requested we don’t share that knowledge yet, at least not to the full extent. I will answer some of the basic questions and I am sure you will find a lot on your own talking to other Thalassarians, but for now, we are not allowed to explain in detail.”
“Why did he request that?” Karina continued her barrage of questions.
“Because he is afraid that if we give out all of our knowledge you will be able to use it against them if you ever decide to invade again,” Viluna said the explanation made sense to Karina. “But don’t worry if the program goes well I am sure all the knowledge between the two worlds will be shared eventually as the trust grows.”
“Hmm,” Karina frowned. “Makes sense I guess. What can you share now then?” She was persistent.
“Well, All I can tell you is that most of the Thalassarians can cast some of the magic, or at least have to ability to learn it. But to those that can only access simple spells like creating a light sphere, it means nothing. I don’t know if I can find a perfect comparison, but it’s like all of you know how to read and write, but it doesn’t make you special in your own world.”
“Hmm, I don’t know if it’s a great analogy, but I think I get it,” Karina said sitting back in the comfortable chair on the corner of the terrace. “ What else can you share? Where does the magic come from?”
“Hmm, not sure,” Viluna said in a soft voice. “The source of the magic comes to from the moons of Thalassar. There are thirteen of them orbiting the planet and each one of them provides a person with a specific power. Every being born on Thalassar has a connection with at least one and that’s how they are able to make basic spells like light spheres, a small burst of fire, heal minor wounds, and so on.” Viluna spoke and danced around Karina’s head as she listened carefully.
“More skilled mages, healers, enchanters, and so on, have a connection to several moons and use their powers to create and cast unique spells. Even to this day people are able to think of new ways to cast and create new spells. It’s way more complex than that, but it’s all I am able to share for now, that information you can gather by asking almost anyone on the street and it can’t hurt the kingdom.”
“Woah, that’s interesting,” Karina said her eyes full of wonder. “Can someone have a connection to all of the moons?” Karina asked curiously.
“No, that’s unheard of,” Viluna answered landing on her knee. “Powerful magic users most have around five to six connections, the highest anyone ever had was ten, but it is more a myth than a confirmed fact, we don’t have any evidence that Xandros the Second had that ability.”
“Hmm,” Karina said taking in everything her little companion shared with her. “I am sorry, I just realized I never asked you for your name.”
“We Viluna’s don’t have names, but you are free to name me and call me whatever you like,”
“Ok, how about Lumina,” Karina asked right away. “Don’t know why but that name suits you.”
“I like it,” Lumina said her form shifting slightly.
Karina continued to ask a question to Lumina as she overlooked the busy gardens of the Royal Palace. An hour had passed in a blink and a knock from a door cut their conversation.
“Excuse me, Mistress Karina,” a soft voice said with a polite tone. “It’s Nereia, I brought your gown.”
Karina opened the door and welcomed the girl with a warm smile. “Come on in,” She said opening the door wide.
“I am afraid I can’t, they need us down to get everything ready for the feast tonight.” She said. “Here is your gown, get ready and I will come to get you in less than an hour and lead you towards the banquet hall.” Nereia handed her the gown and left.
Karina looked at the gown in awe as she held it in her hands, without hesitation she put the gown on. It was a beautiful, flowing creation made of the finest silk, with intricate embroidery and beading in shades of turquoise and silver. The sleeves were sheer, with delicate lace trimming, and the bodice hugged her curves before cascading down into a billowing skirt that trailed behind her as she walked.
It wasn’t her style at all, she was more of street clothes kinda a girl, but looking at herself in the mirror, she was blown away. She made a few turns looking at the dress from all angles. This kind of dress would cost her fortune back on earth. She found a few silver clips on the desk and styled her hair as best she could to go along with the dress.
A few moments later, Nereia arrived at the door, dressed in a lovely gown of her own, visibly less luxurious than the one Karina got. "You look stunning, Mistress Karina," she said with a smile. "Are you ready to go?"
Karina nodded, feeling a bit nervous but excited as well. She followed Nereia down the hallway, her long gown trailing behind her as they made their way toward the banquet hall. As they walked, Karina couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the palace once again. Every inch of it was adorned with intricate carvings, sparkling jewels, and delicate tapestries.
Finally, they arrived at the banquet hall. The hall was massive, with soaring ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and walls adorned with shimmering gold decorations. The tables were covered in rich, embroidered cloths, and gleaming silverware sparkled in the light of the glowing spheres floating above the table.
The guests were already arriving, each one more elegantly dressed than the last. They were all talking and laughing, their voices echoing off the grand walls of the hall. Karina felt a bit intimidated, but Nereia squeezed her arm reassuringly.
"Don't worry, Mistress Karina," she whispered. "I know feasts like these can look intimidating, but you humans are the stars of the show."
With that, she led Karina toward their assigned table where most of the humans would sit this evening. Nereia took a seat next to her and on the other side, she recognized a girl from their program wearing a similar gown.
“Hey,” Karina said softly. “How are taking all of this?”
“Hey Karina, it’s overwhelming, but everything is beautiful so far, can’t complain,” Clarissa answered. “How about you?”
“Same,” Karina answered and they continued with small talk before the soft music that was playing stopped and people started standing up. Nereia slowly tugged at her arm pointing for the stand as well. Seconds later prince Kaelen walked into the hall with a beautiful woman under his arm. She was stunningly beautiful, with long golden hair that cascaded down her back in loose waves. Her dress was a shimmering ivory color, with delicate beading that sparkled in the candlelight.
Karina couldn't help but notice the intricate braids woven into the woman's hair, forming an elegant and intricate pattern that must have taken hours to create. Her makeup was subtle, but enhanced her natural beauty, with a soft pink lip and just a touch of blush on her cheeks.
“That’s Zaya, Kaelen’s bride-to-be,” Nereia said.
“She is beautiful,” Karina answered truthfully.
“Yes, she is amongst the most beautiful women in the kingdom. Kaelen chose her instead of marrying someone from his family provided in order to establish better relations with other kingdoms. It was a big deal at the time, but that’s prince Kaelen, he always does what he wants.” Nereia explained and Karina just nodded looking at the stunning couple.
“What’s the prince like?” Karina asked.
“He always stood out from the Royal Family. He is a bit eccentric, he likes to party, and travel, and isn’t really that much interested in Family matters.” Nereia said as the couple took a seat at the main table. “Bringing you guys here with this Citizens Exchange program is his way of proving his worth to the kingdom and his family.”
“How so?” Karina asked curiously.
“He doesn’t believe in his family policy of war and old-style politics. He believes both planets could benefit from each other if we set our differences aside and work together. The King was not for this program at all, but the prince managed to convince him otherwise with the help of his Mother.” Karina nodded in understanding and minutes later waiters started serving dinner.
Karina was serving a weird purple-looking fruit or vegetable, she wasn’t sure. “What’s this?” She asked Nereia.
“That’s Nemoryn fruit, it’s one of the best delicates in the Thalassar and only grown on one small island,” Nereia said. “It’s usually served only on big banquets and before the main course as this fruit is known to open the appetite and help dissolve the rest of the food easier.”
“And how do you eat it?” Karina asked poking at the fruit with her knife.
Neremia chuckled softly. “You cut off top and the bottom and then peel the leathery exterior.”
Karina did as told and the inside revealed a pink, jelly-like inside that was filled with small, edible seeds.
“You can eat it all, it’s ok to eat it with the spoon,” Nereia said.
Karina nodded and took her spoon taking a bite out of the fruit. It was soft and crunchy at the same time with a mild, sweet, and subtly bitter flavor. It began to melt into a liquid inside her mouth and the taste reminded of lime and coconut mixed together.
“Woah, this is delicious,” Karina said and took another bite. “Your food is truly amazing.”
Nereia smiled. “Yes it is, but you also are getting the best of the best, keep that in mind.” She said with a smile and Karina nodded her mouth full of delicious fruit.
The rest of the banquet went as expected, they ate amazing food, Karina made small talk with the rest of the humans, and spent most of the night chatting with Nereia, who proved to be rather curious about humans once she loosened up. Prince Kaelen provided them with a whole night of entertainment, dancers, actors, and entertainers took turns at the podium as the night went away.
Deep into the night when the feast was nearing its end, a loud explosion was heard from the outside and bright light emanated deep from the city which could be seen through the open terrace on one side of the banquet hall. Karina ran towards the terrace but the guards were already at the door prohibiting anyone to exit. Karina managed to peer through the cracks in their massive armor and saw a big flame at the part of the city where they walked earlier in the day.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure it’s nothing.” Prince Kaelen said with a stern voice. “Please leave for your rooms we have our people already investigating the source of the explosion. You will be informed of what happened as soon as we know.” He said and left the banquet hall in the hurry.
Nereia escorted Karina to her room and helped her unzip the dress before she left. Karina sank into a soft bed and her mind started racing with everything that happened today, but before the thought could consume her, tiredness took over and she sank into a deep sleep.
She was awakened by the commotion outside her terrace early in the morning. She ran and looked outside and saw Prince Kaelen talking with a man in a uniform she hasn’t seen so far, he had dozens of soldiers at his side. She quickly got dressed into the clothes she came in and went downstairs to look for Nereia.
“What’s going on?” Karina asked as she found the young girl sitting at the bench in the garden.
“Mistress Karina, you are awake,” Nereia said with a smile.
Karina could sense something was off, so she asked again. “What’s going on?”
“I am afraid nothing good,” Nereia said with a worried look on her face. “One of the ships transporting humans was attacked and destroyed last night at the open see.” She said bowing her head down.
“Which one?” Karina asked her heart racing.
“The one transporting your people to military camps,” Nereia said.
Karina’s heart sank in her chest with the realization that it was Liam’s ship. She almost fainted but Nereia took her by arm and helped her sit on the bench. First the explosion last night, then the ship, something was off and it made Karina have almost a full-blown panic attack, but her worry was focused on Liam now, she needed to find out what happened to him and if he was ok.
*****
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hi folks- they ain't lyin'. all those posts about how beautiful the place is- yep. stayed in Grace Bay. stunningly beautiful waters. first couple of days the water was churning/rough and a sort of milky blue/green color. The last few days it settled and cleared right up- wow. small amounts of sargassum washing up the last few days, really not much. probably my favorite waters of anywhere, top 3 beach- sand is fine and cool all day and a nice wide beach.
so, aside from the stunning waters- we were pleasantly surprised by how good the food on the island is. we ate dinner at Magnolia's- great sunset views, really good sort of typical old fashioned menu. Bay Bistro- nice beachfront sunset views, good food, nice atmosphere. Grace's Cottage- incredible ambiance, good food. Couldn't get a reservation at Coco Bistro- tried about 2 weeks out, so we had some snacks at CocoVan- super delish and great little set up amongst the trees there. Omar's Beach Hut- a bit off the beaten track, but so worth it. You gotta try the jerk lobster- so good! Right on the water, great service, chill environment- favorite place we went. We even stopped by on the way to the airport to pick up some jerk lobster wraps to take home.
I've driven in NYC and Miami- the driving in Provo is nowhere near as crazy as either of those. It's a little weird driving on the left, but we got used to it. Drivers are overall courteous and obey traffic laws, expect maybe for speed. In sum, not a big thing. Rented from Grace Bay, great service and love the airport location. Speaking of which- we did the fast track both arriving and departing and felt it was worth the money. Lines looked to be about an hour to 1.5 hours both times.
Stayed at Royal West Indies- fantastic grounds, immaculately well kept. The facilities are a bit dated, but super well maintained. Fairly quiet place and is pretty much silent after about 9 pm. wifi def spotty in the room, nonexistent outside.
Did most of our shopping at Graceway Gourmet- great selection, lots of good fresh made food, a bit pricey- as the island is overall. Good pharmacy next door for toiletries and sun products. Also went past IGA multiple times and the lot there was always packed, huge place but didn't go in.
Beautiful island, warm people- a great visit. Looking forward to returning.

According to the latest inbound tourism data for Dubai, over 144,000 Nigerians visit the emirate yearly, marking a year-on-year rise of 33%. The result makes Nigeria Dubai’s fastest-growing visitor source market to date.
In this article, we will look at:-Why Nigerians love Dubai-Why Dubai is a prime investment opportunity for Nigerians-Visa Restrictions-How Nigerians can now easily migrate to Dubai via Property Investment & Ownership
Alright, let’s dive in.
There are several reasons why Nigerians love Dubai:

1. Shopping: Dubai is known as a shopper’s paradise, with some of the world’s largest and most luxurious shopping malls. Nigerians love to shop, and Dubai offers a wide range of high-end fashion, electronics, jewelry, and luxury items that are not always available in Nigeria.
2. Tourism: Dubai is a popular tourist destination, with a variety of attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island. Nigerians enjoy visiting these attractions and taking part in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
3. Business opportunities: Dubai is a hub for international business, and many Nigerians travel there to explore new business opportunities. The city’s favorable tax policies and regulations make it an attractive location for entrepreneurs and investors.
4. Safety: Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, with a low crime rate. Nigerians appreciate the safety and security that Dubai offers.
5. Luxury: Dubai is known for its luxury lifestyle, and Nigerians who can afford it often enjoy staying in the city’s opulent hotels and resorts, dining at high-end restaurants, and taking part in exclusive experiences such as desert safaris and helicopter tours.

Why Dubai is a prime investment opportunity for Nigerians
Dubai is a prime investment opportunity for Nigerians for several reasons:

1. Business-friendly policies: Dubai has a business-friendly regulatory framework, which means that it is easy to set up and run a business in the city. This makes it an ideal destination for Nigerian investors who are looking for an environment that supports entrepreneurship.
2. Strategic location: Dubai is strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an ideal hub for global trade and commerce. This makes it a convenient location for Nigerian investors who want to tap into the growing markets in these regions.
3. Tax benefits: Dubai offers a favorable tax regime, with no corporate or personal income tax. This means that Nigerian investors can keep more of their profits, which can be reinvested in their businesses or used for other investment opportunities.
4. Infrastructure: Dubai has world-class infrastructure, which supports business and trade. The city has modern transportation systems, including a well-connected metro network and extensive road infrastructure. Additionally, it has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure and state-of-the-art utilities.
5. Real estate opportunities: Dubai’s real estate market offers excellent investment opportunities, with a range of properties to suit every budget. The city has a booming real estate sector, with high demand for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
6. Visa-free entry: Nigerian nationals can enter Dubai without a visa for up to 90 days. This makes it easy for Nigerian investors to travel to the city for business and explore investment opportunities.

Overall, Dubai’s business-friendly policies, strategic location, tax benefits, infrastructure, and real estate opportunities make it an ideal destination for Nigerian investors who are looking for investment opportunities in the Middle East.
Visa Restrictions
Nigerians seeking to migrate to Dubai may face challenges in obtaining a visa due to restrictions that have been imposed on Nigerian passport holders. In 2019, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) suspended the issuance of work visas to Nigerians, citing security concerns. While the ban has been lifted, Nigerians still face restrictions on travel to Dubai.
How Nigerians can easily migrate to Dubai via Property Investment & Ownership
Dubai offers several options for Nigerians to migrate via property ownership and investment. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Choose the right property: Dubai offers a range of properties, from affordable apartments to luxurious villas. As a Nigerian looking to migrate, you should consider factors like location, budget, and property type.
2. Understand the visa requirements: To migrate to Dubai, you will need a valid visa. The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of visit, such as work, investment, or tourism. The Dubai government offers several types of visas, including long-term investor visas for property owners.
3. Invest in a property: Investing in a property in Dubai can offer significant returns on investment. It is important to work with a reputable real estate agent who can guide you through the process of buying a property in Dubai, including the legal requirements and payment procedures.
4. Apply for an investor visa: Once you have invested in a property, you can apply for an investor visa. This type of visa is valid for three years and can be renewed. To be eligible, you must invest a minimum of AED 1 million (approximately USD 272,000) in real estate.
5. Meet other visa requirements: In addition to the investment, you will need to meet other visa requirements, such as a valid passport, proof of income, and a clean criminal record.
6. Seek professional advice: It is essential to seek professional advice from a lawyer or immigration consultant who can guide you through the visa application process and ensure that you meet all the requirements.

Overall, migrating to Dubai via property ownership and investment requires careful planning and a significant financial commitment. However, for Nigerians seeking new opportunities and a higher quality of life, Dubai can be an attractive destination with a thriving economy, world-class infrastructure, and a vibrant cultural scene.

season 9’s baby episode is actually SO cute. usually by this time in the season it’s really boring and the baby day is never interesting.
HOWEVER! this season they made the boys leave the villa WITH the babies instead of the islanders in the villa keeping the babies. and i had no idea how much seeing a gaggle of pretend baby dads taking care of their kids would turn me on. fanny flutters on 10
responsibility and kind hearted-ness is just really attractive in men. i guess because it’s so fucking RARE. especially for a black woman to experience (SIDE EYE @ LOVE ISLAND PRODUCERS)