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190,805 | Fair Weather Feminism | Image Credit: Secretary Clinton on Wordpress
This morning, a woman I am following on Twitter ~ @goldenlady ~ posted this tweet:
Commentary: Clinton changes her tune on sexism http://bit.ly/kChh
{What do you think about this? I’m seeing both sides — outraged and not.}
The article is an editorial by CNN’s Campbell Brown in which she discusses Hillary Clinton’s reaction to a photo posted on Facebook showing Jon Favreau, a speechwriter for Presidet-elect Obama, standing next to a cardboard cutout of Clinton and pretending to grip her breast while his friend pretends to hold a beer bottle to her mouth.
My reaction to his photo was unusually strong, because it immediately pulled me back to an evening six years ago. As I was waiting for a chance to cross a city street, several men came up behind me, two of them flanking me on either side. One of them put his arm around me and grabbed my breast, while the other one shoved a bottle of alcohol in my mouth, and I heard the voices of other men behind me laughing.
I spend several moments wondering if I was about to have the experience every woman prays will never happen to her: was I about to be dragged behind the train station and gang raped? I am at an absolute loss for words to describe the terror that flooded every corner of my body as I elbowed and shoved and twisted my way out of the grip of those two men, and dashed out into speeding traffic to get away from them.
So it’s not without a sense of anger and even betrayal that I read Clinton’s official response: this photo was “just good-natured fun”, apparently. I assure you, it didn’t feel particularly good natured when it happened to me.
This is the response from Clinton, the same Clinton who never hesitated to “cry sexist” at every inequity and stupid joke on the campaign trail? I am not here to tell you she shouldn’t have made those claims several months ago, but there’s not a doubt in my mind that Clinton is more concerned with her potential role as Secretary of State than she is about responding to a callous photograph with the voice of a feminist.
But do I think Clinton should be publicly outraged? In fact, do I think that President-elect Obama should be publicly outraged? Actually, I don’t. I think outrage in this situation would only serve to put people on the defensive, roll their eyes and think, “Here we go again with the politically correct posturing”. I think outrage tends to be seen as vitriolic, and it rarely changes people’s minds.
What I would have liked to see from Hillary Clinton is a calm but straightforward explanation of why this isn’t funny, something that is heartfelt and honest and not politicized, something that might actually make the cads in the photograph understand for a second what it’s like to be objectified and groped. Most of all, I would have liked to see Clinton respond with something that would reassure the women who supported her that she wasn’t full of hot air when she positioned herself as their champion.
Considering what a tight ship Obama’s administration has been running vis–à–vis the vetting process, I am sure this issue will also be addressed aggressively from within the administration. When it is addressed, I similarly hope that Jon Favreau ~ and everyone of his ilk in the administration ~ will hear the kind of response that will make them behave more respectfully, not because they’re afraid of who might post their photograph on Facebook, but because they actually have gained some respect. | https://medium.com/bijoupolitics/fair-weather-feminism-2b409db392e4 | ['Amber Dawn Buchholz'] | 2017-05-20 21:17:57.833000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Feminism', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Fair Weather FeminismContent Image Credit Secretary Clinton Wordpress morning woman following Twitter goldenlady posted tweet Commentary Clinton change tune sexism httpbitlykChh think I’m seeing side — outraged article editorial CNN’s Campbell Brown discus Hillary Clinton’s reaction photo posted Facebook showing Jon Favreau speechwriter Presidetelect Obama standing next cardboard cutout Clinton pretending grip breast friend pretend hold beer bottle mouth reaction photo unusually strong immediately pulled back evening six year ago waiting chance cross city street several men came behind two flanking either side One put arm around grabbed breast one shoved bottle alcohol mouth heard voice men behind laughing spend several moment wondering experience every woman prays never happen dragged behind train station gang raped absolute loss word describe terror flooded every corner body elbowed shoved twisted way grip two men dashed speeding traffic get away it’s without sense anger even betrayal read Clinton’s official response photo “just goodnatured fun” apparently assure didn’t feel particularly good natured happened response Clinton Clinton never hesitated “cry sexist” every inequity stupid joke campaign trail tell shouldn’t made claim several month ago there’s doubt mind Clinton concerned potential role Secretary State responding callous photograph voice feminist think Clinton publicly outraged fact think Presidentelect Obama publicly outraged Actually don’t think outrage situation would serve put people defensive roll eye think “Here go politically correct posturing” think outrage tends seen vitriolic rarely change people’s mind would liked see Hillary Clinton calm straightforward explanation isn’t funny something heartfelt honest politicized something might actually make cad photograph understand second it’s like objectified groped would liked see Clinton respond something would reassure woman supported wasn’t full hot air positioned champion Considering tight ship Obama’s administration running vis–à–vis vetting process sure issue also addressed aggressively within administration addressed similarly hope Jon Favreau everyone ilk administration hear kind response make behave respectfully they’re afraid might post photograph Facebook actually gained respectTags Politics Feminism Hillary Clinton |
190,806 | Prosecuting Opponents — Stuff of Dictators | Prosecuting Opponents — Stuff of Dictators
Terry H. Schwadron
Nov. 23, 2018
The import of what President Trump had in mind in wanting to prosecute his political opponents criminally is still sinking in.
Such an action certainly would be a deep abuse of power and probably grounds for impeachment. Yet, in the current run of acts and words from the Oval Office, it is passing as just another hyperbolic bombshell from a president bent on breaking all rules, traditions and limitations.
As such, it is as sad a commentary on current affairs as it is an outrage. We ought to be fitting Trump with a tin hat to match his dictator ambitions.
The New York Times disclosed on Tuesday night that Trump had told White House counsel Don McGahn in the spring that he wanted to order the Justice Department to prosecute Hillary Clinton, and the former F.B.I. director James B. Comey,according to two people familiar with the conversation.
Apparently, it was only because McGahn warned Trump that he could face possible impeachment for doing so that Trump backed off.
The most concerning part here is not the fate of Hillary Clinton or James Comey, but the idea that Trump thinks that ordering individual prosecutions by the Justice Department is perfectly normal. As the Times noted, “The encounter was one of the most blatant examples yet of how Mr. Trump views the typically independent Justice Department as a tool to be wielded against his political enemies. It took on additional significance in recent weeks when Mr. McGahn left the White House and Mr. Trump appointed a relatively inexperienced political loyalist, Matthew G. Whitaker, as the acting attorney general.”
Just to underscore the pattern of all this, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr on Wednesday rebuked the president for criticizing a federal judge in San Francisco for blocking the Trump’s announced abrogation of asylum laws, noting that the judge was an Obama appointee. The president, he said, did not understand the independence and integrity of the federal judiciary, saying that there are no Obama judges or Trump judges, just federal judges.
Perhaps this is all tit-for-tat, another diversion from the Special Counsel investigation that Trump himself faces. If he could launch another special counsel against political opponents, perhaps he thinks he could blunt the effects of the all-things-Russia probe. Of course, the fatal flaw here is that the Justice Department, through Comey, has already spoken on the Clinton matters, and there is no evidence of any crime against Comey. He may have leaked a memo, but it was not classified material.
Indeed, according to the Times’ sources, Trump has continued to privately discuss the possible prosecutions and has also repeatedly expressed disappointment in FBI director Christopher A. Wray, for failing to more aggressively investigate Clinton, calling him weak.
Actually, it is not clear which accusations Trump had in mind. He has accused Comey of leaking classified information, of mishandling sensitive government information and for his role in the Clinton email investigation. Trump wants to investigate Clinton over emails and classified leaks — almost all the included material she emailed was classified months later — and over her role in the Obama administration’s decision to allow the Russian nuclear agency to buy a uranium mining company. Conservatives have long pointed to donations to the Clinton family foundation by people associated with the company, Uranium One, as proof of corruption. But no evidence has emerged that those donations influenced the American approval of the deal.
McGahn apparently told Trump that he could make such a request of Justice said, but warned that making such a request could create a series of problems.
Here’s the problem for me: Why does it not Trump not understand that in a democracy, the president does not pursue whims as criminal investigations, particularly against opponents who simply counter him in the political arena. In fact, that is what we expect from countries with dictators.
In particular, the White House is supposed to be separate from the Justice Department. As The Times explained, “Presidential meddling could undermine the legitimacy of prosecutions by attaching political overtones to investigations in which career law enforcement officials followed the evidence and the law.”
Yet, we have seen Trump stick his toe into these prosecutorial waters through selective clemency requests, which is within his purview, and by just declaring wholesale Travel Bans and policies to eliminate amnesty procedures.
It is true that the president is urged onto these paths through his supporters, including Fox News commentator Jeanine Pirro. Trump once called his distance from law enforcement one of the “saddest” parts of being president.
He was not elected to extract a pound of flesh from his political opponents.
If he cannot control himself, we are headed for trouble.
##
www.terryschwadron.wordpress.com | https://medium.com/@terryschwadron/prosecuting-opponents-stuff-of-dictators-cd75e12095ea | ['Terry Schwadron'] | 2018-11-23 13:45:37.151000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton', 'Trump', 'Justice', 'Criminal Justice', 'Dictatorship'] | Title Prosecuting Opponents — Stuff DictatorsContent Prosecuting Opponents — Stuff Dictators Terry H Schwadron Nov 23 2018 import President Trump mind wanting prosecute political opponent criminally still sinking action certainly would deep abuse power probably ground impeachment Yet current run act word Oval Office passing another hyperbolic bombshell president bent breaking rule tradition limitation sad commentary current affair outrage ought fitting Trump tin hat match dictator ambition New York Times disclosed Tuesday night Trump told White House counsel McGahn spring wanted order Justice Department prosecute Hillary Clinton former FBI director James B Comeyaccording two people familiar conversation Apparently McGahn warned Trump could face possible impeachment Trump backed concerning part fate Hillary Clinton James Comey idea Trump think ordering individual prosecution Justice Department perfectly normal Times noted “The encounter one blatant example yet Mr Trump view typically independent Justice Department tool wielded political enemy took additional significance recent week Mr McGahn left White House Mr Trump appointed relatively inexperienced political loyalist Matthew G Whitaker acting attorney general” underscore pattern Chief Justice John G Roberts Jr Wednesday rebuked president criticizing federal judge San Francisco blocking Trump’s announced abrogation asylum law noting judge Obama appointee president said understand independence integrity federal judiciary saying Obama judge Trump judge federal judge Perhaps titfortat another diversion Special Counsel investigation Trump face could launch another special counsel political opponent perhaps think could blunt effect allthingsRussia probe course fatal flaw Justice Department Comey already spoken Clinton matter evidence crime Comey may leaked memo classified material Indeed according Times’ source Trump continued privately discus possible prosecution also repeatedly expressed disappointment FBI director Christopher Wray failing aggressively investigate Clinton calling weak Actually clear accusation Trump mind accused Comey leaking classified information mishandling sensitive government information role Clinton email investigation Trump want investigate Clinton email classified leak — almost included material emailed classified month later — role Obama administration’s decision allow Russian nuclear agency buy uranium mining company Conservatives long pointed donation Clinton family foundation people associated company Uranium One proof corruption evidence emerged donation influenced American approval deal McGahn apparently told Trump could make request Justice said warned making request could create series problem Here’s problem Trump understand democracy president pursue whim criminal investigation particularly opponent simply counter political arena fact expect country dictator particular White House supposed separate Justice Department Times explained “Presidential meddling could undermine legitimacy prosecution attaching political overtone investigation career law enforcement official followed evidence law” Yet seen Trump stick toe prosecutorial water selective clemency request within purview declaring wholesale Travel Bans policy eliminate amnesty procedure true president urged onto path supporter including Fox News commentator Jeanine Pirro Trump called distance law enforcement one “saddest” part president elected extract pound flesh political opponent cannot control headed trouble wwwterryschwadronwordpresscomTags Hillary Clinton Trump Justice Criminal Justice Dictatorship |
190,807 | A Recap on the Democratic Debate | The second Democratic debate, hosted by CBS News, proved fast-paced driven by productive, tough questioning toward the three Democratic candidates: former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.
After the tragic Paris attacks the prior evening, CBS News understandably made national security and foreign policy a top priority for the first part of the debate. The evening began on a somber note, with the candidates and lead moderator John Dickerson expressing their condolences through a moment of silence.
Soon after, the candidates ran head first into their first disagreement: terrorism and ISIS. Sanders felt that then New York Senator Hillary Clinton’s 2002 vote for the Iraq Invasion was responsible for Iraq and the Middle East’s situation with ISIS. However, Clinton blames the disbandment of the Iraqi army and said ISIS cannot be “contained,” but rather have to be “defeated.”
In the mix of this, Sanders supports his claim that climate change is the greatest threat toward national security and says that it directly relates to terrorism.
O’Malley is asked if he, having no foreign relation experience, could handle such a dangerous world. He quickly responses by attacking Clinton for the world being dangerous, although he didn’t mention her name (his response also ignores the question).
Either way, all of the candidates were pivotal on using radical “jihadists” rather than the term “radical Islam,” before turning to refugees. O’Malley pointed out he was the first candidate on the stage to call for the United States to take in 65,000 Syrian refugees. Clinton, who also supports the U.S. taking in refugees, says that all refugees should be vetted and screened.
The debate then moves to various different directions including Wall Street, Clinton’s millions of dollars worth of speeches and e-mail use, the corrupt finance system, health care, and education.
In summary, Clinton discusses how she will pay for family paid leave and health care breaks. She mentions taxing the wealthy more and closing corporation loopholes and deductions as a few strategies. O’Malley mentions that his state raised sales tax to get stuff done and Sanders reiterates that large corporations and the wealthy will pay their fair share in order for them to pay for his presidential plans.
While Sanders aspires to “scrap” Obamacare and move to a single-payer system, Clinton states that it is unrealistic. Instead, she feels that the focus should be on preserving the Affordable Care Act and working to improve it.
On the topic of guns, O’Malley talks about what he did in Baltimore to make it safer, while Clinton hit Sanders on his support of a 2005 bill that granted immunity to gun manufacturers. A short-lived cat fight ensues with O’Malley accusing Clinton of taking “three sides” on the gun debate.
In my opinion, Sanders improved since his last debate, answering questions far more effectively and with greater detail this time around. However, voters are looking for policy specifics and he simply couldn’t provide details for his makeover on healthcare and college.
As someone who openly endorses Clinton, I feel that her supporters got what can be described as a win. In response to tough questions, she remained calm with her answers and provided an effective rebuttal when attacked. She was also able to cite her foreign policy experience when topics of terrorism and national security came up.
Overall, the debate proves how productive debates can be and with that, I look forward to many more so Americans can see discussions and branch out to conversations about the candidate that best fits their vision.
Brett Blair is a contributor for Slash Magazine, a website for teens, by teens which launches on November 30, 2015! | https://medium.com/slash-magazine/a-recap-on-the-democratic-debate-3585f7af87ab | ['Brett Blair'] | 2015-11-15 20:57:01.495000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Hillary Clinton', 'Bernie Sanders'] | Title Recap Democratic DebateContent second Democratic debate hosted CBS News proved fastpaced driven productive tough questioning toward three Democratic candidate former Secretary State Hillary Clinton Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley tragic Paris attack prior evening CBS News understandably made national security foreign policy top priority first part debate evening began somber note candidate lead moderator John Dickerson expressing condolence moment silence Soon candidate ran head first first disagreement terrorism ISIS Sanders felt New York Senator Hillary Clinton’s 2002 vote Iraq Invasion responsible Iraq Middle East’s situation ISIS However Clinton blame disbandment Iraqi army said ISIS cannot “contained” rather “defeated” mix Sanders support claim climate change greatest threat toward national security say directly relates terrorism O’Malley asked foreign relation experience could handle dangerous world quickly response attacking Clinton world dangerous although didn’t mention name response also ignores question Either way candidate pivotal using radical “jihadists” rather term “radical Islam” turning refugee O’Malley pointed first candidate stage call United States take 65000 Syrian refugee Clinton also support US taking refugee say refugee vetted screened debate move various different direction including Wall Street Clinton’s million dollar worth speech email use corrupt finance system health care education summary Clinton discus pay family paid leave health care break mention taxing wealthy closing corporation loophole deduction strategy O’Malley mention state raised sale tax get stuff done Sanders reiterates large corporation wealthy pay fair share order pay presidential plan Sanders aspires “scrap” Obamacare move singlepayer system Clinton state unrealistic Instead feel focus preserving Affordable Care Act working improve topic gun O’Malley talk Baltimore make safer Clinton hit Sanders support 2005 bill granted immunity gun manufacturer shortlived cat fight ensues O’Malley accusing Clinton taking “three sides” gun debate opinion Sanders improved since last debate answering question far effectively greater detail time around However voter looking policy specific simply couldn’t provide detail makeover healthcare college someone openly endorses Clinton feel supporter got described win response tough question remained calm answer provided effective rebuttal attacked also able cite foreign policy experience topic terrorism national security came Overall debate prof productive debate look forward many Americans see discussion branch conversation candidate best fit vision Brett Blair contributor Slash Magazine website teen teen launch November 30 2015Tags Politics Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders |
190,808 | Campus Activism Before and During Election Day | Campus Activism Before and During Election Day
by Paul Craft
Campus political activism spiked with the coming of the national election. Despite some obvious pre-election fatigue in some quarters, many Stanford students were nonetheless energized by the California Propositions 4 and 8 and, of course, Barack Obama. The main pre-election event took place just before November 4 and was designed to encourage students to vote. Then, after the election, students staged impromptu celebrations for Obama and protests against Proposition 8.
On a windswept afternoon less than 12 hours before the 2008 state and national election began, hundreds of Stanford students rallied in White Plaza in support of Barack Obama, as well as opposition to California Proposition 4, an amendment requiring parental notification for a minor’s abortion, and Proposition 8, an initiative to ban gay marriage statewide. Sponsored by a coalition of liberal student groups, the event featured Stanford Law School Professor Larry Marshall, Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco, former California gubernatorial candidate Steve Wesley, and several student leaders.
First, Professor Larry Marshall of the Law School, who knows Barack Obama personally, spoke about the historical and political significance of electing America’s first African-American president. He also emphasized aspects of Obama’s character from a personal perspective, based on their friendship in Chicago several years ago.
Luukas Ilves, a former Editor-in-Chief of the Stanford Review, also took the microphone to make “the conservative case for Barack Obama and against Proposition 8.” Striding to center stage in a pink Oxford shirt, Luukas first argued that gay marriage reflected the desire to participate in the conservative traditions of marriage–monogamy and long-term commitment. Then, turning to a group of “Yes on Proposition 8” demonstrators, Luukas declared “You are not real conservatives!” Moving to the issue of Barack Obama, Luukas argued that “Obama has a better understanding of the market and a more prudent foreign policy” than McCain. After Luukas, former Stanford student body President Steve Wesley spoke briefly about his time as a campus activist against South African apartheid, using it as a lens through which the history of race relations in general, and this election in particular, can be seen.
Finally, the Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsome, compared gay marriage to interracial marriage, stressing his view of their common status as “civil rights” issues. Although Mayor Newsom’s speech was received with great elation by the students in White Plaza, his very public consideration of a run for Governor of California caused other students to wonder if the speech was simply a voter- relations operation. Barack Obama’s dominate victory brought on a wave of euphoria among students on the evening November 4th. Clustered in dorms and row houses, most students watched with small groups of friends and housemates. Stanford-in-Government, meanwhile, hosted a larger event in the CoHo that drew a large crowd.
After the completion of Obama’s victory speech at around 9:30 PM, students began streaming out of their residences to meet in the Main Quad. Between 10 and 11, as many as 100 students sang songs including “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and danced around a spontaneous bonfire in the Main Quad. The atmosphere, generally upbeat, was tempered by the anticlimactic nature of Obama’s victory and the success of Proposition 8. | https://medium.com/stanfordreview/campus-activism-before-and-during-election-day-80e0e29429b5 | [] | 2016-12-09 03:40:09.097000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Campus Activism Election DayContent Campus Activism Election Day Paul Craft Campus political activism spiked coming national election Despite obvious preelection fatigue quarter many Stanford student nonetheless energized California Propositions 4 8 course Barack Obama main preelection event took place November 4 designed encourage student vote election student staged impromptu celebration Obama protest Proposition 8 windswept afternoon le 12 hour 2008 state national election began hundred Stanford student rallied White Plaza support Barack Obama well opposition California Proposition 4 amendment requiring parental notification minor’s abortion Proposition 8 initiative ban gay marriage statewide Sponsored coalition liberal student group event featured Stanford Law School Professor Larry Marshall Mayor Gavin Newsom San Francisco former California gubernatorial candidate Steve Wesley several student leader First Professor Larry Marshall Law School know Barack Obama personally spoke historical political significance electing America’s first AfricanAmerican president also emphasized aspect Obama’s character personal perspective based friendship Chicago several year ago Luukas Ilves former EditorinChief Stanford Review also took microphone make “the conservative case Barack Obama Proposition 8” Striding center stage pink Oxford shirt Luukas first argued gay marriage reflected desire participate conservative tradition marriage–monogamy longterm commitment turning group “Yes Proposition 8” demonstrator Luukas declared “You real conservatives” Moving issue Barack Obama Luukas argued “Obama better understanding market prudent foreign policy” McCain Luukas former Stanford student body President Steve Wesley spoke briefly time campus activist South African apartheid using lens history race relation general election particular seen Finally Mayor San Francisco Gavin Newsome compared gay marriage interracial marriage stressing view common status “civil rights” issue Although Mayor Newsom’s speech received great elation student White Plaza public consideration run Governor California caused student wonder speech simply voter relation operation Barack Obama’s dominate victory brought wave euphoria among student evening November 4th Clustered dorm row house student watched small group friend housemate StanfordinGovernment meanwhile hosted larger event CoHo drew large crowd completion Obama’s victory speech around 930 PM student began streaming residence meet Main Quad 10 11 many 100 student sang song including “The StarSpangled Banner” danced around spontaneous bonfire Main Quad atmosphere generally upbeat tempered anticlimactic nature Obama’s victory success Proposition 8Tags Politics Hillary Clinton |
190,809 | Win or Lose, Bernie Will Benefit the Most From Last Night’s Debate | Win or Lose, Bernie Will Benefit the Most From Last Night’s Debate
Via Five Thirty Eight
If you vote Democrat and your name is not Joe Biden, chances are good that you went to bed happy after CNN’s Democratic debate last night.
That’s because unlike the Thunder Dome-style Republican debates, there were no clear-cut eviscerations like one could expect from any debate in which Donald Trump is involved.
So then why did almost every headline across the Internet this morning read that Hillary Clinton was the obvious winner of last night’s Democratic debate?
Surely, CNN, Time and Slate saw their own polls that showed views siding with Bernie Sanders by a long shot … Well, except maybe CNN who deleted their poll in the morning, and replaced it with a story titled, “Hillary Clinton’s Big Night on the Debate Stage.”
Interestingly, that headline doesn’t quite match up with their post debate coverage, which showed CNN’s Facebook survey and focus group all considering Bernie Sanders the sure debate winner.
Shoutout to Redditor u/brendantheraven
So what is going on?
Let’s be clear: Hillary Clinton had a great night — she nailed most of her obvious talking points, she wasn’t attacked too harshly by any candidate — or arguably even Anderson Cooper — and like a well trained politician, she navigated curveballs acceptably.
But one thing she didn’t do, which in the long run she desperately needs to do, is give voters a reason to vote for her that they don’t already have.
Voters going into last night’s debate with their minds made up, were not going to be swayed — be they Bernie fans, or Hillary fans.
But here is Hillary’s problem: she’s the establishment. In any other cycle that would be fine, but if her waning poll numbers are indicative of anything, it shows that a portion of her voters are up for grabs. Sanders doesn’t have that problem.
In the Long Run, Bernie Sanders Won the First Democratic Debate
For many voters, Bernie Sanders is a hard sell; and rightly so. But his fiery rhetoric is captivating to those who can identify with his message. Look no further than the record setting crowds at his rallies, or the impressive amount of small dollar donors his campaign drew in just a few months. Its safe to say that when you go Bernie, you don’t go back.
And debates have consequences that go far beyond stage time, and for Bernie Sanders, there’s no where to go but up. Here is why Bernie Sanders won the first Democratic debate:
1. He got the quote of the night.
By now you have probably heard that Bernie Sanders is “sick of hearing about your damn emails” Hillary Clinton. That line was a gift to Hillary , but Sanders will surely reap the benefits. Why? Because it speaks directly to who he is as a candidate: No B/S —2016 voters like that.
2. In the first 24 hours after the debate, his campaign raised $2 million.
That goes to show that he inspired people. Many progressives have been living in a Bernie-bubble the last few months, but it is important to remember that many still don’t know who he is, or what he is about — just that he is a challenger to Hillary Clinton. But last night was his first real shot at captivating a national audience; and if money is any indicator, he struck a chord.
3. He won the internet vote.
Despite what Donald Trump said, any Google analytics, or Twitter trend, or Facebook trend, showed Bernie Sanders was creating the most online buzz. Oh not to mention, the word “socialism” gained some traction on Google too… most just wanted to know what it meant.
4. He got people excited.
CNN’s post debate focus group was full of voters who loved Bernie’s performance. People who were previously ready for Hillary, were fired up by Bernie Sanders, and switched sides. One voter even said he was convinced the country would be a little better off with a dash of Socialism.
So does that speak for the rest of Democratic voters? See sections 1–3.
So Where Does Bernie Go From Here?
All this good news for Sanders fans shouldn’t amount to more than just that — good news. Sanders still has an uphill battle ahead of him, wether the media is on his side or not. Last night was an overall win for him, but he still fumbles a bit on issues of gun control, and the scarlet “S” pinned to his jacket is still seen as a general election death sentence.
But as far as the first debate goes: hate it or love it Hillary, but last night the underdog was on top. | https://medium.com/@returnofthedok/win-or-lose-bernie-will-benefit-the-most-from-last-night-s-debate-9870b8e26cb1 | ['Andrew Cullen'] | 2015-10-28 07:17:31.968000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Bernie Sanders', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Win Lose Bernie Benefit Last Night’s DebateContent Win Lose Bernie Benefit Last Night’s Debate Via Five Thirty Eight vote Democrat name Joe Biden chance good went bed happy CNN’s Democratic debate last night That’s unlike Thunder Domestyle Republican debate clearcut evisceration like one could expect debate Donald Trump involved almost every headline across Internet morning read Hillary Clinton obvious winner last night’s Democratic debate Surely CNN Time Slate saw poll showed view siding Bernie Sanders long shot … Well except maybe CNN deleted poll morning replaced story titled “Hillary Clinton’s Big Night Debate Stage” Interestingly headline doesn’t quite match post debate coverage showed CNN’s Facebook survey focus group considering Bernie Sanders sure debate winner Shoutout Redditor ubrendantheraven going Let’s clear Hillary Clinton great night — nailed obvious talking point wasn’t attacked harshly candidate — arguably even Anderson Cooper — like well trained politician navigated curveballs acceptably one thing didn’t long run desperately need give voter reason vote don’t already Voters going last night’s debate mind made going swayed — Bernie fan Hillary fan Hillary’s problem she’s establishment cycle would fine waning poll number indicative anything show portion voter grab Sanders doesn’t problem Long Run Bernie Sanders First Democratic Debate many voter Bernie Sanders hard sell rightly fiery rhetoric captivating identify message Look record setting crowd rally impressive amount small dollar donor campaign drew month safe say go Bernie don’t go back debate consequence go far beyond stage time Bernie Sanders there’s go Bernie Sanders first Democratic debate 1 got quote night probably heard Bernie Sanders “sick hearing damn emails” Hillary Clinton line gift Hillary Sanders surely reap benefit speaks directly candidate BS —2016 voter like 2 first 24 hour debate campaign raised 2 million go show inspired people Many progressive living Berniebubble last month important remember many still don’t know — challenger Hillary Clinton last night first real shot captivating national audience money indicator struck chord 3 internet vote Despite Donald Trump said Google analytics Twitter trend Facebook trend showed Bernie Sanders creating online buzz Oh mention word “socialism” gained traction Google too… wanted know meant 4 got people excited CNN’s post debate focus group full voter loved Bernie’s performance People previously ready Hillary fired Bernie Sanders switched side One voter even said convinced country would little better dash Socialism speak rest Democratic voter See section 1–3 Bernie Go good news Sanders fan shouldn’t amount — good news Sanders still uphill battle ahead wether medium side Last night overall win still fumble bit issue gun control scarlet “S” pinned jacket still seen general election death sentence far first debate go hate love Hillary last night underdog topTags Politics Bernie Sanders Hillary Clinton |
190,810 | Charles Ferguson and CNN Films Cancel Hillary Clinton Documentary | Charles Ferguson and CNN Films Cancel Hillary Clinton Documentary
CNN’s controversial documentary about Hillary Clinton has been canceled. The project, which was commissioned by the news network’s CNN Films division under the direction of Oscar winner Charles Ferguson (No End In Sight; Inside Job), received a good amount of media attention last month after the RNC threatened a boycott on account of an apparent bias on the part of the cable channel [Ed. Note: our sister site, Film School Rejects had two posts about it prior to the launch of Nonfics]. But that’s not exactly why the doc has now been shut down.
Ferguson took to The Huffington Post to personally write his explanation for canceling the production completely, and while certain pressures from the Republicans and also Democrats are relevant to the decision, it’s not necessarily that he gave in to these powers so much as he didn’t see a good movie being made with the resulting lack of access and support. After addressing his interests, intent and progress with the doc, he writes:
when I approached people for interviews, I discovered that nobody, and I mean nobody, was interested in helping me make this film. Not Democrats, not Republicans — and certainly nobody who works with the Clintons, wants access to the Clintons, or dreams of a position in a Hillary Clinton administration. Not even journalists who want access, which can easily be taken away. I even sensed potential difficulty in licensing archival footage from CBN (Pat Robertson) and from Fox. After approaching well over a hundred people, only two persons who had ever dealt with Mrs. Clinton would agree to an on-camera interview, and I suspected that even they would back out.
He says it was a painful decision to make, but he realized he had to cancel because he wouldn’t be able to make a film he’d be proud of. He acknowledges that this turn of events is likely what the RNC and other critics were hoping for, and it’s a win for the Clinton camp as well. The losers in all this, he claims, are the media and the American people.
Well, some lesser documentarian is sure to now jump into the void in order to deliver an unauthorized doc about Hillary that isn’t concerned about access or interviewing the right people and other things Ferguson understands are necessary for a proper film of this sort. And of course we still have the NBC miniseries [oops now that one is kaput, too] and another Hollywood biopic to look forward to. | https://medium.com/nonfics/charles-ferguson-and-cnn-films-cancel-hillary-clinton-documentary-babbb0651320 | ['Christopher Campbell'] | 2016-12-09 03:52:33.465000+00:00 | ['Featured', 'News', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Charles Ferguson CNN Films Cancel Hillary Clinton DocumentaryContent Charles Ferguson CNN Films Cancel Hillary Clinton Documentary CNN’s controversial documentary Hillary Clinton canceled project commissioned news network’s CNN Films division direction Oscar winner Charles Ferguson End Sight Inside Job received good amount medium attention last month RNC threatened boycott account apparent bias part cable channel Ed Note sister site Film School Rejects two post prior launch Nonfics that’s exactly doc shut Ferguson took Huffington Post personally write explanation canceling production completely certain pressure Republicans also Democrats relevant decision it’s necessarily gave power much didn’t see good movie made resulting lack access support addressing interest intent progress doc writes approached people interview discovered nobody mean nobody interested helping make film Democrats Republicans — certainly nobody work Clintons want access Clintons dream position Hillary Clinton administration even journalist want access easily taken away even sensed potential difficulty licensing archival footage CBN Pat Robertson Fox approaching well hundred people two person ever dealt Mrs Clinton would agree oncamera interview suspected even would back say painful decision make realized cancel wouldn’t able make film he’d proud acknowledges turn event likely RNC critic hoping it’s win Clinton camp well loser claim medium American people Well lesser documentarian sure jump void order deliver unauthorized doc Hillary isn’t concerned access interviewing right people thing Ferguson understands necessary proper film sort course still NBC miniseries oops one kaput another Hollywood biopic look forward toTags Featured News Hillary Clinton |
190,811 | Penn Jillette on the Clintons: Quote of the Day | Penn Jillette on the Clintons: Quote of the Day
“Why do people who support Hillary think that what she’s saying is to manipulate other people and not to manipulate them?” Daniel Bier Follow Oct 15, 2015 · 3 min read
On his weekly podcast, libertarian magician and skeptic Penn Jillette gave an incisive take on Hillary and Bill Clinton.
We have Hillary Clinton — while you were alive, while you were sexually active, three years ago — saying marriage is just between a man and a woman. … And yet many people in [the gay community] are supporting Hillary, and their reason for supporting her is that “she was always in favor of gay rights, but she had to say what she had to to be elected.” … She came out in favor of the pacific trade deal, very strongly in favor of it, and now she’s against it. And that’s not seen as flip-flopping, it’s not really seen as a revelation or learning something — it’s seen as “she is politically expedient, and we want someone who is politically expedient.” The followers of Hillary Clinton seem to think they have a secret deal with her — where they understand what she really believes, what she’s really going to do — and they are willing to support her as she bends the truth in order to be elected. … Why do the people who support Hillary think that what she’s saying is to manipulate other people and not to manipulate them?
This cultivated impression of insincerity allows her supporters project whatever beliefs and values they want onto her, rationalizing away any dissonant actions as just “savvy politics,” letting her be everything to everyone.
Penn notes that Bill Clinton exploited the same tendency when he ran for president in 1992:
I remember when Bill Clinton was running for president. He was in a capital punishment state, Arkansas, and he flew back during his campaign, during the Gennifer Flowers thing, to pull the switch on a mentally handicapped criminal. He went back to pull the switch, and I remember talking to a buddy of mine in Chicago … who said, “We know Bill Clinton is against capital punishment, we know he’s against it, but he had to make sure this guy was killed in order to be elected, and he knows that’s important.” And I said I know people who are pro-capital punishment who have never actually been part of killing a person, and who might balk at that. So this is what they postulate: you’ve got an anti-death penalty guy who think it’s worth it to kill this guy in order to be elected… so he can fight for not killing people?
Of course, this is not unique to Clinton supporters. Politics is a tribal game, where members of one team will always assume that their leaders are (at least secretly) really on their side and doing the right thing, and they’ll find ways to rationalize their disagreements as merely strategic or cosmetic.
Listen to the rest of the show here. | https://medium.com/daniel-bier-the-freeman/penn-jillette-on-the-clintons-quote-of-the-day-f33bf1feb080 | ['Daniel Bier'] | 2017-01-18 22:40:29.717000+00:00 | ['Skepticism', 'Politics', 'Democracy', 'Voters', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Penn Jillette Clintons Quote DayContent Penn Jillette Clintons Quote Day “Why people support Hillary think she’s saying manipulate people manipulate them” Daniel Bier Follow Oct 15 2015 · 3 min read weekly podcast libertarian magician skeptic Penn Jillette gave incisive take Hillary Bill Clinton Hillary Clinton — alive sexually active three year ago — saying marriage man woman … yet many people gay community supporting Hillary reason supporting “she always favor gay right say elected” … came favor pacific trade deal strongly favor she’s that’s seen flipflopping it’s really seen revelation learning something — it’s seen “she politically expedient want someone politically expedient” follower Hillary Clinton seem think secret deal — understand really belief she’s really going — willing support bend truth order elected … people support Hillary think she’s saying manipulate people manipulate cultivated impression insincerity allows supporter project whatever belief value want onto rationalizing away dissonant action “savvy politics” letting everything everyone Penn note Bill Clinton exploited tendency ran president 1992 remember Bill Clinton running president capital punishment state Arkansas flew back campaign Gennifer Flowers thing pull switch mentally handicapped criminal went back pull switch remember talking buddy mine Chicago … said “We know Bill Clinton capital punishment know he’s make sure guy killed order elected know that’s important” said know people procapital punishment never actually part killing person might balk postulate you’ve got antideath penalty guy think it’s worth kill guy order elected… fight killing people course unique Clinton supporter Politics tribal game member one team always assume leader least secretly really side right thing they’ll find way rationalize disagreement merely strategic cosmetic Listen rest show hereTags Skepticism Politics Democracy Voters Hillary Clinton |
190,812 | Editor’s Note: Trouble in Paradise | by Staff
On a near-daily basis now, New York Times columnists and MSNBC anchors gush about Obama’s latest “inspired” or “statesmanlike” cabinet pick. But while the mainstream media’s love-fest continues unabated, the rest of us are left wondering why the new administration looks so much like the one that left office eight years ago. Indeed, it almost seems as if the Clinton bus got lost and took a detour through Chicago.
Of the selections announced or leaked thus far, a number are former Clinton appointees. Rahm Emanuel, now Chief of Staff, previously served as senior political adviser to Bill Clinton, earning a name for himself as a hot-headed, combative pol. Eric Holder, primed to become the next Attorney General, used to be Janet Reno’s deputy. He was also involved with the decision to pardon Marc Rich. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, meanwhile, formerly served as both Ambassador to the UN and Secretary of Energy. He is allegedly Obama’s top choice for the Department of Commerce. Peter Orszag, slated to head up the OMB, was formerly senior adviser at the Council of Economic Advisers in the Clinton White House.
Hillary Clinton, meanwhile, needs no introduction.
Despite promises of a new, improved Washington, Obama seems to be reviving the old Democratic establishment. This fosters an odd dynamic, where the gospel of change meets the Clinton orthodoxy. Can the ‘church of liberalism’ accommodate both?
The media, of course, is already explaining this away as a Lincoln-esque stroke of brilliance. Citing Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team of Rivals,” they assert that Obama is following in the 16th president’s footsteps, assembling a cabinet full of enemies — a scheme ostensibly designed for productive chaos.
Others, however, doubt the wisdom of such a plan. Matthew Pinsker, a civil war historian at Dickinson College, recently wrote in the LA Times that “Over the years, it has become easy to forget that hard edge and the once bad times that nearly destroyed a president. Lincoln’s Cabinet was no team. His rivals proved to be uneven as subordinates. Some were capable despite their personal disloyalty, yet others were simply disastrous.” Indeed, Lincoln only overcame these obstacles by becoming increasingly authoritative with his cabinet. In the end, it was Lincoln’s leadership, not his cabinet scheme, that ultimately produced success.
A more modern example also stresses caution: Jimmy Carter. Though not personal enemies of the president, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski loathed each other and clashed bitterly; Carter was often helpless in resolving their disputes. Consequently, American foreign policy took a tentative, meandering approach, partially dependant on which faction held the upper hand at any given moment.
The lesson, then, is that the president’s managerial abilities matter more than which competing egos he chooses to bring along with him. Thus, the question for Obama is whether or not he can establish himself as a firm leader, personnel issues notwithstanding.
Some point to the efficiency of his campaign as proof positive that he knows how to lead. But winning an election is far different from succeeding in office. Indeed, almost by definition, whoever runs a better campaign wins the presidency. Yet, clearly, not all presidencies are created equal. Take President Bush, for example. He is commonly derided as an incompetent fool (or worse), yet his 2004 campaign was a juggernaut of near-legendary proportions; it was the flashy, high-octane model of the campaign world. And look where that got him.
Thus, simply running a good campaign is no guarantee of success in office. And without David Plouffe calling the shots behind the scenes, Obama will have a tougher time managing personnel, policy, and persona.
The stakes, meanwhile, continue to rise.
At home, the financial crisis continues to spread with no end in sight. The Dow Jones has dropped to the 8,000 level, flirting with numbers not seen in a decade. Banking giant Citigroup is on the verge of implosion. And the Big Three car manufacturers, staring bankruptcy in the eyes, are pleading for a bailout of their own.
Things are hardly better overseas, as foreign leaders have already begun to challenge the American president-elect. The day after Obama’s election, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave a speech promising to install short-range missiles near the Polish border — an act meant to dissuade America from extending its missile defense shield. And as if a conflict over Eastern Europe wasn’t enough, Medvedev recently embarked on a trip to Latin America, complete with stops to Cuba and Venezuela.
The Middle East isn’t much better, even putting Iraq and Afghanistan aside. In Al Qaeda’s latest video, second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahiri lambasts the president-elect, calling him a “house negro” with a hateful heart. But Al-Qaeda’s ‘attack ad’ is far from the only concern; US analysts now believe that Iran may have enough enriched uranium to build its first atom bomb. How Obama will respond to this threat is far from clear. On the campaign trail, his typical response was the obvious point that an Iranian nuke would be “a game-changer.” Let’s hope his real plan consists of more substance and fewer pithy truisms.
Thus, while the media joyously proclaims Obama a savior ready to shepherd us to earthly paradise, we find ourselves in a situation that looks less like tropical bliss and more like the edge of a precipice. And now we must count on an untested leader and his experimental “team of rivals” to stay on solid ground.
Was this really the change we needed?
Best,
Carl | https://medium.com/stanfordreview/editors-note-trouble-in-paradise-e96109ea0f5f | [] | 2016-12-11 02:46:59.762000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Editor’s Note Trouble ParadiseContent Staff neardaily basis New York Times columnist MSNBC anchor gush Obama’s latest “inspired” “statesmanlike” cabinet pick mainstream media’s lovefest continues unabated rest u left wondering new administration look much like one left office eight year ago Indeed almost seems Clinton bus got lost took detour Chicago selection announced leaked thus far number former Clinton appointee Rahm Emanuel Chief Staff previously served senior political adviser Bill Clinton earning name hotheaded combative pol Eric Holder primed become next Attorney General used Janet Reno’s deputy also involved decision pardon Marc Rich New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson meanwhile formerly served Ambassador UN Secretary Energy allegedly Obama’s top choice Department Commerce Peter Orszag slated head OMB formerly senior adviser Council Economic Advisers Clinton White House Hillary Clinton meanwhile need introduction Despite promise new improved Washington Obama seems reviving old Democratic establishment foster odd dynamic gospel change meet Clinton orthodoxy ‘church liberalism’ accommodate medium course already explaining away Lincolnesque stroke brilliance Citing Doris Kearns Goodwin’s “Team Rivals” assert Obama following 16th president’s footstep assembling cabinet full enemy — scheme ostensibly designed productive chaos Others however doubt wisdom plan Matthew Pinsker civil war historian Dickinson College recently wrote LA Times “Over year become easy forget hard edge bad time nearly destroyed president Lincoln’s Cabinet team rival proved uneven subordinate capable despite personal disloyalty yet others simply disastrous” Indeed Lincoln overcame obstacle becoming increasingly authoritative cabinet end Lincoln’s leadership cabinet scheme ultimately produced success modern example also stress caution Jimmy Carter Though personal enemy president Secretary State Cyrus Vance National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski loathed clashed bitterly Carter often helpless resolving dispute Consequently American foreign policy took tentative meandering approach partially dependant faction held upper hand given moment lesson president’s managerial ability matter competing ego chooses bring along Thus question Obama whether establish firm leader personnel issue notwithstanding point efficiency campaign proof positive know lead winning election far different succeeding office Indeed almost definition whoever run better campaign win presidency Yet clearly presidency created equal Take President Bush example commonly derided incompetent fool worse yet 2004 campaign juggernaut nearlegendary proportion flashy highoctane model campaign world look got Thus simply running good campaign guarantee success office without David Plouffe calling shot behind scene Obama tougher time managing personnel policy persona stake meanwhile continue rise home financial crisis continues spread end sight Dow Jones dropped 8000 level flirting number seen decade Banking giant Citigroup verge implosion Big Three car manufacturer staring bankruptcy eye pleading bailout Things hardly better overseas foreign leader already begun challenge American presidentelect day Obama’s election Russian President Dmitry Medvedev gave speech promising install shortrange missile near Polish border — act meant dissuade America extending missile defense shield conflict Eastern Europe wasn’t enough Medvedev recently embarked trip Latin America complete stop Cuba Venezuela Middle East isn’t much better even putting Iraq Afghanistan aside Al Qaeda’s latest video secondincommand Ayman alZawahiri lambasts presidentelect calling “house negro” hateful heart AlQaeda’s ‘attack ad’ far concern US analyst believe Iran may enough enriched uranium build first atom bomb Obama respond threat far clear campaign trail typical response obvious point Iranian nuke would “a gamechanger” Let’s hope real plan consists substance fewer pithy truism Thus medium joyously proclaims Obama savior ready shepherd u earthly paradise find situation look le like tropical bliss like edge precipice must count untested leader experimental “team rivals” stay solid ground really change needed Best CarlTags Politics Hillary Clinton |
190,813 | Grasping at straws, or…Benghazi | If you’re wondering why Republicans are still fixated on the September 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Libya — even though it happened almost eight months ago, even though election season is over, and even though they’ve already ginned up an exhaustive volume of conspiracy theories — there’s a painfully simple explanation for this.
When Hillary Clinton is polling in a dead heat with Rand Paul in a hypothetical 2016 presidential match-up in his ruby-red home state of Kentucky, Republicans have good reason to be terrified of her.
They also have good reason to seek whatever they can find — however transparently desperate it may appear — to derail her chances.
So, like, Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State when the Benghazi attack took place, and the State Department she oversaw was supposedly complicit in the alleged cover-up that Republicans want so badly to exist.
The problem with GOP strategy is that their schemes are just a wee bit too obvious most of the time.
Like passing voting restriction laws in an effort to disenfranchise those who won’t support them.
Or rigging the electoral college in states they can no longer win.
Or killing gun control legislation that had near-unanimous public support because they’re owned by the NRA and didn’t want to be seen as helping the president.
Or deliberately turning our government into a dysfunctional calamity just to prove their point that government is a problem and that Obama is ineffective.
Or…this. | https://peterwarski.com/grasping-at-straws-or-benghazi-c05d1e01e868 | ['Peter Warski'] | 2016-09-05 22:42:45.527000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Hillary Clinton', 'Benghazi', 'Republicans'] | Title Grasping straw or…BenghaziContent you’re wondering Republicans still fixated September 11 2012 attack US Embassy Benghazi Libya — even though happened almost eight month ago even though election season even though they’ve already ginned exhaustive volume conspiracy theory — there’s painfully simple explanation Hillary Clinton polling dead heat Rand Paul hypothetical 2016 presidential matchup rubyred home state Kentucky Republicans good reason terrified also good reason seek whatever find — however transparently desperate may appear — derail chance like Hillary Clinton Secretary State Benghazi attack took place State Department oversaw supposedly complicit alleged coverup Republicans want badly exist problem GOP strategy scheme wee bit obvious time Like passing voting restriction law effort disenfranchise won’t support rigging electoral college state longer win killing gun control legislation nearunanimous public support they’re owned NRA didn’t want seen helping president deliberately turning government dysfunctional calamity prove point government problem Obama ineffective Or…thisTags Politics Hillary Clinton Benghazi Republicans |
190,814 | Penn Jillette on the Clintons: Quote of the Day | Anything Peaceful | Penn Jillette on the Clintons: Quote of the Day | Anything Peaceful
On his weekly podcast, libertarian magician and skeptic Penn Jillette gave an incisive take on Hillary and Bill Clinton.
We have Hillary Clinton — while you were alive, while you were sexually active, three years ago — saying marriage is just between a man and a woman. … And yet many people in [the gay community] are supporting Hillary, and their reason for supporting her is that “she was always in favor of gay rights, but she had to say what she had to to be elected.” … She came out in favor of the pacific trade deal, very strongly in favor of it, and now she’s against it. And that’s not seen as flip-flopping, it’s not really seen as a revelation or learning something — it’s seen as “she is politically expedient, and we want someone who is politically expedient.” The followers of Hillary Clinton seem to think they have a secret deal with her — where they understand what she really believes, what she’s really going to do — and they are willing to support her as she bends the truth in order to be elected. … Why do the people who support Hillary think that what she’s saying is to manipulate other people and not to manipulate them?
This cultivated impression of insincerity allows her supporters project whatever beliefs and values they want onto her, rationalizing away any dissonant actions as just “savvy politics,” letting her be everything to everyone.
Penn notes that Bill Clinton exploited the same tendency when he ran for president in 1992:
I remember when Bill Clinton was running for president. He was in a capital punishment state, Arkansas, and he flew back during his campaign, during the Gennifer Flowers thing, to pull the switch on a mentally handicapped criminal. He went back to pull the switch, and I remember talking to a buddy of mine in Chicago … who said, “We know Bill Clinton is against capital punishment, we know he’s against it, but he had to make sure this guy was killed in order to be elected, and he knows that’s important.” And I said I know people who are pro-capital punishment who have never actually been part of killing a person, and who might balk at that. So this is what they postulate: you’ve got an anti-death penalty guy who think it’s worth it to kill this guy in order to be elected… so he can fight for not killing people?
Of course, this is not unique to Clinton supporters. Politics is a tribal game, where members of one team will always assume that their leaders are (at least secretly) really on their side and doing the right thing, and they’ll find ways to rationalize their disagreements as merely strategic or cosmetic.
Listen to the rest of the show here. | https://medium.com/fee-org/penn-jillette-on-the-clintons-quote-of-the-day-anything-peaceful-75bd3518c5de | [] | 2016-10-04 19:25:17.913000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton', 'Politics'] | Title Penn Jillette Clintons Quote Day Anything PeacefulContent Penn Jillette Clintons Quote Day Anything Peaceful weekly podcast libertarian magician skeptic Penn Jillette gave incisive take Hillary Bill Clinton Hillary Clinton — alive sexually active three year ago — saying marriage man woman … yet many people gay community supporting Hillary reason supporting “she always favor gay right say elected” … came favor pacific trade deal strongly favor she’s that’s seen flipflopping it’s really seen revelation learning something — it’s seen “she politically expedient want someone politically expedient” follower Hillary Clinton seem think secret deal — understand really belief she’s really going — willing support bend truth order elected … people support Hillary think she’s saying manipulate people manipulate cultivated impression insincerity allows supporter project whatever belief value want onto rationalizing away dissonant action “savvy politics” letting everything everyone Penn note Bill Clinton exploited tendency ran president 1992 remember Bill Clinton running president capital punishment state Arkansas flew back campaign Gennifer Flowers thing pull switch mentally handicapped criminal went back pull switch remember talking buddy mine Chicago … said “We know Bill Clinton capital punishment know he’s make sure guy killed order elected know that’s important” said know people procapital punishment never actually part killing person might balk postulate you’ve got antideath penalty guy think it’s worth kill guy order elected… fight killing people course unique Clinton supporter Politics tribal game member one team always assume leader least secretly really side right thing they’ll find way rationalize disagreement merely strategic cosmetic Listen rest show hereTags Hillary Clinton Politics |
190,815 | Alexandra Chalupa | Alexandra Chalupa
Here is a short post attempting to describe some small, yet significant details of the former Democratic National Committee (DNC) operative Alexandra Chalupa. She is the woman mentioned by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) last Wednesday in his opening statement before witnesses testified in open impeachment hearings.
By now most people who follow political theater have heard of the former DNC operative Alexandra Chalupa. Those who have not should become familiar with the woman who boasted about interfering in the 2016 presidential election.
The details are quite disturbing and the fact that most people have never heard of her is even more disturbing. It only reinforces President Trump’s criticism and mockery of our mainstream media outlets, also known as Fake News and the Enemy of the People.
For three years without a shred of evidence to support Trump/Russia collusion hysteria, our media was responsible for creating anxiety, fear, anger, and unrest by constantly reporting provably false information. Even now, after the Mueller Report concluded there was no evidence of Trump conspiring with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election, they continue to push this false narrative when possible, either by outright lying or omitting pertinent information.
Clearly, there was never any real interest in election interference. Had there been legitimate concern, the name Alexandra Chalupa would be well known around the country.
The fact is, there is real election interference to be found and a good place to start unraveling the origins begin with Chalupa along with many of her Clinton-connected colleagues who are also deeply embedded in the D.C. swamp.
Chalupa has received some mainstream attention, however it is mostly spin implying that she is simply a proud American citizen, human rights advocate and former DNC staffer who has been randomly targeted by Republicans in some made up effort to smear her for no good reason, when in actuality her role in the election interference has been overlooked and downplayed. | https://medium.com/@KayCee4TN/alexandra-chalupa-423626cb4fc1 | ['Kc Davis'] | 2019-11-20 12:01:01.795000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton'] | Title Alexandra ChalupaContent Alexandra Chalupa short post attempting describe small yet significant detail former Democratic National Committee DNC operative Alexandra Chalupa woman mentioned Rep Devin Nunes RCA last Wednesday opening statement witness testified open impeachment hearing people follow political theater heard former DNC operative Alexandra Chalupa become familiar woman boasted interfering 2016 presidential election detail quite disturbing fact people never heard even disturbing reinforces President Trump’s criticism mockery mainstream medium outlet also known Fake News Enemy People three year without shred evidence support TrumpRussia collusion hysteria medium responsible creating anxiety fear anger unrest constantly reporting provably false information Even Mueller Report concluded evidence Trump conspiring Russia interfere 2016 election continue push false narrative possible either outright lying omitting pertinent information Clearly never real interest election interference legitimate concern name Alexandra Chalupa would well known around country fact real election interference found good place start unraveling origin begin Chalupa along many Clintonconnected colleague also deeply embedded DC swamp Chalupa received mainstream attention however mostly spin implying simply proud American citizen human right advocate former DNC staffer randomly targeted Republicans made effort smear good reason actuality role election interference overlooked downplayedTags Hillary Clinton |
190,816 | Imagining the “King-Chavez” Coalition | Imagining the “King-Chavez” Coalition
by Staff
On April 23 in Kresge Auditorium, Stanford witnessed the fourteenth annual commemorative celebration “¡Viva César Chávez!” co-sponsored by El Centro Chicano, MEChA, the ASSU Speakers Bureau, VPSA, and the César Chávez Commemorative Committee.
The auditorium’s walls were festooned with the red-white-and-black flags of the United Farm Workers of America. Over the course of the evening, the flags gradually fell off their hangings, but vigilant student activists were quick to rise up and restore them to the walls.
As the auditorium filled with students and community members, the event’s Master of Ceremonies, Yvonne Maldonado, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, focused the audience’s thoughts on César Chávez and his continued significance. She then turned the podium over to senior Francisco Preciado, the president of MEChA, who first argued that César Chávez’s struggles are not over and then inveighed against U.S. human rights abuses against farm workers. He also talked at length about the living wage campaign on campus, noting that his father and grandfather worked at Stanford. On the Stanford Challenge, he said he would “challenge Stanford” to be sweat-free and join the Workers’ Rights Consortium and the Designated Suppliers Forum. A clipboard circulated, soliciting signatures in support of the cause. Preciado quoted César Chávez, saying, “Once social change has started, it cannot be reversed.” Elaborating and seeking to extend that principle to Stanford, he added, “Social change has begun, ladies and gentlemen, and it’s our job to continue the fight.” The living wage campaign, it became clear, was merely the first in a series of social protests.
The event moved on to the presentation of the winners of the César Chávez Art and Essay Contest. Maria Guadalupe Garcia, a sophomore at Los Banos High School, won first place with her “Ability to Achieve.” Runners up included senior Yesenia Rodríguez of East Palo Alto Stanford Academy (“César Chávez Commemoration”) and sophomore Anthony Cortez of Los Banos High School (“My Inspiration”).
Spoken Word took the stage next, delighting the audience with poetry of an appropriately revolutionary tone. The first poem centered on hypocrisy, the second on manifestations of oppression — overflowing with tropes of oppression rhetoric — and the third was modeled on the form of a letter, “Declaration of My Freedom,” focusing on oppression and the history of slavery.
Following Spoken Word’s performance, Albert M. Camarillo, the Miriam and Peter Haas Centennial Professor in Public Service and founder and director of the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Describing the Reverend Jackson as “an amazing orator,” Professor Camarillo declared him to be “the most important American alive today on issues of justice, civil rights, empowerment of the poor, human rights, and public justice and empowerment around the world.” Then, before inviting Reverend Jackson up to the podium, he exhorted the audience to get to its feet and begin clapping. With applause all around, Reverend Jackson took the stage.
He began by asking everyone to stand once again and join in a moment of silence for those dead and grieving over the Virginia Tech shooting. After everyone was once again seated, he proceeded to catalogue those dead in Iraq as well as those dead in America from gun violence. Saying it’s our generation’s fight to end the war in Iraq and to end sweatshops, Jackson added that those already “fighting” in these two causes deserve our praise.
Moving on to Hurricane Katrina and the devastation of New Orleans, Jackson spoke about the language used by the media to describe the people in the ruined city. The media, he said, “don’t see the fullness of their humanity,” asking why the terms “refugees” and “victims” took the place of citizens and survivors. “The families of the 9/11 victims got one to two million dollars. In Katrina,” he said, “no one saw a dime.” Arguing that there are “two sets of rules,” Reverend Jackson maintained, “The struggle is not over.”
On the front of the podium was a picture of a young Jesse Jackson talking to César Chávez while he fasted. “I fast to get the attention of the oppressor,” Jackson intoned. “I fast to purify my soul.”
“Guest workers,” Jackson said, constituted a method of using one group of impoverished people against another. Shifting to the subject of the United States’ language policy, he held that “English-only is a glorification of ignorance and retardation.” Making another point, Jackson described the demographics of the world and its linguistic and economic condition — that most of it is “brown, poor, female, and doesn’t speak English.” Noted Jackson, “Decadence in America is as old as the culture…we must all fight the decadence. We must fight the public discourse and its toxicity.”
Bringing the roundabout talk back to Stanford, Jackson said, “When you fight the sweatshop fight here, you’re doing what King-Chávez was doing. You’re fighting for those who need uplifting.” Jackson talked at length about “the future of the ‘King-Chávez coalition’” and the problem of disenfranchisement. He argued that Bill Clinton won the presidency with the help of “our coalition,” and stated “the Republicans in 2000 and 2004 decided they couldn’t win with registration so they went with nullification.”
In an exhortation to the Stanford students in the audience, Jackson implored, “Don’t swim in blessings and drown in complaints.”
He also advised the audience, “Don’t assume all whites are racist on the basis of the Rodney King beating,” noting that George Holliday, the videographer who got it on tape, was white. He gave similar examples of African-Americans as well.
On the topic of character, Reverend Jackson said, “Beyond color, which you can’t decide, you can decide to have character. Suffering builds character and character builds faith and in the end faith will not disappoint.” Elaborating on his definition, Jackson said, “Beyond culture and color is character, selfless sacrifice character.”
The final portion of his speech revolved around the question, “What do you owe Dr. King and César Chávez?” “First,” he said, “we must remember them. Learn about them and remember them. The power of unearned suffering, of authenticity, transformative power, that mattered!” He then reminded the audience of the story of the Good Samaritan.
“Second,” he said,” be grateful. God never missed a day since He stopped making days.” “Lastly,” he finished, “do well. When you develop selfless values, values of selflessness and charity, do well. Be a public doctor for public health and not private wealth.”
Concluding his speech, Reverend Jackson intoned, “When you remember them, are grateful, and do well, you’ll have made King and Chávez rejoice.”
During the question and answer session that followed, Reverend Jackson observed, “Katrina is a metaphor for neglected urban America.” On Chávez and King, he added, “We love our martyrs once they are martyrs, particularly when they are dead. We romanticize. Everybody loves them the day after.”
Returning to the subject of student activism, he said, “Leadership comes from you. Remember the student sit-in movement. The movement for justice, to end sweatshops, starts with you. The spirit of Dr. King and César Chávez is in this room tonight. I see it in the anti-sweatshop movement and the anti-Iraq war movement.”
Another question concerned Jimmy Carter’s book on Israel and the Palestinian Arabs. Jackson responded by saying, “People overreacted to President Carter. He’s not choosing sides; he’s choosing to reconcile sides. Israel has a right to be secure, as do the Palestinians. Jimmy Carter is not antisemitic, he is pro-peace. It’s a tough role to play.”
Questioned about his opinion of the presidential aspirations of Senator Barack Obama, Reverend Jackson said, “His ascendancy is very significant. Hillary Clinton is perhaps even more formidable. Edwards may be the sleeper. Hillary has relationships as her advantage. Barack is untested. He’s my neighbor, I’d vote for him. I want to hear about policy, not fundraising. Who makes sense? That’s what takes it to the next level.” | https://medium.com/stanfordreview/imagining-the-king-chavez-coalition-67b6577379fc | [] | 2016-12-08 05:12:33.852000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Imagining “KingChavez” CoalitionContent Imagining “KingChavez” Coalition Staff April 23 Kresge Auditorium Stanford witnessed fourteenth annual commemorative celebration “¡Viva César Chávez” cosponsored El Centro Chicano MEChA ASSU Speakers Bureau VPSA César Chávez Commemorative Committee auditorium’s wall festooned redwhiteandblack flag United Farm Workers America course evening flag gradually fell hanging vigilant student activist quick rise restore wall auditorium filled student community member event’s Master Ceremonies Yvonne Maldonado Associate Professor Pediatrics focused audience’s thought César Chávez continued significance turned podium senior Francisco Preciado president MEChA first argued César Chávez’s struggle inveighed US human right abuse farm worker also talked length living wage campaign campus noting father grandfather worked Stanford Stanford Challenge said would “challenge Stanford” sweatfree join Workers’ Rights Consortium Designated Suppliers Forum clipboard circulated soliciting signature support cause Preciado quoted César Chávez saying “Once social change started cannot reversed” Elaborating seeking extend principle Stanford added “Social change begun lady gentleman it’s job continue fight” living wage campaign became clear merely first series social protest event moved presentation winner César Chávez Art Essay Contest Maria Guadalupe Garcia sophomore Los Banos High School first place “Ability Achieve” Runners included senior Yesenia Rodríguez East Palo Alto Stanford Academy “César Chávez Commemoration” sophomore Anthony Cortez Los Banos High School “My Inspiration” Spoken Word took stage next delighting audience poetry appropriately revolutionary tone first poem centered hypocrisy second manifestation oppression — overflowing trope oppression rhetoric — third modeled form letter “Declaration Freedom” focusing oppression history slavery Following Spoken Word’s performance Albert Camarillo Miriam Peter Haas Centennial Professor Public Service founder director Center Comparative Studies Race Ethnicity introduced evening’s keynote speaker Reverend Jesse Jackson Describing Reverend Jackson “an amazing orator” Professor Camarillo declared “the important American alive today issue justice civil right empowerment poor human right public justice empowerment around world” inviting Reverend Jackson podium exhorted audience get foot begin clapping applause around Reverend Jackson took stage began asking everyone stand join moment silence dead grieving Virginia Tech shooting everyone seated proceeded catalogue dead Iraq well dead America gun violence Saying it’s generation’s fight end war Iraq end sweatshop Jackson added already “fighting” two cause deserve praise Moving Hurricane Katrina devastation New Orleans Jackson spoke language used medium describe people ruined city medium said “don’t see fullness humanity” asking term “refugees” “victims” took place citizen survivor “The family 911 victim got one two million dollar Katrina” said “no one saw dime” Arguing “two set rules” Reverend Jackson maintained “The struggle over” front podium picture young Jesse Jackson talking César Chávez fasted “I fast get attention oppressor” Jackson intoned “I fast purify soul” “Guest workers” Jackson said constituted method using one group impoverished people another Shifting subject United States’ language policy held “Englishonly glorification ignorance retardation” Making another point Jackson described demographic world linguistic economic condition — “brown poor female doesn’t speak English” Noted Jackson “Decadence America old culture…we must fight decadence must fight public discourse toxicity” Bringing roundabout talk back Stanford Jackson said “When fight sweatshop fight you’re KingChávez You’re fighting need uplifting” Jackson talked length “the future ‘KingChávez coalition’” problem disenfranchisement argued Bill Clinton presidency help “our coalition” stated “the Republicans 2000 2004 decided couldn’t win registration went nullification” exhortation Stanford student audience Jackson implored “Don’t swim blessing drown complaints” also advised audience “Don’t assume white racist basis Rodney King beating” noting George Holliday videographer got tape white gave similar example AfricanAmericans well topic character Reverend Jackson said “Beyond color can’t decide decide character Suffering build character character build faith end faith disappoint” Elaborating definition Jackson said “Beyond culture color character selfless sacrifice character” final portion speech revolved around question “What owe Dr King César Chávez” “First” said “we must remember Learn remember power unearned suffering authenticity transformative power mattered” reminded audience story Good Samaritan “Second” said” grateful God never missed day since stopped making days” “Lastly” finished “do well develop selfless value value selflessness charity well public doctor public health private wealth” Concluding speech Reverend Jackson intoned “When remember grateful well you’ll made King Chávez rejoice” question answer session followed Reverend Jackson observed “Katrina metaphor neglected urban America” Chávez King added “We love martyr martyr particularly dead romanticize Everybody love day after” Returning subject student activism said “Leadership come Remember student sitin movement movement justice end sweatshop start spirit Dr King César Chávez room tonight see antisweatshop movement antiIraq war movement” Another question concerned Jimmy Carter’s book Israel Palestinian Arabs Jackson responded saying “People overreacted President Carter He’s choosing side he’s choosing reconcile side Israel right secure Palestinians Jimmy Carter antisemitic propeace It’s tough role play” Questioned opinion presidential aspiration Senator Barack Obama Reverend Jackson said “His ascendancy significant Hillary Clinton perhaps even formidable Edwards may sleeper Hillary relationship advantage Barack untested He’s neighbor I’d vote want hear policy fundraising make sense That’s take next level”Tags Politics Hillary Clinton |
190,817 | John Kerry’s Senate Confirmation Hearing Today | Senator Kerry has been great on so many of our issues, perhaps that’s because he is also the proud father of two remarkable daughters.
Senator John Kerry (D-Mass) had the tables turned on him today. After 29 years as part of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today he sat facing the dais (instead of behind it) at his confirmation hearing as Obama’s nominee for Secretary of State. It’s his long history and expertise in foreign policy and national security and his deep understanding that those issues mean more than military presence that makes us confident he will be confirmed, will carry the torch so elegantly carried by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and will be the leader we need in the world today.
Senator Kerry has been great on so many of our issues, perhaps that’s because he is also the proud father of two remarkable daughters. Alexandra Forbes Kerry is a film producer/director and partner at Locomotive Films and the other is Vanessa Bradford Kerry, a doctor at Mass General and founder of Global Service Corps. We talked to Vanessa about her launch of the global health services partnership which creates opportunities for healthcare professionals to work in developing countries (and pay off their loans) to provide sustainable ways to expand healthcare services. Like Dr. Kerry, Senator Kerry understands that when countries are empowered to take care of their citizens’ human needs and promote their human rights and when they’re supported to create sustainable models for education, healthcare and economic growth, there’s less violence, oppression, poverty and desperation.
We were reassured that these thoughts are integral to Kerry’s political philosophy and diplomacy when he stated today, “Today’s world is more complicated than anything we have experienced — from the emergence of China to the Arab Awakening: inextricably linked economic, health, environmental and demographic issues.” He also said, “U.S. foreign policy is defined by much more than military intervention abroad and the fight against terrorism,” and he called for consensus on promoting American leadership on matters ranging from food security to climate change.
Our favorite quote of the day? This one proves John Kerry “gets it.”
We cannot allow the extraordinary good we do to save and change lives to be eclipsed entirely by the role we have had to play since September 11th, a role that was thrust upon us… American foreign policy is also defined by food security and energy security, humanitarian assistance, the fight against disease and the push for development, as much as it is by any single counterterrorism initiative. It is defined by leadership on life-threatening issues like climate change, or fighting to lift up millions of lives by promoting freedom and democracy from Africa to the Americas or speaking out for the prisoners of gulags in North Korea or millions of refugees and displaced persons and victims of human trafficking. It is defined by keeping faith with all that our troops have sacrificed to secure for Afghanistan. America lives up to her values when we give voice to the voiceless.” | https://blog.everymothercounts.org/john-kerrys-senate-confirmation-hearing-today-8fbd937935fc | ['Every Mother Counts'] | 2016-10-03 23:34:30.526000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton', 'John Kerry'] | Title John Kerry’s Senate Confirmation Hearing TodayContent Senator Kerry great many issue perhaps that’s also proud father two remarkable daughter Senator John Kerry DMass table turned today 29 year part Senate Foreign Relations Committee today sat facing dais instead behind confirmation hearing Obama’s nominee Secretary State It’s long history expertise foreign policy national security deep understanding issue mean military presence make u confident confirmed carry torch elegantly carried former Secretary State Hillary Clinton leader need world today Senator Kerry great many issue perhaps that’s also proud father two remarkable daughter Alexandra Forbes Kerry film producerdirector partner Locomotive Films Vanessa Bradford Kerry doctor Mass General founder Global Service Corps talked Vanessa launch global health service partnership creates opportunity healthcare professional work developing country pay loan provide sustainable way expand healthcare service Like Dr Kerry Senator Kerry understands country empowered take care citizens’ human need promote human right they’re supported create sustainable model education healthcare economic growth there’s le violence oppression poverty desperation reassured thought integral Kerry’s political philosophy diplomacy stated today “Today’s world complicated anything experienced — emergence China Arab Awakening inextricably linked economic health environmental demographic issues” also said “US foreign policy defined much military intervention abroad fight terrorism” called consensus promoting American leadership matter ranging food security climate change favorite quote day one prof John Kerry “gets it” cannot allow extraordinary good save change life eclipsed entirely role play since September 11th role thrust upon us… American foreign policy also defined food security energy security humanitarian assistance fight disease push development much single counterterrorism initiative defined leadership lifethreatening issue like climate change fighting lift million life promoting freedom democracy Africa Americas speaking prisoner gulag North Korea million refugee displaced person victim human trafficking defined keeping faith troop sacrificed secure Afghanistan America life value give voice voiceless”Tags Hillary Clinton John Kerry |
190,818 | Hillary Clinton Thinks You Are Very Dumb | Last night, Bernie Sanders asked why Hillary Clinton’s foremost campaign donors have been Wall Street banks. I’ve linked a video of the exchange below, but here’s a transcript of what he said:
I have never heard a candidate — never — who has received yuuuge amounts of money from oil, from coal, from Wall Street, from the military-industrial complex, not one candidate says, “Oh, this campaign contribution will not influence me. I’m gonna be independent.” Well, why do they make millions of dollars in campaign contributions? They expect to get something, everybody knows that. Once again, I am running a campaign differently than any other candidate. We are relying on small campaign donors, 750,000 of them, thirty bucks apiece. That’s who I’m indebted to.
This is a good question! Generally speaking, people will contribute to political campaigns they support. Banks enjoy being profitable. By extension, they will thus support policies (and, necessarily, politicians) that will bolster their bottom lines. So, it poses the question: When four of Hillary’s top five campaign donors are Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley, who’s being played a fool? Presumably, it’s not the very wealthy people whose entire careers revolve around buying things to advance their own self interest, so, Sanders is saying, perhaps it’s the populace at large for believing Hillary when she suddenly professes a new love for regulating banks.
Here is Mrs. Clinton’s response:
He has basically used his answer to impugn my integrity, let’s be frank here. You know, not only do I have hundreds of thousands of donors, most of them small, and I’m very proud that, for the first time, a majority of my donors are women — 60 percent of them. [Applause.] I represented New York, and I represented New York on 9/11, when we were attacked. Where were we attacked? We were attacked in downtown Manhattan, where Wall Street is. I did spend a whole lot of time and effort helping them rebuild, that was good for New York, it was good for the economy, and it was a way to rebuke the terrorists who had attacked our country. [Applause]
Let’s be totally clear, here: Hillary Clinton only felt comfortable offering that bucket of word-turds as an answer because she thinks you are very stupid. She thinks you are an easily-distracted child, and she does not respect you.
I think it’s fine that women are donating to Hillary’s campaign! I’d rather introduce publicly-funded elections, but if we’re going to have a broken system, we might as well have gender parity. (We do it with overpolicing and CEOs, as well. This is liberalism in 2015, refusing to tackle the roots of problems like your favorite sportsmen refuse to tackle their rivals’ quarterback.)
But what in the world does any of that have to do with Wall Street? If I ran for President and took money from Satan, aka The Actual Devil, could I say, “Well, a majority of my contributions are from people who are not the Dark Lord, Harbinger of the Absolute Nothing, Prince Of All That Is Ghoulish, so, never mind?” Of course not. Why is everyone clapping?
Emboldened, Hillary seized the opportunity to make a cartoon a reality in a way that even Rudi “9/11” Giuliani would balk at. I get that it’s a Presidential debate, so we’ll have to be reminded of how you were in charge during what is possibly the worst day in our nation’s history — why is this a thing politicians keep doing, by the way? I don’t remind everyone of the time I managed a McDonald’s that burst into flames — but my god, you were asked about campaign contributions. What does this have to do with 9/11? What is the causal relationship here?
WHY IS EVERYONE CLAPPING?
It’s because she’s right. We are easily-distracted children, and we will get the President we deserve.
(Quotes via YouTube.) | https://medium.com/@iandonovan/hillary-clinton-thinks-you-are-very-dumb-e7c3de21d543 | ['Ian Donovan'] | 2015-11-15 21:57:10.550000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Hillary Clinton', 'Debate'] | Title Hillary Clinton Thinks DumbContent Last night Bernie Sanders asked Hillary Clinton’s foremost campaign donor Wall Street bank I’ve linked video exchange here’s transcript said never heard candidate — never — received yuuuge amount money oil coal Wall Street militaryindustrial complex one candidate say “Oh campaign contribution influence I’m gonna independent” Well make million dollar campaign contribution expect get something everybody know running campaign differently candidate relying small campaign donor 750000 thirty buck apiece That’s I’m indebted good question Generally speaking people contribute political campaign support Banks enjoy profitable extension thus support policy necessarily politician bolster bottom line pose question four Hillary’s top five campaign donor Citigroup Goldman Sachs JPMorgan Chase Morgan Stanley who’s played fool Presumably it’s wealthy people whose entire career revolve around buying thing advance self interest Sanders saying perhaps it’s populace large believing Hillary suddenly professes new love regulating bank Mrs Clinton’s response basically used answer impugn integrity let’s frank know hundred thousand donor small I’m proud first time majority donor woman — 60 percent Applause represented New York represented New York 911 attacked attacked attacked downtown Manhattan Wall Street spend whole lot time effort helping rebuild good New York good economy way rebuke terrorist attacked country Applause Let’s totally clear Hillary Clinton felt comfortable offering bucket wordturds answer think stupid think easilydistracted child respect think it’s fine woman donating Hillary’s campaign I’d rather introduce publiclyfunded election we’re going broken system might well gender parity overpolicing CEOs well liberalism 2015 refusing tackle root problem like favorite sportsman refuse tackle rivals’ quarterback world Wall Street ran President took money Satan aka Actual Devil could say “Well majority contribution people Dark Lord Harbinger Absolute Nothing Prince Ghoulish never mind” course everyone clapping Emboldened Hillary seized opportunity make cartoon reality way even Rudi “911” Giuliani would balk get it’s Presidential debate we’ll reminded charge possibly worst day nation’s history — thing politician keep way don’t remind everyone time managed McDonald’s burst flame — god asked campaign contribution 911 causal relationship EVERYONE CLAPPING It’s she’s right easilydistracted child get President deserve Quotes via YouTubeTags Politics Hillary Clinton Debate |
190,819 | Liberty and Wedding Cake for All in DemocracyLand™ ! | By Kaufman & Hacker
Come with us to the good old days…
Come with us to 2014…
Come with us to DemocracyLand™, the nation’s only theme park dedicated to preserving the ideals of the American Republic.
Your Blended Family Freedom Pass is waiting for you at the gate. Everyone is guaranteed the right to ride, the right to eat and the right to exercise every one of their Constitutional freedoms within the bounds of DemocracyLand™’s 51-square acre park without fear of being shot or attacked by their President on Twitter!
Whatever you believe in — equal rights, gun control, science — you’ll find a protest about it. All protests are posted on DemocracyLand™’s website 24 hours in advance so you can reserve your tickets and assemble peacefully. And if you trip and fall or lose your voice or eat one of our Soy-O-Soy!®GMO-free corn dogs or one fried Milky Way too many, we’ve got you covered: Health care is free for everyone while they’re in the park even those with pre-existing conditions (including pregnancy).
March down Main Street with DemocracyLand™’s Harvey Milk character performer in DemocracyLand™’s own LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade. Billie Jean King often surprises us with a visit!
Take a walk on one of DemocracyLand™’s protected nature trails! You might even run into Hillary and her dogs. The real Hillary! Hillary is a regular visitor to DemocracyLand™! She’ll take a selfie with you! She’ll laugh her Hillary laugh! And she won’t lie about everything.
Visit the border and tear down the wall! A new one goes up every night at no cost to the American taxpayer or to our Mexican neighbors who are just waiting for you on the other side with baskets of hot tamales and frosty bottles of a cold local microbrew. And when you cross back over late at night after the fiesta, no uniformed agents will rip your sleeping children from your arms.
Climb on to the Gerrymander and strap in! Ride the swoop-de-doop-de lines of district division in Pennsylvania! Up, down, upside down! Whee! Congressional district manipulation has never been this much fun!
One person, one vote? You bet! DemocracyLand™ welcomes your participation in our government. We use paper ballots, certified human tallying (CHT) and, best of all, you get to keep the pen! There are plenty of pens for everyone in DemocracyLand™! Just think! At any time yours could be the deciding vote on the governor, a senator or two, maybe even a county commissioner. Same day registration. No proof of citizenship required.
Your kids are instantly logged in to the Hackers Situation Room where American youth save what’s left of the integrity of the election process from cyberenemies both foreign and domestic! Wherever they are in the park, GenTech kids can cyberjoust with Russian troll farms, divert and destroy Russian hack attacks and embed shattercodes in Putin’s Swiss bank accounts.
Grab your board shorts and hang 10 on the Blue Wave™in our solar-powered waterpark. Towels courtesy of HempLove, a division of High & Mighty, the employee-owned company that also provides DemocracyLand™ with all its edibles.
Take your toddlers on the Saved Species carousel where they can ride on the backs of orcas, grizzlies, wolves and prairie dogs who are under no threat from anyone in DemocracyLand™.
And don’t leave DemocracyLand™ without celebrating a gay wedding. There’s one every day at the Unity Church on Rule of Law Square. Try a slice of maple crème fraîche wedding cake with a drizzle of lavender mint glaze baked by DemocracyLand™’s inclusive bakers. Take some home for grandma!
Of the people, by the people, for the people.
DemocracyLand™. | https://medium.com/@thefungroupgroup/liberty-and-wedding-cake-for-all-in-democracyland-59f8dbd04211 | ['Kaufman'] | 2018-11-24 17:47:44.841000+00:00 | ['Democracy', 'Constitution', 'Amusement Parks', 'Gay Rights', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Liberty Wedding Cake DemocracyLand™ Content Kaufman Hacker Come u good old days… Come u 2014… Come u DemocracyLand™ nation’s theme park dedicated preserving ideal American Republic Blended Family Freedom Pass waiting gate Everyone guaranteed right ride right eat right exercise every one Constitutional freedom within bound DemocracyLand™’s 51square acre park without fear shot attacked President Twitter Whatever believe — equal right gun control science — you’ll find protest protest posted DemocracyLand™’s website 24 hour advance reserve ticket assemble peacefully trip fall lose voice eat one SoyOSoy®GMOfree corn dog one fried Milky Way many we’ve got covered Health care free everyone they’re park even preexisting condition including pregnancy March Main Street DemocracyLand™’s Harvey Milk character performer DemocracyLand™’s LGBTQIA Pride Parade Billie Jean King often surprise u visit Take walk one DemocracyLand™’s protected nature trail might even run Hillary dog real Hillary Hillary regular visitor DemocracyLand™ She’ll take selfie She’ll laugh Hillary laugh won’t lie everything Visit border tear wall new one go every night cost American taxpayer Mexican neighbor waiting side basket hot tamale frosty bottle cold local microbrew cross back late night fiesta uniformed agent rip sleeping child arm Climb Gerrymander strap Ride swoopdedoopde line district division Pennsylvania upside Whee Congressional district manipulation never much fun One person one vote bet DemocracyLand™ welcome participation government use paper ballot certified human tallying CHT best get keep pen plenty pen everyone DemocracyLand™ think time could deciding vote governor senator two maybe even county commissioner day registration proof citizenship required kid instantly logged Hackers Situation Room American youth save what’s left integrity election process cyberenemies foreign domestic Wherever park GenTech kid cyberjoust Russian troll farm divert destroy Russian hack attack embed shattercodes Putin’s Swiss bank account Grab board short hang 10 Blue Wave™in solarpowered waterpark Towels courtesy HempLove division High Mighty employeeowned company also provides DemocracyLand™ edible Take toddler Saved Species carousel ride back orca grizzly wolf prairie dog threat anyone DemocracyLand™ don’t leave DemocracyLand™ without celebrating gay wedding There’s one every day Unity Church Rule Law Square Try slice maple crème fraîche wedding cake drizzle lavender mint glaze baked DemocracyLand™’s inclusive baker Take home grandma people people people DemocracyLand™Tags Democracy Constitution Amusement Parks Gay Rights Hillary Clinton |
190,820 | Trump or Hillary: why I just can’t. | Trump or Hillary: why I just can’t.
Written October 2016
Well I’ve done it: Jumped on the bandwagon with all the other masses of people who love to render unsolicited advice. And of all topics, I chose the ever-depressing, ever-impending 2016 presidential election.
In a nutshell: I can’t vote for Hillary and I can’t vote for Trump, and that doesn’t make me an irresponsible or apathetic American. Here’s why:
Recently a friend passed along an interesting article entitled, “I’m pro life. And I’m voting for Hillary. Here’s why.” The title definitely sparked my interest, since the abortion issue is what I would consider to be my personal “hill to die on.” (More on that in just a minute) This jist of the article was that a liberal approach to government would do more for helping the American people (especially those within the demographics that are prone to abortions) than a republican approach. In a way, I resonated with her viewpoint. It seems like republican politicians frequently push the idea of freedom from an economic standpoint: “Stop giving away our money to people who haven’t worked for it.” And liberals argue, “These people need help and it’s the government’s job to do so.” Hillary and Trump represent the extremes of these two views, and I have problems with both.
But first, let me back up and explain why the abortion issue is so central in mind when it comes to choosing where to place my vote.
Why is abortion my main issue?
There are real lives at stake here: Lives of entire communities that function without a stable nuclear family; without fathers or real men to value their daughters so that they don’t try to meet their need for love by sleeping around with guys who will immediately leave or pressure them to “get rid of it.” There are expectant women who literally have neither the time nor understanding to navigate a horrifically abused, complicated, and insufficient system in order to get the medical care, childcare, housing, and food that they truly need. And let’s also not forget the lives that are literally at stake: the children who haven’t exited their mother’s womb but are viable, living beings with faces that look like their parents’ and souls that are completely unique. A child that born into an unfortunate circumstance still has worth and still has a right to his or her life.
Many women who abort their babies aren’t doing so because they want to make a political statement about their right to choose. It feels like there is no choice but to abort. These women feel trapped, overwhelmed, and alone. When they themselves have not been treated as someone of worth, how can we expect them to value the tiny human beings inside them?
What does this have to do with the election? You can’t stop evil from happening, but the leaders in our country have a responsibly to do their best to protect American lives and freedom; and we have a responsibility to care for one another…not by shooing our neighbors off to a broken system, but by rolling up our sleeves and caring for people ourselves: adopting, educating, giving, mentoring, and actually caring in a way that involves direct and personal sacrifice of time and money.
There is a real need for women like teenage moms and single moms to have support. The system is failing them, and I honestly believe that pouring more money and red tape into a welfare system that is already broken and corrupt is not going to solve that problem. However, simply outlawing abortion is not going to improve life for those women either.
Lastly, there is no such thing as a safe abortion. Some methods are obviously less damaging than others, yes — I see what you were getting at. But it needs to be understood that an abortion does lasting damage, not only to the baby whose life never gets lived, but also to the mother who is physically and emotionally affected in deeper ways than most of them would ever expect. Nothing is ever without hope of healing, but it is truly a damaging and tragic occurrence that is so SO common. Over 55 MILLION abortions have been reported in the US since Roe V Wade (and not all states even have to report their numbers — California being one of them). That’s five times the number of people killed in the Holocaust.
So with that, let’s get back to the candidates.
Why not Hillary?
The Left has it absolutely right in identifying that there are people in our nation who need help. However, the problem with their view is that the government shouldn’t and can’t effectively satisfy the needs of all these people groups that they endeavor to help. No matter how well intentioned, the more that the government interferes with these groups of people, the more trouble that is created. For example, the article mentioned Hillary’s support for single mothers in low income areas. True, this demographic is where the majority of abortions come from. However, single mothers qualify for significantly more government welfare programs than do married parents. Also, the more you make, the fewer benefits that you qualify for. So in its efforts to care for others, the government has created an incredibly complex and easily abused system that disincentives people from work and marriage.
Republicans have it right that freedom from a tyrannical government is an essential element of human life that is worth fighting for. However, the problem with the typical republican approach is that they are trying to defend liberty for entirely the wrong reason. Yes, freedom is a God-ordained human right, but biblically the purpose of freedom has always been so that we can generously provide and care for those around us. God brought the Israelites out of captivity for that same purpose:
“I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people,a light for the nations to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” (Isaiah 42)
So, if it is true that abortions have increased during republican presidency,* it’s an evidence that we have lost sight of the duty of the American people as individual free human beings to step in with the care and financial support that republicans claim the government has neither the capacity nor the rights to provide.
She is explicitly aiming at destroying human life. Yes, most abortions don’t happen at 40 weeks (especially since it’s illegal at that gestational age in most states), but the fact that the potential future president sees full term abortions as justifiable and even condones them is terrifying to me. This kind of disregard for the most defenseless beings in our nation is not something that I can support as a voter.
Hillary’s stance on this issue also demonstrates her disregard for American women. Abortions are physically destructive and emotionally damaging for the women on whom they are performed. This is true when performed at any phase in pregnancy, and even more so later on. We should be offering love, support, help, charity (from our own pockets) and encouragement for the expectant mothers in our nation, not an “easy” solution that leaves women injured and alone.
Why Not Trump?
I saw a clip of an interview with Trump where they were asking him what to do about abortion in America, and all he kept blubbering was that he “is pro life.” When the interviewer pressed him further, he stated that there should be “some kind of punishment” for women who have abortions…He missed the point completely.
Donald Trump is arrogant, selfish, dishonest, immoral, and ignorant. He repeatedly fails to be a man of his word, and his track record proves that he neither values human life (aside from his own) nor understands the issue of abortion. This combination of ignorance and apathy worries me that his list of 11 candidates for the Justice positions is worthless because he will say anything in order to get what he wants.
“In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate — look to his character. . . . When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor, he betrays the interest of his country” — Noah Webster
I can’t ignore my conscience in an effort to support the “lesser evil.” I didn’t follow my conscience during the primaries, and I regret it. I was a part of the large group of people who voted for Rubio because “he was electable.” What a waste. Now I’m realizing that I need to change my tune and actually use my right as a voter in the way that I’m supposed to. All these strategic and manipulative voting tactics is what helped land us in this debacle in the first place (well, that and the belief that government’s purpose is solve all our problems for us). I do get it that you need to vote for the lesser of two evils sometimes. But when both candidates check pretty much every box of what a president should not be, I just can’t do it.
Trump would be a terrible president. I don’t trust him and honestly don’t think I can vote for him. But that doesn’t mean that Hillary is the better choice.
So then what?
Lately I’m realizing that I have been operating under the belief that I HAVE to vote for one of the two main candidates, or else I’m not fulfilling my civic duty. However, I’m starting to realize just the opposite now:
My duty as an American (and also a believer) is to make an informed decision about voting — to honor my conscience and to make a wise choice. Just because I may not feel like I can rightly check either box on that portion of my ballot does not mean that I am choosing to be apathetic about this election and the future of our nation. It simply means that I don’t believe that I am doing my country a service by voting for either candidate.
But, I can’t stop there. If I really believe that either option will be putting an evil person in power, I had better get together a game plan for how else to counteract that evil. So, for me personally the outplaying of my civic duty is going to look like this:
1. Not voting for Hillary or Trump
2. Standing up for the causes that I fear will not be supported by the future president (whoever it ends up being). Specifically for me, that will be continuing to support and getting re-involved in volunteering at the East End Pregnancy Test + Help Center
3. Not being as ignorant about politics as I have been in years previous so that I can intelligently engage with people and hopefully make a positive impact four years from now
4. Being a neighbor and a friend to people. I believe that the government is not suited for supporting those in need. The welfare system is insufficient and abused both internally and externally. I think it’s the government’s job to guard our freedom and administer justice (through punishing evil and rewarding good), and it’s Church’s job to care for people. So, since I most likely will not like what I’m seeing come from Washington, I need to step up with eyes to see those in need, a mind to discern what to do (or sometimes not do) for them, and a heart to extend gospel-centered generosity and love to the poor and marginalized
5. Praying, praying, praying for mercy on our nation and for the leaders of our government to know the Lord and be changed by Him
Neither candidate for presidency hold a view that values women and unborn children; and Hillary’s views are particularly destructive in these areas. I don’t know what to do with my vote in November. But I do know this: it is my responsibility to be a neighbor and a friend in my community. To give to those who are in need so that they don’t have to rely on a government that doesn’t know or value them. So I’m gonna start there, and pray for mercy for our nation, opened eyes for its people, and changed hearts for our leaders.
*If you look at planned parenthoods own reports, the abortion rate has actually steadily declined since the early 1980s…so it’s kind of unfair to make the point that abortions were higher during in Reagan’s administration than they were in Clinton’s — the decline has occurred consistently regardless of who has been in office) | https://medium.com/@juliedavis_73895/trump-or-hillary-why-i-just-cant-43d021a15a52 | ['Julie Davis'] | 2019-11-14 02:15:22.126000+00:00 | ['Politics', 'Abortion', 'Trump', 'Hillary Clinton', 'Us Election 2016'] | Title Trump Hillary can’tContent Trump Hillary can’t Written October 2016 Well I’ve done Jumped bandwagon mass people love render unsolicited advice topic chose everdepressing everimpending 2016 presidential election nutshell can’t vote Hillary can’t vote Trump doesn’t make irresponsible apathetic American Here’s Recently friend passed along interesting article entitled “I’m pro life I’m voting Hillary Here’s why” title definitely sparked interest since abortion issue would consider personal “hill die on” minute jist article liberal approach government would helping American people especially within demographic prone abortion republican approach way resonated viewpoint seems like republican politician frequently push idea freedom economic standpoint “Stop giving away money people haven’t worked it” liberal argue “These people need help it’s government’s job so” Hillary Trump represent extreme two view problem first let back explain abortion issue central mind come choosing place vote abortion main issue real life stake Lives entire community function without stable nuclear family without father real men value daughter don’t try meet need love sleeping around guy immediately leave pressure “get rid it” expectant woman literally neither time understanding navigate horrifically abused complicated insufficient system order get medical care childcare housing food truly need let’s also forget life literally stake child haven’t exited mother’s womb viable living being face look like parents’ soul completely unique child born unfortunate circumstance still worth still right life Many woman abort baby aren’t want make political statement right choose feel like choice abort woman feel trapped overwhelmed alone treated someone worth expect value tiny human being inside election can’t stop evil happening leader country responsibly best protect American life freedom responsibility care one another…not shooing neighbor broken system rolling sleeve caring people adopting educating giving mentoring actually caring way involves direct personal sacrifice time money real need woman like teenage mom single mom support system failing honestly believe pouring money red tape welfare system already broken corrupt going solve problem However simply outlawing abortion going improve life woman either Lastly thing safe abortion method obviously le damaging others yes — see getting need understood abortion lasting damage baby whose life never get lived also mother physically emotionally affected deeper way would ever expect Nothing ever without hope healing truly damaging tragic occurrence common 55 MILLION abortion reported US since Roe V Wade state even report number — California one That’s five time number people killed Holocaust let’s get back candidate Hillary Left absolutely right identifying people nation need help However problem view government shouldn’t can’t effectively satisfy need people group endeavor help matter well intentioned government interferes group people trouble created example article mentioned Hillary’s support single mother low income area True demographic majority abortion come However single mother qualify significantly government welfare program married parent Also make fewer benefit qualify effort care others government created incredibly complex easily abused system disincentive people work marriage Republicans right freedom tyrannical government essential element human life worth fighting However problem typical republican approach trying defend liberty entirely wrong reason Yes freedom Godordained human right biblically purpose freedom always generously provide care around u God brought Israelites captivity purpose “I LORD called righteousness take hand keep give covenant peoplea light nation open eye blind bring prisoner dungeon prison sit darkness” Isaiah 42 true abortion increased republican presidency it’s evidence lost sight duty American people individual free human being step care financial support republican claim government neither capacity right provide explicitly aiming destroying human life Yes abortion don’t happen 40 week especially since it’s illegal gestational age state fact potential future president see full term abortion justifiable even condones terrifying kind disregard defenseless being nation something support voter Hillary’s stance issue also demonstrates disregard American woman Abortions physically destructive emotionally damaging woman performed true performed phase pregnancy even later offering love support help charity pocket encouragement expectant mother nation “easy” solution leaf woman injured alone Trump saw clip interview Trump asking abortion America kept blubbering “is pro life” interviewer pressed stated “some kind punishment” woman abortions…He missed point completely Donald Trump arrogant selfish dishonest immoral ignorant repeatedly fails man word track record prof neither value human life aside understands issue abortion combination ignorance apathy worry list 11 candidate Justice position worthless say anything order get want “In selecting men office let principle guide Regard particular sect denomination candidate — look character citizen give suffrage man known immorality abuse trust sacrifice interest neighbor betrays interest country” — Noah Webster can’t ignore conscience effort support “lesser evil” didn’t follow conscience primary regret part large group people voted Rubio “he electable” waste I’m realizing need change tune actually use right voter way I’m supposed strategic manipulative voting tactic helped land u debacle first place well belief government’s purpose solve problem u get need vote lesser two evil sometimes candidate check pretty much every box president can’t Trump would terrible president don’t trust honestly don’t think vote doesn’t mean Hillary better choice Lately I’m realizing operating belief vote one two main candidate else I’m fulfilling civic duty However I’m starting realize opposite duty American also believer make informed decision voting — honor conscience make wise choice may feel like rightly check either box portion ballot mean choosing apathetic election future nation simply mean don’t believe country service voting either candidate can’t stop really believe either option putting evil person power better get together game plan else counteract evil personally outplaying civic duty going look like 1 voting Hillary Trump 2 Standing cause fear supported future president whoever end Specifically continuing support getting reinvolved volunteering East End Pregnancy Test Help Center 3 ignorant politics year previous intelligently engage people hopefully make positive impact four year 4 neighbor friend people believe government suited supporting need welfare system insufficient abused internally externally think it’s government’s job guard freedom administer justice punishing evil rewarding good it’s Church’s job care people since likely like I’m seeing come Washington need step eye see need mind discern sometimes heart extend gospelcentered generosity love poor marginalized 5 Praying praying praying mercy nation leader government know Lord changed Neither candidate presidency hold view value woman unborn child Hillary’s view particularly destructive area don’t know vote November know responsibility neighbor friend community give need don’t rely government doesn’t know value I’m gonna start pray mercy nation opened eye people changed heart leader look planned parenthood report abortion rate actually steadily declined since early 1980s…so it’s kind unfair make point abortion higher Reagan’s administration Clinton’s — decline occurred consistently regardless officeTags Politics Abortion Trump Hillary Clinton Us Election 2016 |
190,821 | CONGRESSMAN MO BROOKS’ SPECIOUS ARGUMENTS FOR IMPEACHING HILARY CLINTON SHOULD SHE BE ELECTED… | CONGRESSMAN MO BROOKS’ SPECIOUS ARGUMENTS FOR IMPEACHING HILARY CLINTON SHOULD SHE BE ELECTED PRESIDENT:
October 26, 2015
Dr. Ward Welty
Huntsville, AL 35803–2426
Dear Dr. Welty:
Thank you for sharing your views with me regarding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s commission of high crimes and misdemeanors. I welcome the opportunity to respond.
Contrary to inaccurate media portrayals of my statements to the contrary, the issue I address is not the September 11, 2012 Benghazi terrorist attacks. Nor is the issue about emails and email servers. Rather, it is about Hillary Clinton’s improper handling of classified documents and the risks such mishandling poses to America’s national security and American lives.
All of this reminds me of President Bill Clinton’s impeachment. Bill Clinton and the leftist Democrat news media went all-out to persuade the American people that Bill Clinton’s misdeeds were about “sex” and “lying about sex” (which we all know men do). Bunk! While Bill Clinton’s political deception was effective, the issue was not about “sex” nor was it about “lying about sex”. Rather, Bill Clinton committed the “high crime and misdemeanor” of felony perjury in a federal court proceeding, a form of obstruction of justice (for which President Nixon was removed from office).
Now Hillary Clinton and the leftist Democratic news media use the same obfuscation and minimization strategy when she claims it is about “emails” and “email servers” . . . which very few American citizens understand or care about. Bunk again! Hillary Clinton’s offense is not about emails and email servers, it is about knowingly and intentionally mishandling classified documents which, if they fall into the wrong hands, put America’s national security and American lives at risk.
Hillary Clinton’s conduct is so serious, so dangerous, so evil, and so wrong, that there are numerous federal statutes that prohibit it.
By way of background, and as you may know, in March 2013, a Romanian cyber-hacker named Marcel Lazar Lehel, aka Guccifer, asserted access to Hillary Clinton’s unsecure private email server which she used in violation of federal law to conduct sensitive state department business as Secretary of State. The issue of Clinton’s vulnerable email server was discovered during the House Select Committee on Benghazi’s investigation into the deaths of four Americans in the Benghazi terrorist attacks. Secretary Clinton’s gross mishandling of classified information via her illegal use of an unsecure server (left vulnerable to hacking and foreign surveillance) is a serious national security threat that puts innumerable American lives at risk.
According to Article II, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution “The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”
In my judgment, Hillary Clinton will be a unique president in that, if she is elected by the public next November, the day she is sworn in is the day she could be subject to impeachment due to her prior commission of high crimes and misdemeanors.
For emphasis, Hillary Clinton’s putting classified documents on an unsecure email server in her home in Chappaqua, New York (and, perhaps, elsewhere) violates federal law! Period. End of subject. No further debate needed.
After revelations of Clinton’s unusual email arrangement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began a criminal probe into whether classified information stored on the server had been compromised upon referral from the U.S. inspector general. Though Clinton attempted to obstruct justice, and the investigation, by wiping her email server clean, the FBI successful recovered a significant portion of the deleted data from the server hard disk after seizing it from a small Colorado based IT company.
While the FBI probe coincides with House Benghazi Committee investigations, the two are otherwise wholly unrelated.
In a New York Post article dated August 5, 2015, former federal prosecutor Bradley Simon is quoted as saying, “If it is proved that Clinton knowingly sent, received or stored classified information in an unauthorized location, she risks prosecution under the same misdemeanor federal security statute used to prosecute former CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus.” In my view, Clinton’s intentionally receiving, storing and/or sending numerous classified documents vulnerable to surveillance by America’s geopolitical foes is a far worse offense than that for which General Patraeus was convicted.
The United States Inspector General has also opened an investigation into Clinton’s unlawful conduct. In a July 23, 2015 memo, Charles McCullough, the inspector general for the intelligence community, voiced concerns over information that passed through Clinton’s email server. McCullough said the data should have been treated with greater sensitivity, since it was derived from classified information produced by the U.S. intelligence community.
Clinton’s only stated defense of her endangering the lives of American’s has been to obfuscate by claiming she never sent or received emails marked classified. Clinton’s presidential campaign communications director Jennifer Palmieri said in a statement, “Hillary only used her personal account for unclassified email. No information in her emails was marked classified at the time she sent or received them.” For emphasis, while Hillary Clinton’s “the documents were not marked ‘Classified’ defense” makes for good political soundbites, it is no legal defense at all. As a matter of law, and although emails may not have been so marked, the classified nature of the material is undeniable.
Stated differently, Hillary Clinton is a former U.S. Senator. As a U.S. Senator, she absolutely knew the standards for classification of national security information. She also knew how important it is to America’s national security and American lives for that information to only be kept in secure locations that are impenetrable to our geopolitical foes. As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton had a double dose of instruction concerning proper protection of classified documents.
Yet, in the face of all of this instruction and warning, Hillary Clinton intentionally and knowingly stored, received, and/or sent classified documents in violation of governing federal statutes. These statutes are criminal in nature.
Further, Hillary Clinton’s declaration that, as Secretary of State, she at no time used email to transmit sensitive information with national security or foreign relations implications is unsubstantiated by senior investigators. Charles McCullough has made clear that at least one email, if not more, contained information that only could have come from the intelligence community. McCullough stated, “We note that none of the emails we reviewed had classification or dissemination markings, but some included [intelligence community]-derived classified information and should have been handled as classified, appropriately marked, and transmitted via a secure network.”
What’s worse, according to an Associated Press article dated October 13, 2015, classified information on Clinton’s email server was so vulnerable it was accessed by low skilled hackers without great difficulty. The article reads, “Clinton’s server, which handled her personal and State Department correspondence, appeared to allow users to connect openly over the Internet to control it remotely, according to detailed records compiled in 2012. Experts said the Microsoft remote desktop service wasn’t intended for such use without additional protective measures, and was the subject of U.S. government and industry warnings at the time over attacks from even low-skill intruders.”
The AP article goes on, “Some emails on Clinton’s server were later deemed top secret, and scores of others included confidential or sensitive information. Clinton has said that her server featured ‘numerous safeguards,’ but she has yet to explain how well her system was secured and whether, or how frequently, security updates were applied.”
William Johnson, a former Air Force officer who served at the state department from 1999 to 2011, stated in a New York Times article, “If I’d done that, I’d be out on bond right now.”
Further, I have spoken to numerous Department of Defense civil servants and contractors in the Tennessee Valley who deal with classified information on a daily basis. To a person they have told me that, had they handled sensitive material the way Hillary Clinton did, they would have been fired from their jobs on the spot and would have been subject to criminal prosecution. They also tell me that they are very upset with the double standard President Obama, the White House and the executive branch have employed in protecting Hillary Clinton versus how these Tennessee Valley employees would have been treated, and how they have seen others treated, for mishandling classified documents in a much less dangerous way than Hillary Clinton handled classified documents.
The intentional and careless way in which Hillary Clinton handled information vital to national security and endangering American lives is unacceptable and punishable by law. Should Hillary Clinton win the presidency, her callous disregard for federal statutes designed to protect America and American lives from the loss of classified information meet the Constitution’s impeachment standard of “high crimes and misdemeanors” and immediately subjects Hillary Clinton to the risk of impeachment proceedings the moment she is sworn in.
Again, thank you for sharing your insights on this issue. Feel free to contact me again in the future. You may wish to visit my website at http://brooks.house.gov/ for additional information about issues and legislation before Congress.
Sincerely,
Mo Brooks
Member of Congress | https://medium.com/@litprof069/october-26-2015-96669620338c | ['Ward Welty'] | 2015-11-14 18:42:38.424000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton', 'Politics', '2016 Election'] | Title CONGRESSMAN MO BROOKS’ SPECIOUS ARGUMENTS IMPEACHING HILARY CLINTON ELECTED…Content CONGRESSMAN MO BROOKS’ SPECIOUS ARGUMENTS IMPEACHING HILARY CLINTON ELECTED PRESIDENT October 26 2015 Dr Ward Welty Huntsville AL 35803–2426 Dear Dr Welty Thank sharing view regarding former Secretary State Hillary Clinton’s commission high crime misdemeanor welcome opportunity respond Contrary inaccurate medium portrayal statement contrary issue address September 11 2012 Benghazi terrorist attack issue email email server Rather Hillary Clinton’s improper handling classified document risk mishandling pose America’s national security American life reminds President Bill Clinton’s impeachment Bill Clinton leftist Democrat news medium went allout persuade American people Bill Clinton’s misdeed “sex” “lying sex” know men Bunk Bill Clinton’s political deception effective issue “sex” “lying sex” Rather Bill Clinton committed “high crime misdemeanor” felony perjury federal court proceeding form obstruction justice President Nixon removed office Hillary Clinton leftist Democratic news medium use obfuscation minimization strategy claim “emails” “email servers” American citizen understand care Bunk Hillary Clinton’s offense email email server knowingly intentionally mishandling classified document fall wrong hand put America’s national security American life risk Hillary Clinton’s conduct serious dangerous evil wrong numerous federal statute prohibit way background may know March 2013 Romanian cyberhacker named Marcel Lazar Lehel aka Guccifer asserted access Hillary Clinton’s unsecure private email server used violation federal law conduct sensitive state department business Secretary State issue Clinton’s vulnerable email server discovered House Select Committee Benghazi’s investigation death four Americans Benghazi terrorist attack Secretary Clinton’s gross mishandling classified information via illegal use unsecure server left vulnerable hacking foreign surveillance serious national security threat put innumerable American life risk According Article II Section 4 US Constitution “The President Vice President Civil Officers United States shall removed Office Impeachment Conviction Treason Bribery high Crimes Misdemeanors” judgment Hillary Clinton unique president elected public next November day sworn day could subject impeachment due prior commission high crime misdemeanor emphasis Hillary Clinton’s putting classified document unsecure email server home Chappaqua New York perhaps elsewhere violates federal law Period End subject debate needed revelation Clinton’s unusual email arrangement Federal Bureau Investigation FBI began criminal probe whether classified information stored server compromised upon referral US inspector general Though Clinton attempted obstruct justice investigation wiping email server clean FBI successful recovered significant portion deleted data server hard disk seizing small Colorado based company FBI probe coincides House Benghazi Committee investigation two otherwise wholly unrelated New York Post article dated August 5 2015 former federal prosecutor Bradley Simon quoted saying “If proved Clinton knowingly sent received stored classified information unauthorized location risk prosecution misdemeanor federal security statute used prosecute former CIA Director Gen David Petraeus” view Clinton’s intentionally receiving storing andor sending numerous classified document vulnerable surveillance America’s geopolitical foe far worse offense General Patraeus convicted United States Inspector General also opened investigation Clinton’s unlawful conduct July 23 2015 memo Charles McCullough inspector general intelligence community voiced concern information passed Clinton’s email server McCullough said data treated greater sensitivity since derived classified information produced US intelligence community Clinton’s stated defense endangering life American’s obfuscate claiming never sent received email marked classified Clinton’s presidential campaign communication director Jennifer Palmieri said statement “Hillary used personal account unclassified email information email marked classified time sent received them” emphasis Hillary Clinton’s “the document marked ‘Classified’ defense” make good political soundbites legal defense matter law although email may marked classified nature material undeniable Stated differently Hillary Clinton former US Senator US Senator absolutely knew standard classification national security information also knew important America’s national security American life information kept secure location impenetrable geopolitical foe Secretary State Hillary Clinton double dose instruction concerning proper protection classified document Yet face instruction warning Hillary Clinton intentionally knowingly stored received andor sent classified document violation governing federal statute statute criminal nature Hillary Clinton’s declaration Secretary State time used email transmit sensitive information national security foreign relation implication unsubstantiated senior investigator Charles McCullough made clear least one email contained information could come intelligence community McCullough stated “We note none email reviewed classification dissemination marking included intelligence communityderived classified information handled classified appropriately marked transmitted via secure network” What’s worse according Associated Press article dated October 13 2015 classified information Clinton’s email server vulnerable accessed low skilled hacker without great difficulty article read “Clinton’s server handled personal State Department correspondence appeared allow user connect openly Internet control remotely according detailed record compiled 2012 Experts said Microsoft remote desktop service wasn’t intended use without additional protective measure subject US government industry warning time attack even lowskill intruders” AP article go “Some email Clinton’s server later deemed top secret score others included confidential sensitive information Clinton said server featured ‘numerous safeguards’ yet explain well system secured whether frequently security update applied” William Johnson former Air Force officer served state department 1999 2011 stated New York Times article “If I’d done I’d bond right now” spoken numerous Department Defense civil servant contractor Tennessee Valley deal classified information daily basis person told handled sensitive material way Hillary Clinton would fired job spot would subject criminal prosecution also tell upset double standard President Obama White House executive branch employed protecting Hillary Clinton versus Tennessee Valley employee would treated seen others treated mishandling classified document much le dangerous way Hillary Clinton handled classified document intentional careless way Hillary Clinton handled information vital national security endangering American life unacceptable punishable law Hillary Clinton win presidency callous disregard federal statute designed protect America American life loss classified information meet Constitution’s impeachment standard “high crime misdemeanors” immediately subject Hillary Clinton risk impeachment proceeding moment sworn thank sharing insight issue Feel free contact future may wish visit website httpbrookshousegov additional information issue legislation Congress Sincerely Mo Brooks Member CongressTags Hillary Clinton Politics 2016 Election |
190,822 | Sen. Chuck Grassley Joins the Hillary Email Non-Scandal Circus | Sen. Chuck Grassley Joins the Hillary Email Non-Scandal Circus
The Right-Wing Congressional Circus has a new ringmaster: Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley.
Since the House Benghazi Committee, led by Trey Gowdy, failed so spectacularly in its attempt to find any wrongdoing in Secretary Clinton’s emails (because there wasn’t any), Senator Grassley is now taking a stab at it.
As a reminder, this is after the New York Times issued a frank mea culpa to admit it completely mis-reported the email non-story from the beginning.
…And after the Justice Department said the review of Clinton’s emails was not a criminal investigation.
…And after officials said the investigation is not targeting Clinton — or even suggesting that she did anything wrong.
It should be obvious by now that Republicans are hoping to drag this email non-scandal as far as it can stretch, and they hope it can stretch as far as Election Day 2016.
For evidence that this is a partisan fishing expedition, look no further than the Republican National Committee, which is pressing the State Department to investigate Clinton’s emails further. What reason does the committee — whose sole purpose is to get Republicans elected — have to investigate a former Secretary of State’s emails? Unless, of course, that former Secretary is a formidable Democratic candidate for President who stands in the way of the RNC seizing back the White House?
The latest email-scandal-revival strategy is to zero in on Clinton’s deputy chief-of-staff, Huma Abedin.
Grassley’s one-man “investigation” began as a crass probe into this committed public servant’s time off — ignoring the fact that someone who works for the Secretary of State has a 24/7 job and never gets a day off.
Grassley is asserting that there was some mysterious conflict of interest in Abedin’s role and her prior work for a private company. But, tellingly, his colleagues have refused to follow him down the rabbit hole — and are even telling him he does not have the jurisdiction to carry out his inquisition.
As Minority Leader Harry Reid said two weeks ago, “How much money will Republicans in Congress waste to try and bring down Hillary Clinton?”
It didn’t work the first time they tried, and it won’t work now. The simple fact is, there’s no there there — whatever these circus magicians try to pull out of their hats. | https://medium.com/@DavidBrock/sen-chuck-grassley-joins-the-hillary-email-non-scandal-circus-edb76958dc7a | ['David Brock'] | 2015-11-24 03:49:49.849000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton', 'Politics', 'Republican Party'] | Title Sen Chuck Grassley Joins Hillary Email NonScandal CircusContent Sen Chuck Grassley Joins Hillary Email NonScandal Circus RightWing Congressional Circus new ringmaster Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley Since House Benghazi Committee led Trey Gowdy failed spectacularly attempt find wrongdoing Secretary Clinton’s email wasn’t Senator Grassley taking stab reminder New York Times issued frank mea culpa admit completely misreported email nonstory beginning …And Justice Department said review Clinton’s email criminal investigation …And official said investigation targeting Clinton — even suggesting anything wrong obvious Republicans hoping drag email nonscandal far stretch hope stretch far Election Day 2016 evidence partisan fishing expedition look Republican National Committee pressing State Department investigate Clinton’s email reason committee — whose sole purpose get Republicans elected — investigate former Secretary State’s email Unless course former Secretary formidable Democratic candidate President stand way RNC seizing back White House latest emailscandalrevival strategy zero Clinton’s deputy chiefofstaff Huma Abedin Grassley’s oneman “investigation” began crass probe committed public servant’s time — ignoring fact someone work Secretary State 247 job never get day Grassley asserting mysterious conflict interest Abedin’s role prior work private company tellingly colleague refused follow rabbit hole — even telling jurisdiction carry inquisition Minority Leader Harry Reid said two week ago “How much money Republicans Congress waste try bring Hillary Clinton” didn’t work first time tried won’t work simple fact there’s — whatever circus magician try pull hatsTags Hillary Clinton Politics Republican Party |
190,823 | A Return to Isolationism | by Chris Seck
Leading Republicans and Democrats generally agree that America should have an interventionist foreign policy, although they differ on the details. The post-Iraq mood of the American people, however, hints at a future return to isolationism.
For all their differences over Iraq, the leading Republican and Democratic presidential candidates generally agree that America must have an interventionist foreign policy. They may disagree on the importance of the U.N., the role of allies, or the use of war as a first or last resort. But, broadly speaking, they agree that America is the world’s sole superpower, that we have a duty to promote freedom abroad (although they disagree on where), and that the presence of U.S. military bases around the world is a good thing.
The leading Democratic contenders — Clinton, Obama, and Edwards — tend to agree that military action is sometimes necessary, particularly on humanitarian grounds. Despite their general opposition to Bush’s handling of the Iraq war, the leading Democrats are not averse to military action. Senator John Edwards, for example, calls for the “creation of a 10,000-member reserve corps to help stabilize troubled nations.” Senator Barack Obama goes one step further, saying in an April 2007 speech that “America’s larger purpose in the world is to promote the spread of freedom — that is the yearning of all who live in the shadow of tyranny and despair.”
If any of this sounds familiar, it should. The leading Republican candidates — Giuliani, McCain, and Romney — also express a similar desire to “make the world safe for democracy.” During the May 2007 GOP debate, candidate Rudy Giuliani dismissed out of hand Congressman Ron Paul’s idea that U.S. interventionism abroad could be a source of anti-Americanism in the Middle East. Currently, all three leading Republicans continue to support the Iraq war. Senator John McCain, for example, stated in late 2006 that he remains “fully supportive of his [President Bush’s] determination not to leave Iraq until the freely elected government of that country and its armed forces are able to defend their country from foreign and domestic enemies.” Similarly, Governor Mitt Romney calls for the U.S. to expand its armed forces by 100,000 and argues: “Our objective is a strong America and a safe world.”
The top Republican and Democrat presidential contenders believe in an interventionist foreign policy, albeit with different ideas on when and where to intervene. However, I believe that regardless of which politician is elected in 2008, America will not choose to fight any major wars in the near future. The American public, disillusioned by recent memories of the Iraq war, will be generally averse to supporting any new wars that are non-defensive. In other words, our willingness to go to war is directly influenced by our memories of the previous war.
Consider the current Iraq war. Although many Americans blame President Bush and his “neoconservative” advisors for orchestrating the war, I personally find it difficult to lay all the blame on individual leaders. Politicians in a democratic society merely follow what the people want, and back in 2002, the American people overwhelmingly wanted war. A 2002 Pew survey revealed that 62% of Americans supported military action to oust Saddam Hussein. In a CNN poll conducted in March 2003, on the eve of the invasion, more than two-thirds of Americans supported the Iraq war. Instead of pointing fingers at President Bush and the Republican leadership, we ought to ask ourselves: “Why did so many Americans support the Iraq war?”
The answer can be summed up in one word: Afghanistan. The public was optimistic because our war in Afghanistan — contrary to our initial expectations — was going well. In November 2001, U.S. forces had captured Kabul and ousted the Taliban leadership. In December 2001, under General Tommy Franks, U.S. forces won a brilliant victory at Tora Bora, killing more than 200 al-Qaeda terrorists without losing a single soldier. By 2002, the name of future Afghan president “Hamid Karzai” was on everybody’s lips, and with the formation of an interim government in Kabul, the American effort to liberate and democratize Afghanistan seemed highly successful.
It was during this optimistic period, with America on a winning streak and our military seemingly invincible, that we began to believe that our successes in Afghanistan could be replicated in other places. President Bush, enjoying 65-percent approval ratings in mid-2002, was still very popular. During this period, the American public was highly optimistic, and it was under these confident circumstances that the idea of invading Iraq became so popular.
Today, that optimism no longer exists. With over 3,400 dead and 25,000 wounded, most Americans believe that the Iraq war is going badly. Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz estimates that the eventual cost of the war could reach $2 trillion, saddling future generations of Americans with huge war debts. Journalists make millions selling pessimistic tomes with titles like State of Denial: Bush at War, Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq, and Hubris: The Inside Story of Spin, Scandal, and the Selling of the Iraq War. According to a Newsweek poll conducted on May 5, Bush’s approval rating is about 28%, making him lliability to the future Republican presidential nominee.
Post-2008, with bitter memories of Iraq still fresh in their minds, few Americans will be calling for any major military commitments, no matter what the politicians say. Short of an attack on American soil that warrants immediate retaliation in self-defense, there will be little public support for another Iraq-esque war. Even if America does decide to intervene militarily in other nations, say, to stop genocide, chances are that these wars will be fought in the same risk-averse manner as Clinton’s 1998 Iraq bombing campaign or the 1999 Kosovo campaign: U.S. planes bombing targets far above the range of antiaircraft fire, with few or no ground troops committed because we have no desire to incur casualties. Instead of fighting real large-scale wars, we will fight small, high-tech battles that can be won without losing a single soldier.
Ultimately, this means that regardless of whether our next president is Republican or Democrat, he (or she) will inherit a war-weary American public. Our next president’s ability to wage war will be very much limited, regardless of his or her foreign policy views. After 2008, Americans may be willing to fight wars in self-defense or small, casualty-free wars that stop genocide. But they will not support another major discretionary war, at least not until they forget the Iraq experience in the fullness of time. Our future leaders may believe in foreign interventionism, but in the aftermath of Iraq, the American people are likely to be isolationists at heart. | https://medium.com/stanfordreview/a-return-to-isolationism-6d3745279d16 | [] | 2016-12-11 01:47:53.394000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton', 'Politics'] | Title Return IsolationismContent Chris Seck Leading Republicans Democrats generally agree America interventionist foreign policy although differ detail postIraq mood American people however hint future return isolationism difference Iraq leading Republican Democratic presidential candidate generally agree America must interventionist foreign policy may disagree importance UN role ally use war first last resort broadly speaking agree America world’s sole superpower duty promote freedom abroad although disagree presence US military base around world good thing leading Democratic contender — Clinton Obama Edwards — tend agree military action sometimes necessary particularly humanitarian ground Despite general opposition Bush’s handling Iraq war leading Democrats averse military action Senator John Edwards example call “creation 10000member reserve corp help stabilize troubled nations” Senator Barack Obama go one step saying April 2007 speech “America’s larger purpose world promote spread freedom — yearning live shadow tyranny despair” sound familiar leading Republican candidate — Giuliani McCain Romney — also express similar desire “make world safe democracy” May 2007 GOP debate candidate Rudy Giuliani dismissed hand Congressman Ron Paul’s idea US interventionism abroad could source antiAmericanism Middle East Currently three leading Republicans continue support Iraq war Senator John McCain example stated late 2006 remains “fully supportive President Bush’s determination leave Iraq freely elected government country armed force able defend country foreign domestic enemies” Similarly Governor Mitt Romney call US expand armed force 100000 argues “Our objective strong America safe world” top Republican Democrat presidential contender believe interventionist foreign policy albeit different idea intervene However believe regardless politician elected 2008 America choose fight major war near future American public disillusioned recent memory Iraq war generally averse supporting new war nondefensive word willingness go war directly influenced memory previous war Consider current Iraq war Although many Americans blame President Bush “neoconservative” advisor orchestrating war personally find difficult lay blame individual leader Politicians democratic society merely follow people want back 2002 American people overwhelmingly wanted war 2002 Pew survey revealed 62 Americans supported military action oust Saddam Hussein CNN poll conducted March 2003 eve invasion twothirds Americans supported Iraq war Instead pointing finger President Bush Republican leadership ought ask “Why many Americans support Iraq war” answer summed one word Afghanistan public optimistic war Afghanistan — contrary initial expectation — going well November 2001 US force captured Kabul ousted Taliban leadership December 2001 General Tommy Franks US force brilliant victory Tora Bora killing 200 alQaeda terrorist without losing single soldier 2002 name future Afghan president “Hamid Karzai” everybody’s lip formation interim government Kabul American effort liberate democratize Afghanistan seemed highly successful optimistic period America winning streak military seemingly invincible began believe success Afghanistan could replicated place President Bush enjoying 65percent approval rating mid2002 still popular period American public highly optimistic confident circumstance idea invading Iraq became popular Today optimism longer exists 3400 dead 25000 wounded Americans believe Iraq war going badly Nobel prizewinning economist Joseph Stiglitz estimate eventual cost war could reach 2 trillion saddling future generation Americans huge war debt Journalists make million selling pessimistic tome title like State Denial Bush War Fiasco American Military Adventure Iraq Hubris Inside Story Spin Scandal Selling Iraq War According Newsweek poll conducted May 5 Bush’s approval rating 28 making lliability future Republican presidential nominee Post2008 bitter memory Iraq still fresh mind Americans calling major military commitment matter politician say Short attack American soil warrant immediate retaliation selfdefense little public support another Iraqesque war Even America decide intervene militarily nation say stop genocide chance war fought riskaverse manner Clinton’s 1998 Iraq bombing campaign 1999 Kosovo campaign US plane bombing target far range antiaircraft fire ground troop committed desire incur casualty Instead fighting real largescale war fight small hightech battle without losing single soldier Ultimately mean regardless whether next president Republican Democrat inherit warweary American public next president’s ability wage war much limited regardless foreign policy view 2008 Americans may willing fight war selfdefense small casualtyfree war stop genocide support another major discretionary war least forget Iraq experience fullness time future leader may believe foreign interventionism aftermath Iraq American people likely isolationist heartTags Hillary Clinton Politics |
190,824 | The Inauthenticating of Hillary Clinton: Who’s a Phony? | The Inauthenticating of Hillary Clinton: Who’s a Phony?
Discussed in this feature: Hillary Clinton in the News: Gender and Authenticity in American Politics by Shawn J. Parry-Giles. Forthcoming from University of Illinois Press, February 2014, 242 pages. Pre-order at U of Illinois P or Amazon.
We will hear a lot about Hillary Clinton in the next several years. The darling of upper-middle-class liberal female baby boomers, she is loathed by the right. Pundits, wonks, and political operatives make their livings in part by obsessing over whether she will run for president in 2016. Everyone else probably half admires her and is also sick of hearing about her.
What do scholars make of Clinton vis-à-vis media portrayals of her in the various roles she has played over the years: First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State? This book is not only a study of Clinton, it is also a test case of whether examining living politicians from the standpoint of gender studies offers much of value to voters or general readers. After all, do we examine Chris Christie as a study in masculinity or authenticity? Do we really care whether or not Hillary Clinton is “authentic” or not? What politician is?
[caption id=”attachment_3654" align=”aligncenter” width=”300"]
Hillary Clinton (Photo credit: Angela Radulescu | flickr)[/caption]
The Question of “Authenticity”
One of Clinton’s core constituencies is white female academics. In the forthcoming book Hillary Clinton in the News: Gender and Authenticity in American Politics by Shawn J. Parry-Giles, we have a scholarly study straight from the heart of Hillary Clinton country. Like many academic studies, it has a central theme. In this case, the question is that of “authenticity.” That is, is Hillary Clinton a “genuine” woman?
But do readers and voters really care about these questions anymore? Haven’t we moved on from all those “proper First Lady decorum” brouhahas of earlier decades? And is “authenticity” a useful framework for examining any politician of either gender? Surely effectiveness is the standard we should be employing. Think about it. When you vote for president, do you really ask yourself, “Is this person authentic?” Wouldn’t most of us think, “The guy may be a total phony, but hey, we’re in a recession and he seems to be best positioned to get us out of it…”
This book is quite dated in that it examines minutely how the mainstream media portrayed Hillary Clinton’s actions when she was First Lady. Ironically, Hillary Clinton herself has moved with the times more than Parry-Giles has. After all, Clinton tends not to dwell on her years as First Lady (which is probably just as well, given her missteps at the time on health care reform, which got her into trouble vis-à-vis doing too much behind closed doors) or even on her record as a senator. She has adapted to the age of Twitter and is probably even better known (certainly to younger voters) now as the former Secretary of State and celebrity speaker than she is even as the woman Obama beat out in 2008, or even as Bill Clinton’s wife. For younger voters, the Bill Clinton years might as well be the Reagan or Carter years.
Thus, the book’s focus — the question of “authenticity” — has a musty feel to it. In the age of Twitter, politicians who strive to present themselves as “authentic” risk coming across as merely uncool. Parry-Giles’ book is an examination of media portrayals (primarily TV news coverage) and commentary on Hillary Clinton in the period from Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign in 1992 up to the end of Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the Democratic nomination for president in 2008 (although treatment of that latter period is somewhat perfunctory). Those who are interested in media history and in American political and presidential history and campaigns are the primary audience for this book. Admirers of Hillary Clinton will want to read it, too.
The book is worth reading so as to be reminded how fortunate we are to live in a media landscape in which big media commentators matter far less than they once did. In many ways, shorter attention spans are a boon for social media-savvy politicians like Hillary Clinton. Who wants to read a New York Times column by David Brooks, for example, if you can read a tweet that links to a blog post about a funny tweet by Hillary Clinton? Again, Clinton seems to have adapted to the 21st century better than Parry-Giles has. The latter fights gender wars that Clinton herself has had the smarts to have left behind (at least in terms of not getting bogged down in them publicly). Today, Clinton is actually quite funny, whereas she often came across as aloof and humorless in the early 1990s.
One problem with the book is that Parry-Giles argues that the media during much of Hillary Clinton’s career was obsessed with authenticity and that this obsession supposedly negatively impacted Clinton in a way unique to her. But wasn’t there just as much criticism of the male Republican Mitt Romney for not standing for anything in particular? Parry-Giles never really makes clear what she means by “authentic” and what politicians of the late 20th and early 21st centuries she would consider authentic. She makes a very convoluted argument to the effect that establishment journalists during the Clinton years through Hillary Clinton’s primary battles in 2008 employed gendered notions of nationalism (which Parry-Giles detests) and that those notions shaped the discussion of Clinton’s supposed inauthenticity. This is a carefully researched and extremely unpersuasive argument. Politicians get called phony all the time — that’s just part of the deal. It really doesn’t have anything to do with a gendered nation. It has to do with the fact that politicians have to make deals as part of their job and say things they don’t mean in order to get things done that they think are important. That is just the way life is, and “nationalistic beliefs about the boundaries of authentic womanhood” ain’t got nothing to do with it.
Gendered Spaces and Other Dated Scholarly Conventions
Obviously, as an American woman who benefits from the rights won for me in large part by the dogged efforts of academic feminists, it ill becomes me to grouse about how weary I get about the rhetoric of feminist scholars in such fields as communication and media studies. I dutifully nod in agreement with much of what they say about sexism in the media and in the political sphere. And yet, sometimes I just want to scream, “This is all so whiny! Can’t we just move on and stop finding fault with the nation state, patriarchy, etc.? Can’t we just treat Hillary Clinton as a politician and not as a handy victim of everything that the feminist academic left loathes?”
And again, ironically, in focusing much of her book on Clinton’s years as First Lady, Parry-Giles gets mired in the First Lady bog. As a working, unmarried woman, I really don’t give a rap about First Ladies and what pundits like David Brooks write about them, and I really don’t see how the cause of women is advanced by the fact that scholars like Parry-Giles are so preoccupied by what male commentators think about First Ladies. I would rather read about what Hillary Clinton accomplished legislatively as a senator or how she rated as an administrator and diplomat as Secretary of State. Books such as this one that examine, from a feminist perspective, women in roles that most of us will never fill (it is not as though most American women will ever become First Ladies, for example) don’t really contribute much to concrete matters such as how to get women into office in 2013.
The book also tends to overstate the level of bile from sections of the media that Hillary Clinton inspired in her years as First Lady and in her run for the U.S. Senate in New York in 2000. Yes, Hillary Clinton was written about in the 1990s and is written about even now in appallingly sexist, even downright misogynistic ways. But so what? She has triumphed anyway. And it could be argued that the slams Clinton experienced nowhere near equal the battering in the media that Sarah Palin got. Palin, after all, was commonly portrayed as stupid, and there were insinuations that she was not the mother of her developmentally disabled son and that not aborting him was somehow weird, etc. And the nastiness of Clinton’s senate campaign probably had more to do with the no-holds-barred political culture of New York and the fact that her ties to the state were meager than with questions of gender norms.
Parry-Giles also argues that Clinton’s efforts as First Lady on behalf of health care reform were obstructed by Congress because of the inherent sexism of that institution and the masculinist character of the nation state. But much of the opposition to Hillary Clinton’s role in leading the health care initiative arose from the perfectly understandable position of members of Congress that they had been elected to Congress and that Hillary Clinton had not. That is not really an inherently sexist attitude. It is how American government works.
The “Disciplining” of Hillary Clinton
One rather odd aspect of the book is Parry-Giles’s argument that when Hillary Clinton overreached herself (such as in the health care reform debacle) the mainstream media “disciplined” her, and that this supposedly served as a warning to women that followed not to violate gender norms. But you need only look at the ever-increasing numbers of women seeking and holding political office (including, for example, Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay U.S. Senator) to question that depressing argument.
And if you must focus on First Ladies, it is true that Laura Bush was a rather demure type, but it is not as though Michelle Obama is a shrinking violet. Indeed, in the matter of Clinton being “disciplined,” as First Lady that was actually probably a good thing in that it made clear that the First Lady position should not be the place for major political activity. Hillary Clinton learned that and ran for the US Senate and later ran for president. That is as it should be.
Moreover, do other female politicians really have that much to learn from Clinton? Many of her troubles arose from the fact that she is married to an exceedingly scandal-prone husband who lied a lot, not so much because evil sexist TV reporters were out to get her.
Parry-Giles’ use of the term “disciplining” demeans Clinton, suggesting that she simply acquiesced to her own relegation to the sidelines at various times during Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign and during his White House years. But isn’t it the case that Hillary Clinton, being the intelligent woman she is, simply realized that she had blown it by coming across as too shrill and that it was now time to reposition herself?
Over and over in the book, Parry-Giles portrays Hillary Clinton as beaten down and a victim of the traditional woman ethos that still reigned in the 1990s. Parry-Giles, though, does make the useful point that when Hillary Clinton did try repositioning, the media pounced all over again portraying her as a cynic and inauthentic as a traditional woman. The book is worth reading by anyone interested in the dilemmas female politicians face when trying to appeal to so many audiences: stay-at-home moms (and many young women are now choosing to leave the workforce and remain at home with their children), career women, disapproving male reporters, and so on. Parry-Giles also points out that it was not just the right that criticized Hillary Clinton. Many of her erstwhile feminist allies grumbled that she was caving in to sexist critics. The feminists seem to have their own issues with Clinton’s authenticity.
The use of the term “disciplining” is quite odd. A lot of what Parry-Giles labels as “disciplining” is just run-of-the-mill political reporting — and moreover is far less nasty than a lot of what we see now on Fox or in the right-wing blogosphere. The use throughout the book of “disciplinary,” and “disciplining,” is belittling of women in general, as if we are going to start crying in the face of a little criticism in the media.
Parry-Giles seems to think women are a childlike group that can be paralyzed into inaction after observing the kind of sexist rhetoric Clinton had to put up with. Some of the publicity material for this book says, “Once Clinton dared to cross those gender boundaries and vie for office in her own right, the news exuded a rhetoric of sexual violence. These portrayals served as a warning to other women who dared to enter the political arena and violate the protocols of authentic womanhood.” That whole argument is greatly overstated, and shows a lack of a historical long view. The suffragists faced far greater ridicule than Hillary Clinton ever did, and I don’t notice that the generations of women that followed them were scared away from political participation. Parry-Giles tries to draw lessons from Hillary Clinton’s unique troubles (an impeached husband whose sexual appetites resulted in big-time bimbo blowback) and apply them to all female politicians. It doesn’t really wash.
Parry-Giles quite interestingly points out that Hillary Clinton talked a lot and that her loquacity and love of the spotlight grated on the nerves of not only reporters (whose remit, after all, was to cover her husband, not Hillary Clinton) but of male campaign aides and voters of both genders. There is a lesson here for all of us: don’t talk too much.
The Surveillance Motif
The major flaw of this book is the melodramatic tone Parry-Giles employs throughout. For example, she argues that during Hillary Clinton’s days in her high-profile role as key point person in the Clinton’s administration’s health care reform debacle, the media kept her under “surveillance.” That’s silly hyperbole. Hillary Clinton had thrust herself into the limelight, and she was acting in a policymaking role highly unusual for First Ladies on a key issue affecting every American. Of course the media was interested, and naturally, reporters dogged her trail in the halls of Congress. No harassment here. Just journalism. Moreover, Clinton wanted power without responsibility in the health care reform initiative. She lobbied Congress aggressively, but later tried to avoid open meeting requirements by arguing she was a private citizen.
Likewise, Parry-Giles tends to over-analyze even the most banal sports or war/combat-related figures of speech employed by male reporters or commentators arguing that they reflect deep-seated sexism, and claims that fluffy news reports about Clinton’s interactions with male legislators were highly sexualized in tone, the intent of such language supposedly being to paint Clinton as a loose woman, and thereby neutralize her politically. Oh, please. A lot of this was standard network blather of the 1990s, not the result of some dark plot to keep women in their place. The gendered nation stuff is shopworn.
Parry-Giles discusses at length domestic violence imagery, boxing metaphors and the like in various periods of Clinton’s tenure as First Lady, and in her later years as senator and Secretary of State. Rhetoricians might find some of that useful, but Parry-Giles’ contention that such language is used in deliberate attempts to cow women and prevent them from running for office is grossly overblown. Yeah, there’s a lot of misogyny out there. Yes, male TV commentators can be sexist jerks, and women in the media are often the worst enemies of women in politics, but Hillary Clinton has managed to emerge pretty much intact and as politically viable as ever.
The question of authenticity might better be applied to Elizabeth Warren, who was the target of months-long sniping in conservative media and the right-wing precincts of Twitter over her claim of Native American ancestry, and was the target of accusations that she parlayed this claim into career advancement in a way that a person of integrity would not have done. But again, do questions of this sort really dog female politicians more than they do male ones? This book does not make a convincing case that they do.
Who Should Read This Book
If you want to revisit the Monica Lewinsky scandal and read an account of how it ended up improving Hillary Clinton’s public image (transforming her from vilified Whitewater-tarnished, power grabbing harpy to long-suffering, loyal, betrayed wife), this is the book for you. Political scientists, professors of journalism who need real-world examples of how to avoid sexist language in political reporting, political historians, working journalists who want to avoid making gaffes when reporting on female politicians, political news junkies, women considering running for office, and Hillary Clinton should read this book. So, probably, should Chris Christie and any other potential Republican candidates for the presidency in 2016. Come to think of it, if the Republican Party does not want to plummet into electoral inconsequentiality, its leaders should read this book to learn how times have changed for women in politics since the early 1990s — which the men of the GOP don’t seem to get at all.
Related articles | https://criticalmargins.com/the-inauthenticating-of-hillary-clinton-whos-a-phony-f6a8e561044f | ['Kevin Eagan'] | 2017-06-27 18:21:08.851000+00:00 | ['Essays', 'Bill Clinton', 'Book', 'Gender', 'Hillary Clinton'] | Title Inauthenticating Hillary Clinton Who’s PhonyContent Inauthenticating Hillary Clinton Who’s Phony Discussed feature Hillary Clinton News Gender Authenticity American Politics Shawn J ParryGiles Forthcoming University Illinois Press February 2014 242 page Preorder U Illinois P Amazon hear lot Hillary Clinton next several year darling uppermiddleclass liberal female baby boomer loathed right Pundits wonk political operative make living part obsessing whether run president 2016 Everyone else probably half admires also sick hearing scholar make Clinton visàvis medium portrayal various role played year First Lady US Senator Secretary State book study Clinton also test case whether examining living politician standpoint gender study offer much value voter general reader examine Chris Christie study masculinity authenticity really care whether Hillary Clinton “authentic” politician caption id”attachment3654 align”aligncenter” width”300 Hillary Clinton Photo credit Angela Radulescu flickrcaption Question “Authenticity” One Clinton’s core constituency white female academic forthcoming book Hillary Clinton News Gender Authenticity American Politics Shawn J ParryGiles scholarly study straight heart Hillary Clinton country Like many academic study central theme case question “authenticity” Hillary Clinton “genuine” woman reader voter really care question anymore Haven’t moved “proper First Lady decorum” brouhaha earlier decade “authenticity” useful framework examining politician either gender Surely effectiveness standard employing Think vote president really ask “Is person authentic” Wouldn’t u think “The guy may total phony hey we’re recession seems best positioned get u it…” book quite dated examines minutely mainstream medium portrayed Hillary Clinton’s action First Lady Ironically Hillary Clinton moved time ParryGiles Clinton tends dwell year First Lady probably well given misstep time health care reform got trouble visàvis much behind closed door even record senator adapted age Twitter probably even better known certainly younger voter former Secretary State celebrity speaker even woman Obama beat 2008 even Bill Clinton’s wife younger voter Bill Clinton year might well Reagan Carter year Thus book’s focus — question “authenticity” — musty feel age Twitter politician strive present “authentic” risk coming across merely uncool ParryGiles’ book examination medium portrayal primarily TV news coverage commentary Hillary Clinton period Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign 1992 end Hillary Clinton’s campaign Democratic nomination president 2008 although treatment latter period somewhat perfunctory interested medium history American political presidential history campaign primary audience book Admirers Hillary Clinton want read book worth reading reminded fortunate live medium landscape big medium commentator matter far le many way shorter attention span boon social mediasavvy politician like Hillary Clinton want read New York Times column David Brooks example read tweet link blog post funny tweet Hillary Clinton Clinton seems adapted 21st century better ParryGiles latter fight gender war Clinton smart left behind least term getting bogged publicly Today Clinton actually quite funny whereas often came across aloof humorless early 1990s One problem book ParryGiles argues medium much Hillary Clinton’s career obsessed authenticity obsession supposedly negatively impacted Clinton way unique wasn’t much criticism male Republican Mitt Romney standing anything particular ParryGiles never really make clear mean “authentic” politician late 20th early 21st century would consider authentic make convoluted argument effect establishment journalist Clinton year Hillary Clinton’s primary battle 2008 employed gendered notion nationalism ParryGiles detests notion shaped discussion Clinton’s supposed inauthenticity carefully researched extremely unpersuasive argument Politicians get called phony time — that’s part deal really doesn’t anything gendered nation fact politician make deal part job say thing don’t mean order get thing done think important way life “nationalistic belief boundary authentic womanhood” ain’t got nothing Gendered Spaces Dated Scholarly Conventions Obviously American woman benefit right large part dogged effort academic feminist ill becomes grouse weary get rhetoric feminist scholar field communication medium study dutifully nod agreement much say sexism medium political sphere yet sometimes want scream “This whiny Can’t move stop finding fault nation state patriarchy etc Can’t treat Hillary Clinton politician handy victim everything feminist academic left loathes” ironically focusing much book Clinton’s year First Lady ParryGiles get mired First Lady bog working unmarried woman really don’t give rap First Ladies pundit like David Brooks write really don’t see cause woman advanced fact scholar like ParryGiles preoccupied male commentator think First Ladies would rather read Hillary Clinton accomplished legislatively senator rated administrator diplomat Secretary State Books one examine feminist perspective woman role u never fill though American woman ever become First Ladies example don’t really contribute much concrete matter get woman office 2013 book also tends overstate level bile section medium Hillary Clinton inspired year First Lady run US Senate New York 2000 Yes Hillary Clinton written 1990s written even appallingly sexist even downright misogynistic way triumphed anyway could argued slam Clinton experienced nowhere near equal battering medium Sarah Palin got Palin commonly portrayed stupid insinuation mother developmentally disabled son aborting somehow weird etc nastiness Clinton’s senate campaign probably noholdsbarred political culture New York fact tie state meager question gender norm ParryGiles also argues Clinton’s effort First Lady behalf health care reform obstructed Congress inherent sexism institution masculinist character nation state much opposition Hillary Clinton’s role leading health care initiative arose perfectly understandable position member Congress elected Congress Hillary Clinton really inherently sexist attitude American government work “Disciplining” Hillary Clinton One rather odd aspect book ParryGiles’s argument Hillary Clinton overreached health care reform debacle mainstream medium “disciplined” supposedly served warning woman followed violate gender norm need look everincreasing number woman seeking holding political office including example Tammy Baldwin first openly gay US Senator question depressing argument must focus First Ladies true Laura Bush rather demure type though Michelle Obama shrinking violet Indeed matter Clinton “disciplined” First Lady actually probably good thing made clear First Lady position place major political activity Hillary Clinton learned ran US Senate later ran president Moreover female politician really much learn Clinton Many trouble arose fact married exceedingly scandalprone husband lied lot much evil sexist TV reporter get ParryGiles’ use term “disciplining” demeans Clinton suggesting simply acquiesced relegation sideline various time Bill Clinton’s first presidential campaign White House year isn’t case Hillary Clinton intelligent woman simply realized blown coming across shrill time reposition book ParryGiles portrays Hillary Clinton beaten victim traditional woman ethos still reigned 1990s ParryGiles though make useful point Hillary Clinton try repositioning medium pounced portraying cynic inauthentic traditional woman book worth reading anyone interested dilemma female politician face trying appeal many audience stayathome mom many young woman choosing leave workforce remain home child career woman disapproving male reporter ParryGiles also point right criticized Hillary Clinton Many erstwhile feminist ally grumbled caving sexist critic feminist seem issue Clinton’s authenticity use term “disciplining” quite odd lot ParryGiles label “disciplining” runofthemill political reporting — moreover far le nasty lot see Fox rightwing blogosphere use throughout book “disciplinary” “disciplining” belittling woman general going start cry face little criticism medium ParryGiles seems think woman childlike group paralyzed inaction observing kind sexist rhetoric Clinton put publicity material book say “Once Clinton dared cross gender boundary vie office right news exuded rhetoric sexual violence portrayal served warning woman dared enter political arena violate protocol authentic womanhood” whole argument greatly overstated show lack historical long view suffragist faced far greater ridicule Hillary Clinton ever don’t notice generation woman followed scared away political participation ParryGiles try draw lesson Hillary Clinton’s unique trouble impeached husband whose sexual appetite resulted bigtime bimbo blowback apply female politician doesn’t really wash ParryGiles quite interestingly point Hillary Clinton talked lot loquacity love spotlight grated nerve reporter whose remit cover husband Hillary Clinton male campaign aide voter gender lesson u don’t talk much Surveillance Motif major flaw book melodramatic tone ParryGiles employ throughout example argues Hillary Clinton’s day highprofile role key point person Clinton’s administration’s health care reform debacle medium kept “surveillance” That’s silly hyperbole Hillary Clinton thrust limelight acting policymaking role highly unusual First Ladies key issue affecting every American course medium interested naturally reporter dogged trail hall Congress harassment journalism Moreover Clinton wanted power without responsibility health care reform initiative lobbied Congress aggressively later tried avoid open meeting requirement arguing private citizen Likewise ParryGiles tends overanalyze even banal sport warcombatrelated figure speech employed male reporter commentator arguing reflect deepseated sexism claim fluffy news report Clinton’s interaction male legislator highly sexualized tone intent language supposedly paint Clinton loose woman thereby neutralize politically Oh please lot standard network blather 1990s result dark plot keep woman place gendered nation stuff shopworn ParryGiles discus length domestic violence imagery boxing metaphor like various period Clinton’s tenure First Lady later year senator Secretary State Rhetoricians might find useful ParryGiles’ contention language used deliberate attempt cow woman prevent running office grossly overblown Yeah there’s lot misogyny Yes male TV commentator sexist jerk woman medium often worst enemy woman politics Hillary Clinton managed emerge pretty much intact politically viable ever question authenticity might better applied Elizabeth Warren target monthslong sniping conservative medium rightwing precinct Twitter claim Native American ancestry target accusation parlayed claim career advancement way person integrity would done question sort really dog female politician male one book make convincing case Read Book want revisit Monica Lewinsky scandal read account ended improving Hillary Clinton’s public image transforming vilified Whitewatertarnished power grabbing harpy longsuffering loyal betrayed wife book Political scientist professor journalism need realworld example avoid sexist language political reporting political historian working journalist want avoid making gaffe reporting female politician political news junky woman considering running office Hillary Clinton read book probably Chris Christie potential Republican candidate presidency 2016 Come think Republican Party want plummet electoral inconsequentiality leader read book learn time changed woman politics since early 1990s — men GOP don’t seem get Related articlesTags Essays Bill Clinton Book Gender Hillary Clinton |
190,825 | Why Do You Hate Hillary So Much? | On Twitter, I’m fairly well-known to many for my anticapitalist tirades and my seemingly inexhaustible well of feminist outrage. My sense of justice is inflamed. I have no fucks left to give for half-ass apologetics.
So when people ask me why I hate Hillary Clinton, the answer should be clear: I think she’s reformist bullshit personified. I think she’s a woman who will lie to millions straight to their face that she cares about them and their struggles while making backroom deals with lobbyists hedging on wordchoice and legalese to make sure she’s never held accountable.
Today, I wake up and find that CNN had deleted every online poll that indicated that the viewers of that debate felt Bernie Sanders won by a landslide.
This is some straight-up Orwellian bullshit, friends.
I think (LOL, I KNOW) they did this because Hillary Clinton is bought by the same corporate bullshit that has bought out our journalism. They’re the same fucking machine churning out the same poll-tested garbage.
But why do I hate Hillary Clinton so much if I’m a Leftist Commie Feminist? Can’t I see what she’s trying to accomplish? She’s struggled! She’s so determined! She’s making the best of a bad situation.
Whatever.
Hillary Clinton has proven to me during this campaign that she’ll say practically anything to win. And because she’ll say practically anything to win, she crosses a lot of lines of authenticity that I will brook from no politician.
As a poor kid growing up in America, I have known no fucking safety net and I have known nothing but a political regime that continually shits on kids like me trying to do the right thing so that middle-class families can have another mortgage deduction. Hillary Clinton is everything I can’t stand in the American Left and she can rot for all I care, feminist or not.
Hillary Clinton is not from the South, but she’ll fake a Southern accent if she thinks that will make you like her.
Hillary Clinton has never known hunger, but she’ll pretend to know if it’ll mean you’ll vote for her.
She has never known what it’s like to work a monotonous manufacturing job with maybe the glimmer of a fucking hope of a 25-cent hourly raise after two years of good behavior.
She has never known what it’s like to stay awake with a toothache for 8 weeks in a row, hoping against reality that it will go away because you don’t have $400 to spend on a cavity.
She has never had to choose between which medications to pay for this month, choosing between pain relief or sanity, as if that’s any choice at all.
She has never watched her daughter suffer through her twenties from long-term unemployment because her connections have made Chelsea’s career success an all-assured inevitability.
She has never known the struggles of most Americans, but she’ll pretend she knows because she thinks that’s what will get her votes.
And fuck, maybe it will.
But I don’t have to like it. I don’t have to stand by and watch her momsplain educational inequity to my generation suffering under Atlassian debt by saying young people should work a few hours a week to pay down their tuition as if working part-time at Waffle House at $7.25 an hour will do fuck anything.
She’ll convince you her ideas are terribly reasonable, but she can’t convince me that her ideas aren’t terrible.
So yeah, you know what? Fuck Hillary Clinton.
We can do better. | https://medium.com/@girlziplocked/why-do-you-hate-hillary-so-much-4bd9341b1685 | ['Holly Wood'] | 2015-10-15 08:48:26.603000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton', 'Politics'] | Title Hate Hillary MuchContent Twitter I’m fairly wellknown many anticapitalist tirade seemingly inexhaustible well feminist outrage sense justice inflamed fuck left give halfass apologetics people ask hate Hillary Clinton answer clear think she’s reformist bullshit personified think she’s woman lie million straight face care struggle making backroom deal lobbyist hedging wordchoice legalese make sure she’s never held accountable Today wake find CNN deleted every online poll indicated viewer debate felt Bernie Sanders landslide straightup Orwellian bullshit friend think LOL KNOW Hillary Clinton bought corporate bullshit bought journalism They’re fucking machine churning polltested garbage hate Hillary Clinton much I’m Leftist Commie Feminist Can’t see she’s trying accomplish She’s struggled She’s determined She’s making best bad situation Whatever Hillary Clinton proven campaign she’ll say practically anything win she’ll say practically anything win cross lot line authenticity brook politician poor kid growing America known fucking safety net known nothing political regime continually shit kid like trying right thing middleclass family another mortgage deduction Hillary Clinton everything can’t stand American Left rot care feminist Hillary Clinton South she’ll fake Southern accent think make like Hillary Clinton never known hunger she’ll pretend know it’ll mean you’ll vote never known it’s like work monotonous manufacturing job maybe glimmer fucking hope 25cent hourly raise two year good behavior never known it’s like stay awake toothache 8 week row hoping reality go away don’t 400 spend cavity never choose medication pay month choosing pain relief sanity that’s choice never watched daughter suffer twenty longterm unemployment connection made Chelsea’s career success allassured inevitability never known struggle Americans she’ll pretend know think that’s get vote fuck maybe don’t like don’t stand watch momsplain educational inequity generation suffering Atlassian debt saying young people work hour week pay tuition working parttime Waffle House 725 hour fuck anything She’ll convince idea terribly reasonable can’t convince idea aren’t terrible yeah know Fuck Hillary Clinton betterTags Hillary Clinton Politics |
190,826 | Every New Beginning Counts | We’re starting the New Year just like everyone — with goals and resolutions to make ourselves, this year and Every Mother Counts better than ever.
That’s why, this month, we’re focusing on new beginnings, goals and commitments. We’re grabbing hold of the excitement and renewed dedication that surrounds all of us at the start of something good and we think 2013 is going to be great.
Whether you’re a “resolution person” or not, most of us start the year with a few personal goals in mind. The biggies on almost everyone’s list are:
Eat Healthier
Get more exercise
Spend more quality time with friends and family
Learn Something New
Quit habits that aren’t serving our higher selves such as smoking, excessive drinking, or other unkind or abusive relationships we have with ourselves
Provide more service to others like volunteering our time
Reduce stress
Improve money management- organizational skills
As we head into 2013, let’s open our arms and hearts toward ourselves and others as we explore how our health, relationships, attitudes and activities and actions impact not only our personal wellbeing, but also the health and wellbeing of the greater world. Get ready for a month of articles that we hope you will find useful and inspirational including:
How to set a goal, stick a goal and achieve a goal. We’ll talk to journalist, author and life coach Amy Logan (author of Seven Perfumes of Sacrifice, a novel about the lost origins of honor killings in the Middle East) about what people should do to turn their resolutions and goals into reality.
How excess weight is associated with a host of pregnancy complications, especially in America and other developed countries experiencing an obesity epidemic. We’ll also talk about how extreme weight loss and poor nutrition impact fertility and pregnancy.
How physical fitness is one of the most powerful tools we can use to improve both our mental and physical health, how making a commitment to fitness and training for a fitness goal can help us achieve huge goals in other parts of our lives.
Exercise during pregnancy is essential for a host of physical and mental health benefits. While exercise is just a part of normal life in many parts of the world, in others, getting enough exercise during pregnancy requires extra commitment and effort. Lack of exercise during pregnancy can lead to excess weight gain, blood pressure and other circulatory problems and diabetes.
How one yoga expert (Sean Corne) turned her mat into a platform for social change and how yoga became pivotal for Christy’s focus on service.
How our friends and family impact our health. When we enjoy healthy relationships with people who support us and are mutually committed to healthy life habits (eating well, exercising, avoiding excesses and respecting each others goals and personal needs) our personal health is improved and our ability to thrive is empowered. When our friends and family live unhealthy lifestyles, however, we’re more likely to do the same. This is a big factor in a mother’s health during pregnancy.
How our relationships affect us. We’ll also explore how isolation, loneliness and lack of personal relationships lead to depression, anxiety, poor health and disintegration of social structure. When people are empowered to become stronger, healthier and make close personal connections, their families, communities and economies are healthier too. We’ll discuss the shift many women experience once they become mothers from being involved in many relationships at work and in the community to limited relationships while raising children at home. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression (especially post partum depression) in addition to causing identity crises.
Are you ready to learn something new or boost your education? We’re rolling out lots of new information about maternal health challenges and solutions around the world. We’ll be writing about current events, obstetric practices here and abroad and about the people working to improve women’s health and well being.
If you’re still looking for a reason to quit smoking, we’ll talk to leading obstetricians about how cigarettes affect fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding and how second hand smoke affects children. Christy used yoga to help her kick the habit nearly twenty years ago. Maybe it can help you too.
Ready to volunteer? Every article we write will have ideas for how to get involved in a meaningful way. We’ll also write about how a growing body of research indicates that volunteering provides individual health benefits in addition to social benefits. Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, greater functional ability, and lower rates of depression later in life than those who do not volunteer. And what does volunteerism do to reduce maternal mortality? Raising awareness and funds and educating women about their health options are all excellent ways to make a direct impact on mothers all over the world.
Meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices are gaining universal acceptance as powerful tools for reducing stress, increasing health and wellbeing and reducing individual and social strife. We’ll talk to meditation experts about how to start a practice and how to tap into universal meditation resources working to reduce civil unrest and increase world peace and compassion. We’ll also write about how prenatal yoga and meditation benefit mothers everywhere, both during pregnancy and throughout their parenting years.
Saving money, reducing debt and developing better money management skills are key ingredients to personal, family and community success. For women all over the world, learning to handle, earn and manage finances takes them from being powerless to being powerful. We’ll write about how micro-savings and loans, employment training and money management benefit women before, during and after they become mothers.
We’ll also cover important current events that impact global maternal health. For example, Hillary Clinton, who has increasingly been a champion for maternal health issues, was recently hospitalized with a blood clot. While Secretary Clinton’s prognosis is excellent, blood clots and embolisms that occur during pregnancy can be deadly. We’ll break down the differences between blood clots, strokes, and embolisms and how they impact maternal health and mortality.
Check back throughout the month as we add stories, blogs and links to help you kick the New Year off right. Together, we can make Every New Beginning Count! | https://blog.everymothercounts.org/every-new-beginning-counts-6f561aec0b87 | ['Every Mother Counts'] | 2016-10-03 23:34:14.213000+00:00 | ['Hillary Clinton', 'New Beginnings'] | Title Every New Beginning CountsContent We’re starting New Year like everyone — goal resolution make year Every Mother Counts better ever That’s month we’re focusing new beginning goal commitment We’re grabbing hold excitement renewed dedication surround u start something good think 2013 going great Whether you’re “resolution person” u start year personal goal mind biggies almost everyone’s list Eat Healthier Get exercise Spend quality time friend family Learn Something New Quit habit aren’t serving higher self smoking excessive drinking unkind abusive relationship Provide service others like volunteering time Reduce stress Improve money management organizational skill head 2013 let’s open arm heart toward others explore health relationship attitude activity action impact personal wellbeing also health wellbeing greater world Get ready month article hope find useful inspirational including set goal stick goal achieve goal We’ll talk journalist author life coach Amy Logan author Seven Perfumes Sacrifice novel lost origin honor killing Middle East people turn resolution goal reality excess weight associated host pregnancy complication especially America developed country experiencing obesity epidemic We’ll also talk extreme weight loss poor nutrition impact fertility pregnancy physical fitness one powerful tool use improve mental physical health making commitment fitness training fitness goal help u achieve huge goal part life Exercise pregnancy essential host physical mental health benefit exercise part normal life many part world others getting enough exercise pregnancy requires extra commitment effort Lack exercise pregnancy lead excess weight gain blood pressure circulatory problem diabetes one yoga expert Sean Corne turned mat platform social change yoga became pivotal Christy’s focus service friend family impact health enjoy healthy relationship people support u mutually committed healthy life habit eating well exercising avoiding excess respecting others goal personal need personal health improved ability thrive empowered friend family live unhealthy lifestyle however we’re likely big factor mother’s health pregnancy relationship affect u We’ll also explore isolation loneliness lack personal relationship lead depression anxiety poor health disintegration social structure people empowered become stronger healthier make close personal connection family community economy healthier We’ll discus shift many woman experience become mother involved many relationship work community limited relationship raising child home lead feeling isolation depression especially post partum depression addition causing identity crisis ready learn something new boost education We’re rolling lot new information maternal health challenge solution around world We’ll writing current event obstetric practice abroad people working improve women’s health well you’re still looking reason quit smoking we’ll talk leading obstetrician cigarette affect fertility pregnancy breastfeeding second hand smoke affect child Christy used yoga help kick habit nearly twenty year ago Maybe help Ready volunteer Every article write idea get involved meaningful way We’ll also write growing body research indicates volunteering provides individual health benefit addition social benefit volunteer lower mortality rate greater functional ability lower rate depression later life volunteer volunteerism reduce maternal mortality Raising awareness fund educating woman health option excellent way make direct impact mother world Meditation yoga mindfulness practice gaining universal acceptance powerful tool reducing stress increasing health wellbeing reducing individual social strife We’ll talk meditation expert start practice tap universal meditation resource working reduce civil unrest increase world peace compassion We’ll also write prenatal yoga meditation benefit mother everywhere pregnancy throughout parenting year Saving money reducing debt developing better money management skill key ingredient personal family community success woman world learning handle earn manage finance take powerless powerful We’ll write microsavings loan employment training money management benefit woman become mother We’ll also cover important current event impact global maternal health example Hillary Clinton increasingly champion maternal health issue recently hospitalized blood clot Secretary Clinton’s prognosis excellent blood clot embolism occur pregnancy deadly We’ll break difference blood clot stroke embolism impact maternal health mortality Check back throughout month add story blog link help kick New Year right Together make Every New Beginning CountTags Hillary Clinton New Beginnings |
190,827 | US, Mexico, Canada Sign New USMCA Deal: What’s Next? | The US, Canada, and Mexico have officially signed the USMCA, a new agreement governing trade between the three countries.
Although agreement on the deal replacing NAFTA was reached back in October, the official signing had to wait 60 days until the US Congress had a chance to review the text.
The November 30th signing, which occurred on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, marks the last day in office of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.
Among other features, the new trade deal provides US farmers with greater access to the Canadian dairy market, and ensures that Canada can continue exporting vehicles and auto-parts to the US.
What’s Next
Although USMCA is now officially signed, the new deal still needs to go through a ratification process in each of the three countries according to their own internal rules.
While Canada and Mexico are expected to ratify the agreement without major problems by early 2019, the process in the US is a different story.
Both parts of the US Congress, the Senate and the House of Representatives, are supposed to vote on the deal. Since following the midterm elections Democrats will take control of the House, a difficult ratification process can be expected.
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer promised he’d address legislators’ concerns about the new deal. While the text of the USMCA trade agreement can’t be changed, “we still need to put together an implementing bill so there are things that we can do,” he said at a press conference following the signing ceremony.
According to Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, Congress is very unlikely to vote on ratifying USMCA before the end of this year, since the internal processes of both legislative bodies require more time before an issue like this can be put on the agenda. | https://medium.com/small-business-big-world/us-mexico-canada-sign-new-usmca-deal-whats-next-d17f59c4c9d8 | ['Lili Török'] | 2018-11-30 17:19:44.185000+00:00 | ['Trade', 'Canada', 'Mexico', 'Politics', 'Business'] | Title US Mexico Canada Sign New USMCA Deal What’s NextContent US Canada Mexico officially signed USMCA new agreement governing trade three country Although agreement deal replacing NAFTA reached back October official signing wait 60 day US Congress chance review text November 30th signing occurred sideline G20 summit Buenos Aires Argentina mark last day office Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto Among feature new trade deal provides US farmer greater access Canadian dairy market ensures Canada continue exporting vehicle autoparts US What’s Next Although USMCA officially signed new deal still need go ratification process three country according internal rule Canada Mexico expected ratify agreement without major problem early 2019 process US different story part US Congress Senate House Representatives supposed vote deal Since following midterm election Democrats take control House difficult ratification process expected US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer promised he’d address legislators’ concern new deal text USMCA trade agreement can’t changed “we still need put together implementing bill thing do” said press conference following signing ceremony According Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell Congress unlikely vote ratifying USMCA end year since internal process legislative body require time issue like put agendaTags Trade Canada Mexico Politics Business |
190,828 | How to be tolerant with intolerants? | The first time I heard about the paradox of tolerance, described by Karl Popper in 1945 stating that “in order to maintain a tolerant society, the society must be intolerant of intolerance”. I understood it perfectly inside the context of the Second World War and the consequences from the Holocaust. However, during recent years I started watching several circumstances around the world where this statement needed to be addressed again.
At first, I saw it far from me. In Europe with the xenophobic reactions to immigrants arriving at the continent. Then I saw it closer, from the voice of a US presidential candidate and many of his followers, promoting hate against Mexican immigrants. And now I witnessed it in front of me.
Last Saturday, at a presentation from Juan Pablo Villalobos and his book ‘Yo tuve un sueño’ (I had a dream), about child migration stories across Mexico, during the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL). An old woman interrupted the presentation and started complaining about those who support and help immigrants from Central America.
“If we leave them to come and stay, they will steal our country and territory”. “I don’t want to leave my grandsons like the Kurds, without a nation” she shouted.
All the assistants, including me, didn’t know how to react. Because at the moment people started to ask her to shut up, she complained to us for being intolerant towards her beliefs and opinion.
“They are criminals” she continued, and naturally the words of Donald Trump during his campaign against Mexicans that were bringing problems, drugs or were rapists, came to my mind.
My intention writing this is not to approach the complex topic of migration. But what I want to point out is about the limits of intolerance.
Especially for those who witness any kind of hate demonstration, no matter if it’s about race, nationality, religion, or even soccer team preferences (referring to the chaos during a River vs Boca derby in Buenos Aires last weekend).
What is important to say is that we can’t be a passive witness of intolerance. Even if that makes us feel as we have become intolerants. Because when human dignity is under threat, that demand us to stand up and stop it. Not by the same means of hate and violence, but by the side of essential values and the law representing the inherent rights of equality.
Let’s say no to any kind of intolerance, and let’s be brave to defend what is right to be defended. | https://medium.com/@ce.villalobos95/how-to-be-tolerant-with-intolerants-386455eed6d5 | ['Carlos Eduardo Villalobos'] | 2018-11-27 01:26:05.046000+00:00 | ['Migration', 'Society', 'Xenophobia', 'Mexico'] | Title tolerant intolerantsContent first time heard paradox tolerance described Karl Popper 1945 stating “in order maintain tolerant society society must intolerant intolerance” understood perfectly inside context Second World War consequence Holocaust However recent year started watching several circumstance around world statement needed addressed first saw far Europe xenophobic reaction immigrant arriving continent saw closer voice US presidential candidate many follower promoting hate Mexican immigrant witnessed front Last Saturday presentation Juan Pablo Villalobos book ‘Yo tuve un sueño’ dream child migration story across Mexico Guadalajara International Book Fair FIL old woman interrupted presentation started complaining support help immigrant Central America “If leave come stay steal country territory” “I don’t want leave grandson like Kurds without nation” shouted assistant including didn’t know react moment people started ask shut complained u intolerant towards belief opinion “They criminals” continued naturally word Donald Trump campaign Mexicans bringing problem drug rapist came mind intention writing approach complex topic migration want point limit intolerance Especially witness kind hate demonstration matter it’s race nationality religion even soccer team preference referring chaos River v Boca derby Buenos Aires last weekend important say can’t passive witness intolerance Even make u feel become intolerants human dignity threat demand u stand stop mean hate violence side essential value law representing inherent right equality Let’s say kind intolerance let’s brave defend right defendedTags Migration Society Xenophobia Mexico |
190,829 | Mexico-Teotihuacán-Pyramid of the Sun-Pulqueria los Insurgentes | Mexico-Teotihuacán-Pyramid of the Sun-Pulqueria los Insurgentes
No visit is complete without a detour to Teotihuacan, an architecturally wonderful ancient city that is located about 40km away from the center of Mexico City. This area is most famous for the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, as well as the Avenue of the Dead that connects different parts of the city. It’s like the American analog to the Palatino ruins of ancient Rome. We paired a day-trip to the ruins with a night out with food and drinks in Mexico City.
To get to Teotihuacan, there are a few options, like guided tours, or buses — but what worked easiest for us was just catching an Uber to drive there. It came out to around $22 USD for a comfortable one way trip for the both of us, and had the advantage of conforming to our own schedule. There were also plenty of Ubers available to take us back (be careful that certain cell carriers may not have great signal in this area).
See & Do
Teotihuacán Pirámide(Pyramid): The main attraction in the city of Teotihuacan, and the reason you have come this far. You can walk up and down the 2km Avenue of the Dead and view the many different attractions — the main attraction, the Pyramid of the Sun, being right in the center. The Pyramid of the Sun is one of the largest pyramids in the world, and is quite a sight to see. The weather was a bit hot and oppressive (there’s no shade anywhere), even in the middle of January, so be especially careful if you go in the summer. It’s a decent climb up but most people shouldn’t have any issue. There are a few platforms along the way to take a break if you’re winded. Personally, I found climbing the Pyramid of the Moon to be much more difficult — it’s much shorter, but the steps are much steeper.
Eat & Drink
Bravo Loncheria: Very cute hipster cafe serving breakfast near Zona Rosa. Popular among younger crowds and foreigners. The waitress knows a bit of English and was very helpful in explaining everything on the menu. They also have fresh squeezed orange juice.
Torta De Queso Y Huauzontle-House-made rolls with cheese and Pre-Hispanic plant(Huauzontle ) drenched in red sauce. Huauzontle was once used to pay tribute to the Aztec Empire
Sandwich Guajolote
El Ranchito: This was a traditional Mexican restaurant near the pyramids. We were able to get here by just walking. It is not too far. They have an outdoor seating area with children’s playground. The tables are circular with several seats surrounding it that reminded us of the ones in Asia.
El Tizoncito Tamaulipas: This place claims to be the first taqueria that invented Al Pastor. Watching the guy preparing the taco is an art. He first takes a warm tortilla and shaves the meat onto the tortilla. Then he meticulously shaves that pineapple that is sitting on top of the tower and catches the bite-size pineapple onto the tortilla. Then he adds onions and cilantro and it is ready to be served.
Pulqueria los Insurgentes: Pulque is an ancient Mexican alcoholic drink invented by the Aztecs Only priests and kings were allowed to drink pulque. It is made by fermenting the sap of the agave plant. It became scarce when the Spanish came over with beer( those Europeans!). Pulque has been revived by hipsters and we saw only cool people at the pulqueria we were at. It’s like drinking cloudy water with lots of pulp. The taste is rather sweet.
Stay
Hotel Marquis Reforma: Top tier hotel for very reasonable prices. Room was really nice (not too huge, but nice). People seemed very attentive and friendly, and also fluent in English. There was a bit of a mixup with the bill as they seem to choose the currency that gets them the most amount of money (either dollars or pesos, and they use their own made up exchange rate — make sure you do the math yourself), but besides that, for this price it’s in a great location and the service and quality of the room is truly excellent for the price.
Visit Date | https://medium.com/@wombatseverywhere/mexico-teotihuac%C3%A1n-pyramid-of-the-sun-pulqueria-los-insurgentes-19e4c403484d | ['Wombats Everywhere'] | 2018-11-27 01:15:22.688000+00:00 | ['Travel', 'Mexico'] | Title MexicoTeotihuacánPyramid SunPulqueria los InsurgentesContent MexicoTeotihuacánPyramid SunPulqueria los Insurgentes visit complete without detour Teotihuacan architecturally wonderful ancient city located 40km away center Mexico City area famous Pyramids Sun Moon well Avenue Dead connects different part city It’s like American analog Palatino ruin ancient Rome paired daytrip ruin night food drink Mexico City get Teotihuacan option like guided tour bus — worked easiest u catching Uber drive came around 22 USD comfortable one way trip u advantage conforming schedule also plenty Ubers available take u back careful certain cell carrier may great signal area See Teotihuacán PirámidePyramid main attraction city Teotihuacan reason come far walk 2km Avenue Dead view many different attraction — main attraction Pyramid Sun right center Pyramid Sun one largest pyramid world quite sight see weather bit hot oppressive there’s shade anywhere even middle January especially careful go summer It’s decent climb people shouldn’t issue platform along way take break you’re winded Personally found climbing Pyramid Moon much difficult — it’s much shorter step much steeper Eat Drink Bravo Loncheria cute hipster cafe serving breakfast near Zona Rosa Popular among younger crowd foreigner waitress know bit English helpful explaining everything menu also fresh squeezed orange juice Torta De Queso HuauzontleHousemade roll cheese PreHispanic plantHuauzontle drenched red sauce Huauzontle used pay tribute Aztec Empire Sandwich Guajolote El Ranchito traditional Mexican restaurant near pyramid able get walking far outdoor seating area children’s playground table circular several seat surrounding reminded u one Asia El Tizoncito Tamaulipas place claim first taqueria invented Al Pastor Watching guy preparing taco art first take warm tortilla shave meat onto tortilla meticulously shave pineapple sitting top tower catch bitesize pineapple onto tortilla add onion cilantro ready served Pulqueria los Insurgentes Pulque ancient Mexican alcoholic drink invented Aztecs priest king allowed drink pulque made fermenting sap agave plant became scarce Spanish came beer Europeans Pulque revived hipster saw cool people pulqueria It’s like drinking cloudy water lot pulp taste rather sweet Stay Hotel Marquis Reforma Top tier hotel reasonable price Room really nice huge nice People seemed attentive friendly also fluent English bit mixup bill seem choose currency get amount money either dollar peso use made exchange rate — make sure math besides price it’s great location service quality room truly excellent price Visit DateTags Travel Mexico |
190,830 | Royal Caribbean Cruise Review: Libertyof The Seas | Refreshed 2017
In 2014 I finally took a cruise. Everyone told me I have to try a cruise. Let me first start off by saying if you have a cruise leaving out of another city, please try to leave as early as possible or arrive a day early. I had the worst experience trying to arrive at 11:15 am the day of. I flew from Charlotte to Ft. Lauderdale, with a stop in Atlanta. My flight to ATL was 2 hrs delayed and I missed my connection to FLL. I had to plead with Delta to let me on the next flight, which in turn my baggage was delayed, I didn’t leave the FLL airport until 1:30–2(my original flight was to leave at 7:50 a.m) and the ship was to depart at 3. Still had to get to ship, and check in. When we arrived the line was wrapped around the building. I made it but it was a stressful situation. If I ever do a cruise again I will plan for enough time for any issues with flight and luggage.
I went on a Royal Caribbean, Liberty of the Seas, 5-day cruise in March which was prime time for kids on spring break. When you arrive on the ship, you leave your bag and they will bring it to you later, you go through security and they start taking pictures once you check in, it’s part of a picture package they want to sell you at the end. I declined.
Before the ship departs there is orientation. We had a balcony room which I thought was good. One thing I didn’t know is that you can order decorations for your room before departure. I was with my mom celebrating her birthday, had I known I would have arranged to have it decorated before. Really I should have brought my own decorations lol.
The cruise had a casino, shops, spa, nightclubs, ice skating rink and art gallery. Most food is included unless you chose a specialty restaurant. You make reservations for dinner before boarding; otherwise, you can eat at the buffet or 24/7 room service. It was nice but I realized I prefer just flying to an all-inclusive resort. I experienced lots of motion sickness and “cabin fever.” There was no internet available unless you pay to use. Soft drinks, juices, and alcohol were extra. This cruise was really geared towards families. I remember watching Frozen on the deck. The club was 18+ and played old school hip hop and pop with 5 people in attendance. I liked the Captain’s Ball where there was a live band, a chance to hear from the Captain and crew, free champagne and you get to dress up!
Cozumel
It was an interesting city. The downtown had a lot of little shops. The owners made up prices of items and you could negotiate them down. We went on an excursion that was ATV plus time at the Ocean Club VIP. ATV was nice, rode around in a man-made jungle lol and offered local fruit and drinks. The VIP beach you could do water sports or eat lunch for additional costs. I parasailed, was able to talk them down in price. We had time left over and went downtown to shop.
The cruise was nice but I wouldn’t go back unless it’s one of those specialty cruises that cater to a young adult event. I didn’t see a lot of groups of singles or young adults.
Key Takeaways
-Pack your own alcohol (in a travel safe bottle) and snacks- these things are extra and expensive.
-Pick which excursions you do once at the port early because they fill up fast.
-Get to the rooftop pool early for a good seat as people start claiming them early.
-Leave yourself a lot of time between the arrival of flight and departure of ship.
-You can find good deals on cruise prices but be prepared to spend a lot on the ship.
What tips or cruises do you recommend? Comment below! | https://medium.com/@workhardtravelwell/royal-caribbean-cruise-review-libertyof-the-seas-8c9b330ed504 | ['Kim H.'] | 2017-08-07 19:00:38.803000+00:00 | ['Cruise', 'Mexico'] | Title Royal Caribbean Cruise Review Libertyof SeasContent Refreshed 2017 2014 finally took cruise Everyone told try cruise Let first start saying cruise leaving another city please try leave early possible arrive day early worst experience trying arrive 1115 day flew Charlotte Ft Lauderdale stop Atlanta flight ATL 2 hr delayed missed connection FLL plead Delta let next flight turn baggage delayed didn’t leave FLL airport 130–2my original flight leave 750 ship depart 3 Still get ship check arrived line wrapped around building made stressful situation ever cruise plan enough time issue flight luggage went Royal Caribbean Liberty Seas 5day cruise March prime time kid spring break arrive ship leave bag bring later go security start taking picture check it’s part picture package want sell end declined ship departs orientation balcony room thought good One thing didn’t know order decoration room departure mom celebrating birthday known would arranged decorated Really brought decoration lol cruise casino shop spa nightclub ice skating rink art gallery food included unless chose specialty restaurant make reservation dinner boarding otherwise eat buffet 247 room service nice realized prefer flying allinclusive resort experienced lot motion sickness “cabin fever” internet available unless pay use Soft drink juice alcohol extra cruise really geared towards family remember watching Frozen deck club 18 played old school hip hop pop 5 people attendance liked Captain’s Ball live band chance hear Captain crew free champagne get dress Cozumel interesting city downtown lot little shop owner made price item could negotiate went excursion ATV plus time Ocean Club VIP ATV nice rode around manmade jungle lol offered local fruit drink VIP beach could water sport eat lunch additional cost parasailed able talk price time left went downtown shop cruise nice wouldn’t go back unless it’s one specialty cruise cater young adult event didn’t see lot group single young adult Key Takeaways Pack alcohol travel safe bottle snack thing extra expensive Pick excursion port early fill fast Get rooftop pool early good seat people start claiming early Leave lot time arrival flight departure ship find good deal cruise price prepared spend lot ship tip cruise recommend Comment belowTags Cruise Mexico |
190,831 | An Insider’s Guide to LA’s Tastiest Tacos | An Insider’s Guide to LA’s Tastiest Tacos
Let’s taco ’bout it.
We’re not afraid to admit that Los Angeles is, hands down, the best place for tacos in America. And what better way to detox from turkey and stuffing than with a cuisine so opposite from (and lest we say far better than?) traditional holiday eats? Tacos (plus tequila, if you haven’t noticed yet) run through our veins on the SBP team, so just call us your go-to culinary connoisseurs for LA’s best…west of the 405, of course. Check out our top taco faves below.
Trejo’s Tacos
As Anthony Bourdain once said, “It’s just really good.” And the culinary king was always right. Trejo’s, owned by the epic Danny Trejo, is a vibrant, art-filled taqueria that serves up mind-blowing tacos for both meat-lovers and vegans alike. Whether you’re hankering for steak asada with pepita pesto or cauliflower with cashew cream, Trejo’s is your go-to spot for LA’s gourmet best.
SBP Must Order: Spicy Shrimp Taco with diablo sauce, pickled onions, slaw and avocado cream.
Benny’s
A West LA staple with locations in Westchester, Santa Monica and Culver City, Benny’s has a killer Taco Tuesday…which has SBP written all over it. Three street tacos for $6.99? You know where to find us.
SBP Must Order: Barbacoa Taco with slow-cooked shredded beef, cilantro, radish & picked red onions.
Frida Tacos
At Frida, delectably authentic Mexican cuisine meets the classy Brentwood Country Mart. Whether you choose their barbacoa, pork pastor or pescado tacos, you can always count on one thing: a total bomb of fresh flavor.
SBP Must Order: Tacos de Camaron—two soft tacos, sautéed shrimp, pico de gallo and guacamole, served with rice and refried beans.
Kogi Truck
We’re all for revolutionary cuisine and the Kogi Truck has truly redefined LA’s traditional taco with a unique combo of Korean and Mexican tastes. All you have to do is track them down and devour.
SBP Must Order: The World Famous Short Rib Taco—double caramelized Korean barbecue short rib, salsa roja made from Korean and Mexican chilis, cilantro-onion-lime relish and chili soy Kogi slaw, all over two, crispy griddled corn tortillas.
Tacos Tu Madre
Amongst the most acclaimed taco joints in LA is Tacos Tu Madre which, if you’re in the taco know, you probably already knew by now. With four locations, all housed in not-to-be-missed buildings with sweet mural facades, Tacos Tu Madre dishes out authentic tacos with a gourmet twist, like their epic fried chicken and ahi tuna poke.
SBP Must Order: Fried Chicken Taco with buttermilk fried chicken, spicy honey, poblano ranch slaw and fermented fresno chili.
Tacos Por Favor
A beloved Westside institution, Tacos Por Favor has stolen our taco-loving hearts from the very beginning. The perfect combo of healthy and traditional (aka greasy and cheesy), their tacos are some of LA’s bona fide best. Whether you go soft taco, hard taco or taquito, you’re golden.
SBP Must Order: Mahi Mahi Soft Taco with green and red pepper, onions, sour cream, lettuce and pico de gallo.
Tec-Catering
If you’ve ever been to an SBP Taco Tuesday, you know what’s up with Tec-Catering. Our awesome taco guys create a totally killer spread in an upscale atmosphere (ie our open houses), cooking up fresh chicken, carne asada, pork and veggies with all the accoutrements—guac, salsas, onion, you name it. Call them up and plan your most epic party yet.
SBP Must Order: Carne Asada Taco on a homemade corn tortilla with all the toppings.
Tito’s
A bustling, no-frills joint in Culver City, Tito’s is a nostalgic hard-shell taco stand that’s become increasingly popular as other Mexican hotspots steer toward trendy, gourmet concoctions. Each fried tortilla shell, brimming with mouthwatering traditional flavors, is a true blast from the past. Something we all need these days.
SBP Must Order: Tito’s Taco with shredded beef, grated cheddar cheese & sliced iceberg lettuce in a freshly cooked corn taco shell.
Benito’s Taco Shop
Home of the rolled taco, Benito’s serves up delish and high quality Mexican eats — all topped with guac and cheese. Need we say more? Order their specialty shredded beef rolled in crispy corn tortillas and try not to go there everyday.
SBP Must Order: Carnitas Tacos with hand-shredded pork, grilled then smothered with homemade guac and salsa, wrapped in a warm, soft corn tortilla.
King Taco
When you’ve had a few too many beers at the Kings game, make your way to King Taco—there’s nothing like a greasy, delicious taco to serve as a preemptive hangover cure. King Taco always kills the traditional Mexican game.
SBP Must Order: Al Pastor and Carne Asada Tacos garnished with fresh chopped cilantro, onion and their famous salsa. | https://medium.com/tacos-tequila/an-insiders-guide-to-la-s-tastiest-tacos-de3d815543ad | ['Smith', 'Berg Partners'] | 2018-11-29 18:09:18.472000+00:00 | ['Food', 'Los Angeles', 'Mexico', 'Real Estate', 'Foodies'] | Title Insider’s Guide LA’s Tastiest TacosContent Insider’s Guide LA’s Tastiest Tacos Let’s taco ’bout We’re afraid admit Los Angeles hand best place taco America better way detox turkey stuffing cuisine opposite lest say far better traditional holiday eats Tacos plus tequila haven’t noticed yet run vein SBP team call u goto culinary connoisseur LA’s best…west 405 course Check top taco faves Trejo’s Tacos Anthony Bourdain said “It’s really good” culinary king always right Trejo’s owned epic Danny Trejo vibrant artfilled taqueria serf mindblowing taco meatlovers vegan alike Whether you’re hankering steak asada pepita pesto cauliflower cashew cream Trejo’s goto spot LA’s gourmet best SBP Must Order Spicy Shrimp Taco diablo sauce pickled onion slaw avocado cream Benny’s West LA staple location Westchester Santa Monica Culver City Benny’s killer Taco Tuesday…which SBP written Three street taco 699 know find u SBP Must Order Barbacoa Taco slowcooked shredded beef cilantro radish picked red onion Frida Tacos Frida delectably authentic Mexican cuisine meet classy Brentwood Country Mart Whether choose barbacoa pork pastor pescado taco always count one thing total bomb fresh flavor SBP Must Order Tacos de Camaron—two soft taco sautéed shrimp pico de gallo guacamole served rice refried bean Kogi Truck We’re revolutionary cuisine Kogi Truck truly redefined LA’s traditional taco unique combo Korean Mexican taste track devour SBP Must Order World Famous Short Rib Taco—double caramelized Korean barbecue short rib salsa roja made Korean Mexican chili cilantroonionlime relish chili soy Kogi slaw two crispy griddled corn tortilla Tacos Tu Madre Amongst acclaimed taco joint LA Tacos Tu Madre you’re taco know probably already knew four location housed nottobemissed building sweet mural facade Tacos Tu Madre dish authentic taco gourmet twist like epic fried chicken ahi tuna poke SBP Must Order Fried Chicken Taco buttermilk fried chicken spicy honey poblano ranch slaw fermented fresno chili Tacos Por Favor beloved Westside institution Tacos Por Favor stolen tacoloving heart beginning perfect combo healthy traditional aka greasy cheesy taco LA’s bona fide best Whether go soft taco hard taco taquito you’re golden SBP Must Order Mahi Mahi Soft Taco green red pepper onion sour cream lettuce pico de gallo TecCatering you’ve ever SBP Taco Tuesday know what’s TecCatering awesome taco guy create totally killer spread upscale atmosphere ie open house cooking fresh chicken carne asada pork veggie accoutrements—guac salsa onion name Call plan epic party yet SBP Must Order Carne Asada Taco homemade corn tortilla topping Tito’s bustling nofrills joint Culver City Tito’s nostalgic hardshell taco stand that’s become increasingly popular Mexican hotspot steer toward trendy gourmet concoction fried tortilla shell brimming mouthwatering traditional flavor true blast past Something need day SBP Must Order Tito’s Taco shredded beef grated cheddar cheese sliced iceberg lettuce freshly cooked corn taco shell Benito’s Taco Shop Home rolled taco Benito’s serf delish high quality Mexican eats — topped guac cheese Need say Order specialty shredded beef rolled crispy corn tortilla try go everyday SBP Must Order Carnitas Tacos handshredded pork grilled smothered homemade guac salsa wrapped warm soft corn tortilla King Taco you’ve many beer Kings game make way King Taco—there’s nothing like greasy delicious taco serve preemptive hangover cure King Taco always kill traditional Mexican game SBP Must Order Al Pastor Carne Asada Tacos garnished fresh chopped cilantro onion famous salsaTags Food Los Angeles Mexico Real Estate Foodies |
190,832 | Alleged 40,000-year-old human footprints in Mexico much, much older than thought | Alleged footprints of early Americans found in volcanic rock in Mexico are either extremely old — more than 1 million years older than other evidence of human presence in the Western Hemisphere — or not footprints at all, according to a new analysis published this week in Nature.
The study was conducted by geologists at the Berkeley Geochronology Center and the University of California, Berkeley, as part of an investigative team of geologists and anthropologists from the United States and Mexico.
Earlier this year, researchers in England touted these “footprints” as definitive proof that humans were in the Americas much earlier than 11,000 years ago, which is the accepted date for the arrival of humans across a northern land-bridge from Asia.
These scientists, led by geologist Silvia Gonzalez of Liverpool’s John Moores University, dated the volcanic rock at 40,000 years old. They hypothesized that early hunters walked across ash freshly deposited near a lake by volcanoes that are still active in the area around Puebla, Mexico. The so-called footprints, subsequently covered by more ash and inundated by lake waters, eventually turned to rock.
But Paul Renne, director of the Berkeley Geochronology Center and an adjunct professor of earth and planetary science at UC Berkeley, and his colleagues in Mexico and at Texas A&M University report in the Dec. 1 issue of Nature a new age for the rock: about 1.3 million years.
“You’re really only left with two possibilities,” Renne said. “One is that they are really old hominids — shockingly old — or they’re not footprints.”
Renne’s colleagues are Michael R. Waters, director of the Center for the Study of the First Americans at Texas A&M University; Joaquin Arroyo-Cabrales and Mario Perez-Campa of the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History; Patricia Ochoa Castillo of the Mexican National Museum of Anthropology; and UC Berkeley graduate students Joshua M. Feinberg and Kim B. Knight. The Berkeley Geochronology Center, located a block from the UC Berkeley campus, is one of the world’s preeminent anthropological dating laboratories.
Paleoanthropologist Tim White, professor of integrative biology at UC Berkeley, is familiar with the “so-called footprints” and knows Renne well, frequently collaborating with him in the dating of million-year-old sediments in an area of Ethiopia where White has excavated numerous fossils of human ancestors. He is not surprised at the new finding.
“The evidence (the British team) has provided in their arguments that these are footprints is not sufficient to convince me they are footprints,” said White, who did not contribute to the new work that Renne’s group is reporting in Nature. “The evidence Paul has produced by dating basically means that this argument is over, unless indisputable footprints can be found sealed within the ash.”
Renne determined the new date using the argon/argon dating technique, which reliably dates rock as young as 2,000 years or as old as 4 billion years. The British-led researchers, however, relied mainly on carbon-14 dates of overlying sediments. Carbon-14 cannot reliably date materials older than about 50,000 years.
The idea for another test that, it turns out, throws more cold water on the footprint hypothesis came to Renne one morning in the shower. Many rocks retain evidence of their orientation at the moment they cool in the form of iron oxide grains magnetized in a direction parallel to the Earth’s magnetic field at the time of cooling. Because the Earth’s field has repeatedly flipped throughout the planet’s history, it is possible to date rock based on its magnetic polarity.
Feinberg found that the rock grains in the volcanic ash had polarity opposite to the Earth’s polarity today. Since the last magnetic pole reversal was 790,000 years ago, the rock must be at least that age. Because the Earth’s magnetic polarity changes, on average, every 250,000 years, the argon/argon date is consistent with a time between 1.07 and 1.77 million years ago when the Earth’s polarity was opposite to that of today.
Moreover, Feinberg found that each individual grain in the rock is magnetized in the same direction, meaning that the rock has not been broken up and reformed since it was deposited. This makes extremely unlikely the possibility that the original ash had been weathered into sand that early humans walked through before the sand was welded into rock again.
“Imagine two-millimeter-wide BBs cemented together where they’re touching,” Feinberg said. “The paleomagnetic data tell us that these things did not move around at all since they were deposited. They haven’t been eroded and redeposited anywhere else. They fell while they were still hot, which raises the question of the validity of the footprints. If they were hot, why would anybody be walking on them?”
The British researchers, funded by the United Kingdom’s Natural Environment Research Council, have promoted their hypothesis widely, most prominently at a July 4, 2005, presentation and press conference at the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition 2005 in London. The team, which includes Gonzalez as well as Professor David Huddart from John Moores University, also involves scientists from Bournemouth University, the University of Oxford and the Australian National University. They have yet to publish a peer-reviewed analysis of the footprints.
In all, the British team claims to have found 250 footprints — mostly human, but also dog, cat and cloven-hoofed animal prints — in a layer of volcanic ash deposited in a former lake bed now exposed near a reservoir outside Puebla. Its dating techniques returned a date of 40,000 years ago, in contrast to the oldest accepted human fossil from the Americas, an 11,500-year-old skull. This makes the rock “one of the most important areas in the study of early human occupation in the Americas and would support a much earlier human migration than is currently accepted,” the team wrote.
One of the team members, Matthew Bennett of Bournemouth, was quoted on a Royal Society Web site as saying, “Accounting for the origin of these footprints would require a complete rethink on the timing, route and origin of the first colonization of the Americas.”
Renne, Knight, Waters and the Mexico City archeologists visited the site at the Toluquilla quarry last year while collecting rocks from another anthropological site across the reservoir. Renne noted that the black, basaltic rock is very tough and is mined in slabs for building. Pre-Columbian Mexicans also constructed buildings from the rock, which they called xalnene, meaning “fine sand” in the Nahuatl language. Today, trucks headed toward the quarry routinely drive across the xalnene tuff in which the alleged footprints are found, and the rock itself is pockmarked with many depressions in addition to the alleged footprints.
“They’re scattered all over, with no more than two or three in a straight line,” which would be expected if someone had walked through the ash, Renne said. If the depressions were footprints, they could not have been made by modern humans, he noted, since even in Africa, Homo sapiens did not appear until about 160,000 years ago. Given the age of the volcanic rock and lacking other evidence of early human ancestors in the Americas 1.3 million years ago, the researchers wrote in their paper, “we consider such a possibility to be extremely remote.”
Many paleontologists have withheld judgment on the alleged footprints, awaiting good geological dates, Feinberg said. “With this study, we’re trying to nip any misrepresentation in the bud.” | https://alunsalt.com/alleged-40-000-year-old-human-footprints-in-mexico-much-much-older-than-thought-499a1cdf9d7 | ['Alun Salt'] | 2016-04-13 10:42:28.433000+00:00 | ['Archaeology', 'Geology', 'Mexico'] | Title Alleged 40000yearold human footprint Mexico much much older thoughtContent Alleged footprint early Americans found volcanic rock Mexico either extremely old — 1 million year older evidence human presence Western Hemisphere — footprint according new analysis published week Nature study conducted geologist Berkeley Geochronology Center University California Berkeley part investigative team geologist anthropologist United States Mexico Earlier year researcher England touted “footprints” definitive proof human Americas much earlier 11000 year ago accepted date arrival human across northern landbridge Asia scientist led geologist Silvia Gonzalez Liverpool’s John Moores University dated volcanic rock 40000 year old hypothesized early hunter walked across ash freshly deposited near lake volcano still active area around Puebla Mexico socalled footprint subsequently covered ash inundated lake water eventually turned rock Paul Renne director Berkeley Geochronology Center adjunct professor earth planetary science UC Berkeley colleague Mexico Texas University report Dec 1 issue Nature new age rock 13 million year “You’re really left two possibilities” Renne said “One really old hominid — shockingly old — they’re footprints” Renne’s colleague Michael R Waters director Center Study First Americans Texas University Joaquin ArroyoCabrales Mario PerezCampa Mexican National Institute Anthropology History Patricia Ochoa Castillo Mexican National Museum Anthropology UC Berkeley graduate student Joshua Feinberg Kim B Knight Berkeley Geochronology Center located block UC Berkeley campus one world’s preeminent anthropological dating laboratory Paleoanthropologist Tim White professor integrative biology UC Berkeley familiar “socalled footprints” know Renne well frequently collaborating dating millionyearold sediment area Ethiopia White excavated numerous fossil human ancestor surprised new finding “The evidence British team provided argument footprint sufficient convince footprints” said White contribute new work Renne’s group reporting Nature “The evidence Paul produced dating basically mean argument unless indisputable footprint found sealed within ash” Renne determined new date using argonargon dating technique reliably date rock young 2000 year old 4 billion year Britishled researcher however relied mainly carbon14 date overlying sediment Carbon14 cannot reliably date material older 50000 year idea another test turn throw cold water footprint hypothesis came Renne one morning shower Many rock retain evidence orientation moment cool form iron oxide grain magnetized direction parallel Earth’s magnetic field time cooling Earth’s field repeatedly flipped throughout planet’s history possible date rock based magnetic polarity Feinberg found rock grain volcanic ash polarity opposite Earth’s polarity today Since last magnetic pole reversal 790000 year ago rock must least age Earth’s magnetic polarity change average every 250000 year argonargon date consistent time 107 177 million year ago Earth’s polarity opposite today Moreover Feinberg found individual grain rock magnetized direction meaning rock broken reformed since deposited make extremely unlikely possibility original ash weathered sand early human walked sand welded rock “Imagine twomillimeterwide BBs cemented together they’re touching” Feinberg said “The paleomagnetic data tell u thing move around since deposited haven’t eroded redeposited anywhere else fell still hot raise question validity footprint hot would anybody walking them” British researcher funded United Kingdom’s Natural Environment Research Council promoted hypothesis widely prominently July 4 2005 presentation press conference Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition 2005 London team includes Gonzalez well Professor David Huddart John Moores University also involves scientist Bournemouth University University Oxford Australian National University yet publish peerreviewed analysis footprint British team claim found 250 footprint — mostly human also dog cat clovenhoofed animal print — layer volcanic ash deposited former lake bed exposed near reservoir outside Puebla dating technique returned date 40000 year ago contrast oldest accepted human fossil Americas 11500yearold skull make rock “one important area study early human occupation Americas would support much earlier human migration currently accepted” team wrote One team member Matthew Bennett Bournemouth quoted Royal Society Web site saying “Accounting origin footprint would require complete rethink timing route origin first colonization Americas” Renne Knight Waters Mexico City archeologist visited site Toluquilla quarry last year collecting rock another anthropological site across reservoir Renne noted black basaltic rock tough mined slab building PreColumbian Mexicans also constructed building rock called xalnene meaning “fine sand” Nahuatl language Today truck headed toward quarry routinely drive across xalnene tuff alleged footprint found rock pockmarked many depression addition alleged footprint “They’re scattered two three straight line” would expected someone walked ash Renne said depression footprint could made modern human noted since even Africa Homo sapiens appear 160000 year ago Given age volcanic rock lacking evidence early human ancestor Americas 13 million year ago researcher wrote paper “we consider possibility extremely remote” Many paleontologist withheld judgment alleged footprint awaiting good geological date Feinberg said “With study we’re trying nip misrepresentation bud”Tags Archaeology Geology Mexico |
190,833 | 2014, Chronicle of Truth | 2014, Chronicle of Truth
The following article was written by Napoleón Gómez Urrutia, and originally published in Spanish on December 11th, 2014 in La Jornada, Mexico City’s leading daily newspaper, considered by many scholars as one of the last remaining independent newspapers in the Americas.
2014 has been one of the most prolific years in terms of advances and achievements made by the National Miners Union, which I am honored to lead. The conditions faced by this great mining trade union, and I as its leader, over the previous nine years of hard work and effort have undergone appreciable change over these past twelve months, albeit change that is not yet definitive and complete. Notably, the sick persecution that we’ve been subjected to has started to subside since the current Mexican government came to power, and this has been the standout change of recent months.
Two events in 2014 stood out above others. The good level of communication established with mining, steel and metalwork companies, the great majority of which maintain positive working relations with the National Miners Union, has been strengthened, and the notion that the right path to follow is one of respect for the interests and rights of workers gained further ground. In return, trade unionists also began to take a more objective view of the problems currently faced by such companies.
On November 7th of this year the third Annual Meeting between the National Miners Union and over 40 companies took place in the city of Vancouver, Canada, which reinforced in every sense what we have jointly come to dub ‘the spirit of Vancouver’. This spirit is based on mutual respect between companies and the union, enabling us to tackle the challenges of productivity, create decent jobs and ensure the greatest efficiency for both parties in the production process, in recognition of the dignity of workers.
This event made it clear to the whole nation and to the government that rather than confrontation, the Miners Union is looking to promote amicable collaboration between both parties, while always taking into account the work and freedom of employees. It was yet another call to the government to move beyond the mining dispute once and for all, a dispute which is based on the unlawful and perverse political, judicial and industrial persecution that we miners have endured over recent years, with dignity and a constructive attitude. This very attitude is behind the fact that the annual increases in revenue from our sector are the highest in the country at 14% overall, compared to other working sectors, where growth is stunted at between 3.5 and 4%.
This allows current members of the government to see that those who are supporting progress in this country are also the ones practicing what I have called 21st century free trade unionism. The message is clear: public authorities should act in a reciprocal way by bringing an end to the mining dispute, which is the reason for my voluntary exile in Canada and which affects working relations and prevents us from properly coordinating efforts between the organised working classes, the government and private companies, and by putting in place the conditions required to bring our life as a trade union back to normal, allowing us to set progressive development targets.
Added to this far from small matter in 2014 was the fact that our legal defence team succeeded in getting the false and unconstitutional charges against me completely revoked in a court of law. These charges had been the foundation of an aggressive campaign waged by several companies, complicit with the PAN (National Action Party) governments of Vicente Fox and Felipe Calderón, in complete breach of the rule of law and a number of existing laws, including the Constitution of the United Mexican States, as well as the 87th Convention of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), since the accusations have now been proven to be fallacious and defamatory.
Added to these key moments in 2014 were the unlawful obstacles put in place by the Mexican government, intended to bring about my extradition. Not only did the Canadian authorities have no truck with the bungled claims behind the extradition, they initially granted me permanent residency, followed this year by Canadian nationality, which in practice rendered those baseless attempts at extradition null and void. This was accompanied by the canceling of the Interpol red notice, which was finally withdrawn by the international police organization this year once and for all, after it was concluded to have been based on an unlawful campaign of political persecution against me.
The first steps were taken on the road to dismissing these false and fictional charges when various foreign governments refused to accept or recognize Mexico’s absurd campaign to criminalize my struggle as the free and democratic trade union leader, elected by national mining and steel workers. It was this that allowed me to attend the meeting of the worldwide National Executive Committee of the IndustriALL Global Union in December 2013, which was held in Geneva, Switzerland. This week, from 8th — 10th December 2014 I was also able to take an active role in the International Executive Council Conference of the United Steelworkers union, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
I spent over two years writing my book The Collapse of Dignity, in which I tell the story of my personal struggle and that of the miners against this unjust political persecution, and I also present my vision and hope for a better future for the working classes, its organizations, and society. With the book’s publication in English in 2013, followed by Spanish in 2014 and finally in French, I’ve been able to give my account of the truth of these events, which has led it being named a bestseller by both the New York Times and USA Today.
The publication of The Collapse of Dignity in these three languages has undoubtedly had a part to play in the easing — albeit insufficient — of the savage persecution against me, which was first unleashed in 2006 after I described the Pasta de Conchos tragedy as industrial homicide, whereby Grupo México left 65 miners who could have been saved to die. The same company exhibited similar negligence in 2014 with the spillage of 400 million litres of toxic residues into the waters of the rivers of Sonora, evidence that Mr. Larrea has learnt precious little from his own failings and mistakes.
Throughout the year the unconditional global solidarity has been steady and has indeed intensified, expressed by 200 million workers across the planet through the most powerful international trade unions. Added to this, in June 2014 I received the prestigious Arthur Svensson Prize from the most important organisations in Norway for fighting to promote trade union rights, which complemented the Meany-Kirkland Prize awarded to me by the American Federation of Labor (AFL-CIO) in November 2011, in recognition of the struggle for human rights and social justice. Then in May 2014, the Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York gave me a Gold Medal for the profound subject of the true story told in my book.
In Mexico, in September of this year, I was also given the Sentimientos de la Nación prize (Sentiments of the Nation) by the Popular Assembly of the People of Guerrero (APPG, by its initials in Spanish), for my struggle to defend the social rights of Mexicans. In November, on Thursday 27th, I received the great recognition of the Emilio Krieger medal which is awarded to those fighting for social justice by the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (ANAD, by its initials in Spanish).
All these events underline the importance that 2014 has had for me personally, and for the National Miners Union as a whole. A year of advances and successes, accompanied by the fact that various mining workers groups have openly and publicly stated their intention to join our trade union, and that others have refused to leave our ranks, despite the attempts of certain companies, or even obsolete social organizations, to crush the struggle and freedom of association of genuine workers.
This month, as we do every year, we’ll be holding general assembly meetings with our colleagues from the various sections of the National Miners Union. The content of this message will help to strengthen and consolidate the fight for the democracy and freedom that historically set us miners apart. | https://medium.com/@NapoleonGomez/2014-chronicle-of-truth-a3a3762d1d3e | ['Napoleon Gomez'] | 2016-02-22 20:21:01.262000+00:00 | ['Mexico'] | Title 2014 Chronicle TruthContent 2014 Chronicle Truth following article written Napoleón Gómez Urrutia originally published Spanish December 11th 2014 La Jornada Mexico City’s leading daily newspaper considered many scholar one last remaining independent newspaper Americas 2014 one prolific year term advance achievement made National Miners Union honored lead condition faced great mining trade union leader previous nine year hard work effort undergone appreciable change past twelve month albeit change yet definitive complete Notably sick persecution we’ve subjected started subside since current Mexican government came power standout change recent month Two event 2014 stood others good level communication established mining steel metalwork company great majority maintain positive working relation National Miners Union strengthened notion right path follow one respect interest right worker gained ground return trade unionist also began take objective view problem currently faced company November 7th year third Annual Meeting National Miners Union 40 company took place city Vancouver Canada reinforced every sense jointly come dub ‘the spirit Vancouver’ spirit based mutual respect company union enabling u tackle challenge productivity create decent job ensure greatest efficiency party production process recognition dignity worker event made clear whole nation government rather confrontation Miners Union looking promote amicable collaboration party always taking account work freedom employee yet another call government move beyond mining dispute dispute based unlawful perverse political judicial industrial persecution miner endured recent year dignity constructive attitude attitude behind fact annual increase revenue sector highest country 14 overall compared working sector growth stunted 35 4 allows current member government see supporting progress country also one practicing called 21st century free trade unionism message clear public authority act reciprocal way bringing end mining dispute reason voluntary exile Canada affect working relation prevents u properly coordinating effort organised working class government private company putting place condition required bring life trade union back normal allowing u set progressive development target Added far small matter 2014 fact legal defence team succeeded getting false unconstitutional charge completely revoked court law charge foundation aggressive campaign waged several company complicit PAN National Action Party government Vicente Fox Felipe Calderón complete breach rule law number existing law including Constitution United Mexican States well 87th Convention International Labour Organisation ILO since accusation proven fallacious defamatory Added key moment 2014 unlawful obstacle put place Mexican government intended bring extradition Canadian authority truck bungled claim behind extradition initially granted permanent residency followed year Canadian nationality practice rendered baseless attempt extradition null void accompanied canceling Interpol red notice finally withdrawn international police organization year concluded based unlawful campaign political persecution first step taken road dismissing false fictional charge various foreign government refused accept recognize Mexico’s absurd campaign criminalize struggle free democratic trade union leader elected national mining steel worker allowed attend meeting worldwide National Executive Committee IndustriALL Global Union December 2013 held Geneva Switzerland week 8th — 10th December 2014 also able take active role International Executive Council Conference United Steelworkers union held Pittsburgh Pennsylvania spent two year writing book Collapse Dignity tell story personal struggle miner unjust political persecution also present vision hope better future working class organization society book’s publication English 2013 followed Spanish 2014 finally French I’ve able give account truth event led named bestseller New York Times USA Today publication Collapse Dignity three language undoubtedly part play easing — albeit insufficient — savage persecution first unleashed 2006 described Pasta de Conchos tragedy industrial homicide whereby Grupo México left 65 miner could saved die company exhibited similar negligence 2014 spillage 400 million litre toxic residue water river Sonora evidence Mr Larrea learnt precious little failing mistake Throughout year unconditional global solidarity steady indeed intensified expressed 200 million worker across planet powerful international trade union Added June 2014 received prestigious Arthur Svensson Prize important organisation Norway fighting promote trade union right complemented MeanyKirkland Prize awarded American Federation Labor AFLCIO November 2011 recognition struggle human right social justice May 2014 Independent Publisher Book Awards New York gave Gold Medal profound subject true story told book Mexico September year also given Sentimientos de la Nación prize Sentiments Nation Popular Assembly People Guerrero APPG initial Spanish struggle defend social right Mexicans November Thursday 27th received great recognition Emilio Krieger medal awarded fighting social justice National Association Democratic Lawyers ANAD initial Spanish event underline importance 2014 personally National Miners Union whole year advance success accompanied fact various mining worker group openly publicly stated intention join trade union others refused leave rank despite attempt certain company even obsolete social organization crush struggle freedom association genuine worker month every year we’ll holding general assembly meeting colleague various section National Miners Union content message help strengthen consolidate fight democracy freedom historically set u miner apartTags Mexico |
190,834 | Mexican Footprints | “if an amazing new discovery is found I probably will have nothing to say about it” I’m used to being proved wrong, but it would be nice to get through 24 hours before it happens. After posting this on July 5, I flicked across to the BBC news site and found the item Footprints of ‘first Americans’ which is interesting in itself. What is more interesting is that these footprints are early.
Very early.
In fact they’re about 30,000 years earlier than the previous earliest known evidence of occupation of the Americas.
A foot and an ancient footprint. Photo from the Mexican Footprints media section.
The footprints are from volcanic ash layers by a volcano in Mexico. This may seem odd. The favoured theory is that humans crossed into American via the Bering Straits. However the early occupation of the Americas has a habit of appearing in awkward places.
The earliest widely accepted human habitation site in the Americas isn’t in North America at all. It’s found at Monte Verde in Chile and dates to about 10,500 BC. There is another controversial site in Brazil whose name I’ve sadly forgotten which dates to about 40,000 BC, but that’s been ignored as a poorly excavated site. We know it’s poorly excavated because it was dated to a freakishly early time. The reason assumed for finding sites so far south is two fold. The northern sites may not have survived the ice age. The mainstream would also say that the spread to what is now Chile shows that early peoples moved very quickly down the coast.
A map of proposed routes for American colonisation. Taken from the Mexican Footprints media section.
It still doesn’t explain why the lack of sites in the north well. The strongest reason for pushing Bering Strait colonisation is that the other explanations seem implausible to most archaeologists and the Bering Strait is the default choice. If these footprints prove to be accurately dated then it would suggest that archaeologists need to exercise their brains a bit more.
One possible reason for this impasse may be an unchallenged Eurocentric assumption about colonisation. A lot of early colonisation theory is based on how Europe came to be colonised, which suggests Europe was a goal rather than a backwater for colonists. No one is suggesting that Europe was the conscious target of peoples who had no idea of what the world was like and didn’t even know of Europe. Simply that Europe is the nicest part of the world. It has a pleasant climate and nice animals and so on, so more people would be attracted north. The Romans and Greeks both had a similar view of the world. They were in perfect place because it was neither too cold nor too hot and was perfect for growing olives or figs. So they must have lived at the centre of the world.
This view of colonisation is being challenged. The recent publication in Science argues that early colonisation went along an east-west axis faster than north-south. Why? East-west would take colonisers into broadly similar ecological environments. Foods should be similar to what is already known, so it’s the easier path. There are also mechanical advantages. To take a wildly anachronistic example the Polynesians found it much easier to colonise east-west because of currents and winds than north-south. This is why Easter Island which is terribly remote was colonised before New Zealand. Frustratingly I’ve lost the web address of a news page where an Australian student was happy to be an excavation in the UK because “they didn’t have a lot of history” in Australia. Modern humans colonised Australia about 50,000 years ago, or about twice as long as they’ve been in the British Isles.
So all terribly exciting, but even more so when you see what the discoverers have done with the information. They’ve put up a pretty comprehensive website at http://www.mexicanfootprints.co.uk/ which not only has pictures, but also explains why this discovery is so exciting by placing it in the context of what we already think about American colonisation.
Now so far I haven’t seen the news pick up on what I thought would be the obvious question. They may have been humans, but are these the footprints of Homo Sapiens? If there are non-Sapiens communities in Indonesian from 15,000 years ago should be automatically expect the first human colonisers of North America to be modern humans?
Who made the footprints? Image copyright Bournemout University. Photo from the Mexican Footprints media section.
Counter to this is John Hawks’s comment from six months ago: “Out of Africa” jumps the shark?. There another take on the story at New Scientist.
Update around midday:
Further blogs discussing this are: | https://alunsalt.com/mexican-footprints-4ec34841302d | ['Alun Salt'] | 2016-04-13 10:42:35.778000+00:00 | ['Archaeology', 'Mexico'] | Title Mexican FootprintsContent “if amazing new discovery found probably nothing say it” I’m used proved wrong would nice get 24 hour happens posting July 5 flicked across BBC news site found item Footprints ‘first Americans’ interesting interesting footprint early early fact they’re 30000 year earlier previous earliest known evidence occupation Americas foot ancient footprint Photo Mexican Footprints medium section footprint volcanic ash layer volcano Mexico may seem odd favoured theory human crossed American via Bering Straits However early occupation Americas habit appearing awkward place earliest widely accepted human habitation site Americas isn’t North America It’s found Monte Verde Chile date 10500 BC another controversial site Brazil whose name I’ve sadly forgotten date 40000 BC that’s ignored poorly excavated site know it’s poorly excavated dated freakishly early time reason assumed finding site far south two fold northern site may survived ice age mainstream would also say spread Chile show early people moved quickly coast map proposed route American colonisation Taken Mexican Footprints medium section still doesn’t explain lack site north well strongest reason pushing Bering Strait colonisation explanation seem implausible archaeologist Bering Strait default choice footprint prove accurately dated would suggest archaeologist need exercise brain bit One possible reason impasse may unchallenged Eurocentric assumption colonisation lot early colonisation theory based Europe came colonised suggests Europe goal rather backwater colonist one suggesting Europe conscious target people idea world like didn’t even know Europe Simply Europe nicest part world pleasant climate nice animal people would attracted north Romans Greeks similar view world perfect place neither cold hot perfect growing olive fig must lived centre world view colonisation challenged recent publication Science argues early colonisation went along eastwest axis faster northsouth Eastwest would take coloniser broadly similar ecological environment Foods similar already known it’s easier path also mechanical advantage take wildly anachronistic example Polynesians found much easier colonise eastwest current wind northsouth Easter Island terribly remote colonised New Zealand Frustratingly I’ve lost web address news page Australian student happy excavation UK “they didn’t lot history” Australia Modern human colonised Australia 50000 year ago twice long they’ve British Isles terribly exciting even see discoverer done information They’ve put pretty comprehensive website httpwwwmexicanfootprintscouk picture also explains discovery exciting placing context already think American colonisation far haven’t seen news pick thought would obvious question may human footprint Homo Sapiens nonSapiens community Indonesian 15000 year ago automatically expect first human coloniser North America modern human made footprint Image copyright Bournemout University Photo Mexican Footprints medium section Counter John Hawks’s comment six month ago “Out Africa” jump shark another take story New Scientist Update around midday blog discussing areTags Archaeology Mexico |
190,835 | Mexico-CDMX-Parque México-Market Medellin-Mercado Roma-Chapultepec Castle-Museo Nacional de Antropología | Mexico-CDMX-Parque México-Market Medellin-Mercado Roma-Chapultepec Castle-Museo Nacional de Antropología
Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park is the equivalent of the city’s Central Park (as it is indeed located quite centrally). There are many attractions in the park and surrounding neighborhood that are worth a visit. It gets quite lively on weekends, and also note that most attractions are free for locals on Sundays, so that is obviously the day that it gets the most crowded.
See & Do
Chapultepec Castle(Castillo de Chapultepec):High over the city and hard to miss when looking at the park is the Chapultepec Castle. This site has served many different purposes all the way back from Aztec times when it was considered holy. After that, it has served a few stints as an imperial palace, the presidential mansion, an observatory, and finally, now, as a museum. Admission is 70 pesos ($3.50) and worth it to get a great panoramic view of the city. There are a few historical artifacts and rooms to view when you’re in the complex as well, if you’re into that. Lots of huge Mexican flags around. It might be possible to just sneak in on a Sunday as they didn’t seem to be too strict about checking for nationality or residence, but at a price of only 70 pesos, we decided it’s better to just be honest and pay up. At that price, it’s not a bad deal at all.
Museo Nacional de Antropología The crown jewel of anthropology museums, right in the heart of Mexico City. This museum is inside Chapultepec Park, and contains many artifacts not only from the development of Mexico, but also the anthropological development of the world. Specific to Mexico are many relics from the Aztec and Mayan eras (as well as a few key replicas). You can easily spend an entire day (or several days) here, so we tried to hit a few key exhibits on our trip here, with the plan to spend more time exploring the rest next time we’re around! When you first enter the museum, you’ll see a circular fountain with water raining down — considered by many to be the icon of the museum. As you continue through the museum you will see the Aztec sacrificial stone which was used as an altar to sacrifice people to the gods. You’ll also see a re-creation of an ancient headdress used by an Aztec chieftan (the original is in Austria of all places). Most of the important exhibits have English translations so it’s fairly easy to follow along.
Parque México: An urban park that’s right in the middle of the Condesa neighborhood. Plenty of people walking around, enjoying the weather — and there is a duck pond right in the middle. Nice place to get a respite from the urban jungle out there. The neighborhood surrounding the park is also seems really nice and modern, with plenty of cafes and bars and things to do.
Eat & Drink
Mercado Roma : Every city has one of these modern hipster markets with all sorts of local artisan food and craft beer, and Mexico City is no exception. Plenty of options for food, but the real highlight was the top floor which has a beer hall/garden with multiple local draft beer options. Definitely much more expensive than other parts of Mexico City, but still fairly reasonable in price compared to the US or Europe.
: Every city has one of these modern hipster markets with all sorts of local artisan food and craft beer, and Mexico City is no exception. Plenty of options for food, but the real highlight was the top floor which has a beer hall/garden with multiple local draft beer options. Definitely much more expensive than other parts of Mexico City, but still fairly reasonable in price compared to the US or Europe. Market Medellin: Located right in the middle of the Roma neighborhood, a much more traditional type of market. This is the type of place that locals come to buy their groceries or other goods for a decent price. We grabbed a cup of coffee from one of the stands and wandered around for a while. The merchants are very friendly — all of them insisting on trying out some samples of the great tasting produce. We ended up buying a sweet fruit (chico) to enjoy later that night.
Taquería El Califa: The most modern of all taquerias that we went to, just down the street from our hotel in the Zona Rosa. It’s a little pricier, you get a good atmopshere and plenty of room to sit down and stretch out while enjoying your tacos. A little more variety in terms of appetizers (as you can see in the picture, we got grilled Nopal to start).
Stay
Hotel Marquis Reforma: Top tier hotel for very reasonable prices. Room was really nice (not too huge, but nice). People seemed very attentive and friendly, and also fluent in English. There was a bit of a mixup with the bill as they seem to choose the currency that gets them the most amount of money (either dollars or pesos, and they use their own made up exchange rate — make sure you do the math yourself), but besides that, for this price it’s in a great location and the service and quality of the room is truly excellent for the price.
Visit Date | https://medium.com/@wombatseverywhere/mexico-cdmx-parque-m%C3%A9xico-market-medellin-mercado-roma-chapultepec-castle-museo-nacional-de-8b01621dea7 | ['Wombats Everywhere'] | 2018-11-27 01:19:02.405000+00:00 | ['Travel', 'Mexico City', 'Mexico'] | Title MexicoCDMXParque MéxicoMarket MedellinMercado RomaChapultepec CastleMuseo Nacional de AntropologíaContent MexicoCDMXParque MéxicoMarket MedellinMercado RomaChapultepec CastleMuseo Nacional de Antropología Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park equivalent city’s Central Park indeed located quite centrally many attraction park surrounding neighborhood worth visit get quite lively weekend also note attraction free local Sundays obviously day get crowded See Chapultepec CastleCastillo de ChapultepecHigh city hard miss looking park Chapultepec Castle site served many different purpose way back Aztec time considered holy served stint imperial palace presidential mansion observatory finally museum Admission 70 peso 350 worth get great panoramic view city historical artifact room view you’re complex well you’re Lots huge Mexican flag around might possible sneak Sunday didn’t seem strict checking nationality residence price 70 peso decided it’s better honest pay price it’s bad deal Museo Nacional de Antropología crown jewel anthropology museum right heart Mexico City museum inside Chapultepec Park contains many artifact development Mexico also anthropological development world Specific Mexico many relic Aztec Mayan era well key replica easily spend entire day several day tried hit key exhibit trip plan spend time exploring rest next time we’re around first enter museum you’ll see circular fountain water raining — considered many icon museum continue museum see Aztec sacrificial stone used altar sacrifice people god You’ll also see recreation ancient headdress used Aztec chieftan original Austria place important exhibit English translation it’s fairly easy follow along Parque México urban park that’s right middle Condesa neighborhood Plenty people walking around enjoying weather — duck pond right middle Nice place get respite urban jungle neighborhood surrounding park also seems really nice modern plenty cafe bar thing Eat Drink Mercado Roma Every city one modern hipster market sort local artisan food craft beer Mexico City exception Plenty option food real highlight top floor beer hallgarden multiple local draft beer option Definitely much expensive part Mexico City still fairly reasonable price compared US Europe Every city one modern hipster market sort local artisan food craft beer Mexico City exception Plenty option food real highlight top floor beer hallgarden multiple local draft beer option Definitely much expensive part Mexico City still fairly reasonable price compared US Europe Market Medellin Located right middle Roma neighborhood much traditional type market type place local come buy grocery good decent price grabbed cup coffee one stand wandered around merchant friendly — insisting trying sample great tasting produce ended buying sweet fruit chico enjoy later night Taquería El Califa modern taquerias went street hotel Zona Rosa It’s little pricier get good atmopshere plenty room sit stretch enjoying taco little variety term appetizer see picture got grilled Nopal start Stay Hotel Marquis Reforma Top tier hotel reasonable price Room really nice huge nice People seemed attentive friendly also fluent English bit mixup bill seem choose currency get amount money either dollar peso use made exchange rate — make sure math besides price it’s great location service quality room truly excellent price Visit DateTags Travel Mexico City Mexico |
190,836 | SOCIAL IMPACT BLOCKCHAIN PIONEER UULALA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES GLOBAL FINTECH PLATFORM IN MEXICO | SOCIAL IMPACT BLOCKCHAIN PIONEER UULALA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES GLOBAL FINTECH PLATFORM IN MEXICO
Minority-Owned Software Company Uses Blockchain Technology To Empower The Unbanked
Mexico City, Mexico — Uulala announced today it will initially launch its global financial platform in Mexico; a fintech friendly country with a regulatory framework for financial services that supports open banking. As a minority-owned company and a mission-driven organization focused on empowering the unbanked and underbanked globally, Mexico represents the perfect country to launch because 70% of their population is either unbanked or underbanked.
According to Oscar Garcia, Founder & CEO of Uulala, “We believe our technology is a shining example of a mission-based company that will help the citizens of Mexico build their credit and help local businesses generate incremental revenue. We’ve solved a few critical issues plaguing the cash-based consumer. First, through our peer-to-peer loading locations, a user can load cash into their digital wallet and secondly, once the funds are loaded, they can be leveraged to build credit. With Uulala’s banking core technology, blockchain, mobile app, and partnerships, we’re set to facilitate and accelerate financial inclusion of the many people of Mexico who don’t have bank accounts.”
Once users have loaded in funds, they instantly have access to a virtual MasterCard to participate in ecommerce or other purchase means. Users can send payments across borders, pay their bills or top up their cell phone minutes all within a mobile app. The Uulala platform is a unique system that tracks all financial activities and combines that with blockchain technology to show an immutable ledger with the level of creditworthiness a user possesses.
Uulala has attracted global partnerships with organizations that have an aligned mission to impact the lives of the underserved, those partners include the likes of Humanity 2.0 and Laudato Si’. The mission of Humanity 2.0 is to identify impediments to human progress and work collaboratively across sectors to remove them by sourcing and scaling bold and innovative solutions. The Laudato Si’ Challenge seeks to sustainably improve the lives of 10 million people excluded from Our Common Home by 2020 — anticipating the SDG2030 objective of leaving no one behind — through businesses that are: sustainable, empowering and ethical. | https://medium.com/uulala/social-impact-blockchain-pioneer-uulala-officially-launches-global-fintech-platform-in-mexico-252dfa5666d7 | ['Matthew Loughran'] | 2018-11-15 17:18:01.506000+00:00 | ['Fintech', 'Blockchain', 'Mobile Apps', 'Mexico', 'Unbanked'] | Title SOCIAL IMPACT BLOCKCHAIN PIONEER UULALA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES GLOBAL FINTECH PLATFORM MEXICOContent SOCIAL IMPACT BLOCKCHAIN PIONEER UULALA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES GLOBAL FINTECH PLATFORM MEXICO MinorityOwned Software Company Uses Blockchain Technology Empower Unbanked Mexico City Mexico — Uulala announced today initially launch global financial platform Mexico fintech friendly country regulatory framework financial service support open banking minorityowned company missiondriven organization focused empowering unbanked underbanked globally Mexico represents perfect country launch 70 population either unbanked underbanked According Oscar Garcia Founder CEO Uulala “We believe technology shining example missionbased company help citizen Mexico build credit help local business generate incremental revenue We’ve solved critical issue plaguing cashbased consumer First peertopeer loading location user load cash digital wallet secondly fund loaded leveraged build credit Uulala’s banking core technology blockchain mobile app partnership we’re set facilitate accelerate financial inclusion many people Mexico don’t bank accounts” user loaded fund instantly access virtual MasterCard participate ecommerce purchase mean Users send payment across border pay bill top cell phone minute within mobile app Uulala platform unique system track financial activity combine blockchain technology show immutable ledger level creditworthiness user posse Uulala attracted global partnership organization aligned mission impact life underserved partner include like Humanity 20 Laudato Si’ mission Humanity 20 identify impediment human progress work collaboratively across sector remove sourcing scaling bold innovative solution Laudato Si’ Challenge seek sustainably improve life 10 million people excluded Common Home 2020 — anticipating SDG2030 objective leaving one behind — business sustainable empowering ethicalTags Fintech Blockchain Mobile Apps Mexico Unbanked |
190,837 | Arthur, Arthur, Art & Arturito | Thursday, September 11, 2014
Arturito’s girl -Photograph Alex Waterhouse-Hayward
The idea for what promises to be a long blog came to me last Sunday. Both Randy Rampage and
birthday boy Zippy Pinhead kept calling Art Bergmann, Arthur. It struck me that his real friends call him that and for the rest of us Art is enough.
I then wondered how many Arthurs had gone through my life, who I not only photographed but somehow had left something of themselves in me.
So there is Arthur Erickson, Arthur (most called him Art) Phillips and Arthur Bergmann. There is one more.
Arturito Durazo Díaz (33) showed up in Vancouver in 1982. At the time I had some dealings with the unofficial Mexican Tourism Director in Vancouver, Carlos Hampe. I visited Hampe and noticed Durazo sitting behind a desk that had nothing on it in a room that was virtually empty of furniture and decoration. I was introduced to him. He was affable, friendly and interested in the fact that I was a photographer and that I spoke Spanish.
During his stay in Vancouver which was around two years he often came to my house for dinner. He had a passion for jig-saw puzzles. He often stayed for hours with my daughters fitting the pieces to 1000 plus puzzles. Durazo told me he had helicopter pilot’s license and wanted to learn to hang glide. I accompanied him to many of these lessons in Langley. He was brave and he tried to convince me to try. I told him I had no life insurance and since I was a free lancer, any accident would leave my family with no financial support.
My daughters liked him as did my wife Rosemary. One day he showed up with a box full of beautiful Florsheim shoes. He told me that inmates of several Mexican prisons made them and he was starting a business to import them to Canada.
Arturito’s 2005 police mug shot
Any questions I directed to Hampe about his “assistant”, who seemed to do nothing at the office, only resulted in the rolling of his eyes and silence.
All I knew was that Durazo’s father, Arturo Durazo Moreno had been the chief of police in Mexico City, between 1976 and 1982 during the 6-year rule of President López Portillo.
During those 6 years Durazo Moreno’s underlings had to pay their quota of contributions. There was an organization that arrested promising thieves who were protected and of course had to pay their quotas. In some cases these trained thieves and the policemen robbed banks. One of the biggest scandals was the appearance of 13 Colombians in the city’s main sewer. Some had their heads missing; others had been mutilated and tortured.
López Portillo’s successor, President Miguel de La Madrid initiated an investigation and the murders were linked to Durazo who fled the country.
That would explain why his son, also left the country and why Carlos Hampe could do nothing about having the man appear in his office and get a salary for doing nothing. I remember that Arturito had a better car than Hampe. It was a very large Pontiac.
Arturito was a handsome young man. His father was quite ugly and because he was dark-skinned he was called El Negro Durazo. Durazo died in 2000 after having served 6 years (he had been extradited from Puerto Rico, and given a 16 years sentence but because of “good behaviour” and delicate health he served those 6 for drug trafficking, corruption and extortion). At his funeral a police mariachi played a famous song about El Negro Durazo.
As soon as Durazo Moreno died the army generals rescinded his lofty rank of General de División. They had been furious when President López Portillo had celebrated the man with the rank.
But what perhaps riled the usually patient Mexican populace were the many mansions that the Police Chief built. The most famous one La Partenón in Zihuatanejo was said to have gates that had been stolen from the storied Chapultepec Castle (where young Mexican cadets had fought back with heroism but in futility against a well equipped American Army, one of the officers of this army a young Robert E. Lee.). You might know that U.S. Marine Corps song “From the halls of Montezuma…”
La Partenón
In the late 80s a Mexican cumbia band, La Sonora Dinamita recorded a song by its then singer Juliette called El Africano (The African) in which one of the lines “Hey mom, what does El Negro want?” to which then Juliette answers, “Could it be another Parthenon?” Of interest to readers here is the fact that Ray Conniff did an instrumental version of the song called African Safari.
This was my Arturito’s father. In 2005 Arturito was imprisoned for unlawfully taking over a large property. He is now probably out and is on Facebook.
If you look for images of Arturito you will only find one through Google. The Mexican newspapers announcing his arrest have blank squares where his picture should be.
I was never allowed by Arturito to take his picture but he did ask me to photograph his lovely Mexican girl friend who had brilliant bleached blonde hair. I have lost the colour pictures and I have forgotten her name but I did find some negatives which I took with Kodak b+w infrared film.
If I were to run into Arturito I would invite him for dinner and I would take out a box with a 1000 plus piece puzzle.
Link to: Arthur, Arthur, Art & Arturito | https://medium.com/@alexwh/arthur-arthur-art-arturito-5ca233109a17 | [] | 2015-07-23 23:23:48.344000+00:00 | ['Mexico', 'Photography', 'Essay'] | Title Arthur Arthur Art ArturitoContent Thursday September 11 2014 Arturito’s girl Photograph Alex WaterhouseHayward idea promise long blog came last Sunday Randy Rampage birthday boy Zippy Pinhead kept calling Art Bergmann Arthur struck real friend call rest u Art enough wondered many Arthurs gone life photographed somehow left something Arthur Erickson Arthur called Art Phillips Arthur Bergmann one Arturito Durazo Díaz 33 showed Vancouver 1982 time dealing unofficial Mexican Tourism Director Vancouver Carlos Hampe visited Hampe noticed Durazo sitting behind desk nothing room virtually empty furniture decoration introduced affable friendly interested fact photographer spoke Spanish stay Vancouver around two year often came house dinner passion jigsaw puzzle often stayed hour daughter fitting piece 1000 plus puzzle Durazo told helicopter pilot’s license wanted learn hang glide accompanied many lesson Langley brave tried convince try told life insurance since free lancer accident would leave family financial support daughter liked wife Rosemary One day showed box full beautiful Florsheim shoe told inmate several Mexican prison made starting business import Canada Arturito’s 2005 police mug shot question directed Hampe “assistant” seemed nothing office resulted rolling eye silence knew Durazo’s father Arturo Durazo Moreno chief police Mexico City 1976 1982 6year rule President López Portillo 6 year Durazo Moreno’s underling pay quota contribution organization arrested promising thief protected course pay quota case trained thief policeman robbed bank One biggest scandal appearance 13 Colombians city’s main sewer head missing others mutilated tortured López Portillo’s successor President Miguel de La Madrid initiated investigation murder linked Durazo fled country would explain son also left country Carlos Hampe could nothing man appear office get salary nothing remember Arturito better car Hampe large Pontiac Arturito handsome young man father quite ugly darkskinned called El Negro Durazo Durazo died 2000 served 6 year extradited Puerto Rico given 16 year sentence “good behaviour” delicate health served 6 drug trafficking corruption extortion funeral police mariachi played famous song El Negro Durazo soon Durazo Moreno died army general rescinded lofty rank General de División furious President López Portillo celebrated man rank perhaps riled usually patient Mexican populace many mansion Police Chief built famous one La Partenón Zihuatanejo said gate stolen storied Chapultepec Castle young Mexican cadet fought back heroism futility well equipped American Army one officer army young Robert E Lee might know US Marine Corps song “From hall Montezuma…” La Partenón late 80 Mexican cumbia band La Sonora Dinamita recorded song singer Juliette called El Africano African one line “Hey mom El Negro want” Juliette answer “Could another Parthenon” interest reader fact Ray Conniff instrumental version song called African Safari Arturito’s father 2005 Arturito imprisoned unlawfully taking large property probably Facebook look image Arturito find one Google Mexican newspaper announcing arrest blank square picture never allowed Arturito take picture ask photograph lovely Mexican girl friend brilliant bleached blonde hair lost colour picture forgotten name find negative took Kodak bw infrared film run Arturito would invite dinner would take box 1000 plus piece puzzle Link Arthur Arthur Art ArturitoTags Mexico Photography Essay |
190,838 | In Search Of Lost Time In Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma | In Search Of Lost Time In Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma
As time moves forward we find ourselves attempting to recover its fragments. In the earliest youth time can lose its very meaning, but as the years accumulate we then look back, as if trying to find photographs in a vast galaxy of memories. Alfonso Cuaron wants to use the very essence of cinema to recover the past in Roma. His first feature film for Netflix is also one of the year’s best- a haunted, detailed, personal rendering of his memories growing up in 1970s Mexico. A serene rush of recollections, sights, sounds and sensations, it is a thriving example of the artist attempting ever so thoroughly to render for us what he experienced as a child. In its grander scope it is a tapestry of a society in a specific moment of time, at a more intimate level it conjures that sensation we feel when attempting to remember how the air smelled during a trip to the desert, how the night glowed when we were lost in the woods, or what her eyes looked like when you found her weeping on the balcony.
Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma (2018)
Roma is a work of cinema in the tradition of the Italian neo-realists in the way it abandons traditional plotting to chronicle life itself within the confines of a city, neighborhood or home. Cuaron has been building towards this moment his entire career, refining a technique honed in films like Y Tu Mama Tambien, Children of Men and Gravity, all films with different themes but combining a dreamlike sense with stark realism. But there is a literary germ in Roma, a kinship with a tradition most readily associated with that French master of memory, Marcel Proust. When moving from Mexico to the United States, Cuaron himself first debuted in the English-language market with two literary adaptations, A Little Princess, based on a 1905 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and Great Expectations, a modern-day update of the Charles Dickens novel. There is already a somewhat Proustian spirit to the latter title, where Cuaron and his regular cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, seem bent on capturing the very essence of what a kiss feels like, or the tension of making a heartfelt confession. But Roma is mining something much more personal and searing. Like Proust, we can imagine Cuaron lost in a haze of his mind’s memory palace, searching for moments the way one searches for books in a library.
We are taken into a middle class home in Mexico City. It is the 1970s during the administration of Luis Echeverria, one of the final strongmen of the infamous PRI party which ruled the country from the end of the Mexican Revolution until the year 2000. But the film’s gaze is from the point of view of Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), the serene maid of home’s family. The de facto head of the house is Sofia (Marina de Tavira), who is raising a family of three rowdy boys and one girl. Her husband, Antonio (Fernando Grediaga), is a doctor who drives home at night in a wide Ford Galaxy almost too big for the house’s garage. He also has a tendency of disappearing for days- to conferences Sofia insists to the kids. It is obvious the marriage is beginning to crack. As life attempts to carry on at a normal pace, Cleo is living her own dual existence. She hails from the poorer, indigenous sector of Mexican society, speaking in her indigenous language to Adela (Nancy García García), the other maid. But as Antonio is gone more and more, the world of this home will slowly begin to alter and painful truths will have to be shared. When Cleo meets a brash, young guy named Fermin (Jorge Antonio Guerrero), she soon finds her own life irrevocably changed as well.
Every life is in itself a story. Marcel Proust, product of the French bourgeoisie society of the 19thcentury, was a keen observer of all- both the way his world operated and the way jealousy stings or unrequited love causes despair. His monumental novel, In Search of Lost Time, composed of seven volumes, is the defining literary work of memory itself. Proust had an uncanny ability of utilizing language to describe the sensuousness of remembrance, from the sound of a distant train, to the shadows cast by a light in his room as a child, to the memories the taste of a specific drink or meal may evoke. Jean Cocteau in an essay on Proust described the author as having “obeyed the laws of night and honey.” Walter Benjamin would write that, “from the honeycombs of memory he built a house for the swarm of his thoughts.” Simply open the first volume of Proust’s opus, Swann’s Way, and we are swept into a world of pure observation. The first chapter is a description of the narrator falling asleep, quite literally, and the very texture of the darkness around the bed. Later in the novel, this is how Proust describes the glance of a crush, “I can still see, above her silky, swelling mauve tie, the gentle surprise in her eyes…That smile fell on me, who had not taken my eyes off her. Recalling, then, the gaze she had rested on me during the Mass, as blue as a ray of sunlight passing through Gilbert the Bad’s window.” Acts become patches of artwork, motions the equivalent of notes in a song. One section of the novel is famous for initiating a whole passage of memory simply from the taste of a madeleine. This is also how Cuaron has also envisioned Roma — following a Proustian road, one might say, into the corridors of his own lifetime. While not an aristocrat like Proust, Cuaron is himself a product of the Mexican middle class, having been raised in the comfortable sectors of Mexico City as opposed to the slums from where his main character comes from. The film is a tribute of sorts to the maid who helped raise him, much as Proust also renders homage to the maids of his own upbringing. But like In Search of Lost Time, Cuaron’s film is observant of the very class layers of his world, and in a Latin American context he also explores the fissures that can transform into eruptions.
To read the rest of this review, go to Riot Material magazine: https://www.riotmaterial.com/alfonso-cuaron-roma/
And please follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riotmaterial/film | https://medium.com/@cvonhassett/in-search-of-lost-time-in-alfonso-cuarons-roma-b0eddec089a6 | ['Riot Material'] | 2018-11-27 17:58:10.809000+00:00 | ['Film', 'Film Reviews', 'Movies', 'Mexico', 'Mexico City'] | Title Search Lost Time Alfonso Cuaron’s RomaContent Search Lost Time Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma time move forward find attempting recover fragment earliest youth time lose meaning year accumulate look back trying find photograph vast galaxy memory Alfonso Cuaron want use essence cinema recover past Roma first feature film Netflix also one year’s best haunted detailed personal rendering memory growing 1970s Mexico serene rush recollection sight sound sensation thriving example artist attempting ever thoroughly render u experienced child grander scope tapestry society specific moment time intimate level conjures sensation feel attempting remember air smelled trip desert night glowed lost wood eye looked like found weeping balcony Alfonso Cuaron’s Roma 2018 Roma work cinema tradition Italian neorealists way abandon traditional plotting chronicle life within confines city neighborhood home Cuaron building towards moment entire career refining technique honed film like Tu Mama Tambien Children Men Gravity film different theme combining dreamlike sense stark realism literary germ Roma kinship tradition readily associated French master memory Marcel Proust moving Mexico United States Cuaron first debuted Englishlanguage market two literary adaptation Little Princess based 1905 novel Frances Hodgson Burnett Great Expectations modernday update Charles Dickens novel already somewhat Proustian spirit latter title Cuaron regular cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki seem bent capturing essence kiss feel like tension making heartfelt confession Roma mining something much personal searing Like Proust imagine Cuaron lost haze mind’s memory palace searching moment way one search book library taken middle class home Mexico City 1970s administration Luis Echeverria one final strongman infamous PRI party ruled country end Mexican Revolution year 2000 film’s gaze point view Cleo Yalitza Aparicio serene maid home’s family de facto head house Sofia Marina de Tavira raising family three rowdy boy one girl husband Antonio Fernando Grediaga doctor drive home night wide Ford Galaxy almost big house’s garage also tendency disappearing day conference Sofia insists kid obvious marriage beginning crack life attempt carry normal pace Cleo living dual existence hail poorer indigenous sector Mexican society speaking indigenous language Adela Nancy García García maid Antonio gone world home slowly begin alter painful truth shared Cleo meet brash young guy named Fermin Jorge Antonio Guerrero soon find life irrevocably changed well Every life story Marcel Proust product French bourgeoisie society 19thcentury keen observer way world operated way jealousy sting unrequited love cause despair monumental novel Search Lost Time composed seven volume defining literary work memory Proust uncanny ability utilizing language describe sensuousness remembrance sound distant train shadow cast light room child memory taste specific drink meal may evoke Jean Cocteau essay Proust described author “obeyed law night honey” Walter Benjamin would write “from honeycomb memory built house swarm thoughts” Simply open first volume Proust’s opus Swann’s Way swept world pure observation first chapter description narrator falling asleep quite literally texture darkness around bed Later novel Proust describes glance crush “I still see silky swelling mauve tie gentle surprise eyes…That smile fell taken eye Recalling gaze rested Mass blue ray sunlight passing Gilbert Bad’s window” Acts become patch artwork motion equivalent note song One section novel famous initiating whole passage memory simply taste madeleine also Cuaron also envisioned Roma — following Proustian road one might say corridor lifetime aristocrat like Proust Cuaron product Mexican middle class raised comfortable sector Mexico City opposed slum main character come film tribute sort maid helped raise much Proust also render homage maid upbringing like Search Lost Time Cuaron’s film observant class layer world Latin American context also explores fissure transform eruption read rest review go Riot Material magazine httpswwwriotmaterialcomalfonsocuaronroma please follow u Facebook httpswwwfacebookcomriotmaterialfilmTags Film Film Reviews Movies Mexico Mexico City |
190,839 | Alibre.io is named one of the best startups of San Diego/Tijuana region | Rafa Jimenez TV appearance with San Diego Mayor
Rafa, Founder of Alibre.io, was invited to appear on Univision TV along with San Diego, CA Mayor Kevin Faulconer, after winning the San Diego Startup Circle and Plug and Play Tech Center pitch event.
[Dec 12th, 2014] Alibre.io earned a spot in the Plug & Play Startup Camp accelerator program in Silicon Valley, after winning the first place in the San Diego Startup Circle and Plug and Play Tech Center pitch competition last may.
Plug and Play Tech Center is an accelerator from Sunnyvale, California, specializing in growing technology startups. With a global network that includes over 300 tech startups, 180 investors and a community of leading Universities and Corporate partners. Since its founding in 2006, Plug and Play startups have raised over $2.6 Billion in funding.
One of the things that are very important to me, is our startups, our innovation and economy that we are known for in San Diego, we have startups like Rafa’s who have grow into bigger companies, Plug and Play help companies to get started” — Said Mayor Kevin Faulconer.
Rafa explained how fin-tech is formalizing and bringing age-old informal finance mechanisms into the mobile/digital age, that could allow millions of people to leverage their digital community for immediate access to basic savings & credit in a more efficient, safer and 100% transparent way. | https://medium.com/alibre/alibre-io-named-one-of-the-best-startups-of-san-diego-tijuana-region-e3c2beb43d75 | [] | 2019-04-30 01:05:03.674000+00:00 | ['Fintech', 'San Diego', 'Mexico', 'Tijuana', 'Startup'] | Title Alibreio named one best startup San DiegoTijuana regionContent Rafa Jimenez TV appearance San Diego Mayor Rafa Founder Alibreio invited appear Univision TV along San Diego CA Mayor Kevin Faulconer winning San Diego Startup Circle Plug Play Tech Center pitch event Dec 12th 2014 Alibreio earned spot Plug Play Startup Camp accelerator program Silicon Valley winning first place San Diego Startup Circle Plug Play Tech Center pitch competition last may Plug Play Tech Center accelerator Sunnyvale California specializing growing technology startup global network includes 300 tech startup 180 investor community leading Universities Corporate partner Since founding 2006 Plug Play startup raised 26 Billion funding One thing important startup innovation economy known San Diego startup like Rafa’s grow bigger company Plug Play help company get started” — Said Mayor Kevin Faulconer Rafa explained fintech formalizing bringing ageold informal finance mechanism mobiledigital age could allow million people leverage digital community immediate access basic saving credit efficient safer 100 transparent wayTags Fintech San Diego Mexico Tijuana Startup |
190,840 | TO MY GRANDPARENTS.. | I don’t even know how to say this…
You guys have provided US with soo much support and have loved us unconditionally. The older I get, the more thankful I am for being RAISED by you guys.
I don’t hold a grudge against my mother for leaving us with you guys, I was too young to understand and to wrapped up in the love y’all gave me to never miss my mom. The only thing I “hold” against her, is the fact that once she brought us back to live with her, my childhood disappeared. We had to grow up so fast that i don’t remember a childhood with my mother…
BUT… I have y’all. I have the pictures, the videos, the memories of doing the simplest things yet having the time of my life. Even now that I’m an adult, you guys never fail to support me, never judge me, and are always so proud that you guys got to raise us even if it was hard for you guys. You guys are warriors! After having 10 kids, y’all still managed to raise my sister and I and never complained and gave it your all to make sure that we had everything we needed.
From my grandma staying up late/waking up early to make sure our uniforms were washed and ironed, making sure we had breakfast, making sure we had our homework done, and making sure that we prayed to god and thanked him for what we had…
From my grandpa always making sure that we went had food to eat, that we made it to school and all our appointments, to taking us out to his lands to make sure we’d never forget were we came from…
I thank you both soo much… You guys were instrumental in that y’all taught me that the world is a glorious place, to be thankful, to be joyful, to embrace humanity, and to take life by the balls. | https://medium.com/@chairezdaisy/to-my-grandparents-8a6e63d04c6a | ['Daisy Chairez'] | 2018-11-30 19:20:11.176000+00:00 | ['Grandparents', 'Grandmother', 'Grandfather', 'Mexico', 'Love'] | Title GRANDPARENTSContent don’t even know say this… guy provided US soo much support loved u unconditionally older get thankful RAISED guy don’t hold grudge mother leaving u guy young understand wrapped love y’all gave never miss mom thing “hold” fact brought u back live childhood disappeared grow fast don’t remember childhood mother… BUT… y’all picture video memory simplest thing yet time life Even I’m adult guy never fail support never judge always proud guy got raise u even hard guy guy warrior 10 kid y’all still managed raise sister never complained gave make sure everything needed grandma staying latewaking early make sure uniform washed ironed making sure breakfast making sure homework done making sure prayed god thanked had… grandpa always making sure went food eat made school appointment taking u land make sure we’d never forget came from… thank soo much… guy instrumental y’all taught world glorious place thankful joyful embrace humanity take life ballsTags Grandparents Grandmother Grandfather Mexico Love |
190,841 | Texas | I’m in the ice cream shop, sitting in the office in the back when, seeing a man and a woman at the counter, I start walking to the front of the shop and call out hello.
‘Hello,’ I call to the man, who is standing directly in my line of sight, and who is shortish, quite fat and has a grey beard and grey hair and is wearing a faded ash-grey Hawaiian style shirt and combat shorts.
‘Hello young lady,’ he says.
‘Did you just call me young lady,’ I say to the man as I reach the counter.
‘Yes, yes, I did,’ the man says to me, ‘aren’t you a young lady?’
‘Um,’ I say, ‘have a really good look at me and I think you’ll find the answer is a no,’
The man laughs, and so does the woman, who is much shorter and standing next to him. Then the man says-’Woah, looks like you spent the night in a tattoo parlour,’
And because I don’t know what else to say I laugh and look down at myself and say-’It would have taken more than a night for all of this,’
Then, the woman, who has her hair cut in a blond bob and is wearing a dark blue tee shirt and mum-style Levi jeans, tells me that the man, who it will turn out is her husband, asks me where I am from.
‘Melbourne,’ I tell her, which is a lie.
And for a few minutes we talk about Melbourne, what’s the best place to visit and at what time of the year and so on.
Then the man and woman ask to try ice cream flavours.
‘You got banana,’ says the man?
I tell him yes, we do have banana, and I dig in the banana ice cream tub with a tasting stick and hand it over to him and he tastes the banana and then tells me he will have that, in a single sugar cone.
I serve him up the single banana in a sugar cone and then the woman tells me she would like a mint chocolate chip.
‘Why is the mint chocolate chip pink?’ she asks me as I lean into the freezer to scoop the ice cream, ‘shouldn’t it be green?’
I have no real answer for her question so I make one up, telling her that due to a chemical change during the freezing process and contact with dairy product, there is an enzyme in this species of mint that turns pink, and that if she were to put this kind of mint in a container of milk in the freezer at home, she would find the same thing happening.
So then, after they have their ice creams in their hands, they stand in front of the counter eating them and we talk about where they are from.
‘Dallas, Texas,’ the man tells me.
‘Oh,’ I say, ‘as soon as I hear the word Dallas, I get the theme tune from the TV show in my head and see the opening titles, that split screen thing, and then I see Southfork,’
The man and woman laugh.
Then the man starts to open his wallet.
‘You know what kind of money we have down in Texas?’ he says.
I don’t say anything because he is already putting a Mexican 100 peso bill on the counter. Then he laughs, but I don’t because I think he might be attempting a racist joke and I do not want to encourage him.
Instead, I tell him what a beautiful colour the note is and what gorgeous art work it has on it.
‘Yeh,’ says the woman, ‘every other country has beautiful money, except us. Our money is ugly,’
‘Yeh,’ says the man from Dallas, Texas, ‘it might be ugly but everybody wants it,’
I am staring at the man now and getting annoyed and I start thinking, yes, a lot of people want a lot of things American, but like the money, a lot of the stuff they want is just ugly and overrated.
Then Krista, who has just come into the shop, and is standing to the left of the man, says that there’s a lot of counterfeit US money in circulation.
‘The secret service,’ she says, ‘apart from guarding the President, it’s their job to travel the world and find and destroy counterfeit dollars,’
And then, while I turn my back on them to clean the ice cream scoops, these Americans talk about their money and various other American-themed topics.
Then, as I turn back to join them, the woman from Texas says, ‘Hey, have you ever been to New Zealand?’
I tell the woman no, I have never been there and because I have no other information to offer on New Zealand, I tell her that the relationship between Australia and New Zealand is perhaps a bit like that between the US and Canada, a kind of friendly rivalry that we invent for no good reason but to have rivalry and pick on another country’s accent.
‘I know the French hate the Canadians,’ the man from Texas says, ‘and you wanna know why?’
I tell him yes, I would like to know why. And he says- ‘It’s because like we got the African Americans, the Canadians got the French,’
Then the man and woman laugh.
And even though what he has said might get laughs in some places in Texas, here in California I do not find it funny so I just stand there looking at the man from Texas, and say nothing.
And I do not laugh. [contact-form subject=’[I%26#039;ve gone to look for America…’][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1'/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1'/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment’ type=’textarea’ required=’1'/][/contact-form] | https://medium.com/conversationsigetinto/texas-221be27428e4 | ['Toni Le Busque'] | 2016-07-17 02:09:44.932000+00:00 | ['Ice Cream', 'Mexico', 'Texas'] | Title TexasContent I’m ice cream shop sitting office back seeing man woman counter start walking front shop call hello ‘Hello’ call man standing directly line sight shortish quite fat grey beard grey hair wearing faded ashgrey Hawaiian style shirt combat short ‘Hello young lady’ say ‘Did call young lady’ say man reach counter ‘Yes yes did’ man say ‘aren’t young lady’ ‘Um’ say ‘have really good look think you’ll find answer no’ man laugh woman much shorter standing next man says’Woah look like spent night tattoo parlour’ don’t know else say laugh look say’It would taken night this’ woman hair cut blond bob wearing dark blue tee shirt mumstyle Levi jean tell man turn husband asks ‘Melbourne’ tell lie minute talk Melbourne what’s best place visit time year man woman ask try ice cream flavour ‘You got banana’ say man tell yes banana dig banana ice cream tub tasting stick hand taste banana tell single sugar cone serve single banana sugar cone woman tell would like mint chocolate chip ‘Why mint chocolate chip pink’ asks lean freezer scoop ice cream ‘shouldn’t green’ real answer question make one telling due chemical change freezing process contact dairy product enzyme specie mint turn pink put kind mint container milk freezer home would find thing happening ice cream hand stand front counter eating talk ‘Dallas Texas’ man tell ‘Oh’ say ‘as soon hear word Dallas get theme tune TV show head see opening title split screen thing see Southfork’ man woman laugh man start open wallet ‘You know kind money Texas’ say don’t say anything already putting Mexican 100 peso bill counter laugh don’t think might attempting racist joke want encourage Instead tell beautiful colour note gorgeous art work ‘Yeh’ say woman ‘every country beautiful money except u money ugly’ ‘Yeh’ say man Dallas Texas ‘it might ugly everybody want it’ staring man getting annoyed start thinking yes lot people want lot thing American like money lot stuff want ugly overrated Krista come shop standing left man say there’s lot counterfeit US money circulation ‘The secret service’ say ‘apart guarding President it’s job travel world find destroy counterfeit dollars’ turn back clean ice cream scoop Americans talk money various Americanthemed topic turn back join woman Texas say ‘Hey ever New Zealand’ tell woman never information offer New Zealand tell relationship Australia New Zealand perhaps bit like US Canada kind friendly rivalry invent good reason rivalry pick another country’s accent ‘I know French hate Canadians’ man Texas say ‘and wanna know why’ tell yes would like know say ‘It’s like got African Americans Canadians got French’ man woman laugh even though said might get laugh place Texas California find funny stand looking man Texas say nothing laugh contactform subject’I26039ve gone look America…’contactfield label’Name’ type’name’ required’1contactfield label’Email’ type’email’ required’1contactfield label’Website’ type’url’contactfield label’Comment’ type’textarea’ required’1contactformTags Ice Cream Mexico Texas |
190,842 | Mexican Footprints II | I know I’ve had some sleep recently because last night I dreamt I was in a sleep-deprivation experiment, but I haven’t had much. Therefore you should also visit the other sites listed at the end for more intelligent comment.
A foot and an ancient footprint. Photo from the Mexican Footprints media section.
The dating of the Mexican footprints is proving to be a problem. This week in Nature the footprints are the subject of a Brief Communication Geochronology: Age of Mexican ash with alleged ‘footprints’. I’ve added two recent press release from Berkeley and Texas A&M on re-dating the prints. They tackle quite a problem, how do you sample an absence of something to get a date?
I printed out the article, which was really clever as I don’t have access to it from home. However I’ve just discovered I left it on the printer, which is really stupid. I’ll try and reconstruct the argument as best I can.
A good footprint is a hole. How do you date it? You could date the material its in but does that make sense? If I go outside now and chip a hole out of some local granite do I make a hole that’s millions of years old? So how about dating it by seeing what fills the hole? That sounds like a good idea except if they’re ancient holes they could still be refilled by modern material.
As far as I can tell the Liverpool team have dated using particles (shell?) that they say are within the soil horizon the prints appear in. Have they dated later infill. Even if they haven’t how reliable is a preservation of the sample? If the sample is contaminated with Carbon-14 then the dates could appear younger than they necessarily are.
The American team have used Argon / Argon dating. They’ve also got extra dating by examining the magnetic polarity of the sediments. The earth’s magnetic field flips over time and these rocks were laid down when the polarity of the earth’s magnetic field was inverted. This would also confirm that the rocks are much older than the 30kyr date claimed by the Liverpool team.
I’m inclined to go with the American interpretation on these prints, but there’s stuff in the American press releases that bothers me. It’s mentioned that the Liverpool team’s results “have yet to publish a peer-reviewed analysis of the footprints”, but they omit to mention that they will appear in a journal, Quaternary Science Reviews in January. Given there are plenty of papers ‘in press’ from September and earlier, I’d guess this has been going through the peer-review process for a while, and the fact they have a date would indicate that it’s been in a while and it passed. The American claim is factually correct, but only for another month. If I was patient enough I could post next month that the American claims about the lack of peer-reviewed publication are “demonstrably false”.
Additionally the two press releases seem to imply human colonisation of the Americas started at 11,500 years ago. Monte Verde would appear to push that back a thousand years. I’m told by people working in the field that (a) there are also pre-Clovis sites in Mexico and (b) Americans aren’t invited to view them. This quote by Tim White, Professor of integrative biology at UC Berkeley, might explain why:
“The evidence Paul has produced by dating basically means that this argument is over, unless indisputable footprints can be found sealed within the ash.”
The argument is over before the paper is published? I don’t know where the samples Liverpool dated are from, because the paper doesn’t appear till January. So how can I or he possibly know that the American re-dating is relevant to that material?
I suppose he could have seen the data going for peer-review. Personally if I saw a paper that had passed peer-review that I could prove wrong, then I’d submit my paper to appear in the same journal in the same or a following volume. I wouldn’t publish in a different journal before the original paper, but I could be doing something wrong I suppose.
I firmly think it’s up to the Liverpool team to prove their case and footprints alone won’t do it. Where are the artefacts? Where are the sites of similar date? This will take time to find. It’s rare that one find overturns orthodox ideas and often consensus is built up on carefully weighing the evidence. On the other hand the press releases from the USA have made me far more interested in reading QSR next month. If the aim of the Nature communication really was “to nip any misrepresentation in the bud,” then it’s failed spectacularly.
Abnormal Interests has also noted this arguing for caution on interpreting the finds as footprints, with which I agree. I’m more inclined to think these are not footprints But I wonder if the rebuttal is as convincing as is claimed. If I had a certain smackdown then I wouldn’t be playing media games. I may change my mind after reading QSR.
Afarensis has the response from Liverpool.
Badgerminor at Orbis Quintus notes that the “footprints” do look like footprints. I’d like to agree with that, but I don’t know how many marks there are at this site. If there are thousands then by sheer chance you’d expect some to look foot-ish so it becomes a self-selecting sample. I’d like to see dates for things from the site that aren’t claimed to be footprints to see if they differ. If the known quarrying marks date from the same period as the footprints using the same technique then you can write off the dating as inaccurate. If the dates differ then you have confirmation that the prints don’t just look different. | https://alunsalt.com/mexican-footprints-ii-2d4784be5569 | ['Alun Salt'] | 2016-04-13 10:42:30.326000+00:00 | ['Archaeology', 'Geology', 'Mexico'] | Title Mexican Footprints IIContent know I’ve sleep recently last night dreamt sleepdeprivation experiment haven’t much Therefore also visit site listed end intelligent comment foot ancient footprint Photo Mexican Footprints medium section dating Mexican footprint proving problem week Nature footprint subject Brief Communication Geochronology Age Mexican ash alleged ‘footprints’ I’ve added two recent press release Berkeley Texas redating print tackle quite problem sample absence something get date printed article really clever don’t access home However I’ve discovered left printer really stupid I’ll try reconstruct argument best good footprint hole date could date material make sense go outside chip hole local granite make hole that’s million year old dating seeing fill hole sound like good idea except they’re ancient hole could still refilled modern material far tell Liverpool team dated using particle shell say within soil horizon print appear dated later infill Even haven’t reliable preservation sample sample contaminated Carbon14 date could appear younger necessarily American team used Argon Argon dating They’ve also got extra dating examining magnetic polarity sediment earth’s magnetic field flip time rock laid polarity earth’s magnetic field inverted would also confirm rock much older 30kyr date claimed Liverpool team I’m inclined go American interpretation print there’s stuff American press release bother It’s mentioned Liverpool team’s result “have yet publish peerreviewed analysis footprints” omit mention appear journal Quaternary Science Reviews January Given plenty paper ‘in press’ September earlier I’d guess going peerreview process fact date would indicate it’s passed American claim factually correct another month patient enough could post next month American claim lack peerreviewed publication “demonstrably false” Additionally two press release seem imply human colonisation Americas started 11500 year ago Monte Verde would appear push back thousand year I’m told people working field also preClovis site Mexico b Americans aren’t invited view quote Tim White Professor integrative biology UC Berkeley might explain “The evidence Paul produced dating basically mean argument unless indisputable footprint found sealed within ash” argument paper published don’t know sample Liverpool dated paper doesn’t appear till January possibly know American redating relevant material suppose could seen data going peerreview Personally saw paper passed peerreview could prove wrong I’d submit paper appear journal following volume wouldn’t publish different journal original paper could something wrong suppose firmly think it’s Liverpool team prove case footprint alone won’t artefact site similar date take time find It’s rare one find overturn orthodox idea often consensus built carefully weighing evidence hand press release USA made far interested reading QSR next month aim Nature communication really “to nip misrepresentation bud” it’s failed spectacularly Abnormal Interests also noted arguing caution interpreting find footprint agree I’m inclined think footprint wonder rebuttal convincing claimed certain smackdown wouldn’t playing medium game may change mind reading QSR Afarensis response Liverpool Badgerminor Orbis Quintus note “footprints” look like footprint I’d like agree don’t know many mark site thousand sheer chance you’d expect look footish becomes selfselecting sample I’d like see date thing site aren’t claimed footprint see differ known quarrying mark date period footprint using technique write dating inaccurate date differ confirmation print don’t look differentTags Archaeology Geology Mexico |
190,843 | Merida & Valladolid. | Merida & Valladolid.
Exploring Chichén Itzá and celebrating Día de Los Muertos in the candy floss towns of Yucatan state.
Día de Los Muertos.
Day of the dead has become super popular around the world since it was in the James Bond film, Spectre. However it’s been ingrained into Mexican culture for centuries, celebrated as a public holiday to remember the lives of people who have passed away. People set up altars in their homes in remembrance including photos of the deceased and offerings of their favourite things. Although it sounds kind of creepy (not helped by the fact everyone wears skull makeup), it’s ultimately a party where families and friends meet up, visit graves and honour the dead. I love the sentiment.
First things first we headed to the face-paint stall. Somehow I managed to get some kind of artist as (trying not to brag) my face-paint was epic! I honestly didn’t want to take it off at the end of the night. We did learn that face-paint standards vary considerably, as Tom found out later!
Face-paint donned we walked to the cemetery where the parade started. It was buzzing. The streets of Merida were decorated with bunting and altars had been bought out in-front of peoples homes for display. Families gathered around the altars in traditional white dress with embroidered colourful flowers on the neckline. The parade itself was a bit of an anticlimax (more of a group walk) but I’ll never get board of watching the outfits and face-paint!
2. Chichén Itzá.
One of the seven wonders of the world, the whole site is impeccably maintained and fascinating.
It blew my mind how clever the Mayans were and what they built in 1000AD. El Castillo may look like a normal temple but it was built to use as a calendar. Depending on how sunlight hits the temple the Mayans deciphered (amongst many things) the season, when to sow seeds and when to harvest crops. There are four stairways with 91 steps each, add on the top step to access the temple, and it totals 365 (the number of days in a solar year). Very clever stuff.
Slightly more morbid, but still impressive, are the skulls carved into the stone platform. The skulls represented prisoners that died in battle and were to scare off enemies.
The place was busyyyy, we hopped on the first collectivo from Valladolid to try and avoid the crowds – there were a shed load of people compared to the likes of Tikal!
3. Valladolid town.
Mainly a stop-off to get to Chichen Itzá, Valladolid is a very cute little town with candy floss coloured buildings lining the streets and retro beetles driving around, it’s also got lots of Cenotes nearby!
4. Accommodation.
We stayed in a wonderful Airbnb in Merida and cooked a lot for ourselves (it’s been a while!), a bit out of town but totally worth it.
We visited Merida & Valladolid in October 2018. | https://medium.com/emma-knight/merida-valladolid-62c924b2eec6 | ['Emma Knight'] | 2018-11-15 10:59:47.121000+00:00 | ['Mexico', 'Travel', 'Backpacking'] | Title Merida ValladolidContent Merida Valladolid Exploring Chichén Itzá celebrating Día de Los Muertos candy floss town Yucatan state Día de Los Muertos Day dead become super popular around world since James Bond film Spectre However it’s ingrained Mexican culture century celebrated public holiday remember life people passed away People set altar home remembrance including photo deceased offering favourite thing Although sound kind creepy helped fact everyone wear skull makeup it’s ultimately party family friend meet visit graf honour dead love sentiment First thing first headed facepaint stall Somehow managed get kind artist trying brag facepaint epic honestly didn’t want take end night learn facepaint standard vary considerably Tom found later Facepaint donned walked cemetery parade started buzzing street Merida decorated bunting altar bought infront people home display Families gathered around altar traditional white dress embroidered colourful flower neckline parade bit anticlimax group walk I’ll never get board watching outfit facepaint 2 Chichén Itzá One seven wonder world whole site impeccably maintained fascinating blew mind clever Mayans built 1000AD El Castillo may look like normal temple built use calendar Depending sunlight hit temple Mayans deciphered amongst many thing season sow seed harvest crop four stairway 91 step add top step access temple total 365 number day solar year clever stuff Slightly morbid still impressive skull carved stone platform skull represented prisoner died battle scare enemy place busyyyy hopped first collectivo Valladolid try avoid crowd – shed load people compared like Tikal 3 Valladolid town Mainly stopoff get Chichen Itzá Valladolid cute little town candy floss coloured building lining street retro beetle driving around it’s also got lot Cenotes nearby 4 Accommodation stayed wonderful Airbnb Merida cooked lot it’s bit town totally worth visited Merida Valladolid October 2018Tags Mexico Travel Backpacking |
190,844 | The Fight for the Metaverse | Project Sansar: The Seasoned General
Last week I spoke with Ebbe Altberg, Linden Lab’s current CEO, who contacted me after viewing my flowchart on the current VR Ecosystem. He wanted me to know that Linden is a contender in this ecosystem with an entirely new virtual reality world — code named “Project Sansar” — that I had not included in the chart. Altberg emphasized that Project Sansar is NOT Second Life 2.0. He wanted to convey that everything in Project Sansar will be a brand new metaverse that conserves only two features from Second Life — the ability for users to easily create and sell content and the Linden Dollar currency system for buying and selling that content.
Altberg said that they could not just convert Second Life into a virtual reality world because of “performance issues” that arise out of “users (not) necessarily know(ing) how to create extremely optimized content like a gaming studio would.” To preserve that key feature for users in a VR environment, Linden Lab opted to create a new platform.
According to Altberg, Project Sansar’s platform will have user-generated content that is more scalable than what was possible in Second Life. He emphasized that scaling content would permit creators to license their work and, thus, generate more revenues. He gave the hypothetical example of Texas A&M creating a chemistry lab inside Project Sansar which could be licensed to other schools who could then customize it to their own needs and desires. When I inquired about software for content creation, Altberg said that Project Sansar content is currently using Autodesk Maya for rendering but Linden expects to change that by consumer launch day. Linden is also working on better discovery, which is a “walled garden” in Second Life, to allow anyone to search for a particular type of experience and link directly to a downloadable form of that experience in Project Sansar.
Linden plans to launch an Alpha version this summer to a few select testers as a PC virtual reality experience and then expects to tackle other platforms.
Why would anyone bet on Project Sansar to win the metaverse battle? I asked Altberg. He responded that Linden Lab has actually been in the virtual worlds trenches, sharpening their tools for 12 years and they have a user-centric, revenue-generating model that Altberg believes will give them maximum strategic advantage. Unfortunately, another major contender enjoys these advantages too because the general of High Fidelity’s army founded Second Life.
High Fidelity: The Experienced Challenger
After founding Second Life and staying for over a decade, Philip Rosedale, left the company in 2013 to pursue his dreams of creating the “next-generation virtual world” which he calls High Fidelity and diverges from Project Sansar’s vision. I have not been able to interview Rosedale but draw insights from key sources.
In his recent talk at SVVR, Rosedale describes the metaverse as something that contains the web itself; it encompasses what we define today as the Internet but it also allows us to live inside of it instead of merely accessing its content. He also believes, not surprisingly given his legacy with Linden, that the metaverse is a shared space where content should be created by its users. This is why he is building High Fidelity as an “open source software for virtual reality.” He wants anyone to be able to quickly generate a virtual space, have others join them inside that space and easily allow them to explore the various virtual worlds.
Like Project Sansar, Rosedale wants to ensure that the virtual worlds are scalable, and recognizes that it is critical to avoid Second Life’s struggles with scaling due to limitations caused by physical servers. In High Fidelity’s architecture blog, they note that they will be operating their servers in an open shared network, allowing many different people and institutions to deploy virtual world servers, interconnecting those servers so that people and digital objects can travel among them, and harnessing shared computing devices to scale their content and load.
Unlike Project Sansar, High Fidelity’s Alpha is already available for download and users can create and deploy virtual worlds, content and experiences. Thus, the experienced challenger has positioned itself on the metaverse battlefield first and may have achieved some strategic advantage that way.
In Rosedale’s talk, he indicated that, like Second Life and Project Sansar, High Fidelity is experimenting with revenue generation as a layer on top of their open network but it is proposed to operate differently than the others. High Fidelity users will be sharing their machines so the revenue model proposed would “create some kind of currency that is valued on computer time.” They have yet to decide whether it will be bitorrent or a blockchain currency. In sum, while High Fidelity has moved quickly to establish a strategic position for its metaverse contender, its Achilles’ Heel, at least at this time, would appear to be its revenue model.
Surreal: The Hungry Underdog
Surreal has no relation to Second Life but is also hard at work trying to create the “first fully immersive virtual world.” Unlike Project Sansar and High Fidelity, Surreal has no immediate plans for content within their virtual world to be user-generated. During their talk at a recent the NYC VR meetup, they said they were open to this but as of right now, that feature is not available. Because their world is built with Unity, they are not tied to a PC experience and proudly proclaim that Surreal will soon be available on any virtual reality device (Google Cardboard included). Currently, you can email them to request a demo version for Oculus.
Another difference is that your Surreal avatar will be tied to your Facebook identity. This provides a way to verify your identity and tie your virtual interactions to your real world social graph. Surreal’s CEO, Arthur Goikhman, clarified that they did this to protect their user’s privacy but would allow options for people to meet outside of their real world social circles.
According to their Facebook page, Surreal’s mission is “to make social games truly social.” Perhaps they want to approach the metaverse from a gaming standpoint, whereas Project Sansar and High Fidelity like to stay away from social gaming comparisons.
During the meetup, they also mentioned they would be monetizing the platform through product placement and selling items, such as clothes or experiences, but didn’t provide any details into how this virtual economic system would work.
Although my information is limited, it would appear that Surreal is the underdog in this battle, but they are hungry and attacking from a different angle. They will need to move quickly to outmaneuver both the more seasoned competitors for there are additional players entering this hotly contested battlefield.
Other companies like JanusVR, AltspaceVR and Next Galaxy are positioning themselves to enter the battle. I will seek more information for a future post on them.
The battle lines are taking shape and the competitors are lining up along them. It’s hard to predict a winner because they are fighting over turf that we cannot yet fully see — regardless of our VR equipment. All this makes for a conflict never before seen, yet classic in its human dimensions. | https://medium.com/@sophiaedm/the-fight-for-the-metaverse-811aef87d16a | ['Sophia Dominguez'] | 2015-06-24 13:04:49.572000+00:00 | ['Metaverse', 'Virtual Reality'] | Title Fight MetaverseContent Project Sansar Seasoned General Last week spoke Ebbe Altberg Linden Lab’s current CEO contacted viewing flowchart current VR Ecosystem wanted know Linden contender ecosystem entirely new virtual reality world — code named “Project Sansar” — included chart Altberg emphasized Project Sansar Second Life 20 wanted convey everything Project Sansar brand new metaverse conserve two feature Second Life — ability user easily create sell content Linden Dollar currency system buying selling content Altberg said could convert Second Life virtual reality world “performance issues” arise “users necessarily knowing create extremely optimized content like gaming studio would” preserve key feature user VR environment Linden Lab opted create new platform According Altberg Project Sansar’s platform usergenerated content scalable possible Second Life emphasized scaling content would permit creator license work thus generate revenue gave hypothetical example Texas creating chemistry lab inside Project Sansar could licensed school could customize need desire inquired software content creation Altberg said Project Sansar content currently using Autodesk Maya rendering Linden expects change consumer launch day Linden also working better discovery “walled garden” Second Life allow anyone search particular type experience link directly downloadable form experience Project Sansar Linden plan launch Alpha version summer select tester PC virtual reality experience expects tackle platform would anyone bet Project Sansar win metaverse battle asked Altberg responded Linden Lab actually virtual world trench sharpening tool 12 year usercentric revenuegenerating model Altberg belief give maximum strategic advantage Unfortunately another major contender enjoys advantage general High Fidelity’s army founded Second Life High Fidelity Experienced Challenger founding Second Life staying decade Philip Rosedale left company 2013 pursue dream creating “nextgeneration virtual world” call High Fidelity diverges Project Sansar’s vision able interview Rosedale draw insight key source recent talk SVVR Rosedale describes metaverse something contains web encompasses define today Internet also allows u live inside instead merely accessing content also belief surprisingly given legacy Linden metaverse shared space content created user building High Fidelity “open source software virtual reality” want anyone able quickly generate virtual space others join inside space easily allow explore various virtual world Like Project Sansar Rosedale want ensure virtual world scalable recognizes critical avoid Second Life’s struggle scaling due limitation caused physical server High Fidelity’s architecture blog note operating server open shared network allowing many different people institution deploy virtual world server interconnecting server people digital object travel among harnessing shared computing device scale content load Unlike Project Sansar High Fidelity’s Alpha already available download user create deploy virtual world content experience Thus experienced challenger positioned metaverse battlefield first may achieved strategic advantage way Rosedale’s talk indicated like Second Life Project Sansar High Fidelity experimenting revenue generation layer top open network proposed operate differently others High Fidelity user sharing machine revenue model proposed would “create kind currency valued computer time” yet decide whether bitorrent blockchain currency sum High Fidelity moved quickly establish strategic position metaverse contender Achilles’ Heel least time would appear revenue model Surreal Hungry Underdog Surreal relation Second Life also hard work trying create “first fully immersive virtual world” Unlike Project Sansar High Fidelity Surreal immediate plan content within virtual world usergenerated talk recent NYC VR meetup said open right feature available world built Unity tied PC experience proudly proclaim Surreal soon available virtual reality device Google Cardboard included Currently email request demo version Oculus Another difference Surreal avatar tied Facebook identity provides way verify identity tie virtual interaction real world social graph Surreal’s CEO Arthur Goikhman clarified protect user’s privacy would allow option people meet outside real world social circle According Facebook page Surreal’s mission “to make social game truly social” Perhaps want approach metaverse gaming standpoint whereas Project Sansar High Fidelity like stay away social gaming comparison meetup also mentioned would monetizing platform product placement selling item clothes experience didn’t provide detail virtual economic system would work Although information limited would appear Surreal underdog battle hungry attacking different angle need move quickly outmaneuver seasoned competitor additional player entering hotly contested battlefield company like JanusVR AltspaceVR Next Galaxy positioning enter battle seek information future post battle line taking shape competitor lining along It’s hard predict winner fighting turf cannot yet fully see — regardless VR equipment make conflict never seen yet classic human dimensionsTags Metaverse Virtual Reality |
190,845 | Is Snapchat Taking Us One Step Closer To The Metaverse? | Is Snapchat Taking Us One Step Closer To The Metaverse?
Snap Inc, the developer of Snapchat, positions itself as a camera company with a mission to “improve the way people live and communicate” by “reinventing the camera”. Founded in 2011, the company has experienced ups and downs over the years but is currently riding a wave of success, thanks, in part, to augmented reality (AR).
On 20th October, Snap Inc announced its third-quarter financial results. Daily active users had increased 18% year-over-year to 249 million and revenue increased 52% year-over-year to $679 million. In a press release, Evan Spiegel, CEO said:
“Our focus on delivering value for our community and advertising partners is yielding positive results during this challenging time. We’re excited about the growth of our business in Q3 as we continue to make long-term investments in our future. The adoption of augmented reality is happening faster than we had previously anticipated, and we are working together as a team to execute on the many opportunities in front of us.”
Snapchat was one of the earliest adopters of augmented reality in social media with the release of Lenses back in 2015. With this new feature, users could take a selfie, and then choose one of several face filters — including a popular lens that made it look like you were vomiting a rainbow — to bring their snaps to life.
Since then, the company has been improving its lenses every year by enhancing the technical capabilities and strengthening its dev platform. The result is that today, more than 170 million people — over three-quarters of Snap’s daily active users — access the app’s augmented reality features on a daily basis, the company says. Snapchat’s momentum shows no signs of stopping as it’s innovation in the AR space continues.
Lens Studio Update
Snap recently launched an update to Lens Studio, the company’s free AR creation tool that enables creators to build a lens and publish it to Snapchat. The update allows users to build LIDAR powered Lenses for the new iPhone 12 Pro models. You can read more on LIDAR in our article here, but in essence, the technology will enable a whole new level of creativity for augmented reality.
The Lens Web Builder
In March, a new ad product was introduced to Snapchat to allow brands to create AR lenses through the platform’s Ad Manager. Touted as the “industry’s first web-based AR lens ad production tool”, the product aims to make high-quality AR advertising accessible and impactful for any business. The DIY Lens Web Builder allows brands to choose from various 3D objects, animations, and effects, then add their logo or other images to the filter. The tool is distinct from the Lens Studio, which is intended for more technical 3D developers.
Full-Body Tracking Lenses
For Halloween, Snapchat launched 10 3D full-body tracking lenses across all platforms that were able to track 18 joints on the human body and have the digital model copy the movements of the user. Snap said its 3D full-body tracking technology is the first of its kind to be made publicly available, adding that it works across platforms and can be captured by the front or rear-facing cameras.
Local Lenses
Local Lenses, announced back in June, are an evolution of Landmarkers, which empower creators to build Lenses that transform the world’s most iconic landmarks in real-time. By taking in information from 360-degree images, and Community Snaps, a digital representation of the physical world can be built, and viewed from different viewpoints. Combining this with 3D reconstruction, machine learning, and distributed cloud computing, Snap can now map whole city blocks, rather than just buildings.
In October, Snap launched its first Local Lens on Carnaby Street. The collaborative AR experience, called City Painter, enables Snapchatters to join a persistent shared AR world built on top of the physical one, spray paint buildings, and see other’s creations in real-time.
Qi Pan, senior manager of research engineering at Snap London said: “We have a single shared reality and when you do something to this world, someone else can see that result almost instantly. Those changes also persist if everyone leaves the experience and new people pop up the next day — they can see the space that’s been altered by yourself and others.”
Right now, Snap is in the early implementation stage of its AR space mapping, but we may well see interactive AR experiences coming soon, like a menu overlay when you hover over a restaurant. This will be the next stage of digital engagement with real-world spaces.
The Metaverse-”a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space”-has become a goal for many of the global tech giants. However, while so much of the Metaverse remains unclear, it’s hard to know who will lead or how’ll we’ll eventually get there. Could Snap, with its large and engaged userbase, location-based experiences, AR layers, and glasses, play a key role in ushering in the Metaverse? | https://medium.com/@magnopus/is-snapchat-taking-us-one-step-closer-to-the-metaverse-ca306d416c5a | [] | 2021-12-01 17:53:57.744000+00:00 | ['Snapchat', 'Snap', 'Augmented Reality', 'Filter', 'Metaverse'] | Title Snapchat Taking Us One Step Closer MetaverseContent Snapchat Taking Us One Step Closer Metaverse Snap Inc developer Snapchat position camera company mission “improve way people live communicate” “reinventing camera” Founded 2011 company experienced ups down year currently riding wave success thanks part augmented reality AR 20th October Snap Inc announced thirdquarter financial result Daily active user increased 18 yearoveryear 249 million revenue increased 52 yearoveryear 679 million press release Evan Spiegel CEO said “Our focus delivering value community advertising partner yielding positive result challenging time We’re excited growth business Q3 continue make longterm investment future adoption augmented reality happening faster previously anticipated working together team execute many opportunity front us” Snapchat one earliest adopter augmented reality social medium release Lenses back 2015 new feature user could take selfie choose one several face filter — including popular lens made look like vomiting rainbow — bring snap life Since company improving lens every year enhancing technical capability strengthening dev platform result today 170 million people — threequarters Snap’s daily active user — access app’s augmented reality feature daily basis company say Snapchat’s momentum show sign stopping it’s innovation AR space continues Lens Studio Update Snap recently launched update Lens Studio company’s free AR creation tool enables creator build lens publish Snapchat update allows user build LIDAR powered Lenses new iPhone 12 Pro model read LIDAR article essence technology enable whole new level creativity augmented reality Lens Web Builder March new ad product introduced Snapchat allow brand create AR lens platform’s Ad Manager Touted “industry’s first webbased AR lens ad production tool” product aim make highquality AR advertising accessible impactful business DIY Lens Web Builder allows brand choose various 3D object animation effect add logo image filter tool distinct Lens Studio intended technical 3D developer FullBody Tracking Lenses Halloween Snapchat launched 10 3D fullbody tracking lens across platform able track 18 joint human body digital model copy movement user Snap said 3D fullbody tracking technology first kind made publicly available adding work across platform captured front rearfacing camera Local Lenses Local Lenses announced back June evolution Landmarkers empower creator build Lenses transform world’s iconic landmark realtime taking information 360degree image Community Snaps digital representation physical world built viewed different viewpoint Combining 3D reconstruction machine learning distributed cloud computing Snap map whole city block rather building October Snap launched first Local Lens Carnaby Street collaborative AR experience called City Painter enables Snapchatters join persistent shared AR world built top physical one spray paint building see other’s creation realtime Qi Pan senior manager research engineering Snap London said “We single shared reality something world someone else see result almost instantly change also persist everyone leaf experience new people pop next day — see space that’s altered others” Right Snap early implementation stage AR space mapping may well see interactive AR experience coming soon like menu overlay hover restaurant next stage digital engagement realworld space Metaverse”a collective virtual shared space created convergence virtually enhanced physical reality physically persistent virtual space”has become goal many global tech giant However much Metaverse remains unclear it’s hard know lead how’ll we’ll eventually get Could Snap large engaged userbase locationbased experience AR layer glass play key role ushering MetaverseTags Snapchat Snap Augmented Reality Filter Metaverse |
190,846 | Metaverse DNA World Tour: China | We have some exciting news to share with the Metaverse community! Before we get into the details of the Metaverse DNA World Tour, I am happy to share that Alex Lightman , an expert in digital thought and transformation, has joined the Metaverse DNA team as Global Strategy Advisor. Alex has over 30 years of experience in deploying new and novel hardware, software, communications, and Internet products, platforms, and protocols. He is a recipient of the first Economist magazine Reader’s Award, granted on Oct. 21, 2010 for his contribution to “the innovation most likely to radically change the world over the next decade, 2010–2020”. Alex will be heavily invested in the global roll out of Metaverse DNA technology in key international markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. He has played an important role in advising 20+ blockchain companies on their whitepapers and will contribute to the final version of the Metaverse DNA whitepaper. Alex will be instrumental in the promotion of Metaverse around the world. Please welcome Alex Lightman to the team!
Over a span of 10 days, from October 13 to October 22, the Metaverse DNA team partook in key conferences in 4 stops in China alongside numerous dinner gatherings with Metaverse supporters. Our team visited Zhengzhou in Henan Province, Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province, Hefei in Anhui Province, and Shanghai. Throughout these 4 events, we saw a total of more than 1,000 enthusiasts and supporters come out, and received very heartwarming receptions throughout the tour. We want to thank everyone who showed up as well as the key community organizers in these cities who welcomed us with open arms. Below is a recap of the key events and keynote topics, with many pictures included!
Stop 1: Zhengzhou
On October 13th, we arrived at the Noble International Hotel in Zhengzhou, which was packed with over 200 people in the main conference room. The Metaverse team composed of Ken Huang, an accomplished digital identity expert and Visiting Professor at Zhejiang Normal University, who is a co-founder of Metaverse DNA, and Alex Lightman, a writer of many books and articles regarding the future of technology, who is the Global Strategy Advisor for Metaverse DNA.
After the opening remarks by the event organizers and community leaders, Ken first took the stage to share his thoughts on data, privacy, and identity. He mentioned the current opportunities and problems with big data, including the trillion dollar opportunity that currently does not belong to the users who provide the data. In essence, there is a data ownership problem in regards to who owns our data. Is it really us, the providers of the data? Or do big corporations like Facebook, Google, Apple, etc. control our data? According to the CHNCI Institute, in 2016 the value of the big data industry is $140.3 billion dollars, while by the year 2020 this industry is projected to be valued at $1.03 trillion dollars!
Ken pointing out the importance of decentralized identity
A second problem with data today is the possibility of data loss or leaks. Equifax had 147 million users whose accounts were compromised, totaling $425 million in fines. In 2014, Yahoo had 500 million users whose accounts were also hacked. Redundancy and incompatibility of data is the third problem. When we sign up for accounts on different websites, we always need to fill in our personal information in a repeated manner for each different website. This is redundant. What if we only need to register once and then use a decentralized identity storage to access other sites? Lastly, a fourth issue that Ken mentioned is the fraudulent use of data. There are websites in China where you could buy a fake identity to register for different online accounts. Money launderers can register accounts on exchanges with fake identities in order to pass through KYC/AML screening. All of these are issues facing the state of identity data today.
Centralized identity is the root cause of all of these data problems.
How do we solve these problems? Ken proposed we use decentralized identity. Here are 5 reasons why:
Decentralized identities are harder to hack or steal than centralized identities, as fragmented data take a lot more work to steal and compile. Applications that run on public blockchains will have KYC/AML requirements, and a decentralized identity that passes KYC once will be able to access other decentralized blockchain services, solving the redundancy issue. Decentralized identity means the privatization of identity. In essence, for data ownership to return to the users, decentralized identity is a must have, as an individual will hold the private key that can access his or her data. No other corporations and individuals will be able to access this data. With data ownership back in control with the users who provided the data, a token economic model can incentivize users and realize the full value of such token economies. In order for dApps on public blockchains to scale, a decentralized user reputation model is needed to incentivize good behavior and discourage bad behavior, like in the real world with credit scores. Decentralized identity can provide for decentralized user reputation systems.
Ken explained how Metaverse Avatars and DNA will be able to provide these solutions, such as data encryption for identity data, the return of data ownership back to users, the self control of data, and a transparent reputation system on the blockchain. All of these unique solutions will be possible with Metaverse technology. Decentralized authentication is already possible with Bitident, for example.
Alex Lightman presenting his thoughts on the future of blockchain
Next, Alex Lightman took the stage and gave a very interesting keynote regarding the state of the industry today and where he sees the industry going 10, 20 years down the road. Titled “The Great DeFiance: Stat€$ vs Corporations≋ vs the People ₿,” Alex’s keynote touched on how monetary power is slowly transitioning from traditional nation states to corporations, and how there is a struggle among nation states, corporations, and the people for the control of money.
Countries like China are exploring a digitization of their own fiat currencies, while corporations like Facebook and JP Morgan have publicly issued plans to create their own stablecoins. In the meantime, Bitcoin remains the go to digital currency for the people in terms of payments. All of these developments lead to the potential growth for blockchain in the years to come. Alex predicts that a widespread token economy will be in place with the advent of self driving cars, smart cities, and billions of IoT devices that will be connected through 5G. Therefore, there is still plenty of room for this young industry to grow.
Dinner reception in Zhengzhou
Stop 2: Shijiazhuang
The very next day, we traveled by high speed rail to Shijiazhuang, the capital city of Hebei Province, located about 3 hours drive south of Beijing. Both Ken and Alex gave different keynotes than the day before based off the same slides, showcasing their versatility and knowledge. Like in Zhengzhou, when we arrived at the Intercontinental Shijiazhuang, we were met with an enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 people. Here is a brief recap of their keynotes.
Ken speaking to an engaged crowd
Ken emphasized 5 points that must be fulfilled in order for blockchain to be widely accepted. These 5 points are:
Digital Identity: blockchains need digital identities, similar to real world where we have our identities to access services. Security: blockchains must be secure, otherwise the public will not trust this technology. Oracle: blockchains must provide a trusted data source, meaning the data on-chain must be real and legitimate. Scalability: blockchains must be scalable with fast TPS, otherwise user experience will be terrible. Interoperability: blockchains must be able to communicate with other blockchains to elevate the whole industry and bring about widespread adoption.
Alex Lightman shed more light regarding the “The Great DeFiance: Stat€$ vs Corporations≋ vs the People ₿” topic, mentioning that if Facebook was a country, its total users would be greater than China’s population as a whole. This is why Facebook is issuing the Libra, because with over 1.6 billion users, Facebook has the power to bring digital money across the globe in ways many nation states cannot. Of course, Facebook is getting severe push back from these nation states’ regulators, because the Libra is a direct challenge to the monetary authority of central banks.
How does this relate to DNA? As Alex artfully said:
The Ultimate Purpose of the Blockchain is to maximize government and corporate LEGITIMACY and human machine INTELLIGENCE, and minimize the LATENCY of achieving consensus.
LEGITIMACY is generated by doing three out of three things consistently:
•Seek the Truth
•Speak the Truth
•Practice What You Preach
LATENCY is delay, like a sin tax on bad architecture and infrastructure, a measure in milliseconds of how many hops, errors, or inadequate computing.
Metaverse DNA will have the capability to solve the latency issue with high TPS and fast block times, thus allowing developers and builders to create applications that minimize latency. Once you have the security of the blockchain with the base ETP chain, you can then scale up using DNA, which will complete the user experience through interoperability with other chains.
Dinner reception in Shijiazhuang
Stop 3: Hefei
A very warm welcome!
After a brief day of rest, the Metaverse team flew down to Hefei in Anhui Province for the next stop in the China roadshow. We were greeted by the local community leaders with bouquets of flowers. A huge shout out and thanks to Juhui Capital for inviting us to the Hilton Hefei, where more than 300 people showed up from all over China to hear Ken and Alex speak. Ken dove into details regarding identity management and why blockchain based identity systems can solve data misuse by large corporations like Facebook and Google. Alex gave a new keynote titled, “DeFi 2020: Meritocracy in the Age of Decentralized Finance,” which touched on use cases for blockchain across a multitude of industries such as finance, IoT, supply chain, medical data, healthcare, and voting. Audience members asked questions after their keynotes, and both Ken and Alex answered with enthusiasm.
Packed ballroom
Stop 4: Shanghai
On October 22nd, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics invited Ken to speak at their 2019 Blockchain Technology Innovation Summit. Ken talked about problems facing current blockchains, including scalability (TPS), security, trustable data, and on-chain identity management. He then mentioned Metaverse DNA’s solutions to these issues in front of academicians, professors, industry leaders, and media. DNA will allow blockchain applications to scale and provide a much more seamless user experience than what is currently available in the industry.
Overall, the Metaverse DNA World Tour stops in China were huge successes, as we were able to engage and communicate directly to our communities and end users. We answered questions about Metaverse and DNA, and also took feedback that will allow us to improve our product for all of our users. Thank you to all of the event organizers for your hard work in planning the conferences and dinners. Your hospitality was a big part of the success of this trip. We hope to be back soon to these locations. Next stop, Europe! | https://medium.com/metaverse-blockchain/metaverse-dna-world-tour-china-ffc444c32270 | ['William Jiang'] | 2019-10-25 08:28:50.610000+00:00 | ['Blockchain', 'Metaverse', 'Dna', 'Digital Identity', 'Etp'] | Title Metaverse DNA World Tour ChinaContent exciting news share Metaverse community get detail Metaverse DNA World Tour happy share Alex Lightman expert digital thought transformation joined Metaverse DNA team Global Strategy Advisor Alex 30 year experience deploying new novel hardware software communication Internet product platform protocol recipient first Economist magazine Reader’s Award granted Oct 21 2010 contribution “the innovation likely radically change world next decade 2010–2020” Alex heavily invested global roll Metaverse DNA technology key international market North America Europe Asia played important role advising 20 blockchain company whitepapers contribute final version Metaverse DNA whitepaper Alex instrumental promotion Metaverse around world Please welcome Alex Lightman team span 10 day October 13 October 22 Metaverse DNA team partook key conference 4 stop China alongside numerous dinner gathering Metaverse supporter team visited Zhengzhou Henan Province Shijiazhuang Hebei Province Hefei Anhui Province Shanghai Throughout 4 event saw total 1000 enthusiast supporter come received heartwarming reception throughout tour want thank everyone showed well key community organizer city welcomed u open arm recap key event keynote topic many picture included Stop 1 Zhengzhou October 13th arrived Noble International Hotel Zhengzhou packed 200 people main conference room Metaverse team composed Ken Huang accomplished digital identity expert Visiting Professor Zhejiang Normal University cofounder Metaverse DNA Alex Lightman writer many book article regarding future technology Global Strategy Advisor Metaverse DNA opening remark event organizer community leader Ken first took stage share thought data privacy identity mentioned current opportunity problem big data including trillion dollar opportunity currently belong user provide data essence data ownership problem regard owns data really u provider data big corporation like Facebook Google Apple etc control data According CHNCI Institute 2016 value big data industry 1403 billion dollar year 2020 industry projected valued 103 trillion dollar Ken pointing importance decentralized identity second problem data today possibility data loss leak Equifax 147 million user whose account compromised totaling 425 million fine 2014 Yahoo 500 million user whose account also hacked Redundancy incompatibility data third problem sign account different website always need fill personal information repeated manner different website redundant need register use decentralized identity storage access site Lastly fourth issue Ken mentioned fraudulent use data website China could buy fake identity register different online account Money launderers register account exchange fake identity order pas KYCAML screening issue facing state identity data today Centralized identity root cause data problem solve problem Ken proposed use decentralized identity 5 reason Decentralized identity harder hack steal centralized identity fragmented data take lot work steal compile Applications run public blockchains KYCAML requirement decentralized identity pass KYC able access decentralized blockchain service solving redundancy issue Decentralized identity mean privatization identity essence data ownership return user decentralized identity must individual hold private key access data corporation individual able access data data ownership back control user provided data token economic model incentivize user realize full value token economy order dApps public blockchains scale decentralized user reputation model needed incentivize good behavior discourage bad behavior like real world credit score Decentralized identity provide decentralized user reputation system Ken explained Metaverse Avatars DNA able provide solution data encryption identity data return data ownership back user self control data transparent reputation system blockchain unique solution possible Metaverse technology Decentralized authentication already possible Bitident example Alex Lightman presenting thought future blockchain Next Alex Lightman took stage gave interesting keynote regarding state industry today see industry going 10 20 year road Titled “The Great DeFiance Stat€ v Corporations≋ v People ₿” Alex’s keynote touched monetary power slowly transitioning traditional nation state corporation struggle among nation state corporation people control money Countries like China exploring digitization fiat currency corporation like Facebook JP Morgan publicly issued plan create stablecoins meantime Bitcoin remains go digital currency people term payment development lead potential growth blockchain year come Alex predicts widespread token economy place advent self driving car smart city billion IoT device connected 5G Therefore still plenty room young industry grow Dinner reception Zhengzhou Stop 2 Shijiazhuang next day traveled high speed rail Shijiazhuang capital city Hebei Province located 3 hour drive south Beijing Ken Alex gave different keynote day based slide showcasing versatility knowledge Like Zhengzhou arrived Intercontinental Shijiazhuang met enthusiastic crowd 200 people brief recap keynote Ken speaking engaged crowd Ken emphasized 5 point must fulfilled order blockchain widely accepted 5 point Digital Identity blockchains need digital identity similar real world identity access service Security blockchains must secure otherwise public trust technology Oracle blockchains must provide trusted data source meaning data onchain must real legitimate Scalability blockchains must scalable fast TPS otherwise user experience terrible Interoperability blockchains must able communicate blockchains elevate whole industry bring widespread adoption Alex Lightman shed light regarding “The Great DeFiance Stat€ v Corporations≋ v People ₿” topic mentioning Facebook country total user would greater China’s population whole Facebook issuing Libra 16 billion user Facebook power bring digital money across globe way many nation state cannot course Facebook getting severe push back nation states’ regulator Libra direct challenge monetary authority central bank relate DNA Alex artfully said Ultimate Purpose Blockchain maximize government corporate LEGITIMACY human machine INTELLIGENCE minimize LATENCY achieving consensus LEGITIMACY generated three three thing consistently •Seek Truth •Speak Truth •Practice Preach LATENCY delay like sin tax bad architecture infrastructure measure millisecond many hop error inadequate computing Metaverse DNA capability solve latency issue high TPS fast block time thus allowing developer builder create application minimize latency security blockchain base ETP chain scale using DNA complete user experience interoperability chain Dinner reception Shijiazhuang Stop 3 Hefei warm welcome brief day rest Metaverse team flew Hefei Anhui Province next stop China roadshow greeted local community leader bouquet flower huge shout thanks Juhui Capital inviting u Hilton Hefei 300 people showed China hear Ken Alex speak Ken dove detail regarding identity management blockchain based identity system solve data misuse large corporation like Facebook Google Alex gave new keynote titled “DeFi 2020 Meritocracy Age Decentralized Finance” touched use case blockchain across multitude industry finance IoT supply chain medical data healthcare voting Audience member asked question keynote Ken Alex answered enthusiasm Packed ballroom Stop 4 Shanghai October 22nd Shanghai University Finance Economics invited Ken speak 2019 Blockchain Technology Innovation Summit Ken talked problem facing current blockchains including scalability TPS security trustable data onchain identity management mentioned Metaverse DNA’s solution issue front academician professor industry leader medium DNA allow blockchain application scale provide much seamless user experience currently available industry Overall Metaverse DNA World Tour stop China huge success able engage communicate directly community end user answered question Metaverse DNA also took feedback allow u improve product user Thank event organizer hard work planning conference dinner hospitality big part success trip hope back soon location Next stop EuropeTags Blockchain Metaverse Dna Digital Identity Etp |
190,847 | Bitident integration in MyETPWallet | Bitident integration in MyETPWallet
Bitident chose Metaverse blockchain as the platform to support its authentication system on the blockchain.
Implemented in MyETPWallet v0.8.0, Bitident protocol enables users to login to compatibles websites or applications in a fully decentralized way, using their Metaverse Avatar.
Bitident protocol makes identification easy to implement for developers looking for a decentralized authentication solution.
How does it work
In order to verify the identity of a user, a request is sent to him or her. The user can then use his Metaverse wallet to sign it and the requester can finally verify that the signature is matching the one of the Avatar.
Bitident published a working demo on their official website. This protocol can be integrated into any website that desires to use Metaverse Avatars in order to login, instead of the classic email/password pair, or as a decentralized 2FA instead of Google Authenticator or other 2FA solutions.
Step by step
First, the user has to specify which Avatar he wants to use in order to login. In that example, I will login using my Avatar ‘metaverse’:
A QR code will be generated: it contains my request, which is valid for 5 minutes.
The next step is to sign the request with the private key of my Avatar. This can be done in the Authentication page of MyETPWallet.
I can then scan the QR code using MyETPWallet app, or copy/paste the request if I’m using my desktop.
The request will be decoded in order to verify its information before signing. The main information are:
Source: it is the Avatar who created the request. in that example, the Avatar is ‘bitident’ and the request was signed by him. My wallet has already automatically verified that the request is indeed correctly signed by the Avatar ‘bitident’. If the signature is wrong, an error message will appear.
Avatar: the Avatar trying to authenticate, in this case ‘metaverse’. Only this Avatar can sign the request. If I do not own this Avatar, the wallet will notify me that I can’t sign this request.
Host: the request will be returned to the host after being signed.
Remaining time: remaining time till the request expires.
Callback: the full URL where the signed request will be returned.
Time of request: when the request was created by the source.
Timeout: the host can decide for how long the request is live. In this demo, it expires after 5 minutes (300 seconds).
After verifying the request information, mainly the source and host, you can type your password and sign the request which will be sent back to the callback URL. This step only signs the request using your private key, but never reveals your private key or any other information to the requester. Signing the request is sufficient for the requester to verify that you own the Avatar.
I can now go back to bitident and see that my identification was successful:
In a real use case, this can be used to login to an exchange or any other website using my Avatar as an authentication system. | https://medium.com/metaverse-blockchain/bitident-integration-in-myetpwallet-8bb6d99ea922 | ['Laurent Salou'] | 2019-10-22 07:18:44.429000+00:00 | ['Security', 'Blockchain', 'Metaverse', 'Authentication'] | Title Bitident integration MyETPWalletContent Bitident integration MyETPWallet Bitident chose Metaverse blockchain platform support authentication system blockchain Implemented MyETPWallet v080 Bitident protocol enables user login compatibles website application fully decentralized way using Metaverse Avatar Bitident protocol make identification easy implement developer looking decentralized authentication solution work order verify identity user request sent user use Metaverse wallet sign requester finally verify signature matching one Avatar Bitident published working demo official website protocol integrated website desire use Metaverse Avatars order login instead classic emailpassword pair decentralized 2FA instead Google Authenticator 2FA solution Step step First user specify Avatar want use order login example login using Avatar ‘metaverse’ QR code generated contains request valid 5 minute next step sign request private key Avatar done Authentication page MyETPWallet scan QR code using MyETPWallet app copypaste request I’m using desktop request decoded order verify information signing main information Source Avatar created request example Avatar ‘bitident’ request signed wallet already automatically verified request indeed correctly signed Avatar ‘bitident’ signature wrong error message appear Avatar Avatar trying authenticate case ‘metaverse’ Avatar sign request Avatar wallet notify can’t sign request Host request returned host signed Remaining time remaining time till request expires Callback full URL signed request returned Time request request created source Timeout host decide long request live demo expires 5 minute 300 second verifying request information mainly source host type password sign request sent back callback URL step sign request using private key never reveals private key information requester Signing request sufficient requester verify Avatar go back bitident see identification successful real use case used login exchange website using Avatar authentication systemTags Security Blockchain Metaverse Authentication |
190,848 | What is the Metaverse and why you want to be part of it | What is the Metaverse and why you want to be part of it
The Metaverse is the future of the Internet. The networked dimension of Virtual Reality.
Internet will be in 3D and this is no news. Even thou the concept of the Metaverse has been imagined, described, written and filmed for many years now, it’s only in the recent years that we are placing the first fundamental building blocks for virtual reality to be developed. Some innovators and notable investors in the Silicon Valley eco-system, have been working for some years on the idea of making a 3D version of the Internet, in other words the first version of the Metaverse. The buzz around VR devices such as the Oculus Rift, are only a part of what is moving around VR. While smart VR devices to simulate movement, presence and other interactions, are very important, what is fundamental for the Metaverse to come alive, is the existence of a platform and system architecture, to sustain it. The processing power we need to power up a virtual reality based Internet, is already there. We only need to connect the dots and leverage the immense calculus potential of the Internet as a whole. This is exactly what some visionaries and architects of the future of the Internet are doing. And this is happening right now. The enablers are there and we are developing the technologies that will allow us to experience a truly immersive Online Virtual Reality experience.
Read more about Virtual Reality on our blog: https://www.qbittech.com/index.php/qbit-virtual-reality-blog | https://medium.com/@mattiacrespi/what-is-the-metaverse-and-why-you-want-to-be-part-of-it-8edea5bdffae | ['Mattia Crespi'] | 2015-11-08 18:21:14.664000+00:00 | ['Virtual Reality', 'VR', 'Metaverse'] | Title Metaverse want part itContent Metaverse want part Metaverse future Internet networked dimension Virtual Reality Internet 3D news Even thou concept Metaverse imagined described written filmed many year it’s recent year placing first fundamental building block virtual reality developed innovator notable investor Silicon Valley ecosystem working year idea making 3D version Internet word first version Metaverse buzz around VR device Oculus Rift part moving around VR smart VR device simulate movement presence interaction important fundamental Metaverse come alive existence platform system architecture sustain processing power need power virtual reality based Internet already need connect dot leverage immense calculus potential Internet whole exactly visionary architect future Internet happening right enablers developing technology allow u experience truly immersive Online Virtual Reality experience Read Virtual Reality blog httpswwwqbittechcomindexphpqbitvirtualrealityblogTags Virtual Reality VR Metaverse |
190,849 | Is Snapchat Taking Us One Step Closer To The Metaverse? | Is Snapchat Taking Us One Step Closer To The Metaverse?
Snap Inc, the developer of Snapchat, positions itself as a camera company with a mission to “improve the way people live and communicate” by “reinventing the camera”. Founded in 2011, the company has experienced ups and downs over the years but is currently riding a wave of success, thanks, in part, to augmented reality (AR).
On 20th October, Snap Inc announced its third-quarter financial results. Daily active users had increased 18% year-over-year to 249 million and revenue increased 52% year-over-year to $679 million. In a press release, Evan Spiegel, CEO said:
“Our focus on delivering value for our community and advertising partners is yielding positive results during this challenging time. We’re excited about the growth of our business in Q3 as we continue to make long-term investments in our future. The adoption of augmented reality is happening faster than we had previously anticipated, and we are working together as a team to execute on the many opportunities in front of us.”
Snapchat was one of the earliest adopters of augmented reality in social media with the release of Lenses back in 2015. With this new feature, users could take a selfie, and then choose one of several face filters — including a popular lens that made it look like you were vomiting a rainbow — to bring their snaps to life.
Since then, the company has been improving its lenses every year by enhancing the technical capabilities and strengthening its dev platform. The result is that today, more than 170 million people — over three-quarters of Snap’s daily active users — access the app’s augmented reality features on a daily basis, the company says. Snapchat’s momentum shows no signs of stopping as it’s innovation in the AR space continues.
Lens Studio Update
Snap recently launched an update to Lens Studio, the company’s free AR creation tool that enables creators to build a lens and publish it to Snapchat. The update allows users to build LIDAR powered Lenses for the new iPhone 12 Pro models. You can read more on LIDAR in our article here, but in essence, the technology will enable a whole new level of creativity for augmented reality.
The Lens Web Builder
In March, a new ad product was introduced to Snapchat to allow brands to create AR lenses through the platform’s Ad Manager. Touted as the “industry’s first web-based AR lens ad production tool”, the product aims to make high-quality AR advertising accessible and impactful for any business. The DIY Lens Web Builder allows brands to choose from various 3D objects, animations, and effects, then add their logo or other images to the filter. The tool is distinct from the Lens Studio, which is intended for more technical 3D developers.
Full-Body Tracking Lenses
For Halloween, Snapchat launched 10 3D full-body tracking lenses across all platforms that were able to track 18 joints on the human body and have the digital model copy the movements of the user. Snap said its 3D full-body tracking technology is the first of its kind to be made publicly available, adding that it works across platforms and can be captured by the front or rear-facing cameras.
Local Lenses
Local Lenses, announced back in June, are an evolution of Landmarkers, which empower creators to build Lenses that transform the world’s most iconic landmarks in real-time. By taking in information from 360-degree images, and Community Snaps, a digital representation of the physical world can be built, and viewed from different viewpoints. Combining this with 3D reconstruction, machine learning, and distributed cloud computing, Snap can now map whole city blocks, rather than just buildings.
In October, Snap launched its first Local Lens on Carnaby Street. The collaborative AR experience, called City Painter, enables Snapchatters to join a persistent shared AR world built on top of the physical one, spray paint buildings, and see other’s creations in real-time.
Qi Pan, senior manager of research engineering at Snap London said: “We have a single shared reality and when you do something to this world, someone else can see that result almost instantly. Those changes also persist if everyone leaves the experience and new people pop up the next day — they can see the space that’s been altered by yourself and others.”
Right now, Snap is in the early implementation stage of its AR space mapping, but we may well see interactive AR experiences coming soon, like a menu overlay when you hover over a restaurant. This will be the next stage of digital engagement with real-world spaces.
The Metaverse—“a collective virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space”—has become a goal for many of the global tech giants. However, while so much of the Metaverse remains unclear, it’s hard to know who will lead or how’ll we’ll eventually get there. Could Snap, with its large and engaged userbase, location-based experiences, AR layers, and glasses, play a key role in ushering in the Metaverse? | https://medium.com/xrlo-extended-reality-lowdown/is-snapchat-taking-us-one-step-closer-to-the-metaverse-9d73c0ceb68a | ['Magnopus Uk', 'Formerly Rewind'] | 2020-11-11 11:31:18.051000+00:00 | ['Snapchat', 'Snap', 'Augmented Reality', 'Metaverse', 'News And Opinion'] | Title Snapchat Taking Us One Step Closer MetaverseContent Snapchat Taking Us One Step Closer Metaverse Snap Inc developer Snapchat position camera company mission “improve way people live communicate” “reinventing camera” Founded 2011 company experienced ups down year currently riding wave success thanks part augmented reality AR 20th October Snap Inc announced thirdquarter financial result Daily active user increased 18 yearoveryear 249 million revenue increased 52 yearoveryear 679 million press release Evan Spiegel CEO said “Our focus delivering value community advertising partner yielding positive result challenging time We’re excited growth business Q3 continue make longterm investment future adoption augmented reality happening faster previously anticipated working together team execute many opportunity front us” Snapchat one earliest adopter augmented reality social medium release Lenses back 2015 new feature user could take selfie choose one several face filter — including popular lens made look like vomiting rainbow — bring snap life Since company improving lens every year enhancing technical capability strengthening dev platform result today 170 million people — threequarters Snap’s daily active user — access app’s augmented reality feature daily basis company say Snapchat’s momentum show sign stopping it’s innovation AR space continues Lens Studio Update Snap recently launched update Lens Studio company’s free AR creation tool enables creator build lens publish Snapchat update allows user build LIDAR powered Lenses new iPhone 12 Pro model read LIDAR article essence technology enable whole new level creativity augmented reality Lens Web Builder March new ad product introduced Snapchat allow brand create AR lens platform’s Ad Manager Touted “industry’s first webbased AR lens ad production tool” product aim make highquality AR advertising accessible impactful business DIY Lens Web Builder allows brand choose various 3D object animation effect add logo image filter tool distinct Lens Studio intended technical 3D developer FullBody Tracking Lenses Halloween Snapchat launched 10 3D fullbody tracking lens across platform able track 18 joint human body digital model copy movement user Snap said 3D fullbody tracking technology first kind made publicly available adding work across platform captured front rearfacing camera Local Lenses Local Lenses announced back June evolution Landmarkers empower creator build Lenses transform world’s iconic landmark realtime taking information 360degree image Community Snaps digital representation physical world built viewed different viewpoint Combining 3D reconstruction machine learning distributed cloud computing Snap map whole city block rather building October Snap launched first Local Lens Carnaby Street collaborative AR experience called City Painter enables Snapchatters join persistent shared AR world built top physical one spray paint building see other’s creation realtime Qi Pan senior manager research engineering Snap London said “We single shared reality something world someone else see result almost instantly change also persist everyone leaf experience new people pop next day — see space that’s altered others” Right Snap early implementation stage AR space mapping may well see interactive AR experience coming soon like menu overlay hover restaurant next stage digital engagement realworld space Metaverse—“a collective virtual shared space created convergence virtually enhanced physical reality physically persistent virtual space”—has become goal many global tech giant However much Metaverse remains unclear it’s hard know lead how’ll we’ll eventually get Could Snap large engaged userbase locationbased experience AR layer glass play key role ushering MetaverseTags Snapchat Snap Augmented Reality Metaverse News Opinion |
190,850 | The Metaverse as Mediator between Technology, Trends, and the Digital Transformation of Society and Business | The Metaverse as Mediator between Technology, Trends, and the Digital Transformation of Society and Business
Here is an intro abstract and link to a very interesting article, wrote in a collaborative effort between myself and two other Researchers: Sven-Volker Rehm and Lakshmi Goel, for the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research.
In this reflective article we discuss the potential of recent developments in virtual worlds for offering novel value propositions for the digital transformation of society and business. In particular, we consider the role of a Metaverse, understood as a globally accessible 3D virtual space and computing infrastructure — and today still a conceptual vision — as a mediator between technology trends and societal and business applications. We outline how current technology trends can be linked with high-value added application scenarios through the Metaverse as a mediating design space. Our insights project both a push effect, i.e. novel technologies fostering radical shifts in society and business, as well as a pull effect, i.e. radical ideas stimulating technology developments. Leveraging both effects for creating high-value added applications however, requires an integrated, mediating design space, which can potentially be obtained through advances of virtual worlds towards a Metaverse.
Read the full article here: https://journals.tdl.org/jvwr/index.php/jvwr/article/view/7149?utm_source=Journal+of+Virtual+Worlds+Research+Announcements&utm_campaign=9dfd81deef-Futures_is_Published&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_328ce3bba8-9dfd81deef-335680333 | https://medium.com/@mattiacrespi/the-metaverse-as-mediator-between-technology-trends-and-the-digital-transformation-of-society-and-1e39fb21f764 | ['Mattia Crespi'] | 2015-11-12 08:58:39.009000+00:00 | ['Virtual Reality', 'Metaverse', 'Virtual Worlds'] | Title Metaverse Mediator Technology Trends Digital Transformation Society BusinessContent Metaverse Mediator Technology Trends Digital Transformation Society Business intro abstract link interesting article wrote collaborative effort two Researchers SvenVolker Rehm Lakshmi Goel Journal Virtual Worlds Research reflective article discus potential recent development virtual world offering novel value proposition digital transformation society business particular consider role Metaverse understood globally accessible 3D virtual space computing infrastructure — today still conceptual vision — mediator technology trend societal business application outline current technology trend linked highvalue added application scenario Metaverse mediating design space insight project push effect ie novel technology fostering radical shift society business well pull effect ie radical idea stimulating technology development Leveraging effect creating highvalue added application however requires integrated mediating design space potentially obtained advance virtual world towards Metaverse Read full article httpsjournalstdlorgjvwrindexphpjvwrarticleview7149utmsourceJournalofVirtualWorldsResearchAnnouncementsutmcampaign9dfd81deefFuturesisPublishedutmmediumemailutmterm0328ce3bba89dfd81deef335680333Tags Virtual Reality Metaverse Virtual Worlds |
190,851 | The Fight for the Metaverse, Part II | What if the “fight for the metaverse” is actually less like a battle to the finish and more like a foot race in which the competitors have enjoyed different start times and stagger marks? Recall from my last post on “The Fight for the Metaverse, Part 1, I characterized a few companies engaged in an all-out battle for colonizing and dominating the metaverse — High Fidelity, Second Life’s Project Sansar and Surreal. What I’ve continued to learn is that these companies are better understood as those who got into the race earlier and now enjoy varied head starts but additional competitors are in this race too.
These newbies include: ConVRge, JanusVR, VRChat and AltspaceVR. Will they catch up? What will it take? Just greater speed or will they also have to be more agile, scrappier and determined? Perhaps, they will they change the course of the race itself.
On Your Marks, Get Set, GO!
ConVRge founders, Shawn Whiting and Hayden Lee, began developing ConVRge’s current interface about 6 months ago in Unity (a development platform used to create 3D and 2D games and interactive experiences) when they threw their first event, a virtual dance party. People from all over the world entered ConVRge as floating heads (their version of an avatar) identified by username. What they quickly realized was that it didn’t matter if the person’s head icon was a moon, someone’s realistic looking face or an animation. People loved the interaction in this platform because when they moved their head in real life to look at someone or something, the movement was mirrored in the virtual reality world. In the VR industry, this phenomenon is known as head-tracking.
With the success of their first virtual party meetup, the founders have turned these interactions into a staple of their social VR community. Each week they host a weekly virtual campfire meetup for people to come and socialize about whatever is on their minds, with no specific agenda or topic. Every two weeks they host a developer talk, where they bring an expert to talk about a topic of high interest, which attracts many newcomers. ConVRge has a particular strategy to its race tactics: instead of allowing people to explore various worlds, they have focused on building one main interactive space. The space looks like a valley, trees scattered around the hill-tops with a large screen floating in the middle to allow all avatars to watch together.
Photo Inside ConVRge
In some sense, this single room philosophy is a different metaverse than what Neal Stephenson defined in Snow Crash, “an immersive virtual world so complex and convincing that it would seamlessly and intimately interconnect to the ‘real’ world”.
In contrast to ConVRge, JanusVR’s race strategy seems premised on facilitating user autonomy and innovation. Founder of JanusVR, James McCrae explains that “JanusVR is reimagining how we use and interact with the internet.” JanusVR is building “a virtual reality interface to the internet” in which “web pages are rooms, and links connect rooms via portals.” Moreover and unlike all other metaverse contenders who are building with Unity, JanusVR uses HTML and Javascript because it wants to be “the Firefox, IE and Chrome in this virtual internet story” explains Nukemarine, a JanusVR contributor, on Zapchain.
The antithesis of a walled garden, JanusVR’s decentralized approach is to be a hyper-open development platform, focused on empowering their users to easily build and create new 3D environments into what McCrae calls a “fertile creative ground”. The developer community naturally gravitates towards this flexible environment, as demonstrated on their highly active Reddit page. JanusVR contributors are also encouraged to use websites like VRSites, a VR hosting and development platform, or SceneVR, which is making VR apps with HTML and JS, to also plug into JanusVR. According to Nukemarine, JanusVR plans to sprint ahead of other metaverse front runners by allowing you to connect into any platform (even competitors’) from JanusVR, something that none of the others (currently) allow.
Photo Inside JanusVR
The third new runner in the metaverse race is VRChat. Their strategy is best characterized as a combination of particular features found in the other two already discussed. Founders Graham Gaylor and Jesse Joudrey are bullish on users creating their own virtual worlds; however, unlike JanusVR, they use Unity arguing that it produces the best look and feel. The user-generated locations are an array of unique experiences, ranging from lush floating islands to large theatres.
Gaylor told me that the current version of VRChat began about 8 months ago. However, they have big plans in the next couple weeks to revamp the overall design of the entire experience. Below is an image of what the current design looks like:
Photo Inside VRChat
In a recent interview on Voices of VR, Joudrey said that “Social VR is a feature, not a platform”, which is why they built a VRChat SDK with a set of Unity scripts to “help easily add social experiences to your VR experience.” They believe that in order to get everyone into the “metaverse”, they have to make a system that is easy to build for in a short amount of time. Currently, they are known for having many playful elements built by their users, including a hoverboard and their glowing orb interface, which allows a user to open up a portal to another location and invite the users in the current room to be teleported together to the next location. This glowing orb interface also appears in JanusVR in the form of portals. Ready Player One, much?
Like ConVRge, they host weekly meetups which they announce on Twitter and Reddit. Their most well-known weekly meetup is called “Gunter’s Universe”, which occurs in front of a “virtual studio audience” comprised primarily of VR developers.
Now I turn to AltspaceVR, the company that recently raised $10.3M, grand totaling to $15.5M and distinguishing it from the other three who have yet to (publicly) raise capital. AltspaceVR has been spurred ahead by cheerleaders in the media and a strong community of developers and enthusiasts. Known for their robot avatars with distinctively hued fronts (iconic as un-customized avatars), they’ve been more focused on creating shared experiences than the aesthetics of their avatars. A step the company is taking in that direction is testing collaborative game playing in virtual spaces — including chess and Dungeons and Dragons. Outside of games, they keep their events page stacked with upcoming social AltspaceVR gatherings, where you can schedule an event of your own or register to attend one with others on the platform.
AltspaceVR’s CEO, Eric Romo told RoadToVR that “AltspaceVR wants to enable the creation of VR experiences with the same ease of web development.” Unlike JanusVR and VRChat, however, they have not yet allowed for users to create their own worlds or avatars and upload them to AltspaceVR.
Photo Inside AltspaceVR
A greater leap is their new browser extension. Imagine you find exciting content on the web and want to experience it in VR. With a click of the AltspaceVR extension, you can access that webpage in AltspaceVR and share it immediately with your friends. It’s as simple as bookmarking a page, yet allows you to experience your favorite content in a whole other dimension.
The Takeaways
One comes from Eric Johnson’s interview with Palmer Luckey, quoting him saying that “the term ‘metaverse’ is a bit undefined. For any one company to say, ‘We are building the metaverse’ is pretty hyperbolic. Building all the pieces is going to be hard, and the way you imagine things in sci-fi doesn’t always translate over to the way things will be in the real world.”
Perhaps there is no end to this race or as Luckey describes, there might not be just “one” race, but many different tracks that may one day connect together. The one sure thing is that in order for these companies to keep running on any track, they need to build a strong community that will cheer them during the upcoming laps and spur them to move faster more strategically. Without a strong community, any social VR company will be left in the dust.
We’re in the early phase of innovation for not only social VR, but the entire VR industry. Their journey of treading through the unknown landscape of social VR, will impact not only the future of VR but will help define what the next version of the consumer Internet looks like. As we analyze this industry, we must all remember that VR is in its infancy; it’s similar to the state of the mobile industry 12 years ago when the PalmOne launched. | https://medium.com/@sophiaedm/the-fight-for-the-metaverse-part-ii-f68f91283a6d | ['Sophia Dominguez'] | 2015-08-05 01:39:41.363000+00:00 | ['Virtual Reality', 'Social Virtual Reality', 'Metaverse'] | Title Fight Metaverse Part IIContent “fight metaverse” actually le like battle finish like foot race competitor enjoyed different start time stagger mark Recall last post “The Fight Metaverse Part 1 characterized company engaged allout battle colonizing dominating metaverse — High Fidelity Second Life’s Project Sansar Surreal I’ve continued learn company better understood got race earlier enjoy varied head start additional competitor race newbie include ConVRge JanusVR VRChat AltspaceVR catch take greater speed also agile scrappier determined Perhaps change course race Marks Get Set GO ConVRge founder Shawn Whiting Hayden Lee began developing ConVRge’s current interface 6 month ago Unity development platform used create 3D 2D game interactive experience threw first event virtual dance party People world entered ConVRge floating head version avatar identified username quickly realized didn’t matter person’s head icon moon someone’s realistic looking face animation People loved interaction platform moved head real life look someone something movement mirrored virtual reality world VR industry phenomenon known headtracking success first virtual party meetup founder turned interaction staple social VR community week host weekly virtual campfire meetup people come socialize whatever mind specific agenda topic Every two week host developer talk bring expert talk topic high interest attracts many newcomer ConVRge particular strategy race tactic instead allowing people explore various world focused building one main interactive space space look like valley tree scattered around hilltop large screen floating middle allow avatar watch together Photo Inside ConVRge sense single room philosophy different metaverse Neal Stephenson defined Snow Crash “an immersive virtual world complex convincing would seamlessly intimately interconnect ‘real’ world” contrast ConVRge JanusVR’s race strategy seems premised facilitating user autonomy innovation Founder JanusVR James McCrae explains “JanusVR reimagining use interact internet” JanusVR building “a virtual reality interface internet” “web page room link connect room via portals” Moreover unlike metaverse contender building Unity JanusVR us HTML Javascript want “the Firefox IE Chrome virtual internet story” explains Nukemarine JanusVR contributor Zapchain antithesis walled garden JanusVR’s decentralized approach hyperopen development platform focused empowering user easily build create new 3D environment McCrae call “fertile creative ground” developer community naturally gravitates towards flexible environment demonstrated highly active Reddit page JanusVR contributor also encouraged use website like VRSites VR hosting development platform SceneVR making VR apps HTML JS also plug JanusVR According Nukemarine JanusVR plan sprint ahead metaverse front runner allowing connect platform even competitors’ JanusVR something none others currently allow Photo Inside JanusVR third new runner metaverse race VRChat strategy best characterized combination particular feature found two already discussed Founders Graham Gaylor Jesse Joudrey bullish user creating virtual world however unlike JanusVR use Unity arguing produce best look feel usergenerated location array unique experience ranging lush floating island large theatre Gaylor told current version VRChat began 8 month ago However big plan next couple week revamp overall design entire experience image current design look like Photo Inside VRChat recent interview Voices VR Joudrey said “Social VR feature platform” built VRChat SDK set Unity script “help easily add social experience VR experience” believe order get everyone “metaverse” make system easy build short amount time Currently known many playful element built user including hoverboard glowing orb interface allows user open portal another location invite user current room teleported together next location glowing orb interface also appears JanusVR form portal Ready Player One much Like ConVRge host weekly meetups announce Twitter Reddit wellknown weekly meetup called “Gunter’s Universe” occurs front “virtual studio audience” comprised primarily VR developer turn AltspaceVR company recently raised 103M grand totaling 155M distinguishing three yet publicly raise capital AltspaceVR spurred ahead cheerleader medium strong community developer enthusiast Known robot avatar distinctively hued front iconic uncustomized avatar they’ve focused creating shared experience aesthetic avatar step company taking direction testing collaborative game playing virtual space — including chess Dungeons Dragons Outside game keep event page stacked upcoming social AltspaceVR gathering schedule event register attend one others platform AltspaceVR’s CEO Eric Romo told RoadToVR “AltspaceVR want enable creation VR experience ease web development” Unlike JanusVR VRChat however yet allowed user create world avatar upload AltspaceVR Photo Inside AltspaceVR greater leap new browser extension Imagine find exciting content web want experience VR click AltspaceVR extension access webpage AltspaceVR share immediately friend It’s simple bookmarking page yet allows experience favorite content whole dimension Takeaways One come Eric Johnson’s interview Palmer Luckey quoting saying “the term ‘metaverse’ bit undefined one company say ‘We building metaverse’ pretty hyperbolic Building piece going hard way imagine thing scifi doesn’t always translate way thing real world” Perhaps end race Luckey describes might “one” race many different track may one day connect together one sure thing order company keep running track need build strong community cheer upcoming lap spur move faster strategically Without strong community social VR company left dust We’re early phase innovation social VR entire VR industry journey treading unknown landscape social VR impact future VR help define next version consumer Internet look like analyze industry must remember VR infancy it’s similar state mobile industry 12 year ago PalmOne launchedTags Virtual Reality Social Virtual Reality Metaverse |
190,852 | Is the #metaverse just around the corner? | ‘SEATTLE — Philip Rosedale wants to build the Metaverse, the virtual reality experience depicted in the Neal Stephenson’s 1992 novel Snow Crash so many years ago. His first-generation attempt to do so was Second Life, the virtual world created by his former company Linden Lab…’
This article in Quartz sparked my interest because I actually tried Second Life, twice. The first time was some years ago when it was at the peak of its ‘buzz’. The second time was only last year. Both times were a disappointment, but perhaps that’s because I was evaluating the experience from the viewpoint of a gamer. To me, the Second Life graphics were ugly and clunky, the movement was clunky, the ‘crafting’ was ‘too hard’, and the whole thing just felt second best instead of immersive. But I did like the idea behind the experience — i.e. to be able to do in a virtual world everything you could do in the real one [shades of Innerscape, anyone?].
Sadly, I suspect Rosedale’s implementation of a metaverse will be just as clunky as the implementation of Second Life. But again, that’s not to say that someone won’t get it right.
Will that be within the next 20 years?
Honestly, I don’t think so. Technology takes leaps and bounds, and breaks out in unexpected areas — think mobile phone vs computer — but there is a world of difference between being able to produce an alpha grade prototype and creating the kind of technology that is as commonplace as the light switch. Yet that is what we will need if we are to stitch together the whole digital world into a metaverse.
Negatives aside, however, good on Rosedale for thinking big. You can find the complete Quartz article here:
cheers
Meeks | https://medium.com/tikh-tokh/is-the-metaverse-just-around-the-corner-45f36fb734c7 | ['A.C. Flory'] | 2018-03-06 02:37:55.922000+00:00 | ['Reviews', 'Technology', 'Metaverse'] | Title metaverse around cornerContent ‘SEATTLE — Philip Rosedale want build Metaverse virtual reality experience depicted Neal Stephenson’s 1992 novel Snow Crash many year ago firstgeneration attempt Second Life virtual world created former company Linden Lab…’ article Quartz sparked interest actually tried Second Life twice first time year ago peak ‘buzz’ second time last year time disappointment perhaps that’s evaluating experience viewpoint gamer Second Life graphic ugly clunky movement clunky ‘crafting’ ‘too hard’ whole thing felt second best instead immersive like idea behind experience — ie able virtual world everything could real one shade Innerscape anyone Sadly suspect Rosedale’s implementation metaverse clunky implementation Second Life that’s say someone won’t get right within next 20 year Honestly don’t think Technology take leap bound break unexpected area — think mobile phone v computer — world difference able produce alpha grade prototype creating kind technology commonplace light switch Yet need stitch together whole digital world metaverse Negatives aside however good Rosedale thinking big find complete Quartz article cheer MeeksTags Reviews Technology Metaverse |
190,853 | Exploring the Metaverse | Exploring the Metaverse
XR Reseach and Discovery
AR Cloud
Article
What is the most important point?
By far, the ability to visually explore all data about anything in any given real-world scene.
What are you finding challenging, puzzling or difficult to understand?
Thinking of storage and computing power needed to make the whole technology operate is mind-boggling.
What question would you most like to discuss?
What is the estimated amount of data storage required to power a functional AR Cloud, even at the most minimal level?
What is something you found interesting?
The mention of the final AR Cloud being compared with an MMO was a scary thought. More specifically, it’s worrying that we’re extremely close to a point where VR/AR will become indistinguishable from real reality.
Magicverse
Article
What is the most important point?
The fact that magic leap the putting the communities respect and privacy first. The exploitation happing to all of society is planned to be eliminated in their world.
Companies and service providers with scaled, legacy business models built on being data-centric or direct monetization of user data will not be able to deliver on the promise of respect that the cititzens of Magicverse require and deserve
What question would you most like to discuss?
Magic Leap’s approach to openness and honesty. The choice to be upfront and transparent is very important, and they’re the first company I’ve seen come forward with an approach such as this.
What is something you found interesting?
The idea that a place can be something greater than itself.
spatial computing can amplify the reach, presence, and economic strength of a physical place well beyond its limited physical geography.
Mirrorworld
Article
What is the most important point?
That robots, or digital objects functioning in the real world, are already completely immersed and viewing everything from the perspective of the Mirrorworld.
What question would you most like to discuss?
There are lots of discussions about being able to create “digital ghosts,” or “copies” of complex machinery to be able to run tests, and what not on them. Once this is achievable, in conjunction will real-time mapping and the help of future tech, uncover answers to unknown questions of the coming future, but also questions of the past.
What is something you found interesting?
That we need to utilize old technologies(cameras) to build the latest technologies, such as Mirrorworld.
Cyberverse
Article
What is the most important point?
Out of all the given articles on the topic, Cyberverse appears to have an already functioning technology but exclusively on Huawei phones.
What are you finding challenging, puzzling or difficult to understand?
A company, seemingly out of nowhere can develop competitive, state of the art spacial computing technologies.
Planet-scale
Link
What is the most important point?
Niantic has a headstart over others due to the overwhelming success of Pokemon Go.
What is something you found interesting?
That Niantic chooses to focus exclusively on the gaming market.
Spatial Computing
Link | https://medium.com/@chadohl/exploring-the-metaverse-8be0bf06e1c0 | ['Chad Ohl'] | 2019-10-21 02:57:43.846000+00:00 | ['Virtual Reality', 'VR', 'Metaverse'] | Title Exploring MetaverseContent Exploring Metaverse XR Reseach Discovery AR Cloud Article important point far ability visually explore data anything given realworld scene finding challenging puzzling difficult understand Thinking storage computing power needed make whole technology operate mindboggling question would like discus estimated amount data storage required power functional AR Cloud even minimal level something found interesting mention final AR Cloud compared MMO scary thought specifically it’s worrying we’re extremely close point VRAR become indistinguishable real reality Magicverse Article important point fact magic leap putting community respect privacy first exploitation happing society planned eliminated world Companies service provider scaled legacy business model built datacentric direct monetization user data able deliver promise respect cititzens Magicverse require deserve question would like discus Magic Leap’s approach openness honesty choice upfront transparent important they’re first company I’ve seen come forward approach something found interesting idea place something greater spatial computing amplify reach presence economic strength physical place well beyond limited physical geography Mirrorworld Article important point robot digital object functioning real world already completely immersed viewing everything perspective Mirrorworld question would like discus lot discussion able create “digital ghosts” “copies” complex machinery able run test achievable conjunction realtime mapping help future tech uncover answer unknown question coming future also question past something found interesting need utilize old technologiescameras build latest technology Mirrorworld Cyberverse Article important point given article topic Cyberverse appears already functioning technology exclusively Huawei phone finding challenging puzzling difficult understand company seemingly nowhere develop competitive state art spacial computing technology Planetscale Link important point Niantic headstart others due overwhelming success Pokemon Go something found interesting Niantic chooses focus exclusively gaming market Spatial Computing LinkTags Virtual Reality VR Metaverse |
190,854 | Deliveries by Drone: What will it be like? | As most of you know, Amazon is getting closer to delivering your packages via drone. I’m sure everyone is wondering what it will actually be like. Will you have to stand outside when the drone arrives? Will the drone know that your dog is in the yard…and avoid it? How quickly will the drone deliver your much needed baby formula at 3 AM when your baby is crying? Well this new video Amazon just released shows how quick and easy the drone delivery system might be.
Some might question the drone landing area issue that comes with city living. What happens if you live in an apartment building with 30 units and you don’t have a yard? What if you live in a home that has a lot of power lines surrounding it? What if you live near an airport? These are the questions that will need to be answered in order for Amazon to truly live up to the fullest vision of drone deliveries.
First things first, we need at least one public drone delivery to happen with Amazon in order for this futuristic method of couriers to come to fruition. I’m curious to see what millions of drone deliveries happening simultaneously will look like. There obviously will be some sort of software handling drone traffic and safety. And of course there will be the bad apples who take to target practice from their back yards (to win a prize). Even then, I’m sure Amazon will have something in place to prepare for people shooting down their drones to get whatever package it’s carrying.
Obviously, the drones will need to be able to see their surroundings (and avoid obstacles). They will follow a chosen flight path, but I think pilots will be flying them. We are a long way from automated drones dropping off packages. As for actually dropping off the packages, the drones will need some room. This means homes with back or front yards will be first in line to receive the service. Either way, imagine you need an important item within 30 minutes and you just don’t have time to go to the store. This is what the drones will offer. A “Netflix-style” on-demand product delivery service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For now we have the video Amazon released to show their vision for the future in drone deliveries. Let’s hope it goes as smooth as it seems. | https://medium.com/@jasonsherman/deliveries-by-drone-what-will-it-be-like-ede5285ecc09 | ['Jason Sherman'] | 2016-11-25 17:29:57.839000+00:00 | ['Area 51', 'Drones', 'Featured', 'Gadgets', 'Tech'] | Title Deliveries Drone likeContent know Amazon getting closer delivering package via drone I’m sure everyone wondering actually like stand outside drone arrives drone know dog yard…and avoid quickly drone deliver much needed baby formula 3 baby cry Well new video Amazon released show quick easy drone delivery system might might question drone landing area issue come city living happens live apartment building 30 unit don’t yard live home lot power line surrounding live near airport question need answered order Amazon truly live fullest vision drone delivery First thing first need least one public drone delivery happen Amazon order futuristic method courier come fruition I’m curious see million drone delivery happening simultaneously look like obviously sort software handling drone traffic safety course bad apple take target practice back yard win prize Even I’m sure Amazon something place prepare people shooting drone get whatever package it’s carrying Obviously drone need able see surroundings avoid obstacle follow chosen flight path think pilot flying long way automated drone dropping package actually dropping package drone need room mean home back front yard first line receive service Either way imagine need important item within 30 minute don’t time go store drone offer “Netflixstyle” ondemand product delivery service 24 hour day 7 day week video Amazon released show vision future drone delivery Let’s hope go smooth seemsTags Area 51 Drones Featured Gadgets Tech |
190,855 | Featured Fem | Meet Maddie Christie | Fem: Who was the poet who inspired you to start writing?
Maddie Christie: Elisabeth Hewer (http://elisabethhewer.tumblr.com). I came across her poem ‘obituary for the princess who forgot to be a fairytale’ and I fell in love with her words; I wanted to create the same feeling in other people as she did in me. I’d always considered myself a writer but never really thought of poetry as an option for myself until reading that poem. I started exposing myself to other female poets, such as Clementine Von Radics, Margaret Atwood, Sylvia Plath and I grew surer each day that I should be writing poetry.
F: You describe your genre of choice as alt-lit poetry. How does alt-lit poetry differ from conventional or traditional poetry?
MC: I think in terms of the poems themselves, alt-lit has a tendency to flout the rules of syntax; you can read a line in a poem and think ‘that doesn’t make sense’ but it does and it works. I used to write conventional poetry, a mimicry of other online poets I liked, which were often personal stories, recounted in simplistic language with imagery as the focus, but I think it can grow tiring after a while. I found alt-lit style poetry takes risks; it doesn’t have a clear meaning oftentimes, but that’s half of the appeal. Also, it’s often really interesting structurally because it’s shared on the internet.
F: Why are you particularly interested in writing about the millennial generation?
MC: Millennials are interesting to me because they’re in between; they don’t quite fit into this world. A lot is expected of them and then often not acknowledged. There’s been a huge transition, especially technologically, from when we were children and we’ve had to learn to adapt. We grew up with change and now we want it in the rest of the world.
There can also be this tendency among older generations to view as us privileged and spoiled, simply because we haven’t grown up with the threat of recession or World Wars but don’t acknowledge our voices or the struggles we face, simply because they might be less obvious.
F: You self-identify as bisexual and mentally ill. How do you utilize your poetry as a means to advocate for marginalized groups?
MC: I largely use my poetry as a way to bridge the gap between myself and other people who feel the same way but might not realise. I often just want to do something as illuminate the experiences that queer and mentally ill women face, especially where they intersect: how alienating it can feel to be a part of these marginalised groups, how it can feel like the world’s not meant to you. Hopefully, to those who share my experiences, they can identify themselves in my works & know there are things out them specifically for them.
F: One of your primary topics is anxiety. Do you draw on personal experience?
MC: Absolutely; I’ve had a lot of anxiety in my late teens and I’m often quite focused on my experiences with it, how it changes my perception of the world. One of the most regular things I experience with anxiety is not being able to breathe. You can’t do anything if you can’t breathe. You can’t talk, you can’t move, so a lot of my poetry comes back to this, in a desperate, grasping sort of manner.
F: Do you think that there is a connection between language and stigma for marginalized identities?
MC: Completely. I think I have a slight tendency to notice these things, simply because I study language and surround myself with language as much as possible.
You’ll often hear it in casual conversation something like “The weather is so bipolar today” and it really, really gets to me. It shows ignorance; it reduces how serious the mental illness is. Bipolar is more than just a shift from up to down, it’s a serious & debilitating mental disorder. That’s not even taking into account the negative connotations the word “psychotic” has grown to have. It means “someone who experiences psychosis” not “someone who is evil”
The same thing happens with queer sexualities; the amount of times I’ve heard someone using the term “gay” to denote something negative and when I’ve asked them to stop using it, they continue using it. They don’t see the damage it can cause because they aren’t the ones being damaged by it.
F: How can we go about using poetry as protest to call attention to struggle and injustice?
MC: Poetry can be used as another medium to spread information, something that might catch someone’s eyes. Some of the things I’ve read that have informed me most about the struggles that other people suffer from in the world, things I couldn’t possibly ever experience myself, have been poetry. Because of the nature of poetry, often it’s incredibly powerful and will strike close to home. I think the most important thing is supporting the voices of those who have suffered from injustice. Then, other people can hear them, other people can spread their own stories and hopefully, soon, a call for change will come.
— — — — — —
Madeleine Christie is 19 & lives in New Zealand, but has a yearning to see the bottom of the ocean. Currently studying classics & linguistics, she excels in loving other people’s words & is trying to do the same with her own. Her poems have previously appeared in Germ Magazine & the Rising Phoenix Review. More of her work can be found at http://vespairs.tumblr.com | https://medium.com/the-fem-lit-mag/featured-fem-meet-maddie-christie-ece259c1958c | ['The Fem Lit Mag'] | 2016-10-28 16:35:12.214000+00:00 | ['Blog', 'Featured Writers', 'Featured', 'Interview'] | Title Featured Fem Meet Maddie ChristieContent Fem poet inspired start writing Maddie Christie Elisabeth Hewer httpelisabethhewertumblrcom came across poem ‘obituary princess forgot fairytale’ fell love word wanted create feeling people I’d always considered writer never really thought poetry option reading poem started exposing female poet Clementine Von Radics Margaret Atwood Sylvia Plath grew surer day writing poetry F describe genre choice altlit poetry altlit poetry differ conventional traditional poetry MC think term poem altlit tendency flout rule syntax read line poem think ‘that doesn’t make sense’ work used write conventional poetry mimicry online poet liked often personal story recounted simplistic language imagery focus think grow tiring found altlit style poetry take risk doesn’t clear meaning oftentimes that’s half appeal Also it’s often really interesting structurally it’s shared internet F particularly interested writing millennial generation MC Millennials interesting they’re don’t quite fit world lot expected often acknowledged There’s huge transition especially technologically child we’ve learn adapt grew change want rest world also tendency among older generation view u privileged spoiled simply haven’t grown threat recession World Wars don’t acknowledge voice struggle face simply might le obvious F selfidentify bisexual mentally ill utilize poetry mean advocate marginalized group MC largely use poetry way bridge gap people feel way might realise often want something illuminate experience queer mentally ill woman face especially intersect alienating feel part marginalised group feel like world’s meant Hopefully share experience identify work know thing specifically F One primary topic anxiety draw personal experience MC Absolutely I’ve lot anxiety late teen I’m often quite focused experience change perception world One regular thing experience anxiety able breathe can’t anything can’t breathe can’t talk can’t move lot poetry come back desperate grasping sort manner F think connection language stigma marginalized identity MC Completely think slight tendency notice thing simply study language surround language much possible You’ll often hear casual conversation something like “The weather bipolar today” really really get show ignorance reduces serious mental illness Bipolar shift it’s serious debilitating mental disorder That’s even taking account negative connotation word “psychotic” grown mean “someone experience psychosis” “someone evil” thing happens queer sexuality amount time I’ve heard someone using term “gay” denote something negative I’ve asked stop using continue using don’t see damage cause aren’t one damaged F go using poetry protest call attention struggle injustice MC Poetry used another medium spread information something might catch someone’s eye thing I’ve read informed struggle people suffer world thing couldn’t possibly ever experience poetry nature poetry often it’s incredibly powerful strike close home think important thing supporting voice suffered injustice people hear people spread story hopefully soon call change come — — — — — — Madeleine Christie 19 life New Zealand yearning see bottom ocean Currently studying classic linguistics excels loving people’s word trying poem previously appeared Germ Magazine Rising Phoenix Review work found httpvespairstumblrcomTags Blog Featured Writers Featured Interview |
190,856 | Twitch is now TSM and Cloud9’s exclusive sponsorship sales representative | Twitch is now TSM and Cloud9’s exclusive sponsorship sales representative
The streaming company hopes to bring more revenue to esports organizations and players.
Twitch is turning its considerable revenue machine to esports organizations and players.
Long-standing North American brands TSM and Cloud9 are the first organizations to partner with the platform, the company announced today. Twitch will now “act as their official sales representative to interested brands looking to reach their combined audience” (that’s either TSM or Cloud9 and Twitch, not TSM and Cloud9 together), with TSM and Cloud9’s players continuing to stream exclusively on Twitch.
“Both teams are unique, so we’ll structure their agreements with sponsors accordingly,” Twitch’s VP and Commercial Director for Esports, Kristen Salvatore, told Dot Esports.
The streaming giant is hoping to attract new non-endemic sponsors into the esports and streamer world by acting as the exclusive sponsorship sales representative for major esports organizations.
The partnership comes just a few months after TSM CEO and Founder Andy “Reginald” Dinh sparked a global conversation about revenue generation in esports. Reginald called out Riot Games and its popular title League of Legends in an interview and on Twitter, saying that the revenue ecosystem made it almost impossible to stay in League due to the costs of maintaining a team amid dwindling sponsorship opportunities. This led Riot to introduce crowdfunding via in-game items for the first time during its recent World Championship, with a percentage of the item revenue going directly to organizations and teams. This crowdfunding initiative more than doubled the Worlds prize pool this year, from the Riot-funded $2.13 million to $5.07 million.
“We’re thrilled Twitch will be representing TSM for future sponsorships,” Reginald said in a statement. “This will allow us to focus on developing long-term careers for our players and creating content for our fans.”
Since it was bought by Amazon in 2014, Twitch has rapidly expanded both its staff and its user base. The site currently brings in over 9.7 million daily active users. The streaming site partnered with Psyonix earlier this year for the Rocket League Championship Series, and has been involved in the Capcom Pro Tour for some time — the company’s first direct foray into the esports market.
“Twitch’s global sales team is nearly 100 people strong, with offices literally around the globe,” Salvatore told Dot Esports. “We’ve built a robust sponsorship sales organization within that team who’ll be leveraging the infrastructure and reach of our group as a whole on the direct sales side. And we’ve built a sponsorship operations group devoted entirely to the tactical execution of sponsorships, ensuring top-notch service to both sponsors and our teams.”
Twitch did not say how this partnership will affect TSM and Cloud9’s existing sponsorship deals, if at all. | https://medium.com/@saira_mueller/twitch-is-now-tsm-and-cloud9s-exclusive-sponsorship-sales-representative-1f6757371989 | ['Saira Mueller'] | 2016-11-18 22:29:34.831000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Twitch'] | Title Twitch TSM Cloud9’s exclusive sponsorship sale representativeContent Twitch TSM Cloud9’s exclusive sponsorship sale representative streaming company hope bring revenue esports organization player Twitch turning considerable revenue machine esports organization player Longstanding North American brand TSM Cloud9 first organization partner platform company announced today Twitch “act official sale representative interested brand looking reach combined audience” that’s either TSM Cloud9 Twitch TSM Cloud9 together TSM Cloud9’s player continuing stream exclusively Twitch “Both team unique we’ll structure agreement sponsor accordingly” Twitch’s VP Commercial Director Esports Kristen Salvatore told Dot Esports streaming giant hoping attract new nonendemic sponsor esports streamer world acting exclusive sponsorship sale representative major esports organization partnership come month TSM CEO Founder Andy “Reginald” Dinh sparked global conversation revenue generation esports Reginald called Riot Games popular title League Legends interview Twitter saying revenue ecosystem made almost impossible stay League due cost maintaining team amid dwindling sponsorship opportunity led Riot introduce crowdfunding via ingame item first time recent World Championship percentage item revenue going directly organization team crowdfunding initiative doubled Worlds prize pool year Riotfunded 213 million 507 million “We’re thrilled Twitch representing TSM future sponsorships” Reginald said statement “This allow u focus developing longterm career player creating content fans” Since bought Amazon 2014 Twitch rapidly expanded staff user base site currently brings 97 million daily active user streaming site partnered Psyonix earlier year Rocket League Championship Series involved Capcom Pro Tour time — company’s first direct foray esports market “Twitch’s global sale team nearly 100 people strong office literally around globe” Salvatore told Dot Esports “We’ve built robust sponsorship sale organization within team who’ll leveraging infrastructure reach group whole direct sale side we’ve built sponsorship operation group devoted entirely tactical execution sponsorship ensuring topnotch service sponsor teams” Twitch say partnership affect TSM Cloud9’s existing sponsorship deal allTags Esports Gaming Twitch |
190,857 | Mr. Naps is the Tekken 7 North American King of the Iron Fist | Last year, Jimmy “Mr. Naps” Tran made an early exit at the Tekken 7 global final. On Wednesday, he earned an opportunity to make amends.
Mr. Naps took top honors at the King of the Iron Fist North American Finals in San Francisco. He earned $10,000 for his victory as well as, for the second year in a row, a qualifying spot in the global King of the Iron Fist Final in Japan.
Hua “Anakin” Luu finished in second place while Tray “Princess Ling” Sherman finished third. The two men earned $4,000 and $3,000 for their efforts, respectively. Both players also qualified for next month’s global final.
Mr. Naps secured the title with a pair of victories over Anakin; a hard-fought 3–1 victory in the winners’ final and a surprisingly-dominant 3–0 win in the grand final. The game Mr. Naps dropped to Anakin in the winners’ final was the only one he lost throughout the top-eight bracket.
The sight of Anakin losing a King of the Iron Fist event has been a rare one this year. Anakin earned a spot in Wednesday’s final back at Final Round — his hometown tournament — in March. He went on to win four more qualifying events: Combo Breaker, CEO, and Wizard World events in Columbus and Pittsburgh. Anakin put his spot in Wednesday’s final on the line at each event, as players who won a qualifying event could not enter another without first forfeiting their spot in the finals.
By contrast, Mr. Naps won his spot in the final with a victory at the Northwest Majors in April and held on to it all year. But with a victory at last year’s North American King of the Iron Fist West Coast qualifier and his status as the only American player to finish among the top eight at Evo 2015, there is no shortage of highlights on his resume.
Mr. Naps will hope for a more favorable draw at this year’s final. Only one player from each group advanced to the final eight, and eventual champion Nakayama “Nobi” Daichi was in Mr. Naps’ group last year.
As dominant as he was during the final bracket, Mr. Naps’ run to the title nearly didn’t happen.
The first stage of Sunday’s event featured four five-player groups, with the top two players in each group advancing to the final bracket. Mr. Naps finished Group C play with a 3–1 record, as did Michael “MYK” Kwon and Stephen “Speedkicks” Stafford. The tie could not be broken by head-to-head record as Mr. Naps defeated Speedkicks, Speedkicks defeated MYK, and MYK defeated Mr. Naps.
The three had to play in a unique arcade-style tiebreaker where the first player to beat both opponents consecutively would advance. MYK won the opening game against Mr. Naps but fell to Speedkicks, giving Mr. Naps another chance. The eventual champion took full advantage, beating Speedkicks and MYK to secure his spot in the final bracket.
Speedkicks then defeated MYK in a second tiebreaker match to determine the group’s second qualifier. He eventually tied for fifth place.
The three American players will compete against qualifiers from Japan, as well as winners of other King of the Iron Fist tours in Scandinavia, mainland Europe, and South East Asia. Evo finalists Choi “Saint” Jin-Woo and Bae “Knee” Jae-Min, both of Korea, have also qualified for the global final. | https://medium.com/@stevejurekaceking/mr-naps-is-the-tekken-7-north-american-king-of-the-iron-fist-e8023ca7148d | ['Steve Jurek'] | 2016-11-10 19:26:42.449000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Tekken', 'Fgc'] | Title Mr Naps Tekken 7 North American King Iron FistContent Last year Jimmy “Mr Naps” Tran made early exit Tekken 7 global final Wednesday earned opportunity make amends Mr Naps took top honor King Iron Fist North American Finals San Francisco earned 10000 victory well second year row qualifying spot global King Iron Fist Final Japan Hua “Anakin” Luu finished second place Tray “Princess Ling” Sherman finished third two men earned 4000 3000 effort respectively player also qualified next month’s global final Mr Naps secured title pair victory Anakin hardfought 3–1 victory winners’ final surprisinglydominant 3–0 win grand final game Mr Naps dropped Anakin winners’ final one lost throughout topeight bracket sight Anakin losing King Iron Fist event rare one year Anakin earned spot Wednesday’s final back Final Round — hometown tournament — March went win four qualifying event Combo Breaker CEO Wizard World event Columbus Pittsburgh Anakin put spot Wednesday’s final line event player qualifying event could enter another without first forfeiting spot final contrast Mr Naps spot final victory Northwest Majors April held year victory last year’s North American King Iron Fist West Coast qualifier status American player finish among top eight Evo 2015 shortage highlight resume Mr Naps hope favorable draw year’s final one player group advanced final eight eventual champion Nakayama “Nobi” Daichi Mr Naps’ group last year dominant final bracket Mr Naps’ run title nearly didn’t happen first stage Sunday’s event featured four fiveplayer group top two player group advancing final bracket Mr Naps finished Group C play 3–1 record Michael “MYK” Kwon Stephen “Speedkicks” Stafford tie could broken headtohead record Mr Naps defeated Speedkicks Speedkicks defeated MYK MYK defeated Mr Naps three play unique arcadestyle tiebreaker first player beat opponent consecutively would advance MYK opening game Mr Naps fell Speedkicks giving Mr Naps another chance eventual champion took full advantage beating Speedkicks MYK secure spot final bracket Speedkicks defeated MYK second tiebreaker match determine group’s second qualifier eventually tied fifth place three American player compete qualifier Japan well winner King Iron Fist tour Scandinavia mainland Europe South East Asia Evo finalist Choi “Saint” JinWoo Bae “Knee” JaeMin Korea also qualified global finalTags Esports Tekken Fgc |
190,858 | Roger Huguet — Sports Rights Sales | Roger Huguet — Sports Rights Sales
Roger Huguet was a part of the New York office at the International Management Group, where he helped focus on sponsorship and television sports rights sales when dealing with the Copa America Tournament and the different South American leagues. Just like others in the media, IMG was trying to establish a place in the market and television broadcasting rights for sports events, which is an area that is profitable for both broadcasters and sports leagues.
Television broadcasting is vital for many professional sports, as it is a source of revenue. Therefore, in high-income places, the amount of revenue that goes from television broadcasting to major sports is only going up over the recent years. In fact, European football has seen a tremendous amount of growth in the last decade.
Besides the fact the TV broadcasting can be lucrative, some sports leagues are still skeptical about television. This is due to the fact that broadcasting will change the way fans are exposed to the sports, impacting both interest and attendance. This is because of the overexposure of TV broadcasting, coupled with the reservations from government officials it brings up a lot of issues. There are some reservations about sports rights sales — if should be allowed to be given to a single entity or if they should sell the rights at all.
As such, many sport leagues across the world are using different policies to govern the sale of sports rights or broadcast rights and how revenues are eventually distributed. Roger Huguet knows that it is important to understand the market to be successful with sports rights sales. | https://medium.com/@rogerhuguet/roger-huguet-sports-rights-sales-a62d3313c987 | ['Roger Huguet'] | 2016-10-26 04:05:14.349000+00:00 | ['Sports', 'Esports'] | Title Roger Huguet — Sports Rights SalesContent Roger Huguet — Sports Rights Sales Roger Huguet part New York office International Management Group helped focus sponsorship television sport right sale dealing Copa America Tournament different South American league like others medium IMG trying establish place market television broadcasting right sport event area profitable broadcaster sport league Television broadcasting vital many professional sport source revenue Therefore highincome place amount revenue go television broadcasting major sport going recent year fact European football seen tremendous amount growth last decade Besides fact TV broadcasting lucrative sport league still skeptical television due fact broadcasting change way fan exposed sport impacting interest attendance overexposure TV broadcasting coupled reservation government official brings lot issue reservation sport right sale — allowed given single entity sell right many sport league across world using different policy govern sale sport right broadcast right revenue eventually distributed Roger Huguet know important understand market successful sport right salesTags Sports Esports |
190,859 | Snickers Goes After The eSports Audience By Sponsoring ELeague | Snickers Goes After The eSports Audience By Sponsoring ELeague
What Happened
Snickers is going after the young, male Millennials that make up a large part of the eSports audience as the chocolate bar-maker signs on to sponsor ELeague, the professional eSports league co-owned by Turner Broadcasting and talent agency WME/IMG. As a sponsor, Snickers will run ad spots during the broadcast of season two of ELeague on TBS, sponsor a live pre-game show, and name a post-game bloopers segment after its campaign slogan “You’re Not You When You Are Hungry.” Earlier this year, ELeague struck a deal to live stream its content on Twitch to reach a wider audience online.
What Brands Should Do
Over the past few years, eSports has grown from a nerdy niche into a media platform that attracts a massive audience and generates billions of dollars. The first season of ELeague brought in a huge audience that no brand should ignore, and Snickers is smart to sponsor the series to reach its target audience. Previously, early-adopting brands such as Coca-Cola and Geico have been sponsoring eSports events to reach its young, male-skewing audience who typically shun traditional ads. Therefore, now is the time for brands to include video game streaming and eSports as part of the media strategy via relevant sponsorships. | https://medium.com/@richardyaoipg/snickers-goes-after-the-esports-audience-by-sponsoring-eleague-ce87ae651a12 | ['Richard Yao'] | 2017-06-14 22:01:31.060000+00:00 | ['General Content', 'Esports'] | Title Snickers Goes eSports Audience Sponsoring ELeagueContent Snickers Goes eSports Audience Sponsoring ELeague Happened Snickers going young male Millennials make large part eSports audience chocolate barmaker sign sponsor ELeague professional eSports league coowned Turner Broadcasting talent agency WMEIMG sponsor Snickers run ad spot broadcast season two ELeague TBS sponsor live pregame show name postgame blooper segment campaign slogan “You’re Hungry” Earlier year ELeague struck deal live stream content Twitch reach wider audience online Brands past year eSports grown nerdy niche medium platform attracts massive audience generates billion dollar first season ELeague brought huge audience brand ignore Snickers smart sponsor series reach target audience Previously earlyadopting brand CocaCola Geico sponsoring eSports event reach young maleskewing audience typically shun traditional ad Therefore time brand include video game streaming eSports part medium strategy via relevant sponsorshipsTags General Content Esports |
190,860 | ROX vs. EDG Analytical Breakdown | Game 1
In game one, ROX looks to pick a poke heavy comp with Jayce, Caitlyn and Zyra while EDG looked to teamfight with Rumble and Ryze. ROX will look to exploit the top lane match-up because Koro1 has not played since spring and Smeb is arguably the best player in the world. Early aggression mid lane from Scout puts the lane in an awkward position for both laners but with no mana Scout must back giving Kuro the advantage in lane. ROX have early cs leads in mid and top with their strong laners while bot lane is even.
The game suddenly erupts as Peanut visits top lane to get first blood on Koro1 while Clearlove and Scout show up bottom lane. EDG dive deep and give one kill to Pray but end up killing off the ROX bottom lane. Kuro roams in late and picks up a kill on Meiko though he could have gotten more. Back in top lane, Smeb and Peanut wait for Koro1, killing him again although Peanut dies as well. ROX take advantage of Smeb winning over Koro1 and take the first turret down top.
ROX also starts up the first Mountain Drake and eventually secure the objective. Koro1 teleports in the river and EDG attempt to engage a fight. Though they get a summoner spell advantage, no one is killed and ROX walk away unscathed. Kuro roams top to help Smeb get another kill on Koro1, really punishing the substitute top laner.
EDG look to set up a fight bottom thinking they had the man advantage but Smeb waits in the bush and surprises EDG. The fight ended up in all ten champions present and ROX get a kill on Koro1. The fight does not stop there as they get the bottom turret and push in for two more kills. After the extended teamfight, ROX end up with three kills and two turrets in the bot lane.
ROX continued to push their advantage and take more objectives off of the map. Smeb has had a presence all over the map threatening kills. But ROX make a mistake as Kuro and Smeb commit too hard for a kill on to Scout and give up a kill to Deft. ROX recovered quickly and got three kills top and rotated to the Baron.
ROX used their Baron to push down turrets and Koro1 was unlucky again to not secure a kill and died. ROX had full control of the game and it did not look they could lose in the position they were in. ROX finish the game easily and got a commanding win in game one.
Game 2
Both teams targeted the jungle champion pool in game two, removing four different junglers. with ROX picking up Lee Sin, this forced Clearlove to play Hecarim. ROX also make a questionable pick with a Maokai top into a Kennen. Koro1 should be able to win his lane this time around. Other than that, ROX picked the same composition as last time.
Clealove ganked mid early and was able to blow both of Kuro’s summoners almost securing a kill. Peanut moved down botside and attempted to kill Deft. Deft survived but ROX looked to set up a dive onto the ADC and support of EDG but backed off when they saw the Rye roaming down. ROX kept four members in the bot lane to get the first turret. EDG attempted to defend but Clearlove was caught and Peanut got first blood again.
Peanut fought Scout and Clearlove in the topside EDG jungle while Kuro roamed bot to get a kill but some fancy footwork from Meiko kept him alive. Though they could not secure the kill, ROX took first turret in the bot lane. ROX got kills in top and bot but Gorilla was also taken down in a 3v2 situation. ROX continued to snowball their lead as they took all three outer turrets and one inner turret in the bot lane before twenty minutes.
EDG looked to take back some control in the game after a good pick on to Peanut, but EDG ended up committing too hard and was aced by ROX. ROX took that into a mid inner turret take, ending with a gold lead of 10K. Just like last game, ROX set themselves up in a position where it would take a miracle from EDG to get them back into the game. ROX take Baron not long after that. After ROX took the Baron, EDG attempted to engage a fight and punish ROX but it quickly turned poorly in their favor as ROX got four kills for one. ROX ended the game in the 26th minute, after steamrolling over EDG bottom side, dominating this series so far.
Game 3
EDG stick with their same line-up in game three and picked a relatively similar compostition. EDG will look to team fight early with Rumble and Aurelion Sol alongside the Olaf. ROX picked an “outplay” comp with Smeb picking up the Fiora and Kuro picking Ryze. Peanut looked to grab first blood again in the third game but missed his skill shot and could not secure the kill. Minutes later, Peanut and Smeb camp Clearloves red buff and Smeb gets first blood on Fiora. Peanut took the red buff and returned mid to kill Scout.
EDG pulled off a nice roam mid to kill Kuro but Peanut quickly replied with a kill on Koro1 top under turret. Smeb is caught top as Scout roamed up to get a quick kill on the Fiora. Peanut tried to reply with a kill of his own but EDG got away. While Pray gets a kill bottom lane, Scout roamed top again to kill Smeb for the second time. A huge fight bottom resulted in three kills for two in favor of EDG and they picked up first turret bot.
EDG take more advantages as they kill Smeb and Peanut and took the top outer turret. EDG also secured a kill on Gorilla getting a 4K gold lead. Another chaotic fight top lane resulted in kills for both teams. EDG get two early kills on ROX while ROX equalize that later by also getting two kills. After the fight finished, the kills were 3-for-3. Scout gets caught top by three ROX members and falls. Smeb waits in a brush again and killed Koro1 with the help of Kuro. Smeb took ROX’s first turret in the bottom lane pulling the game to a 2K gold difference.
An even looking fight turned into a massacre for EDG as Deft was too strong and destroyed the ROX champions. An early pick on to Scout allowed Deft to stand in the back and deal damage to the whole team. EDG secured Baron after getting five kills.
Smeb looked to pull off another brush bait but Caitlyn runs in and takes him down. EDG held on to force a game four in this game as Deft carried the Chinese team to victory.
Game 4
After their victory, EDG banned Aurelion Sol and went with Rumble top and Jayce mid to punish ROX for not locking in the Jayce earlier in the draft. ROX counter with a Kennen pick for Smeb. Koro1 has played well on Rumble this series so it is no surprise they pick that for him but the Jayce pick mid has not seen much play.
The game kicks off in the 10th minute when Clearlove goes for a gank on the bottom lane. Though he did not get a kill he stuck around hoping for another shot. When the opportunity presented itself, Clearlove went in only for Peanut to ghost in and help take down Deft for first blood. The fight is extended as both top laners teleport in and ROX ends up with four kills and EDG only get one.
EDG jumped onto Smeb top after four players rotated up there. The kill leads into two turrets in top lane for EDG. A great rotation helps EDG even the gold in the 14th minute. Pray helps to cushion the blow when he took bot outer turret. Peanut got a massive advantage in the early game, going 5/0 with a 20 cs lead over Clearlove. His presence helped ROX take turrets and apply pressure on the map.
Olaf again used his pressure to grab a kill on Meiko and transition that into two more kills mid lane as ROX secured the middle outer turret. Peanut was so far ahead of Clearlove he could run into the entire EDG team and win. EDG was in a deep hole and it would be tough to climb out. ROX pulled off a beautiful engage and end the game winning the series 3–1. | https://medium.com/esports-now/rox-vs-edg-analytical-breakdown-f1cd035bcda9 | ['Joe Tortorice'] | 2016-10-16 17:59:13.693000+00:00 | ['League of Legends', 'Esports', 'Sports', 'Chicago'] | Title ROX v EDG Analytical BreakdownContent Game 1 game one ROX look pick poke heavy comp Jayce Caitlyn Zyra EDG looked teamfight Rumble Ryze ROX look exploit top lane matchup Koro1 played since spring Smeb arguably best player world Early aggression mid lane Scout put lane awkward position laners mana Scout must back giving Kuro advantage lane ROX early c lead mid top strong laners bot lane even game suddenly erupts Peanut visit top lane get first blood Koro1 Clearlove Scout show bottom lane EDG dive deep give one kill Pray end killing ROX bottom lane Kuro roams late pick kill Meiko though could gotten Back top lane Smeb Peanut wait Koro1 killing although Peanut dy well ROX take advantage Smeb winning Koro1 take first turret top ROX also start first Mountain Drake eventually secure objective Koro1 teleports river EDG attempt engage fight Though get summoner spell advantage one killed ROX walk away unscathed Kuro roams top help Smeb get another kill Koro1 really punishing substitute top laner EDG look set fight bottom thinking man advantage Smeb wait bush surprise EDG fight ended ten champion present ROX get kill Koro1 fight stop get bottom turret push two kill extended teamfight ROX end three kill two turret bot lane ROX continued push advantage take objective map Smeb presence map threatening kill ROX make mistake Kuro Smeb commit hard kill Scout give kill Deft ROX recovered quickly got three kill top rotated Baron ROX used Baron push turret Koro1 unlucky secure kill died ROX full control game look could lose position ROX finish game easily got commanding win game one Game 2 team targeted jungle champion pool game two removing four different junglers ROX picking Lee Sin forced Clearlove play Hecarim ROX also make questionable pick Maokai top Kennen Koro1 able win lane time around ROX picked composition last time Clealove ganked mid early able blow Kuro’s summoners almost securing kill Peanut moved botside attempted kill Deft Deft survived ROX looked set dive onto ADC support EDG backed saw Rye roaming ROX kept four member bot lane get first turret EDG attempted defend Clearlove caught Peanut got first blood Peanut fought Scout Clearlove topside EDG jungle Kuro roamed bot get kill fancy footwork Meiko kept alive Though could secure kill ROX took first turret bot lane ROX got kill top bot Gorilla also taken 3v2 situation ROX continued snowball lead took three outer turret one inner turret bot lane twenty minute EDG looked take back control game good pick Peanut EDG ended committing hard aced ROX ROX took mid inner turret take ending gold lead 10K like last game ROX set position would take miracle EDG get back game ROX take Baron long ROX took Baron EDG attempted engage fight punish ROX quickly turned poorly favor ROX got four kill one ROX ended game 26th minute steamrolling EDG bottom side dominating series far Game 3 EDG stick lineup game three picked relatively similar compostition EDG look team fight early Rumble Aurelion Sol alongside Olaf ROX picked “outplay” comp Smeb picking Fiora Kuro picking Ryze Peanut looked grab first blood third game missed skill shot could secure kill Minutes later Peanut Smeb camp Clearloves red buff Smeb get first blood Fiora Peanut took red buff returned mid kill Scout EDG pulled nice roam mid kill Kuro Peanut quickly replied kill Koro1 top turret Smeb caught top Scout roamed get quick kill Fiora Peanut tried reply kill EDG got away Pray get kill bottom lane Scout roamed top kill Smeb second time huge fight bottom resulted three kill two favor EDG picked first turret bot EDG take advantage kill Smeb Peanut took top outer turret EDG also secured kill Gorilla getting 4K gold lead Another chaotic fight top lane resulted kill team EDG get two early kill ROX ROX equalize later also getting two kill fight finished kill 3for3 Scout get caught top three ROX member fall Smeb wait brush killed Koro1 help Kuro Smeb took ROX’s first turret bottom lane pulling game 2K gold difference even looking fight turned massacre EDG Deft strong destroyed ROX champion early pick Scout allowed Deft stand back deal damage whole team EDG secured Baron getting five kill Smeb looked pull another brush bait Caitlyn run take EDG held force game four game Deft carried Chinese team victory Game 4 victory EDG banned Aurelion Sol went Rumble top Jayce mid punish ROX locking Jayce earlier draft ROX counter Kennen pick Smeb Koro1 played well Rumble series surprise pick Jayce pick mid seen much play game kick 10th minute Clearlove go gank bottom lane Though get kill stuck around hoping another shot opportunity presented Clearlove went Peanut ghost help take Deft first blood fight extended top laners teleport ROX end four kill EDG get one EDG jumped onto Smeb top four player rotated kill lead two turret top lane EDG great rotation help EDG even gold 14th minute Pray help cushion blow took bot outer turret Peanut got massive advantage early game going 50 20 c lead Clearlove presence helped ROX take turret apply pressure map Olaf used pressure grab kill Meiko transition two kill mid lane ROX secured middle outer turret Peanut far ahead Clearlove could run entire EDG team win EDG deep hole would tough climb ROX pulled beautiful engage end game winning series 3–1Tags League Legends Esports Sports Chicago |
190,861 | Overview of OGN’s Apex group stage, day 3: Bastion’s debut! | For years hailed as the “Mecca of esports”, recently Korea has been largely overtaken by Overwatch in terms of casual play. As a result we are seeing the first Korean Overwatch tournament, featuring 4 top tier foreign teams (Rogue, NRG, EnVyUS, Reunited) alongside 12 of Korea’s best.
For today’s match-ups we had the second showing, in the tournament, of BK stars and the debut of MVP Space from group B. Following that up in group D, we saw Reunited’s second appearance, after getting upset by Runaway on Monday. This time they faced the Korean powerhouse Kongdoo Panthera.
For those interested only in my picks for “Game, players and teams to watch” scroll down to the bottom. In those I’ll be listing the players and teams I found the most intriguing, the map I enjoyed watching most and the reasons for my picks.
Match-up 1: BK Stars vs MVP Space
BK Stars came into this as the favourite with MVP being rumored to have poor scrim performances. Additionally they had shown they can coordinate well, to play around their star player and primary carry Bunny, in their 3–2 win over Panthera’s sister team — Uncia.
The opening map, similarly to day 1 and 2 of the group stages, was Nepal. On Village BK started with a 2-2-2 of Winston, Zarya, Lucio, Ana, McCree and Bunny's signature Tracer. MVP responded with similar composition, having Reaper instead of McCree. After taking advantage in the traditional contest for the high ground, MVP took control and kept it without much trouble up until 70%. Then on the back of several picks BK took over the point, and despite brief loss of control they continued holding. Eventually they took the stage 100-99 in overtime with clutch plays by Doheyon's McCree and Bunny's Tracer.
On Shrine both teams continued with the same compositions and MVP took initial control again. As Bunny was unable to hunt down Sylph (Ana) and Pelka (Lucio) on his own, we saw Dohyeon switching to Genji. That proved effective as they finally took control of the point with MVP just under 90%. Despite good Death Blossoms by Poro the dive combination held strong for BK, letting Sylph build up only 1 more Nanoboost until the end of the match. Failing to adapt to opponent’s composition, MVP found themselves down 0-1 in the series.
Top Heroes by pick rate for the tournament, so far.
For the second map of their debut MVP selected King's Row. Being on the attack, BK opened with the unconventional composition of Reinhardt, Zarya, Lucio, Ana, Mei and Bastion. That took MVP (and the viewers alike) by surprise as Bunny and co. quickly took over the first point, after nanoboosted Bastion wiped out the opponents. Following that, BK went back to their comfort composition, replacing Mei and Bastion with Tracer and McCree. Their prowess with 'big bang' was displayed again as they cleared out MVP quickly, once they had Graviton Surge and Time Bomb available. Even though this was MVP's pick, BK continued rolling trough the map without being contested too much, finishing the run with just under 2:30 in the time bank.
After changing sides both teams switched up things as we saw MVP with Winston, D.va, Lucio, Ana, Reaper and Genji, while Bunny traded Tracer for Reaper. Despite strong initial hold and several good beyblades by BK, MVP eventually took over the point. The game continued in similar fashion as MVP were slowly pushing, even with Bunny performing really well and Daily not having much impact on Roadhog. That changed however, just as MVP were about to deliver the cart. With only several meters left BK finally dropped all 6 from MVP. They managed to hold there for the rest of the map and in overtime, increasing their lead to 2-0.
Having their second pick, MVP chose Hanamura as the third map. Being on the defense, they picked Reinhardt, Roadhog, Lucio, Ana, McCree and Mei. BK on the other hand attacked with extremely mobile composition and Twinkl being the only support, on his signature Lucio. The rest picked D.va, Winston, Zarya, Tracer and Genji. That was shown to be a good choice, as they took the point on their first push, with only Bunny dying — to a hook from Daily. BK followed up with quick push towards point 2 as they had considerable advantage in ultimates. That was enough to finish the run, as they took over the point in a prolonged series of skirmishes, with just under 5:50 in the time bank.
On the defense BK chose standard 2-2-2 composition with Reinhardt, Zarya, Lucio, Ana, McCree and Tracer. MVP attacked with 2-2-2 of their own, choosing Winston, D.va, Lucio, Ana, Reaper and Genji. Despite favourable trades on their initial push MVP were pushed back and didn't find much success in the following one. After a brief technical pause Sylph and co. finally took the point as he managed to push back Bunny's Tracer on his own. Heading to the second point however, they were at ultimate disadvantage and BK pushed them back easily after killing 3. Their next attack on the point had mixed effectiveness as they were trading favourably, but Bernar on Bastion and his crew, stopped them from gaining even one tick on the control point. After that prolonged series of skirmishes, the rest of the map continued with a strong hold from BK, taking the series in a convincing 3-0.
For MVP of the match OGN voted BK's two DPS players - Bunny and Dohyeon.
Match-up 2: Kongdoo Panthera vs Reunited
For the second match-up of the day we had the return of Reunited versus the hugely hyped up squad of Panthera. The Koreans, considered by some the best teams in Korea, recently won the „Danawa Battle“ with 3–0 in the finals against LuxuryWatch Blue. Additionally they have 3 of their players as the 3 highest ranked players on the competitive ladder — Rascal, Evermore and Butcherr. On the other hand, despite roster change and losing 0–3 on Monday versus Runaway, the Europeans didn’t look bad in their OGN debut. The discrepancy in recent form was enough however, for some, including OGN’s English broadcast commentators MonteCristo and DoA, to consider Reunited the underdogs.
For the opening map, control point select by randomizer, we had Nepal once again. On the first stage, Shrine, Panthera looked to have taken note of Reunited’s weakness against Runaway and opened up with a Rascal on Genji. The rest of their composition was Winston, Zarya, Lucio, Ana and Tracer. Reunited opened with similar, but less mobile composition, using Reinhardt over Winston and Reaper instead of Tracer for Unfixed.
Vallutaja showed up for Reunited right from the get-go as he quickly eliminated Butcher in duel. Despite that the Koreans won the rest of the trades and Reunited’s supports as everyone else was dead to Kongdoo losing only one more. In the following engagement Rascal quickly dismantled Reunited with Dragonblade and Kongdoo continued holding strong. On their next attempt to take control the Europeans took Zenyatta and Genji for Morte and Unfixed. That worked splendidly as they traded 4 for Onigod and took control with ultimate advantage. They managed to defend briefly, however it was done at the cost of their ultimates, while Kongdoo built up all 6 of theirs in the meantime. In a prolonged final push and overtime the Koreans took 1–0 lead, ending the stage 100–57.
On Village both teams met in a fight for the high ground with same composition: Reinhardt, Zarya, Ana, Lucio, Mei and Reaper. In overly aggressive chase by Butcherr Panthera lost control and we saw the Europeans taking early control after trading kills in their favour even further. On the back of great Mei play by Unixed, Reunited managed to push the Koreans back to their spawn area. They continued holding strong even further, on the back of great Death Blossom by Vallutaja. Kongdoo quickly responded after they built up ultimate on their own Reaper, finally pushing back the Europeans and briefly taking control over the point. It was short reign though, as Vallutaja and co. came back quickly to reclaim the point and take the equalize the stage score with convincing 100–22.
On the deciding stage, Sanctum, Panthera continued with the Genji — Tracer duo , trying to dive the enemy supports. Reunited however stuck to Zenyatta looking to deny that opportunity with his ultimate in teamfights.
The Europeans managed to seize early control and continued holding trough Kongdoo’s attempts until just over 50%. That lasted briefly though, as Reunited returned with ultimates and quickly reclaimed the point. They managed to hold strong and ended up taking the lead in the series 1–0.
Evermore and Wakawaka with devastating combo.
For a second map the ‘home-town’ boys picked King’s Row. They opened on the defense side with Reinhardt, Zarya, Roadhog, Lucio and Ana playing around Rascal’s Mei. The Europeans attacked with similar picks but put Vallutaja on Reaper instead of Roadhog. Evermore didn’t seem to think it’s good idea though, as he quickly hooked and dropped down Vallutaja, stalling Reunited’s first push. That didn’t seem to phase them much, as they followed up with good Earthshatter from Winghaven, to start pushing the payload with more than 5 minutes on the clock. With the cart entering the alleys Kongdoo managed to hold strong and wiped the Europeans multiple times with well coordinated ultimate combos by their tanks.
Despite that Reunited managed to reach the second point on the map but had only 1:50 in the time bank after doing so. As a result they didn’t have enough time to finish the run and ended it with 2 points and just under 60m towards the third, despite showing some impressive team-fighting themselves.
After switching sides both teams continued using same compositions. That resulted in the Koreans toking over the first point and starting the push slightly slower than Reunited. Entering the alleys they got wiped quickly, with a great Graviton Surge by Onigod and Vallutaja left-clicking everyone to death. The run continued at slightly faster pace than the Europeans’ which resulted in Panthera pushing past the second point with 2:30 on the clock, despite coming into the alleys at disadvantage. There we also saw them switch their composition to longer range poke, taking Pharah, McCree and Mercy to compliment Reinhardt, Zarya and Ana. They did good damage initially but quickly got engaged on as all 6 got killed. That proved instrumental though as after prolonged overtime on Panthera’s return the Europeans managed to hold the cart only 1.2 meters away from their distance. As a result they increased their lead in the series to a 2–0.
Kongdoo Panthera and Reunited facing the audience before the games.
Sitting on elimination point, Panthera picked Temple of Anubis for the third map. On the defense Reunited’s composition, seemingly designed to deal with potential Genji, was Winston, Roadhog, Mei, Tracer, Lucio and Zenyatta. Kongdoo however, were using their 3–2–1 with Rascal on Mei. That seemed to take the Europeans by surprise as the Koreans quickly took over the first point and headed towards the second with more than 7 minutes on the clock. Keeping the rest of the composition the same they traded Mei for Pharah and Lucio for Mercy. As that proved ineffective after several pushes Rascal switched again, this time to Genji and R2der went back to Lucio. Much like the first 2 maps, Reunited were ready for Genji today and continued holding the point. The 7 minutes proved too much however, as Kongdoo managed to take over the point with 36 seconds in the time bank.
On the defense we saw the Koreans once again go back to, what seems to be their comfort composition, 3–2–1 around Rascal’s Mei. Reunited also stuck to their guns, as the only change was moving Unfixed to Genji. The map opened with impressive duel by Vallutaja’s Tracer versus Evermore’s Roadhog, dropping the highest ranked player in the world on his signature pick on the ground. That resulted in a series of favourable trades and the Europeans took the first point. Rushing towards the second point they had 6:45 in the time bank and considerable ultimate advantage. The Korean side managed a miraculous defense though, not giving up even a single tick on the back of Rascal coming up huge. Following that Panthera held strong against Reunited’s attempts. After overtime push by Vallutaja and co. they finally got them on the scoreboard with 1 to Reunited’s 2.
For the fourth map Reunited had the pick from the escort maps, as per tournament rules. Their choice was Route 66, opening on the attack with 2–2–2, while Kongdoo were playing around Rascal’s Mei once again. Here the Koreans looked uncomfortable and Rascal’s Mei didn’t bring enough damage. As the Europeans pushed past the 2nd point Rascal switched to Tracer, but that wasn’t successful either and Reunited finished the run with just under 2:30 in the time bank.
Learning from their mistake Kongdoo finally went to 2–2–2 themselves, putting Rascal on Genji and Wakawaka on Tracer. That found more success as they managed to get to the first point in a prolonged overtime. The push continued at similar pace as they reached the second in a similarly hard fought overtime. Against all odds they did the same at the third point, heading to another attempt with a minute on the clock to Reunited’s 3:30.
A minute was enough only for just under 40m and Reunited got second run at the attack, opening with 2–2–2 and keeping the same composition of Reinhardt, Zarya, Ana, Lucio, Reaper and Mei. The time was enough as they reached the Koreans’ distance with more than 1:40 on the clock. With the 3:1 they are keeping their chances of playoffs alive.
Bonus trivia (credit for it goes to @MonteCristo): this was the first win of Europeans against a Korean team.
My picks for “Game, players and teams to watch”:
Players to watch:
Vallutaja wrecking havoc on King’s Row.
Vallutaja — well, I put him here when they lost and he definitely earned it today too. Showed formidable performances again and with his team stepping up his play was more than enough to secure the win. Similarly to Monday’s games positioned well, did a lot of damage and outdueled opponents multiple times. I continue to think he’s a bit lacking in the play-making department, compared to players like E1kiNo and Bunny, but the rest of his gameplay makes up for the difference. Hopefully the team will go into the playoffs and we see him versus other top-tier opponents on the OGN stage.
Sylph — another support player making my rankings. Displayed enviable positioning throughout the series and managed to outduel Bunny’s tracer multiple times throughout the series. Outside of being terrorized by Reunited’s dives on Village looked very solid, so it will be interesting to see if he can maintain good performances. Will be impressive if he can, considering MVP are looking like the second weakest team in the group.
Rascal — similarly to Vallutaja on Monday, showed up huge for his team but it wasn’t enough. Obviously has the mechanical prowess, as he’s tied for 1st on the competitive ladder, but his game definitely seemed raw compared to other top tier carries we’ve seen so far. The wide hero pool and making good decisions for the most part gives me hope that we’ll see him improve further. Additionally, his team having more time together, should also give boost to his performances.
Bunny — another great set of Tracer games and sadly again, not too much else. Still the most impressive timing on Tracer we’ve seen throughout the tournament. He also continued to do tons of damage, but unlike his last appearance on stage, he wasn’t demanding the majority of team’s resources to do so. That definitely gives me more hopes for the team as a whole. The questions regarding his effective champion pool do remain, but with his team stepping up it won’t be as much of a problem.
Honorable mentions: Morty and Unfixed.
Teams to watch:
Reunited — well… I’ll take the chance for expected, I told you so. The team looked to have cleared up a lot of the issues they had versus Runaway. Onigod performed much better and so did Unfixed (#unearthlyicicles). With those two opening up more space Vallutaja had all the chances that he needed secure his crew the win. The others remain looking solid and putting Morty on Zenyatta seemingly fixes all the issues they had against Genji. Will be interesting to see how much they improve going further. I’m expecting Unfixed and Onigod and Morty to step slightly more individually. Additionally with having more time on the team Onigod’s coordination should improve too. They definitely reclaimed a place among the top teams in the tournament by the good performance today so I’m curious to see how deep can they go.
Kongdoo Panthera — tough loss for the team but they still have the opportunity to reach the playoffs and definitely got the talent to do so. Their compositions seemed a bit questionable at times. Coordination also wasn’t on par with other top teams either and they’ll have to fix that before facing Runaway. Additional chink in their armor is that Butcherr seems to live by the ‘Do dive!’ motto 24/7 and was constantly overextending and dying today. Regardless, similarly to Reunited I do have hope (definitely not as much though) for them improving and going further into the tournament. They simply have too much raw talent in the roster, not to do it in my opion. And after all, whatever happens with that we’ll see a good team not going into the playoffs. From what we’ve seen throughout the group stages so far, they are the most likely candidate.
Map to watch: Kongdoo Panthere vs Reunited — King’s Row. Overall very exciting map with both teams showing good play. In addition to nail-biting result we got several highlight clips out of this one and the Koreans and Europeans alike got to show the strengths of their teams. If you have more time I’d recommend their game on Nepal for the same reasons as well as BK Stars vs MVP Space on King’s Row for the Bastion factor. | https://medium.com/@RadoNonfire/overview-of-ogns-apex-group-stage-day-3-bastion-s-debut-69fe8a4a3e3d | [] | 2016-12-10 14:09:42.320000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Overwatch', 'Video Games'] | Title Overview OGN’s Apex group stage day 3 Bastion’s debutContent year hailed “Mecca esports” recently Korea largely overtaken Overwatch term casual play result seeing first Korean Overwatch tournament featuring 4 top tier foreign team Rogue NRG EnVyUS Reunited alongside 12 Korea’s best today’s matchup second showing tournament BK star debut MVP Space group B Following group saw Reunited’s second appearance getting upset Runaway Monday time faced Korean powerhouse Kongdoo Panthera interested pick “Game player team watch” scroll bottom I’ll listing player team found intriguing map enjoyed watching reason pick Matchup 1 BK Stars v MVP Space BK Stars came favourite MVP rumored poor scrim performance Additionally shown coordinate well play around star player primary carry Bunny 3–2 win Panthera’s sister team — Uncia opening map similarly day 1 2 group stage Nepal Village BK started 222 Winston Zarya Lucio Ana McCree Bunnys signature Tracer MVP responded similar composition Reaper instead McCree taking advantage traditional contest high ground MVP took control kept without much trouble 70 back several pick BK took point despite brief loss control continued holding Eventually took stage 10099 overtime clutch play Doheyons McCree Bunnys Tracer Shrine team continued composition MVP took initial control Bunny unable hunt Sylph Ana Pelka Lucio saw Dohyeon switching Genji proved effective finally took control point MVP 90 Despite good Death Blossoms Poro dive combination held strong BK letting Sylph build 1 Nanoboost end match Failing adapt opponent’s composition MVP found 01 series Top Heroes pick rate tournament far second map debut MVP selected Kings Row attack BK opened unconventional composition Reinhardt Zarya Lucio Ana Mei Bastion took MVP viewer alike surprise Bunny co quickly took first point nanoboosted Bastion wiped opponent Following BK went back comfort composition replacing Mei Bastion Tracer McCree prowess big bang displayed cleared MVP quickly Graviton Surge Time Bomb available Even though MVPs pick BK continued rolling trough map without contested much finishing run 230 time bank changing side team switched thing saw MVP Winston Dva Lucio Ana Reaper Genji Bunny traded Tracer Reaper Despite strong initial hold several good beyblades BK MVP eventually took point game continued similar fashion MVP slowly pushing even Bunny performing really well Daily much impact Roadhog changed however MVP deliver cart several meter left BK finally dropped 6 MVP managed hold rest map overtime increasing lead 20 second pick MVP chose Hanamura third map defense picked Reinhardt Roadhog Lucio Ana McCree Mei BK hand attacked extremely mobile composition Twinkl support signature Lucio rest picked Dva Winston Zarya Tracer Genji shown good choice took point first push Bunny dying — hook Daily BK followed quick push towards point 2 considerable advantage ultimate enough finish run took point prolonged series skirmish 550 time bank defense BK chose standard 222 composition Reinhardt Zarya Lucio Ana McCree Tracer MVP attacked 222 choosing Winston Dva Lucio Ana Reaper Genji Despite favourable trade initial push MVP pushed back didnt find much success following one brief technical pause Sylph co finally took point managed push back Bunnys Tracer Heading second point however ultimate disadvantage BK pushed back easily killing 3 next attack point mixed effectiveness trading favourably Bernar Bastion crew stopped gaining even one tick control point prolonged series skirmish rest map continued strong hold BK taking series convincing 30 MVP match OGN voted BKs two DPS player Bunny Dohyeon Matchup 2 Kongdoo Panthera v Reunited second matchup day return Reunited versus hugely hyped squad Panthera Koreans considered best team Korea recently „Danawa Battle“ 3–0 final LuxuryWatch Blue Additionally 3 player 3 highest ranked player competitive ladder — Rascal Evermore Butcherr hand despite roster change losing 0–3 Monday versus Runaway Europeans didn’t look bad OGN debut discrepancy recent form enough however including OGN’s English broadcast commentator MonteCristo DoA consider Reunited underdog opening map control point select randomizer Nepal first stage Shrine Panthera looked taken note Reunited’s weakness Runaway opened Rascal Genji rest composition Winston Zarya Lucio Ana Tracer Reunited opened similar le mobile composition using Reinhardt Winston Reaper instead Tracer Unfixed Vallutaja showed Reunited right getgo quickly eliminated Butcher duel Despite Koreans rest trade Reunited’s support everyone else dead Kongdoo losing one following engagement Rascal quickly dismantled Reunited Dragonblade Kongdoo continued holding strong next attempt take control Europeans took Zenyatta Genji Morte Unfixed worked splendidly traded 4 Onigod took control ultimate advantage managed defend briefly however done cost ultimate Kongdoo built 6 meantime prolonged final push overtime Koreans took 1–0 lead ending stage 100–57 Village team met fight high ground composition Reinhardt Zarya Ana Lucio Mei Reaper overly aggressive chase Butcherr Panthera lost control saw Europeans taking early control trading kill favour even back great Mei play Unixed Reunited managed push Koreans back spawn area continued holding strong even back great Death Blossom Vallutaja Kongdoo quickly responded built ultimate Reaper finally pushing back Europeans briefly taking control point short reign though Vallutaja co came back quickly reclaim point take equalize stage score convincing 100–22 deciding stage Sanctum Panthera continued Genji — Tracer duo trying dive enemy support Reunited however stuck Zenyatta looking deny opportunity ultimate teamfights Europeans managed seize early control continued holding trough Kongdoo’s attempt 50 lasted briefly though Reunited returned ultimate quickly reclaimed point managed hold strong ended taking lead series 1–0 Evermore Wakawaka devastating combo second map ‘hometown’ boy picked King’s Row opened defense side Reinhardt Zarya Roadhog Lucio Ana playing around Rascal’s Mei Europeans attacked similar pick put Vallutaja Reaper instead Roadhog Evermore didn’t seem think it’s good idea though quickly hooked dropped Vallutaja stalling Reunited’s first push didn’t seem phase much followed good Earthshatter Winghaven start pushing payload 5 minute clock cart entering alley Kongdoo managed hold strong wiped Europeans multiple time well coordinated ultimate combo tank Despite Reunited managed reach second point map 150 time bank result didn’t enough time finish run ended 2 point 60m towards third despite showing impressive teamfighting switching side team continued using composition resulted Koreans toking first point starting push slightly slower Reunited Entering alley got wiped quickly great Graviton Surge Onigod Vallutaja leftclicking everyone death run continued slightly faster pace Europeans’ resulted Panthera pushing past second point 230 clock despite coming alley disadvantage also saw switch composition longer range poke taking Pharah McCree Mercy compliment Reinhardt Zarya Ana good damage initially quickly got engaged 6 got killed proved instrumental though prolonged overtime Panthera’s return Europeans managed hold cart 12 meter away distance result increased lead series 2–0 Kongdoo Panthera Reunited facing audience game Sitting elimination point Panthera picked Temple Anubis third map defense Reunited’s composition seemingly designed deal potential Genji Winston Roadhog Mei Tracer Lucio Zenyatta Kongdoo however using 3–2–1 Rascal Mei seemed take Europeans surprise Koreans quickly took first point headed towards second 7 minute clock Keeping rest composition traded Mei Pharah Lucio Mercy proved ineffective several push Rascal switched time Genji R2der went back Lucio Much like first 2 map Reunited ready Genji today continued holding point 7 minute proved much however Kongdoo managed take point 36 second time bank defense saw Koreans go back seems comfort composition 3–2–1 around Rascal’s Mei Reunited also stuck gun change moving Unfixed Genji map opened impressive duel Vallutaja’s Tracer versus Evermore’s Roadhog dropping highest ranked player world signature pick ground resulted series favourable trade Europeans took first point Rushing towards second point 645 time bank considerable ultimate advantage Korean side managed miraculous defense though giving even single tick back Rascal coming huge Following Panthera held strong Reunited’s attempt overtime push Vallutaja co finally got scoreboard 1 Reunited’s 2 fourth map Reunited pick escort map per tournament rule choice Route 66 opening attack 2–2–2 Kongdoo playing around Rascal’s Mei Koreans looked uncomfortable Rascal’s Mei didn’t bring enough damage Europeans pushed past 2nd point Rascal switched Tracer wasn’t successful either Reunited finished run 230 time bank Learning mistake Kongdoo finally went 2–2–2 putting Rascal Genji Wakawaka Tracer found success managed get first point prolonged overtime push continued similar pace reached second similarly hard fought overtime odds third point heading another attempt minute clock Reunited’s 330 minute enough 40m Reunited got second run attack opening 2–2–2 keeping composition Reinhardt Zarya Ana Lucio Reaper Mei time enough reached Koreans’ distance 140 clock 31 keeping chance playoff alive Bonus trivia credit go MonteCristo first win Europeans Korean team pick “Game player team watch” Players watch Vallutaja wrecking havoc King’s Row Vallutaja — well put lost definitely earned today Showed formidable performance team stepping play enough secure win Similarly Monday’s game positioned well lot damage outdueled opponent multiple time continue think he’s bit lacking playmaking department compared player like E1kiNo Bunny rest gameplay make difference Hopefully team go playoff see versus toptier opponent OGN stage Sylph — another support player making ranking Displayed enviable positioning throughout series managed outduel Bunny’s tracer multiple time throughout series Outside terrorized Reunited’s dive Village looked solid interesting see maintain good performance impressive considering MVP looking like second weakest team group Rascal — similarly Vallutaja Monday showed huge team wasn’t enough Obviously mechanical prowess he’s tied 1st competitive ladder game definitely seemed raw compared top tier carry we’ve seen far wide hero pool making good decision part give hope we’ll see improve Additionally team time together also give boost performance Bunny — another great set Tracer game sadly much else Still impressive timing Tracer we’ve seen throughout tournament also continued ton damage unlike last appearance stage wasn’t demanding majority team’s resource definitely give hope team whole question regarding effective champion pool remain team stepping won’t much problem Honorable mention Morty Unfixed Teams watch Reunited — well… I’ll take chance expected told team looked cleared lot issue versus Runaway Onigod performed much better Unfixed unearthlyicicles two opening space Vallutaja chance needed secure crew win others remain looking solid putting Morty Zenyatta seemingly fix issue Genji interesting see much improve going I’m expecting Unfixed Onigod Morty step slightly individually Additionally time team Onigod’s coordination improve definitely reclaimed place among top team tournament good performance today I’m curious see deep go Kongdoo Panthera — tough loss team still opportunity reach playoff definitely got talent composition seemed bit questionable time Coordination also wasn’t par top team either they’ll fix facing Runaway Additional chink armor Butcherr seems live ‘Do dive’ motto 247 constantly overextending dying today Regardless similarly Reunited hope definitely much though improving going tournament simply much raw talent roster opion whatever happens we’ll see good team going playoff we’ve seen throughout group stage far likely candidate Map watch Kongdoo Panthere v Reunited — King’s Row Overall exciting map team showing good play addition nailbiting result got several highlight clip one Koreans Europeans alike got show strength team time I’d recommend game Nepal reason well BK Stars v MVP Space King’s Row Bastion factorTags Esports Gaming Overwatch Video Games |
190,862 | Terry Crews Wants to Voice The Next Overwatch Hero | Terry Crews Wants to Voice The Next Overwatch Hero
Courtesy of WENN
Known for playing NYPD Sergeant Terry Jeffords on the Fox sitcom Brooklyn Nine–Nine and his outrageous Old Spice commercials, Terry Crews recently shared his enthusiasm to join the Overwatch Voice Cast. Reddit user SleepyRicky made a post in the Overwatch subreddit stating that:
“If Doomfist becomes a hero I’d be so hyped if Terry Crews voice acted for him”
To which Terry Crews responded:
“I would LOVE TO PLAY DOOMFIST”
Courtesy of Gfycat
Now, this isn’t something completely out of character as Terry Crews is already known for being a big fan of the gaming world. He even helped promote Overwatch’s Free Weekend event on his Twitter not too long ago.
But wait, who is Doomfist?
Courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment
Doomfist is a character in the Overwatch universe that has been mentioned several times but has yet to make an official appearance. Pictured above are three posters referencing Doomfist on the map Numbani. We know the identities of the first two Doomfists are Adhabu Ngumi “The Savior” and Akinjide Adeyemi “The Scourge.” However, the identity of the third Doomfist has yet to be revealed.
Courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment/Gfycat
Doomfist is also referenced in the very first trailer for Overwatch when Tracer and Winston prevent Reaper and Widowmaker from stealing the Doomfist Gauntlet from the museum. Finally, Reaper hints at some sort of connection with Doomfist in a voice line that he has that goes:
“Doomfist should do his own dirty work.”
If you want Terry Crews to voice Doomfist too, let Blizzard know! Reach out to Andrea Toyias, the Casting & Voice Director at Blizzard Entertainment, on her Twitter to support Terry Crews as the voice of Doomfist! | https://esports.hollywood.com/terry-crews-wants-to-voice-the-next-overwatch-hero-206dbe7eda6c | ['Sam Lee'] | 2016-11-30 14:50:25.848000+00:00 | ['Overwatch', 'Gaming', 'Terry Crews', 'Esports', 'Blizzard Entertainment'] | Title Terry Crews Wants Voice Next Overwatch HeroContent Terry Crews Wants Voice Next Overwatch Hero Courtesy WENN Known playing NYPD Sergeant Terry Jeffords Fox sitcom Brooklyn Nine–Nine outrageous Old Spice commercial Terry Crews recently shared enthusiasm join Overwatch Voice Cast Reddit user SleepyRicky made post Overwatch subreddit stating “If Doomfist becomes hero I’d hyped Terry Crews voice acted him” Terry Crews responded “I would LOVE PLAY DOOMFIST” Courtesy Gfycat isn’t something completely character Terry Crews already known big fan gaming world even helped promote Overwatch’s Free Weekend event Twitter long ago wait Doomfist Courtesy Blizzard Entertainment Doomfist character Overwatch universe mentioned several time yet make official appearance Pictured three poster referencing Doomfist map Numbani know identity first two Doomfists Adhabu Ngumi “The Savior” Akinjide Adeyemi “The Scourge” However identity third Doomfist yet revealed Courtesy Blizzard EntertainmentGfycat Doomfist also referenced first trailer Overwatch Tracer Winston prevent Reaper Widowmaker stealing Doomfist Gauntlet museum Finally Reaper hint sort connection Doomfist voice line go “Doomfist dirty work” want Terry Crews voice Doomfist let Blizzard know Reach Andrea Toyias Casting Voice Director Blizzard Entertainment Twitter support Terry Crews voice DoomfistTags Overwatch Gaming Terry Crews Esports Blizzard Entertainment |
190,863 | G2’s woes continue—what’s next for France’s best? | G2’s woes continue—what’s next for France’s best?
A loss to OpTic Gaming in the Northern Arena Montreal grand finals adds another layer of disappointment to G2 Esports. Sam Nordmark Nov 14, 2016·2 min read
Photo via Fragbite
For the second time in two weeks, a North American team has successfully won an international LAN event featuring top-rated competition.
This time it was OpTic Gaming who lifted the trophy after a brutal last half on Dust2 where the Canadian/American roster only dropped a single round to their opponents G2 Esports.
G2 may very well have over-performed during its short reign starting in June.
But while OpTic’s victory gave the squad its first LAN and series victory against a European team, what does this mean for G2 Esports? The strongest French team of the year had been soaring far above most of the established teams in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
A cursory glimpse of the performances of the team’s star players Richard “shox” Papillon, Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom and Cédric “RpK” Guipouy over the past three months shows a significant dip in their overall stats. While stats don’t account for things such as team cohesion or out-of-game struggles, you can’t ignore that G2 may very well have over-performed during its short reign starting in June.
Make no mistake, these performances from the G2 trio made up some of their best in, sometimes, years. At the time of ESL ESEA Pro League and the ECS Season 1 finals, shox and ScreaM in particular looked like the most explosive duo in the game. And while still retaining solid ratings all across the board, that X-factor which allowed G2 to simply turn any situation into a favorable one has gone missing.
You also can’t ignore ignore the fact that rivals and countrymen EnVyUs are looking at an upward trajectory after spending the majority of 2016 in its worst slump as a team. And even though G2 successfully eliminated EnVyUs in the Northern Arena semifinals, one has to imagine that G2 are casting a waking eye at their rival’s recent strides back into the top of CS:GO.
This means that the final group of the ongoing season of ELEAGUE, which forces teams to lock their rosters for the duration of the season, may be more significant than initially thought. In case EnVyUs fails to advance from Group D, which also features Fnatic, Team Dignitas and OpTic Gaming, then the French teams may indeed be looking to change their rosters prior to the major.
Whether this means a stronger G2 or EnVyUs, however, is uncertain. | https://medium.com/@S_Nordmark/the-woes-of-g2-esports-continue-ef5b9d0dd53c | ['Sam Nordmark'] | 2016-11-14 15:50:29.083000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Counter Strike'] | Title G2’s woe continue—what’s next France’s bestContent G2’s woe continue—what’s next France’s best loss OpTic Gaming Northern Arena Montreal grand final add another layer disappointment G2 Esports Sam Nordmark Nov 14 2016·2 min read Photo via Fragbite second time two week North American team successfully international LAN event featuring toprated competition time OpTic Gaming lifted trophy brutal last half Dust2 CanadianAmerican roster dropped single round opponent G2 Esports G2 may well overperformed short reign starting June OpTic’s victory gave squad first LAN series victory European team mean G2 Esports strongest French team year soaring far established team CounterStrike Global Offensive cursory glimpse performance team’s star player Richard “shox” Papillon Adil “ScreaM” Benrlitom Cédric “RpK” Guipouy past three month show significant dip overall stats stats don’t account thing team cohesion outofgame struggle can’t ignore G2 may well overperformed short reign starting June Make mistake performance G2 trio made best sometimes year time ESL ESEA Pro League ECS Season 1 final shox ScreaM particular looked like explosive duo game still retaining solid rating across board Xfactor allowed G2 simply turn situation favorable one gone missing also can’t ignore ignore fact rival countryman EnVyUs looking upward trajectory spending majority 2016 worst slump team even though G2 successfully eliminated EnVyUs Northern Arena semifinal one imagine G2 casting waking eye rival’s recent stride back top CSGO mean final group ongoing season ELEAGUE force team lock roster duration season may significant initially thought case EnVyUs fails advance Group also feature Fnatic Team Dignitas OpTic Gaming French team may indeed looking change roster prior major Whether mean stronger G2 EnVyUs however uncertainTags Esports Gaming Counter Strike |
190,864 | Everything You Need To Know for the 2016 LoL All-Star Event | Everything You Need To Know for the 2016 LoL All-Star Event
Courtesy of Riot Games
What is the 2016 All-Star Event?
Similar to last year’s 2015 All-Star Event in Los Angeles, fans will vote for their favorite players to represent their respective regions. The players with the most votes will then be assigned to Team Fire or Team Ice based on their performance in the 2016 Mid-Season Invitational and 2016 World Championships. They will participate in regional battles, one on one matches, and more.
When and where?
The 2016 All-Star Event will take place at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain from December 8th to 11th. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. EST and the event will start at 10:00 a.m. EST each day.
How much are tickets and where can I purchase them?
Ticket Prices:
€20 (21.48 US Dollars) Floor/Bleachers
€15 (16.11 US Dollars) Lower Bowl
€12 (12.89 US Dollars) Upper Bowl
Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster and you will need to sign up for an account to purchase them. Note: You may only purchase a max of 6 tickets per transaction.
Who will be playing?
The votes are in and the fans have spoken. Here are the players who will be attending the 2016 All-Star Event.
Team Ice
EU LCS (Europe)
TOP: sOAZ of Origen
JUNGLE: Jankos of H2K
MID: xPeke of Origen
ADC: Rekkles of Fnatic
SUPPORT: Mithy of G2 Esports
LMS (Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao)
TOP: Ziv of ahq e-Sports Club
JUNGLE: Karsa of Flash Wolves
MID: Maple of Flash Wolves
ADC: Bebe of J Team
SUPPORT: Albis of ahq e-Sports Club
LPL (China)
TOP: Mouse of Edward Gaming
JUNGLE: Clearlove of Edward Gaming
MID: We1less of LGD Gaming
ADC: Uzi of Royal Never Give Up
SUPPORT: Mata of Royal Never Give Up
Team Fire
LCK (Korea)
TOP: Smeb of Rox Tigers
JUNGLE: Bengi of SK Telecom T1
MID: Faker of SK Telecom T1
ADC: PraY of Rox Tigers
SUPPORT: Madlife of CJ Entus
NA LCS (North America)
TOP: Impact of Cloud9
JUNGLE: Reignover of Immortals
MID: Bjergsen of Team Solo Mid
ADC: Doublelift of Team Solo Mid
SUPPORT: Aphromoo of Counter Logic Gaming
Finally, the winners of The International Wildcard All-Star Event (IWC) will determine the last five players that will complete Team Fire. The IWC will also be set in Barcelona, Spain but will take place a week before from December 1st to 4th.
Click below to watch the official announcement: | https://esports.hollywood.com/everything-you-need-to-know-for-the-2016-lol-all-star-event-366bc13ce01b | ['Sam Lee'] | 2016-12-08 15:40:19.636000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'League of Legends', 'Riot Games', 'Gaming'] | Title Everything Need Know 2016 LoL AllStar EventContent Everything Need Know 2016 LoL AllStar Event Courtesy Riot Games 2016 AllStar Event Similar last year’s 2015 AllStar Event Los Angeles fan vote favorite player represent respective region player vote assigned Team Fire Team Ice based performance 2016 MidSeason Invitational 2016 World Championships participate regional battle one one match 2016 AllStar Event take place Palau Sant Jordi Barcelona Spain December 8th 11th Doors open 800 EST event start 1000 EST day much ticket purchase Ticket Prices €20 2148 US Dollars FloorBleachers €15 1611 US Dollars Lower Bowl €12 1289 US Dollars Upper Bowl Tickets available Ticketmaster need sign account purchase Note may purchase max 6 ticket per transaction playing vote fan spoken player attending 2016 AllStar Event Team Ice EU LCS Europe TOP sOAZ Origen JUNGLE Jankos H2K MID xPeke Origen ADC Rekkles Fnatic SUPPORT Mithy G2 Esports LMS Taiwan Hong Kong Macao TOP Ziv ahq eSports Club JUNGLE Karsa Flash Wolves MID Maple Flash Wolves ADC Bebe J Team SUPPORT Albis ahq eSports Club LPL China TOP Mouse Edward Gaming JUNGLE Clearlove Edward Gaming MID We1less LGD Gaming ADC Uzi Royal Never Give SUPPORT Mata Royal Never Give Team Fire LCK Korea TOP Smeb Rox Tigers JUNGLE Bengi SK Telecom T1 MID Faker SK Telecom T1 ADC PraY Rox Tigers SUPPORT Madlife CJ Entus NA LCS North America TOP Impact Cloud9 JUNGLE Reignover Immortals MID Bjergsen Team Solo Mid ADC Doublelift Team Solo Mid SUPPORT Aphromoo Counter Logic Gaming Finally winner International Wildcard AllStar Event IWC determine last five player complete Team Fire IWC also set Barcelona Spain take place week December 1st 4th Click watch official announcementTags Esports League Legends Riot Games Gaming |
190,865 | The Empowered Learner and eSports | In my previous post, I provided an introduction of the 2016 ISTE Standards for Students and how they are exhibited in eSports. In this post, the focus is on the first standard — Empowered Learner
It is important this is the first standard because the end result is all about learning. More specifically, student-driven learning. The standard is as follows:
Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences.
On the surface, it is difficult for most educators to equate eSports and this learning standard. Looking at this standard through League of Legends creates even more a barrier if one is unfamiliar with the game. Without focusing too closely on the game specifics, the standard’s indicators provide opportunity to connect League of Legends to the Empowered Learner standard.
Indicator 1a says,
Articulate and set personal learning goals, develop strategies leveraging technology to achieve them and reflect on the learning process itself to improve learning outcomes.
As a League of Legends competitor, personal learning goals are not solely personal. As a team, the personal growth of each teammate is vital to the success of the team. Game statistics and the ability to replay an entire match allows for each competitor to critically analyze their successes, failures and provide a pathway for valuable reflection. Because of this, the student and coach may make the training personal to achieve ever changing goals. An active participant on a well run team must be empowered.
Indicator 1b says,
Students build networks and customize their learning environments in ways that support the learning process.
The online resources are the greatest tools that supports the learning process around League of Legends. I am currently trying to gain a level of competency with the game. What I have discovered is not just support through strategy wikis, YouTube/Twitch videos, and blogs. There is a supportive community of gamers around the world willing to help newcomers learn and enjoy the game. That may partly explain the 100 million active users around the world. Uniquely important, the culture around the game breeds empowered learners.
And indicator 1c complements the first two indicators wonderfully:
Students use technology to seek feedback that informs and improves their practice and to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
Students, again, may review all their matches online. They may receive/seek feedback from others in the match. In addition, feedback comes from those who may have watched a broadcast of the match (if it were to be broadcast on the Internet).
Finally, indicator 1d states,
Students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies.
This does not just mean students can install the game onto the computer. Full optimization of the environment is important in a game measured on split second decisions and actions. Students can build the computer on which they install the game. They can optimize the network over which the game runs. They can research ways to gain an advantage over their opponents. Or they can develop and share their own ways and best practices at playing League of Legends.
An empowered learner all from playing what some only see as a video game.
In the next post, the focus will be on the second standard — Digital Citizen.
Reference
“future so bright” by Scott Swigart is licensed under CC BY 2.0 | https://medium.com/@jimohagan/the-empowered-learner-and-esports-5367b50ab61 | ["James O'Hagan"] | 2016-10-27 15:30:40.931000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Education', 'League of Legends'] | Title Empowered Learner eSportsContent previous post provided introduction 2016 ISTE Standards Students exhibited eSports post focus first standard — Empowered Learner important first standard end result learning specifically studentdriven learning standard follows Students leverage technology take active role choosing achieving demonstrating competency learning goal informed learning science surface difficult educator equate eSports learning standard Looking standard League Legends creates even barrier one unfamiliar game Without focusing closely game specific standard’s indicator provide opportunity connect League Legends Empowered Learner standard Indicator 1a say Articulate set personal learning goal develop strategy leveraging technology achieve reflect learning process improve learning outcome League Legends competitor personal learning goal solely personal team personal growth teammate vital success team Game statistic ability replay entire match allows competitor critically analyze success failure provide pathway valuable reflection student coach may make training personal achieve ever changing goal active participant well run team must empowered Indicator 1b say Students build network customize learning environment way support learning process online resource greatest tool support learning process around League Legends currently trying gain level competency game discovered support strategy wikis YouTubeTwitch video blog supportive community gamers around world willing help newcomer learn enjoy game may partly explain 100 million active user around world Uniquely important culture around game breed empowered learner indicator 1c complement first two indicator wonderfully Students use technology seek feedback informs improves practice demonstrate learning variety way Students may review match online may receiveseek feedback others match addition feedback come may watched broadcast match broadcast Internet Finally indicator 1d state Students understand fundamental concept technology operation demonstrate ability choose use troubleshoot current technology able transfer knowledge explore emerging technology mean student install game onto computer Full optimization environment important game measured split second decision action Students build computer install game optimize network game run research way gain advantage opponent develop share way best practice playing League Legends empowered learner playing see video game next post focus second standard — Digital Citizen Reference “future bright” Scott Swigart licensed CC 20Tags Esports Education League Legends |
190,866 | Understanding Esports Team Valuations | Esports teams are becoming a hot commodity. In the past, ownership of a competitive video game organization was for gamers, only. However, influx of capital and ownership from outside the immediate world of gaming is changing that. Yet, this activity outpaces the maturity of techniques used to determine how much teams are worth. Plus, effective valuation models will help avoid an investment bubble for esports clubs.
Valuation: It’s complicated
Competitive gaming organizations are unique creatures. Unlike counterparts in traditional sports, they exist outside exclusive affiliation with a particular league. Sports leagues turn teams — competitors on the field — into economic partners off the field. Cooperation that results in labor market restraints (free agency rules, salary caps, etc.) and product market restraints (revenue sharing, exclusive regional affiliation, etc.). These restraints are designed to increase valuation, not limit it.
Currently esports clubs operate in a free market — with only ownership of video game IP by publishers serving as major constraints. As a result, the topic of valuation is complex. Furthermore, lacking organized protections means clubs must pursue unrestrained utility maximization — competitive success — rather than profitability maximization.
Esports clubs that win are better positioned to generate fans, media and sponsors engagement. Not to mention, prize pool winnings still compose a significant share of revenue flow (see image above). The brand of exclusive leagues found in sports provides a financial safety net for teams aren’t perennially successful. See: guaranteed revenue from broadcast rights sales and league-wide revenue sharing. None of these are widespread in esports today.
The valuation game
Although electronic sport is already capable of generating incredible passion and engagement — from valuable and hard-to-reach audiences — its industry is still bourgeoning. The lack of standard accounting practice and accessibility of revenue figures for esports clubs are notable gaps. This drops financial performance — e.g. earnings — as a dependable valuation metric. It also eliminates commonly used methodologies such as: Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Market Capitalization, and Revenue Multiple.
Essentially, esports is a hybrid of ‘new wave’ media and sport. Likewise, club valuation must measure the ability to not only win, but also successfully merge video, text, gaming content, and community into engaging experiences. Below is an outline of metrics for an esports team valuation model:
Proven competitive performance — With teams across multiple game titles, esports clubs are pressured to win on multiple fronts. A track record of fielding championship caliber teams is crucial. So is management that quickly recognizes which new game titles are valuable — towards investing in team growth and player development early on.
— With teams across multiple game titles, esports clubs are pressured to win on multiple fronts. A track record of fielding championship caliber teams is crucial. So is management that quickly recognizes which new game titles are valuable — towards investing in team growth and player development early on. Media and merchandise potential — Expanding media markets –more linear TV broadcasts, channels, and virtual reality content geared towards esports — point to a future for team-centric licensing. Valuable clubs will demonstrate strong fan consumption of team-generated media. Merchandising is already an area where clubs can turn over hard revenue figures.
— Expanding media markets –more linear TV broadcasts, channels, and virtual reality content geared towards esports — point to a future for team-centric licensing. Valuable clubs will demonstrate strong fan consumption of team-generated media. Merchandising is already an area where clubs can turn over hard revenue figures. Brand integration strength — Sponsor money isn’t free. Strong club brands can support integration with larger non-endemic brands, and justify higher priced partnerships. Creative development and content production capabilities are must-haves.
— Sponsor money isn’t free. Strong club brands can support integration with larger non-endemic brands, and justify higher priced partnerships. Creative development and content production capabilities are must-haves. Fan behavior analytics — A crucial step towards capturing more revenue per esports fan — estimated at $3.5 per fan in 2016 by Newzoo — is better data. Clubs are in a unique position to capture and deliver analytics about their own fans — beyond standard number of viewers, Facebook likes, and social media followers. A club’s readiness to execute here is a key benchmark.
Outlook
Given the early stage of industry development, expect a high variance in the price tags for mergers, acquisitions or sales of esports teams. However, an increase in deal flow will place a premium on comprehensive valuation models. Ideally, team collectives like the World Esports Association (WESA) and Professional Esports Association (PEA) will promote standard reporting and metrics from member clubs. Especially seeing how smart investments depend on transparent and consistent valuations.
Join the eSports industry’s #1 weekly newsletter for FREE! http://eepurl.com/b_Cca5 | https://medium.com/@FletchUnleashed/understanding-esports-team-valuations-f457c75e1a8c | ['Alex Fletcher'] | 2016-10-12 13:32:06.527000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Sports', 'Mergers And Acquisitions', 'Videogames'] | Title Understanding Esports Team ValuationsContent Esports team becoming hot commodity past ownership competitive video game organization gamers However influx capital ownership outside immediate world gaming changing Yet activity outpaces maturity technique used determine much team worth Plus effective valuation model help avoid investment bubble esports club Valuation It’s complicated Competitive gaming organization unique creature Unlike counterpart traditional sport exist outside exclusive affiliation particular league Sports league turn team — competitor field — economic partner field Cooperation result labor market restraint free agency rule salary cap etc product market restraint revenue sharing exclusive regional affiliation etc restraint designed increase valuation limit Currently esports club operate free market — ownership video game IP publisher serving major constraint result topic valuation complex Furthermore lacking organized protection mean club must pursue unrestrained utility maximization — competitive success — rather profitability maximization Esports club win better positioned generate fan medium sponsor engagement mention prize pool winning still compose significant share revenue flow see image brand exclusive league found sport provides financial safety net team aren’t perennially successful See guaranteed revenue broadcast right sale leaguewide revenue sharing None widespread esports today valuation game Although electronic sport already capable generating incredible passion engagement — valuable hardtoreach audience — industry still bourgeoning lack standard accounting practice accessibility revenue figure esports club notable gap drop financial performance — eg earnings — dependable valuation metric also eliminates commonly used methodology Discounted Cash Flow DCF Market Capitalization Revenue Multiple Essentially esports hybrid ‘new wave’ medium sport Likewise club valuation must measure ability win also successfully merge video text gaming content community engaging experience outline metric esports team valuation model Proven competitive performance — team across multiple game title esports club pressured win multiple front track record fielding championship caliber team crucial management quickly recognizes new game title valuable — towards investing team growth player development early — team across multiple game title esports club pressured win multiple front track record fielding championship caliber team crucial management quickly recognizes new game title valuable — towards investing team growth player development early Media merchandise potential — Expanding medium market –more linear TV broadcast channel virtual reality content geared towards esports — point future teamcentric licensing Valuable club demonstrate strong fan consumption teamgenerated medium Merchandising already area club turn hard revenue figure — Expanding medium market –more linear TV broadcast channel virtual reality content geared towards esports — point future teamcentric licensing Valuable club demonstrate strong fan consumption teamgenerated medium Merchandising already area club turn hard revenue figure Brand integration strength — Sponsor money isn’t free Strong club brand support integration larger nonendemic brand justify higher priced partnership Creative development content production capability musthaves — Sponsor money isn’t free Strong club brand support integration larger nonendemic brand justify higher priced partnership Creative development content production capability musthaves Fan behavior analytics — crucial step towards capturing revenue per esports fan — estimated 35 per fan 2016 Newzoo — better data Clubs unique position capture deliver analytics fan — beyond standard number viewer Facebook like social medium follower club’s readiness execute key benchmark Outlook Given early stage industry development expect high variance price tag merger acquisition sale esports team However increase deal flow place premium comprehensive valuation model Ideally team collective like World Esports Association WESA Professional Esports Association PEA promote standard reporting metric member club Especially seeing smart investment depend transparent consistent valuation Join eSports industry’s 1 weekly newsletter FREE httpeepurlcombCca5Tags Esports Sports Mergers Acquisitions Videogames |
190,867 | The hottest sports action in Korea is computerized | Some of the hottest sporting action this summer is taking place on computer screens. Crowds of thousands lined the beaches in Busan and Seoul’s Olympic Park recently for separate computer gaming events.
E-sports is more than a kid’s game ― it is a 100 billion won ($107 million) market in Korea, and it nearly doubles in size every year.
At Olympic Park in southern Seoul, the Seoul International e-Sports Festival ended a four-day event yesterday amid game character fashion shows, concerts and other events.
The festival also included the finals of a 256-team “StarCraft” single-elimination tournament offering a cash prize of 20 million won. The winner of a single-player “WarCraft 3” competition got $20,000. About 50 gamers from numerous countries, including China, Poland and Sweden, participated.
Although many of the participants were professional Korean gamers, international teams came out strong in the shooting game “Counter-Strike.”
In Seoul, gamers compete this past weekend. Provided by the organizations
The Seoul City government said next year it expects some 200,000 people for the event; the entire event was broadcast live on the Internet video portal GomTV.
Also part of the e-sports festival, the 2007 Korea Pump Festival drew huge crowds of people who wanted to see contestants dance.
“Pump” is a Korean-developed game similar to “Dance Dance Revolution,” where players have to step on pads on the floor as directed by arrows that appear on the screen. At yet another venue, digital avatars danced away in a competition for the game “Audition,” where cyber figures do the actual bodywork.
The Seoul festivities were just one of the many summer computer game festivals going on nationwide this summer.
On Aug. 4, Busan’s Gwangalli beach was packed with people watching the finals of the Shinhan Pro League, one of the biggest StarCraft tournaments in Korea.
The event attracts tens of thousands of spectators each year.
Prior to Busan, e-sports festivals also took place in the city of Daegu, in the mountainous region of Gangwon and at the Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung City in Gangwon ― all drawing big crowds.
“I heard that e-sports will be a pilot category for the Beijing Olympics,” said Ma Jae-yoon, a top Korean StarCraft player. “It motivates me to play harder.”
By Wohn Dong-hee
Staff Writer for JoongAng Daily | https://medium.com/igloo-in-the-rainforest/the-hottest-sports-action-in-korea-is-computerized-efa6350fc815 | ['D. Yvette Wohn'] | 2016-12-13 04:17:10.998000+00:00 | ['E Sports'] | Title hottest sport action Korea computerizedContent hottest sporting action summer taking place computer screen Crowds thousand lined beach Busan Seoul’s Olympic Park recently separate computer gaming event Esports kid’s game ― 100 billion 107 million market Korea nearly double size every year Olympic Park southern Seoul Seoul International eSports Festival ended fourday event yesterday amid game character fashion show concert event festival also included final 256team “StarCraft” singleelimination tournament offering cash prize 20 million winner singleplayer “WarCraft 3” competition got 20000 50 gamers numerous country including China Poland Sweden participated Although many participant professional Korean gamers international team came strong shooting game “CounterStrike” Seoul gamers compete past weekend Provided organization Seoul City government said next year expects 200000 people event entire event broadcast live Internet video portal GomTV Also part esports festival 2007 Korea Pump Festival drew huge crowd people wanted see contestant dance “Pump” Koreandeveloped game similar “Dance Dance Revolution” player step pad floor directed arrow appear screen yet another venue digital avatar danced away competition game “Audition” cyber figure actual bodywork Seoul festivity one many summer computer game festival going nationwide summer Aug 4 Busan’s Gwangalli beach packed people watching final Shinhan Pro League one biggest StarCraft tournament Korea event attracts ten thousand spectator year Prior Busan esports festival also took place city Daegu mountainous region Gangwon Gyeongpo Beach Gangneung City Gangwon ― drawing big crowd “I heard esports pilot category Beijing Olympics” said Jaeyoon top Korean StarCraft player “It motivates play harder” Wohn Donghee Staff Writer JoongAng DailyTags E Sports |
190,868 | The Golden Brick Road — H2K’s Journey to Semifinals | The Golden Brick Road — H2K’s Journey to Semifinals
“The harder I prepare, the luckier I seem to get.”
– Michael Jordan
Huddling together after a victory over Albus NoX Luna in the quarterfinals of the Season 6 World Championship, H2K Gaming clinched a place in the semifinals at Madison Square Garden in New York. Their path to the iconic indoor arena was pathed in gold by the view of many, dodging Korean threats like the top seeded Western teams of G2 and TSM, surely they didn’t deserve it, right?
H2K is now one of a myriad of Western teams that reached a the bracket stage while dodging a Korean team in groups, and then a Korean team in the quarterfinal, a a la FNATIC at the S5WC. Forever looming over H2K’s run and the many other deep Western runs in recent years is a shadow of luck because of their coincidental evasion of the titanic Eastern region until their finals moments. However, if you examine H2K’s shadow, it’s quickly revealed that in many ways, they engineered their own luck by thorough preparation, and capitalized on the opportunities given to them.
Before H2K could band together to capitalize on the circumstances that resulted in their fortunate bracket stage seeding, they each had to overcome tasking obstacles throughout their professional careers. In a previous piece, I documented the trails FORG1VEN’s was faced with in his career, and most of his teammates have similar stories. Perhaps the severity of their struggles differs, but each of them is haunted by narratives from their past that acted as cinder blocks, holding them down from success.
This universal-struggle to correct their past failures is what created the bond that allowed H2K to prevail as a team and be the only non-Korean team to reach the Top 4. All five players on the roster had never reached a World Championship and finally being on the world stage lit an individual fire underneath each player to not only prove the worth of their team, but of themselves.
A Ragtag Group
H2K is a ragtag team of players, those who didn’t fit the mold of previous teams they played on, outcasts with negative narratives surrounding them that made them undesirable. The one player who is arguably exempt from this description is Andrei “Odoamne” Pascu, but even the steadfast top laner doesn’t come without critique. Odo is the only franchise-H2K player on the current roster, and despite always serving as the consistent, reliable top laner for the team, it was unlikely to hear his name mentioned with gusto.
Never flashy, always tanky, Odoamne was always a quiet player, who played the low-profile role of a tank-engage specialist who though facilitating the team, was never the highlight of it. He would be denoted as a solid player, always getting his job done, but nothing more, and as a professional player hearing that can be infuriating. As a player, your thoughts after a match will always drift to asking “Could I do more for my team?” and this only becomes more frequent if you’re surrounded by the notion that you don’t do more than is required of you.
Accepting the reality that you can do more for your team can be difficult, and as a result Pascu had to work diligently to become a more versatile player ahead of the S6WC group stages. Diligence, however, is something that two of Odoamne’s teammates have worked together to acquire.
When you think of duos, the first that comes to mind is an AD Carry and Support, the second is Mid and Jungle, but Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski and Osksar “VandeR” Bogdan break the usual mold. The Jungle/Support duo have fought their battles together since early Season 3 when they first met on GF-Gaming and since then they’ve been brothers in arms. The pair share similar mannerisms, and as a result they also share similar play styles and flaws.
As a duo, they were spectacular from their rookie splits with ROCCAT in 2014, but their 3rd place finish in Spring 2014 as a rookie squad also drew back the curtain on the flaws of Jankos and VandeR. The first signs of their weak mental fortitude and tendency to crack under pressure showed in their semifinal series against SK Gaming. To corroborate that, the brotherly duo would fall 3–2 in the Summer playoffs to FNATIC in a series deciding which team would reach the World Championship.
Over the next year and a half, Marcin and Oskar would consistently reach the shoreline of success, but because of mental hang-ups and tilt, they never sailed out to sea. Reaching the 2016 World Championship meant the career-long duo had finally embarked on their journey, but to fully extinguish the demons of their past, they had to be diligent, calm and collected in their matches.
A player who like Jankos and Vander also had World Championship appearances slip from his grasp joined them on H2K when the organization acquired their roster for the 2016 Season. Yoo “Ryu” Sang-ook is a Korean mid laner with a legacy, one that ended in him being exiled to a foreign region if he wished to continue chasing his dreams for a chance at the Summoner’s Cup. In Season 3, Ryu signed to the KT Rolster B team in Korea, a roster that lives on with a legacy of potential that never came to fruition.
Coming into the Summer playoffs of HOT6iX Champions that split, KTB were considered among many to be the second best team in korea — and subsequently the world — at the time and advanced all the way to the finals. There they would face SK Telecom T1, and in the deciding game 5 of the series, KT Bullets would fall to the newcomers with the game being immortalized by Faker’s Zed vs Zed outplay. Placing second would send them to the Regional Playoff, where they would again run into their nemesis, SKT, in the finals and fall 3–1, losing their S3WC seed to the eventual winners of the entire tournament. After that, Ryu and KTB would never be the same, only finding mediocre success in the following season, leading up to an eventual disbanding because of the elimination of sister teams.
The backlash of passionate Korean fans towards Ryu during their failure at S3 Regionals and under-performance drove him to seek asylum from the doubt that surrounded him by signing to a foreign region. Europe would be his region of choice, and though it’s taken him roughly two years to achieve his goal, Ryu has finally dispelled the rumors that he’s a choker by becoming the first member of KT Bullets to reach a World Championship. Though Sang-ook may have hurdled past personal obstacles, he still feels he has to improve in order to pay homage to the region that let him do so, saying in an interview “If I can, I’d like to make Europe a bit more proud.”
The Pride of Europe
“The ability to conquer oneself is no doubt one of the most
precious of all things sports bestows.”
– Olga Korbut
Ryu’s sentiment in that interview after the quarterfinal victory embodies what H2K played for as a team at the event: to preserve Europe (and eventually, Western) pride by exceeding the expectations that were set for them as the lowly third seed from the region. With the collective goal of blowing their critics out of the water, united under the singular cause of making Western eSports proud, H2K was able to efficiently and effectively practice headed into the tournament.
Though each player has individual flaws and failures they wished to avenge, the common goal they all shared allowed them to improve both as individuals and as a team in harmony. A practice culture such as this is exceedingly rare and often is only the result of stars-aligning perfectly because of a multitude of circumstances. In this case, five outcasts with something to prove each reached their first World Championship of their careers, and as a result were presented a golden ticket to right their legacies.
In their first week on the world stage, H2K emerged from their korean bootcamp looking rough around the edges by ending their first week 1–2 in the group stage. VandeR and Jankos’ shaky play and their overall unstable shot-calling signaled that H2K was likely to once again fall victim to their cycle of failing just on the cusp of greatness. Had they continued their middling performance in the group stages, they’d have been disregarded as succumbing to their low expectations as Europe’s third seed.
That heavy feeling of knowing you’re expected to fall just short of your goals is one each individual on H2K knows all too well. With EDward Gaming and ahq e-Sports both picking up two wins in the first week, H2K was faced with their backs against the wall, not being able to afford a single loss against the two teams that beat them the previous week. By my estimation, this was kerosene to the inner flame of each of the veterans on H2K’s roster, and they came out guns blazing in week two.
The Unexpected Survivors
From the first game in their second week, H2K looked like an entirely different beast than they did in their first week of play, transferring their laning phase leads into macro-advantages and game wins. It wasn’t an overnight change, but it was rather miniscule tweaking that caused their gameplay to become increasingly crisp and methodical. The misjudgement of ganks from Odoamne were nowhere to be scene, Jankos and Vander both ceased getting caught out trying to get information for their team, and the two main carries continued to carry out their jobs. In addition to minimizing these mistakes, H2K also maximized their carry potential as a unit because each player on the team took the reigns at one point or another and steered the them towards victory. With those performances, the individuals of H2K were able to face the demons that followed their careers head on, and extinguish them on sight.
Beginning with a victory against ahq, H2K’s week two performance would end in a flawless 4–0, overcoming Chinese #1 seed heavy-weight EDG in two separate matches, one being a tiebreaker. A collection of statistics can display how H2K was able to achieve such a miraculous performance and exceed their expected result of at best finishing second place in their group. The first is the percent of team damage notorious tank player Odoamne was able to achieve, having the largest share of his team’s damage at 27%.
Making a transfer to high-DPM champions like Jayce, Kennen and an old favorite of his, Rumble, allowed Odoamne to finally unveil the impactful player he can be. With a solid damage threat in the top lane, Ryu (7.9 CSPM) and FORG1VEN (10.1 CSPM) were freed up to pressure their lanes without feeling an obligation to manufacture a large lead VIA kills as the mean damage dealers on the team. High pressure lanes meant that Jankos and VandeR’s jobs of managing macro-strategy became simplified and allowed them to focus on their own gameplay more.
As a result, H2K’s perfected methodical playstyle would boast a 2.6k GD@15, 80% first blood rate, 80% first tower and first three tower rate, while maintaining a 65% dragon control and 57% baron control rate. This impeccable macro play would be exemplified in their first place tie-breaker with EDward Gaming, where H2K won a 42-minute game with a score of only 16 to 11 in kills by shutting EDG out of dragons 5 to 0 and dwarfing their turrets killed 10 to 3. As the nexus exploded, against the doubts of many H2K became the unlikely flag bearer for Western League of Legends at the 2016 World Championship as the first seed from Group C.
The Sole Representatives
As the 1st seed from Group C they’d be drawn into the lower half of the bracket against Group A’s 2nd seed, Albus NoX Luna, a wild-card team. In a routing 3–0 victory, H2K would finish their 100-meter sprint into the semifinal of the S6WC with a 7–0 record in their last seven games. Despite this and an impressive statline, there are still questions about if H2K are a team worthy of Top 4 at the tournament because of their exceedingly weak group and fortunate quarterfinal opponent. Sure, Lady Luck was on the side of H2K both in groups and in the bracket stage, but without a doubt no one expected them to take the first seed away from EDG, that was all their own doing. It’s not as if the games weren’t close either — yes, EDG under-performed, but they made H2K work for their wins in drawn out macro-oriented games, they earned their victories. Most of all, H2K played more cohesively as a unit than any other Western team, and certainly there is an argument for them outplaying LPL teams in that respect, as well.
A team that has a carry threat at every position is a team that’s unpredictable to play against, facing an opponent like that means you can’t go into a game with a solid idea of how they want to beat you. For teams like Royal Never Give Up or EDward Gaming, it’s almost a very linear pattern with how they want to win: gank bot, the star AD Carry carries the game. Though H2K have a star AD Carry themselves, they almost never solely play around FORG1VEN any longer, and at the tournament, every player has carried a game.
Odoamne on Jayce against ANX, Ryu on Ryze against ahq, Jankos on Olaf against EDG, FORG1VEN on Sivir against INTZ or VandeR on Zyra against ANX, they all were the main carry at some point. Facing a quintuplet of threats makes a team tasking to play against, and H2K execute that strategy perfectly. Other teams that have been eliminated from the tournament don’t possess the same ability to execute this strategy, and so even though they have a low chance of making the finals, I wholeheartedly believe H2K deserves their place as the only non-Korean team in the semifinals.
“Different people carrying you at different times. That’s what makes you a very good team. It makes you tough to play against.” — Flip Saunders.
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Photo credits: lolesports flickr | https://medium.com/@lolTJae/the-golden-brick-road-h2ks-journey-to-semifinals-7810a601980b | ['T Jae'] | 2016-10-21 16:57:32.014000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'League of Legends'] | Title Golden Brick Road — H2K’s Journey SemifinalsContent Golden Brick Road — H2K’s Journey Semifinals “The harder prepare luckier seem get” – Michael Jordan Huddling together victory Albus NoX Luna quarterfinal Season 6 World Championship H2K Gaming clinched place semifinal Madison Square Garden New York path iconic indoor arena pathed gold view many dodging Korean threat like top seeded Western team G2 TSM surely didn’t deserve right H2K one myriad Western team reached bracket stage dodging Korean team group Korean team quarterfinal la FNATIC S5WC Forever looming H2K’s run many deep Western run recent year shadow luck coincidental evasion titanic Eastern region final moment However examine H2K’s shadow it’s quickly revealed many way engineered luck thorough preparation capitalized opportunity given H2K could band together capitalize circumstance resulted fortunate bracket stage seeding overcome tasking obstacle throughout professional career previous piece documented trail FORG1VEN’s faced career teammate similar story Perhaps severity struggle differs haunted narrative past acted cinder block holding success universalstruggle correct past failure created bond allowed H2K prevail team nonKorean team reach Top 4 five player roster never reached World Championship finally world stage lit individual fire underneath player prove worth team Ragtag Group H2K ragtag team player didn’t fit mold previous team played outcast negative narrative surrounding made undesirable one player arguably exempt description Andrei “Odoamne” Pascu even steadfast top laner doesn’t come without critique Odo franchiseH2K player current roster despite always serving consistent reliable top laner team unlikely hear name mentioned gusto Never flashy always tanky Odoamne always quiet player played lowprofile role tankengage specialist though facilitating team never highlight would denoted solid player always getting job done nothing professional player hearing infuriating player thought match always drift asking “Could team” becomes frequent you’re surrounded notion don’t required Accepting reality team difficult result Pascu work diligently become versatile player ahead S6WC group stage Diligence however something two Odoamne’s teammate worked together acquire think duo first come mind AD Carry Support second Mid Jungle Marcin “Jankos” Jankowski Osksar “VandeR” Bogdan break usual mold JungleSupport duo fought battle together since early Season 3 first met GFGaming since they’ve brother arm pair share similar mannerism result also share similar play style flaw duo spectacular rookie split ROCCAT 2014 3rd place finish Spring 2014 rookie squad also drew back curtain flaw Jankos VandeR first sign weak mental fortitude tendency crack pressure showed semifinal series SK Gaming corroborate brotherly duo would fall 3–2 Summer playoff FNATIC series deciding team would reach World Championship next year half Marcin Oskar would consistently reach shoreline success mental hangups tilt never sailed sea Reaching 2016 World Championship meant careerlong duo finally embarked journey fully extinguish demon past diligent calm collected match player like Jankos Vander also World Championship appearance slip grasp joined H2K organization acquired roster 2016 Season Yoo “Ryu” Sangook Korean mid laner legacy one ended exiled foreign region wished continue chasing dream chance Summoner’s Cup Season 3 Ryu signed KT Rolster B team Korea roster life legacy potential never came fruition Coming Summer playoff HOT6iX Champions split KTB considered among many second best team korea — subsequently world — time advanced way final would face SK Telecom T1 deciding game 5 series KT Bullets would fall newcomer game immortalized Faker’s Zed v Zed outplay Placing second would send Regional Playoff would run nemesis SKT final fall 3–1 losing S3WC seed eventual winner entire tournament Ryu KTB would never finding mediocre success following season leading eventual disbanding elimination sister team backlash passionate Korean fan towards Ryu failure S3 Regionals underperformance drove seek asylum doubt surrounded signing foreign region Europe would region choice though it’s taken roughly two year achieve goal Ryu finally dispelled rumor he’s choker becoming first member KT Bullets reach World Championship Though Sangook may hurdled past personal obstacle still feel improve order pay homage region let saying interview “If I’d like make Europe bit proud” Pride Europe “The ability conquer oneself doubt one precious thing sport bestows” – Olga Korbut Ryu’s sentiment interview quarterfinal victory embodies H2K played team event preserve Europe eventually Western pride exceeding expectation set lowly third seed region collective goal blowing critic water united singular cause making Western eSports proud H2K able efficiently effectively practice headed tournament Though player individual flaw failure wished avenge common goal shared allowed improve individual team harmony practice culture exceedingly rare often result starsaligning perfectly multitude circumstance case five outcast something prove reached first World Championship career result presented golden ticket right legacy first week world stage H2K emerged korean bootcamp looking rough around edge ending first week 1–2 group stage VandeR Jankos’ shaky play overall unstable shotcalling signaled H2K likely fall victim cycle failing cusp greatness continued middling performance group stage they’d disregarded succumbing low expectation Europe’s third seed heavy feeling knowing you’re expected fall short goal one individual H2K know well EDward Gaming ahq eSports picking two win first week H2K faced back wall able afford single loss two team beat previous week estimation kerosene inner flame veteran H2K’s roster came gun blazing week two Unexpected Survivors first game second week H2K looked like entirely different beast first week play transferring laning phase lead macroadvantages game win wasn’t overnight change rather miniscule tweaking caused gameplay become increasingly crisp methodical misjudgement ganks Odoamne nowhere scene Jankos Vander ceased getting caught trying get information team two main carry continued carry job addition minimizing mistake H2K also maximized carry potential unit player team took reign one point another steered towards victory performance individual H2K able face demon followed career head extinguish sight Beginning victory ahq H2K’s week two performance would end flawless 4–0 overcoming Chinese 1 seed heavyweight EDG two separate match one tiebreaker collection statistic display H2K able achieve miraculous performance exceed expected result best finishing second place group first percent team damage notorious tank player Odoamne able achieve largest share team’s damage 27 Making transfer highDPM champion like Jayce Kennen old favorite Rumble allowed Odoamne finally unveil impactful player solid damage threat top lane Ryu 79 CSPM FORG1VEN 101 CSPM freed pressure lane without feeling obligation manufacture large lead VIA kill mean damage dealer team High pressure lane meant Jankos VandeR’s job managing macrostrategy became simplified allowed focus gameplay result H2K’s perfected methodical playstyle would boast 26k GD15 80 first blood rate 80 first tower first three tower rate maintaining 65 dragon control 57 baron control rate impeccable macro play would exemplified first place tiebreaker EDward Gaming H2K 42minute game score 16 11 kill shutting EDG dragon 5 0 dwarfing turret killed 10 3 nexus exploded doubt many H2K became unlikely flag bearer Western League Legends 2016 World Championship first seed Group C Sole Representatives 1st seed Group C they’d drawn lower half bracket Group A’s 2nd seed Albus NoX Luna wildcard team routing 3–0 victory H2K would finish 100meter sprint semifinal S6WC 7–0 record last seven game Despite impressive statline still question H2K team worthy Top 4 tournament exceedingly weak group fortunate quarterfinal opponent Sure Lady Luck side H2K group bracket stage without doubt one expected take first seed away EDG It’s game weren’t close either — yes EDG underperformed made H2K work win drawn macrooriented game earned victory H2K played cohesively unit Western team certainly argument outplaying LPL team respect well team carry threat every position team that’s unpredictable play facing opponent like mean can’t go game solid idea want beat team like Royal Never Give EDward Gaming it’s almost linear pattern want win gank bot star AD Carry carry game Though H2K star AD Carry almost never solely play around FORG1VEN longer tournament every player carried game Odoamne Jayce ANX Ryu Ryze ahq Jankos Olaf EDG FORG1VEN Sivir INTZ VandeR Zyra ANX main carry point Facing quintuplet threat make team tasking play H2K execute strategy perfectly team eliminated tournament don’t posse ability execute strategy even though low chance making final wholeheartedly believe H2K deserves place nonKorean team semifinal “Different people carrying different time That’s make good team make tough play against” — Flip Saunders you’d like support writer community ad revenue please visit article every view count Photo credit lolesports flickrTags Esports League Legends |
190,869 | CS:GO Bangladesh Community League Invitational | CS:GO in Bangladesh has come a long way. According to the data collected by community servers, there are 2214 active steamids in Bangladesh. Around 753 steamids play at least once in any given week. And 1208 steamids play at least once in a month. Since the competitive scene of CS:GO community is kinda stale, some players have come forwarded with the idea of having an invitation only league. This league will rejuvenate the cs:go competitive scene once again. The features of the league will be:
10 teams invitational round-robin. In case the quota isn’t fulfilled, quotas will be fulfilled from teams who have applied for entry.
Separate server with ANTI-CHEAT measures and STATS.
The league will run for 3 months. After 3 months there will be a 1-month recess.
There will be relegation system like ESL. Bottom place teams will loose invitation.
These are just draft features of the league. After talking with top teams, everything will be set in motion.
The first league will have neither any prize pool nor any entry fee (unless anyone comes forward with a sponsorship). We will see how it runs then we will decide about monetary matters. | https://medium.com/@knightfall/cs-go-bangladesh-community-league-invitational-50fec91b45b4 | ['Sazid Hossain Banna'] | 2016-11-14 00:41:59.391000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming'] | Title CSGO Bangladesh Community League InvitationalContent CSGO Bangladesh come long way According data collected community server 2214 active steamids Bangladesh Around 753 steamids play least given week 1208 steamids play least month Since competitive scene CSGO community kinda stale player come forwarded idea invitation league league rejuvenate csgo competitive scene feature league 10 team invitational roundrobin case quota isn’t fulfilled quota fulfilled team applied entry Separate server ANTICHEAT measure STATS league run 3 month 3 month 1month recess relegation system like ESL Bottom place team loose invitation draft feature league talking top team everything set motion first league neither prize pool entry fee unless anyone come forward sponsorship see run decide monetary mattersTags Esports Gaming |
190,870 | The future of Overwatch and what it means for collegiate eSports | It’s been over two weeks since Overwatch League was announced. Much of the player hype and debacle has faded, however the industry leaders and decision-makers are still pondering over the ramifications this has for our industry and the culture of eSports or “Esports”. We a-dults now b o y z. This has lead to a chain reaction with publishers and leagues rethinking their 5 year plans.
Overwatch moving forward
With Overwatch’s immense growth this was an inevitable. The debatable eSports failure that was Heroes of the Storm left Blizzard Activision with an uneasy feeling of defeat. In addition to HoTS losing its unique fandom Starcraft has lost its prominent Korean league. Their much needed traction as a relevant eSports publisher/organizer truly was and is hinged on the success of Overwatch as not only a casual game but a competitive global league.
For players it facilitates a truly global competition with players across the world uniting under one banner to play for fame glory cash and prizes. For businesses and brands it facilitates the ability to get into eSports while it’s hot. Purchasing coveted chartered memberships. There is a lot of anticipation and truthfully everyone’s watching including Riot Games. Just recently, a source close to the situation noted an estimated 90 million dollar (USD) partnership between Riot Games and MLBAM to stream LoL eSports.
A deal which certainly has been in the works for months if not years now, but this couldn’t have come at a greater time.
Riot Games and the boy who cried wolf
Riot Games have been under immense pressure from Lol sports team owners, in a leaked document team owners came together to demand more transparency, stipends, prize pool and opportunities of earning money including enfranchisement, broadcast and itemization revenue sharing as-soon-as-possible. It’s very clear that they are looking for more ways of making money to keep them afloat as most, if not all are running in the red this fiscal year.
If the market continues to over-saturate player earnings they will continue to rise while the organizations who aren’t-ventured-back will continue to lose an incredible amount of money. They’ll have to cut back staff members, cut whole teams or even forfeit spots if they can’t pay for them.
Debate aside whether you believe Riot should franchise now, tomorrow, or never, the 90 million annually will certainly help keep LoL eSports’ team owners happy if that comes their way. In no shape or form is Riot hurting for them to keep that 90 million, with their valuations and profits estimating to remain within the high 6 figures, this deal will certainly indulge the luxury of their LoL eSport’s ecosystem. Reaping the rewards and solidifying deals with decision-makers across the traditional media pond, keeping LoL eSports alive and well for years to come.
Overwatch can be the next best thing
But let’s jump back to Overwatch League. They plan on franchising, revenue sharing, globalizing teams, all altruistic in nature. With their tenured experience as a game publisher and the critical success that was Overwatch World Cup, it was the sign they needed to green-light this new ambitious venture. What we know now is simple — eSports just took 10 steps forward in the right direction.
The industry is self-reliant on sponsorships from endemic companies. Without them, they can’t afford to keep the lights on at the end of the month. With new venture capitalists and angels entering the scene there have been a fortunate handful of who forego the tradition of relying on sponsorships.
By introducing chartered spots you allow new players to enter the fold, who are ready to invest into the industry, or allow the veteran players to imprint their brands for years to come. Advertisers and sponsors in and out of eSports won’t be afraid that an LCS team will be relegated to the Challenger Series to lose the brand exposure or sales they needed. Their worst nightmare now finally in the process of disappearing into the past.
I’ve written about the future of eSports at least a dozen or so times now. The narratives are the same, but depending on the game I associate the write-up with, minuet changes are made however the foundation always remains the same.
You get the best of both worlds. Everyone makes money. Players are secured and protected. Organizations, publishers, and partners share a piece of that oh so good pumpkin pie. What about collegiate eSports, how will that be affected?
Collegiate eSports will expand or integrate into the league circuits
Photo credit: Riot Games
As chartered memberships (enfranchisement) and other outside supportive partnerships form you’ll see a large debate about balancing and filtering old from new. Worthy from unworthy. Money talks and for that reason many have raised their pitch-forks contesting enfranchisement in eSports. To keep the competitive integrity alive by rewarding those who come here to be the best, not those with deepest pockets.
We in eSports are akin to nothing and we are constantly going through the process of trials and tribulations figuring out how to implement a strategy correctly that works for everyone.
With relegation and promotion looking to be fazed out we’ll be hit with a dilemma that could jeopardize the competitive integrity of the LoL & Overwatch League. One way I see this being tackled; turning collegiate eSports into combines (scouting grounds) or competing in smaller circuit leagues for scholarships and prize pools leading up to collegiate event equivalent of ‘Worlds’.
As I said earlier only time will tell, but we’re heading in a good direction. Rocky but every rocky road leads to safe ground.. we hope.
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Managing Director @eSportsRDANet. I like food and good screenplays. I don’t hold my tongue, sorry mom. Inquiries [email protected] or Tweet me @MellowWalt for updates. | https://blog.starters.co/the-future-of-overwatch-and-what-it-means-for-collegiate-esports-78108b5c4cc2 | ['Walter Sosa'] | 2016-11-18 03:14:53.256000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming'] | Title future Overwatch mean collegiate eSportsContent It’s two week since Overwatch League announced Much player hype debacle faded however industry leader decisionmakers still pondering ramification industry culture eSports “Esports” adult b z lead chain reaction publisher league rethinking 5 year plan Overwatch moving forward Overwatch’s immense growth inevitable debatable eSports failure Heroes Storm left Blizzard Activision uneasy feeling defeat addition HoTS losing unique fandom Starcraft lost prominent Korean league much needed traction relevant eSports publisherorganizer truly hinged success Overwatch casual game competitive global league player facilitates truly global competition player across world uniting one banner play fame glory cash prize business brand facilitates ability get eSports it’s hot Purchasing coveted chartered membership lot anticipation truthfully everyone’s watching including Riot Games recently source close situation noted estimated 90 million dollar USD partnership Riot Games MLBAM stream LoL eSports deal certainly work month year couldn’t come greater time Riot Games boy cried wolf Riot Games immense pressure Lol sport team owner leaked document team owner came together demand transparency stipend prize pool opportunity earning money including enfranchisement broadcast itemization revenue sharing assoonaspossible It’s clear looking way making money keep afloat running red fiscal year market continues oversaturate player earnings continue rise organization aren’tventuredback continue lose incredible amount money They’ll cut back staff member cut whole team even forfeit spot can’t pay Debate aside whether believe Riot franchise tomorrow never 90 million annually certainly help keep LoL eSports’ team owner happy come way shape form Riot hurting keep 90 million valuation profit estimating remain within high 6 figure deal certainly indulge luxury LoL eSport’s ecosystem Reaping reward solidifying deal decisionmakers across traditional medium pond keeping LoL eSports alive well year come Overwatch next best thing let’s jump back Overwatch League plan franchising revenue sharing globalizing team altruistic nature tenured experience game publisher critical success Overwatch World Cup sign needed greenlight new ambitious venture know simple — eSports took 10 step forward right direction industry selfreliant sponsorship endemic company Without can’t afford keep light end month new venture capitalist angel entering scene fortunate handful forego tradition relying sponsorship introducing chartered spot allow new player enter fold ready invest industry allow veteran player imprint brand year come Advertisers sponsor eSports won’t afraid LCS team relegated Challenger Series lose brand exposure sale needed worst nightmare finally process disappearing past I’ve written future eSports least dozen time narrative depending game associate writeup minuet change made however foundation always remains get best world Everyone make money Players secured protected Organizations publisher partner share piece oh good pumpkin pie collegiate eSports affected Collegiate eSports expand integrate league circuit Photo credit Riot Games chartered membership enfranchisement outside supportive partnership form you’ll see large debate balancing filtering old new Worthy unworthy Money talk reason many raised pitchfork contesting enfranchisement eSports keep competitive integrity alive rewarding come best deepest pocket eSports akin nothing constantly going process trial tribulation figuring implement strategy correctly work everyone relegation promotion looking fazed we’ll hit dilemma could jeopardize competitive integrity LoL Overwatch League One way see tackled turning collegiate eSports combine scouting ground competing smaller circuit league scholarship prize pool leading collegiate event equivalent ‘Worlds’ said earlier time tell we’re heading good direction Rocky every rocky road lead safe ground hope — Managing Director eSportsRDANet like food good screenplay don’t hold tongue sorry mom Inquiries wsosaesportsranet Tweet MellowWalt updatesTags Esports Gaming |
190,871 | Haksal’s Genji and Auston Matthews’ NHL Debut | Haksal’s Genji and Auston Matthews’ NHL Debut
I am from Sweden and in Sweden we care about three things: coffee, not talking to strangers, and ice hockey. When October comes around, the most hardcore Swedes stay up late, make sure the coffee’s ready and then watch NHL games. Alone.
One game that hockey fans pay extra attention to is the debut of the guy who was selected first in the NHL entry draft the previous summer. In this case that guy was Auston Matthews. Matthews was born in California but grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. How a kid growing up in the desert turned out to be one of the most talented hockey players in modern times beats me. But that’s not the point.
Last night was his NHL debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They’re not a good team by any stretch of the imagination but their fans are among the most passionate in the world. Playing for Toronto puts a lot of pressure on a young player. Luckily for Matthews his debut was an away game against the Ottawa Senators. I have never played in the NHL so it’s impossible for me to say what it feels like but I can imagine it’s easier to stay composed in a packed arena where everyone wants you to fail miserably than in an equally crowded Air Canada Centre where everyone expects you to be the savior that’s going to take their beloved team to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
A little over eight minutes into the game Auston Matthews found the back of the net and had scored his first NHL goal. From that point onwards he was on fire. Less than two minutes into the second period he had completed a hat trick. Only four other players have scored three goals in their NHL debut: Alex Smart (1943), Real Cloutier (1979), Fabian Brunnström (2008) and Derek Stepan (2010). Remember Fabian Brunnström. I’ll get back to him later.
Anyway. Back to the game. We’re still in the second period. William Nylander transports the puck into the Senators’ zone and passes it across the crease to — you guessed it — Auston Matthews who scored his fourth(!) NHL goal. The list of players who have scored four goals in their debut is shorter. A lot shorter. Auston Matthews is the only name on that list.
After the game and my third cup of coffee I remembered that Korean Overwatch player I had watched the other day: Kim Hyo Jong, better known as Haksal. It was in the Overwatch Apex tournament and also his debut on stage and against a Western team. His team RunAway was up against REUNITED, a powerhouse of a team tearing apart the Overwatch scene in Europe up until recently. Don’t get me wrong; they’re still really good but admittedly they’ve fallen off a bit lately.
Going into the game I expected it to be a walk in the park for the European side. That was of course before I had even heard the name Haksal. Traditionally westerners are better than Asians at FPS-games. Overwatch however is a bit different in the way that it’s more about managing cooldowns and combining ultimate abilities than having raw aim. Given the little I know about League of Legends I’d say Koreans are pretty good at coordinating team fights so I don’t actually know why I was so surprised when RunAway turned out to be pretty good.
Even though RunAway showed us some solid team play, this match will go down in history for an entirely different reason. Haksal picked Genji — the half-human, half-omnic ninja who came to peace with his past and his new form of existence by spending years in the mountains of Nepal with omnic monks.
Genji might be the hero with the highest skill ceiling in the entire game. His insane movement abilities, two fire modes, ability to deflect projectiles and his Dragon Blade ultimate is a true challenge even for the most seasoned of FPS-players. Basically, if you can master Genji you are mechanically skilled enough to learn any other hero.
Because Overwatch doesn’t have statistics in the same way as hockey does we can’t count goals. What we can count however is the number of consecutive maps in which Haksal destroyed REUNITED and carried his team to victory. In this case three but that’s only because it was a best of five match. Given the opportunity I’m sure he’d join Auston Matthews on the list of players who have scored four “goals” in their debut.
If you haven’t seen what he did to REUNITED yet I recommend that you do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5LdPF-vbew
Remember Fabian Brunnström? One of the few players who have scored a hat trick in his NHL debut? His story is completely different from Auston Matthews’. Brunnström never got drafted but he had a solid season in the Swedish Elite League in 2006–2007 which resulted in the Dallas Stars signing him as an unrestricted free agent. That’s far from being in the spotlight. When he took the ice after being a healthy scratch in the first two games of the season, no one knew who he was. Nor did they really care. Unless they were hardcore Stars fans of course.
He scored three goals (the first European to do so) including the game-winner against the Nashville Predators and all of a sudden he was the talk of the town. It turned out to be a one-off and slowly but surely he slipped back into obscurity. In 2012 he returned to Sweden and is still to this day a decent hockey player, albeit far from the top.
Auston Matthews on the other hand has been rigorously scouted for years and he keeps exceeding expectations. It’s a fairly safe bet to say that he’s going to be a really good player in the NHL for years to come. Maybe not a superstar, but a good player. At least.
I can’t help but wonder whether Haksal will turn out to be an Auston Matthews or a Fabian Brunnström. The way he dominated the match against REUNITED was something I’ve never seen before against a top level team. It was filthy. I’m gonna go with Matthews.
Fredrik Salomonsson | https://medium.com/@fredso90/haksals-genji-and-auston-matthews-nhl-debut-a3f6944c3161 | ['Fredrik Salomonsson'] | 2016-10-13 13:45:59.401000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Overwatch', 'Hockey'] | Title Haksal’s Genji Auston Matthews’ NHL DebutContent Haksal’s Genji Auston Matthews’ NHL Debut Sweden Sweden care three thing coffee talking stranger ice hockey October come around hardcore Swedes stay late make sure coffee’s ready watch NHL game Alone One game hockey fan pay extra attention debut guy selected first NHL entry draft previous summer case guy Auston Matthews Matthews born California grew Scottsdale Arizona kid growing desert turned one talented hockey player modern time beat that’s point Last night NHL debut Toronto Maple Leafs They’re good team stretch imagination fan among passionate world Playing Toronto put lot pressure young player Luckily Matthews debut away game Ottawa Senators never played NHL it’s impossible say feel like imagine it’s easier stay composed packed arena everyone want fail miserably equally crowded Air Canada Centre everyone expects savior that’s going take beloved team Stanley Cup playoff little eight minute game Auston Matthews found back net scored first NHL goal point onwards fire Less two minute second period completed hat trick four player scored three goal NHL debut Alex Smart 1943 Real Cloutier 1979 Fabian Brunnström 2008 Derek Stepan 2010 Remember Fabian Brunnström I’ll get back later Anyway Back game We’re still second period William Nylander transport puck Senators’ zone pass across crease — guessed — Auston Matthews scored fourth NHL goal list player scored four goal debut shorter lot shorter Auston Matthews name list game third cup coffee remembered Korean Overwatch player watched day Kim Hyo Jong better known Haksal Overwatch Apex tournament also debut stage Western team team RunAway REUNITED powerhouse team tearing apart Overwatch scene Europe recently Don’t get wrong they’re still really good admittedly they’ve fallen bit lately Going game expected walk park European side course even heard name Haksal Traditionally westerner better Asians FPSgames Overwatch however bit different way it’s managing cooldowns combining ultimate ability raw aim Given little know League Legends I’d say Koreans pretty good coordinating team fight don’t actually know surprised RunAway turned pretty good Even though RunAway showed u solid team play match go history entirely different reason Haksal picked Genji — halfhuman halfomnic ninja came peace past new form existence spending year mountain Nepal omnic monk Genji might hero highest skill ceiling entire game insane movement ability two fire mode ability deflect projectile Dragon Blade ultimate true challenge even seasoned FPSplayers Basically master Genji mechanically skilled enough learn hero Overwatch doesn’t statistic way hockey can’t count goal count however number consecutive map Haksal destroyed REUNITED carried team victory case three that’s best five match Given opportunity I’m sure he’d join Auston Matthews list player scored four “goals” debut haven’t seen REUNITED yet recommend httpswwwyoutubecomwatchvC5LdPFvbew Remember Fabian Brunnström One player scored hat trick NHL debut story completely different Auston Matthews’ Brunnström never got drafted solid season Swedish Elite League 2006–2007 resulted Dallas Stars signing unrestricted free agent That’s far spotlight took ice healthy scratch first two game season one knew really care Unless hardcore Stars fan course scored three goal first European including gamewinner Nashville Predators sudden talk town turned oneoff slowly surely slipped back obscurity 2012 returned Sweden still day decent hockey player albeit far top Auston Matthews hand rigorously scouted year keep exceeding expectation It’s fairly safe bet say he’s going really good player NHL year come Maybe superstar good player least can’t help wonder whether Haksal turn Auston Matthews Fabian Brunnström way dominated match REUNITED something I’ve never seen top level team filthy I’m gonna go Matthews Fredrik SalomonssonTags Esports Overwatch Hockey |
190,872 | Enjoy BlizzCon 2016 right here on Twitch | With tickets selling out faster than you can say, “loot box”, there’s no need to fret because you can still enjoy BlizzCon 2016 without being there in person. Blizzard promises that this year’s event will be the most exciting yet, and Twitch — with exclusive rewards and the only destination for foreign language streams — is where you’ll want to be to catch all the action!
The fun begins with Opening Week on October 26–31, where the best teams and players you’ve been following all year are competing against one another for a chance to win big on the BlizzCon 2016 stage November 4–5.
For those of you who can’t stop playing the new World of Warcraft expansion Legion and Heroes of the Storm’s new brawl mode, tune into the World of Warcraft Arena Championship and Heroes of the Storm Fall Championship tournaments for a special in-game reward, only available on Twitch.
To view the full schedule of events, visit: https://blizzcon.com/en-us/news/20271915
Want to experience BlizzCon 2016 in a language besides English? Twitch will be offering over a dozen different language options depending on the game. For the English language stream, visit: https://www.twitch.tv/team/blizzcon and for other languages, check out the channel listings and tournament details below:
Hearthstone
The Hearthstone World Championship features $1,000,000 in total prize money and sixteen of the best players from around the world.
Heroes of the Storm
The Heroes of the Storm Fall Championship brings together twelve of the best teams from every region for a shot at a $1,000,000 prize pool.
German: KnowMe
French: Millenium
French: GameWard.tv
Italian: Merlo
Russian: HappyZerg
Polish: Rivid
Spanish (EUR): Sarly21
Spanish (LATAM): Aulox
Portuguese (LATAM): NomadTV
Chinese (TW): 4Gamers
Korean: Inven
StarCraft II
The World Championship Series Global Finals will award $200,000 to the champion that emerges from the field of sixteen qualified players.
Overwatch
The Overwatch World Cup assembles national teams from all over the world to decide 2016 international bragging rights once and for all.
World of Warcraft
The World of Warcraft Arena World Championship features eight top teams playing for a share of the $250,000 prize pool. | https://medium.com/twitch-news/enjoy-blizzcon-2016-right-here-on-twitch-3617ab26b8b8 | ['Alice Karsevar'] | 2016-10-25 21:06:46.276000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Events', 'Press', 'Twitch'] | Title Enjoy BlizzCon 2016 right TwitchContent ticket selling faster say “loot box” there’s need fret still enjoy BlizzCon 2016 without person Blizzard promise year’s event exciting yet Twitch — exclusive reward destination foreign language stream — you’ll want catch action fun begin Opening Week October 26–31 best team player you’ve following year competing one another chance win big BlizzCon 2016 stage November 4–5 can’t stop playing new World Warcraft expansion Legion Heroes Storm’s new brawl mode tune World Warcraft Arena Championship Heroes Storm Fall Championship tournament special ingame reward available Twitch view full schedule event visit httpsblizzconcomenusnews20271915 Want experience BlizzCon 2016 language besides English Twitch offering dozen different language option depending game English language stream visit httpswwwtwitchtvteamblizzcon language check channel listing tournament detail Hearthstone Hearthstone World Championship feature 1000000 total prize money sixteen best player around world Heroes Storm Heroes Storm Fall Championship brings together twelve best team every region shot 1000000 prize pool German KnowMe French Millenium French GameWardtv Italian Merlo Russian HappyZerg Polish Rivid Spanish EUR Sarly21 Spanish LATAM Aulox Portuguese LATAM NomadTV Chinese TW 4Gamers Korean Inven StarCraft II World Championship Series Global Finals award 200000 champion emerges field sixteen qualified player Overwatch Overwatch World Cup assembles national team world decide 2016 international bragging right World Warcraft World Warcraft Arena World Championship feature eight top team playing share 250000 prize poolTags Esports Events Press Twitch |
190,873 | The unlikely key to TSM’s next step forward: Their rookie support | The unlikely key to TSM’s next step forward: Their rookie support
After a disappointing Worlds, Team SoloMid heads into IEM Oakland with an uncertain roster and future.
Team SoloMid win the 2016 Summer Playoffs | Image via Riot Games
Team SoloMid had it all. A nearly flawless Summer Split. Dominant performances in the North American playoffs. A team wholly focused on the 2016 League of Legends World Championships, sacrificing streaming and other pursuits to scrimmage harder than ever. But the team flamed out. They didn’t make it past group stage at Worlds. Now they head into IEM Oakland with questions swirling.
How can they replace Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng, an iconic ADC who’s been part of the professional League scene since Season 1? Is rookie support Vincent “Biofrost” Wang the long-term answer? How do they find another consistent carry around star mid laner Soren “Bjergsen” Bjerg?
The team will be forced to answer some questions at IEM. The biggest one? What to do with their least important player.
This year was going to be different
It happens nearly every year: TSM’s rabid fan base calls it the best team in the North America. But when Worlds finishes, the team finds itself far from the Summoner’s Cup.
Despite that history of underperforming expectations, many fans and professional analysts felt that this year’s Worlds really would be different. All summer. the team exhibited a cohesive macro game around All-Star carries Bjergsen and Doublelift. Top laner Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell brought a varied champion pool, jungler Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen became more consistent at playing around Bjergsen’s pressure, and even Biofrost had standout performances.
TSM made a name for being the hardest-working group in the region. But sometimes less is more.
They were unlucky to be placed into the “Group of Death,” but a huge majority of fans picked TSM to exit their group stage, many in first place. Samsung Galaxy and Royal Never Give Up were strong contenders but both showed bouts of inconsistency.
Instead, Samsung went on a playoff run for the ages while Royal showed unusual cohesion. Royal’s veteran bottom lane duo of Uzi and Mata dominated Doublelift and Biofrost, enabling countless jungle invades. Doublelift in particular, looked completely out of sorts, taking bad trades and ceding control of wave after wave. He had some of the worst performances of his career, and Biofrost did not help his cause. Hauntzer was indecisive in teamfights, and the team couldn’t exert enough pressure for him to properly manage top lane waves. Svenskeren had a few strong performances but fell flat on his face early in the deciding game against Royal and never recovered.
Just like in years past, it fell on Bjergsen to hard carry. And just like in years past, the talented Dane came up short.
Doubleilft on the LCS Stage | Photo via Riot Games
Change is necessary
The team was devastated after the loss to Royal that eliminated them from Worlds. Doublelift was apoplectic. Tactical coach Parth Naidu was somber and pensive. Their thoughts revealed how much the team invested in this Worlds run and how little chance there was that they could go through the same grinder again without major changes.
Worlds also exposed weaknesses previously unseen. TSM lacked vision control, especially against teams that cleared wards more actively. In North America, only Immortals really contested for vision; even then, TSM was more often the victor in those contests. Their macro play, so often the deciding factor in the LCS, was picked apart by teams that knew how to pull them around the map.
The first major change came with Doublelift’s announcement that he would take a break from competitive play. Losing a major carry and shot caller hurts. But its also a change that makes sense for the team. TSM needs to see what they have from Biofrost and the other positions if they are to become even better.
Building around the rookie
It’s strange to think that such a veteran team could be reliant on their least experienced player, especially one who plays support. But it’s essential that SoloMid figures out what they have in Biofrost. Does his champion pool allow him to survive meta changes like the lane-centric, ranged support atmosphere of Worlds? Can he position himself correctly to control the map as well as team fights? And most importantly, does he have a voice that can lead the team in the absence of the more vocal Doublelift?
Many teams rely on the jungler and support for shot calling because these positions are best equipped to see the map, roam for vision, and set up plays for the carries. TSM went another way by making Bjergsen and Doublelift responsible for shot calling, taking advantage of their knowledge base and game sense made sense in the short term. But for sustainable success, the team needs more from Biofrost and Svenskeren. TSM’s original reaction to Doublelift’s hiatus was to eschew IEM, bring in a rookie at ADC, and go all-in on the Biofrost experiment.
Biofrost and Doublelift prepare for a game | Photo via Riot Games
The alternative to giving Biofrost more responsibility would be to bring in an experienced ADC, like Konstantinos “FORG1VEN” Tzortziou. In that scenario, the duo could be responsible only for their lane, following instruction from the rest of the team for map play. That method could work with the amount of talent across the roster, but Doublelift’s lane mechanics were already strong—poor Worlds showing aside. Bringing in a facsimile might make things easier on their young support but would also somewhat hamper his growth. After considering the substantial interest they received from veterans, TSM backtracked and decided to sign an experienced ADC and in order to make a run at IEM.
The team sits at a crossroads, and their future could very well depend on how the duo lane performs in Oakland.
The international option
TSM has some flexibility with one remaining import slot.
TSM has acknowledged that the roster it brings to Oakland could very possibly change before the 2017 Spring Split begins. Replacing Biofrost with a more mechanically-sound support is an option it has to consider. But the best European supports are signed through 2017 and replacing Biofrost with an Asian player would be a challenge. Even Cho “Mata” Se-hyeong, a former world champion, had trouble integrating with his Chinese team, due in part to the language barrier. For a role like support, that barrier may be too much to overcome.
Likewise, the team would be hard-pressed to find a jungler who can best Svenskeren in both mechanical skill and team synergy. Svenskeren has learned to use Bjergsen’s pressure to move around the map, though he needs to improve his ability to track opposing junglers. Overall, North American supports and junglers showed the biggest drop-off in the transition to Worlds, and Svenskeren will need to get creative in order to improve while scrimming other players in this region. In the top lane, Hauntzer provides a lot of flexibility via his champion pool and generally does his job to hold the fort.
The prospect of a foreign ADC remains intriguing. In that scenario, the team could still rely on Biofrost to step up as a communicator and secondary shot caller. But outside of Kim “Deft” Hyuk-kyu, who already indicated a preference to return to the LCK, it’s hard to find a Doublelift replacement who would bring a similar level of prestige. And with Doublelift himself hinting at a competitive return next summer, the team may not need (or want) to bring in a more experienced international player as a long term solution. Regardless of who is brought in, it’s likely that the team’s ambitions rely on Biofrost and Svenskeren’s abilities to lead.
A little less pressure, a little more luck
TSM has built one of the strongest brands in all esports. It has brought in considerable resources to support its players. But it’s hard not to view the current practice strategies in LCS regions as counterproductive. Scrimming endlessly against other teams is clearly not preparing these players to compete internationally, especially when their competition doesn’t rise up to the standards set by other regions.
The team needs to build a more cohesive, efficient practice regime that isn’t an off-stage reproduction of actual matches and doesn’t put undue pressure on the players. TSM made a name for being the hardest-working group in the region. But sometimes less is more.
But behind the issues and heartbreak are a lot of reasons to be optimistic. TSM’s coach, Weldon Green, is well versed in the psychology and leadership modes of traditional sports teams. Intrepid owner Andy “Reginald” Dinh made his name by pushing boundaries. Finally, their Worlds run suffered from some bad luck: Royal built a substantial mountain drake lead in the deciding game. Samsung and Royal turned out to be two of the most dangerous teams in the tournament; H2K made it to the semifinals before finally facing (and losing to) a Korean squad.
Their Worlds disappointment also doesn’t totally undermine the fantastic split they had. Even if by next summer the team looks the same as it did a month ago, there’s hope that better international results are in store.
If any team can reinvent itself and become even stronger, it’s this one. TSM will look far and wide for a new ADC, but the real growth will be internal. | https://medium.com/@xingtheli/the-unlikely-key-to-tsms-next-step-forward-their-rookie-support-c956e5c465f5 | ['Xing Li'] | 2016-11-10 19:22:33.607000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'League of Legends'] | Title unlikely key TSM’s next step forward rookie supportContent unlikely key TSM’s next step forward rookie support disappointing Worlds Team SoloMid head IEM Oakland uncertain roster future Team SoloMid win 2016 Summer Playoffs Image via Riot Games Team SoloMid nearly flawless Summer Split Dominant performance North American playoff team wholly focused 2016 League Legends World Championships sacrificing streaming pursuit scrimmage harder ever team flamed didn’t make past group stage Worlds head IEM Oakland question swirling replace Yiliang “Doublelift” Peng iconic ADC who’s part professional League scene since Season 1 rookie support Vincent “Biofrost” Wang longterm answer find another consistent carry around star mid laner Soren “Bjergsen” Bjerg team forced answer question IEM biggest one least important player year going different happens nearly every year TSM’s rabid fan base call best team North America Worlds finish team find far Summoner’s Cup Despite history underperforming expectation many fan professional analyst felt year’s Worlds really would different summer team exhibited cohesive macro game around AllStar carry Bjergsen Doublelift Top laner Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell brought varied champion pool jungler Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen became consistent playing around Bjergsen’s pressure even Biofrost standout performance TSM made name hardestworking group region sometimes le unlucky placed “Group Death” huge majority fan picked TSM exit group stage many first place Samsung Galaxy Royal Never Give strong contender showed bout inconsistency Instead Samsung went playoff run age Royal showed unusual cohesion Royal’s veteran bottom lane duo Uzi Mata dominated Doublelift Biofrost enabling countless jungle invades Doublelift particular looked completely sort taking bad trade ceding control wave wave worst performance career Biofrost help cause Hauntzer indecisive teamfights team couldn’t exert enough pressure properly manage top lane wave Svenskeren strong performance fell flat face early deciding game Royal never recovered like year past fell Bjergsen hard carry like year past talented Dane came short Doubleilft LCS Stage Photo via Riot Games Change necessary team devastated loss Royal eliminated Worlds Doublelift apoplectic Tactical coach Parth Naidu somber pensive thought revealed much team invested Worlds run little chance could go grinder without major change Worlds also exposed weakness previously unseen TSM lacked vision control especially team cleared ward actively North America Immortals really contested vision even TSM often victor contest macro play often deciding factor LCS picked apart team knew pull around map first major change came Doublelift’s announcement would take break competitive play Losing major carry shot caller hurt also change make sense team TSM need see Biofrost position become even better Building around rookie It’s strange think veteran team could reliant least experienced player especially one play support it’s essential SoloMid figure Biofrost champion pool allow survive meta change like lanecentric ranged support atmosphere Worlds position correctly control map well team fight importantly voice lead team absence vocal Doublelift Many team rely jungler support shot calling position best equipped see map roam vision set play carry TSM went another way making Bjergsen Doublelift responsible shot calling taking advantage knowledge base game sense made sense short term sustainable success team need Biofrost Svenskeren TSM’s original reaction Doublelift’s hiatus eschew IEM bring rookie ADC go allin Biofrost experiment Biofrost Doublelift prepare game Photo via Riot Games alternative giving Biofrost responsibility would bring experienced ADC like Konstantinos “FORG1VEN” Tzortziou scenario duo could responsible lane following instruction rest team map play method could work amount talent across roster Doublelift’s lane mechanic already strong—poor Worlds showing aside Bringing facsimile might make thing easier young support would also somewhat hamper growth considering substantial interest received veteran TSM backtracked decided sign experienced ADC order make run IEM team sits crossroad future could well depend duo lane performs Oakland international option TSM flexibility one remaining import slot TSM acknowledged roster brings Oakland could possibly change 2017 Spring Split begin Replacing Biofrost mechanicallysound support option consider best European support signed 2017 replacing Biofrost Asian player would challenge Even Cho “Mata” Sehyeong former world champion trouble integrating Chinese team due part language barrier role like support barrier may much overcome Likewise team would hardpressed find jungler best Svenskeren mechanical skill team synergy Svenskeren learned use Bjergsen’s pressure move around map though need improve ability track opposing junglers Overall North American support junglers showed biggest dropoff transition Worlds Svenskeren need get creative order improve scrimming player region top lane Hauntzer provides lot flexibility via champion pool generally job hold fort prospect foreign ADC remains intriguing scenario team could still rely Biofrost step communicator secondary shot caller outside Kim “Deft” Hyukkyu already indicated preference return LCK it’s hard find Doublelift replacement would bring similar level prestige Doublelift hinting competitive return next summer team may need want bring experienced international player long term solution Regardless brought it’s likely team’s ambition rely Biofrost Svenskeren’s ability lead little le pressure little luck TSM built one strongest brand esports brought considerable resource support player it’s hard view current practice strategy LCS region counterproductive Scrimming endlessly team clearly preparing player compete internationally especially competition doesn’t rise standard set region team need build cohesive efficient practice regime isn’t offstage reproduction actual match doesn’t put undue pressure player TSM made name hardestworking group region sometimes le behind issue heartbreak lot reason optimistic TSM’s coach Weldon Green well versed psychology leadership mode traditional sport team Intrepid owner Andy “Reginald” Dinh made name pushing boundary Finally Worlds run suffered bad luck Royal built substantial mountain drake lead deciding game Samsung Royal turned two dangerous team tournament H2K made semifinal finally facing losing Korean squad Worlds disappointment also doesn’t totally undermine fantastic split Even next summer team look month ago there’s hope better international result store team reinvent become even stronger it’s one TSM look far wide new ADC real growth internalTags Esports League Legends |
190,874 | Muffin Lightning takes Echo Fox’s spot at the North American ELEAGUE Minor | Muffin Lightning takes Echo Fox’s spot at the North American ELEAGUE Minor
Image via Valve
One team is getting a second chance to qualify for the North American ELEAGUE minor.
Muffin Lightning has taken over Echo Fox’s slot in the minor after its entire Counter-Strike: Global Offensive roster entered free agency. Muffin Lightning placed just below Echo Fox in the ELEAGUE major’s closed North American minor qualifiers.
Now the squad will compete against Cloud9, Immortals, and Team SoloMid between Dec. 3–4 for one of the two spots for the ELEAGUE minor, which acts as the final stop before the ELEAGUE major.
Muffin Lightning roster includes several well-known faces in the lower ranks of competitive CS:GO in North America, with former players from NRG, Splyce, and compLexity making up the roster.
Muffin Lightning’s performance in the closed qualifiers could only be described as a mixed bag, with its biggest win being against a newly restructured Immortals roster that had just replaced its in-game leader Wilton “zews” Prado for Lucas “steel” Lopes. | https://medium.com/@S_Nordmark/muffin-lightning-takes-echo-foxs-spot-at-the-north-american-eleague-minor-229e2da9cb76 | ['Sam Nordmark'] | 2016-11-18 16:11:34.140000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Counter Strike'] | Title Muffin Lightning take Echo Fox’s spot North American ELEAGUE MinorContent Muffin Lightning take Echo Fox’s spot North American ELEAGUE Minor Image via Valve One team getting second chance qualify North American ELEAGUE minor Muffin Lightning taken Echo Fox’s slot minor entire CounterStrike Global Offensive roster entered free agency Muffin Lightning placed Echo Fox ELEAGUE major’s closed North American minor qualifier squad compete Cloud9 Immortals Team SoloMid Dec 3–4 one two spot ELEAGUE minor act final stop ELEAGUE major Muffin Lightning roster includes several wellknown face lower rank competitive CSGO North America former player NRG Splyce compLexity making roster Muffin Lightning’s performance closed qualifier could described mixed bag biggest win newly restructured Immortals roster replaced ingame leader Wilton “zews” Prado Lucas “steel” LopesTags Esports Gaming Counter Strike |
190,875 | How long does it take to climb a tier if your win rate is 52%? | How long does it take to climb a tier if your win rate is 52%?
Let’s say you have a 52% win rate on your main. That would be really good! Very few champions have consistent win rates that high. You’d be OP.
And let’s say you need to win five games more than you lose to get to the next tier.
How long would it take you?
How many games should you expect to have to play to climb out of your tier?
Try to guess. Maybe you think around ten to twenty games? Or maybe you are a glass-half-empty kind of person and think it’s like a thousand games, or simply impossible.
The answer can be calculated mathematically. The formula is just:
n / (2p — 1)
where n is the extra number of wins you need, and p is your win rate. See for example here for details.
If you’re at a 52% win rate and need five extra wins, you should expect to play 125 games to climb out. One hundred and twenty-five! That’s a lot of games for an OP champ with such a high win rate.
Here’s a table of the number of games it would take for different levels of your win rate:
WIN RATE | NUMBER OF GAMES NEEDED
51% | 250
52% | 125
53% | 84
54% | 63
55% | 50
56% | 42
57% | 36
58% | 32
59% | 28
60% | 26
Look at that! There are some really interesting takeaways from this chart.
The obvious point is that a small difference in win rate makes a BIG difference in the time it takes to advance tiers. By just improving your win rate from 51% to 52% you save yourself 125 games. Improving from 52% to 55% saves you another 75 games. At ~30 minute matches, this amounts to weeks of playing time you could save by improving your play — thereby improving your team — and moving on up to the next tier.
Put another way, if your win rate was 51% and you dedicated 100 hours to improving your skill such that your win rate increased to 55% — you’d make the next tier faster than if you had just kept queuing up.
You actually save time by focusing on improving, rather than rushing through matches trying to advance.
Second, this explains why the rise and fall of ranked play can seem so dramatic for people. If you just go on a small-sample-size streak, you can move really far up or down. But you might not see a statistically significant change in your win rate until you’ve played dozens or even hundreds of games.
But just because it is hard to see the difference statistically through wins doesn’t mean it is not there. If you are a better player, maybe there are other ways to measure your improvement. Are you farming at an elite level? Are you focusing their carry in late game? Are you warding like the best players in your tier? Are you covering the map enough?
If you could get good metrics like these for your games, you could see your own improvement, even if it would take some time for the statistical results of your win rate to show up. But you will start climbing at your faster speed. | https://medium.com/@pmaymin/how-long-does-it-take-to-climb-a-tier-if-your-win-rate-is-52-5207699932cf | ['Philip Z. Maymin'] | 2016-10-13 18:03:02.946000+00:00 | ['Gaming', 'Esports', 'Winning', 'Probability', 'League of Legends'] | Title long take climb tier win rate 52Content long take climb tier win rate 52 Let’s say 52 win rate main would really good champion consistent win rate high You’d OP let’s say need win five game lose get next tier long would take many game expect play climb tier Try guess Maybe think around ten twenty game maybe glasshalfempty kind person think it’s like thousand game simply impossible answer calculated mathematically formula n 2p — 1 n extra number win need p win rate See example detail you’re 52 win rate need five extra win expect play 125 game climb One hundred twentyfive That’s lot game OP champ high win rate Here’s table number game would take different level win rate WIN RATE NUMBER GAMES NEEDED 51 250 52 125 53 84 54 63 55 50 56 42 57 36 58 32 59 28 60 26 Look really interesting takeaway chart obvious point small difference win rate make BIG difference time take advance tier improving win rate 51 52 save 125 game Improving 52 55 save another 75 game 30 minute match amount week playing time could save improving play — thereby improving team — moving next tier Put another way win rate 51 dedicated 100 hour improving skill win rate increased 55 — you’d make next tier faster kept queuing actually save time focusing improving rather rushing match trying advance Second explains rise fall ranked play seem dramatic people go smallsamplesize streak move really far might see statistically significant change win rate you’ve played dozen even hundred game hard see difference statistically win doesn’t mean better player maybe way measure improvement farming elite level focusing carry late game warding like best player tier covering map enough could get good metric like game could see improvement even would take time statistical result win rate show start climbing faster speedTags Gaming Esports Winning Probability League Legends |
190,876 | FirstBlood Moving Toward Alpha Version of ESports Platform | Just after the official end date of FirstBlood’s successful crowdsale, the Boston-based company shifts focus to development
The crowdsale was over in just a matter of minutes with the goal of $5.5 million worth in Ether, the native cryptographic currency of the Ethereum network, secured.
Now, Boston-based FirstBlood Technologies is pivoting focus toward a late December release of an alpha version of its eSports rewards platform.
The platform is a peer-to-peer gaming framework and will offer competitors the opportunity to win tokens by challenging each other in skill-based games.
According to Marco Cuesta, head of business development at FirstBlood, a semi-private test phase will kick off toward the end of this year, allowing users to try out the platform and compete against peers in a popular online multiplayer title.
For the upcoming TestNet launch, anyone signed up on Firstblood’s Slack channel at slack.firstblood.io as well as those signed up at the company’s official site — done by entering an email address — will be able to participate. There are close to 850 users currently signed up at FirstBlood’s slack channel.
Cuesta explained, testers will receive a unique sign-up code allowing users to log-on and participate. There is also no limit to the number of total users that can test the eSports platform.
Read Full Article: Here | https://medium.com/@b_64902/firstblood-moving-toward-alpha-version-of-esports-platform-a53cb2244d12 | ['Brandon Kostinuk'] | 2016-10-26 18:42:51.632000+00:00 | ['Blockchain', 'Ethereum', 'Esports', 'Cryptocurrency'] | Title FirstBlood Moving Toward Alpha Version ESports PlatformContent official end date FirstBlood’s successful crowdsale Bostonbased company shift focus development crowdsale matter minute goal 55 million worth Ether native cryptographic currency Ethereum network secured Bostonbased FirstBlood Technologies pivoting focus toward late December release alpha version eSports reward platform platform peertopeer gaming framework offer competitor opportunity win token challenging skillbased game According Marco Cuesta head business development FirstBlood semiprivate test phase kick toward end year allowing user try platform compete peer popular online multiplayer title upcoming TestNet launch anyone signed Firstblood’s Slack channel slackfirstbloodio well signed company’s official site — done entering email address — able participate close 850 user currently signed FirstBlood’s slack channel Cuesta explained tester receive unique signup code allowing user logon participate also limit number total user test eSports platform Read Full Article HereTags Blockchain Ethereum Esports Cryptocurrency |
190,877 | Great day to start playing Clash Royale on iOS! | A Majority of kids or even grown ups are playing games every day!
Although not required, develop Clash Royale game to with a huge quality will provide customers various worth the cash compensation objects as soon as you point up. You can certainly ask several other quality a number of people specifically for hand made a credit card if however,you take pleasure in, a huge excellent risk free upgrades. Customary banking institution a credit card you’ve not type of place in take up specifically for can be additionally given away, giving customers free ingredients silver precious metal loose change apart from get over it within purpose while using rank.It’s a legitamate mini-mobile MOBA. Different to several other types of mmorpgs because hallowed turf, like Vainglory, choosing classic bring a lot of sacks through with the PC roots. Complies with might appear incredibly effortless, simply by 4 versions acquire pickup truck bottom covers classic an excellent fundamental get hold of can prove to be declared. There might be solely probably barely any despite the fact that a couple lanes. Each guitarist seems to have a couple fortifications, and the matter can be to break outside one other fantastic does. Which means that there is not your individualities to grasp, solely a number of special bomb apart from melee affiliate internet marketing and also underwater office consumers substantiate to the site the following aboard before you start apart from throw relating to the choosing. With the aid of thereon with, the following AI may get manipulate apart from tutorials they specifically for you.
Each unit card profile below structure will cost you elixir, which often even so leads to simply by related to method followers with the starting point, inspite of the inescapable fact if quickness substantially boosts soon after relating to the game. Customary Clash Royale Gemmes the easily outlines units: the actual entirely average archers, goblins, etc. As well since there are literally quality within smitten (AOE) solutions, being a fireball, bombshell concerning turbo, and also it could be acclaim concerning arrows, apart from dwellings that might churn out units there are occasions, apart from more.
Slightly more the potency of your machine, larger selection of elixir the actual making a request costs.There might appear points that creates mobile mmorpgs if massage therapies the select few a wrong way. A lot of folks employ microtransactions specifically for source of income, many injured along with timegates, they’re employment, etc. Information have that. It can be for many people grounds the select few probably won’t offer Supercell’s Address concerning Clans a venture, through a number of grounds the select few will probably extremely maybe attempt to ignore the following developer’s healthy cutting edge outings, Address Royale. Which inturn progressed in to any shame. For the reason that Address Royale can prove to be progressive, stress and anxiety apart from very hard created game. It can be gravely price this particular time.
When structure can start, the following units charge through one-way inbound links towards attacker neighborhood apart from overcome against eachother the actual making a request out.But due to the fact opposed towards a bunch mmorpgs enterprises on this situation, a number of could not a lot of tested get hold of benefit about achieving your goal along with roily removed from a single another your many mmorpgs as partners accompanied by a many possibilities, hoping if simply one could extremely maybe stick. Contrary to popular belief, essential a couple incredibly pretty tender roll-outs if just for basically no factor grew to be around through any heavy blotches (Supercede Get hold of, Unusual Run), the following building facilities flat only real detects a couple gets started located you within the following App Protect you apart from Bing as well as engines like google Earn: Address concerning Clans, Existen Period a week, apart from Expansion Sea-coast.
There can be there exists time-limit to almost any structure, which often even so Information progressed in to approaching designed a number of noise.mmorpgs, in the guitarist with podiums neighborhood wins. May very well be additional in case which, which often even so won through people because is most probably the actual staying with alignment to break a huge tugboat, and also it could be along with wiping through more for the base concerning overtime. | https://medium.com/@arjeskarmas1134/great-day-to-start-playing-clash-royale-on-ios-7d08218ed344 | ['Arjes Karmas'] | 2016-10-25 14:22:01.632000+00:00 | ['Gaming', 'Esports', 'Games'] | Title Great day start playing Clash Royale iOSContent Majority kid even grown ups playing game every day Although required develop Clash Royale game huge quality provide customer various worth cash compensation object soon point certainly ask several quality number people specifically hand made credit card howeveryou take pleasure huge excellent risk free upgrade Customary banking institution credit card you’ve type place take specifically additionally given away giving customer free ingredient silver precious metal loose change apart get within purpose using rankIt’s legitamate minimobile MOBA Different several type mmorpgs hallowed turf like Vainglory choosing classic bring lot sack PC root Complies might appear incredibly effortless simply 4 version acquire pickup truck bottom cover classic excellent fundamental get hold prove declared might solely probably barely despite fact couple lane guitarist seems couple fortification matter break outside one fantastic mean individuality grasp solely number special bomb apart melee affiliate internet marketing also underwater office consumer substantiate site following aboard start apart throw relating choosing aid thereon following AI may get manipulate apart tutorial specifically unit card profile structure cost elixir often even lead simply related method follower starting point inspite inescapable fact quickness substantially boost soon relating game Customary Clash Royale Gemmes easily outline unit actual entirely average archer goblin etc well since literally quality within smitten AOE solution fireball bombshell concerning turbo also could acclaim concerning arrow apart dwelling might churn unit occasion apart Slightly potency machine larger selection elixir actual making request costsThere might appear point creates mobile mmorpgs massage therapy select wrong way lot folk employ microtransactions specifically source income many injured along timegates they’re employment etc Information many people ground select probably won’t offer Supercell’s Address concerning Clans venture number ground select probably extremely maybe attempt ignore following developer’s healthy cutting edge outing Address Royale inturn progressed shame reason Address Royale prove progressive stress anxiety apart hard created game gravely price particular time structure start following unit charge oneway inbound link towards attacker neighborhood apart overcome eachother actual making request outBut due fact opposed towards bunch mmorpgs enterprise situation number could lot tested get hold benefit achieving goal along roily removed single another many mmorpgs partner accompanied many possibility hoping simply one could extremely maybe stick Contrary popular belief essential couple incredibly pretty tender rollouts basically factor grew around heavy blotch Supercede Get hold Unusual Run following building facility flat real detects couple get started located within following App Protect apart Bing well engine like google Earn Address concerning Clans Existen Period week apart Expansion Seacoast exists timelimit almost structure often even Information progressed approaching designed number noisemmorpgs guitarist podium neighborhood win May well additional case often even people probably actual staying alignment break huge tugboat also could along wiping base concerning overtimeTags Gaming Esports Games |
190,878 | What is lowercase esports? | What is lowercase esports?
lowercase esports spawned out of the collection of blog posts and podcast episodes that represent my flippant style of esports cynicism. Until recently, I published opinion pieces about esports on my personal blog or directly under my name. I’ve since had a change of heart about these posts being out under my name only, especially as I want to try growing an audience for all of this. I also came to the realization that others out there might en up sharing similar opinions to mine — so lowercase esports is meant to also be a welcome spot for like-minded pundits.
The origin of the name comes from the ongoing disagreement about how to print the word ‘esports.’ In my opinion, the presence of a capital or lowercase letter ‘s’ (outside of being the first word of a sentence) serves as an indicator about an organization or team being out of touch with digital culture.
But really, it’s just a name. I thought it sounded catchy.
Who are you?
Generally, I’m a borderline depressed/nervous wreck based in Richmond, VA.
As far as esports goes, I’ve had my hand in a few now-defunct organizations and projects including ESFI World, a division of the STA League, and a GoldSrc total conversion mod called Hostile Intent. I’ve been a recurring guest on Kritzkast and a regular contributor to the FriendlyFire podcast during the heyday of competitive Team Fortress 2 (which, in my opinion, was years ago).
I published a podcast for a couple of years. I don’t anymore, but who knows? Maybe I’ll bring that back someday.
Can you please stop with the capital S hate?
No.
How can you be this much of a pedant?
Well, it’s not that difficult at all.
See, the quick and dirty rebuttal to use is: “do you use eMail or email?” The follow up being: “if you see someone spell it with the capital M, do you instantly conclude that the writer is out of touch?” And if they answer in the negative to that follow up, your closing quip should be: “you realize that you’re a goddamn moron, right?” Alternatively, “go back to the 90s, ya square” also works.
A word’s proximity to brand names, identities, and titles helps it to become indistinguishable from the brand name, identity, or title. When you want to put a thing on a pedestal for any given reason, you give it the proper noun treatment, right? However, esports isn’t something that can be owned or narrowed down to a certain prestige of competition or a particular publisher’s title. It’s a general term that applies to competitive gaming and the every part of the ecosystem that supports it from gambling to micro-transactions.
Additional reading material discussing the case of upper/lowercase spelling of esports can be found over on Chris Schetter’s blog along with a more modern thought exercise published on The Meta.
I don’t feel like reading random blogs and dead news sites. What about a site with some gravitas?
How about the AP’s declaration that esports shalt not have a medial capital?
Yeah, sure, okay, fine — you’re a toxic douchelord, I get it — but why?
There are some people who want to break into esports and spend plenty of their free time striving to do so. I have nothing but admiration for the folks in esports who started from volunteering (which is pretty much everyone that isn’t in an esports role at a game studio, these days).
When I first volunteered at EVO 2016 as a judge, I bumped into players on all levels from professional Top 8 finalists to any given town’s local hero that thinks they might have a chance to go deep in the tournament. The privilege of watching then play up close was awesome and everyone should be able to go to an event. Being in the room and working with the centralized cabal who ran several tournaments at once was what I’ve wanted to do in the scene for a long time. I found how I can contribute in a meaningful way. But while there might be big tournaments every weekend, they’re not all around my city, and I certainly don’t make enough to travel around in the style I prefer (which is alone, icrievrytiem).
Instead of only helping execute events when I can, I want to throw some ideas out there and sometimes play devil’s advocate for the industry at large when I can’t travel. Plus, there’s more than the entry-level industry hustle and bustle to comment on.
I don’t want to become the most popular pundit out there, but I do want to spark more public discussion about how to make esports a better thing. I can’t help but look at the games that make up the FGC and think, there are so many good things here that aren’t present in other esports. There are other esports that deserve more attention that are ignored because they are too complex to consider or are too old to be revived again.
You didn’t answer my question, moron.
Yeah. How about that?
Anyway, it’s time to stake my claim. Here we go. | https://lowercaseesports.com/what-is-lowercase-esports-ace963ed44bd | ['Brad Carr'] | 2020-09-10 12:19:13.378000+00:00 | ['Esport', 'Gaming', 'Marketing'] | Title lowercase esportsContent lowercase esports lowercase esports spawned collection blog post podcast episode represent flippant style esports cynicism recently published opinion piece esports personal blog directly name I’ve since change heart post name especially want try growing audience also came realization others might en sharing similar opinion mine — lowercase esports meant also welcome spot likeminded pundit origin name come ongoing disagreement print word ‘esports’ opinion presence capital lowercase letter ‘s’ outside first word sentence serf indicator organization team touch digital culture really it’s name thought sounded catchy Generally I’m borderline depressednervous wreck based Richmond VA far esports go I’ve hand nowdefunct organization project including ESFI World division STA League GoldSrc total conversion mod called Hostile Intent I’ve recurring guest Kritzkast regular contributor FriendlyFire podcast heyday competitive Team Fortress 2 opinion year ago published podcast couple year don’t anymore know Maybe I’ll bring back someday please stop capital hate much pedant Well it’s difficult See quick dirty rebuttal use “do use eMail email” follow “if see someone spell capital instantly conclude writer touch” answer negative follow closing quip “you realize you’re goddamn moron right” Alternatively “go back 90 ya square” also work word’s proximity brand name identity title help become indistinguishable brand name identity title want put thing pedestal given reason give proper noun treatment right However esports isn’t something owned narrowed certain prestige competition particular publisher’s title It’s general term applies competitive gaming every part ecosystem support gambling microtransactions Additional reading material discussing case upperlowercase spelling esports found Chris Schetter’s blog along modern thought exercise published Meta don’t feel like reading random blog dead news site site gravitas AP’s declaration esports shalt medial capital Yeah sure okay fine — you’re toxic douchelord get — people want break esports spend plenty free time striving nothing admiration folk esports started volunteering pretty much everyone isn’t esports role game studio day first volunteered EVO 2016 judge bumped player level professional Top 8 finalist given town’s local hero think might chance go deep tournament privilege watching play close awesome everyone able go event room working centralized cabal ran several tournament I’ve wanted scene long time found contribute meaningful way might big tournament every weekend they’re around city certainly don’t make enough travel around style prefer alone icrievrytiem Instead helping execute event want throw idea sometimes play devil’s advocate industry large can’t travel Plus there’s entrylevel industry hustle bustle comment don’t want become popular pundit want spark public discussion make esports better thing can’t help look game make FGC think many good thing aren’t present esports esports deserve attention ignored complex consider old revived didn’t answer question moron Yeah Anyway it’s time stake claim goTags Esport Gaming Marketing |
190,879 | Who to Watch for at The Summit 6 | Who to Watch for at The Summit 6
The Summit 6 will be the first DOTA 2 event to have the top 3 placed TI6 teams competing against one another since the International.
Courtesy of Beyond The Summit
The teams competing for the $100,000 prize pool are Wings Gaming, Digital Chaos, Evil Geniuses, OG, Team NP, EHOME, Team Faceless, and Virtus.Pro.
So who should you watch for?
Wings Gaming, the TI6 winners, showed a dominate performance in Canada last week, winning the NA BEAT Invitational grand final against Team NP, 2–0. They will look to continue their success during The Summit 6.
Digital Chaos has only played one event since their 2nd place finish at TI6 in August, so seeing them back at it will definitely be exciting.
Evil Geniuses took 3rd at TI6 and have been looking very strong over the past few months. They had a rather disappointing 4th place finish at the NA BEAT Invitational last week, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them come back more focused.
All of the matches should be very close, and it will be interesting to see if Wings Gaming can win their 3rd LAN event in 4 months. You can watch The Summit 6 from November 16th-2oth at www.twitch.tv/beyondthesummit | https://esports.hollywood.com/what-to-watch-for-at-the-summit-6-7d05a87c40b4 | [] | 2018-01-05 22:45:12.373000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Dota 2', 'Dota'] | Title Watch Summit 6Content Watch Summit 6 Summit 6 first DOTA 2 event top 3 placed TI6 team competing one another since International Courtesy Beyond Summit team competing 100000 prize pool Wings Gaming Digital Chaos Evil Geniuses OG Team NP EHOME Team Faceless VirtusPro watch Wings Gaming TI6 winner showed dominate performance Canada last week winning NA BEAT Invitational grand final Team NP 2–0 look continue success Summit 6 Digital Chaos played one event since 2nd place finish TI6 August seeing back definitely exciting Evil Geniuses took 3rd TI6 looking strong past month rather disappointing 4th place finish NA BEAT Invitational last week wouldn’t surprised see come back focused match close interesting see Wings Gaming win 3rd LAN event 4 month watch Summit 6 November 16th2oth wwwtwitchtvbeyondthesummitTags Esports Gaming Dota 2 Dota |
190,880 | Maddden Mobile Coins Generator, Tips As Well As Cheats — Just How Hack Tool Earns Money | Maddden Mobile Coins Generator, Tips As Well As Cheats — Just How Hack Tool Earns Money
Madden Mobile is a video game which takes place all at once in the duty of instructor, and each players Football. The activity is a great portrayal from Madden NFL 17, which is actually devoted to activity consoles as well as computer systems. Select among the NFL crews and also play all of it season. Originally, our team select brand new young gamers in draft, then learn and also play suits from the largest celebrities of the NFL. Certainly our team can easily participate in online, that makes even more fun. Naturally, if our company achieve to qualify for the play offs to play on. Continuously our company are defending the label. All these traits you will certainly know with Madden Mobile Coins Hack!
Madden Mobile Hack, Cheats Advice!
Like in real life in game you require funds. Amount of money is actually standard resource in Madden Mobile. You can inquire your buddy just how they perform money or even you may read our suggestions below. That is actually advised read our recommendations effective ways to generate income as well as inquire your close friends exactly how they perform that. Possibly your (ours) technique will definitely be actually far better than theirs. Listed here you discover an essential regulation: the best means to create amount of money is actually a public auction house. Strategy to make money is easy: acquire low and market high! Just like in real life.
Degree up! Why? Since when you level up you will certainly socialize 10 000 coins every degree up.
You can always keep Legends in your team or even you could offer them. At times is much better market a Legends add acquire a lot of funds to maintain them however this is your critical selection. You are in charge!
You can buy packs but what for? You need to purchase it. When you pay for to possess a lot less funds. Perhaps good assets but you definitely need to presume prior to you acquire pack.
A lot more a few phrases about packs: don’t open this! Just professional packs given that they give a profit in august/September when bests were actually much more.
You can easily manage events. For coordinate event you acquire funds. This is the very best method to earn money. You may make 3 activities daily and also this offers you a bunch of funds! “Funds celebrations” are actually: Free Professionals, Gamechangers, Road to Riches, Street to Rim as well as Street activities. You pick what you just like and also receive a tons of amount of money.
Participate in, participate in and one again play! You need to carry out regular regarding 20 gameplays. That offer you a lot of loan.
If you are actually looking Madden Mobile hacks that … sorry, you can’t find it. If you want capitalize in game you have to use an actual amount of money to get a quality unit of currency.
Madden Mobile vs. personal computer or even console
Of course, continuously there is actually wonderful issue over which is actually a lot better. Madden Mobile Hack, or even its comparable for pcs as well as gaming consoles, or even Madden NFL 17. Of course, the activities are actually incredibly identical, yet they can certainly not be straight matched up. Concern very clear is that the computer version is far more elaborate and our company possess a much bigger display compared to the phone. Consequently, the phone can participate in just about everywhere, also tough to answer this inquiry. Obviously, all of it depends upon your preference. Consequently, it is impossible to clearly address this inquiry. Certainly Madden Mobile Coins Hack likewise puts on both versions, so you could safely and securely participate in listed here and also listed below. | https://medium.com/@AnnRBagley/maddden-mobile-coins-generator-tips-as-well-as-cheats-just-how-hack-tool-earns-money-2569b3bfdccd | [] | 2016-11-29 03:34:00.689000+00:00 | ['Gaming', 'Esports'] | Title Maddden Mobile Coins Generator Tips Well Cheats — Hack Tool Earns MoneyContent Maddden Mobile Coins Generator Tips Well Cheats — Hack Tool Earns Money Madden Mobile video game take place duty instructor player Football activity great portrayal Madden NFL 17 actually devoted activity console well computer system Select among NFL crew also play season Originally team select brand new young gamers draft learn also play suit largest celebrity NFL Certainly team easily participate online make even fun Naturally company achieve qualify play offs play Continuously company defending label trait certainly know Madden Mobile Coins Hack Madden Mobile Hack Cheats Advice Like real life game require fund Amount money actually standard resource Madden Mobile inquire buddy perform money even may read suggestion actually advised read recommendation effective way generate income well inquire close friend exactly perform Possibly technique definitely actually far better Listed discover essential regulation best mean create amount money actually public auction house Strategy make money easy acquire low market high like real life Degree Since level certainly socialize 10 000 coin every degree always keep Legends team even could offer time much better market Legends add acquire lot fund maintain however critical selection charge buy pack need purchase pay posse lot le fund Perhaps good asset definitely need presume prior acquire pack lot phrase pack don’t open professional pack given give profit augustSeptember best actually much easily manage event coordinate event acquire fund best method earn money may make 3 activity daily also offer bunch fund “Funds celebrations” actually Free Professionals Gamechangers Road Riches Street Rim well Street activity pick like also receive ton amount money Participate participate one play need carry regular regarding 20 gameplays offer lot loan actually looking Madden Mobile hack … sorry can’t find want capitalize game use actual amount money get quality unit currency Madden Mobile v personal computer even console course continuously actually wonderful issue actually lot better Madden Mobile Hack even comparable pc well gaming console even Madden NFL 17 course activity actually incredibly identical yet certainly straight matched Concern clear computer version far elaborate company posse much bigger display compared phone Consequently phone participate everywhere also tough answer inquiry Obviously depends upon preference Consequently impossible clearly address inquiry Certainly Madden Mobile Coins Hack likewise put version could safely securely participate listed also listed belowTags Gaming Esports |
190,881 | Snickers Goes After The eSports Audience By Sponsoring ELeague | Snickers Goes After The eSports Audience By Sponsoring ELeague
What Happened
Snickers is going after the young, male Millennials that make up a large part of the eSports audience as the chocolate bar-maker signs on to sponsor ELeague, the professional eSports league co-owned by Turner Broadcasting and talent agency WME/IMG. As a sponsor, Snickers will run ad spots during the broadcast of season two of ELeague on TBS, sponsor a live pre-game show, and name a post-game bloopers segment after its campaign slogan “You’re Not You When You Are Hungry.” Earlier this year, ELeague struck a deal to live stream its content on Twitch to reach a wider audience online.
What Brands Should Do
Over the past few years, eSports has grown from a nerdy niche into a media platform that attracts a massive audience and generates billions of dollars. The first season of ELeague brought in a huge audience that no brand should ignore, and Snickers is smart to sponsor the series to reach its target audience. Previously, early-adopting brands such as Coca-Cola and Geico have been sponsoring eSports events to reach its young, male-skewing audience who typically shun traditional ads. Therefore, now is the time for brands to include video game streaming and eSports as part of the media strategy via relevant sponsorships. | https://medium.com/ipg-media-lab/snickers-goes-after-the-esports-audience-by-sponsoring-eleague-426ed5d1c564 | ['Ipg Media Lab'] | 2017-07-06 22:09:05.353000+00:00 | ['General Content', 'Esports'] | Title Snickers Goes eSports Audience Sponsoring ELeagueContent Snickers Goes eSports Audience Sponsoring ELeague Happened Snickers going young male Millennials make large part eSports audience chocolate barmaker sign sponsor ELeague professional eSports league coowned Turner Broadcasting talent agency WMEIMG sponsor Snickers run ad spot broadcast season two ELeague TBS sponsor live pregame show name postgame blooper segment campaign slogan “You’re Hungry” Earlier year ELeague struck deal live stream content Twitch reach wider audience online Brands past year eSports grown nerdy niche medium platform attracts massive audience generates billion dollar first season ELeague brought huge audience brand ignore Snickers smart sponsor series reach target audience Previously earlyadopting brand CocaCola Geico sponsoring eSports event reach young maleskewing audience typically shun traditional ad Therefore time brand include video game streaming eSports part medium strategy via relevant sponsorshipsTags General Content Esports |
190,882 | E-Sports - The Hype is Real. | E-Sports - The Hype is Real.
League of Legends has dominated the online gaming market since approximately 2012. During that time, League of Legends had about 12 million people a day, and around 32 million unique players every month. 4 years later, League of Legends is still growing, and currently has over 70 million players a month. This record had never been achieved before, not even by other super popular games like World of Warcrafts, DoTa or Starcraft.
A lot of people still argue that E-Sports are not real sports, and they’d tell you clicking on your mouse and tapping on your keyboard does not count as a sport! While it’s true that gaming is hardly athletic, it is not as easy as some people think it is. It takes extreme dedication, practice and talent to be on top. It doesn’t even matter if League of Legends is considered a real sport or not, its viewership tops the audience of many traditional sports. E-sports is more successful than many sports around the world.
Riot Games, creator of League of Legends, has been devoting a lot of resources on developing the E-Sports scene, and one of the things it does is to host annual League of Legends World Championship Series. The world championship title is the highest recognition a pro League player can achieve. Riot Games hosts World Series in different regions every year, and it took place in different nations in Europe last year. This year, it is back to the USA, and will be played in 4 different cities, starting from San Francisco, Chicago, New York and conclude in the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Riot Games has created the hashtag #Worlds on Twitter for fans to chat about what they think about the World Series, and it’s a trending hot topic on Twitter. Let’s use the Stratifyd Signals data analytics platform to take a look at how #Worlds is taking over Twitter by storm.
Signals extracted and analyzed approximately 10,000 comments from Twitter
From the feedback and contributor ratio, it is easy to see that most commenters are repeat commenters.
We’ll start from Geo Hotspots.
As mentioned earlier, League of Legends is popular in many countries around the globe, and it has teams from Europe, North America, South Korea, Taiwan, Brasil an Russia participating, which explains why the Geo Hotspots are literally everywhere on the map. We do see the most comments coming from North America, but it doesn't mean NA is the biggest market for League of Legends, we need to take into consideration that most Chinese fans don't use Twitter as much, and China is considered to have the most viewers.
When we examine the Buzzword section, we can basically understand the story people are discussing about. Albus Nox Luna, the wildcard team from Russia, who NOBODY expected anything from, has become the first wildcard team to ever advance to the quarter finals. It's the hottest topic in League of Legends worlds and the number 1 trending topic on Reddit.com.
If you shift your focus to top contributors, you can see that there are channels dedicated to discuss League of Legends and many other loyal fans that participate in the discussion regularly. If you look closely, you’ll discover that most active commenters are male, which makes sense since League of Legends is a male dominant game so far.
Focusing attention on the Temporal Trends, notice that comments peaked at 11:20 PM on Oct 6th, when Albus Nox Luna secured their spot in the quarter finals by defeating the ROX Tigers, the team who is the biggest favorite to win the whole tournament. This is a Cinderella story, and apparently everyone loves the underdog. Many fans call it the biggest upset in League of Legends history, picture Davis versus Goliath, yeah, the giant fell.
Many traditional sports are facing a problem of losing fans, or having difficulty of getting fans to attend live events. League of Legends on the other hand, encounters a different challenge, which is how to break the 5 year curse of online games. A lot of online games can attract large amounts of players in the beginning, but the enthusiasm usually starts to die out after 3 to 5 years, and get replaced by other newer, cooler games. How to make sure League of Legends stays visually updated and mechanically competitive is one of the main concerns for Riot Games now. Other than the game play aspect, it is also important to make sure players are happy with their gaming experience and perceive this game positively.
In order to understand and improve player experience, Riot Games sends out questionnaires before every new season begins, asking what the fans would want to see. As an avid League of Legends player, I have gotten and responded to these surveys. Riot Games has stated that they have a lot of player feedback data but it will take time to go through everything and address the issues players are not satisfied with. This here is an obstacle many companies encounter. They have the data, they just don’t have the time or tool to analyze it. If this happens to be the difficulty your business faces, the answer is a data analytics tool that’s fast, powerful and easy to use, like Signals.
Are you interested in using Signals on analyzing large volumes of structured and unstructured data? Visit our website and sign up for your free trial today! We’d love to help you weed through data and get the insights you need. | https://medium.com/@mira.tseng/e-sports-the-hype-is-real-d6eb66132951 | ['Mirabelle Tseng'] | 2016-10-14 18:58:12.647000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Customer Experience', 'Big Data', 'Social Media'] | Title ESports Hype RealContent ESports Hype Real League Legends dominated online gaming market since approximately 2012 time League Legends 12 million people day around 32 million unique player every month 4 year later League Legends still growing currently 70 million player month record never achieved even super popular game like World Warcrafts DoTa Starcraft lot people still argue ESports real sport they’d tell clicking mouse tapping keyboard count sport it’s true gaming hardly athletic easy people think take extreme dedication practice talent top doesn’t even matter League Legends considered real sport viewership top audience many traditional sport Esports successful many sport around world Riot Games creator League Legends devoting lot resource developing ESports scene one thing host annual League Legends World Championship Series world championship title highest recognition pro League player achieve Riot Games host World Series different region every year took place different nation Europe last year year back USA played 4 different city starting San Francisco Chicago New York conclude Staples Center Los Angeles Riot Games created hashtag Worlds Twitter fan chat think World Series it’s trending hot topic Twitter Let’s use Stratifyd Signals data analytics platform take look Worlds taking Twitter storm Signals extracted analyzed approximately 10000 comment Twitter feedback contributor ratio easy see commenters repeat commenters We’ll start Geo Hotspots mentioned earlier League Legends popular many country around globe team Europe North America South Korea Taiwan Brasil Russia participating explains Geo Hotspots literally everywhere map see comment coming North America doesnt mean NA biggest market League Legends need take consideration Chinese fan dont use Twitter much China considered viewer examine Buzzword section basically understand story people discussing Albus Nox Luna wildcard team Russia NOBODY expected anything become first wildcard team ever advance quarter final hottest topic League Legends world number 1 trending topic Redditcom shift focus top contributor see channel dedicated discus League Legends many loyal fan participate discussion regularly look closely you’ll discover active commenters male make sense since League Legends male dominant game far Focusing attention Temporal Trends notice comment peaked 1120 PM Oct 6th Albus Nox Luna secured spot quarter final defeating ROX Tigers team biggest favorite win whole tournament Cinderella story apparently everyone love underdog Many fan call biggest upset League Legends history picture Davis versus Goliath yeah giant fell Many traditional sport facing problem losing fan difficulty getting fan attend live event League Legends hand encounter different challenge break 5 year curse online game lot online game attract large amount player beginning enthusiasm usually start die 3 5 year get replaced newer cooler game make sure League Legends stay visually updated mechanically competitive one main concern Riot Games game play aspect also important make sure player happy gaming experience perceive game positively order understand improve player experience Riot Games sends questionnaire every new season begin asking fan would want see avid League Legends player gotten responded survey Riot Games stated lot player feedback data take time go everything address issue player satisfied obstacle many company encounter data don’t time tool analyze happens difficulty business face answer data analytics tool that’s fast powerful easy use like Signals interested using Signals analyzing large volume structured unstructured data Visit website sign free trial today We’d love help weed data get insight needTags Esports Gaming Customer Experience Big Data Social Media |
190,883 | Overwatch pros: Hero banning won’t work— yet | Overwatch pros: Hero banning won’t work— yet
We asked a few professional Overwatch players what they think of the format.
Image via Blizzard
Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan isn’t a fan of the hero pick and ban system used in games like League of Legends, at least, not for Overwatch’s competitive modes. He’s not writing it off completely, though.
Writing on the Blizzard forum on Nov. 15, Kaplan’s statement addressed, in particular, a potential competitive three-on-three mode — and not Overwatch’s general competitive play. However, his comments appear to apply to competitive Overwacth across the board.
“If the meta settles down into static picks always, we have other solutions,” Kaplan said. “But picks and bans cause a lot of issues that we’d like to avoid.” Issues like adding a ton of extra time to each round, he said. “I’m not saying we’ll never do picks and bans, but what I am saying is that we would rather explore other options first.”
Professional Overwatch players agree. If we’re discussing ways to keep Overwatch’s meta from going stale — which simply isn’t an issue right now, given the competitive scene’s newness — hero picking and banning would just limit the game more. “In this kind of dynamic game where maps change compared to League of Legends and Dota 2, where the map is always the same, hero picks and bans wouldn’t be great,” Team Dignitas’ Jiri “LiNkzr” Masalin told Dot Espots. “It limits the game strategy wise.”
“Strict picks is something I feel takes away from the game and strategy itself,” Rogue Esports’ Jonathan “Reinforce” Larsson added. Banning, however, might be something interesting to add to the game in the future, once there are more heroes. “Banning would otherwise just hurt variety in team compositions and play styles, which if more heroes were introduced, you would still be able to forcefully play a certain way.”
So how many heroes would it take? Thomas “Morte” Kerbusch from REUNITED’s professional Overwatch team figured 40–50 heroes would allow the system to work well. With the addition of Sombra, Overwatch has 23 heroes. That’s a long way off from the numbers Morte suggested. “You wouldn’t even need to go as far as a complete system but could give teams one ban each,” he added. “That would make sure everyone needs to stay versatile [and] would add a lot of depth to the strategy before the game even started.”
That strategy is part of the reason hero picks and bans work so well in a game like League of Legends. It’s part of the game itself, arguably just as important as when the match “officially” begins. But the thing is, League of Legends has 100+ heroes — variety that Overwatch doesn’t have, yet.
Overwatch is built upon the idea of adapting to enemy composition mid-game, switching heroes and shaking the in-game meta up; hero picks and bans have the potential, generally, to screw that balance up as the game stands. | https://medium.com/@nicolecarpenter/overwatch-pros-hero-banning-wont-work-yet-dbc0fcf8ee9d | ['Nicole Carpenter'] | 2016-11-16 18:30:06.253000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Overwatch'] | Title Overwatch pro Hero banning won’t work— yetContent Overwatch pro Hero banning won’t work— yet asked professional Overwatch player think format Image via Blizzard Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan isn’t fan hero pick ban system used game like League Legends least Overwatch’s competitive mode He’s writing completely though Writing Blizzard forum Nov 15 Kaplan’s statement addressed particular potential competitive threeonthree mode — Overwatch’s general competitive play However comment appear apply competitive Overwacth across board “If meta settle static pick always solutions” Kaplan said “But pick ban cause lot issue we’d like avoid” Issues like adding ton extra time round said “I’m saying we’ll never pick ban saying would rather explore option first” Professional Overwatch player agree we’re discussing way keep Overwatch’s meta going stale — simply isn’t issue right given competitive scene’s newness — hero picking banning would limit game “In kind dynamic game map change compared League Legends Dota 2 map always hero pick ban wouldn’t great” Team Dignitas’ Jiri “LiNkzr” Masalin told Dot Espots “It limit game strategy wise” “Strict pick something feel take away game strategy itself” Rogue Esports’ Jonathan “Reinforce” Larsson added Banning however might something interesting add game future hero “Banning would otherwise hurt variety team composition play style hero introduced would still able forcefully play certain way” many hero would take Thomas “Morte” Kerbusch REUNITED’s professional Overwatch team figured 40–50 hero would allow system work well addition Sombra Overwatch 23 hero That’s long way number Morte suggested “You wouldn’t even need go far complete system could give team one ban each” added “That would make sure everyone need stay versatile would add lot depth strategy game even started” strategy part reason hero pick ban work well game like League Legends It’s part game arguably important match “officially” begin thing League Legends 100 hero — variety Overwatch doesn’t yet Overwatch built upon idea adapting enemy composition midgame switching hero shaking ingame meta hero pick ban potential generally screw balance game standsTags Esports Gaming Overwatch |
190,884 | Coca-Cola eSports Is On A Tear | Coca-Cola eSports Is On A Tear
TNL eSports Brand Tracker 044: Coca-Cola
TNL eSports Brand Tracker 044: Coca-Cola (Photo: Battlefy)
The Next Level 092
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TNL Take: As 2016 starts to wind down thank you — Prince. Bowie. Brexit… — I was going to add Coca-Cola to my “Where Are These Brands?” List.
Just like life and timing, after I spoke at at Pepsi’s eSports and Gaming Summit — the company goes on a tear.
Over the past two months, Coca-Cola has now activated across 4 different eSports/Gaming programs:
Coca-Cola and ESWC in Paris Games Week
Coca-Cola and League of Legends Movie Viewing Parties
and now the #eCopa FIFA 17 Tournament on Battlefy.
But the Battlefy partnership is the most interesting because it focuses on a what I believe will be a key piece that will be needed to build the eSports infrastructure in the future:
Colleges.
The #eCopa tournament not only provides a $10,000 prize pool but more importantly, a Wildcard slot in the EA FIFA 17 Ultimate Regional Final.
This is very smart and Ill show you why.
Here’s how the qualifications work:
Coca-Cola Battlefy College Qualifications (Photo: Battlefy)
Once a student wins his/her own bracket — he or she gets to represent their school at the Regionals. Now you can start to tie it all together: eSports, Colleges and Brands.
If you need a quick primer, here’s what I wrote about it in May.
The biggest question of any Ad spend across any Medium boils down basically to: 1) How many people saw it, 2) How did they engage with it and 3) Do they feel better about the brand/want to buy the product.
I’d like to see the results post campaign but a few of the schools I checked didn’t have a very high participation rate after the opening rounds closed.
Coca-Cola Battlefy College Participation (Photo: Battlefy)
To be clear, I’m not saying this is a failure by any means — I’m saying the exact opposite.
I would guess that limited marketing was done at schools to educate the students about this opportunity. A minimal spend would have had a huge increase in ROI.
So going back to the success metrics, I hope it’s not a one-and-done but it’s a big open space.
It’s still very early and I’m happy to see Coca-Cola continue its investment into eSports especially in the Collegiate space.
PS Although technically not eSports, Coca-Cola has also partnered with 7–11 with another FIFA 17 promotion for the usual “Buy Something, Get Something” programs that work extremely well.
Coca-Cola, EA FIFA 17 and 711 (Photo: 711)
Thanks for sharing your time! Hit the ❤️ if you liked this.
To get THE NEXT LEVEL every Weekday Morning, Subscribe for Free →http://eepurl.com/b6qZLT or visit tnl.media | https://medium.com/tnlmedia/coca-cola-esports-is-on-a-tear-92945c4eddbd | ['Manny Anekal'] | 2016-11-10 07:20:12.249000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Marketing', 'Advertising', 'College'] | Title CocaCola eSports TearContent CocaCola eSports Tear TNL eSports Brand Tracker 044 CocaCola TNL eSports Brand Tracker 044 CocaCola Photo Battlefy Next Level 092 get NEXT LEVEL every Weekday Morning Subscribe Free → httpeepurlcomb6qZLT visit tnlmedia TNL Take 2016 start wind thank — Prince Bowie Brexit… — going add CocaCola “Where Brands” List like life timing spoke Pepsi’s eSports Gaming Summit — company go tear past two month CocaCola activated across 4 different eSportsGaming program CocaCola ESWC Paris Games Week CocaCola League Legends Movie Viewing Parties eCopa FIFA 17 Tournament Battlefy Battlefy partnership interesting focus believe key piece needed build eSports infrastructure future Colleges eCopa tournament provides 10000 prize pool importantly Wildcard slot EA FIFA 17 Ultimate Regional Final smart Ill show Here’s qualification work CocaCola Battlefy College Qualifications Photo Battlefy student win hisher bracket — get represent school Regionals start tie together eSports Colleges Brands need quick primer here’s wrote May biggest question Ad spend across Medium boil basically 1 many people saw 2 engage 3 feel better brandwant buy product I’d like see result post campaign school checked didn’t high participation rate opening round closed CocaCola Battlefy College Participation Photo Battlefy clear I’m saying failure mean — I’m saying exact opposite would guess limited marketing done school educate student opportunity minimal spend would huge increase ROI going back success metric hope it’s oneanddone it’s big open space It’s still early I’m happy see CocaCola continue investment eSports especially Collegiate space PS Although technically eSports CocaCola also partnered 7–11 another FIFA 17 promotion usual “Buy Something Get Something” program work extremely well CocaCola EA FIFA 17 711 Photo 711 Thanks sharing time Hit ❤️ liked get NEXT LEVEL every Weekday Morning Subscribe Free →httpeepurlcomb6qZLT visit tnlmediaTags Esports Gaming Marketing Advertising College |
190,885 | Overview of OGN’s APEX group stage, day 12: Last day of groups & playoff draw. | This is mirror for people who use only use medium; for better formatting you can check out the original on twitter.com/RadoNonFire or directly here.
With team South Korea victorious at BlizzCon, OGN returns for the second portion of the group stage of APEX. In it 12 of Korea’s best Overwatch teams battle 4 top foreign teams for a prize pool of over $175,000.
In today’s first series Lunatic-Hai were looking to make a quick work out of Mighty Storm and secure themselves first seed for the playoff draw.
For the second one we had RunAway fighting to get to the playoffs against Kongdoo Panthera looking to secure for themselves spot in APEX’s next season, after already being out of contention for the bracket play.
It is important to note that the games were played on the new patch that just hit the live servers less than a day ago.
For those interested only in my picks for “Map, players and teams to watch” scroll down to the bottom. In those I’ll be listing the players and teams I found the most intriguing, the map I enjoyed watching most and the reasons for my picks.
Match-up 1: Mighty Storm vs Lunatic-Hai
Miro’s boys undoubtedly came into this as huge favourites. Where Mighty Storm came into, not winning single map so far in the group stage, LH had two 3–1 results, run to the final in APAC and 3 of the 6 players being on the winning team in the BlizzCon Championship.
The series started on Village, Nepal. As a result of the new patch changes, both teams opened on Soldier 76. LH complimented that with Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya and Mei and MS picked Mercy, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Phara. After winning the battle for high ground control Miro and co. easily took over the point. Despite that MS managed to trade favourably and take over the CP themselves. Folling that the squads kept trading control and MS won 100–86 on the back of good performance by Chloe on Winston.
For Sanctum, LH switched to 3–2–1 composition, as EscA took over the Soldier 76 and taejun picked Roadhog. Mighty also switched up things, picking Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Soldier 76 and reaper. Miro and co. won the early fight once again. Outside of two brief slip ups the rest of the map was convincingly in LH’s favour and they equalized the CP score to 1–1.
On Shrine, MS went back to the composition they used on Village, while LH’s only change was taejun switching to Tracer. Once again Miro and his boys took early control of the point. And despite the score being close again, at the end of the stage, LH showcased clearly superior synergy and individual play.
The map pool for the series, presented by OGN with a fancy graphics.
King’s Row was the second map, selected by Mighty Storm. They started on the attack, continuing with the same composition. LH however, already expecting the Pharah,did their best nV impression by picking Ana, Reinhardt, Zarya, Roadhog, Soldier 76 and McCree. Showcasing superior mechanical skill again, Miro and co. had 3 ultimates charged by the time Mighty had only one available, Mercy’s Resurrect. After the Pharah not working out F3LHO switched it for McCree, but that didn’t present much trouble either and the fan favourites executed full hold on point A.
Switching to the offense Lunatic-Hai switched up things again, choosing Ana, Lucio, Zarya, D.va, Soldier 76 and taejun, surprisingly on Hanzo. Mighty attempted to defend with Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Mei, McCree. That was shortlived though, as Miro’s D.va decimated them for a quick take of the point, putting his team to a 2–0 lead.
For the third map Mighty chose Temple of Anubis. Starting on the offense, they attempted to use the Pharah once again, backed by Mercy, Lucio, Winston, Zarya and Genji. This time LH met it with 3–2–1 of Ana, Lucio, Winston, Roadhog and EscA on Soldier 76. Similarly to King’s Row Miro and co. held on point A, without any real danger of losing even a single tick.
After switching sides Lunatic-Hai decided to have some fun and picked interesting composition, that they probably wouldn’t have played versus another opponent. They put Dean on Ana, Tobi on mercy, Miro on his signature Winston, jehong on the D.va, taejun on Widowmaker and EscA showcasing the brand new hero — Sombra. Despite the crowd getting excited that didn’t work for them and having minute left on the clock EscA and taejun respectively switched to Tracer and Reaper. That finally did the job as before the minute ran out they had claimed point A and the 3–0.
For the MVP interview OGN had Dean and Tobi.
Match-up 2: RunAway vs Kongdoo Panthera
With both teams having some flashes of brilliance previously, but most recently performing poorly this was meant to be a messy affair. Still, coming into the match-up most would have RunAway as a slight favourite over Kongdoo. The skill Panthera had with 3 of the highest ranked players on the ladder was obvious, but they barely showed any ability for teamplay and coordination in their previous matches.
For the match-up began on Ruins, Ilios. RunAway started on Ana, Zenyatta, Winston, Zarya, Soldier 76 and Pharah against Kongdoo’s Mercy, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Genji, Pharah. As Panthera got initial control of the point Haksal swapped Pharah for Genji. That didn’t help either as his squad continued looking just as confused and uncoordinated. The rest of the stage ended up being easy hold for Kongdoo.
For the Well both teams continued using same compositions. This time RunAway started better, but once Rascal had Dragonblade ready Kongdoo claimed the CP for themselves off of a triple kill bu their ninja. Upon the return push Haksal was looking to do the same for his team, but they got shut down again, this time by Graviton Surge + Barrage combo. After that it was another convincing hold of the CP and quick 1–0 lead in the series for Panthera.
RunAway picked Hollywood as the second map. They started on the offense with Ana, Zenyatta, Reinhardt, Zarya, Soldier 76, Reaper against Kongdoo’s 3–2–1 of Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Roadhog and Soldier 76. The Zenyatta-Soldier-Reaper combo dealt extremely easy with the tripple tank and Runner’s crew started pushing the ‘cart’, having more than 5 minutes on the time bank. For the payload portion of the map Haksal switched to his signature Genji again and Rascal traded Soldier for McCree. That stopped the push briefly, but when Haksal and co. returned they continued pushing at full speed, to deliver having 2:30 on the clock.
Butcher knocking 3 people into the air for Rascal’s Deadeye.
For the defense RunAway continued running similar composition, only difference being Haksal switching to Mei. Kongdoo on the other hand returned to the Pharah and Mercy, backing Lucio, Winston, Zarya and Genji.Getting caught in the cafe building, RunAway got decimated by wakawaka’s rockets and Kongdoo started pushing the payload, having over 5:40 left on the clock. As the hold on A failed Haksal switched back to the Genji. He found some frags with it, but that wasn’t enough as Rascal and wakawaka were constantly decimating the rest of his team. On the final metert Runner and co. finally managed to slow down, but even after prolonged fight there it was for a 2:46 delivery for Kongdoo.
For RunAway’s second offensive attempt RunAway continued using same composition, while Kongdoo went back to the 3–2–1 around Rascal’s McCree. As the Winston proved ineffective against 3 tanks Kaiser swapped it for Reinhardt. Panthera’s mechanical superiority became evident on this hold as they had 5 ultimates built up by the time RunAway had 2, both on their healers. That allowed the soloqueue heroes to execute full hold on point A.
After the success on their previous offense on the Pharah Kongdoo returned to it, as RunAway showed us 3–2–1 with Ana, Zenyatta, Reinhardt, Zarya, Roadhog and Soldier 76. Initially the push failed as Winston kept getting killed easily, but individual plays by Rascal and wakawaka secured their team the point and second map of the series.
Looking to start a reverse sweep, RunAway picked Temple of Anubis as third map. Following the philosophy of “if it ain’t broken don’t fix it” Kongdoo continued running the 3–2–1 for the defense against RunAway’s Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Soldier 76, Genji. Losing point A within a minute, wakawaka and Rascal switched respectively to Pharah and Tracer. As Haksal constantly kept switching heroes his team failed to take over B, despite having more than 6 minutes for it.
After the switch of sides both teams returned to what they’ve shown to favour in the series so far on the respective sides; Mercy, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Pharah, Genji for Panthera and Ana, Zenyatta, Reinhardt, Zarya, Soldier with Haksal on Reaper for RunAway. Runner and co. seemed to put up a strong hold this time until misplay by nanoboosted Soldier cost them A. Following that they quickly stormed into the temple and after prolonged fight on the point they took B as well, taking the series 3–0 and securing themselves spot into the next season of APEX.
Players to watch:
Miro — he returns with yet another superb performance. With D.va possibly in the viable heroes pool, after the patch we might be looking at even scarier Miro now. Especially so with his Reinhardt getting better and better every time we see him. Will be exciting to see how good he can get on it by the semi-finals.
Rascal & wakawaka — Rascal had shown his skills previously, but wakawaka’s Pharah today was revelation to me. Still, I’ll advice fans to be cautiously optimistic as they did play versus a that looked extremely confused. Furthermore, while Mono&Kaiser have looked solid they lack the aggressiveness that top tank players have shown. Regardless wakawaka looked much improved and both of them had better (not good) synergy with their team.
Honorable mentions: jehong, Butcherr, Runner.
Map to watch: RunAway vs Kongdoo Panthera: Hollywood — it was more of an exciting map than a good one, but unless you’d rather watch Miro spanking kids this is the one I’d pick. Runner showed good play on the Zenyatta and how it can deal with the enemy tanks, while Kongdoo showed how you can execute 3 tanks composition. Additionally there were a lot of good individual plays by Rascal, wakawaka and Haksal. For the comedy value, but not much else, I can also recommend Mighty Storm vs Lunatic-Hai: Temple of Anubis.
For the results of the playoffs bracket draw and other information regarding the process you can check this link(click). | https://medium.com/@RadoNonfire/overview-of-ogns-apex-group-stage-day-12-last-day-of-groups-playoff-draw-c172c08cbd05 | [] | 2016-12-10 16:26:05.598000+00:00 | ['Gaming', 'Overwatch', 'Video Games', 'Esports'] | Title Overview OGN’s APEX group stage day 12 Last day group playoff drawContent mirror people use use medium better formatting check original twittercomRadoNonFire directly team South Korea victorious BlizzCon OGN return second portion group stage APEX 12 Korea’s best Overwatch team battle 4 top foreign team prize pool 175000 today’s first series LunaticHai looking make quick work Mighty Storm secure first seed playoff draw second one RunAway fighting get playoff Kongdoo Panthera looking secure spot APEX’s next season already contention bracket play important note game played new patch hit live server le day ago interested pick “Map player team watch” scroll bottom I’ll listing player team found intriguing map enjoyed watching reason pick Matchup 1 Mighty Storm v LunaticHai Miro’s boy undoubtedly came huge favourite Mighty Storm came winning single map far group stage LH two 3–1 result run final APAC 3 6 player winning team BlizzCon Championship series started Village Nepal result new patch change team opened Soldier 76 LH complimented Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya Mei MS picked Mercy Lucio Winston Zarya Phara winning battle high ground control Miro co easily took point Despite MS managed trade favourably take CP Folling squad kept trading control MS 100–86 back good performance Chloe Winston Sanctum LH switched 3–2–1 composition EscA took Soldier 76 taejun picked Roadhog Mighty also switched thing picking Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya Soldier 76 reaper Miro co early fight Outside two brief slip ups rest map convincingly LH’s favour equalized CP score 1–1 Shrine MS went back composition used Village LH’s change taejun switching Tracer Miro boy took early control point despite score close end stage LH showcased clearly superior synergy individual play map pool series presented OGN fancy graphic King’s Row second map selected Mighty Storm started attack continuing composition LH however already expecting Pharahdid best nV impression picking Ana Reinhardt Zarya Roadhog Soldier 76 McCree Showcasing superior mechanical skill Miro co 3 ultimate charged time Mighty one available Mercy’s Resurrect Pharah working F3LHO switched McCree didn’t present much trouble either fan favourite executed full hold point Switching offense LunaticHai switched thing choosing Ana Lucio Zarya Dva Soldier 76 taejun surprisingly Hanzo Mighty attempted defend Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya Mei McCree shortlived though Miro’s Dva decimated quick take point putting team 2–0 lead third map Mighty chose Temple Anubis Starting offense attempted use Pharah backed Mercy Lucio Winston Zarya Genji time LH met 3–2–1 Ana Lucio Winston Roadhog EscA Soldier 76 Similarly King’s Row Miro co held point without real danger losing even single tick switching side LunaticHai decided fun picked interesting composition probably wouldn’t played versus another opponent put Dean Ana Tobi mercy Miro signature Winston jehong Dva taejun Widowmaker EscA showcasing brand new hero — Sombra Despite crowd getting excited didn’t work minute left clock EscA taejun respectively switched Tracer Reaper finally job minute ran claimed point 3–0 MVP interview OGN Dean Tobi Matchup 2 RunAway v Kongdoo Panthera team flash brilliance previously recently performing poorly meant messy affair Still coming matchup would RunAway slight favourite Kongdoo skill Panthera 3 highest ranked player ladder obvious barely showed ability teamplay coordination previous match matchup began Ruins Ilios RunAway started Ana Zenyatta Winston Zarya Soldier 76 Pharah Kongdoo’s Mercy Lucio Winston Zarya Genji Pharah Panthera got initial control point Haksal swapped Pharah Genji didn’t help either squad continued looking confused uncoordinated rest stage ended easy hold Kongdoo Well team continued using composition time RunAway started better Rascal Dragonblade ready Kongdoo claimed CP triple kill bu ninja Upon return push Haksal looking team got shut time Graviton Surge Barrage combo another convincing hold CP quick 1–0 lead series Panthera RunAway picked Hollywood second map started offense Ana Zenyatta Reinhardt Zarya Soldier 76 Reaper Kongdoo’s 3–2–1 Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya Roadhog Soldier 76 ZenyattaSoldierReaper combo dealt extremely easy tripple tank Runner’s crew started pushing ‘cart’ 5 minute time bank payload portion map Haksal switched signature Genji Rascal traded Soldier McCree stopped push briefly Haksal co returned continued pushing full speed deliver 230 clock Butcher knocking 3 people air Rascal’s Deadeye defense RunAway continued running similar composition difference Haksal switching Mei Kongdoo hand returned Pharah Mercy backing Lucio Winston Zarya GenjiGetting caught cafe building RunAway got decimated wakawaka’s rocket Kongdoo started pushing payload 540 left clock hold failed Haksal switched back Genji found frags wasn’t enough Rascal wakawaka constantly decimating rest team final metert Runner co finally managed slow even prolonged fight 246 delivery Kongdoo RunAway’s second offensive attempt RunAway continued using composition Kongdoo went back 3–2–1 around Rascal’s McCree Winston proved ineffective 3 tank Kaiser swapped Reinhardt Panthera’s mechanical superiority became evident hold 5 ultimate built time RunAway 2 healer allowed soloqueue hero execute full hold point success previous offense Pharah Kongdoo returned RunAway showed u 3–2–1 Ana Zenyatta Reinhardt Zarya Roadhog Soldier 76 Initially push failed Winston kept getting killed easily individual play Rascal wakawaka secured team point second map series Looking start reverse sweep RunAway picked Temple Anubis third map Following philosophy “if ain’t broken don’t fix it” Kongdoo continued running 3–2–1 defense RunAway’s Ana Lucio Winston Zarya Soldier 76 Genji Losing point within minute wakawaka Rascal switched respectively Pharah Tracer Haksal constantly kept switching hero team failed take B despite 6 minute switch side team returned they’ve shown favour series far respective side Mercy Lucio Winston Zarya Pharah Genji Panthera Ana Zenyatta Reinhardt Zarya Soldier Haksal Reaper RunAway Runner co seemed put strong hold time misplay nanoboosted Soldier cost Following quickly stormed temple prolonged fight point took B well taking series 3–0 securing spot next season APEX Players watch Miro — return yet another superb performance Dva possibly viable hero pool patch might looking even scarier Miro Especially Reinhardt getting better better every time see exciting see good get semifinal Rascal wakawaka — Rascal shown skill previously wakawaka’s Pharah today revelation Still I’ll advice fan cautiously optimistic play versus looked extremely confused Furthermore MonoKaiser looked solid lack aggressiveness top tank player shown Regardless wakawaka looked much improved better good synergy team Honorable mention jehong Butcherr Runner Map watch RunAway v Kongdoo Panthera Hollywood — exciting map good one unless you’d rather watch Miro spanking kid one I’d pick Runner showed good play Zenyatta deal enemy tank Kongdoo showed execute 3 tank composition Additionally lot good individual play Rascal wakawaka Haksal comedy value much else also recommend Mighty Storm v LunaticHai Temple Anubis result playoff bracket draw information regarding process check linkclickTags Gaming Overwatch Video Games Esports |
190,886 | Austin Film Festival 2016: Are You a PROGAMER? | by Rod Machen
It’s one thing to become obsessed with some aspect of nerd culture; it’s another to make a living from it. Such is the world of professional video game players as captured in ProGamer, a new film by Justin Agnew that explores this growing phenomenon.
Like all good documentaries, ProGamer goes beyond its subject matter and finds subjects. In this case, two European gamers become the vehicle through which the story unfolds.
NaNiwa (Johan Lucchesi–all of these players have professional nicknames) is a young player from Sweden, as off-putting as he is talented. His mannerisms are pure geek, born from a lifetime of sitting in front of a computer instead of talking to other humans. But he’s also the asshole jock, competitive in a way that makes him put down his opponents and refuse to find happiness in anything short of first place.
On the other end of the spectrum is White-Ra (Alexey Krupnyk), a veteran of eSports from the Ukraine. He’s old. Really old. Like 30. And yes, in this world (as in much of professional sports) he might as well be a senior citizen. What sets him apart is his enthusiasm, grace, and genuine kindness. As he loses his quick reflexes and deals with eSports-related injuries (leg blood clots!) we see one of the most-respected players in the game move into the next phase of his life.
There’s a broader cultural dimension here as well, and it involves international relations. By leaps and bounds, the world of eSports is dominated by Koreans, so much so that non-Koreans are referred to as foreigners. Seoul is the center of this particular universe. In the tournaments depicted in the film, NaNiwa is the only foreigner that even makes the cut. Still, ultimately, he falls at the hands of these superior players.
eSports is a heavily male-dominated culture; one look at the players and crowds make that evident. The events depicted in ProGamer came before the Gamergate controversy, but it would have been interesting to see how players and participants reacted to that particular blowup.
For something that most people would not be able to imagine as a multi-million dollar industry, the world of eSports is not only huge but continues to grow. ProGamer does a great job of revealing the humanity behind the games and might even convert a few new fans.
To find out more, visit progamerthemovie.com | https://cinapse.co/austin-film-festival-2016-are-you-a-progamer-2dea1140bf05 | ['Rod Machen'] | 2017-01-10 07:10:23.440000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'In Theaters'] | Title Austin Film Festival 2016 PROGAMERContent Rod Machen It’s one thing become obsessed aspect nerd culture it’s another make living world professional video game player captured ProGamer new film Justin Agnew explores growing phenomenon Like good documentary ProGamer go beyond subject matter find subject case two European gamers become vehicle story unfolds NaNiwa Johan Lucchesi–all player professional nickname young player Sweden offputting talented mannerism pure geek born lifetime sitting front computer instead talking human he’s also asshole jock competitive way make put opponent refuse find happiness anything short first place end spectrum WhiteRa Alexey Krupnyk veteran eSports Ukraine He’s old Really old Like 30 yes world much professional sport might well senior citizen set apart enthusiasm grace genuine kindness loses quick reflex deal eSportsrelated injury leg blood clot see one mostrespected player game move next phase life There’s broader cultural dimension well involves international relation leap bound world eSports dominated Koreans much nonKoreans referred foreigner Seoul center particular universe tournament depicted film NaNiwa foreigner even make cut Still ultimately fall hand superior player eSports heavily maledominated culture one look player crowd make evident event depicted ProGamer came Gamergate controversy would interesting see player participant reacted particular blowup something people would able imagine multimillion dollar industry world eSports huge continues grow ProGamer great job revealing humanity behind game might even convert new fan find visit progamerthemoviecomTags Esports Gaming Theaters |
190,887 | Virtual reality startup demos prototype at Berkeley | Virtual reality startup demos prototype at Berkeley
“Project Aether” puts the player in a virtual forest.
In a three-dimensional virtual forest, archers pop up in the distance and aim their bow and arrow in the player’s direction. In a five by seven-foot square space viewed through a headset, the player picks up rocks from the ground with two controllers and throws an air punch in the direction of the attacking archers.
More Equal Studios, a Berkeley-based virtual animation startup, demonstrated this prototype last Saturday at the Virtual Experience Convention held at University of California, Berkeley. It was one of 11 companies, who were there to introduce students to virtual reality technology, which puts users in immersive computer-generated environments.
Called Project Aether, the company’s demo was an immersive combat arena game that puts players in a dusky forest where they fight intruders with a number of offensive and defensive strategies. Hand gestures summon objects like rocks, pillars and walls or a head nod moves the player from one spot to another.
The game employs a sophisticated gesture recognition system based on machine learning, a way to automate programming with data, so the game recognizes what players are trying to do through gestures and motion.
“A lot of VR games these days require you to press a button for something to happen,” said co-founder Zain Nayer. “This one you really immerse your body. If I raise my hands up, a rock comes out of the ground.”
Participant at Virtual Reality Experience Convention punches a rock in an offensive move.
The emerging platform has received increased attention since Facebook bought VR headset company Oculus VR for $2 billion in 2014. The demo by More Equal Studios is one example of the technology’s potential to change various fields from the arts to medicine and gaming.
Kevin Yin, another co-founder, explained that the company made a breakthrough with its motion gesture algorithm, which can be applied to various training programs, exercising programs, and anything that requires movements or gestures.
Nayer, Yin, Charles Niu and several others founded More Equal Studios earlier this year. They said they were inspired by a game they liked to play called League of Legends, where players summon superpowers and battle against an opposing team.
Co-founders Charles Niu, Kevin Yin and Zain Nayer (from left to right).
In September, they demonstrated their concept to wide acclaim at PAX West Seattle, a popular gaming convention
Users filled out surveys to give the developers an insight to what worked and what didn’t work.
“We’re all developers so sometimes we miss things,” said Nayer, adding that it was helpful to get insight from people, who had never tried VR before.
VR is widely expected to be the next big technology, but the high cost of the equipment remains the biggest impediment to wider spread adoption. Currently, popular headsets cost between $600 and $3000. The most popular, HTC Vive is $799 and Oculus Rift $599, while Sony PlayStation VR is slated to release a headset for $399 on October 13th. Most headsets also need a powerful PC system to run content, which can cost from $999 to over $4000. The cost of the full setup is out of reach for most consumers.
Still, More Equal Studios is optimistic about the future potential of the market.
“We’re not going to wait for everybody to get a headset, we’re going to inspire them to get a headset,” said Yin.
The company is currently working on adding multiplayer functionality to Project Aether. The founders said some big players in the industry have shown interest in their product. Yin said they also want to enter the VR market through e-sports, a competition sports arena facilitated by video games.
“In a world where everyone had VR, we would do well,” said Yin. | https://medium.com/@naniwalker/virtual-reality-startup-demos-prototype-at-berkeley-29dc603e6a9c | ['Nani Sahra Walker'] | 2016-10-14 06:55:57.931000+00:00 | ['Virtual Reality', 'Esports'] | Title Virtual reality startup demo prototype BerkeleyContent Virtual reality startup demo prototype Berkeley “Project Aether” put player virtual forest threedimensional virtual forest archer pop distance aim bow arrow player’s direction five sevenfoot square space viewed headset player pick rock ground two controller throw air punch direction attacking archer Equal Studios Berkeleybased virtual animation startup demonstrated prototype last Saturday Virtual Experience Convention held University California Berkeley one 11 company introduce student virtual reality technology put user immersive computergenerated environment Called Project Aether company’s demo immersive combat arena game put player dusky forest fight intruder number offensive defensive strategy Hand gesture summon object like rock pillar wall head nod move player one spot another game employ sophisticated gesture recognition system based machine learning way automate programming data game recognizes player trying gesture motion “A lot VR game day require press button something happen” said cofounder Zain Nayer “This one really immerse body raise hand rock come ground” Participant Virtual Reality Experience Convention punch rock offensive move emerging platform received increased attention since Facebook bought VR headset company Oculus VR 2 billion 2014 demo Equal Studios one example technology’s potential change various field art medicine gaming Kevin Yin another cofounder explained company made breakthrough motion gesture algorithm applied various training program exercising program anything requires movement gesture Nayer Yin Charles Niu several others founded Equal Studios earlier year said inspired game liked play called League Legends player summon superpower battle opposing team Cofounders Charles Niu Kevin Yin Zain Nayer left right September demonstrated concept wide acclaim PAX West Seattle popular gaming convention Users filled survey give developer insight worked didn’t work “We’re developer sometimes miss things” said Nayer adding helpful get insight people never tried VR VR widely expected next big technology high cost equipment remains biggest impediment wider spread adoption Currently popular headset cost 600 3000 popular HTC Vive 799 Oculus Rift 599 Sony PlayStation VR slated release headset 399 October 13th headset also need powerful PC system run content cost 999 4000 cost full setup reach consumer Still Equal Studios optimistic future potential market “We’re going wait everybody get headset we’re going inspire get headset” said Yin company currently working adding multiplayer functionality Project Aether founder said big player industry shown interest product Yin said also want enter VR market esports competition sport arena facilitated video game “In world everyone VR would well” said YinTags Virtual Reality Esports |
190,888 | 2016 League of Legends World Championship- The regions | 2016 League of Legends World Championship- The regions
North America:
NA will certainly be looking to improve compared to last year’s World Championship. The region’s most memorable achievement was becoming a meme after the three teams, Counter Logic Gaming, Team Solo Mid and Cloud 9 lost all their games on the last few days of the tournament with 0 wins and 10 losses.
However, similar to Europe’s Fnatic last year, TSM come into the tournament as the most feared western team and rightfully so. They lost only one best of 3 throughout the regular season going 17W-1L and dominated the playoffs with a 3–0 and a 3–1 victory in their games, showing team cohesion and individual prowess above all the other teams. TSM’s Mid lane star and three time NA LCS MVP ‘Bjergsen’ will want to re-enact the dominance he’s shown in the LCS to boost his team’s chances of dethroning the otherwise untouched kings in Korea.
Counter Logic Gaming had a disappointing Summer Split (Qualifying via the point system), however many people forget their Mid-Season Invitational appearance when judging them. Being the first North American team to reach a Riot international final by playing extremely well should justify why they’re at Worlds. After recent patches basically removing the use of lane swaps it’s understandable why no one is expecting CLG to shock like they did at MSI. Lane swaps were CLG’s bread and butter; they would perform sometimes perfect map movements and you could see the time and effort put into that style. As much as I try not to be biased to the team I support, I’m more than certain CLG can make it out of groups. If CLG want to prove people wrong, they have the perfect chance as they’re placed in Group A with Korea’s first place team and favourites to win, ‘Rox Tigers’, and Europe’s number one team, ‘G2’.
Just like last year, Cloud Nine made it through the regional qualifier to make it to Worlds. They easily beat Team Envy and Immortals with 3–0 and 3–1 victories with their top laner ‘Impact’ showing complete domination. The former SK Telecom player and Season 3 world champion got many 1v1 kills against multiple teams which is why I’m personally excited to see him match up against the likes of Rox Tigers ‘Smeb’ and SK Telecoms ‘Duke’ as C9 was drawn into group B. If C9 improve from the weeks they have boot camping in Korea and Impact continues his dominance I’m sure they can get a clean second place and even give SKT a run for their money.
Europe:
As a region Europe will be looking to repeat similar success as last year. Two teams, Origen and Fnatic made it to the Semi-finals before being knocked out by the two Korean finalist SKT and Koo Tigers, now named Rox Tigers. They don’t have the same expectations however, due to Europe’s number one seed, G2, placing 5thout of 6 teams at the Mid-seasonal Invitational.
Because of this poor finish at MSI, Europe wasn’t given a first place seed placement in the group stages at Worlds, meaning G2 was placed in pool number 2 with the likes of CLG and H2K. This resulted in them being in Group A with Rox Tigers, CLG, and Albus NoX Luna. Their star player, ‘Trick’, is widely considered one of the best junglers in the world and at Worlds this year. His complete control of the jungle was something unseen in the EU LCS; as a result he won EU LCS MVP twice this year. Not only that but G2 greatly improved their team by adding ‘ZVEN’ and ‘MITHY’ in the bot lane which is what separates the current squad from the MSI squad. Their bot lane synergy is unparalleled in Europe and took G2 from strong to unstoppable, thus adding to the list of reasons to fear Europe’s number one.
The main hype around Europe’s second seed, H2K, is the ADC ‘FORG1VEN’. He’s had many attempts to make it to Worlds — at one point was nearly stopped by his home country forcing him to join the army. Now that that’s cleared we can finally see how he competes against the likes of Edward Gaming’s ‘Deft’ in the group stage. H2K has five quality players, but that’s the case with most teams. This Worlds there’s even more emphasis on team play and if H2K can get that together in the boot camp I can see them challenging AHQ for a second place to make it out of groups.
Splyce qualified for Worlds by winning the EU LCS Regional Qualifier by beating The Unicorns of Love in a close 3–2 series. Just making it to Worlds is huge for Splyce as it’s their first season and the squad is full of young talent. Being in a group with TSM, EDG and Samsung Galaxy, it’s looking like this year will be more of an experience and a chance to learn rather than a chance to take the title for Splyce.
Korea:
The one and only kings. When talking about professional League of Legends and any international tournament, you can bet a Korean team was favourite to win in the past four years, having produced teams to take the world title on three different occasions. So it’s no surprise that in the majority of predictions a Korean team is named in the top two.
Koo Tigers placed second at last year’s Worlds and will be looking to repeat and go to the finals in Los Angeles again but with a name change and ‘Peanut’ as their Jungler. The now called ‘Rox Tigers’ finished first in Korea’s regular split going 15W-3L and won the playoffs finals to earn Korea’s first seed. ‘Smeb’, their top laner, is considered the best in the world in his respected role by many fans, pros, analysts, and even myself. He’s proven this countless times and earned the LCK MVP award for the second time straight. That said, Rox Tigers have been in the shadow of SKT and will look to prove themselves as the best there is.
The name ‘SK Telecom’ has an aura that no team in League of Legends history can compare to. Season 3 they produced arguably the most dominant team in history, winning the World Championship and going unbeaten in the 2014 OGN Champions Spring. Two seasons later they won the Season 5 world championship, being the first team to win it twice. I could speak for hours about SKT’s legacy and their achievements but it would be criminal not to mention ‘Faker’. The best League of legends player ever, the ‘God of all gods’. A huge reason for their season 3 dominance was down to this man as he thrived in a Meta that supported solo play and snowballing. Judging from Korea’s split, SKT aren’t favourites, but that certainly doesn’t mean they can’t take out everything in their path. I mean, it’s SKT and Faker going for a third.
Samsung Galaxy qualified as Korea’s third seed, controversially. Many people thinking KT Rolster deserved the spot because of their second place finish in the playoffs. However Samsung Galaxy surprised and took out KT in a five game series and as a result Samsung’s junger ‘Ambition’ made it to Worlds 2016. To many people’s delight, Ambition finally has a chance to make a mark on the World championship, which so far he has failed to do. Along with him former Dignitas ADC ‘Core JJ’ has something to prove. After recently switching to the Support role he’s shown much more promise in the LCK. They’re in group D, nicknamed ‘The group of death’, so making it out of won’t be as easy for them as the other two Korean teams.
China:
China is a respected region and rightfully so, producing some of the most iconic players to ever grace Summoners Rift. That being said, when it comes to Worlds China is yet to make the mark they want. A Chinese team has never won the World Championship and the region has been second place to Korea twice.
EDG come into the tournament with high expectations, similar to Rox Tigers. Most predictions have them and Rox Tigers in the final, highlighting their strength. This is down to their dominant show in LPL, winning the playoff finals with a clean 3–0 over Royal Never Give Up and holding an unbeaten record in the LPL Regular Season. They have an MSI win under their belt and will be looking for a step up this year to prove China can perform on the biggest stage of all.
Royal Never Give Up have their old ADC back, ‘Uzi’. He is one of the greats. After taking the same team, formerly know as Royal Club, to the season 3 World championship final at the age of 16 and again the next year, only to fall short against the unstoppable SKT and Samsung White. The team this year has the potential to repeat past success but it seems unlikely. The squad is jam packed with talent but it depends on RNG’s ability to play as a team, the cause of their downfall recently.
I May showed resilience and grit to make it to where they are. In similar fashion to Europe’s Splyce they came all the way from China’s second league, the LSPL. Their regular season finish would be worse than expected for a World’s team, placing joint 3rd in group B. But all of that was laid aside after playing five best of fives in the Regional and Playoff games, which lead to them being China’s third seed.
League of Legends Mater Series:
The LMS includes teams from Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong; their greatest achievement is Taipei Assassins winning the world championships in Season 2. Although a long time ago the region taught the world the meaning of an upset but they haven’t had a major impact since then.
The Flash Wolves had a strong performance in the LMS playoffs, finishing 1st after a 3–0 over J Team. Earlier this year they proved they are to be feared after beating SKT in the group stage of MSI. They are again in a group with SKT in this year’s championships and if they play to their full capacity have a good chance to make it out of the group. But it looks difficult even as the 1st place seed.
AHQ, led by mid player ‘Westdoor’ will make their 3rd appearance at the world’s championship. Last year they advanced out of groups by playing a tie breaker against Cloud9 and were beaten by SKT in the quarterfinals. An improvement on that is exactly what they’ll be aiming for in 2016.
International Wildcard:
Wildcard teams historically never have a huge impact in Worlds but that’s not to say they don’t deserve their spot. Looking at history again, the wildcard teams have pulled off major upsets, bringing attention to the wildcard teams and reinforcing their importance.
Albus Nox Luna are a Russian team who just claimed their 5th CIS title. They have little success to brag about but that will ignite the desire for them to change that.
INTZ, Brazil’s number one team, have a young squad that has picked up recent success after winning the 2016 International Wild Card Qualifiers.
While some might say the competition is a foregone conclusion, with so much talent coming from so many sources, this year’s Worlds promises to be the best yet.
Image Source: LoL Esports, ESPN and theScore Esports | https://medium.com/@regancfcboy/2016-league-of-legends-world-championship-the-regions-c0272f3639e1 | ['Regan Farney'] | 2016-10-14 17:29:02.036000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'League of Legends', 'Gaming', 'PC'] | Title 2016 League Legends World Championship regionsContent 2016 League Legends World Championship region North America NA certainly looking improve compared last year’s World Championship region’s memorable achievement becoming meme three team Counter Logic Gaming Team Solo Mid Cloud 9 lost game last day tournament 0 win 10 loss However similar Europe’s Fnatic last year TSM come tournament feared western team rightfully lost one best 3 throughout regular season going 17W1L dominated playoff 3–0 3–1 victory game showing team cohesion individual prowess team TSM’s Mid lane star three time NA LCS MVP ‘Bjergsen’ want reenact dominance he’s shown LCS boost team’s chance dethroning otherwise untouched king Korea Counter Logic Gaming disappointing Summer Split Qualifying via point system however many people forget MidSeason Invitational appearance judging first North American team reach Riot international final playing extremely well justify they’re Worlds recent patch basically removing use lane swap it’s understandable one expecting CLG shock like MSI Lane swap CLG’s bread butter would perform sometimes perfect map movement could see time effort put style much try biased team support I’m certain CLG make group CLG want prove people wrong perfect chance they’re placed Group Korea’s first place team favourite win ‘Rox Tigers’ Europe’s number one team ‘G2’ like last year Cloud Nine made regional qualifier make Worlds easily beat Team Envy Immortals 3–0 3–1 victory top laner ‘Impact’ showing complete domination former SK Telecom player Season 3 world champion got many 1v1 kill multiple team I’m personally excited see match like Rox Tigers ‘Smeb’ SK Telecoms ‘Duke’ C9 drawn group B C9 improve week boot camping Korea Impact continues dominance I’m sure get clean second place even give SKT run money Europe region Europe looking repeat similar success last year Two team Origen Fnatic made Semifinals knocked two Korean finalist SKT Koo Tigers named Rox Tigers don’t expectation however due Europe’s number one seed G2 placing 5thout 6 team Midseasonal Invitational poor finish MSI Europe wasn’t given first place seed placement group stage Worlds meaning G2 placed pool number 2 like CLG H2K resulted Group Rox Tigers CLG Albus NoX Luna star player ‘Trick’ widely considered one best junglers world Worlds year complete control jungle something unseen EU LCS result EU LCS MVP twice year G2 greatly improved team adding ‘ZVEN’ ‘MITHY’ bot lane separate current squad MSI squad bot lane synergy unparalleled Europe took G2 strong unstoppable thus adding list reason fear Europe’s number one main hype around Europe’s second seed H2K ADC ‘FORG1VEN’ He’s many attempt make Worlds — one point nearly stopped home country forcing join army that’s cleared finally see competes like Edward Gaming’s ‘Deft’ group stage H2K five quality player that’s case team Worlds there’s even emphasis team play H2K get together boot camp see challenging AHQ second place make group Splyce qualified Worlds winning EU LCS Regional Qualifier beating Unicorns Love close 3–2 series making Worlds huge Splyce it’s first season squad full young talent group TSM EDG Samsung Galaxy it’s looking like year experience chance learn rather chance take title Splyce Korea one king talking professional League Legends international tournament bet Korean team favourite win past four year produced team take world title three different occasion it’s surprise majority prediction Korean team named top two Koo Tigers placed second last year’s Worlds looking repeat go final Los Angeles name change ‘Peanut’ Jungler called ‘Rox Tigers’ finished first Korea’s regular split going 15W3L playoff final earn Korea’s first seed ‘Smeb’ top laner considered best world respected role many fan pro analyst even He’s proven countless time earned LCK MVP award second time straight said Rox Tigers shadow SKT look prove best name ‘SK Telecom’ aura team League Legends history compare Season 3 produced arguably dominant team history winning World Championship going unbeaten 2014 OGN Champions Spring Two season later Season 5 world championship first team win twice could speak hour SKT’s legacy achievement would criminal mention ‘Faker’ best League legend player ever ‘God gods’ huge reason season 3 dominance man thrived Meta supported solo play snowballing Judging Korea’s split SKT aren’t favourite certainly doesn’t mean can’t take everything path mean it’s SKT Faker going third Samsung Galaxy qualified Korea’s third seed controversially Many people thinking KT Rolster deserved spot second place finish playoff However Samsung Galaxy surprised took KT five game series result Samsung’s junger ‘Ambition’ made Worlds 2016 many people’s delight Ambition finally chance make mark World championship far failed Along former Dignitas ADC ‘Core JJ’ something prove recently switching Support role he’s shown much promise LCK They’re group nicknamed ‘The group death’ making won’t easy two Korean team China China respected region rightfully producing iconic player ever grace Summoners Rift said come Worlds China yet make mark want Chinese team never World Championship region second place Korea twice EDG come tournament high expectation similar Rox Tigers prediction Rox Tigers final highlighting strength dominant show LPL winning playoff final clean 3–0 Royal Never Give holding unbeaten record LPL Regular Season MSI win belt looking step year prove China perform biggest stage Royal Never Give old ADC back ‘Uzi’ one great taking team formerly know Royal Club season 3 World championship final age 16 next year fall short unstoppable SKT Samsung White team year potential repeat past success seems unlikely squad jam packed talent depends RNG’s ability play team cause downfall recently May showed resilience grit make similar fashion Europe’s Splyce came way China’s second league LSPL regular season finish would worse expected World’s team placing joint 3rd group B laid aside playing five best five Regional Playoff game lead China’s third seed League Legends Mater Series LMS includes team Taiwan Macau Hong Kong greatest achievement Taipei Assassins winning world championship Season 2 Although long time ago region taught world meaning upset haven’t major impact since Flash Wolves strong performance LMS playoff finishing 1st 3–0 J Team Earlier year proved feared beating SKT group stage MSI group SKT year’s championship play full capacity good chance make group look difficult even 1st place seed AHQ led mid player ‘Westdoor’ make 3rd appearance world’s championship Last year advanced group playing tie breaker Cloud9 beaten SKT quarterfinal improvement exactly they’ll aiming 2016 International Wildcard Wildcard team historically never huge impact Worlds that’s say don’t deserve spot Looking history wildcard team pulled major upset bringing attention wildcard team reinforcing importance Albus Nox Luna Russian team claimed 5th CIS title little success brag ignite desire change INTZ Brazil’s number one team young squad picked recent success winning 2016 International Wild Card Qualifiers might say competition foregone conclusion much talent coming many source year’s Worlds promise best yet Image Source LoL Esports ESPN theScore EsportsTags Esports League Legends Gaming PC |
190,889 | NBA 2K17: Best Ways to Get VC | Ways To Get Virtual Currency Fast on NBA 2K17.
Anyone who has played NBA 2K17 knows how hard it is to get Virtual Currency (VC) if you don’t know how to earn it. You can use VC points to upgrade your player’s attributes or get new gear to wear on the court. There are several ways to earn points, but I am going to tell you the easiest ways to get VC points. From the MyCareer Mode to the MyNBA2K17 app, the game is filled with ways to accelerate getting VC coins to better your player in NBA 2K17.
MyCareer Mode
Playing MyCareer mode as long you have an internet connection will give you points when you get endorsement deals. Make sure you attend all the meetings and practices, although optional and time consuming, will assist you in the long run in accumulating VC. Try to get through the games as quickly as possible playing on Hall of Fame difficulty with an A+ score since it gives you the most points. I’ve noticed that I accumulate 1,000+ VC points when I do this repeatedly.
This edition of NBA 2K17 has really evolved in the fact that you need to select your Archetype for your player. The Archetypes are divided by each position with 5 sub-types under each starting role, for example SF has Slasher, Sharpshooter and Lockdown Defender. The best way to get the most VC out of the MyCareer mode is to stick to your Archetype as close as possible. For example, if you’re a Sharpshooter, make sure to hit your shots and not focus as much on the defensive side of the game. You should try spend your VC on increasing the strengths of your player type by investing into their archetype attributes as much as possible. Sharpshooters should have their shooting attributes as high as possible to hit their goals which will eventually give you a higher VC bonus payout.
MyNBA2K17 App
Make sure you download the iOS or Android MyNBA2K17 app because you’ll receive 500 VC just for downloading and syncing the app and further points for all the daily tasks you complete, although this won’t be much, it’s still something. I recommend you check out the app first thing in the morning since it only gives you a certain amount of time to complete certain tasks in a day. Completing the daily tasks are fun and serve as good practice for your player and increase his attributes outside of the MyCareer mode.
MyLeague
Another great way to get VC points easily and quickly is playing MyLeague. While you are in the MyLeague mode you can simulate games and the longer the games are the better. Playing multiple modes is also better for your player as you’ll get to accrue VC without having to step on to the court. When your player is ready for action and his attributes are high enough in the desired areas, you’ll see the gameplay and eventual VC payouts increase.
Best Strategy for using VC
Once you do actually start seeing substantial gains in VC, using it wisely is key to increasing your future payouts even more. Most people get VC in the ways mentioned above and spend it right away on whatever attribute they feel their player needs most. You’ll want to remember to really highlight the attributes that will benefit your Archetype the most. One strategy I found that works best is to save the VC over a certain period of time and not to spend it right away to upgrade a stat because the second upgrade will be more expensive and unachievable. Saving up and getting attributes to increase by two or three at a time can really make your player stand out on the court. The added performance boost from your player will only continue to get you even more VC payouts in the long run. | https://medium.com/@camperry/nba-2k17-best-ways-to-get-vc-faeac419c3e4 | ['Cam Perry'] | 2016-10-12 12:16:06.195000+00:00 | ['Sports', 'NBA', 'Esports'] | Title NBA 2K17 Best Ways Get VCContent Ways Get Virtual Currency Fast NBA 2K17 Anyone played NBA 2K17 know hard get Virtual Currency VC don’t know earn use VC point upgrade player’s attribute get new gear wear court several way earn point going tell easiest way get VC point MyCareer Mode MyNBA2K17 app game filled way accelerate getting VC coin better player NBA 2K17 MyCareer Mode Playing MyCareer mode long internet connection give point get endorsement deal Make sure attend meeting practice although optional time consuming assist long run accumulating VC Try get game quickly possible playing Hall Fame difficulty score since give point I’ve noticed accumulate 1000 VC point repeatedly edition NBA 2K17 really evolved fact need select Archetype player Archetypes divided position 5 subtypes starting role example SF Slasher Sharpshooter Lockdown Defender best way get VC MyCareer mode stick Archetype close possible example you’re Sharpshooter make sure hit shot focus much defensive side game try spend VC increasing strength player type investing archetype attribute much possible Sharpshooters shooting attribute high possible hit goal eventually give higher VC bonus payout MyNBA2K17 App Make sure download iOS Android MyNBA2K17 app you’ll receive 500 VC downloading syncing app point daily task complete although won’t much it’s still something recommend check app first thing morning since give certain amount time complete certain task day Completing daily task fun serve good practice player increase attribute outside MyCareer mode MyLeague Another great way get VC point easily quickly playing MyLeague MyLeague mode simulate game longer game better Playing multiple mode also better player you’ll get accrue VC without step court player ready action attribute high enough desired area you’ll see gameplay eventual VC payouts increase Best Strategy using VC actually start seeing substantial gain VC using wisely key increasing future payouts even people get VC way mentioned spend right away whatever attribute feel player need You’ll want remember really highlight attribute benefit Archetype One strategy found work best save VC certain period time spend right away upgrade stat second upgrade expensive unachievable Saving getting attribute increase two three time really make player stand court added performance boost player continue get even VC payouts long runTags Sports NBA Esports |
190,890 | Dota Cinema | Dota Cinema
Today we are going to introduce a YouTube channel named DotaCinema. The channel features videos of Dota 2 that were submitted by players. There are some categories of videos on this channel, which we are going to talk about below.
I satisfy my lust for Dota by watching a video or two on this channel if I don’t have the time or opportunity to play.
Fails of the week
You know what a fail is. In Dota 2, a fail is when you misclick, use the wrong skill, use a skill in the most wrong way, etc. I suppose this category is my favorite, and sometimes the commentators of the category make things even funnier.
Symphony of Fails
If it’s not a single person but a whole team of players that fail one after another, making things tragic rather than funny. You can’t help yourself but facepalm often.
Rampage
If you kill two enemies in a short time duration between them, it’s a double kill. If you kill three, it’s a triple kill. 4 kills is ultra kill, and ultimately, 5 kills is rampage. This category of videos feature interesting rampages.
Symphony of Skills
People don’t always fail, occasionally they may present a good style of play. Symphony of Skills is when a team exhibits a nice team play and win an epic team fight. However, the videos seem repetitive because most of these are about heroes with AoE skills, Enigma’s Blackhole, or Tidehunter’s Ravage.
Fight to the Finish
You remember when we talked about some people never giving up even if things go bad for them? It’s called a comeback when the game seems in favor of your enemy for a long time but suddenly you change it. And these videos are about comebacks.
Headshot
Some skills have long range, like Mirana’s Sacred Arrow, or Pudge’s Meat Hook. When your vision is blocked by fog of world, and hence you can’t see the enemy, if you successfully launch one of these skills, it’s a headshot. The truth is, I would say using these skills successfully even when you can see the enemy is hard to achieve since the game is very dynamic and the enemy will have changed position by the time your skill’s effects reach him. You need to foresee the actions of your opponent most times, that’s the hard part.
This category was criticized to feature Windranger and her Powershot skill too much. Later they responded to viewer comments and stop doing so. | https://medium.com/@mehmetkse_33585/dota-cinema-7c4120a6ed5c | ['Mehmet Köse'] | 2016-11-16 23:02:33.282000+00:00 | ['Gaming', 'Esports', 'Dota 2', 'YouTube'] | Title Dota CinemaContent Dota Cinema Today going introduce YouTube channel named DotaCinema channel feature video Dota 2 submitted player category video channel going talk satisfy lust Dota watching video two channel don’t time opportunity play Fails week know fail Dota 2 fail misclick use wrong skill use skill wrong way etc suppose category favorite sometimes commentator category make thing even funnier Symphony Fails it’s single person whole team player fail one another making thing tragic rather funny can’t help facepalm often Rampage kill two enemy short time duration it’s double kill kill three it’s triple kill 4 kill ultra kill ultimately 5 kill rampage category video feature interesting rampage Symphony Skills People don’t always fail occasionally may present good style play Symphony Skills team exhibit nice team play win epic team fight However video seem repetitive hero AoE skill Enigma’s Blackhole Tidehunter’s Ravage Fight Finish remember talked people never giving even thing go bad It’s called comeback game seems favor enemy long time suddenly change video comeback Headshot skill long range like Mirana’s Sacred Arrow Pudge’s Meat Hook vision blocked fog world hence can’t see enemy successfully launch one skill it’s headshot truth would say using skill successfully even see enemy hard achieve since game dynamic enemy changed position time skill’s effect reach need foresee action opponent time that’s hard part category criticized feature Windranger Powershot skill much Later responded viewer comment stop soTags Gaming Esports Dota 2 YouTube |
190,891 | EsportsHunt.com Launch | About a year ago I was attempting to figure out what could be a suitable improvement of Reddit for Esports. While Reddit is amazing for some things, it poses numerous problems to content creators. The weeklong project lead to a ProductHunt clone called EsportsHunt. Unfortunately there was no way I could “build” the network effects Reddit enjoys in a single weekend, so the project fell by the wayside.
In parallel with this I was making a ton of “On this day in Esports..” posts on Twitter that were getting a lot of traction. People connected with the nostalgia and for the most part seemed to enjoy it.
Over the last few days I decided to revisit both projects and merge them into one website. It’s still called EsportsHunt, but the goal is different.
The purpose of this website is to condense as much Esports History as possible into a 365 day loop. Every day the biggest esports news that happened on that day will be posted. I believe this will benefit the quality and growth rate of the space.
For one it may cause the community to revisit topics that would have otherwise been forgotten. With how much history has already been lost on servers across the world, having another place log it all will be to no one’s detriment.
The second benefit will be to educate the growing numbers of esports fans on how we got here. The space is growing exponentially, and if we can condense the key lessons of the past 10 years into 1, we will have a more educated fan base. It’s reasonable to estimate that 50% of the current esports fan base has arrived in the past 3 years. Some of them want to contribute. It’s to everyone’s benefit that when they choose to make these contributions they do so with the best possible information. Let’s help them avoid the mistakes of their predecessors.
So that’s my vision for www.EsportsHunt.com. Go check it out, contribute if you’d like. It’s an MVP, so be kind in your feedback, I already have a list of bugs I need to iron out.
It’s currently seeded with some interesting stories from October 21st. There are good ones and there are bad ones. And that’s esports. | https://medium.com/@jokrcantspell/esportshunt-com-launch-2dc9a10aa841 | ['Anton Ferraro'] | 2016-10-21 08:51:43.258000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'League of Legends', 'Productivity'] | Title EsportsHuntcom LaunchContent year ago attempting figure could suitable improvement Reddit Esports Reddit amazing thing pose numerous problem content creator weeklong project lead ProductHunt clone called EsportsHunt Unfortunately way could “build” network effect Reddit enjoys single weekend project fell wayside parallel making ton “On day Esports” post Twitter getting lot traction People connected nostalgia part seemed enjoy last day decided revisit project merge one website It’s still called EsportsHunt goal different purpose website condense much Esports History possible 365 day loop Every day biggest esports news happened day posted believe benefit quality growth rate space one may cause community revisit topic would otherwise forgotten much history already lost server across world another place log one’s detriment second benefit educate growing number esports fan got space growing exponentially condense key lesson past 10 year 1 educated fan base It’s reasonable estimate 50 current esports fan base arrived past 3 year want contribute It’s everyone’s benefit choose make contribution best possible information Let’s help avoid mistake predecessor that’s vision wwwEsportsHuntcom Go check contribute you’d like It’s MVP kind feedback already list bug need iron It’s currently seeded interesting story October 21st good one bad one that’s esportsTags Esports Gaming League Legends Productivity |
190,892 | This is the tipping point of massive esports growth. | This is the tipping point of massive esports growth. The competitive gaming industry also has a huge spectator fan base, the third highest viewed sports in the US. The online streamer content flows each day is much larger. People watching, reviewing, interviewing, casting and all other esports content is coming in and made to reach the audience. What draws the fans in? The statistical war between pro players and the who-beats-who hype.
This hype is created with the help of the tech community who largely plays the role of getting content to the audience. Esports being a new phenomenon, and us being the first generation audience to it, it is crucial for these tech bodies to retain the quality of content for the coming generations.
Twitch is one of the earliest bodies to enter the broadcasting scene and provide a platform for quality gaming content. Streamers can stream online and have discussions with the viewers. The broadcasting revolution brought gaming content to the audience who watch it religiously. There are many other tools and apps that enable us to get hold of the industry happenings, games, events etc.
The most recent esports startup is DOJO MADNESS.
It is your virtual coach, providing tips based on your in-game performance for games like LoL, CS:GOand Dota 2.The Berlin-based company is going to change the coaching norms forever. The app can connect to your game and provide tips based on the way you start playing, mid-game strategy and late game instructions.
DOJO MADNESS is the brainchild of Jens Hilgers, yes, the ESL founder Jens Hilgers. It started out as an initiative towards helping people out with their day-to-day gaming problems by creating tools for the same. Jens earlier came up with LOLSumo, which is a second screen app for LoL and the website Mobafire where you can find the perfect builds to all the heroes of Dota 2. He took the idea a little further and Bruce.GG was created.
It’ll be annoying to switch on to another tab to keep an eye on the build guide and play your game simultaneously. The free app here fulfills the need for context and guidance to make good strategic choices without leaving the game. Bruce.GG turned out to be the hand of god for budding Dota players, as they can keep a check on the guide and receive tips from the app. The advanced machine learning technology used in here has revolutionized the way gamers learn and improvise. It acts as your personal assistant, coach, and teacher at the same time.
The idea of LOLSumo was greatly received by many, but not after it released the paid version, where you have to give a monthly amount to use the app. Few reviewers assured to refer it to any MOBA player they find and also gave 5 stars for it. Because it is great on performance indexes where overall statistics can be viewed and compared to your earlier records and analyze yourself. This gives a boost to all those small teams cropping up from around the world who cannot really afford coaches as such and are self-reliant. They can assess their team play, other team members, compare statistics and improve efficiently.
Like LOLSumo(League of Legends) and Shadow.GG(CS:GO), Bruce.GG is set to be released soon, but no dates are announced yet.
“We’re trying something bold, of great technical complexity and challenge and ultimately it needs to be providing significant value to esports players. That’s what we work hard for and believe we will succeed in,”said Jens on a Redbullesports interview.
The next big thing in esports is the viewer fan base, which is huge. In 2015 itself, comparing to NFL and NBA, esports was viewed by 13 million more people. The credit for a cult following experienced by the esports fraternity largely goes to the broadcasting channels and mediums like Twitch and Youtube. The spectator mode in Dota 2 and LoL gives all the visuals on the happenings around the map.
To make the viewing experience more interactive and appealing, CEO Jacob Novak rolled out what is considered to be the revolutionary esports broadcasting system, Genvid.
Most games being broadcasted are player’s perspective, but Genvid aims to bring in spectator interests which aim to attract more casual gamers. There are instances when a more famous player goes on for a kill and the camera focuses on him, but his teammate on the other side got a double, which goes unnoticed. To avoid this mix-up, Genvid comes with more diverse controls which can allow the user to set cam on particular area or player. Features like multi-angle viewing experience and customizable options are an added advantage. The most impressive feature was that you can click on the video itself as you do in a game to manage the camera controls.
This becomes highly useful in assessing a player’s performance and gameplay by viewing that particular hero only, and the statistics acquired from the video itself.
Genvid focuses on quality content broadcast, keeping viewer perspectives in mind. This will, in turn, be helpful in attracting the broad pool of casual gamers, whose viewing figures are far behind the religious viewers. The company says this could help esports companies achieve what has been lacking so far: better storytelling, more emotion, a focus on the most exciting players and action, and a step up in broadcast quality.
Genvid was born on March 2016, headed by Jacob Novak. The advisor is Yoichi Wada, ex-CEO of Square Enix, which initially supported Genvid, but later withdrew after a massive failure.
Budding startups, tech giants and biz tycoons getting into esports have created a new culture for itself. Given the media consumption shift happening and the speed at which new categories are growing and proliferating, there’s a ton of opportunity for start-ups to build a big business as this sea change continues to manifest itself. And investors can score points by getting in on the game. | https://medium.com/@SportzCorpLive/this-is-the-tipping-point-of-massive-esports-growth-e2c22025b218 | [] | 2016-11-14 12:25:12.405000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Startups', 'Technology', 'Technews'] | Title tipping point massive esports growthContent tipping point massive esports growth competitive gaming industry also huge spectator fan base third highest viewed sport US online streamer content flow day much larger People watching reviewing interviewing casting esports content coming made reach audience draw fan statistical war pro player whobeatswho hype hype created help tech community largely play role getting content audience Esports new phenomenon u first generation audience crucial tech body retain quality content coming generation Twitch one earliest body enter broadcasting scene provide platform quality gaming content Streamers stream online discussion viewer broadcasting revolution brought gaming content audience watch religiously many tool apps enable u get hold industry happening game event etc recent esports startup DOJO MADNESS virtual coach providing tip based ingame performance game like LoL CSGOand Dota 2The Berlinbased company going change coaching norm forever app connect game provide tip based way start playing midgame strategy late game instruction DOJO MADNESS brainchild Jens Hilgers yes ESL founder Jens Hilgers started initiative towards helping people daytoday gaming problem creating tool Jens earlier came LOLSumo second screen app LoL website Mobafire find perfect build hero Dota 2 took idea little BruceGG created It’ll annoying switch another tab keep eye build guide play game simultaneously free app fulfills need context guidance make good strategic choice without leaving game BruceGG turned hand god budding Dota player keep check guide receive tip app advanced machine learning technology used revolutionized way gamers learn improvise act personal assistant coach teacher time idea LOLSumo greatly received many released paid version give monthly amount use app reviewer assured refer MOBA player find also gave 5 star great performance index overall statistic viewed compared earlier record analyze give boost small team cropping around world cannot really afford coach selfreliant ass team play team member compare statistic improve efficiently Like LOLSumoLeague Legends ShadowGGCSGO BruceGG set released soon date announced yet “We’re trying something bold great technical complexity challenge ultimately need providing significant value esports player That’s work hard believe succeed in”said Jens Redbullesports interview next big thing esports viewer fan base huge 2015 comparing NFL NBA esports viewed 13 million people credit cult following experienced esports fraternity largely go broadcasting channel medium like Twitch Youtube spectator mode Dota 2 LoL give visuals happening around map make viewing experience interactive appealing CEO Jacob Novak rolled considered revolutionary esports broadcasting system Genvid game broadcasted player’s perspective Genvid aim bring spectator interest aim attract casual gamers instance famous player go kill camera focus teammate side got double go unnoticed avoid mixup Genvid come diverse control allow user set cam particular area player Features like multiangle viewing experience customizable option added advantage impressive feature click video game manage camera control becomes highly useful assessing player’s performance gameplay viewing particular hero statistic acquired video Genvid focus quality content broadcast keeping viewer perspective mind turn helpful attracting broad pool casual gamers whose viewing figure far behind religious viewer company say could help esports company achieve lacking far better storytelling emotion focus exciting player action step broadcast quality Genvid born March 2016 headed Jacob Novak advisor Yoichi Wada exCEO Square Enix initially supported Genvid later withdrew massive failure Budding startup tech giant biz tycoon getting esports created new culture Given medium consumption shift happening speed new category growing proliferating there’s ton opportunity startup build big business sea change continues manifest investor score point getting gameTags Esports Gaming Startups Technology Technews |
190,893 | Peacemaker becomes general manager of NRG’s CS:GO division | Peacemaker becomes general manager of NRG’s CS:GO division
Photo via Fragbite
After spending the majority of 2016 as a coach, Luis “peacemaker” Tadeu has been brought on as the new general manager and coach of NRG Esports’ Counter-Strike: Global Offensive operations.
Peacemaker’s new role will, presumably, see him tasked with shaping the organization’s CS:GO team, which has performed poorly throughout all of 2016 after being announced on Jan. 22.
Aside from continuing down his path as a coach, peacemaker will now also be in charge of assembling the organization’s CS:GO roster. “ I could’ve stayed in my comfort zone and join a stable top team, but NRG’s project of completely rebuilding the CS:GO roster. I consider this project to be the biggest and most important project in my CS:GO career,” peacemaker said.
After transitioning to a coaching role in late 2015 after competing for several years, peacemaker worked with Tempo Storm (currently Immortals) and Team Liquid in 2016. While his influence on Immortals was palpable, the coach’s biggest success came when Team Liquid finished second at the ESL One Cologne major in July after an incredible run through the playoffs.
On Oct. 22, however, peacemaker and Team Liquid amicably parted ways, citing undisclosed “disagreements about business principles” as the primary reason for the split. Team Liquid have since then acquired the services of former SK Gaming and Immortals in-game leader Wilton “zews” Prado.
In a statement, peacemaker outlined his feelings surrounding the new opportunity and his own thoughts on how CS:GO had changed in the past few months, particularly Valve changing how much access coaches have during live games. | https://medium.com/@S_Nordmark/peacemaker-becomes-general-manager-of-nrgs-cs-go-division-3ecec479156 | ['Sam Nordmark'] | 2016-11-18 20:10:22.598000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Counter Strike'] | Title Peacemaker becomes general manager NRG’s CSGO divisionContent Peacemaker becomes general manager NRG’s CSGO division Photo via Fragbite spending majority 2016 coach Luis “peacemaker” Tadeu brought new general manager coach NRG Esports’ CounterStrike Global Offensive operation Peacemaker’s new role presumably see tasked shaping organization’s CSGO team performed poorly throughout 2016 announced Jan 22 Aside continuing path coach peacemaker also charge assembling organization’s CSGO roster “ could’ve stayed comfort zone join stable top team NRG’s project completely rebuilding CSGO roster consider project biggest important project CSGO career” peacemaker said transitioning coaching role late 2015 competing several year peacemaker worked Tempo Storm currently Immortals Team Liquid 2016 influence Immortals palpable coach’s biggest success came Team Liquid finished second ESL One Cologne major July incredible run playoff Oct 22 however peacemaker Team Liquid amicably parted way citing undisclosed “disagreements business principles” primary reason split Team Liquid since acquired service former SK Gaming Immortals ingame leader Wilton “zews” Prado statement peacemaker outlined feeling surrounding new opportunity thought CSGO changed past month particularly Valve changing much access coach live gamesTags Esports Gaming Counter Strike |
190,894 | Overview of OGN’s Apex group stage, day 4: EnVy them! | For years hailed as the “Mecca of esports”, recently Korea has been largely overtaken by Overwatch in terms of casual play. As a result we are now seeing the first Korean Overwatch tournament, featuring 4 top tier foreign teams (Rogue, NRG, EnVyUS, Reunited) alongside 12 of Korea’s best.
For today’s match-up we had the debut of the fan-favourites EnVyUS vs Mighty Storm from group C. Following that we had, for the second time this week, the team featuring the top 3 players in the competitive ladder — Kongdoo Panthera playing against LuxuryWatch Blue, who made their first appearance in the tournament.
For those interested only in my picks for “Game, players and teams to watch” scroll down to the bottom. In those I’ll be listing the players and teams I found the most intriguing, the map I enjoyed watching most and the reasons for my picks.
Match-up 1: Mighty Storm vs EnVyUS
With nV being one of the best teams in the world and in the eyes of most favourite to win the tournament, the match-up versus Mighty Storm is truly ‘David versus Goliath’ affair. Especially so when we recall MS’s poor performance versus the not so impressive Conbox T6.
Since Illios is unavailable due to bug with disconnecting, Nepal was automatically selected for first map, as the remaining control point map. Both teams opened on Village with 2–2–2, but with different heroes. MS chose Winston, Zarya, Reaper Tracer, Lucio and Zenyatta, while nV picked with Reinhardt, Zarya, Mei, Reaper, Lucio and Ana. Initially the foreigners seized control briefly, but the Korean opposition quickly came back claiming it for themselves. They held it for 75% until Taimou exploded on them with nanoboosted Death Blossom. That was followed with strong hold, backed by another multi-kill for nV’s star player and resulted in them taking the stage.
On Shrine we saw Mighty open with same composition. This time nV picked with 3–2–1 around Timou’s McCree and he performed up to expectations as they quickly seized control. The rest of the match-up continued in similar fashion with Timou not dying even once and nV dominated their way to 1–0 lead in the series.
Looking to equalize, Mighty Storm picked King’s Row for second map. On the attack, nV opened with 2–2–2 composition built around Talespin’s Pharah, complimenting it with Mercy, Ana, Reinhardt, Roadhog and Mei. That proved extremely effective as the boys in blue took the first point on their first push quickly.
Stats for King’s Row, based on games played in OGN’s Apex
Just before the international team took the second point MS finally managed to stop their momentum and wipe them. After 2 more wipes nV switched up their composition to Reinhardt, Zarya, Ana, Lucio, Mei and Taimou’s Reaper. That quickly dismantled the Koreans and nV found themselves right infront of the delivery point. Despite getting wiped again they returned with another multi-kill for Reaper and finished their run with just under a minute in the time bank.
While MS continued using same composition they showed previously, nV opened on defense with another interesting one: Roadhog, Reinhardt, Zarya, Mei, Soldier 76 and Ana. Unlike MS nV showed heavy resistance on the first point and ended Mighty’s attack without letting them get to the payload portion of the map.
For the third map, assault as per tournament rules, Mighty Storm chose Volskaya Industries. As the defendants they opened up with Reinhardt, Zarya, Reaper, Mei, Lucio, Ana and cheesy attempt to stop nV’s initial push. That didn’t work however and they quickly retreated back to defending on the point. That was also ended quickly by nV’s composition of Widowmaker, Genji, Tracer, Lucio, Ana and Winston. On the second point MS showed more success as they held the fan-favourites’ initial push. That didn’t dissuade nV from keeping the same composition as they continued poking and skirmishing. Eventually with they opened up the point with Dragonblade and ended their run with 3:22 in the time bank.
After switching sides nV opened with a more standard 3–2–1 — Zarya, Reinhardt, Roadhog, Ana, Lucio and Talespin’s Reaper. Similarly to King’s Row nV held strong on the first point, continuously picking off and out-skirmishing their Korean opponents. In a short overtime Mighty Storm finally took their first point of the match with nanoboosted Jack on Tracer. The second one however, continued in similar fashion to the first as nV’s defense showed itself impenetrable.
That resulted in a clear 3–0 win for EnVyUS’s debut in Korea!
Match-up 2: LuxuryWatch Blue vs Kongdoo
With the amount of raw skill they got, despite the convincing loss on Wednesday, Kongdoo Panthera’s still came into this as the favourites based on their 3–0 sweep over LuxuryWatch Blue in the “Dadawa Battle” finals. Additional contribution to that opinion was Rascal, Evermore and Butcherr holding top 3 spots on the competitive ladder. Furthermore, despite appearing in the aforementioned finals LW hadn’t shown too much quality play previously.
Starting on Nepal, Sanctum Panthera showed their preference towards 3–2–1 composition again with: Reaper, Lucio, Ana, Reinhardt, Zarya and Evermore’s Roadhog. LW on the other hand opened with Winston, Zarya, Lucio, Zenyatta, Tracer and McCree. Both teams showed poor coordination right from get-got and after some sloppy and chaotic fighting LW took control for up to nearly 60%. However, on the back of multiple misplays by them, Kongdoo managed to claim the point for themselves. Following more messy play by both sides, LW managed to take the stage, with Janus in Primal Rage mode, pushing 2 from Kongdoo into the abyss.
On Shrine both teams continued with same compositions, similarly sloppy fights and continuously trading multi-kills and control. In the end Panthera took it on the back of great play by Rascal’s and Evermore landing multiple impact hooks.
For Village Kongdoo continued with exactly the same composition while LW switched to to 2–2–2 ‘beyblade’ composition, around Saebyeolbe’s Reaper. With this on their hands LuxuryWatch finaly showed good teamplay as they convincingly shut down Kongdoo. Taking the deciding stage 100–0 they also took 1–0 lead in the series.
Stats for Numbani, based on games played in OGN’s Apex
For the second map Kongdoo chose Numbani and continued with similar 3–2–1, putting Rascal on Mei. LW opened the defense with 2–2–2 of McCree, Reaper, Zarya, Reinhardt, Lucio and Ana. Making use of the longer range Blue held the point strong for a while, continuously stopping Kongdoo’s lower room pushes onto the first point. Eventually the 3 tanks managed to claim control and started pushing the cart with 4 minutes left on the clock. As answer Saebyeolbe switched to Tracer. That wasn’t as effective and Kongdoo almost finished the Run with more than 3 minutes on the clock. In the clutch however, the Saebyeolde came up, almost single-handedly wiping Panthera two times. To answer that Kongdoo moved Rascal on Pharah and R2der on Mercy. With nanoboosted rockets they finally managed to finish, but with only 22 seconds in the time bank.
Coming to the defense, we finally saw Kongdoo switch-up things and move to 2–2–2. They took out Evermore’s Roadhog and put him on Zarya to give Wakawaka a go at Reaper. LW blue however quickly took the first point on the back of surprising Mei boost. Following that their push was quite fast, until they reached the final curve of the payload marh. In what looked to be the successful push for LW, Noname misplayed massively, cutting off nanoboosted Deathblossom by Saebyeolbe from their opposition. As result Kongdoo held and equalized the series to 1–1.
For the third map LuxuryWatch Blue picked Volakaya Industries. As the map is favourable to Roadhog, Kongdoo took the opportunity to go back to their 3–2–1 with Evermore on Roadhog. Blue attacked with standard composition of Winston, Zarya, Reaper, Tracer, Lucio and Ana. As their initial push got stumped quickly they put Janus back on Reinhardt. That proved more effective as it allowed Saebyeolde’s Tracer to pick off Kongdoo 1 by 1 and they took the first point. With 6 men attack from the air platforms they quickly claimed control over the second point as well. A prolonged fight on the point resulted in them taking it with 4:41 in the time bank.
Switching sides, Kongdoo continued with the 3–2–1, this time putting Rascal on Genji. On the back of some great picks by him they managed to take the first point on their initial push. In similar manner he opened the second point and that resulted in his team finishing with 4:48 on the clock.
That was followed by one more successful run by both teams but while LW ended it with 1:25 in the time bank Kongdoo finished with 3:31 off of Evermore’s Roadhog finally coming up big for them on the attack.
Going to the defense once again, Rascal switched to tracer, while LW Blue kept same composition. After LW taking the first point extremely quickly they switched to Bastion and made it work, taking the second point in brief overtime.
Again on the defense, LW Blue finally showed resistance at the first point, leaving Kongdoo with only minute and a half to take over the second. Ultimately that wasn’t enough for the attackers to claim the second point and LW Blue took the lead once again to a 2–1.
Saebyeolbe approving of Noname’s dirty Bastion!
For the fourth map, facing potential end of their playoff hopes, Kongdoo chose Watchpoint: Gibraltar. On the defense Panthera continued with Evermore’s Roadhog and Rascal’s Genji. Despite initial success, defending on the car wash, they got partially wiped, which resulted in LW quickly reaching the first point. Showing superior teamplay they quickly reached the second point as well, even though they got wiped there by a Whole Hog. At this point Kongdoo finally showed more success, managing to stop LW’s push at 2 points and 77 meters.
On the attack we saw them decide to go back to their 2–2–2 composition, Rascal on Mei and Wakawaka on Reaper. Aftar that being stopped, just before the 2nd point Rascal went back to Genji and that yielded results. Finally with some momentum Kongdoo were pushing towards the third point with 3 minutes on the clock. However LW quickly ended that, holding the high ground at the shuttle with Saybyeold’s McCree. The map and the series ended there with LW upsetting Kongdoo in 3–1.
As a result of that Kongdoo Panthera are out of the run for the Apex playoffs, even though they have one more match to play in the groups.
My picks for “Game, players and teams to watch”:
Players to watch:
Taimou & Talespin — while one can certainly wrote a whole article for each of those there’s not much to be said, based on today’s performances. Both showed stellar positioning, impeccable mechanics and enviable playmaking on multiple heroes. After all there is reason why they are the driving force, behind one of the best teams in the world.
Rascal — after today I’m even more impressed by his skills, despite losing in another 3–1. Showed us that Wednesday’s performance wasn’t a fluke and that he is the best player on the team despite them continuously dedicating to Evermore and his Roadhog. While LuxuryWatch aren’t very good team he still managed to wreak havoc in their lines on multiple heroes. In addition to doing a lot of damage he was rarely the reason why Kongdoo lost control and fights. Furthermore, with the exception of several hooks by Evermore, he was the one making impact plays and giving his team the chance to win. It’s still early but if the team doesn’t show signs of improvement by the time they face Runaway and continue dedicating resources to Evermore, I’d be looking for new home if I was Rascal.
Teams to watch:
EnVyUS — while stomping the weakest team in the group doesn’t necessary yield much credit for team like them they did it in quite the impressive manner. Showed dominance, variety and they didn’t look shaky or out of control even for a moment. Will be definitely interesting to see how easy they can go trough Conbox T6 before facing the real threat in the group — Lunatic-Hai. While T6 has skilled ladder players I’m not convinced they are skilled enough to take on nV, additionally the international mix has much better teamplay and bigger playbook.
Map to watch: EnVyUS vs Mighty Storm: Nepal. Oh boy! Was that a stomp, however nV looked so impeccable during it that I simply can’t go without recommending it. Additionally we saw two superstar level performances by Taimou, not even dying on Shrine. And since I feel like I somewhat cheated you by recommending such a short map I’ll also advice those who have time to look at LuxuryWatch Blue vs Kongdoo Panthera: Volskaya Industries. While the action definitely wasn’t as crisp as nV’s stomps it was quite the exciting map. Quite the back and forth, some good individual plays and even had successful Bastion action. | https://medium.com/@RadoNonfire/overview-of-ogns-apex-group-stage-day-4-d9353767193e | [] | 2016-12-10 14:09:31.930000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Video Games', 'Overwatch'] | Title Overview OGN’s Apex group stage day 4 EnVy themContent year hailed “Mecca esports” recently Korea largely overtaken Overwatch term casual play result seeing first Korean Overwatch tournament featuring 4 top tier foreign team Rogue NRG EnVyUS Reunited alongside 12 Korea’s best today’s matchup debut fanfavourites EnVyUS v Mighty Storm group C Following second time week team featuring top 3 player competitive ladder — Kongdoo Panthera playing LuxuryWatch Blue made first appearance tournament interested pick “Game player team watch” scroll bottom I’ll listing player team found intriguing map enjoyed watching reason pick Matchup 1 Mighty Storm v EnVyUS nV one best team world eye favourite win tournament matchup versus Mighty Storm truly ‘David versus Goliath’ affair Especially recall MS’s poor performance versus impressive Conbox T6 Since Illios unavailable due bug disconnecting Nepal automatically selected first map remaining control point map team opened Village 2–2–2 different hero MS chose Winston Zarya Reaper Tracer Lucio Zenyatta nV picked Reinhardt Zarya Mei Reaper Lucio Ana Initially foreigner seized control briefly Korean opposition quickly came back claiming held 75 Taimou exploded nanoboosted Death Blossom followed strong hold backed another multikill nV’s star player resulted taking stage Shrine saw Mighty open composition time nV picked 3–2–1 around Timou’s McCree performed expectation quickly seized control rest matchup continued similar fashion Timou dying even nV dominated way 1–0 lead series Looking equalize Mighty Storm picked King’s Row second map attack nV opened 2–2–2 composition built around Talespin’s Pharah complimenting Mercy Ana Reinhardt Roadhog Mei proved extremely effective boy blue took first point first push quickly Stats King’s Row based game played OGN’s Apex international team took second point MS finally managed stop momentum wipe 2 wipe nV switched composition Reinhardt Zarya Ana Lucio Mei Taimou’s Reaper quickly dismantled Koreans nV found right infront delivery point Despite getting wiped returned another multikill Reaper finished run minute time bank MS continued using composition showed previously nV opened defense another interesting one Roadhog Reinhardt Zarya Mei Soldier 76 Ana Unlike MS nV showed heavy resistance first point ended Mighty’s attack without letting get payload portion map third map assault per tournament rule Mighty Storm chose Volskaya Industries defendant opened Reinhardt Zarya Reaper Mei Lucio Ana cheesy attempt stop nV’s initial push didn’t work however quickly retreated back defending point also ended quickly nV’s composition Widowmaker Genji Tracer Lucio Ana Winston second point MS showed success held fanfavourites’ initial push didn’t dissuade nV keeping composition continued poking skirmishing Eventually opened point Dragonblade ended run 322 time bank switching side nV opened standard 3–2–1 — Zarya Reinhardt Roadhog Ana Lucio Talespin’s Reaper Similarly King’s Row nV held strong first point continuously picking outskirmishing Korean opponent short overtime Mighty Storm finally took first point match nanoboosted Jack Tracer second one however continued similar fashion first nV’s defense showed impenetrable resulted clear 3–0 win EnVyUS’s debut Korea Matchup 2 LuxuryWatch Blue v Kongdoo amount raw skill got despite convincing loss Wednesday Kongdoo Panthera’s still came favourite based 3–0 sweep LuxuryWatch Blue “Dadawa Battle” final Additional contribution opinion Rascal Evermore Butcherr holding top 3 spot competitive ladder Furthermore despite appearing aforementioned final LW hadn’t shown much quality play previously Starting Nepal Sanctum Panthera showed preference towards 3–2–1 composition Reaper Lucio Ana Reinhardt Zarya Evermore’s Roadhog LW hand opened Winston Zarya Lucio Zenyatta Tracer McCree team showed poor coordination right getgot sloppy chaotic fighting LW took control nearly 60 However back multiple misplay Kongdoo managed claim point Following messy play side LW managed take stage Janus Primal Rage mode pushing 2 Kongdoo abyss Shrine team continued composition similarly sloppy fight continuously trading multikills control end Panthera took back great play Rascal’s Evermore landing multiple impact hook Village Kongdoo continued exactly composition LW switched 2–2–2 ‘beyblade’ composition around Saebyeolbe’s Reaper hand LuxuryWatch finaly showed good teamplay convincingly shut Kongdoo Taking deciding stage 100–0 also took 1–0 lead series Stats Numbani based game played OGN’s Apex second map Kongdoo chose Numbani continued similar 3–2–1 putting Rascal Mei LW opened defense 2–2–2 McCree Reaper Zarya Reinhardt Lucio Ana Making use longer range Blue held point strong continuously stopping Kongdoo’s lower room push onto first point Eventually 3 tank managed claim control started pushing cart 4 minute left clock answer Saebyeolbe switched Tracer wasn’t effective Kongdoo almost finished Run 3 minute clock clutch however Saebyeolde came almost singlehandedly wiping Panthera two time answer Kongdoo moved Rascal Pharah R2der Mercy nanoboosted rocket finally managed finish 22 second time bank Coming defense finally saw Kongdoo switchup thing move 2–2–2 took Evermore’s Roadhog put Zarya give Wakawaka go Reaper LW blue however quickly took first point back surprising Mei boost Following push quite fast reached final curve payload marh looked successful push LW Noname misplayed massively cutting nanoboosted Deathblossom Saebyeolbe opposition result Kongdoo held equalized series 1–1 third map LuxuryWatch Blue picked Volakaya Industries map favourable Roadhog Kongdoo took opportunity go back 3–2–1 Evermore Roadhog Blue attacked standard composition Winston Zarya Reaper Tracer Lucio Ana initial push got stumped quickly put Janus back Reinhardt proved effective allowed Saebyeolde’s Tracer pick Kongdoo 1 1 took first point 6 men attack air platform quickly claimed control second point well prolonged fight point resulted taking 441 time bank Switching side Kongdoo continued 3–2–1 time putting Rascal Genji back great pick managed take first point initial push similar manner opened second point resulted team finishing 448 clock followed one successful run team LW ended 125 time bank Kongdoo finished 331 Evermore’s Roadhog finally coming big attack Going defense Rascal switched tracer LW Blue kept composition LW taking first point extremely quickly switched Bastion made work taking second point brief overtime defense LW Blue finally showed resistance first point leaving Kongdoo minute half take second Ultimately wasn’t enough attacker claim second point LW Blue took lead 2–1 Saebyeolbe approving Noname’s dirty Bastion fourth map facing potential end playoff hope Kongdoo chose Watchpoint Gibraltar defense Panthera continued Evermore’s Roadhog Rascal’s Genji Despite initial success defending car wash got partially wiped resulted LW quickly reaching first point Showing superior teamplay quickly reached second point well even though got wiped Whole Hog point Kongdoo finally showed success managing stop LW’s push 2 point 77 meter attack saw decide go back 2–2–2 composition Rascal Mei Wakawaka Reaper Aftar stopped 2nd point Rascal went back Genji yielded result Finally momentum Kongdoo pushing towards third point 3 minute clock However LW quickly ended holding high ground shuttle Saybyeold’s McCree map series ended LW upsetting Kongdoo 3–1 result Kongdoo Panthera run Apex playoff even though one match play group pick “Game player team watch” Players watch Taimou Talespin — one certainly wrote whole article there’s much said based today’s performance showed stellar positioning impeccable mechanic enviable playmaking multiple hero reason driving force behind one best team world Rascal — today I’m even impressed skill despite losing another 3–1 Showed u Wednesday’s performance wasn’t fluke best player team despite continuously dedicating Evermore Roadhog LuxuryWatch aren’t good team still managed wreak havoc line multiple hero addition lot damage rarely reason Kongdoo lost control fight Furthermore exception several hook Evermore one making impact play giving team chance win It’s still early team doesn’t show sign improvement time face Runaway continue dedicating resource Evermore I’d looking new home Rascal Teams watch EnVyUS — stomping weakest team group doesn’t necessary yield much credit team like quite impressive manner Showed dominance variety didn’t look shaky control even moment definitely interesting see easy go trough Conbox T6 facing real threat group — LunaticHai T6 skilled ladder player I’m convinced skilled enough take nV additionally international mix much better teamplay bigger playbook Map watch EnVyUS v Mighty Storm Nepal Oh boy stomp however nV looked impeccable simply can’t go without recommending Additionally saw two superstar level performance Taimou even dying Shrine since feel like somewhat cheated recommending short map I’ll also advice time look LuxuryWatch Blue v Kongdoo Panthera Volskaya Industries action definitely wasn’t crisp nV’s stomp quite exciting map Quite back forth good individual play even successful Bastion actionTags Esports Gaming Video Games Overwatch |
190,895 | SKT Faker Locks in Unexpected Pick Against MVP | SKT Faker Locks in Unexpected Pick Against MVP
Courtesy of Riot Games
PICKS AND BANS
MVP
TOP: ADD on Poppy
JUNGLE: Beyond on Elise
MID: Ian on Viktor
AD: MaHa on Jhin
SUPPORT: Max on Bard
VS.
SKT
TOP: Profit on Rumble
JUNGLE: Bengi on Lee Sin
MID: Faker on Galio
AD: Bang on Ashe
SUPPORT: Wolf on Karma
MVP Bans: Trundle, Olaf, Syndra
SKT Bans: Nidalee, Jayce, Ryze
In an unconventional move, Faker picks Galio, the Sentinel’s Sorrow to square off against MVP’s Ian on Viktor in the Mid Lane. He took Strength of the Ages, Flash/Teleport, and Corrupting Potion at the start of Match 3 Game 1 in the Round of 8 at KeSPA 2016.
According to the commentators of the match:
“In an interview before KeSPA Cup, Faker actually said he wanted to pick, highlight, and master a champion that people would recognize as being uniquely his. Is that the Galio?”
Faker’s Galio not only holds his own against Ian’s Viktor, but consistently manages to stay ahead in CS for the majority of the game. Faker also puts Ian on the back foot when he is forced to preemptively burn his flash to escape Faker’s Ultimate at the 6 minute mark
Despite a 3-man attempt to take out Bengi’s Lee Sin in the bottom lane, Bengi lands a sick Dragon’s Rage on Max’s Bard and knocks him through MaHa’s Jhin and Beyond’s Elise. After a follow up Enchanted Crystal Arrow by Bang’s Ashe, Bengi lands the killing blow on Max’s Bard and secures first blood for SKT at the 10 minute mark. SKT slays the Ocean Dragon as a follow up and cements an early lead.
However, MVP answers back at the ~17–18 minute mark with a small skirmish in the bottom lane. Bang gets caught overextending after securing the turret and Wolf attempts to counter flash Beyond’s flash Cocoon but dies saving Bang. In the ensuing chase, Beyond Rappels to avoid Bang’s Ashe Arrow while the rest of MVP collapse onto SKT to secure three kills leaving them ahead 5–1.
Seeing this, Faker decides it’s time to make Galio plays. After taking out mid turret, Bang lands an Ashe Arrow onto Max and Faker follows up with a flash Idol of Durand catching Max and MaHa. However, SKT only manages to take out Max and loses Bengi in the process leaving MVP ahead in kills at 6–2. Despite a negative score, SKT remains ~2k ahead of MVP in gold and Faker is now 1/0/0 with Galio.
Next, Beyond and ADD secure a quick kill on Profit in the bottom lane. Faker tries to teleport in to help but is denied by ADD who knocks him far away with Keeper’s Verdict. In the mid lane, Faker catches MaHa with flash Idol but is neutralized by Max’s Tempered Fate forcing SKT to retreat.
Then SKT shows why they’re World Champions at the Baron Pit. They win a team fight convincingly by taking out three of MVP’s players and snowball their victory into an uncontested Baron kill. Faker is responsible for two of three kills leaving his Galio with the highest KDA at 3/0/0.
But Faker is Faker and 3–0 is not good enough. He wants to get some assists to show that he’s a team player. He catches four of MVP’s players with his Ultimate during a team fight in the bottom lane leading to three more kills for SKT, two turrets, and first inhibitor down at the 31 minute mark. Faker’s Galio remains with the highest KDA at 3/0/3.
SKT then proceeds to systematically dismantle the rest of MVP’s base by taking out the Top and Mid lanes. SKT takes out the Nexus at the 35 minute mark and beats MVP 11–9.
SKT went on to win at the 39 minute mark in Game 2 over MVP meaning they will face off against the ROX Tigers in the Semi-finals
Watch the full match below on Twitch.tv: | https://esports.hollywood.com/skt-faker-locks-in-unexpected-pick-against-mvp-2774105beb4c | ['Sam Lee'] | 2016-11-21 17:39:39.792000+00:00 | ['League of Legends', 'Esports', 'Riot Games', 'Gaming', 'Twitch'] | Title SKT Faker Locks Unexpected Pick MVPContent SKT Faker Locks Unexpected Pick MVP Courtesy Riot Games PICKS BANS MVP TOP ADD Poppy JUNGLE Beyond Elise MID Ian Viktor AD MaHa Jhin SUPPORT Max Bard VS SKT TOP Profit Rumble JUNGLE Bengi Lee Sin MID Faker Galio AD Bang Ashe SUPPORT Wolf Karma MVP Bans Trundle Olaf Syndra SKT Bans Nidalee Jayce Ryze unconventional move Faker pick Galio Sentinel’s Sorrow square MVP’s Ian Viktor Mid Lane took Strength Ages FlashTeleport Corrupting Potion start Match 3 Game 1 Round 8 KeSPA 2016 According commentator match “In interview KeSPA Cup Faker actually said wanted pick highlight master champion people would recognize uniquely Galio” Faker’s Galio hold Ian’s Viktor consistently manages stay ahead CS majority game Faker also put Ian back foot forced preemptively burn flash escape Faker’s Ultimate 6 minute mark Despite 3man attempt take Bengi’s Lee Sin bottom lane Bengi land sick Dragon’s Rage Max’s Bard knock MaHa’s Jhin Beyond’s Elise follow Enchanted Crystal Arrow Bang’s Ashe Bengi land killing blow Max’s Bard secures first blood SKT 10 minute mark SKT slays Ocean Dragon follow cement early lead However MVP answer back 17–18 minute mark small skirmish bottom lane Bang get caught overextending securing turret Wolf attempt counter flash Beyond’s flash Cocoon dy saving Bang ensuing chase Beyond Rappels avoid Bang’s Ashe Arrow rest MVP collapse onto SKT secure three kill leaving ahead 5–1 Seeing Faker decides it’s time make Galio play taking mid turret Bang land Ashe Arrow onto Max Faker follows flash Idol Durand catching Max MaHa However SKT manages take Max loses Bengi process leaving MVP ahead kill 6–2 Despite negative score SKT remains 2k ahead MVP gold Faker 100 Galio Next Beyond ADD secure quick kill Profit bottom lane Faker try teleport help denied ADD knock far away Keeper’s Verdict mid lane Faker catch MaHa flash Idol neutralized Max’s Tempered Fate forcing SKT retreat SKT show they’re World Champions Baron Pit win team fight convincingly taking three MVP’s player snowball victory uncontested Baron kill Faker responsible two three kill leaving Galio highest KDA 300 Faker Faker 3–0 good enough want get assist show he’s team player catch four MVP’s player Ultimate team fight bottom lane leading three kill SKT two turret first inhibitor 31 minute mark Faker’s Galio remains highest KDA 303 SKT proceeds systematically dismantle rest MVP’s base taking Top Mid lane SKT take Nexus 35 minute mark beat MVP 11–9 SKT went win 39 minute mark Game 2 MVP meaning face ROX Tigers Semifinals Watch full match TwitchtvTags League Legends Esports Riot Games Gaming Twitch |
190,896 | 10-ban system reportedly implemented for Singapore’s League of Legends circuit | 10-ban system reportedly implemented for Singapore’s League of Legends circuit
Image via Riot Games
There are a lot of champions in League of Legends — more than 100 of them, in fact. That makes developer Riot Games’ three-per-side (so six bans in total) banning system sort of outdated. It looks like that could soon change.
Singapore’s League of Legends circuit, managed by publisher Garena, has reportedly released a new pick-and-ban format for 2017. Team Vestigial co-owner Nelson Sng posted an image depicting the tentative 10-ban system for the country’s drafting process.
The new drafting phase will break the process into separate sections, with each team banning one champion at a time until six champions have been banned, picking three champions (1–2–2–1), banning two champions (1–1–1–1), and, finally, picking the last two champions.
This format won’t come as a surprise to League of Legends players. Earlier this year, Riot expressed interest in looking into a 10-ban system for the new League of Legends client. At that time, a spokesperson for Riot suggested that many different variations were being considered — from bans “all up front,” “bans mixed in with picks,” “bans selected before even getting into a game,” and “everyone [banning] at the same time.”
It’s unclear at this time whether this format, should it be the final one, will span global circuits.
H/T PVP Live | https://medium.com/@nicolecarpenter/10-ban-system-reportedly-implemented-for-singapores-league-of-legends-circuit-43d9f03c510d | ['Nicole Carpenter'] | 2016-11-18 20:55:11.498000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'League of Legends'] | Title 10ban system reportedly implemented Singapore’s League Legends circuitContent 10ban system reportedly implemented Singapore’s League Legends circuit Image via Riot Games lot champion League Legends — 100 fact make developer Riot Games’ threeperside six ban total banning system sort outdated look like could soon change Singapore’s League Legends circuit managed publisher Garena reportedly released new pickandban format 2017 Team Vestigial coowner Nelson Sng posted image depicting tentative 10ban system country’s drafting process new drafting phase break process separate section team banning one champion time six champion banned picking three champion 1–2–2–1 banning two champion 1–1–1–1 finally picking last two champion format won’t come surprise League Legends player Earlier year Riot expressed interest looking 10ban system new League Legends client time spokesperson Riot suggested many different variation considered — ban “all front” “bans mixed picks” “bans selected even getting game” “everyone banning time” It’s unclear time whether format final one span global circuit HT PVP LiveTags Esports Gaming League Legends |
190,897 | Hauntzer and Svenskeren to stay with TSM for 2017 | Hauntzer and Svenskeren to stay with TSM for 2017
Bringing back their top lane and jungle duo always felt like the most optimal move, and TSM made it official today.
Hauntzer and Svenskeren get ready to compete at the NA LCS Summer Finals | Photo via Riot Games
Team SoloMid had a great year. World’s disappointment aside, TSM showed that they could rebuild around star mid laner Soren “Bjergsen” Bjerg and become major threats on the international stage.
Key to that success was the integration of two strong players in top laner Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell and jungler Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen. Bringing that duo back for 2017 seemed like the obvious choice. Today, team owner Andy “Reginald” Dinh announced the official re-signing of the two players in a tweet:
TSM should feel excited that the team will see some consistency in the lineup heading into next year. The start of 2016 was a bit rough as the team acclimated to four new personalities around Bjergsen, but both of these players have major roles to play in the team’s next step.
What they bring to the table for 2017
Running back four parts of a roster that lost in the Worlds group stage feels somewhat counter-intuitive in esports, where change is somewhat expected. But TSM already showed that they can ignore convention, bringing back former ADC Jason “WildTurtle” Tran to compete with them at IEM. And both Hauntzer and Svenskeren bring unique aspects to the team that would be extremely difficult to replace.
Hauntzer’s champion pool is one of those key aspects. Hauntzer’s pool allows the team to draft away from him and give priority to other positions. At the same time, his ability to learn new champions gives the team the option to pick obviously broken champions that he can punish on. He’s a consistent performer on all sorts of champions and moves well with the team.
The criticism of his play at Worlds was that he wasn’t able to play the map correctly, sacrificing farm and getting pulled by the enemy team. But that’s more of a team weakness since only the most stubborn top laners ignore other lanes to split push. If anything, he can work on being an even more aggressive initiator. TSM’s Worlds opponents seem to understand how the team wanted to play fights and Hauntzer wasn’t able to make the difference he needed to.
These two players still give the team the best chance to win in 2017.
Svenskeren on the other hand is one of those fearless initiators. His mechanics on Lee Sin almost won TSM their first game against Royal Never Give Up, which would have sent TSM to the quarterfinals. Most importantly, Svenskeren has shown good synergy around Bjergsen, having learned how to play around Bjergsen’s pressure. Svenskeren will need to improve at controlling the enemy jungler and consistently laying down vision. He prefers a carry style of jungling, but can improve at the supportive aspects.
Some TSM fans may have wanted to see change after the Worlds exit. But these two players still give the team the best chance to win in 2017 and more importantly, a stable foundation to build from. | https://medium.com/@xingtheli/hauntzer-and-svenskeren-to-stay-with-tsm-for-2017-2ed385df7970 | ['Xing Li'] | 2016-11-16 12:23:05.946000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'League of Legends'] | Title Hauntzer Svenskeren stay TSM 2017Content Hauntzer Svenskeren stay TSM 2017 Bringing back top lane jungle duo always felt like optimal move TSM made official today Hauntzer Svenskeren get ready compete NA LCS Summer Finals Photo via Riot Games Team SoloMid great year World’s disappointment aside TSM showed could rebuild around star mid laner Soren “Bjergsen” Bjerg become major threat international stage Key success integration two strong player top laner Kevin “Hauntzer” Yarnell jungler Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen Bringing duo back 2017 seemed like obvious choice Today team owner Andy “Reginald” Dinh announced official resigning two player tweet TSM feel excited team see consistency lineup heading next year start 2016 bit rough team acclimated four new personality around Bjergsen player major role play team’s next step bring table 2017 Running back four part roster lost Worlds group stage feel somewhat counterintuitive esports change somewhat expected TSM already showed ignore convention bringing back former ADC Jason “WildTurtle” Tran compete IEM Hauntzer Svenskeren bring unique aspect team would extremely difficult replace Hauntzer’s champion pool one key aspect Hauntzer’s pool allows team draft away give priority position time ability learn new champion give team option pick obviously broken champion punish He’s consistent performer sort champion move well team criticism play Worlds wasn’t able play map correctly sacrificing farm getting pulled enemy team that’s team weakness since stubborn top laners ignore lane split push anything work even aggressive initiator TSM’s Worlds opponent seem understand team wanted play fight Hauntzer wasn’t able make difference needed two player still give team best chance win 2017 Svenskeren hand one fearless initiator mechanic Lee Sin almost TSM first game Royal Never Give would sent TSM quarterfinal importantly Svenskeren shown good synergy around Bjergsen learned play around Bjergsen’s pressure Svenskeren need improve controlling enemy jungler consistently laying vision prefers carry style jungling improve supportive aspect TSM fan may wanted see change Worlds exit two player still give team best chance win 2017 importantly stable foundation build fromTags Esports League Legends |
190,898 | The Journey — Our Journey | We are almost here(finally). We have our tweaks made, our bugs squashed and our concept nailed. Now it’s time to share this idea with everyone so it can reach it’s full potential. We won’t lie, it is long overdue and there were a few unexpected setbacks out of our hands. Like most companies starting out you are advised to set goals and deadlines and the rest will work itself out. What they don’t tell you about is the bumps and curveballs they throw at you along the way, and we have received our fair share. But we are confident that now the old phrase will come to light. “It was worth the wait”.
We have done the graft with the late nights, the 100 hour weeks all to bring Double-R-Quits to where it needs to be, and we have big plans. We are going to be the biggest and best eSports platform in Ireland, where you will be able to pit your skills and your ego’s against each other for cash prizes. From quick head to head to bigger featured tournaments, to tournaments you can create between friends.
FIFA 17 will prove, and has proven to be one of our main titles on offer. Now anyone who plays knows how it works. You could lose 10 games in a row to your mate and still be convinced that you are still the best player there is and them 10 wins were somehow just a once off. Sound familiar? That’s probably because you’re useless……
Jokes aside(and a bad one at that), FIFA 17 has released a cool new feature called ‘The Journey’, something that hasn’t featured in any of the games before that. And it’s ironic in a weird way to the same journey we have taken as a company. For those of you who are unfamiliar this is the games summary of the feature:
“A touted prospect, Alex Hunter is on a journey to make his mark in the Premier League. Emerging as one of the best young prospects in the academy, the expectations are high and the opportunity is there for Alex to perform on the world’s biggest stage.”
A bit of a wild comparison but you catch my drift… I hope. Let me explain. We now are like a young Alex Hunter with more than enough potential. Not only do we feel we can perform on the biggest stage but we also believe we can be the very best on the biggest stage.
So make sure you join this mass movement that is the DRQ nation and make sure you get involved and get what you deserve from gaming. Maybe you too can make your own Alex Hunter story, because I can assure you at some stage in the near future, we will be the biggest stage to perform on.
Sign up today at www.doublerquits.com.
Double-R-Quits | https://medium.com/@DoubleRquits/the-journey-our-journey-b3fa3c199575 | [] | 2016-10-12 11:56:08.212000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming'] | Title Journey — JourneyContent almost herefinally tweak made bug squashed concept nailed it’s time share idea everyone reach it’s full potential won’t lie long overdue unexpected setback hand Like company starting advised set goal deadline rest work don’t tell bump curveballs throw along way received fair share confident old phrase come light “It worth wait” done graft late night 100 hour week bring DoubleRQuits need big plan going biggest best eSports platform Ireland able pit skill ego’s cash prize quick head head bigger featured tournament tournament create friend FIFA 17 prove proven one main title offer anyone play know work could lose 10 game row mate still convinced still best player 10 win somehow Sound familiar That’s probably you’re useless…… Jokes asideand bad one FIFA 17 released cool new feature called ‘The Journey’ something hasn’t featured game it’s ironic weird way journey taken company unfamiliar game summary feature “A touted prospect Alex Hunter journey make mark Premier League Emerging one best young prospect academy expectation high opportunity Alex perform world’s biggest stage” bit wild comparison catch drift… hope Let explain like young Alex Hunter enough potential feel perform biggest stage also believe best biggest stage make sure join mass movement DRQ nation make sure get involved get deserve gaming Maybe make Alex Hunter story assure stage near future biggest stage perform Sign today wwwdoublerquitscom DoubleRQuitsTags Esports Gaming |
190,899 | OGN’s APEX playoffs bracket drawn! | OGN’s APEX playoffs bracket drawn!
This is mirror for people who use only use medium; for better formatting you can check out the original on twitter.com/RadoNonFire or directly here.
With the group stage of Korea’s first premier Overwatch tournament concluding today, we also had the draw of the brackets play out.
After both Kongdoo Panthera and Lunatic-Hai won 3–0 today the first seeds for the draw were:
Rogue — the European powerhouse came trough group A with the impressive score of 9 map wins and 0 losses, clean 3–0 sweeps versus all 3 of the group opponents. With 3 of their players being some of the very best aimers in the world and Reinforce’s agressive tank play, the new patch seems to be made just for them. Barring any surprising meta shifts it is hard to see them failing to get to the finals.
— the European powerhouse came trough group A with the impressive score of 9 map wins and 0 losses, clean 3–0 sweeps versus all 3 of the group opponents. With 3 of their players being some of the very best aimers in the world and Reinforce’s agressive tank play, the new patch seems to be made just for them. Barring any surprising meta shifts it is hard to see them failing to get to the finals. BK Stars — they came through group B 3–0 in series, on the back of some serious carrying done by their star DPS — Bunny. Unlike Rogue however they had 2 map losses. And despite the impressive 9–2 score they are looking like the weakest first seed in the playoffs, as a result of the lackluster group they were in. Will be interesting to see them perform versus the other top teams of the tournament, but they are definitely not impervious to losing in the Ro8.
— they came through group B 3–0 in series, on the back of some serious carrying done by their star DPS — Bunny. Unlike Rogue however they had 2 map losses. And despite the impressive 9–2 score they are looking like the weakest first seed in the playoffs, as a result of the lackluster group they were in. Will be interesting to see them perform versus the other top teams of the tournament, but they are definitely not impervious to losing in the Ro8. Lunatic-Hai — coming with 3–0 in series play and 9–2 in terms of map, from group C, Miro’s men were the second team that is favourite to reach the finals. They didn’t show as much versatility as some of the other top teams, but have definitely proven that they are one of the best teams in the world. It’s worth noting for casual viewers that despite coming second to Rogue in the APAC finals, they defeated the Europeans twice in series before that.
— coming with 3–0 in series play and 9–2 in terms of map, from group C, Miro’s men were the second team that is favourite to reach the finals. They didn’t show as much versatility as some of the other top teams, but have definitely proven that they are one of the best teams in the world. It’s worth noting for casual viewers that despite coming second to Rogue in the APAC finals, they defeated the Europeans twice in series before that. Reunited — despite slow group stage start they ended up finishing first in group D with 6–5 maps score and going 2–1 in series. While they have not looked too hot overall after the roster change, they’ve been getting better and better every time we saw them play. That and the fact that they are one of the more experienced rosters makes me consider them as a possible upset team.
The second seed teams, all finishing 2–1 in terms of series:
Afreeca Freecs Blue — losing maps only to Rogue they finished in group A with 6–3 record in terms of maps. Excluding nV they are the best of the bunch here and with the new change to ultimates generation they might even be one of the best teams in the tournament. In addition to having experience in tournament play outside of OGN they also got what is shaping up to be the premier Korean DPS duo. If ArHaN and Recry can both play near their best they can easily upset both BK and Reunited and advance to the semi-finals, despite being second seed.
— losing maps only to Rogue they finished in group A with 6–3 record in terms of maps. Excluding nV they are the best of the bunch here and with the new change to ultimates generation they might even be one of the best teams in the tournament. In addition to having experience in tournament play outside of OGN they also got what is shaping up to be the premier Korean DPS duo. If ArHaN and Recry can both play near their best they can easily upset both BK and Reunited and advance to the semi-finals, despite being second seed. KongDoo Uncia — surprising many viewers from all over the world they came in over NRG with 8–3 map score. Despite the best second seed scoreline, Birdring looking like one of the better DPS players in the tournament and the rest stepping up as the group stage continued it will be hard for them to do much damage seeing the calibre of opponents in the first seeds. If both Birdring and Dnce can keep up their performance versus the top teams as well, there is a chance they might upset someone in the quarter finals, but it is quite slim one.
— surprising many viewers from all over the world they came in over NRG with 8–3 map score. Despite the best second seed scoreline, Birdring looking like one of the better DPS players in the tournament and the rest stepping up as the group stage continued it will be hard for them to do much damage seeing the calibre of opponents in the first seeds. If both Birdring and Dnce can keep up their performance versus the top teams as well, there is a chance they might upset someone in the quarter finals, but it is quite slim one. Team EnVyUS — not so long considered by most the best team in the world, now they find themselves third to Lunatic-Hai and Rogue in most’s rankings. And even with the recent losses they do remain the most talented line-up in my opinion. It seems to me more a matter of when, rather than if they can make this combination of players work. With a new meta looking to follow the new patch it isn’t impossible to see them upset either Rogue or Lunatic-Hai. However, as they have displayed a tendency to crumble when facing other elite teams they do remain a dark horse team, rather than favourite.
note: since this nV have announced that Talespin is leaving the squad, which makes them heavy underdog in the Ro8.
— not so long considered by most the best team in the world, now they find themselves third to Lunatic-Hai and Rogue in most’s rankings. And even with the recent losses they do remain the most talented line-up in my opinion. It seems to me more a matter of when, rather than if they can make this combination of players work. With a new meta looking to follow the new patch it isn’t impossible to see them upset either Rogue or Lunatic-Hai. However, as they have displayed a tendency to crumble when facing other elite teams they do remain a dark horse team, rather than favourite. note: since this nV have announced that Talespin is leaving the squad, which makes them heavy underdog in the Ro8. LuxuryWatch Blue — they came trough group D with 7–5 map score. Even this, not so big of a feat, required great carry performances by Saebyeolbe. And despite him being the best player on the server versus Reunited LW lost the game. With that in mind it is hard to see them going past the quarter finals, barring surprising improvement or opponents crumbling, based on the new patch.
In the beginning of the draw it was revealed, by the lovely host, that the first seed teams will draw numbers. Those would be representing the turn in which they get to pick their opponents from the second seed pool; and then their place in the bracket.
The result of the draw was: Lunatic-Hai with the first pick; BK Stars — second; Rogue third and Reunited would get whatever is left for them, as they got fourth turn, after Kruise unwisely switched his ball with aKm, before they opened them.
EscA, Lunatic-Hai’s representative, having the first pick chose to go against Kongdoo Uncia and put themselves in the furthest right side of the bracket.
BK’s pick was LuxuryWatch Blue, looking to take revenge after losing a game to them in the qualifier for APEX.
aKm, surprising everyone, picked his team to play versus EnVyUS. What was even more surprising, he put them on the same side of the bracket as Lunatic-Hai, meaning if both Rogue and LH win they’ll face in the semi-final for a rematch of the APAC finals.
Without having a chance to choose, Reunited would go against Afreeca Freecs Blue in the first match of the Ro8.
This is what the bracket looked like after all the draws and picks were done.
The matches are to be held as follows
Reunited vs Afreeca Freecs Blue — November 18, match-up 1
BK Stars vs LuxuryWatch Blue — November 18, match-up 2
Rogue vs Team EnVyUs — November 21, match-up 1
Lunatic-Hai vs Team KongDoo Uncia — November 21, match-up 2
The bracket is single elimination and the semi-finals would be the winners of the ‘groups’ will be meeting: A vs B & C vs D. | https://medium.com/@RadoNonfire/ogns-apex-playoffs-bracket-drawn-2ff14d23407b | [] | 2016-12-10 13:56:12.668000+00:00 | ['Overwatch', 'Esports', 'Gaming', 'Video Games'] | Title OGN’s APEX playoff bracket drawnContent OGN’s APEX playoff bracket drawn mirror people use use medium better formatting check original twittercomRadoNonFire directly group stage Korea’s first premier Overwatch tournament concluding today also draw bracket play Kongdoo Panthera LunaticHai 3–0 today first seed draw Rogue — European powerhouse came trough group impressive score 9 map win 0 loss clean 3–0 sweep versus 3 group opponent 3 player best aimers world Reinforce’s agressive tank play new patch seems made Barring surprising meta shift hard see failing get final — European powerhouse came trough group impressive score 9 map win 0 loss clean 3–0 sweep versus 3 group opponent 3 player best aimers world Reinforce’s agressive tank play new patch seems made Barring surprising meta shift hard see failing get final BK Stars — came group B 3–0 series back serious carrying done star DPS — Bunny Unlike Rogue however 2 map loss despite impressive 9–2 score looking like weakest first seed playoff result lackluster group interesting see perform versus top team tournament definitely impervious losing Ro8 — came group B 3–0 series back serious carrying done star DPS — Bunny Unlike Rogue however 2 map loss despite impressive 9–2 score looking like weakest first seed playoff result lackluster group interesting see perform versus top team tournament definitely impervious losing Ro8 LunaticHai — coming 3–0 series play 9–2 term map group C Miro’s men second team favourite reach final didn’t show much versatility top team definitely proven one best team world It’s worth noting casual viewer despite coming second Rogue APAC final defeated Europeans twice series — coming 3–0 series play 9–2 term map group C Miro’s men second team favourite reach final didn’t show much versatility top team definitely proven one best team world It’s worth noting casual viewer despite coming second Rogue APAC final defeated Europeans twice series Reunited — despite slow group stage start ended finishing first group 6–5 map score going 2–1 series looked hot overall roster change they’ve getting better better every time saw play fact one experienced roster make consider possible upset team second seed team finishing 2–1 term series Afreeca Freecs Blue — losing map Rogue finished group 6–3 record term map Excluding nV best bunch new change ultimate generation might even one best team tournament addition experience tournament play outside OGN also got shaping premier Korean DPS duo ArHaN Recry play near best easily upset BK Reunited advance semifinal despite second seed — losing map Rogue finished group 6–3 record term map Excluding nV best bunch new change ultimate generation might even one best team tournament addition experience tournament play outside OGN also got shaping premier Korean DPS duo ArHaN Recry play near best easily upset BK Reunited advance semifinal despite second seed KongDoo Uncia — surprising many viewer world came NRG 8–3 map score Despite best second seed scoreline Birdring looking like one better DPS player tournament rest stepping group stage continued hard much damage seeing calibre opponent first seed Birdring Dnce keep performance versus top team well chance might upset someone quarter final quite slim one — surprising many viewer world came NRG 8–3 map score Despite best second seed scoreline Birdring looking like one better DPS player tournament rest stepping group stage continued hard much damage seeing calibre opponent first seed Birdring Dnce keep performance versus top team well chance might upset someone quarter final quite slim one Team EnVyUS — long considered best team world find third LunaticHai Rogue most’s ranking even recent loss remain talented lineup opinion seems matter rather make combination player work new meta looking follow new patch isn’t impossible see upset either Rogue LunaticHai However displayed tendency crumble facing elite team remain dark horse team rather favourite note since nV announced Talespin leaving squad make heavy underdog Ro8 — long considered best team world find third LunaticHai Rogue most’s ranking even recent loss remain talented lineup opinion seems matter rather make combination player work new meta looking follow new patch isn’t impossible see upset either Rogue LunaticHai However displayed tendency crumble facing elite team remain dark horse team rather favourite note since nV announced Talespin leaving squad make heavy underdog Ro8 LuxuryWatch Blue — came trough group 7–5 map score Even big feat required great carry performance Saebyeolbe despite best player server versus Reunited LW lost game mind hard see going past quarter final barring surprising improvement opponent crumbling based new patch beginning draw revealed lovely host first seed team draw number would representing turn get pick opponent second seed pool place bracket result draw LunaticHai first pick BK Stars — second Rogue third Reunited would get whatever left got fourth turn Kruise unwisely switched ball aKm opened EscA LunaticHai’s representative first pick chose go Kongdoo Uncia put furthest right side bracket BK’s pick LuxuryWatch Blue looking take revenge losing game qualifier APEX aKm surprising everyone picked team play versus EnVyUS even surprising put side bracket LunaticHai meaning Rogue LH win they’ll face semifinal rematch APAC final Without chance choose Reunited would go Afreeca Freecs Blue first match Ro8 bracket looked like draw pick done match held follows Reunited v Afreeca Freecs Blue — November 18 matchup 1 BK Stars v LuxuryWatch Blue — November 18 matchup 2 Rogue v Team EnVyUs — November 21 matchup 1 LunaticHai v Team KongDoo Uncia — November 21 matchup 2 bracket single elimination semifinal would winner ‘groups’ meeting v B C v DTags Overwatch Esports Gaming Video Games |
190,900 | Esports vs “Real” Sports | Esports vs “Real” Sports
I’ve been an esports player and fan since Starcraft LAN parties in the early 2000’s, and I couldn’t be more excited about where esports are going. Between Blizzard’s OverWatch League announcement and the acquisition of Team Liquid by Monumental Sports, it’s clear that things are changing. Players can now expect sponsorships and salaries. Sports and esports practices are starting to converge.
But some huge, fundamental differences exist between esports and sports that cannot be ignored by anyone more than recreationally interested in the space. So, here’s my list of 10 things that differentiate esports from “real” sports for those of you that still prefer soccer to Starcraft.
1. The core audience is niche.
Traditional sports are mainstream. Esports were created for and by a subculture. It’s not the same culture that created football, baseball, and hockey. The esport audience (for now) somewhat mirrors the demographics and characteristics of gamers and game developers.
But, you might be surprised. Compared to the general population and to all gamers, esports fans are:
More likely to be a millennial Wealthier, and more likely employed More likely to be male
But wait, wasn’t I supposed to say esports fans are more introverted, weirder, or geekier?
I’ll let this very normal picture from an Oakland Raiders Game speak for itself.
2. There are no referees.
In traditional sports, you have to remember the rules and play by them: if you touch the soccer ball with your hands, the other team gets a penalty kick.
In esports, the rules are embedded in gameplay. You physically cannot touch the soccer ball with your hands. The game won’t let you. Since it’s impossible to break the rules, you don’t need a referee watching for in-game violations.
In esports, the rules are embedded in gameplay.
3. The rules change.
Every few months, game studios update the rules. Sometimes this is to make things fairer, sometimes just to keep the game interesting.
If hockey rules worked like esports, it would look something like this:
— Season 1: Ice now has less friction.
— Season 2: All goalies move 20% slower.
— Season 3: Goalies can now use two sticks.
This keeps the game new. It also makes esports more difficult to understand than traditional sports.
4. The games are more complex.
Because rules are programmed directly into the game and change regularly, it can take years to fully understand a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) like League of Legends or a Real Time Strategy Game (RTS) like Starcraft II.
This will likely change over time. As more money gets involved and esports cater to a broader audience, games are already getting better at visual cues and statistics to help casual fans understand what’s happening.
5. The games change.
New games come out, old games die. This is great for the core esport audience since it keeps things fresh. But it also makes it hard to accomplish structured objectives like building arenas and investing in branding, merchandise, and leagues.
Popular esports in 2012:
DoTA 1, Counter-Strike, Starcraft II, League of Legends
Popular esports in 2016:
Counter-Strike GO, Overwatch, Hearthstone, League of Legends, DOTA 2
6. There are many, many, many leagues.
Anybody can make a league, which means there are a lot of them. Here’s a current example on DotaBuff of just how many leagues are out there.)
In sports, there is usually one big league, maybe a few minor leagues, and a few large tournaments (football has the NFL and Superbowl). But in esports, there can be several “official” leagues, an unlimited amount of tournaments and events, and same teams can play in all of them.
The Riot Games World Championship at Sangam. [Riot Games]
Anyone with enough money and motivation could start a league, put up a large cash prize, and (with effective management and promotion) have little shortage of interested participants. If traditional sports worked like this, anybody with the resources to do so could essentially host their own Superbowl.
7. It’s global.
Esports live on the internet, so you can watch or compete from anywhere. That gives nearly every tournament an amazing, Olympic-like tension. (Go USA!)
You could even argue that esports are fundamentally intergalactic.
Live long and get rekt, noob. [Life at UofT]
8. Viewership is less dedicated.
While traditional sports are broadcast through television, esports usually reach their viewers through live streaming.
It’s more difficult to hold a dedicated audience (and reach them with ads) through streaming than TV. When there’s so much content available on the internet, it’s easier to switch your attention elsewhere.
As an example, this was my weekend:
Television: BlizzCon Hearthstone Championship
iPad: ESL One Frankfurt 2016 Qualifiers
Computer: DoTA Personalities streaming on Twitch
Do you think I paid attention to any advertisements at all? Nope. I just turned my attention to one of the other three screens I was watching. And that brings me to…
9. Advertising and sponsorship is harder.
Since internet fame is not gated by brands or media, authenticity, intimacy, and content matter more than institutional support. Star players won’t necessarily give up trolling people on Twitch to earn endorsements — if they do, they can lose their fanbases.
Moreover, esports fame is ephemeral. Players can be good one year and completely irrelevant the next due to gameplay changes. Coaches leave to attend college. Team names and ownership shift dramatically and often.
All of this makes traditional sponsorship and team management difficult.
10. Esports teams are structured differently than sports teams.
The players are transient, the games change, the rules evolve, and there are a lot of leagues. Viewership and income sources are fragmented and decentralized. As a result, big esports teams look and act more like brand franchises than monolithic businesses.
Most institutional team brands like Team Liquid and Cloud 9 have multiple teams for different esport games, including Dota 2, League of legends, Starcraft II, and CS:GO.
This sounds confusing, but everything on the ground — what sports are hot, which teams are good, which teams exist — can change in the space of a month. This construct allows the brand to stay above the volatility in the trenches: Team Fnatic endures, even as its individual esports teams come and go. | https://medium.com/@cmfoil/esports-vs-real-sports-b8e6db1ff793 | ['Cheryl Foil'] | 2017-05-31 15:39:00.012000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'League of Legends', 'Overwatch', 'Technology'] | Title Esports v “Real” SportsContent Esports v “Real” Sports I’ve esports player fan since Starcraft LAN party early 2000’s couldn’t excited esports going Blizzard’s OverWatch League announcement acquisition Team Liquid Monumental Sports it’s clear thing changing Players expect sponsorship salary Sports esports practice starting converge huge fundamental difference exist esports sport cannot ignored anyone recreationally interested space here’s list 10 thing differentiate esports “real” sport still prefer soccer Starcraft 1 core audience niche Traditional sport mainstream Esports created subculture It’s culture created football baseball hockey esport audience somewhat mirror demographic characteristic gamers game developer might surprised Compared general population gamers esports fan likely millennial Wealthier likely employed likely male wait wasn’t supposed say esports fan introverted weirder geekier I’ll let normal picture Oakland Raiders Game speak 2 referee traditional sport remember rule play touch soccer ball hand team get penalty kick esports rule embedded gameplay physically cannot touch soccer ball hand game won’t let Since it’s impossible break rule don’t need referee watching ingame violation esports rule embedded gameplay 3 rule change Every month game studio update rule Sometimes make thing fairer sometimes keep game interesting hockey rule worked like esports would look something like — Season 1 Ice le friction — Season 2 goalie move 20 slower — Season 3 Goalies use two stick keep game new also make esports difficult understand traditional sport 4 game complex rule programmed directly game change regularly take year fully understand Multiplayer Online Battle Arena MOBA like League Legends Real Time Strategy Game RTS like Starcraft II likely change time money get involved esports cater broader audience game already getting better visual cue statistic help casual fan understand what’s happening 5 game change New game come old game die great core esport audience since keep thing fresh also make hard accomplish structured objective like building arena investing branding merchandise league Popular esports 2012 DoTA 1 CounterStrike Starcraft II League Legends Popular esports 2016 CounterStrike GO Overwatch Hearthstone League Legends DOTA 2 6 many many many league Anybody make league mean lot Here’s current example DotaBuff many league sport usually one big league maybe minor league large tournament football NFL Superbowl esports several “official” league unlimited amount tournament event team play Riot Games World Championship Sangam Riot Games Anyone enough money motivation could start league put large cash prize effective management promotion little shortage interested participant traditional sport worked like anybody resource could essentially host Superbowl 7 It’s global Esports live internet watch compete anywhere give nearly every tournament amazing Olympiclike tension Go USA could even argue esports fundamentally intergalactic Live long get rekt noob Life UofT 8 Viewership le dedicated traditional sport broadcast television esports usually reach viewer live streaming It’s difficult hold dedicated audience reach ad streaming TV there’s much content available internet it’s easier switch attention elsewhere example weekend Television BlizzCon Hearthstone Championship iPad ESL One Frankfurt 2016 Qualifiers Computer DoTA Personalities streaming Twitch think paid attention advertisement Nope turned attention one three screen watching brings to… 9 Advertising sponsorship harder Since internet fame gated brand medium authenticity intimacy content matter institutional support Star player won’t necessarily give trolling people Twitch earn endorsement — lose fanbases Moreover esports fame ephemeral Players good one year completely irrelevant next due gameplay change Coaches leave attend college Team name ownership shift dramatically often make traditional sponsorship team management difficult 10 Esports team structured differently sport team player transient game change rule evolve lot league Viewership income source fragmented decentralized result big esports team look act like brand franchise monolithic business institutional team brand like Team Liquid Cloud 9 multiple team different esport game including Dota 2 League legend Starcraft II CSGO sound confusing everything ground — sport hot team good team exist — change space month construct allows brand stay volatility trench Team Fnatic endures even individual esports team come goTags Esports Gaming League Legends Overwatch Technology |
190,901 | DOTA 2 Identities | We promised to talk about identities, so here we go.
You can identify players in 3 ways: nickname, color, hero name. Unlike other social places, nicknames are the least relevant. This is probably because people know the heroes better than they know the players.
Another reason might be the short duration of matches. You don’t have much chance of seeing the same player again (unless he is in your friends list), so why bother memorizing his nickname? Call him with his hero’s name.
A third reason can be the foreign characters in nicknames, which makes it impossible to read and type for you.
Colors are important identifiers too. Each player has a distinct color. Their nicknames and hero names are displayed in this color in chat and information messages. You can observe it in the mega-creep defense video below, or any other DOTA replay for that matter.
Notice the coloring of nicknames, as well as avatars in the chat
Stereotypes
Although players identify each other through their heroes, it’s still easily noticeable that humans are the main factor. At this point, we can list some classes of DOTA players based on the behavior they exhibit:
Leaver: Probably the worst type. They abandon the match and ruin it for everyone. Their teammates are now playing 4v5, we know why it sucks. You can sell their items, and the 1 gold/second they receive (like every other player) is now distributed among the teammates. However, this does not neutralize the disadvantage of playing outnumbered. Their enemies might have got an advantage, but the match is less fun for them now since it is less challenging. You can see the Weaver leave the game in the above image. The recent chat messages give an idea why.
By the way, the leavers’ team does not always lose the game. I remember playing a match 3v5, after 2 of my teammates left during mid-game, and we won it. I was playing as Slark — one of my favorites, and two of my teammates were int heroes though I don’t remember which.
Stay out of my way and maybe you won’t get hurt, but I doubt it.
Rage-quitter: A subclass of leaver. A leaver can leave the match for any (or no) reason, you never know. However, a rage-quitter leaves because he or some of his teammates failed one or more times. The title speaks for itself, I guess.
Never-submitter: The duality of rage-quitting is never giving up. These guys are the optimists of the community. Most people would give up fighting and type “ff” in all-chat, meaning finish fast, if the game seems almost over. But not these guys. An epic example can be seen in this replay. A typical DOTA match lasts around 40 minutes, and I call it a long match if it reaches 60 minutes. These guys played for 3 hours, and 2 hours of it was mega-creep* defense, which is insane.
Rambo: If you have seen any of the Rambo movies, you would recognize this one too. He dives into multiple enemy heroes all alone, making a tragic scene for himself most times.
Flamer: These guys start blaming everyone in the team in the early game and do not stop until the match is finished. Ironically, they are usually the worst player in the team. They end up being muted (more about this in the upcoming post) by their teammates.
Mid-or-feeder: Recall from our last post that usually 1 player from each team starts on mid lane. The mid player gains more experience and gold. Actually, this has nothing to do with the lane, but the number of players around the creeps killed. In effect, there might be a conflict in the team if more than 1 player demands mid. You can even see one them type “mid or feed”, meaning he would either go mid or feed the enemy by dying intentionally.
To be continued…
We didn’t have enough space to talk about parties and report-commend mechanisms. At this point, I guess communication is more important than those concepts anyway. Hence, we will talk about communication in DOTA 2 in the next post.
*Each team has 6 barracks where the creeps spawn: one melee and one range on each lane. When you destroy one of these barracks, your equivalent of that barrack produces super-creeps which are stronger than regular creeps. If you destroy all 6 barracks of the enemy, you will have mega-creeps which are even stronger than super-creeps. | https://medium.com/@mehmetkse_33585/dota-2-identities-aca5cb3f30ab | ['Mehmet Köse'] | 2016-10-25 12:42:57.987000+00:00 | ['Gaming', 'Esports', 'Dota 2', 'Identity'] | Title DOTA 2 IdentitiesContent promised talk identity go identify player 3 way nickname color hero name Unlike social place nickname least relevant probably people know hero better know player Another reason might short duration match don’t much chance seeing player unless friend list bother memorizing nickname Call hero’s name third reason foreign character nickname make impossible read type Colors important identifier player distinct color nickname hero name displayed color chat information message observe megacreep defense video DOTA replay matter Notice coloring nickname well avatar chat Stereotypes Although player identify hero it’s still easily noticeable human main factor point list class DOTA player based behavior exhibit Leaver Probably worst type abandon match ruin everyone teammate playing 4v5 know suck sell item 1 goldsecond receive like every player distributed among teammate However neutralize disadvantage playing outnumbered enemy might got advantage match le fun since le challenging see Weaver leave game image recent chat message give idea way leavers’ team always lose game remember playing match 3v5 2 teammate left midgame playing Slark — one favorite two teammate int hero though don’t remember Stay way maybe won’t get hurt doubt Ragequitter subclass leaver leaver leave match reason never know However ragequitter leaf teammate failed one time title speaks guess Neversubmitter duality ragequitting never giving guy optimist community people would give fighting type “ff” allchat meaning finish fast game seems almost guy epic example seen replay typical DOTA match last around 40 minute call long match reach 60 minute guy played 3 hour 2 hour megacreep defense insane Rambo seen Rambo movie would recognize one dive multiple enemy hero alone making tragic scene time Flamer guy start blaming everyone team early game stop match finished Ironically usually worst player team end muted upcoming post teammate Midorfeeder Recall last post usually 1 player team start mid lane mid player gain experience gold Actually nothing lane number player around creep killed effect might conflict team 1 player demand mid even see one type “mid feed” meaning would either go mid feed enemy dying intentionally continued… didn’t enough space talk party reportcommend mechanism point guess communication important concept anyway Hence talk communication DOTA 2 next post team 6 barrack creep spawn one melee one range lane destroy one barrack equivalent barrack produce supercreeps stronger regular creep destroy 6 barrack enemy megacreeps even stronger supercreepsTags Gaming Esports Dota 2 Identity |
190,902 | Overview of OGN’s APEX group stage, day 10: NRG’s tournament life on the line and …double sniper..? | Overview of OGN’s APEX group stage, day 10: NRG’s tournament life on the line and …double sniper..?
With team South Korea victorious at BlizzCon, OGN returns with the second portion of the group stage of APEX. In it 12 of Korea’s best Overwatch teams battle 4 top foreign teams for a prize pool of over $175,000.
In today’s first match we had the return of Flash Lux, their previous match was on the first day of the group stage and they beat RGT 3–2. Unfortunately for them today they were playing versus what many would call the best team in the world — Rogue.
For the second match-up we had the new-look NRG vs BK Stars — the best team in the group so far, both fighting for their tournament life.
For those interested only in my picks for “Map, players and teams to watch” scroll down to the bottom. In those I’ll be listing the players and teams I found the most intriguing, the map I enjoyed watching most and the reasons for my picks.
Match-up 1: Flash Lux vs Rogue
As Rogue is considered one of the best teams in the world and Flash Lux — squad of high-school friends, this was certainly a mismatch. To understand that we need to only look at both teams’ recent history: while the Europeans were winning APAC and beating the other two teams in the group without dropping a map, FL beat RGT in a scrappy 3–2 and went back to the classrooms in Busan. Even with the youngsters having more than 5 weeks practice most doubted they would have it in them to take down TviQ’s crew.
The match began on Shrine, Nepal. After even initial 1–1 trade Rogue took over the point by fragging 3 more from the Korean youngsters without losing a single player. For the rest of the map Rogue would dominate, showcasing superior individual levels and end it in convincing 100–0.
On Village Rogue opened their signature pick pick for the stage — Bastion. Flash Lux attempted to counter that with D.va, but it didn’t amount to much, as the Europeans continued dominating based on individual performances to another 100–0, taking 1–0 lead in the series. This time Flash Lux looked even more flustered as the synergy and teamplay we saw against RGT were missing completely.
For the next map FL picked King’s Row and opened on Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya , Mei and McCree. Rogue started on the defense, picking similar composition, only difference being aKm on Reaper, rather than McCree. The similarities in performances once again ended with the compositions. Even when the Europeans made careless mistakes they would make up for those with individual plays . Having only 20 seconds on the clock and considerable ultimate advantage FL took over the point, but they couldn’t get the payload much further as TviQ’s crew let them advance only 52 meters past point 1.
Switching sides, FL picked the same composition Rogue used on the defense, while the Europeans switched up things with Ana, Reinhardt, Roadhog, Junkrat, Hanzo and Widowmaker. After easily taking over the first point and nanoboosting Hanzo the Europeans finally got stopped and switched to ‘real’ composition — Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, McCree and Pharah. The hold by Flash Lux continued for a bit longer, until the nanoboost came onto Reinforce’s Reinhardt. Despite E1kiNo’s best efforts TviQ and co. easily increased their lead to 2–0.
As the third map, the Korean youngsters chose Temple of Anubis. They started on the offense with Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya, Widowmaker and Genji. Rogue defended with what seems to be their go-to composition for Temple of Anubis — Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, McCree and TviQ’s Junkrat. As the Widowmaker didn’t do much, E1kiNo switched to McCree. That was seemingly just as ineffective and it looked like we are going to see full hold at point A for the Europeans. However Pumple had something to say about it and landed another huge Graviton Surge. As his team followed up this time, unlike the previous maps, they wiped Rogue and took over the point. Point B continued with strong hold by Rogue and FL failed to get on the point until the last seconds of the match, even when they had 6 to 1 ultimate advantage.
On the offense Rogue showed us the Widowmaker once again, combined with Ana, Lucio, Winston, Zarya and Genji. After it didn’t work initially aKm switched it for Reaper to mirror Flash Lux’s composition. Once that happened the Europeans took quickly over point A and headed towards B, having 5 ultimates. It was more than enough for them to take the point on the first attack having just under 5 minutes remaining in the bank. With that they ended the group stage in APEX 9–0, not losing a single map.
Match-up 2: BK Stars vs NRG esports
Both teams here were fighting for their tournament life, but if BK won they’d get out of groups first. That was the case as per tournament rules the first tiebreaker is map score differential, head-to-head being the second one. Despite having more experience in international tournaments NRG came into this as underdog, after the poor performance versus Kongdoo Uncia on Wednesday. BK on the other hand not only beat Kongdoo Uncia, but also looked better than NRG’s did before the changes, in the match against MVP. In addition to recent form being in their favour the Koreans also had the candidate for best player on the sever — Bunny.
The first map was Village, Nepal. Both teams started with Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, but BK’s choises for DPS were Genji and Reaper against NRG’s McCree, Junkrat combination. Despite Bunny and co. not contesting the high ground they got control of the point. Outside of two brief takeovers by NRG, the rest of the stage was convincingly in BK’s favour, taking it 100–54.
For Sanctum both squads continued running same core 4, but while NRG kept same heroes as last time, BK’s choice Hanzo and Roadhog. This time NRG were the ones to take initial control, but before long BK claimed it for themselves off of DoHyeon’s arrows picking off the Junkrat. Unlike the last stage, teams traded control multiple times, but ultimately Bunny was too much for the Americans to handle and BK jumped took Sanctum and Nepal for 1–0 lead in the series.
The second map, picked by NRG, was Hollywood. They started on the defense picking Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, Mei and McCree. BK continued using 3–2–1 composition , but put DoHyeon on Genji instead of Hanzo.That secured them the first point easily and they started pushing the payload, with more than 5:20 on the clock. At the gate NRG finally managed to stop the push and finally looked better as they were pushing back the Korean opposition. The 5:20 however was too much for them to be able to defend at the second point and BK got to it after a brief overtime. Continuing with the good performances the Americans ran down the payload timer not letting Bunny and co. get past 65 meters after the second point.
On the defense Bunny went back to the Reaper with DoHyeon on Mei for 2–2–2. On NRG’s side we finally got to see Seagull’s Genji, backed by Ana,a Lucio, Winston, Zarya, and Tracer. After some initial trouble NRG took over the first point on the back of 4 men Graviton Surge and started pushing the cart, having just under 4 minutes in the time bank. Despite NRG’s best efforts, BK’s teamplay and Bernar’s Zarya proved too much again. After a brief overtime they took the map, letting the payload get to only 93 meters past the first point.
Twinkl high fiving his teammates after winning map 2.
As third map NRG picked Temple of Anubis. They found initial success defending with Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Winston, McCree and Genji. BK attacked using Ana, Lucio, Winston, Genji, Widowmaker and Tracer. After that didn’t work out they gave up on a lot of ultimate charge to switch around the heroes. Alarm switched from Ana to Reinhardt, Twilight traded Tracer for Ana and Bunny gave up the sniper in favour of Roadhog. Despite the lack ultimates, they instantly found more success with that and were already on the second point, having more than 5:30 in the time bank. After well timed ‘big bang’ (Graviton Surge + Time Bomb) combo they got control over the point . In a prolonged series of fights they were repelled, but not before they got two ticks off the point. They followed up that with what looked like ultimate building push, but as NRG used Sound Barrier they seized on the opportunity and took point B, having 2:42 in the bank.
For the defense, the Korean side used 3–2–1 of Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Winston, Roadhog, McCree right from the start. Seeing the 3 tanks NRG picked Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya, McCree and Seagull on Reaper. Finally having more success they took quickly over point A, on the back of nanoboosted Seagull and stormed into the temple having 4 to 3 ultimates advantage and 6 minutes in the time bank. Despite BK switching to 2–2–2 with Reaper and Mei, it looked like NRG will take over the point as the American captain traded himself for two enemy heroes. Bunny had other plans though, as he came in to shut down the attempt by dropping 4 of NRG by himself. Following that, Clockwork switched to Pharah, but the DoHyeon quickly countered with McCree. After that didn’t work either they switched again, moving Clockwork on Reaper and Seagull to Mei. With that they finally got on point B and after a prolonged fight, secured it 39 seconds in the bank.
As the game added 21 to both teams’ bank they found themselves attacking with 1 minute in the bank to BK’s 3:03. Looking at only a minute to defend for BK put Bunny on Bastion, backed by Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Zarya and Roadhog. After seeing the bastion NRG switched to Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, D.va, Genji and Tracer, but had less than 40 seconds to get on the point. Despite great efforts by Seagull the time wasn’t enough and BK held at A.
Looking at 3 minute hold or tournament elimination NRG picked a more standard Ana, Lucio, Reinhardt, Winston, McCree and Genji. Despite them defending successfully at first and Seagull doing everything within his abilities BK took the point, to secure for themselves first seed in the playoffs draw.
For MVP of the match OGN voted BK’s tank duo — Bernar and Alarm.
Bernar and Alarm, who might or might have not stolen Bunny’s spot in the MVP interview.
Map, players and teams to watch:
Players to watch:
Bunny — today we finally had him show more versatility. That said we need to keep in mind it was against NRG, right after roster switch and without much practice. Will be interesting to see how he can hold up against better teams. If he can keep up similar performances in the playoffs he will definitely join the ranks of the elite DPS players in Overwatch.
Bernar — he continues to show great Zarya play and has some of the best Graviton Surges in APEX. In addition to that he’s showcasing remarkable aim everytime the observer switches to him. However unlike his teammate Bunny, we are still not sure exactly how versatile he is.
Team Rogue … all of them— with all of Rogue having great individual performances in the stomp against Flash Lux I gave up on trying to figure out which player had most impcat, at least for today. Definitely one of the deepest rosters in terms of individual skill among the players as well as for my money the best DPS duo right now.
Honorable mentions: Seagull, Pumple.
Teams to watch:
Rogue — this might be getting tiresome for some of the more casual readers but this team is simply that good. So far on LAN the only teams that have managed to defeat them are Misfits and Lunatic-Hai. And Rogue not only look better than both of them currently, but also dealt with Miro’s men in the APAC grand finals. While a loss to LH isn’t out of the possibility for many people’s money this is the best team in APEX going into the playoffs.
Honorable mentions: BK Stars.
Map to watch: Rogue vs Flash Lux: King’s Row — I recommend to this for people who aren’t sure how much difference individual skill can make in game like Overwatch that is so reliant on teamwork. Other than that the map was fun to watch, but doesn’t provide us with too much information for either team as Rogue did something similar to AF Blue as well. | https://medium.com/@RadoNonfire/overview-of-ogns-apex-group-stage-day-10-nrg-s-tournament-life-on-the-line-and-double-sniper-3a2a55ec09a0 | [] | 2016-12-10 14:08:09.193000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Video Games', 'Overwatch'] | Title Overview OGN’s APEX group stage day 10 NRG’s tournament life line …double sniperContent Overview OGN’s APEX group stage day 10 NRG’s tournament life line …double sniper team South Korea victorious BlizzCon OGN return second portion group stage APEX 12 Korea’s best Overwatch team battle 4 top foreign team prize pool 175000 today’s first match return Flash Lux previous match first day group stage beat RGT 3–2 Unfortunately today playing versus many would call best team world — Rogue second matchup newlook NRG v BK Stars — best team group far fighting tournament life interested pick “Map player team watch” scroll bottom I’ll listing player team found intriguing map enjoyed watching reason pick Matchup 1 Flash Lux v Rogue Rogue considered one best team world Flash Lux — squad highschool friend certainly mismatch understand need look teams’ recent history Europeans winning APAC beating two team group without dropping map FL beat RGT scrappy 3–2 went back classroom Busan Even youngster 5 week practice doubted would take TviQ’s crew match began Shrine Nepal even initial 1–1 trade Rogue took point fragging 3 Korean youngster without losing single player rest map Rogue would dominate showcasing superior individual level end convincing 100–0 Village Rogue opened signature pick pick stage — Bastion Flash Lux attempted counter Dva didn’t amount much Europeans continued dominating based individual performance another 100–0 taking 1–0 lead series time Flash Lux looked even flustered synergy teamplay saw RGT missing completely next map FL picked King’s Row opened Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya Mei McCree Rogue started defense picking similar composition difference aKm Reaper rather McCree similarity performance ended composition Even Europeans made careless mistake would make individual play 20 second clock considerable ultimate advantage FL took point couldn’t get payload much TviQ’s crew let advance 52 meter past point 1 Switching side FL picked composition Rogue used defense Europeans switched thing Ana Reinhardt Roadhog Junkrat Hanzo Widowmaker easily taking first point nanoboosting Hanzo Europeans finally got stopped switched ‘real’ composition — Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya McCree Pharah hold Flash Lux continued bit longer nanoboost came onto Reinforce’s Reinhardt Despite E1kiNo’s best effort TviQ co easily increased lead 2–0 third map Korean youngster chose Temple Anubis started offense Ana Lucio Winston Zarya Widowmaker Genji Rogue defended seems goto composition Temple Anubis — Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya McCree TviQ’s Junkrat Widowmaker didn’t much E1kiNo switched McCree seemingly ineffective looked like going see full hold point Europeans However Pumple something say landed another huge Graviton Surge team followed time unlike previous map wiped Rogue took point Point B continued strong hold Rogue FL failed get point last second match even 6 1 ultimate advantage offense Rogue showed u Widowmaker combined Ana Lucio Winston Zarya Genji didn’t work initially aKm switched Reaper mirror Flash Lux’s composition happened Europeans took quickly point headed towards B 5 ultimate enough take point first attack 5 minute remaining bank ended group stage APEX 9–0 losing single map Matchup 2 BK Stars v NRG esports team fighting tournament life BK they’d get group first case per tournament rule first tiebreaker map score differential headtohead second one Despite experience international tournament NRG came underdog poor performance versus Kongdoo Uncia Wednesday BK hand beat Kongdoo Uncia also looked better NRG’s change match MVP addition recent form favour Koreans also candidate best player sever — Bunny first map Village Nepal team started Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya BK’s choises DPS Genji Reaper NRG’s McCree Junkrat combination Despite Bunny co contesting high ground got control point Outside two brief takeover NRG rest stage convincingly BK’s favour taking 100–54 Sanctum squad continued running core 4 NRG kept hero last time BK’s choice Hanzo Roadhog time NRG one take initial control long BK claimed DoHyeon’s arrow picking Junkrat Unlike last stage team traded control multiple time ultimately Bunny much Americans handle BK jumped took Sanctum Nepal 1–0 lead series second map picked NRG Hollywood started defense picking Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya Mei McCree BK continued using 3–2–1 composition put DoHyeon Genji instead HanzoThat secured first point easily started pushing payload 520 clock gate NRG finally managed stop push finally looked better pushing back Korean opposition 520 however much able defend second point BK got brief overtime Continuing good performance Americans ran payload timer letting Bunny co get past 65 meter second point defense Bunny went back Reaper DoHyeon Mei 2–2–2 NRG’s side finally got see Seagull’s Genji backed Anaa Lucio Winston Zarya Tracer initial trouble NRG took first point back 4 men Graviton Surge started pushing cart 4 minute time bank Despite NRG’s best effort BK’s teamplay Bernar’s Zarya proved much brief overtime took map letting payload get 93 meter past first point Twinkl high fiving teammate winning map 2 third map NRG picked Temple Anubis found initial success defending Ana Lucio Reinhardt Winston McCree Genji BK attacked using Ana Lucio Winston Genji Widowmaker Tracer didn’t work gave lot ultimate charge switch around hero Alarm switched Ana Reinhardt Twilight traded Tracer Ana Bunny gave sniper favour Roadhog Despite lack ultimate instantly found success already second point 530 time bank well timed ‘big bang’ Graviton Surge Time Bomb combo got control point prolonged series fight repelled got two tick point followed looked like ultimate building push NRG used Sound Barrier seized opportunity took point B 242 bank defense Korean side used 3–2–1 Ana Lucio Reinhardt Winston Roadhog McCree right start Seeing 3 tank NRG picked Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya McCree Seagull Reaper Finally success took quickly point back nanoboosted Seagull stormed temple 4 3 ultimate advantage 6 minute time bank Despite BK switching 2–2–2 Reaper Mei looked like NRG take point American captain traded two enemy hero Bunny plan though came shut attempt dropping 4 NRG Following Clockwork switched Pharah DoHyeon quickly countered McCree didn’t work either switched moving Clockwork Reaper Seagull Mei finally got point B prolonged fight secured 39 second bank game added 21 teams’ bank found attacking 1 minute bank BK’s 303 Looking minute defend BK put Bunny Bastion backed Ana Lucio Reinhardt Zarya Roadhog seeing bastion NRG switched Ana Lucio Reinhardt Dva Genji Tracer le 40 second get point Despite great effort Seagull time wasn’t enough BK held Looking 3 minute hold tournament elimination NRG picked standard Ana Lucio Reinhardt Winston McCree Genji Despite defending successfully first Seagull everything within ability BK took point secure first seed playoff draw MVP match OGN voted BK’s tank duo — Bernar Alarm Bernar Alarm might might stolen Bunny’s spot MVP interview Map player team watch Players watch Bunny — today finally show versatility said need keep mind NRG right roster switch without much practice interesting see hold better team keep similar performance playoff definitely join rank elite DPS player Overwatch Bernar — continues show great Zarya play best Graviton Surges APEX addition he’s showcasing remarkable aim everytime observer switch However unlike teammate Bunny still sure exactly versatile Team Rogue … them— Rogue great individual performance stomp Flash Lux gave trying figure player impcat least today Definitely one deepest roster term individual skill among player well money best DPS duo right Honorable mention Seagull Pumple Teams watch Rogue — might getting tiresome casual reader team simply good far LAN team managed defeat Misfits LunaticHai Rogue look better currently also dealt Miro’s men APAC grand final loss LH isn’t possibility many people’s money best team APEX going playoff Honorable mention BK Stars Map watch Rogue v Flash Lux King’s Row — recommend people aren’t sure much difference individual skill make game like Overwatch reliant teamwork map fun watch doesn’t provide u much information either team Rogue something similar AF Blue wellTags Esports Gaming Video Games Overwatch |
190,903 | Febiven reportedly rejoins H2K in their quest to dominate all the lanes | Febiven reportedly rejoins H2K in their quest to dominate all the lanes
Febiven | Photo via Riot Games
Over the past two years, Fabian “Febiven” Diepstraten has become the face of European LCS team Fnatic. A fine mid laner before he joined the team, he turned into a star in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. Other star players have come, gone, and come back. But Febiven and ADC Martin “Rekkles” Larsson could be counted on to carry. Then came news that, coming off their worst split together, Febiven will leave Fnatic and rejoin H2K this offseason, as reported by ESPN.
His first turn with H2K was certainly successful. After dominating the European Challenger Series on a combination of assassins and control mages, Febiven led the charge as H2K qualified for the 2015 League Championship Series. He went a combined 24/6/33 in the finals of the LCS expansion tournament with disgusting creep score numbers to boot.
But right as they made it, Febiven jumped to a new Fnatic team that would feature a couple of unproven Korean imports. That move paid off tremendously. Alongside Heo “Huni” Seung-hoon and Kim “Reignover” Yeu-jin, Fnatic won the 2015 Spring Split, taking Europe’s seed to the Mid-Season Invitational.
It was at that tournament that Febiven truly arrived. In the semifinals, he went toe-to-toe with Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok in a close 2–3 series loss. The highlights included Febiven’s two solo kills on Faker’s Azir, something that had never been done to the “Unkillable Demon King” before.
Over the next year and a half, Febiven established himself as a true star, not only in Europe, but globally as well. Meanwhile, H2K retooled around the strong lanes of Andrei “Odoamne” Pascu, Korean import Ryu “Ryu” Sang-ook, and Konstantinos “FORG1VEN” Tzortziou. But unlike Febiven’s run with Fnatic, their high-pressure style rarely translated to tournament success.
Then Worlds 2016 happened. H2K rode those strong lanes and a favorable bracket stage draw all the way to the semifinals. That run and Fnatic’s retooling was apparently enough to convince their former mid laner to return. H2K will benefit from a mostly stable roster compared to the one they took to Worlds. Odoamne, jungler Marcin “Jankos” Jankowskit, and support Oskar “Vander” Bogdan all remain, and all are among the best at their positions in Europe. Integrating a star like Febiven shouldn’t be an issue as long as they can give him the resources he needs to carry.
It remains to be seen what H2K decides to do with their ADC spot, especially with a couple import slots open. But in terms of sheer star power, they’ve assembled one of the most well-regarded teams in all of Europe. | https://medium.com/@xingtheli/febiven-rejoins-h2k-in-their-quest-to-dominate-all-the-lanes-45e80390b852 | ['Xing Li'] | 2016-11-29 19:35:35.247000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'League of Legends'] | Title Febiven reportedly rejoins H2K quest dominate lanesContent Febiven reportedly rejoins H2K quest dominate lane Febiven Photo via Riot Games past two year Fabian “Febiven” Diepstraten become face European LCS team Fnatic fine mid laner joined team turned star 2015 hasn’t looked back star player come gone come back Febiven ADC Martin “Rekkles” Larsson could counted carry came news coming worst split together Febiven leave Fnatic rejoin H2K offseason reported ESPN first turn H2K certainly successful dominating European Challenger Series combination assassin control mages Febiven led charge H2K qualified 2015 League Championship Series went combined 24633 final LCS expansion tournament disgusting creep score number boot right made Febiven jumped new Fnatic team would feature couple unproven Korean import move paid tremendously Alongside Heo “Huni” Seunghoon Kim “Reignover” Yeujin Fnatic 2015 Spring Split taking Europe’s seed MidSeason Invitational tournament Febiven truly arrived semifinal went toetotoe Lee “Faker” Sanghyeok close 2–3 series loss highlight included Febiven’s two solo kill Faker’s Azir something never done “Unkillable Demon King” next year half Febiven established true star Europe globally well Meanwhile H2K retooled around strong lane Andrei “Odoamne” Pascu Korean import Ryu “Ryu” Sangook Konstantinos “FORG1VEN” Tzortziou unlike Febiven’s run Fnatic highpressure style rarely translated tournament success Worlds 2016 happened H2K rode strong lane favorable bracket stage draw way semifinal run Fnatic’s retooling apparently enough convince former mid laner return H2K benefit mostly stable roster compared one took Worlds Odoamne jungler Marcin “Jankos” Jankowskit support Oskar “Vander” Bogdan remain among best position Europe Integrating star like Febiven shouldn’t issue long give resource need carry remains seen H2K decides ADC spot especially couple import slot open term sheer star power they’ve assembled one wellregarded team EuropeTags Esports League Legends |
190,904 | Eleague Season 2 Quarterfinal Preview Part 1 | In assessing the match-ups, I only looked at offline results in premier tournaments since the Major, ESL One Cologne.
SK Gaming vs Dignitas
The first match-up in the quarterfinals of Eleague Season 2 will be between Brazilian powerhouse SK Gaming and the rising Danish team Dignitas. In this past year, SK Gaming, formerly Luminosity, has risen to prominence in the CS:GO competitive scene and has won the past two Majors. The Brazilian team boasts a powerful line-up where each player can carry a map. The team also invented the double-AWP set-up recently, using the strengths of team leader Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and star player Marcelo “coldzera” David.
Dignitas has long been thought of as the second best team in Denmark, often falling in the shadow cast by Astralis. Since the Major however, Dignitas has been on the rise and has eclipsed Astralis as the best Danish roster. Shortly after the Major, Dignitas picked up Emil “magiskb0Y” Reif and the new player has helped the team reach new heights including a tournament win at EPICENTER: Moscow. Both magiskb0Y and Kristian “k0nfig” Wienecke have been the star players for the team boasting great numbers at tournaments.
These two teams have only played one map in an offline premier tournament. The map was Cobblestone and SK won 16–7. This match will be exciting as both of the teams are in sort of a state of limbo because SK has not won a tournament since ESL One Cologne, and Dignitas has not produced great results since their win at EPICENTER.
The pick/ban format for the series is Ban-Ban-Pick-Pick-Ban-Ban and the the map remaining will be played if needed. I expect Dignitas to ban Train in the first round of bans because it is their most banned map and SK has a fantastic record on that map. SK will most likely ban Nuke as Dignitas are one of the better teams on that map and SK has shown a recent aversion to playing Nuke. Dignitas will most likely pick Cobblestone as they have a good record on the map and SK will probably pick Dust2 or Overpass because they have solid records on the maps while Dignitas has a losing record on both of the maps. In the last round of bans, Dignitas will ban Overpass or Dust2, whichever SK did not pick, and SK will ban their most banned map, Cache. This would leave Mirage as the last map to be played in the series.
The maps played would then be Cobblestone, Overpass or Dust2, and Mirage. I predict that SK Gaming will win the series 2–0. Despite their inability to win a tournament sine the Major, they have consistently placed in the top four of premier tournaments while Dignitas has been struggling recently. While Cobblestone is a good map for Dignitas, SK are no slouches on it and their skill will lead them to victory. I also expect them to win whichever map is second due to record and skill. Despite only two games played in the series, I expect the maps to be exciting and close.
Astralis vs NiP
The second set of games will be played between Danish team Astralis and Swedish team Ninjas in Pyjamas. Astralis has had middling results since the Major and has been unable to find the level of play expected from their line-up. They recently made a change in dropping long-time in-game-leader Finn “karrigan” Andersen and replaced him with Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander from Heroic. Astralis played with gla1ve at the Major and has had decent results with the new player.
NiP has not made any roster changes although for a few tournaments, the team played with Maikel “Maikelele” Bill while Jacob “pyth” Mourujãrvi recovered from an injury. NiP had previously played with Maikelele and figured it would be easier to play with him while pyth was out instead of someone that has not played with the team before. Since the Major, NiP has both StarLadder StarSeries Season 2 and IEM Oakland. One tournament win was with pyth and one was with Maikelele.
These teams have played one series against each other in recent tournaments. The two teams met in the knockout stages of the StarLeague StarSeries Season 2 tournament. NiP would win the series 2–1, winning on both Dust2 and Overpass while Astralis won the first map on Cache. NiP is hitting a great run of form with their recent tournament wins while Astralis has still yet to show their true potential but has the capability of beating any team with their talented line-up.
In the Pick/Ban phase, Astralis will ban Cobblestone with their first ban because they frequently ban that map and NiP has a solid win percentage on the map. NiP will ban Mirage, as that is their most banned map. I believe Astralis will move on to pick Overpass. Despite having a poor record on the map, Astralis tends to pick it and it is their most played map. I believe NiP will pick Nuke because NiP boasts a great record on the map and Astralis has not shown they can play the map well. Astralis will next ban Cache, as that is their second most banned map and NiP will ban Dust2 or Train. Last time they met, NiP banned Train but that was a while ago and NiP ban Dust2 almost as much as they ban Train. This would leave either Dust2 or Train as the final map.
I expect NiP to win the series 2–0. Though Astralis frequently pick Overpass, they have a poor record on the map while NiP is fairly good on that map. I give this one to NiP though the game could be close. With Nuke as the second map, I expect NiP to win handedly over Astralis and I do not see the Danish side hitting double digit round wins on the map. NiP is playing great right now with both Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg and Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund playing almost at peak potential and the role players are also playing well to go with the stars. Astralis simply does not have enough maps played recently to judge their form truly, but the tournaments they have played in, they typically do not make it far. If Astralis is to have a chance in this series, Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz must play spectacularly for the team.
Select stats for the teams | https://medium.com/@tortorice.joe/eleague-season-2-quarterfinal-preview-part-1-8e898f11e11 | ['Joe Tortorice'] | 2016-11-29 23:16:33.981000+00:00 | ['Esports', 'Gaming', 'Counter Strike'] | Title Eleague Season 2 Quarterfinal Preview Part 1Content assessing matchup looked offline result premier tournament since Major ESL One Cologne SK Gaming v Dignitas first matchup quarterfinal Eleague Season 2 Brazilian powerhouse SK Gaming rising Danish team Dignitas past year SK Gaming formerly Luminosity risen prominence CSGO competitive scene past two Majors Brazilian team boast powerful lineup player carry map team also invented doubleAWP setup recently using strength team leader Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo star player Marcelo “coldzera” David Dignitas long thought second best team Denmark often falling shadow cast Astralis Since Major however Dignitas rise eclipsed Astralis best Danish roster Shortly Major Dignitas picked Emil “magiskb0Y” Reif new player helped team reach new height including tournament win EPICENTER Moscow magiskb0Y Kristian “k0nfig” Wienecke star player team boasting great number tournament two team played one map offline premier tournament map Cobblestone SK 16–7 match exciting team sort state limbo SK tournament since ESL One Cologne Dignitas produced great result since win EPICENTER pickban format series BanBanPickPickBanBan map remaining played needed expect Dignitas ban Train first round ban banned map SK fantastic record map SK likely ban Nuke Dignitas one better team map SK shown recent aversion playing Nuke Dignitas likely pick Cobblestone good record map SK probably pick Dust2 Overpass solid record map Dignitas losing record map last round ban Dignitas ban Overpass Dust2 whichever SK pick SK ban banned map Cache would leave Mirage last map played series map played would Cobblestone Overpass Dust2 Mirage predict SK Gaming win series 2–0 Despite inability win tournament sine Major consistently placed top four premier tournament Dignitas struggling recently Cobblestone good map Dignitas SK slouch skill lead victory also expect win whichever map second due record skill Despite two game played series expect map exciting close Astralis v NiP second set game played Danish team Astralis Swedish team Ninjas Pyjamas Astralis middling result since Major unable find level play expected lineup recently made change dropping longtime ingameleader Finn “karrigan” Andersen replaced Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander Heroic Astralis played gla1ve Major decent result new player NiP made roster change although tournament team played Maikel “Maikelele” Bill Jacob “pyth” Mourujãrvi recovered injury NiP previously played Maikelele figured would easier play pyth instead someone played team Since Major NiP StarLadder StarSeries Season 2 IEM Oakland One tournament win pyth one Maikelele team played one series recent tournament two team met knockout stage StarLeague StarSeries Season 2 tournament NiP would win series 2–1 winning Dust2 Overpass Astralis first map Cache NiP hitting great run form recent tournament win Astralis still yet show true potential capability beating team talented lineup PickBan phase Astralis ban Cobblestone first ban frequently ban map NiP solid win percentage map NiP ban Mirage banned map believe Astralis move pick Overpass Despite poor record map Astralis tends pick played map believe NiP pick Nuke NiP boast great record map Astralis shown play map well Astralis next ban Cache second banned map NiP ban Dust2 Train Last time met NiP banned Train ago NiP ban Dust2 almost much ban Train would leave either Dust2 Train final map expect NiP win series 2–0 Though Astralis frequently pick Overpass poor record map NiP fairly good map give one NiP though game could close Nuke second map expect NiP win handedly Astralis see Danish side hitting double digit round win map NiP playing great right Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg Christopher “GeTRiGhT” Alesund playing almost peak potential role player also playing well go star Astralis simply enough map played recently judge form truly tournament played typically make far Astralis chance series Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz must play spectacularly team Select stats teamsTags Esports Gaming Counter Strike |
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