The European Union has fined two pharmaceutical companies for colluding to keep a cheap alternative to a sleep disorder medicine off the market for their profit and at the expense of patients. Comments || Link
In the US, states typically pay for prison while counties determine sentencing. A natural experiment whereby the cost burden of juvenile incarceration was placed on counties led to a stark drop in incarceration. This suggests that mass incarceration in the US is in part due to misaligned incentives. Comments || Link
As interactions increasingly take place online, people find information that confirms their existing beliefs, making them less willing to listen to alternatives. This exacerbates filter bubbles and explains why public debates become polarized as people become impervious to opposing arguments. Comments || Link
People’s moral foundations can predict their compliance with staying at home, wearing masks, and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caring and fairness are morals that predict compliance with all three public health measures. Comments || Link
How six scientists survived ‘living on Mars’ for a year: « The habitat had a small living room, 1.5 bathrooms, a galley kitchen and tiny living quarters for each of the six up a flight of stairs. Power came via solar panel, water via large storage tanks outside. » Comments || Link
History records many secular and religious attempts to build paradise on Earth. They haven’t worked. Nevertheless, some philosophers believe a biohappiness revolution is imminent, insisting: 'This time really is different'. Comments || Link
TIL when Audrey Geisel, the widow of Doctor Seuss, was selling the rights to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, she made sure that "any actor submitted for the Grinch must be of comparable stature to Jack Nicholson, Jim Carrey, Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman." Comments || Link)
TIL PCs in the 80s and 90s often had a “Turbo” button which when pressed would counterintuitively slow down the processor speed to allow compatibility with older games designed for slower processors. Comments || Link
Alex Garland Has A "Low Budget Horror Movie" Coming Up - Casting and financing on the project is currently underway, with a view to shoot in spring or summer 2021 Comments || Link
A great movie, but not one without flaws. The biggest flaw that I found in the film was the Poker Tournament aspect of it. This is just my personal opinion, but I thought the Poker aspect of the film didn't really mesh well with the rest of the story and the world of James Bond. James Bond is known as a classy, suave secret agent; who gets to bang hot, rich women; drive +$100,000 cars; and go to parties/functions of the wealthy elite. In contrast, I've felt the game of no-limit texas hold'em to be, for lack of a better term, somewhat pedestrian and tacky. Texas Hold'em is the game we've played at our friends' houses or in dorms in college. It's not what I would call a classy game that the rich elite would partake in. I understand why the filmmakers would choose Texas Hold'em for the card game that Bond has to play. Hold'em was gaining in popularity in the early 2000s with the World Series of Poker on ESPN and Chris Moneymaker, an average dude, winning it in 2003. The game was becoming mainstream. Everyone started playing it, but the movie still felt that it had to explain the rules of the game and what was going on during the hands, which I felt weakened the game. Okay, the filmmakers saw the popularity of No Limit Texas Hold'em and wanted to put that into their movie. I don't agree, but it could have worked well, but it didn't. We're not shown in the movie that Bond is really good at poker. We're told he's a great gambler and can read people, but we're not shown that skill. Now, this isn't completely the filmmakers' fault. The nuances of Texas Hold'em aren't that exciting or easy to film. The game is less about the cards and more about how you can read people and pick up their tells. A great poker film to actually show the main character's ability is Rounders (1999) with Matt Damon. A scene where he's delivering some paperwork to a bunch of law professors and judges playing poker, and he's able to read their hands blind, shows the audience that Matt Damon is a great poker player without flat out telling us how good he is. The audience doesn't get that scene in Casino Royale. Yeah, he beats that guy in the beginning and takes his car, but he just got lucky. It doesn't really show us his skill, and since the Poker Tournament is just one aspect of the film and not the complete focus, I doubt they had the screentime available to properly set Bond up for being a great Poker player, so the movie has to flat out tell us he's great. We still don't really get the sense of that because during the actual Tournament we don't see how he wins all his money. He literally loses every hand until the last hand: the bad guy gets lucky on the river and beats him the first hand, but Bond learns his tell. The bad guy fucks with him and makes him lose his stake in the 2nd hand. He's poisoned and has to forfeit the 3rd hand, and finally wins on the final hand. We don't ever see him beat anyone on the table until the very end. That last hand everyone had a bunch of crazy cards. There's like 2 full houses, I think the bad guy has a four of a kind, and Bond himself gets a straight flush. You almost never see that in real poker. Again, the game itself is actually not all that exciting to watch, so the filmmakers probably felt they had to put all those crazy hands in to make it exciting. The movie despite its flaws is still a really good action film. I just feel that the Poker Tournament aspect was the weakest part and definitely could've been done better. They could've actually showed Bond using some skills to let the audience know he's actually a good pick to play the tournament on behalf of the British Government and not just straight up told that he's good. I wish they had picked a better card game to focus on, like Baccarat. I would've liked for the movie to have told me how to play Baccarat; since I'd never played it before. They didn't do that, though; and it's too bad.
Film Rankings with Explanations, Ratings, and Tiers
During quarantine, I've had the opportunity to rewatch every movie in relatively short succession. I've seen them all 2-10 times and have been a lifelong Bond fan. I enjoy every Bond film, even the "bad" ones, but I wanted to try and rank them. I used a scoring system to help me, but ultimately went with my gut (e.g. License to Kill MUST be better than The World is Not Enough). I thought a tier system of ranking was useful, because it really is splitting hairs to rank some of these. Feel free to critique my ratings, my ratings weightings, and opinions! You could say I have too much time on my hands Tier 7: The Worst
Die Another Day: Best Sword Fight
- Why it's not irredeemable: For being the lowest ranked film on this list, it's not without its moments. Bond getting caught, tortured, then escaping from MI6 was interesting and novel. The ice hotel was neat, as well as the chase scene. I'll even defend the much maligned invisible car, as the Aston Martin Vanquish is quite a car. - Why it's not higher: Personally, I think Halle Berry is a terrible Bond girl, alternating between damsel in distress and super woman as the plot demands it. Moreover, Graves and the plot in general is pretty cheesy and boring. Perhaps most damaging is the deadly serious tone of the movie, which doesn't even provide the fun and excitement Brosnan's films generally provide the viewer. - Most under-appreciated part: The fencing scene is the best action scene of the entire movie. It's surprising it took Bond this long to fence, but seeing them go at it across the club was a blast. Tier 6: Disappointing
Quantum of Solace: Best Car Chase
- Why it's this high: The action is quite good, likely meriting the distinction of the best car chase in the entire series (the pre-credits sequence). Mathis is a good ally and it is sad to see him go. - Why it's not higher: My biggest beef with Craig's Bond films is that they are too serious, so when the plot and script isn't top-notch, the movie watching experience is just kind of dull. Quantum of Solace takes a bold risk in making the first Bond sequel, but unfortunately it's just not that good. Greene seems like a rather pathetic Bond villain, and his henchman (the worst in the series?) ends up in a neck-brace after getting tripped by Camilla. Also, the shaky cam is distracting and exhausting. - Most under-appreciated part: I actually thing the theme song is pretty good! Maybe I'm just too much of a Jack White groupie, but I think it rocks.
Moonraker: Best Locales
- Why it's this high: I'm pleased to see Jaws making a return, as he is an amazing henchman. On that note, the pre-credits sequence with Bond and Jaws falling out of the plane is exhilarating. Holly Goodhead is a very good Bond girl, beautiful, smart, and competent. Roger Moore always does an excellent job playing the role with suavity and wit. - Why it's not higher: Gosh it's cheesy. Particularly egregious is Jaws' love story. The theme song is terrible and Bond doesn't have any solid allies besides Goodhead and Jaws. - Most under-appreciated part: They really go all out with the settings here. Obviously, space is pretty polarizing, but I think Bond clearly should go to space at SOME point during the series. In addition, Italy and Brazil were gorgeous views, while Drax's estate is magnificent.
Spectre: Best Shooting
- Why it's this high: Rewatching this for the second time, I realized Lea Seydoux does a good job as the Bond girl, and it's actually quite believable she and James could work out, as she is the daughter of an assassin and can understand him (as Blofeld points out). Seeing Bond show off his marksmanship was quite satisfying, especially that one long shot during the escape from Blofeld's compound. Bonus points for Bond's DB10 and resurrecting the DB5. - Why it's not higher: The fatal flaw of this film is making Blofeld Bond's adopted brother. How did Bond not recognize him? How is Blofeld able to keep himself secret from British intelligence yet every criminal worth his salt knows of him? The worst part is that it actually cheapens the plot of the other Craig movies. I believe the Bond franchise should stay clear from sequels from here on out. Yes, they can weave a great story if done correctly, but it's so much more difficult to make great sequels (e.g. Star Wars only made two worthy sequels in seven tries) than to do one-offs. As usual for a Craig film, Bond has little charisma (save for his surprisingly good rapport with Moneypenny) and little in the way of jokes to lighten the mood. - Most under-appreciated part: The train fight scene with Dave Bautista is great! Gosh it was awesome to see them go at it, break through walls, and a priceless expression on Bautista's face when he knows he's done. Bautista is the first decent henchman since the 90s, so glad to see the series go back to this staple.
The Man with the Golden Gun: Best Potential, Worst Execution
- Why it's this high: This Bond movie frustrates more than any other, as it has the potential to be an all-time great. Bond's debriefing starts off with promise, as it turns out the world's top assassin is gunning for Bond! For the first time in the series, Bond seems vulnerable! M makes a hilarious quip as to who would try to kill Bond ("jealous husbands ... the list is endless"). Furthermore, the legendary Christopher Lee is possible the best Bond villain, a rare peer of 007. - Why it's not higher: Unfortunately, the movie opts to change course so that it's just Maud Adams trying to get Bond to kill Scaramanga. Goodnight is beautiful, but maybe the most inept Bond girl of all-time. They used a SLIDE WHISTLE, ruining one of the coolest Bond stunts ever (the car jump). - Most under-appreciated part: Nick Nack is a splendid henchman, showing the role can be more than just a strongman.
Diamonds Are Forever: Great Beginning and Ending, but Bad Everywhere Else
- Why it's this high: Is there another Bond with such a great contrast between the beginning/ending and everything in between? Connery shows his tough side, as he muscles his way through the pre-credits scene. Particularly good was the part where he seduces the woman, then uses her bikini top to choke her. At the end, Bond expertly uses his wine knowledge to detect something is amiss, then dispatches Kidd and Wint in style. Other cool scenes include Bond scaling the building to reach Blofeld and Bond driving the Mustang through the alley. - Why it's not higher: This is one of the films that I find myself liking less and less over time. Vegas, and especially the space laboratory scene, just seem cheesy. Connery is officially too old at this point, and Jill St. John just isn't a very compelling Bond girl. I would've preferred to have seen more of Plenty O'Toole, but alas 'twas not meant to be. Leiter is uninspired as well. Having Bond go after Blofeld for the millionth time just seems tired at this point. - Most under-appreciated part: Mr. Kidd and Wint are the creepiest henchmen in the Bond universe, but I'd argue they are some of the best. Their banter and creative modes of execution are quite chilling and thrilling.
A View to a Kill: Best Theme
- Why it's this high: Is it a hot take to not have View in the bottom five? Let me explain. I contend Duran Duran's theme is the very best. The ending fight scene on the Golden Gate Bridge is actually one of the most iconic ending set pieces in the series. The plot is stellar on paper, as the horse racing part was a very Bondian side story, and the idea of an attack on Silicon Valley actually seems even more plausible today. - Why it's not higher: It's self-evident that Moore is way too old for the part. Some parts are just mind-blowingly ridiculous, such as the fire truck chase scene through San Francisco and the part where Stacey is caught unaware by a blimp behind her. Speaking of Stacey, she may be beautiful, but she spends most of the movie shrieking whenever something goes wrong. - Most under-appreciated part: The scene with Bond and Ivanova is cool (I always like it when he interacts with other spies) and quite entertaining how he fools her with the cassettes. Tier 5: Below Average
Octopussy: The Most Characteristically Roger Moore Bond Film
- Why it's this high: Maud Adams has great screen presence as Octopussy, and her Amazonian-like women are cool to watch fight. Bond's deft swipe of the egg was nicely done. On a related aside, I wish Bond films would emphasize Bond's intellect more, as it seems the 60s and 70s films would allow Bond to showcase his vast knowledge more frequently than he does today. Gobinda is a fierce henchman, while India in general is a cool location. The plot is realistic, yet grand (war-mongering Russian general tries to detonate a nuke to get NATO to turn on itself). - Why it's not higher: This is the first Moore film where he simply was too old and shouldn't have been cast. Yes, it's too cheesy at times, most infamously during the Tarzan yell. Bond also doesn't use any cool vehicles. - Most under-appreciated part: People tend to focus too much on Bond dressing as a clown, but the scene where Bond furiously tries to get to the bomb in time to defuse it is one of the tensest moments in the series. Moore's "Dammit there's a bomb in there!" really demonstrated the gravity of the situation (I get goosebumps during that part).
Tomorrow Never Dies: Most Tasteful Humor
- Why it's this high: Brosnan really settles into the role well here. He gives the most charismatic Bond performance in 15 years or so. His quip "I'm just here at Oxford, brushing up on a little Danish" is an all-time great Bond line. Teri Hatcher is stunning as Paris Carver, delivering a memorable performance with her limited screen time. The plot is original and ages well, highlighting the potential downsides of media power, while Carver is an above average villain. - Why it's not higher: Wai Lin is good for action, but the chemistry between her and Bond is non-existent. By the end of the movie, Pryce just seem silly (especially the scene where he mocks Wai Lin's martial arts skills). There aren't any good Bond allies, as Jack Wade doesn't impress in his return to the franchise. In general though, the movie has few things terribly wrong with it, it just doesn't excel in many ways. - Most under-appreciated part: Dr. Kaufman is hysterical. At first, I thought "this is weird," but by the end of the scene I'm cracking up. I genuinely wish they found someway to bring him back for World, but c'est la vie.
The World Is Not Enough: Less than the Sum of its Parts
- Why it's this high: According to my spreadsheet, this is a top 10 Bond film, while on my first watch on this film I thought it was bottom five. I think the truth is that it's somewhere in between. I like the settings, everything from the temporary MI-6 headquarters to Azerbaijan. Elektra is an all-time great Bond girl, with a nice plot twist and character arc. The glasses where Bond sees through women's clothing are hilarious. The sense of danger is strong, with everyone from Bond to M being in danger. The return of Zukovsky is a nice plus. - Why it's not higher: I think two things really doom this film. First, Renard is totally wasted a henchman. The idea of him not feeling pain is a cool one, but he just seems boring and extraneous. I don't even think Carlyle acted poorly, he was just misused. Secondly, the ending (after Bond killing Elektra which is quite good) is rather terrible. The whole scene in the sub just isn't entertaining or engaging. - Most under-appreciated part: I'm going to defend Denise Richards as Christmas Jones. Although no Ursula Andress, Richards is absolutely gorgeous and did not actively make Bond's mission more difficult, which is more than some Bond girls can say *cough Britt Ekland. In particular, I found her introductory scene to be quite memorable and convincing. Also, the Christmas quip at the end is quite cheeky. Tier 4: Solid
The Living Daylights:
- Why it's this high: Dalton brings a breath of fresh air to the franchise here. His more serious take makes for interesting movies that seem more unique than most. I'm happy to see this subreddit appreciate Dalton more than the casual fun does, but I wouldn't go as far as the Dalton fanboys and say he's the best Bond or anything like that. I do wish he got the role sooner and did more films. Moving on to Daylights, it's got a good intro for Dalton and good plot in general. Surprisingly, Bond's fidelity doesn't bother me one bit, as it actually makes sense that Kara falls in love with James by the end, given all they've gone through. - Why it's not higher: The biggest reason is that the villain is just terrible. Whitaker seems silly and pathetic, a terrible contrast to Dalton's serious nature. I think Whitaker might be the worst in the series, and a Bond movie can't be great without a good villain. Also, Dalton doesn't have much charm and is abysmal at one-liners, which, in my opinion, IS a facet of the perfect James Bond. - Most under-appreciated part: The Aston Martin Vantage is a beautiful car, and the chase scene across the ice is great! It's both exciting and funny! Not sure why people don't talk about this chase scene and this car more; it's arguably the highlight of the movie for me.
Thunderball: The Most Beautiful
- Why it's this high: Thunderball used to be top five for me and here is why. The underwater scenes, the setting, the score, and the Bond girls are beautiful even to this day. Domino is excellent, while Volpe is a tour de force, oozing sexuality and danger. I think the underwater parts are interesting and novel, creating a staple of sorts for the franchise. The DB 5 is always welcome, and the jetpack use was quite cool for the time (and to some extent now). - Why it's not higher: Some would say it's boring, while I would more generously admit the plot is slow. Furthermore, the theme song is all-time bad (apparently they could have used Johnny Cash!!!), and there is no great henchman for Bond to dispatch. - Most under-appreciated part: Two plot ideas I liked a lot: Bond being injured and needing rehab, plus the part where all the 00s meet up and then are sent to the corners of the globe.
Never Say Never Again: Guilty Pleasure
- Why it's this high: Rewatching Never for the third time, I was struck by how fun this movie is. It's exciting, funny, and fast-paced. Basically, it's a more exciting version of Thunderball, with better pacing and better humor. I think Irvin Kershner did a great job managing this star studded cast. Carrera is a firecracker as Blush, Sydow is a convincing Blofeld, and Basinger is a classic Bond girl. Connery clearly has a blast returning to the role, doing a great job despite his advanced age. If anything, this one might not be ranked high enough. - Why it's not higher: The music is terrible. Normally I don't notice these things, but one can't help but notice how dreadful this one is. The theme is awful as well. I'd argue this is the worst music of any Bond film. - Most under-appreciated part: The humor! This is one of the funniest Bonds, as I found myself laughing out loud at various parts (e.g. Mr Bean!).
The Spy Who Loved Me: Best Intro
- Why it's this high: There's a lot to love about this one, so I get why this ranks highly for many. It is simply the best introduction, starting with Bond romancing a woman, followed by a skii chase, then jumping off the cliff and pulling the Union Jack parachute! The Lotus is a top 3 Bond car. Jaws is a superb henchman. Triple X was an excellent Bond girl, deadly, charming, and beautiful. Of course, Moore is charming and the locations are exotic (Egypt was a cool locale). If I had to pick one Moore movie for a newcomer to watch, it would be this one. - Why it's not higher: The theme song is bad, and Stromberg is a below average villain. I also think the last 45 minutes or so of the movie kind of drags. - Most under-appreciated part: The whole dynamic between Bond and Triple X is great. Whenever Bond movies show Bond squaring off against other spies (see View to a Kill, Goldeneye) it's just a pleasure to watch.
Live and Let Die: Most Suave
- Why it's this high: Roger Moore superbly carves out his own take on Bond in an excellent addition to the franchise. The boat chase is my favorite in the series, and Live and Let Die is my second favorite theme. Jane Seymour is a good Bond girl, while Tee Hee and Kananga are a solid villain/henchman duo. Unpopular opinion: I find J.W. Pepper to be hilarious. - Why it's not higher: The introduction isn't very good, as Bond isn't even included! The second climax with the voodoo isn't great. Bond blowing up Kananga has aged terribly. - Most under-appreciated part: When Bond is visited in his apartment by M and Moneypenny, Bond rushes to hide his girl from his coworkers. Finally, when they leave and he unzips the dress with his magnetic watch is one of the best uses of a Bond gadget in the series, showcasing why Moore might be the most charming Bond of them all.
You Only Live Twice: Best Blofeld
- Why it's this high: Just your classic, fun Sean Connery Bond movie. It was a great decision to send Bond to Japan for his first Asian visit, giving the movie a fresh feel. The ending set piece battle is potentially the best of this staple of 60s/70s Bonds. Tiger Tanaka is one of Bond's cooler allies. Pleasance killed it as Blofeld; when I think of Blofeld, I think of his take. In what could have been cheesy, he is actually somewhat frightening. - Why it's not higher: The whole "we need to make you look Japanese" part seems both unrealistic (who is he really fooling?) plus surprisingly impotent coming from Tiger Tanaka who seems to be a competent and connected man otherwise. Honestly though, this movie doesn't have a major weakness. - Most under-appreciated part: The fight scene with the guard in the executive's office is probably the best hand-to-hand fight in the series up until that point. Tier 3: Excellent
Dr. No: The Most Spy-Like
- Why it's this high: Nearly 60 years later, this film is still a blast to watch, due in no small part to its focus on the little things of being a spy. I adore the scenes where Bond does the little things spies (presumably) do, such as putting a hair across the door, or showing Bond playing solitaire while waiting to spring his trap on Prof. Dent. I also enjoy the suspense of Bond sleuthing around the island, while he and the viewer are completely unaware of whom the villain is until quite late in the film. It's easy to take for granted now, but this film established so many series traditions that were ingenious. My personal favorite is Bond's introduction at the card table: "Bond .... James Bond." - Why it's not higher: The film just doesn't have the payoff it deserves. Maybe it's just a result of the time and budget, but from the point Bond escapes on, it's just mediocre. Particularly egregious is the "fight" between Dr. No and Bond where No meets his demise. - Most under-appreciated part: Ursula Andress was a surprisingly well developed Bond girl, with a shockingly violent backstory (she was raped!). Obviously, she is beautiful and the beach scene is iconic, but I was pleasantly surprised to conclude she is more than just eye candy.
License to Kill: The Grittiest
- Why it's this high: On my first watch, this was my least favorite Bond film, as I thought it was too dark and violent to befit 007. By my third time watching, I've decided it's actually one of the best. Fortunately, I don't have to go on my "Ackshually, Dalton did a good job" rant with this subreddit. I liked the wedding intro and the concept of a revenge arc for Leiter (although come on he should've been killed by a freaking shark). Also, Lamora and (especially) Bouvier are great Bond girls. Bouvier is both competent and beautiful, and it's great to see Bond choose her at the end. - Why it's not higher: The theme song is atrocious, Dalton is so angry (dare I say charmless?) the whole time it's almost puzzling why Bouvier and Lamora fall for him, and Bond doesn't use any cool vehicles. - Most under-appreciated part: Sanchez is actually a sneaky good Bond villain.
For Your Eyes Only: The Most Underrated
- Why it's this high: I think Moore is a bit underrated as Bond. Yes, he was too old towards the end and yes, his movies were at times too campy, but he himself played the role admirably. He was the most charming and witty of all the Bonds, so by the time he got his first relatively serious plot to work with, he hit it out of the park. Anyhow, the climactic mountaintop assault is one of my favorite Bond action climaxes. Columbo is one of the best Bond allies, and the plot twist where he turns out to be good and Kristatos bad was well-done. - Why it's not higher: The intro is just silly. Bibi's romantic infatuation with Bond is just ...er... uncomfortable? - Most under-appreciated part: The theme song is a banger. What a chorus! Tier 2: Exceptional
Skyfall: The Sharpest Film (From Plot to Aesthetics)
- Why it's this high: One of the best plots of the entire series. The idea of an older Bond who had lost a step, along with making M the focus point of the movie, works very well. Seeing Bond's childhood home is also pretty cool. Bardem's take on Silva is delightful and a lot of fun to watch. Even the cinematography is a series peak, while Adele's them is excellent. - Why it's not higher: One thing most Craig Bond films suffer from is the lack of a Bond-worthy henchman. Skyfall is no exception. More importantly, Bond girls are mostly irrelevant to the film. Yes, Severine is both beautiful and interesting, but she's scarcely twenty minutes of the film. - Most under-appreciated part: Setting the new supporting characters up nicely. The Moneypenny backstory was well-done. Casting Ralph Fiennes as the new M is a great choice in of itself, but he also got a nice chuck of background story to help us going forward.
Casino Royale: The First Bond Film I'd Show a Series Newcomer
- Why it's this high: Craig's take on Bond feels like a breath of fresh air. In particular, his hand-to-hand combat scenes are so much better (and more believable) than any other Bond. The parkour chase scene is one of the best chase scenes in the series. Le Chifre is an excellent villain, but, more importantly, Vesper is an all-time great Bond girl. The conversation between Vesper and Bond on the train is probably the most interesting of any film. Bonus points for Jeffrey Wright as Leiter and the Aston Martin DBS. - Why it's not higher: There are hardly any humorous parts or much charm displayed by Bond in general. More importantly, the movie should have just ended when Bond wakes up in rehab. The rest of the movie feels confused and superfluous. - Most under-appreciated part: The decision to change from chemin de fer to poker makes for much better (and understandable!) cinema. The poker scenes are the best of Bond's many gambling scenes throughout the series.
Goldeneye: The Most Fun
- Why it's this high: Wow, rewatching Goldeneye I was struck by how entertaining the whole thing is. The opening jump is breath taking, the scene where Bond drives his evaluator around is hilarious, and Xenia Onatopp is a livewire. Sean Bean is a formidable villain as 006, and a great foil to James. Bond and Judi Dench's first scene together is amazing. Goldeneye feels like the first modern Bond, yet so true to the predecessors. Wade and especially Zukovsky are excellent allies. - Why it's not higher: Simonova is a forgettable Bond girl. She's not annoying, unattractive, or acted poorly, but is just below average in most regards (looks, back story, chemistry with Bond, plot). - Most under-appreciated part: the action is just so much better than any Bond before it
From Russia with Love: The Best Henchman (Red Grant)
- Why it's this high: Interesting settings, beautiful women, and an engaging story make this a classic. I'm not the first to point out that the scenes with Grant and Bond aboard the train are some of the best in the entire series. Grant is one of the few villains who feels like a match for 007. Furthermore, the addition of Desmond Llewyn as Q was crucial and Kerim Bey is one of the better Bond allies. - Why it's not higher: The helicopter scene should've just been omitted, especially when combined with the subsequent boat chase. It's just awkward to watch. - Most under-appreciated part: The gypsy scenes are quite exotic and entertaining.
On Her Majesty's Secret Service: The Most Heartfelt
- Why it's this high: James and Tracy's love story is charming, and when she dies at the end, this is the one and only time in the entire series where the viewer feels genuinely sad. Diana Rigg did an excellent job convincing the audience Bond could finally fall in love with one girl. The skiing scenes were beautifully filmed, and the score was exemplary. Personally, I quite liked Lazenby's take; however, some of his lines and jokes fall flat. To his credit, he looks and acts like Bond more than any other actor. - Why it's not higher: Honestly, it does drag at times in the first half, plus there is no theme song! - Most under-appreciated part: Bond's Aston Martin DBS is a beautiful car, combining 60's sports-car beauty with Aston Martin's elegance. Tier 1: The Best
Goldfinger: The quintessential Bond
- Why it's this high: From the opening ("Positively shocking") to the seduction of Pussy Galore at the end, this film has it all. Goldfinger is an all time great villain, while Odd Job is an exceptional henchman. Connery delivers a master performance, and drives THE classic Bond Car, ejector seat included. The reason I put it #1 is not necessarily because it is the best film (although it is great), it checks all the boxes of what a perfect Bond film should do. - Why it's not higher: I cannot think of any notable imperfections. - Most under-appreciated part: The golf scene between Bond and Goldfinger is a delight to watch, demonstrating Bond's wits for the first and only time on the golf course.
Novels About Playing Cards -Alice in Wonderlandby Lewis Carroll In an earlier article I shared some of my favourite playing cards that depict novels. But how about novels that depict playing cards? Already for centuries playing cards have embedded themselves into our lives and culture, and crawled their way into language, paintings, and music. But what about into literature? It's not hard to think of examples of books where playing cards are part of the wider background of a novel. Perhaps we find them in the hands of characters who are having a social game of bridge, or in the hands of gamblers trying their luck at Blackjack at a casino or playing Poker in the back room of a saloon. But are there other examples besides Jostein Gaarder's The Solitaire Mystery (see my previous article) where playing cards become central characters, and key figures in the story? The example that will spring to mind for most people is Lewis Carroll's classic work, Alice in Wonderland. The Book This story is one that almost everyone has come across in their life. But if you're like most people, then you've only been exposed to Alice via Disney films, or perhaps through an abridged version for young children. You really owe it to yourself to read the original book by Lewis Carroll, first published in 1865. Lewis Carroll was the pen name of Charles Dodgson, who excelled in playing with words, and delighted in logic and fantasy. In Alice in Wonderland we see all these skills and interests on display, and come together in a wonderful and charming story. If you don't have a copy of the book, you can easily find it online, because the copyright has long lapsed. I suggest you head here, where you'll find a downloadable PDF of a virtual edition created by Peter Zelchenko in 1998 for BookVirtual. This project is a true typographically accurate replica of the original Macmillan edition and this free digital edition was produced by VolumeOne. https://preview.redd.it/7m4cg4p4u8351.jpg?width=309&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36948eb3ee896386f346c6fd35e512d51ebbcf90 The Story For those unfamiliar with the story, what can you expect? Alice in Wonderland is a story of childlike innocence and curiosity, as we journey into a world of the surreal, the fantastic, and the whimsical. Together with the seven-year-old Alice, we follow a talking white rabbit, and fall into a rabbit-hole, by which we enter an imaginary and wacky world where nothing is at it seems. If you were the kind of child who always asked the "why?" question, and who liked to challenge what everyone else regarded as normal, you?ll love this book. In this story, Lewis Carroll gives us a picture of a world where everything that we accept as normal is turned upside down. We find ourselves in a land which is populated by an arrange of fantastic characters that entertain us with their wit and whimsy. Consider this excerpt from an absurd conversation Alice has with the Cheshire Cat: "By-the-bye, what became of the baby?" said the Cat. "I'd nearly forgotten to ask.""It turned into a pig," Alice answered very quietly, just as if the Cat had come back in a natural way."I thought it would," said the Cat, and vanished again. In one of the book's more famous scenes, Alice finds herself at a mad tea-party together with the March Hare, a Hatter, and a Dormouse., where she is bombarded with paradoxical riddles, and astonished with absurd logic. "they drew all manner of things - everything that begins with an M ""Why with an M?" said Alice."Why not?" said the March Hare. https://preview.redd.it/y7lmb5obu8351.jpg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74ede9388748dec421e0a497236b5fbb8cc8e4e5 The Playing Cards:Croquet with Queen of Hearts But it is in the next chapter, entitled "The Queen's Croquet Ground", that we meet our playing cards for the first time. After leaving the tea party, Alice enters a garden, where she sees a procession of living playing card characters, which all have human heads, arms, and legs. Chief among them are the King and the Queen. The suits of these playing card characters all correspond to different roles in the royal court, with the Spades serving as gardeners, Clubs as soldiers, Diamonds as courtiers, and Hearts as members of the royal family. Here you can read the first few pages of this chapter: https://preview.redd.it/b41izhcbu8351.jpg?width=1220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ccac81ef957fd792d632c0ff0e0fb2e4805ca023 https://preview.redd.it/aaob4zusv8351.jpg?width=1220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b8fb6aa56716d64162c74be0a38e821e2b3a0960 https://preview.redd.it/edk60jidu8351.jpg?width=1220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3b808640f2c6c4f1a84b787e1876d805734b9a55 It's here that we read about the antics the execution-minded Queen of Hearts with her constant refrain "Off with his head." After this Alice commences what has to be one of the most bizarre games of croquet ever witnessed. The Playing Cards:The Trial of the Knave of Hearts The final two chapters of the book put the spotlight once again on our playing card friends, as Alice witnesses a trial overseen by the King of Hearts as judge, to settle a case where the Knave of Hearts has been accused of stealing the Queen's tarts. At this point Lewis quotes the old and well-known English nursery rhyme "The Queen of Hearts", which cleverly forms the basis of his plot: "The Queen of Hearts / She made some tarts, / All on a summer's day;The Knave of Hearts / He stole those tarts, / And took them clean away.The King of Hearts / Called for the tarts, / And beat the knave full sore;The Knave of Hearts / Brought back the tarts, / And vowed he'd steal no more." https://preview.redd.it/b3fixcwhu8351.jpg?width=1220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1970ce01afae81fc9023cf4aea22c74d538775f7 Alice herself is called upon to give testimony against the Knave, and a measure of chaos ensues when Alice first knocks over the jury box filled with animals. She then challenges the King and Queen of Hearts about the absurdity of the proceedings. I won't spoil what happens in the final scenes as the pack of cards starts to gang up against Alice. You can read the final pages of the book for yourself here: https://preview.redd.it/mbtaextiu8351.jpg?width=1220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70c14e3dc2218e13bb6bea8f8bb8e7440bc048db https://preview.redd.it/rgoolisju8351.jpg?width=1220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d335aa1b51e231386946641033f2af634f03dc7 The Message Is Alice in Wonderland all nonsense? I don?t think so, because there's much more to this story than first meets the eye. Behind the outer layer of apparent `nonsense' Carroll conveys a great deal of sense. There's a wonderful version of the book entitled The Annotated Alice, that was produced by famous mathematician and logician Martin Gardner. In this annotated version, Gardner explores a lot of the imagery and ideas of the Alice in Wonderland story, and explains some of the references and influences behind the characters and more. As a mathematician, he especially points out many of the clever logical and mathematical concepts found in the story. There's also a lot of political commentary and parody of the popular culture of the day which he identifies and explains. For example the farcical trial at the end is generally understood to be a lampooning of the British legal system. What Lewis Carroll really wants us to do is return to reality along with Alice with a renewed appreciation for everything that is normal and accepted. But because this whimsical tale and its fantasy world is so nonsensical and enjoyable, you?ll want to return there many a time, and enjoy its sheer madcap humour. Alice in Wonderland is full to the brim with wild humour, farcical fantasy, witty wisecracks, and even slapstick comedy. You?ll be amazed by the cat-less grin of the Cheshire-Cat, amused by the absurd logic of the mad Hatter, and in hysterics over the antics of Queen of Hearts. I especially enjoyed the abundance of delightful puns, paradoxes, and parodies. While much of the deeper significance will escape young children, they will certainly enjoy it as a fantastic story, and rediscover it with even greater pleasure as adults. A classic is a book that appeals to people of all times and ages, and that?s certainly the case with Alice in Wonderland; this is truly a classic for the child in all of us! Special mention should also be made of the illustrations accompanying the first published versions of the book. The original pictures were wood engraved by John Tenniel, and his artwork has become forever connected with the story of Alice, and has influenced a great deal of subsequent imaginings of it. The Tribute Deck So the book is about playing cards, but are there playing cards about the book? Of course! With the glut of custom decks on today's market, surely it is inevitable that the circle would become complete, and someone would make a deck of playing cards based on this novels about playing cards. And sure enough, there are several such decks that are marvellous tributes to Alice in Wonderland. The White Rabbit deck features a simple black and colour scheme with line art that was inspired by the classic John Tenniel woodcut illustrations from the original Alice in Wonderland books. The Wonderland Tarot deck has more playful and colourful artwork by Morgana Abbey, but is also a homage to the style of John Tenniel. But perhaps my favourite Alice in Wonderland themed deck is the Alice in Wonderland deck created by graphic designer and illustrator Sasha Dounaevski, who has been a fan of the Lewis Carroll stories since her childhood. https://preview.redd.it/1ef0shjlu8351.jpg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=722f1c32eabca48241c8e064a9c98379abe21f9a The simple blue and white colour scheme is a recurring feature of the deck, and Sasha has used linear drawings with a minimalist style and with a childish and playful feel, believing that this best suits the absurdity and logic of the story. Just like the book itself, there are many imaginative details that the artist has provided, but there's also plenty of scope for you as reader to imagine details of your own. The card backs represent the garden that Alice gets into, with a distinctive symmetrical pattern. The Aces each recount part of Alice's adventures and companions, e.g. Pigeon (Spades), the child that turned into a pig (Clubs), the mad tea-party (Diamonds), and a mallet-flamingo (Hearts). But as with most custom decks, it's the court cards that are the real highlight, depicting characters like The Cheshire Cat, Mad Hare, Hatter, White Rabbit, and more - including of course The Queen of Hearts and The King of Hearts. To distinguish the suits clearly, the black suited court cards have a blue background, while the red suited court cards have a beige background. https://preview.redd.it/ln04nq8mu8351.jpg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=360067c748428609e5f925b7bf7e9f968fc50068 The number cards are also customized with uniquely shaped pips in a non-standard arrangement. An extra feature of these is a unique symbol for each different suit, each of which has been derived from the story, e.g. the pocket watch, the pepper pot. The Jokers feature the magical food/drink from the story which made Alice small and big respectively: the "Drink Me" mixture and the "Eat Me" cake. Also of note are two bonus cards, one of which pictures the book's final court scene - which appropriately features lots of playing cards! This deck is a wonderful tribute to the famous book, given the extensive customization and how the Alice in Wonderland theme has been incorporated in every aspect of the playing cards, making it a charming deck for the child in all of us! Final Thoughts In many ways playing cards have become a microcosm of life. Art mirrors life, and when playing cards find a place in our art, then they are giving us reason to reflect on ourselves and on our lives. But art can also be enjoyed for its own sake, and those of us who are playing card enthusiasts will appreciate the clever way that playing cards have found a place in novels like the ones discussed above, and will enjoy reading these stories and appreciate the clever ways they incorporate playing cards. Not only have playing cards become an integral part of our lives, but as a form of art themselves, they also reflect something about life. With today's myriad of custom decks, we are now in a position where playing cards have become works of art, and reveal something about what we like, and they are indications of what is important to us. And in cases of decks about Alice in Wonderland, they have even become tributes to works of art that themselves honour playing cards. So why not head down a rabbit hole, and join me in enjoying some of these great books which honour our 52 paper friends! Author's note: I first published this article at PlayingCardDeckshere.
https://preview.redd.it/is0gd08ixwg41.png?width=779&format=png&auto=webp&s=ff3899dac834fc0450d8c5b7dba22530c3500087 Lockdown is one of those episodes that really stuck with me as a kid - it was largely focused on deepening the Hatch mystery and of course it was a Locke-centric. But revisiting it now, it's surprisingly one of the lesser interesting season 2 storylines because it's almost entirely matter of fact. Unlike, say, Orientation, which brilliantly combined the worldbuilding with gripping character drama, Lockdown is basically the show adding a few new twists, but not really developing the characters through those discoveries. Which is especially disappointing because the idea of trapping people in the Hatch seems ripe for a classic cabin fever kind of story. Imagine how much more exciting the whole incident would've been if Jack was there as well, possibly even someone else like Charlie. Instead, it's just Locke and Henry, the latter of whom is a blank until season 3. Of course, Henry is a wild card and if you're watching for the first time, there's some tension in seeing what he'll do, but on rewatch? It's just not that interesting because we know. Whereas the conflict between Jack and Locke *is* still interesting, because both characters are involved and know exactly what they're dealing with. In addition to this, the two main Hatch mysteries just aren't that good. The blast door map is only relevant for the discovery of the Pearl a few episodes later and then is never revisited again outside of a perfunctory appearance in Live Together, Die Alone(which explains nothing about it). The food drop arguably does hint at the outside world still being there, but it's not like the characters do anything with that information. For them, it's just more food. My point is that Lockdown doesn't feel like it develops the characters or progresses the story in a meaningful way, despite its excellent direction and good plot concept. There is a fairly amusing subplot on the beach where we learn that Jack's an ace poker player, but it's mostly played for laughs and pretty forgettable. Which is another thing that kind of annoys me, because games between characters can often be very interesting - think of the James Bond gambling scenes(most notably Casino Royale). Or even the show's own King Of The Castle mobisode. They're great at letting us in on the characters' agenda as the characters themselves try to figure out their opposing sides. In Lockdown, it's just about deflating Sawyer's ego a bit. And I feel like the show can and should be more interesting than that. At least we get that cool line about Jack getting the guns when he needs them. Finally, there's the flashback storyline depicting Helen and Locke's relationship collapsing, but I feel like even there, there's hardly any surprises. Locke always has to be miserable to the max. So let's have both Helen and his dad abandon him at the same time. They might as well have truncated that story and have it all play out in Orientation. Okay, probably not, but given how meh the on-island storyline was, it just doesn't help to have a flashback that's basically just a part two to a previous one. Notes: *Hurley debuts an orange T-shirt. Kate once again wears an old-fashioned white shirt(reminiscent of Jacob) that she last had in Maternity Leave. Claire briefly appears wearing the green hoodie last seen in ...And Found. Libby debuts a blue T-shirt. *One of the few really strong character moments in the episode was Locke's furious reaction to Henry's "got any milk?" speech - because once again, he had been inadvertently embarrassed in front of Jack. Ana-Lucia's expedition had been entirely his I'm-independent-from-Jack idea. *Ironic that Helen thinks obituaries are the nicest part of the paper, given that she died soon. *I love the jump cut from a confused and upset Locke staring at Helen to a confused and upset Locke staring at Henry. *Poor Hurley. Loop, dude. Loop. *How come the speakers are seriously malfunctioning when it comes to delivering the lockdown announcement, but the button alarm always sounds crystal clear? *Why is Locke so distracted at Anthony's funeral? Can't a car just hang around? Why wouldn't people be peeking at your funeral? A funeral's kind of a big thing. *Shame that Locke lost his inspector job later. Looks kind of like steady employment to me. *I love how Anthony doesn't give a crap if Locke brings the money or not - he just gives him the key because hey... nobody else is gonna get that money to him. *Henry's great at manipulating, but if I was Locke, I'd remind him that his not starving to death depended on him helping me with the blast door. *Jimmy Bane's a cool dude. Shame they never got him back to be Keamy's assistant or something. *When an injured Locke crawls into the computer dome, the shot of the timer going from 108 to 107 appears to be archive footage? It's fuzzier than the rest of the episode and black bars appeared above and below the screen. *I do wonder what actually caused the blue light to switch on. Or why it even exists(something to do with electromagnetism?). Overall, Lockdown's intriguing concept helps to make it stand out, but it's not as good as I remember.
JP Summer 2019 Story according to someone who can't read! HIMEJI-Casino IN COLOR
------------------------ Disclaimer The following is the interpretation of a story in Japanese by a man who can't read Japanese, it merely made for comedic purposes and does not reflect the actual writing of the original story. ---------------------------- HIMEJI Casino The chapter opens with our NEET-Princess monologing in a game of ~~PUBG~~ ~~Fortnite~~ ~~APEX Legends~~, just whatever battle royale game you guys like the most. Type-moon being type-moon I can only assume she is rambling on something about survival of the fittest or some other philosophy, also don’t mind the [kiyo in the background, she’s not actually there]( https://i.imgur.com/pjTocoL.png), I’ll get to her in a bit. The scene switches back to our protagonists, heading towards Casino HIMEJI, we speculate that it’s probably Okki and I am thoroughly surprised that her casino isn’t the Castle JANGATM we all know and love. There is nothing out of the ordinary, there’s slots, roulette, poker but for some reason there’s hanafuda (which is basically the Japanese version of playing cards, google it). Enter, King of the Jungle, [Jaguarman (Tiger) and OG Illya]( https://i.imgur.com/PptSh4F.png), Tiger gets hyped at the sight of the hanafuda cards and challenges Illya. Illya feels obliged to see who is the better goddess and the two end up duelling, I can only assume the duel went like this, https://youtu.be/OSqkRU8V2iA?t=176. Mashu questions why there are servants who aren’t in swimsuits here but Siegfried ain’t got time to answer that so we shall promptly ignore Mashu. There we spot [a line to enter the battle royale]( https://i.imgur.com/W945KJH.png) and ask for Okki however… [You were expecting Okki but it was me KIYOHIME.]( https://i.imgur.com/k7cbLUO.jpg) [CHOICE:]( https://i.imgur.com/TpTNr0J.png) [Say nothing due to PTSD from first summer event/ Valentine/ just general Kiyo things.] [Morning, any progress yet? (I can only assume that this is throwing some shade at her lack of character development)] [Kiyohime SHOCK~.](https://i.imgur.com/HuKf6fS.png) But she recovers and calls you a tease and she likes it like that. [So, no progress.](https://i.imgur.com/xUbpA8M.png) Time to move the plot along, Kiyo askes us if we’re taking part in the event, which we are and question what Kiyo is doing here. It turns out Okki and Kiyo were running this casino together but then Okki being the NEET she is, refused to work and decided to have fun instead. Scene switches to an on-going match, where a bunch of assorted mobs get owned by the best team at the moment. Enter ~~Team Liquid~~, Osakabehime, Anne Bonny, Black Beard and Mecha Eli MK2. They effortlessly win and [hi-fives]( https://i.imgur.com/XsSzz2G.png) and [weird handshakes]( https://i.imgur.com/bbSCkWP.png) all around, Mecha Eli complains that she didn’t even get to participate, Okki assures her by saying that she’s basically like the last boss for their team. So long story short in exchange for bringing Okki back (dead or alive, but alive is preferable) we get the event item which lets us progress the story, however we lack the necessary member to participate and I quote, [‘Mashu and Master are a bit too heavy to carry’.]( https://i.imgur.com/6DEZfPY.png) Wow Musashi, just wow. But it’s true, we do need someone to carry this team of scrubs. Enter, [~~Fabulous~~ Mysterious Onii-san.]( https://i.imgur.com/pgXaS05.png) He comes in with a Hawaiian mood but he is a year too late, so in order to make up for lost time he has decided ‘gift’ us a free stay at GILDALAY Hotel… for free of course… Also, [“Hello Children.”]( https://i.imgur.com/ZNSar0U.png) This man could not get any shadier, if he was in a van and was handing out candy, I would totally jump in the van, no lie. We head over to the hotel to be greeted by, ~~gorgeous P~~ Gilgamesh (caster) and we ask him [where d’eon (DW, maid outfit, when?!?) and the queen of Sheba are.]( https://i.imgur.com/tV7XvzL.png) It appears that d’eon is working at a casino (bunny d’eon hint?) and the queen has gone into the casino business instead, leaving our casgil understaffed. He did attempt to hire some fresh hands but the results were… flashbacks to, [‘I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS JOB ENTAILS BUT I WANT IN!’]( https://i.imgur.com/KrMCdYK.png), [‘Heard you need a diva.’]( https://i.imgur.com/1ebQhIc.png) And [‘I charge 1 carrot an hour’]( https://i.imgur.com/poolTzY.png)……) pretty good cause he got [Lanling]( https://i.imgur.com/nLr9583.png)……) somehow… anyhow, about our free stay… which obviously [had a catch, CAUSE NOTHING IS EVER TRULY FREE!]( https://i.imgur.com/QkMBH1I.png) So we proceed to beat the keys out of Casgil. If anyone was wondering why the battle started with Lanling stunned, [because he had to take a business call.]( https://i.imgur.com/hoBNO2h.png) [Battle Ensures] We get the keys and proceed to check in. [Kiyo suggests we share rooms and everyone else gets their own]( https://i.imgur.com/edHqPxJ.png), classic kiyo~. We cuck her once again and [EVERYONE is getting their own rooms.]( https://i.imgur.com/myTiwn1.png) Kiyo receives this pretty well calling us a tease and that’s just the way she likes it. We are [greeted by a nervous Charlotte]( https://i.imgur.com/vfgUVDV.png) and she throws up her entire script before we can say anything and takes her leave, Siegfried coined it, [‘Machinegun-talk’]( https://i.imgur.com/FFYSt6H.png), which seems appropriate and we all head up to drop off our stuff? Before gathering in the lobby again. Pretty sure we’re not carrying anything but sure… Hokusai is amazed at how golden the rooms are and before the plot gets derailed again, Enter,[ ~~Best Boi~~, visually updated Kotarou-kun~](https://i.imgur.com/mIP3m1i.png). I’m sure Takahashi Rie is ascending to heaven somewhere out there. Poor guy is working when it’s his day off but he argues that being of use to us is the best kind of vacation, best boi. Back to the plot, he comes back with some intel on the game area/map and explains some of the rules for us. Turns out we need teams of fours and Sexy Sumanai is going to do what mashu usually does and monitor our status screen, Kotarou is not participating for obvious reasons and mashu/master is dead weight, so we need more members. We name a few possible candidates such as, [Berserkerlot,]( https://i.imgur.com/s1FrzEf.png) honestly, he would be pretty op if he didn’t go on a rampage every second, so scratch that, [let’s just find an archer servant.]( https://i.imgur.com/leu5I60.png) We run into our first candidate, [James fucking Moriarty]( https://i.imgur.com/eBi6BjT.png)……) Alright, what are you up to? Suspiciously [whistles]( https://i.imgur.com/paJdJHz.png). Anyways, he says he can’t help because he much too busy doing… things. With our search hitting a dead end, yes 1 servant in and we’re done… Enter, [Deus ex Machina,]( https://i.imgur.com/kFgP1z7.png) and as his name suggests he showed up to give us hints on who we should be looking for. Very convenient. The hints are; An Archer Someone that would spoil their grandchildren A sweet young maiden Drop your answers in the comment section below~ The answer was [Helena Blavatsky]( https://i.imgur.com/fQ4Puw2.png), if you got that, then congrats to you and no I ain’t got no prizes, blew all my qp in the casino alright! Helena joins us in a heartbeat, thanks grandma~. Looks like we got all the members Hokusai, ~~musashi~~ Iori, Mashu, Master and Helena… luckily for us [Helena can count and points out that we are one member over.]( https://i.imgur.com/33yH0kc.png) Stumped by this fact we all put our thinking caps on and musashi has an epiphany, [you don’t count as a member if you’re not a person.]( https://i.imgur.com/eoHA37X.png) We lose what remaining humanity we had and resign to being someone’s equipment… while mashu is not entirely satisfied with idea, as there are no other objections we proceed with preparing for our battle. Kotarou goes to scout out the enemy team and we have a practice match with Helena to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. [Battle Ensures] TIME TO GET PUMPED [えーい、えーい、おーう！]( https://i.imgur.com/3gG7Aby.png) [Post editing] Or not, cause if you choose to be silent it causes Helena to try EVEN HARDER to get us pumped and musashi dies of cuteness overload… The chapter starts with all participates in the plane before the match starts, Okki notices us and is initially distressed about it but thanks to [her class change and lessons with Li Shuwen Sensei, she is pretty cocky]( https://i.imgur.com/YxUlYj6.png) and thinks she can beat us. Meanwhile Hokusai [doesn’t look too good]( https://i.imgur.com/eTrmD5e.png) and clings to us. [Musashi gives us the thumbs up]( https://i.imgur.com/8PVeNRy.png) and ]Okki gives the NTR’ed delusional look]( https://i.imgur.com/R2rrplf.png). Both teams refocus on the task at hand and it is time to jump. [Blackbeard notices us]( https://i.imgur.com/B6XLstX.png) on his way out and warns us that there’s no mercy on the battlefield. Luckily for us we’re not participants per say and we count as equipment… Blackbeard is somewhat disappointed, and Anne overhears the exchange and [licks her lips]( https://i.imgur.com/gaOg1fg.png) before jumping off. Now it is our to turn to jump off but Hokusai refuses to jump without us, but being the savage we are we tell her [it’s nothing new and it’s just like rayshifting]( https://i.imgur.com/tpdLVzq.png) and kick her out. Now on the ground we assemble, Fou included, seems like he got into Mashu’s backpack at some point and we get to enjoy [Hokusai’s sweet sweet tears]( https://i.imgur.com/5LXbAtU.png) for a bit before getting into a fight with another team. [Battle Ensures] After the battle we decide on our next course of action but [Hokusai high off of the win charges off]( https://i.imgur.com/5FU8POI.png) in a random direction, looks like the game plan is to just randomly wonder around and beat anyone we come across, a sound strategy. Meanwhile Okki and her MLG team clears an area and using the advance CPU capabilities of Mecha Eli MK2 they determine our location and [Anne volunteers to go ‘scout’ us out.]( https://i.imgur.com/ageCa4y.png) Okki goes a bit meta and points out that this is usually how people die in horror movies, Anne ignores the sound logic and goes off with [a skip in her step.]( https://i.imgur.com/G0KtP21.png) Blackbeard on the other hand susses us out and thinks that it could be a trap, knowing [Anne she could not resist treasure presented in front of her.]( https://i.imgur.com/kCFJYmt.png) He immediately sends Mecha Eli MK2 after Anne while [Okki is confused]( https://i.imgur.com/lHuiBOi.png) on why Blackbeard is in a frenzy. He repeats his hypothesis to Okki, saying that Anne and Mary would totally fall for a honey trap, especially if it was laced with Master. Which is exactly what is happening. The scene switches back to us and Fou aimlessly wondering around in the forest, before getting a flashback to Kotarou giving us a report on his findings. It turns out that [Okki and her team are cheating,]( https://i.imgur.com/0sa45SI.png) he then passes a VHS tape to Siegfried to insert into the VTR. [Siegfried does that stereotypical ‘pushes up glasses’ anime pose,]( https://i.imgur.com/adOakeF.png) for a spooky 4 star saber he sure is showing off his new costume… also the glasses are borrowed from Sigurd. Musashi flies into a rage at the mentioning of Sigurd, seems like Sigurd is Musashi’s type, [like how ~~ calm~~ hot he is and how ~~cool~~ hot he is.]( https://i.imgur.com/PqufH1t.png) That’s one superficial criteria. She then suggest we go ~~kidnap~~ borrow his wisdom. [Yeah, nah, that’s a hard no from me. ]( https://i.imgur.com/0iS36kY.png) On the VHS we see Anne getting ganged up by [G-man, The last Samurai and a Nazgul.]( https://i.imgur.com/n25rR4m.png) It seems like they all got lost to their own respective universes and decide to indulge themselves and project their fantasies onto Anne. Except last Samurai, [cause what he suggested was fucked up,]( https://i.imgur.com/tKdLajZ.png) even by their standards… It all turns out to be a trap and Mary pops out gives these degenerates a beating. Before they are socially and physically killed, they point out that Mary being here is against the rules but as we all know, they are two servants in one, so fuck the rules. [With the Nazgul’s dying breath]( https://i.imgur.com/6tzuKdg.png) he askes Mary to call him ‘Onii-chan’ to which she complains that she wants to be the [older sister rather than the younger sister…](https://i.imgur.com/uC1yiS5.png) The Nazgul gathers up his [final strength to laugh at Mary… Worth.]( https://i.imgur.com/zvy70TV.png) The tape ends and… everyone was left speechless. Then again, it’s nothing new, the two are always together however this does leave us at a disadvantage. Rather than fighting a 5 v 3 we start to devise a plan to pick off Anne and Mary, and in order to do so we must lure them away, but how can we? What do we have in our possession that could lure away those two…. [IF ONLY WE HAD SOME TREASURE/WINE or SOMETHING.]( https://i.imgur.com/uaPoAZF.png) IF ONLY WE HAD MASTER… [What?]( https://i.imgur.com/7Mi0j2m.png) [All three of them in agreement]( https://i.imgur.com/ydDd3NL.png) Obviously Mashu is against the plan but we live in the land of democracy so… Meanwhile back in present time, the plan worked flawlessly. [What’s this? Master! What are you doing in a place like this?]( https://i.imgur.com/qdXw2SU.png) [I’m lost…](https://i.imgur.com/rOWQefx.png) [But wait, if you’re here does that mean that your participant?]( https://i.imgur.com/72k7DUU.png) [What? A piece of equipment?]( https://i.imgur.com/vuq59SA.png) [Then you’re just like me…](https://i.imgur.com/rCPDxnJ.png) [But for a piece of equipment, to be here all by yourself…](https://i.imgur.com/yOh2Yr8.png) [Moves in for the kill….](https://i.imgur.com/2MAKYCc.png) [FOUND YA!]( https://i.imgur.com/tObeJ93.png) [So close, yet so far…](https://i.imgur.com/jz7XXiM.png) [You’re not getting a leg up on me!]( https://i.imgur.com/ZizI4Ei.png) [I wasn’t planning to… besides aren’t you supposed to be with the team?]( https://i.imgur.com/F87VcDY.png) [Well I heard Master might be in the area, so I went to ‘scout’ him out.]( https://i.imgur.com/WId9xcX.png) [Well it can’t be help, let’s have a threesome.]( https://i.imgur.com/C3RmQZT.png) [Master. Master, you count as a piece of equipment, right?]( https://i.imgur.com/0Huc0EV.png) [Well yeah, I guess.]( https://i.imgur.com/JvHILWc.png) [Which means we should treat you as such right?]( https://i.imgur.com/PHXMO0m.png) [No, no. We’re not gonna treat you badly, we’re gonna give you lots of---]( https://i.imgur.com/yLlqhZc.png) [Hugs]( https://i.imgur.com/ze1tGPE.png) [Head bunting]( https://i.imgur.com/LnEj6Ub.png) [Things we normally couldn’t do with you…]( https://i.imgur.com/2iOqXUv.png) [we’re going to give you loooooooooots of love <3]( https://i.imgur.com/V55eiRd.png) [Now, close your eyes <3]( https://i.imgur.com/91rYDsJ.png) [MY CHASITY IS IN DANGER, HELP!]( https://i.imgur.com/WqGgMOM.png) Assemble Thot Blockers! Although it seemed like [Mashu and Hokusai were unnerved]( https://i.imgur.com/5zpisBp.png) by what they just witnessed, to which Mary replies with [‘someone else is gonna take him otherwise~’]( https://i.imgur.com/B2m8y7O.png) [Battle Ensures] Anne and Mary collapse. [1] [You two alright?]( https://i.imgur.com/pTE8Wfx.png) [Yep, we’re still kicking <3.]( https://i.imgur.com/40OjRAh.png) Woah, that’s one quick recovery, although it seems like they have accepted their defeat and shall exit the game. Mecha Eli MK2 descends to confirm that both Anne and Mary have been knocked out and shall report this to Okki. [You ask if it’s not against the rules to fly]( https://i.imgur.com/ZChubXs.png), since that kinda seems like it would break the game, but Eli argues that she was born this way and this is a skill, better than a certain somebody summoning the ENTIRE OCEAN. [Jeanne: Bow before our dolphin overlords.]( https://i.imgur.com/Axt1NRV.png) Fair enough. Eli and Siegfried exchange blows for a bit before flying off back to her team. Siegfried figuring they now had the upper hand, taunts Eli, How are you gonna fight a 3 v 5? [Eli replies by calling him a noob]( https://i.imgur.com/7GZcBE1.png) for assume they didn’t have other tricks up their sleeves. Siegfried takes [critical damage to his ego.]( https://i.imgur.com/Hd1VzfA.png) For us FGO veterans we deduce their final trump card would be [Super Robot Mecha Eli MK2.]( https://i.imgur.com/F6hSX4L.png) Meanwhile back in Camp Okki, Okki [curses herself for not being along the castle,]( https://i.imgur.com/2w664d4.png) which Mecha Eli points out that it would’ve been impossible, but she does have a plan… Back in Chaldea Camp, we also [deduce that it would be physically impossible for them to bring the whole robot]( https://i.imgur.com/dynnj2r.png) along and recall how strong her missiles were. Hokusai, unaware of the powers of technology claims, [should this ‘missile’ show up, she will cut it where it stands… ]( https://i.imgur.com/1wOXOsw.png)thethe) sentiment is also shared by Musashi… Siegfried does argue that if the missile is below A rank, they should be able to deal with it without too much hassle… reassurance everywhere… The final chapter opens with both parties facing off and without wasting too much time Blackbeard [suggests we just start killing each other. ]( https://i.imgur.com/TKUf1JB.png) [Battle Ensures] The battle rages on due to [Blackbeard’s healing skill, [Gentlemanly Love]…]( https://i.imgur.com/Kvl7nZS.png) sure. Neither sides appear to be gaining the upper hand then [Mecha Eli MK2 reappears]( https://i.imgur.com/2z40d3W.png) and tells us that her missiles are now online and I assume all preparations are complete, because outta nowhere Okki summons [Prison Castle Csejte → Pyramid → Himeji Castle + Super Robot Mecha Eli-chan!]( https://i.imgur.com/IaHMBGl.png) In response, [Musashi bursts into laughter]( https://i.imgur.com/n5EtZHt.png) at the sight of Castle JENGATM, after she calms down she realises that [they are kinda fucked.]( https://i.imgur.com/lQd519C.jpg) Looks like we can only brute strength our way through, and to add pressure to Okki Blackbeard reminds her that if they lose she’s going to have visit Kiyo, and [it ain’t gonna be pleasant.]( https://i.imgur.com/4P9NFPF.png) [Showdown Ensures] Somewhat losing the battle, Okki and Mecha Eli retreat to the skies, since no of us can fly we gotta get creative. [By using Helena’s D-wheels we catapult Hokusai into the air, then to get further distance Musashi fires off an air strike which Hokusai rides.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbWGEbJQuBg) Okki and Mecha Eli prepare to do some sick evasive mauvers (steering slightly to the right), but not on my watch. [WITH MY COMMAND SEAL, I COMMAND YOU TO HIT THOSE TWO!]( https://i.imgur.com/k7AU2NM.png) And thus Hokusai was transformed into a homing missile. In the aftermath, as the victors we demanded 999,999,999 QP from the Okki but obviously she doesn’t have that kind of money so we got information instead, all while Kiyo was slowly creeping up on Okki. However Okki tries to [weasel her way out of this and says that she’s not allowed to tell them anything]( https://i.imgur.com/Valndp0.png) because she is scared of Latoria. BUT, [if we command her to give us her everything, she might consider it…]( https://i.imgur.com/yienrAq.png) Obviously Mashu does not approve, but [also Hokusai]( https://i.imgur.com/nFYBmc0.png )… Seems like she’s been making one too many rape doujins… But being the savages we are… [I WANT ALL OF YOUr information]( https://i.imgur.com/iHklyBu.png) [A critical blow to her maiden heart!]( https://i.imgur.com/wJvO5el.png) With the last of her defences destroyed, she decides to share with us the information… [unfortunately Kiyohime overheard and well…]( https://i.imgur.com/T2zRkoY.png) We all know how this ends… [I’ve got a question for you.]( https://i.imgur.com/I5169ol.png) [Do I look angry to you?]( https://i.imgur.com/xwzmEVE.png) [Yes… very much so….]( https://i.imgur.com/lLjRgOP.png) [Now, what does an angry Kiyohime do to Okki?]( https://i.imgur.com/SxNz6DR.png) [Laughs wickedly while turning me into pasta?]( https://i.imgur.com/MIq9PPD.png) [Oh heavens no.]( https://i.imgur.com/crH3Nay.png) [A thousand stabs with her spear of fire?]( https://i.imgur.com/YYSiR0M.png) [No, no, I wouldn’t do such a thing.]( https://i.imgur.com/6YDBtB3.png) [Then… YOU’LL FORGIVE ME?!]( https://i.imgur.com/RDMTNA5.png) [Yes, after I…]( https://i.imgur.com/VJIxVI1.png) The Doujo-ji bell rings… [trap you in Doujo ji, be sure to repent on your actions okay? <3]( https://i.imgur.com/77DwivG.png) [NUUOOOOOOOOO](https://i.imgur.com/WCQKlq3.png) We tell Kiyo to go easy on Okki but apparently it’s not all that bad inside the bell because it does [have air conditioning](https://i.imgur.com/UZbBIhH.png)……) [what?]( https://i.imgur.com/UNwGM2C.png) yeah I know right… anyhow, with the first boss dealt with [we thank granny for her help]( https://i.imgur.com/t9c1MIy.png) and Blackbeard in Okki’s place, drops some expositional text with added [dramatic effect]( https://i.imgur.com/fF3rkcI.png) thanks to Tsar Ivan… as expected of the Tsar, being there when his people needs him. ------------------------------------ And thus this chapter comes to a conclusion, damn what an event! So as mentioned above this is not accurate in any way and I’ll be aiming to release more chapters as they come out. My Motto is Speedy and Meme-y, so I’m not going to look up every single kanji I don’t know how to read, but instead provide a little glimpse of what the story is like because I absolutely loved all the jokes the writers included and thought it was a shame that us non-japanese folks couldn't fully enjoy. If there was any jokes that I missed and wish to share, leave them in the comments below and what are your speculations on the other casinos? What kind of references do you think will appear? With that, I’ll see you guys in the next chapter!
The name’s Bond… James Bond. A deeper look at Casino Royale (2006)
Hey folks! I'm planning on watching all 23 of the James Bond films between now and the release of Spectre in November. 007 films have always been my guilty pleasure and I thought it might be worth trying to have a more analytical discussion about them. If you all are interested, I'll be posting one of these discussions/reviews every 2 weeks. So here goes!
Story It’s often said that Bond films are made and broken by their villains. I say that this is a fine metric for all pre-Craig entries. Don’t get me wrong. Le Chiffre is perhaps one of my favorite Bond villains and I’ll get into that shortly, however this film isn’t dictated by the quality of the villain as he is overshadowed by a far more fulfilling character. We finally have our first film that is truly about James Bond. For the first time in the illustrious 44 year history of the franchise, we get a film that honors James Bond as a three-dimensional character. The role is juicy and Craig delivers spectacularly. The film dives deep, deep into the psyche of a spy — of a killer. I revel in the pointed exchanges between Bond and M. It is a pleasure to watch Bond arrogantly defend his actions. He is smug, self-righteous, and (to his superiors and peers) frustratingly correct more often than not. The caustic sparing between Bond and Vesper Lynd in their first meeting on the train even takes the title of greatest dialogue sequence away from Pierce’s Bond vs. Dench’s M in GoldenEye. It’s intelligent, it’s hysterical, and it’s real. It’s everything that a conversation between a top-tier, egotistical field agent and an aggressively ambitious agency accountant would be. And speaking of Vesper, there is no doubt that she is the greatest of all of Bond’s female cohorts. Obviously with 20 films to choose from, there are no shortage of female characters to consider. Pussy Galore is first competent female character who isn’t being played by forces out of her control. She’s completely dismissed for being a lesbian and taken advantage of in a terribly unsexy love scene. Tracy Bond is a fiercely independent and upstanding young woman. But ultimately she is restricted by her role as the obedient daughter. Anya Amasova is the first truly self-reliant, professional female. Even her character's integrity is completely undone as the writers go for a cheap sex scene at the end of the film. None of this applies to Vesper. She is self-sufficient. She is clever. She is human. The scene in which Bond comforts her in the shower following his visceral killing of a couple of thugs is one of the most striking and easily the most touching scenes in the entire series. Finally, as I mentioned before, Le Chiffre is one of my favorite villains. He is a welcome breath of fresh air in a series that had clumsily escalated to the point of villains wearing cheap Ironman knock off suits shooting lasers from the moon. Le Chiffre is a mathematical wizard who enjoys embezzling the money of his criminal clientele. Best of all, the entire plot of Casino revolves around Le Chiffre’s necessity to recollect $100 million of his clients’ funds that he lost betting the wrong way on a stock shortage. This sets up a fantastic dynamic between hero and villain. Unlike Everything that Le Chiffre does, he does out of fear and desperation. As the veil thins and the stakes raise, his actions become increasingly wretched, eventually concluding in a skin-crawling torture scene. Look and Sound Plain and simple, Casino Royale is the sexiest looking Bond film yet. Even the stylized scenes (the cold open and it’s accompanying flashback) are positively stunning. Daniel Craig’s introduction isn’t one of flash and spectacle. He doesn’t get a big Hollywood close up. His first lines are as dry in content as they are in delivery. The first time we see him, he is sitting in the far corner of a dark office. All we see is his face, unmoving and small in the film’s frame, his body obscured in noir-like darkness. Mads Mikkelsen's already superb performance is also greatly enhanced by top tier lighting. When the frame moves, the direction is just as immaculate as when it is still. The camera motion invokes a high level of energy during a series of perfectly choreographed, photographed, and executed action scenes. The stunt work and effect work is above and beyond any heretofore seen 007 footage. The parkour chase scene and airport chase scene are two of the most exhilarating sequences the franchise has to offer. David Arnold’s score is above average, though ultimately it doesn’t stand out too far from its contemporary film scores. That said, my absolute favorite music decision is that of the delayed gratification of the James Bond theme. It is absent throughout the entire score until the final seconds in which the familiar tune slowly and smirkingly edges in as our protagonist saunters into frame to utter the ever-iconic line, “Bond… James Bond.” Chris Cornell’s “You Know My Name” is solid though I wouldn’t rank it terribly high in the annals of Bond Song history. The accompanying credit sequence on the other hand is quite possibly my favorite. Title designer Daniel Kleinman dispenses with the standard 3D abstractions in favor of flat colors and 2D design. Casino marks the final Bond film in which Peter Lamont acted as Production Designer. His mark on the series is as notable as his predecessor, Ken Adam. Where Adam emphasized the stylized mid-century modern world of Connery's Bond, Lamont took the world in a decidedly new direction. Beginning in 1981 on the production of For Your Eyes Only, Lamont aimed to produce a world that felt tangible, modern, and realistic. In this final film, his efforts reach their zenith. When paired with the positively stunning lighting from cinematographer, Phil Méheux, the combination is a world that requires no suspension of disbelief. Callbacks, Recurrences, and Tropes From the first frame, things have changed. Immediately following the MGM lion’s roar, we find ourselves at the snowy exterior of a foreign government building. No gun barrel sequence here. The scene plays out with Bond discussing his first ever kill as a government agent. During the conversation, we flashback to the fight. It climaxes with Bond’s nemesis springing back to life and aiming a gun at 007. The POV snaps into the barrel of the gun as Bond reacts, shooting the would-be killer in the familiar manner of the traditional gun barrel shot. Casino Royale is the first film of the series not to include either Moneypenny or a Quartermaster. While Dr. No didn’t include a character by the name of Q, it did have Major Boothroyd, MI6’s armorer. Incidentally, Q is referred to as Major Boothroyd in The Spy Who Loved Me. It's a bit confusing but the moral of the story is that there is no gadget master in Casino Royale. With that is the absence of the traditional gadgetry as we’ve come to expect. One of the few prop callbacks is the return of the iconic 1964 Aston Martin DB5. The DB5 makes its fifth showing in the series, following appearances in Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, and a brief cameo in Tomorrow Never Dies. In one of the wiser casting decisions, Judy Dench was asked to return as M. She provides a pleasant bridge in the casting change between Brosnan and Craig. Casino also marks the return of CIA Agent Felix Leiter — this time portrayed by Jeffrey Wright. It shouldn’t come as a surprise by this point that Wright’s portrayal of Leiter is also undoubtedly the best of the series. Gone is the portrayal of Americans as cowboys and the rednecks. That’s not to say that the character isn’t without his Americanisms. I do get a chuckle every time Bond asks Leiter what will become of the poker game winnings if Bond beats Le Chiffre. Leiter response with a toothy grin, “does it look like we need the money?” Casino even handles one of the more preposterous 007 traditions in spectacular fashion. It would seem entirely out of place for a character to have a name like Pussy Galore or Xenia Onatopp. The gag still makes an appearance, however. When briefing Vesper on their upcoming mission, Bond playfully informs her that her undercover alias is Stephanie Broadchest (and that she’s just going to have to trust him on this one). Finally, even Bond’s signature drink order is adjusted to reflect the new character’s coarse nature. After being denied reentry into the poker tournament, Bond orders a drink while he stews over his course of action. He then responds to the bartender’s “shaken or stirred” inquiry by snapping, “does it look like I give a damn?” Overall Impression Spectacular. Visually stunning. Emotionally gripping. Engaging, exhilarating, electrifying. The strongest and most unique entry thus far. Technically proficient in every way with writing that is entirely without equal. Every facet from the cinematography to the costuming appears to be fully thought out and executed in with the utmost care and proficiency. I suppose it’s a bit of a faux pas to refer to another review in your own review but Roger Ebert said it best when he explained that as the years went on, he was becoming less convinced that he would ever need to see another James Bond film until he saw Casino Royale. Quick Hits
Category
Score
Note
Writing
9.5
Top notch. Sharp, smart, funny.
Directing
10
Gorgeous framing, excellent camera moves, pulled some fantastic acting from his cast.
Acting
9
As true to real witnessing real life as you’re going to get in a Bond film.
Bonus Category! So for each movie my wife and I will be enjoying a spirit or cocktail that relates to the film. This was the easiest cocktail choice yet. Bond hands us the drink on a silver platter by actually listing out the exact ingredients and measurements for the Vesper Martini. It is as follows • 3 measures Gordon's Gin • 1 measure vodka • 1/2 measure Cocchi Americano vermouth (Bond asks for Kina Lillet which has been discontinued so the internet suggested Cocchi as a "perfect substitute") • garnish with a slice of lemon Shake well over ice until cold. Garnish with a thin slice of lemon rind.
So what do you folks think? How does Casino Royale fare in your opinion?
The story of BS and corruption... Long post / may give you cancer -
TL;DR :– · Me and why I was banned · IWISK · EVE CASINO · CCP Security · Tinfoil · Shit Spelling
Dear Fellow Space Nerds,
For months I have been debating if I should write this piece and I warn you now it is long, I have written this and discarded it several times on the basis that it will just come across as a bitch or a whine. But as you may now tell I have left it long enough for many to not care, so this story will just be that, a story of bad spelling, bad punctuation and the worst grammar you have ever seen. But it is my story and I have decided to just tell it as the question “I thought you was banned” needed a point of reference I could send people to. Now I get you will be suspicious but I am telling it as I see it, and if you read all of this then bravo indeed! :) Before we begin let me just say that the whole banning of gambling mechanisms from a video game I do support and that is my stance on it. It may just be for fun but does it hold a place in a sandbox from an external point of view, the answer is no and should be every time. However it can be incredibly innocent for the 99% that participate, it is however the 1% who may have been personally affected by the ability to gamble using IRL money via the forms of plex codes. My issue which you will read here, is how it was handled and how I was treated rather than the morals of gambling. This story begins at the start of 2016. Between the dates of the 6th and 9th of January, approx 14 Bankers in IWISK was banned for suspected RMT. This was only several days after CCP Peligro (who will be referenced allot in this piece) had announced on Twitter that he was back to work. CCP Peligro has been a subject much recently on reddit and other channels (discord / IRC etc) and I figured I would give my experience with him and CCP as a whole. Now some devs from CCP are reading this and those who I have linked this too will agree with much that is written here. Now the claims that the banning of IWISK bankers was due to SMA etc informing CCP Security of the 1 Dollar to 1 Billion isk that IWISK was selling, these were called Batts or batteries.. I know what you are thinking, why would CCP believe such an incredible story that 1 Billion equated to 1 USD... Now CCP Peligro was off on Christmas break when these emails were sent to [email protected] mailbox. Well the simple truth is that they actually did! Team Security took this as an opportunity to jump on the IWISK RMT train which they failed to execute back in mid 2015 with the whole iwisk URL blacklisting from the in game browser. Now why would Team security hate IWISK? The answer is really simple and can be summed in a few bullet points :
Several complaints over IWISK RMT which on reddit we saw around 20 threads claiming to have damning evidence but was never shared with anyone...
Bankers actually had been caught prior to the ban wave (I think 2 but we shal say 3 for the sake of argument)
IWISK is a blind spot for Security
So the complaints speak for themselves however the bankers who had actually been caught prior to this are simply the reaction of an individual acting alone. Some CCP Security caught and some we had emailed CCP Security of suspicious activity who had later been perma banned. And lastly the blind spot... This for any organisation regardless of being a gaming company, this is just an almost impossible scenario to police and should never have been allowed to operate. But the fact is that it was and as such this was their own creation of a black zone. This black zone had existed for almost 7 years+ with 3rd partying websites. The actual Blackzone has technically always existed since the API was allowed for public use. Now keep in mind this is not just IWISK related as ANY other gambling or website that allowed transactions to take place "legitimately" through a 3rd party site is a risk. The reason IWISK was such a risk was because literally hundreds of trillions flowed through it. IWISK could easily transact up to or approx 50 to an incredible 100 Trillion a month just by the master wallet alone! (may have been less but at its peak it really hit these numbers) So IWISK was a massive risk to Security from an RMT perspective, and anyone could claim RMT, and to be fair to those who did, we could not prove that it was not happening. And I will explain why this is the case… IWISK had a quick deposit method that allowed bankers to process isk by copying the transaction from the wallet into a field on the bankers backend. This allowed said banker to give the customer their virtual isk on the site within 8 seconds of sending the isk to IWISK Corp. This made us very popular as there was very limited wait times to gamble with your iskies. However this system could be abused right? I simply could just copy a transaction from the wallet and wallah, I have given myself 1 bajjilion isk right... Yes this indeed is the scenario... IWISK or EEP mitigated this risk by adding a collateral to the bankers account. So if a bankers collateral was 10 billion, he could only quick deposit for players up to 10 billion isk. When the API ran after 30 minutes, these would be matched against the players transaction from the master wallet and the banker would be given his collateral back on the site. So what the hell does that all mean.. well it means that a banker could amass profits as a banker and they could use those profits to RMT with. So If the banker had 20 Billion in his collateral wallet, the banker could sell 10 Billion to a player by just tweaking the transaction to their name, thus creating a fake wallet deposit in the database. The API runs and it will not match the in game wallet, and thus the banker is now down 10 Billion but you have "gifted" a player 10 billion isk to do what they want with. So yes there was a loop hole in IWISK that allowed people to do this, but it was policed when discovered and this was one of the ways we caught people who thought they were smarter than the admins running IWISK or CCP security. I genuinely believed these bankers thought we could not catch them and that we would not shop them to CCP --- They were wrong.. --- I would often receive emails from players stating they just bought isk from xyz site and they got a iwisk email saying they had funds. So my response which can be verified by Security was always to inform CCP and if I catch who it was I would do the same. So this is where it got a bit hard to navigate, I would often look at the person delivering the isk and be like "really this fucking guy is RMT'ing....". So when probed the banker denied it and I could not help but believe him. However I now had the issue of trying to work out who and how.. So this is really how the above loophole was discovered and the watching began to see who and how.. I never said or told people that we were watching them, simply just mailed everyone saying, if you are RMT’ing and using IWISK as a front we can identify you and you will be caught. Again this can be verified by CCP or a banker who kept these mails… We caught several bankers and details were sent to CCP and policing of that was now a task. So back on track to the banning of the Bankers Jan 2016. After a month or so CCP un-banned all those involved. Except for one person “R00gle” who was in MC at the time. Now R00gle to this day denies any involvement in RMT and even went to FanFest to hang out with his buddies from MC. CCP Spoke to him and said they would look back into it, but they never did get in touch with him. Having now known R00gle for many years, If asked the question did he? I would say no every time and he was a scape goat for CCP Security to claim they got "their" guy from the ban wave in Jan. Remember that CCP Security only answers to very few people in CCP and that would be Hilmar, and maybe Andie or Ned? IDK exactly who but this would be a reasonable assumption and really just speculation from other posts and channels I have poked around in. So on that basis, any communication directed at CCP Security is never going to give you a response, because CCP Security do not discuss with end client or in very rare cases they may, but not to the value add of the end user, and simply close your ticket with a no response. This you can find on Reddit hundreds of times and this is how they operate. This should come to many of you as no surprise regardless how shit the service is. The so what to all that is, CCP Security hated IWISK from day one. Not just for the reasons above but also because they got told to let it go the first time around (mid 2015) and the second time around (Jan 2016). Most reading this will know about where CCP Burgtarist was open at FanFest and said he was over ruled and if he had his way everyone would have remained banned. Now some numbers, because we all love numbers and spreadsheets! But sadly I do not have graphs... I could make one but then I would be just trying to buy the super nerds approval using graph pron! This is the contribution of IWISK over 12 months to the RMT issue. So you can speculate that CCP Security spent hundreds of hours of no doubt, evidence gathering and data analysis which I know CCP Quant had to do. I am sure trying to map all that isk was a nightmare and the promo codes must have made it impossible to determine isk in vs isk out.. CCP released a figure stating that on average every day they ban 50 accounts for RMT or other activities etc... Now this same figure I have seen across reddit on a few occasions and I have used this number on occasion to make a point, and I believe it has comes from the 2014 FF video archive. If the figure is wrong let me know and I will recount my abbicus and update appropriately. But I think when you see the result the amount they ban per day will not change the outcome too much. EDIT: Some facts for you... 2012 to 2013 30,202 Account banned total. So 50 Accounts banned daily over 1 year
50*365= 18,250 accounts.
IWISK accounts perma banned within 12 months = 4 people Jan 2016 to Jan 2017
IWISK Contribution to the RMT problem
0.022%
Not suggesting that RMT is justified and belittling the issue at all, but numbers speak for themselves and the issue was tiny by comparison to what actually takes place in Eve if at all IWISK was RMT'ing. Now if you check these websites that are selling ISK and have feedback sections, you will see that they are still selling and moving the same amounts of isk. Soooo no sudden dip in ISK being RMT'd to the "black market"??? Think about that just for a minute and ponder if IWISK was such a massive RMT operation why has banning it had no effect on the 3rd party ISK Black Market? Smells like bullshit right... So before I even get to what happened in Octoer 2016.. Several more points on RMT in Eve. It happens all the time and it is happening in alliances or inter corp constantly. Supers & Titans are being sold for RL $$'s all the time and accounts. CCP Tickets to FF / Vegas are being sold for isk along with Plane tickets / hotels and beer money.. Yes those going to Fanfest this year, there will be a few who have paid corp mates isk to fund their trip and hotel stays because they have soo much isk and some people have swag amounts of RL $$’s. I know many that have done this and even many CCP dev's know who these people are. This was discussed at a player meet on several occasions late last year. However this is not challenged or tackled because literally who gives a F, certainly the Devs attending did not give a F. Hell I tried to buy a nice duder at FF but he refused to take my money and insisted he bought me the beer. So instead I said jokingly how about a plex as I will end up owing you? He said that is one cheap plex, but no you do not have to do that... Now some would have said hey, I buy beer and you gib plex K?... Little did he know that because he refused me spending my own money and just wanted to buy me a beer out of principle and in his own words "you have done a lot for many", when I got back to the UK @ home I sent him 20 plex's! Made me warm and fuzzy just for his reaction as he was gobsmacked. ♥ So If I am guilty here it is accepting a beer and paying 20 plex’s for the pleasure \0/ then yesh I deserve the banning. kek So now we spin on to September 2016. Me and Eep had a few disagreements over several years and now looking back it was over trivial stuff and I decided that If I had stayed in IWISK our relationship would have devolved further. This being our friendship of 3 years was coming to an end and it genuinely made me sad and disappointed with myself. Regardless of what you may think of Eep or the way he reacts from time to time, he is a good guy and he takes way more flak than is deserved. He is down on his luck most of the time. He struggled with money and lived on very little, despite what you all thought, he was not rolling around in RL money living the dream, but sadly living month to month on most occasions and having to borrow money (which he repaid back to people). And I hope Gonz does not mind me saying that, but I just wanted to put it into context and disperse any ideas that he was rivalling yacht sizes with Mittens… If you really knew Gonz, you would know he had no money and if he had been RMT'ing then he would have been rich by comparison. So I decided one day that enough was enough and if I stayed in IWISK one more day I would flip my sheet and my relationship with Gonz would be perma damaged. So I left to join Eve Casino who welcomed me along for their launch of a new casino that worked completely different to any of the others currently open. Now I did act badly here and I do regret my abuse of the in game mailing list IWISK had, I advertised me leaving IWISK and promoting a new Casino. As the Face of IWISK (streaming and Media) I tried to justify it as a bit of tongue and cheek on my way out, but it was a douche move. I figured Eep would take it two ways, badly or a challenge to step up IWISK 2.0 asap. Not one that I am proud of... But even after all that me and Eep have remained friends and we still talk from time to time. Some things are more important than space pixels, and I am happy to report he is doing ok and better off now than he was prior to IWISK being banned from EVE. The site is still thriving and makes more $$$$’s than it ever has. So I am now with this new group ECAS / Eve Casino. The doors are closed for internal testing only and the website was pretty damn good I must say. I will not go too deep on ECAS as there really is not much to say, but the website was functioning but only to a point as it was only half finished, not ready for release. The planned release date was the week of Eve Vegas and much work was needed to get it finished. So with that in mind that Eve Casino was not open to the public and not a single isk was moved through ECAS, the owner was banned along with myself Lenny and Eep. Here is the list of why's :
Lenny – RMT.
IronBank - Section 2.1 EULA Offence.
Eep - EULA Offence / not sure as never saw it and cannot find reference.
Adarics ECAS - EULA Breach of Development License.
Now Eve Casino was banned because they had used the Crest API for the login to the site as part of the "Evil Network" SSO. This included EOC TV and a few other tools that was being developed. The Crest API was not used for anything else other than the player to login and this was approved by CCP for use. Adarics had spoken with several developers who had given him the greenlight to use it as it was not being used to handle wallet information or any other part of the player. But CCP security banned him for said use. So now we have a classic situation of Part A of the org not talking to Part B. When this was produced to CCP Security they just closed the ticket and ignored him. And yes you got it, CCP Peligro. So again even with Adarics doing everything by the book, asking for permission and clearing everything prior to deploying it or using it, CCP still screwed him over, or should I say CCP Security. Now it is my understanding that he took this information to Falcon who basically dismissed him and said it did not matter as the case was closed. Now Falcon was A) not interested or B) Cant do anything... Now you might be thinking wait there must be more to this than what Iron is telling us... Nope that is it, and the so what to that.. Around 12 bankers who were helping test the website which had not transacted a single isk and was closed to the public had all their wallets reset to zero, and Adarics was banned for a first time infraction of a rule that had no effect on the game as the casino was closed even though he had a green light from the Developers. To this day Adaric is still banned and all those bankers who joined ECAS never got their isk back. They had done nothing wrong, not a single isk moved around, not involved in any of the coding, and CCP just took trillions of isk from these players. Soo, abuse of Power you might say? Guess who did this >>> CCP Peligro Mr Team Security. Next we move back to IWISK.. Lenny and EEP banned for the reasons above and the rest of the bankers had their isk stripped. So again bankers in IWISK who may have been or may not have been involved in RMT was stripped of their isk and that was that. CCP took between 25 and 30 Trillion isk from both of these orgs and claimed a victory over RMT. Now it is not hard to fathom that a lot of isk was purchased with plex. I often was intrigued if people had been playing with Plex to fund their activities on IWISK, as to me this was fascinating. Take away the human part that people may have been spiralling out of control, this can be said not just for IWISK but for EOH EVE Bet and the "others" who probably had small amounts of traffic but nothing worth boasting :P (still getting those jabs in). I do not like to reference competition as it seems like a cheap shot, but as these are now all dead, it no longer matters to a degree… But yeah the point here is that all that isk taken which no doubt the players had purchased via EVE or Markee etc has disappeared.. Not even some sent to Plex 4 Good or used to reimburse players who had their stuff stolen in game etc.. CCP talk about an isk imbalance when they restore Items from stolen looted accounts, well they have a huge sink to use. But I guess this was taken and written off as profit rather than use what they took. Whenever people think of RMT or gambling in Eve they will always pick the most known target. One because the most popular and two because law of averages state that yes it probably exists at some point. However this can exist across all of the casino's, but given the most popular will always be the focal point, you are always going to be under suspicion. An example of RMT existing outside of IWISK I want to share with you is a guy we caught from Germany, who was trying to use IWISK to funnel money to another player. He was using the raffle system buying 50% tickets with player 1 and using a 2nd account on another machine connected via a VPN to mask himself from us and CCP. His 2nd account would purchase the other 50% of tickets. So he was washing his isk. Yes IWISK was taking a cut as the house would normally regardless, but unknowingly being abused by some tard or tards. I asked this guy if he used any other ways of doing this... With a bit of poking he finally opened up and said he had access to alliance funds and also a corp accounts in B0T. Not B0T holding itself ofc but some renter corps within B0t... This allowed him to funnel isk into these corp accounts and the use of these funds to build supers etc which he then 3rd partied to make RL money. This seemed like an obvious way to funnel isk and I asked him how he never got caught. His response was CCP are not clever enough or lack the resources to catch him... I was a little surprised by this but I wanted more info on this guy. I was trying to catch him out by getting any info I could, but all avenues lead me to around 50 iP's which bounced all over the world across 7 or 8 VPN services which are easily obtained online & his hardware ID's were changing all the time. This guy was the master or RMT and seemingly from what he was claiming (because that is what it is just a claim) and I wanted to know more, hell who would not be curious. So I asked him if he had ever used any other websites to facilitate washing isk or doing RMT trades. He said the best one was using EOH Poker (Sorry guys). He said that all he had to do was set up a Head to Head and just lose to the person he was selling to... Or use 2 accounts of his and wash the money across 20 accounts over a 3 month or 6 month period of which none could be connected to Physical hardware or software ID tagging. He told me he would biomass on mass accounts, and some accounts he has had for years without being banned by Team Security. So he in private could wash isk very easily via playing poker in sealed rooms. Thus utilizing EOH's system to wash isk very easily with little to no risk of another player sniping raffles from him. I could see his point and he said that he would only use IWISK for certain methods of washing or selling isk, but he would not tell me anymore, he felt spooked by a few people dropping in and out of the channel. Once really confident talking to us then suddenly not so much. So this encounter certainly opened my eyes on how these guys were abusing sites to do these trades and he was boasting of hundreds of thousands of Euros in profit from this. This ultimately changed how I looked for patterns in the database. For example looking for players who go head to head on raffles of a value higher than x and then expanding this to a large date range to see how long this was going on for. To be honest it was hard to figure out who was who and if it was chance or just normal activity.. So I thought I knew or had the silver bullet in identifying anyone abusing the system, but reality was, I am now more confused over the data set than ever. So that aside, that was September done and dusted and I have now moved over to EVE Casino. Hopefully I have given a decent overview of the before the final banning and demonstrated that RMT was happening everywhere, but because IWISK was the most prominent focal point of the gambling scene in EVE, it had become the centre of all RMT claims, even though every system could be manipulated regardless of reputation. So October the 12th and the ban wave and EULA changes announced by CCP. https://community.eveonline.com/news/dev-blogs/end-user-license-agreement-changes-coming-with-eve-online-ascension/ I am working night shifts and had been for a few days at this point. I woke up to hundreds of messages and tweets, skype, irc everything… I laid in bed and was like sigh this again!!! So I get out of bed, put on my slippas and go to the kitchen whilst reading all of the messages and a cluster barrage of confusion. I make a cup of tea (Earl Grey to be precise + 2 sugars dash of milk) and make my way to my PC. I was not worried as this had happened several times before and I have never been banned in 12 or 13 years. To be honest at that point I assumed it was just a IWISK the website had been blacklisted and all gambling was to cease, but to my genuine surprise, my account had been banned also. When attempting to login I got the classic “Banned pending investigation, CCP Peligro”… I laughed out loud at first and then tried every account I owned. All 30 of them but alas to no avail. So I started checking my emails and literally as I opened my client, the email popped in.. It was from guess who, you got it – CCP Peligro
CCP Peligro (EVE Online) Oct 12, 15:22 UTC Hi, This mail is sent to inform you that your EVE Online accounts have permanently banned, in light of EULA violations. Specifically, you were found to be using your accounts "XYZ" and "XYZ1" for business purposes, in violation of the EULA, Section 2.A. Your continued access to the System and license to play the Game is subject to proper conduct. Without limiting CCP's rights to control the Game environment, and the conduct of the players within that environment, CCP prohibits the following practices that CCP has determined detract from the overall user experience of the users playing the Game. 2.A "Accounts may not be used for business purposes. Access to the System and playing EVE is intended for your personal entertainment, enjoyment and recreation, and not for corporate, business, commercial or income-seeking activities. Business entities and anyone who is acting for or on behalf of a business or for business purposes may not establish an Account, access the System or play EVE. Accessing the System or using the Game for commercial, business or income-seeking purposes is strictly prohibited."
So I opened TS3 and those from IWISK was now back on my TS3 server and I started to understand what the damage was, and it was everyone, it was a swift attack from young Mr CCP Peligro. So I noticed that a Petition had already been opened on my behalf by CCP, no doubt just for their tracking. So I responded saying “I have never RMT’d so I do not understand my ban”. Then as I sit there I read the email again, it was not for RMT as I had assumed... Because it came from CCP Peligro my assumption was that it must be ISK related as that is what he does right. But to my surprise it was no mention of RMT in my petition like Lenny’s. Now I had not spoken to Lenny at this point due to the TZ difference, but the guys on TS3 said his specifically stated RMT, yet mine was for a Section 2.A… So I jumped on IRC and started asking questions with some Devs at CCP, they said if it was not RMT then it should not have come from CCP Peligro, it should have come from another person at CCP. I cannot remember who the Dev is who handles violating of Section 2 of the EULA but we know that it is not CCP Peligro. So now I am confused as this info is coming from Devs and then a few days later I noticed that Nosy Gamer was talking about the same thing. (If anyone finds out who the Dev at CCP should have been let me know and I will update this to keep this accurate.) So I respond to my petition basically saying, sorry I misread the petition, but I do not understand how I broke this section of the EULA. Can you explain to me what I did wrong… But the classic silence now dawned upon this petition and not a single response. Few weeks later the petition is closed and not a single response nor explanation or even guidance on why and how to avoid going forward, just simply nothing. I spoke with Falcon and we had traded a few emails. Not to go into them too much but the bottom line was that Security had concluded their investigation and as such the matter was closed. Nobody can do anything at CCP as the decision is theirs. So no point except to maybe appeal to Internal Affairs at CCP. I did wait a while before doing this, & Not a single response. The one good thing about going to Player events is you can meet Devs that you know or have never met. Meet people you have never met and share experiences. Even though I was super angry about what happened, I pulled up my big boy pants and put a smile on my face. I think because of my demeanour about the whole thing being happy go lucky and care free, nearly all the devs would speak openly with me about what had happened over a few shots and a giggle. Not giving too much away, but it did give away a few things that I was trying to understand. Why had I been banned as the reason given made no sense. So take the email from CCP stating that my accounts had been banned for the reason “income seeking or for business” – Now given I know this is not RMT related as it would just say RMT and you are perma banned from EVE. Yet I am still allowed to play subject to proper conduct right? So it is not RMT as that is clear cut and nor should it be. The only road I can go down is “Twitch” and the “Game Show” I was pixel space famous for. So I would ask these Devs when intoxicated, was I banned for the reason because of what I was doing on Twitch? The same response, sorry I cannot tell you but a smile & a wink was enough for me to know that I was on the right path. Why all this effort and having to read between the lines, simple really, nobody at CCP would discuss any of this with me. Because they were kept out of the loop or those involved were told specifically not to discuss this with anyone at CCP or external. Drunk CCP best CCP :) However not all employees will toe the line, so yes some expressed their disgust to me and apologised for their company & colleagues behaviours and some of the CSM contacted me saying they were appalled by this, and no I am not referring to Bobmon but “others”. It was comforting to know that despite the public flogging CCP gave me, people were still ready to call out CCP’s BS. So now Its November and I kinda have a better understanding of the reason I was banned for. So I stream on Twitch like many others and the assumption from CCP or more specifically is that my channel is a cash grab based on massive amounts of ISK I have amassed from IWISK. (This was a comment made to me by a member of CCP GM's) Now if you spent like 5 minutes in my channel like most critiques have in the past. You assume that I am trying to get subs and donations for the isk being given away. This could not have been further from the truth and if you have read this far congratulations… The channel operated like this… If you are a subscriber you got “Iron” or points for every month that you were subscribed. So if you had been subbed for 1 month you got 500 Iron, and on month 2 you got 500 + 2000 for being 2 months, 3 months 500 + 3000 etc etc… So the longer you are subbed the more points or “Iron” you got and this is known on Twitch as a loyalty system. You also got points for being idle in channel or being in channel when I was streaming. Now if you are not subscribed you got no points at all, simply none as points are used to play in game channel games “roulette or Bank robbing” or entering Subscriber only giveaways / requesting songs etc. These giveaways were for Plex’s or other things which you could redeem via your EVE account management page. I purchased these codes from Markee Dragons store or Greenman Gaming (Approved ETC or PLEX code retailers) and the money to buy these codes came from the sub’s money that I got from Twitch every month. So I have been accused of Income seeking by CCP, and the reason I find this so ludicrous is that it was no secret of how this model operated. Hell every stream I would announce these code giveaways are only for subs because the subs effectively paid for them. And at this point I think nobody at CCP involved in my banning knew this, because they simply did not do their homework. I would love to be proven wrong, but that would require someone from CCP actually talking to me. The other giveaways that was done on the channel follow’s CCP rules that everyone must have the same chance regardless of subscription type. This I followed to the letter and back story, I even asked for this to be made as a policy for streamers. The rules also state that this is for “in game items only” and Fozzie even reinforced that on Mittani’s Twitch channel days after this policy was released. He said if it is for anything out of game then do what you want with it, which reinforced the CCP policy on Streaming. So I followed the rules to the letter and others on Twitch were still not following these rules… But hey I did not care as everyone has their own path to follow and if CCP really gave a hoot they would step in. I am no internet police vigilantly and I do not stoop to the same levels like DBRB for example. Yes DBRB I know what you tried to do and it failed. Anyway back on track.. A little bit into the world of me and why income seeking is just utter nonsense.. I work as an IT Contractor and earn good money. Or at least I think it is good money. Approx 300 GBP a day or 380 USD a day not inc bonus etc. Not going to be a billionaire in RL, but enough to not worry financially about a mortgage or nice cars holidays etc. So here is a rough example of what I got from Twitch every month and how those funds were spent. Sometimes it was less around 500 but it varied and at one point was as high as 720… This is puny compared to the likes of Zarvox etc but he does it full time and deserves every penny!
depending on how many subs I have, and this does not even include the cost of Electricity / Hardware failures or equipment purchases to improve the stream. If I was to break it down further into that. But as these additional's I have not included are for personal enjoyment as well and I cannot or won’t include them. as it would be wrong to do so. Also any paypal money left over in paypal get's spent at the end of the Year on a Christmas and New Years special Stream. I buy as many codes as I can to give away (2015 Christmas I spent over 1100 USD on codes alone). So I run my channel almost non profit or at least as best I could. And yes I take money for Beer and Nachos cuz Beer and Nachoz amright? So I was banned for making around 200 USD a month and some change because… NOPE NOPE NOPE I do not get it also. Other streamers make more $$$’s than me easy in the Eve Category, but yep you got it, it was all they could use to ban me. Literally they used a BS excuse to ban me from the game and publicly flog me. So yes I got F’d over royally because some fuck wit child in CCP Security had a grudge to settle. That is truly how I feelz about this and it is disgusting. If any of my staff members behaved like this, they would be out immediately without warning. And I know I am not alone when it comes to complaints about Peligro and his conduct… To add insult to injury he even followed me on Twitter about 2 weeks prior to nuking my account, I guess he wanted my tears… http://i.imgur.com/MtAxI0Y.png But the funny part is, as soon as I mentioned and saw this connection I emailed CCP about his behaviour and that day he un-followed me on Twitter. Bad taste indeed sir. Now I had tried to reach out and extend my hand with Peligro, as he followed me on Twitter prior to the first ban wave in Jan 2016. I used to feed him info on suspected people or anything else that I thought may have been an issue. See image and you will notice the dates.. http://i.imgur.com/bxATAfX.png << But as you can see I was trying every avenue to get these sec people to engage. Around June he stopped following me, so I took that as a sign that CCP Security wanted nothing to do with me or to aid in catching RMT'ers. I have also emailed and raised petitions of bankers & players who I thought were dodgy. And I also captured one of the bankers via Reddit who I know got banned. That was a good day for Reddit on the anti RMT front! Now there is the whole unassailable wealth thing.. This made my literally laugh out loud. For a start I know more people in Eve who are station traders and combined have more isk than IWISK bankers / IWISK in general. They could have funded the war against Mittens all by themselves as a small group. Station traders in major hubs selling and buying firesales or hunting forums for cheap BPO deals and reselling them etc also have unassailable wealth. The hypocrisy that it is unfair because you cannot target these people and casino’s are generally untouchable… Well if you know station trading or have half a fucking clue about this game and enough capital, you can literally steer the market in your favour. And I do believe a trader recently and a few other have been banned and they are still banned. Guess who is investigating them… CCP Peligro @ CCP – I am disappointed with you that you even listened to the dear complaints of the overlord Mittani, But I do expect you to Nerf Market trading so you can be killed and have your stuff taken from you, or would it be better Mittens to write a letter of complaint to Ned? Sigh… Lastly I was debating and have been for the last 15 minutes whether to put this in or not but I will add these last few bits as conjecture and you make up your own mind. But all of the above is my story and I have no reason to BS. You can see it is open and honest. I have tried not to misty any part of the above except the bit with my email trades with Falcon as it contained some personal parts of my life when I was in the forces / Hospital. But I hope at the very least you can see that not everything is as it seems. If you control the evidence that is received and you want a group or x people out of the game, you can make any evidence tell the story you want. Forget what you think about me or IWISK etc, just think about it for a while.
[Tinfoil-zone]
· Mittani is RL friends with Peligro and he is / was a Goonswarm Member… · Head of internal affairs left after this all happened. · Head of CCP Security left after this all happened.
Las Vegas as a destination...sucks. It seems like like the hotels nickel and dime people FOR EVERYTHING. Want to use the pool, or the gym, or the concierge? Well, today is your lucky day! The hotels took all of the services and activities that used to be FREE and used them as an excuse to charge a resort fee... If that wans't bad enough, now the hotels are charging for PARKING! But don't worry, they are only charging so they can provide you with new infrastructure and better service... if you believe that I know a Nigerian prince that would like to talk to you. So you payed to park, you paid for your over priced room, and finally you paid the stupid resort fee. Now it should get better right? I mean, you payed so much the hotels have to offer something right? NOPE! Gone are free buffet vouchers, gone are free drinks, gone is pretty much any sign of value. The drinks at the casino bars are about 4-5x overpriced - NO, I don't want to pay 22 dollars for a real cadallac margarita (patron gold, lime juice, Contreau w/ Grand Marnier. I was told that Vegas is transitioning from a gambling destination to luxery nightclubs and high end pool parties. They wonder why people don't gamble as much, sure the economy plays a part but the main reason is: no one wins anymore!! The slots and other machines have been tightened down to the point where not only do you expect to lose money, it isn't even fun anymore. Put $100 bucks in lose it all before even 1 "bonus game" comes up. Don't get me wrong, you will "win". Ya, you "win" $0.15... too bad the spin cost ya $5. The casinos don't bother to run any worth while promos anymore, the slot and video poker machines have been tightened up, and the casinos don't comp shit anymore. Instead of a free buffet, now you get 10% off a buffet! Instead of a free night, you get a "Super Special Player's Club Rate" (great, 8% off...on the weekdays). So back to this Luxery night club scene. Here is a Vegas night club explained: Charge guests at least $30 to get in, drinks have to be $20 each and be light on anything that is not RC Cola or cheap sugary syrup, for music - choose between electronic that all sounds the same after 45 minutes or whatever rap songs that everyone heard 1000 times on the radio making the drive, Man... really? Am I the ONLY one here that is sick of nightclubs? I can't be the only one that is sick of these "cool" hotels. The only guy I know that brags about staying in the [Fancy Pants Hotel] is a 350 fat guy who posts quotes like "It's hard being friends with girls when all they want is sex" on Facebook daily - who although he swears he has "boned a ton of super hot girls, some models even", he has NEVER had a GF. In fact, no one has EVER seen him spit game, touch a girl (the notorious arm gram doesn't count, might even prove my point further), or bring a girl home (Maybe you have met his brother - the guy that is always showing of his bottle of Cristal, the same one he has had for 5 years...) . However, it seems that there are enough of these losers dying to impress women by their baller economy room with view "penthouse" that go to those Luxury nightclubs to make Vegas turn into douche bag central. Sure, there are still a couple of good values left - but they are dying fast. One can get 4 real Patron Cadillac margaritas for the price of one at [fancy pants hotel] by taking a trip down the strip to Circus Circus or Stratusphere. If you can stomach the smell of regret and cheap hookers. The Hard Rock is still doing the 777 deal, however the cab ride is probably going to cost ya triple that each way. The Casino Royale has Michelobe Ultra's (a type of beer that no one knows exists outside that small casino) and what they call "margaritas" for $1. Plus they have the only 100x odds craps on the strip (which is actually pretty damn good, craps has one of the lowest house edges available). The Magnoila cafe has a descent prime rib dinner that with coupon comes to ~$10. Sure one can go downtown and have some fun for less, but lets be honest. If the fancy lights aren't above you, you have a good chance to getting robbed/mugged/assaulted. The sad thing is I don't see the last good values lasting too long. Iconic hotels like the Riviera and the Sands is just the beginning, in a couple more years all the values on the strip will be replaced with "luxury hotels" following MGM's lead: Charge for Parking, Charge Resort fees, Charge for what used be complimentary. RAPE people for nightclub entrance, nightclub drinks and Shows (although last time I went I did get a good deal on Blue Man Group and Phantom of the Opera tickets...but only after I spent hours looking). One has to wonder, what the fuck are they going to charge for next? House keeping? Towels? Soap and Shampoo? Is there going to be a curtain over the window next time I go, with a dollar fee to open for 15 minutes? Is the AC going to be p4p? Sorry for the rant, I just honestly think that resort fees and having to pay for parking in a place like Las Vegas should be criminal. I remember my mom grabbing a handful of my quarters (that I was using at the ARCADE) to play the slots while waiting for my pops to come down from the room and winning 400 in quarters. I remember my neighbor that would get so many free nights he couldn't possibly using them all just from comps from buying in $800 at the poker table. I remember my friends parents going to Vegas every weekend they could, and winning. They used to keep track of their winnings vs. money spent on gambling, room, food, etc. They said they hardly ever had years where they were in the red more than 1k - and most of the time they either didn't spend anything or came home with more than they left with. Those same people not only don't keep track anymore - they have basically stopped gambling. They both played Video Poker, and it has gotten to the point where they don't even enjoy it anymore. Last time I saw them in Vegas we met up at a hotel for dinner. I went to get my friend, her dad and I drinks from the bar (because all they would comp was "mixed drinks", that could best be described as a splash of the lowest of the low plastic bottle rum or vodka - honestly can't tell which its so god awful - combined with "soda" that makes those shitty bargain brand sodas seem like nectar of the gods). I was gone no longer than 5 minutes, and when I returned her dad wanted to leave. He had lost almost $300 dollars in video poker...in less than 5 minutes. He wasn't playing a crazy high roller machine either, he was playing $0.50/credit and 5 credits. He didn't win (not counting pairs) one hand. He didn't even get dealt a 3 of a kind (which anyone who plays video poker knows, is one of the most exciting things because your praying for that 4th one and a nice win!) once! Tl;Dr: Vegas sucks. With the addition of resort fees and parking fees and the transition from a gambling destination to a luxury night club destination it is quickly turning into tool central.
In the movie version of Casino Royale the British secret agent 007, James Bond, takes part of the poker tournament in Monte Negro (however it was filmed in the beautiful city by the name of Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic). One of the most popular poker games is played: Texas Hold'em.In the book version Baccarat was played instead. Le Chifre attempts to regain the lost ground after his stock The Casino Royale Poker Scene – Great Entertainment but Mixed Realism Author: Benjamin Webb You may have already seen the infamous poker scene in Casino Royale – if you haven’t watched the movie yet, we strongly recommend that you do, it is a fantastic treat for Bond and poker fans alike. Daniel Craig and Mads Mikkelsen in a poker scene in Casino Royale. (Sony) Casino Royale was an integral movie for the James Bond franchise.. While Pierce Brosnan’s four-film stint as the spy was a financial success, his final two entries, The World Is Not Enough and especially Die Another Day, were met with negative reviews. So when Daniel Craig was cast as Brosnan’s replacement the Math and odds are important parts of Texas Hold’em poker. James Bond knows this (of course). In the final hand of Casino Royale, four players move all-in on the river and Bond scoops the $115 million pot, thanks to smart play. These were the cards on the board: Ah-8s-6s-4s-As And these were the players’ hands: […] I didn't understand the ending of Casino Royale? So let me skip to the bit where james has finished the poker game and goes on a romantic holiday in Venice with Vesper. So Vesper goes off to the bank to take out some money. However, Bond soon learns that his poker winnings were never deposited into the Treasury's account. Realizing that... BondMovies.com goes through the game scene by scene here, explaining how Bond ultimately won the game despite Le Chiffre's faked bluff, however improbable. And if you wish to know exactly how improbable Bond's victory was, casino-games-online.biz explains his odds of winning at the beginning and during the course of play, here. 06:44 10 Jan. How difficult can it be to make a good poker scene in a movie? According to James Bond director Martin Campbell the ‘Casino Royale’ remake poker showdown was as elaborate as any stunt 007 was involved in!. The 2006 movie grossed a monster $606million at the box office, with Daniel Craig ’s ‘Bond’ and Mads Mikkelsen ’s blood-eyed villain ‘Le Chiffre’ involved in Now, this probably won't interest or make much sense to non-poker players, so I don't blame you if you skip it.. I've played just enough poker to find a scene in Casino Royale to be a little more than a nitpick/head-scratcher:. The relevant background and facts:. It was a winner-take-all tournament, i.e. 10 men enter, only one winner leaves. "If you're not in first, you're last." Martin Campbell, director of the 2006 James Bond reboot Casino Royale, admitted there is a mistake in the film’s climactic poker scene.This was the third film adaptation of Ian Fleming’s book of the same name and was the first to see Daniel Craig in the role of James Bond, showing a more modernized, emotional side of the 007 agent early in his career. M tells Bond that Le Chiffre just set up a high stakes Texas Hold 'Em poker match at the Casino Royale in Montenegro for 10 players, with an entry fee at $10 million each plus a $5 million buy-back should they lose all their money. M arranges to place Bond in the game as a replacement for a syndicate member, since he's the best poker player in MI6.
