Spotify wrapped is normally released on a November 30 or December 1 but this year it was released on November 29, the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People- a day which it was asked for people to increase their social media posts about Palestine to help call for a permanent ceasefire. Instead it is now being overshadowed by people posting about Spotify wrapped…
So is anyone interested of me doing OC lore/conpect on this blog sometimes?
starting around late february to early march 2024, buying a used switch game, even from a reliable game retailer, and then just playing it normally online, MIGHT get your nintendo switch permanently banned from online play! even if you try using a different nintendo account!
please read the rest of the post before commenting because this is COMPLICATED. this is a new situation and there is a lot of uncertainty. also watch the video at the bottom of this post ASAP if you can, because it has more information, will probably answer some other questions you may have, and it might get deleted soon. I started writing this post as soon as I finished watching the video because, fucking yikes this might get bad.
putting a cut here so I can add a note in the future if/when the extremely informative video below gets removed.
experts on this kind of stuff are concerned about it, so therefore I am concerned too.
are you familiar with flash carts? flash carts are cartridges that fit into the slots of game consoles that have micro SD card slots. game files get loaded to the micro SD card, which gets placed in the flash cart, which then can run the game as if you had the actual game cartridge in there.
those game files are then playable as usual on the original hardware. these were very common for the nintendo DS, but you can find them for gameboy, GBA, 3DS, and coming soon: the nintendo switch.
now, you might be thinking, what does this have to do with the used switch game market?
to get the game files to put onto the micro SD card, you do what is called a dump. you take the cartridge and 'dump' the files from the cartridge onto other storage. this can include a unique identification in the code of each nintendo switch game cartridge, which links it to a physical game cartridge, and allows it to be played on the switch.
and after those files have been dumped from the original cartridge, and make it onto the flash cart, the person with the flash cart is then free to sell the physical game cartridge, because the flash cart works the same as the game cartridge. whether that is online, at a flea market, returning it to the store, or wherever else used games are sold.
as is mentioned in the video below, a lot of people are looking forward to buying switch games, dumping the files, loading them onto a flash cart, and then either returning them or selling them to get their money back without disclosing that they already took the unique game ID. and basically get a ton of switch games for very cheap, if not free.
now. there creates a problem for people who want to buy used games.
say you buy a used cartridge, which has been used for this dumping process. you go online.
and that person with the flash cart with the files from the game you now have also goes online.
nintendo is then able to see that two consoles playing the same game with the same unique game ID are online at the same time, which is impossible without doing this dumping process. it would be VERY easy for nintendo to ban both switches or both nintendo accounts.
nintendo is known for banning people for using flash carts as well as modded hardware or modded games. nintendo has even taken legal action against people associated with modifying their hardware. so to say that this whole situation might result in bans is hardly a stretch of the imagination. and having two of the same ID online at the same time is a pretty fucking clear sign that something is up!
and once these dumped files get uploaded online, which some of them inevitably will, any used game cartridge could have its unique ID be in use from zero to thousands of people. and all it takes is two people online at the same time with the same game ID for nintendo to know something is up.
once this flash cart is on the market, there will be no way to know which used switch games have been dumped, duplicated, and are in use by someone else before you buy it, connect to the internet, and potentially get in trouble.
the tech used in this flash cart will also eventually make it very easy to make bootleg switch cartridges down the line which look and function identically to an original game cartridge. and say somewhere online sells a bunch of these bootleg cartridges, without disclosing that they are bootlegs, and they all have duplicate game IDs. and then more than one of these bootleg cartridges goes online with the same game ID. nintendo can see that.
these flash carts and bootlegs will work on ANY switch, modded or not. and if you might be thinking, “but wait! right now you need a modded switch to dump a switch game! surely that will make getting a used duplicated game less likely.” the flash cart company is also selling a system to dump these files without ever using a modded switch.
you can tell you have a flash cart by a visible micro SD card slot, but there might not be an easy way to tell a bootleg apart from a genuine copy with a legitimate unique ID.
whether you accidentally buy a legitimate cartridge that has already been dumped and is in use by a flash cart, or you accidentally buy an identical bootleg, or you go online with a flash cart with game files that might be in use by someone else, nintendo can see if duplicates of the same unique game ID are online. what happens next is up to nintendo. and again, nintendo has been known to freely ban anyone suspected of doing any form of hardware or software modification, including the type mentioned here.
so just going online with a used game purchased after late february MIGHT get the person playing it banned. it is unclear if just having your switch connected to the internet could get you in trouble, or if you need to play online with the game with a nintendo online subscription, or if one scenario will be more likely to result in a ban than the other. <- if anyone knows this and has a good source, let me know and I will add it here.
say a parent buys a nintendo switch and a bunch of cheap used games for their kid. that kid could then go online and get banned, by absolutely NO fault of their own. and then their parents might get REALLY mad thinking their kid did something awful online. damn even thinking about this sucks so hard. :( fuck
once a switch is banned at the console level, that console can never go online again. even with a different nintendo account. just like game cartridges have unique IDs, so do nintendo switches themselves.
and it is worth noting, since the nintendo switch launched, nintendo has been FAR more likely to ban nintendo switch consoles than nintendo accounts. if a nintendo account is banned, you can just make another account. but if the console is banned, you need another, non-banned nintendo switch to go online.
and since there may be an uptick of banned switches: people who get their switches banned, whether or not they ever realize why, may then try to sell or return their switch without disclosing that the console can no longer go online, use the eshop, or get updates. and some games require updates to run, even offline!
we have no idea what will happen, because this flash cartridge and associated hardware will be released to the public in late february to early march and is the first of its kind for the switch. maybe nothing will happen. maybe a ton of people will get banned just for accidentally buying a game used by someone else with a flash cart. maybe buying a used nintendo switch will become a huge gamble because banned switches will saturate the market. we have no idea yet.
taki udon has a very comprehensive video on this. right here. watch the video to learn more about what these products are and how to identify them. videos like these, on the subject of flash carts, often get taken down quickly by nintendo, and taki does a much better job at explaining this than me.
long story short, if you like the nintendo switch and buy used games or consoles: BE CAREFUL, and when march rolls around, PAY ATTENTION. we have no idea what will happen once this product and these practices become widespread. maybe there will be widespread bans. maybe nintendo will get this stuff taken off the market before there can be these kinds of accidental bans in any widespread way. we can only wait and see.
if you want to be the most cautious and proactive, consider buying used games sooner than later. if in the future you somehow suspect you bought a bootleg cartridge (hi from past rune!), do NOT play it online. and if you plan on using this flash cart without having the physical cartridge the files were dumped from on hand, DO NOT GO ONLINE WITH IT. you might fuck someone else over or get your own console banned.
and if you need to spread the word off of tumblr, I really recommend just linking taki udon's video. if it is still up. this post is long and contains a lot of my own opinions, and taki is the expert.
by the time you see this, taki udon's video may have been taken down already.
Here is the fudgiest brownie in a mug recipe I’ve found
Here are some fun sites
Here is a master post of Adventure Time episodes and comics
Here is a master post of movies including Disney and Studio Ghibli
Here is a master post of other master posts to TV shows and movies
*tucks you in with fuzzy blanket* *pats your head*
You’ll be okay, friend <3
》AO3《 | 》SquidgeWorld《 | 》Tumblr (you're here)《
➵Sticky note: you need to sign in to AO3 to read the fic due to preventing AI bots & AI scalpers stealing/Using my fanfics with permission for unlocked version go to SquidgeWorld
The sound of clacking metal weights and equipment wasn’t something that he expect from his personal trainer and father-figure as an ideal place for him to train. Gyms aren’t really his strong suit especially when he have to charge into his workout clothes within the locker rooms. making sure that his black surgical face mask was intact to his face still fearing it might slip off from it’s resting place.
The mask server a purpose to hide and protective his identify to these who want to harm him and these closest to him. Along with hiding the scars on his face both old and new. Layers and layers of them spread all over their body long before their career as a boxer even. Simon better know as Ghost in the ring was no stranger to physical injuries and the instinct to fight for their life even if it meant stepping on death’s door step. He was extremely luckily that the locker room is empty at this hour, knowing that the gyms are quieter and less coward until 0700 hour mark.
He start to get himself ready, switching out his normal everyday clothes to his workout and training clothes. Placing them neatly in his duffel bag while taking out and setting his training gloves on the bench. After finishing getting dressed he places his bag in the locker locking the door with his own personal lock he bring from his flat. He doesn’t trust the gym’s handout locks due to their lack of strength. and wasn’t his idea to train in an public setting, but both Price and Gaz reassure him that there’s nothing to worry about since the gym is run by Alex, Hadir, and Farah who are old friends of his. That give them free range on their boxing area for exchange for some of his cash winnings to help keep the youth boxing program up and running for the children who come in distress from whatever life throw at them.
Ghost hold no objection or complains toward the deal, in fact he seen relieve that some of his earning go towards something positive. Giving a soft warm smile underneath his black-colored skull balaclava that hid it well. To prevent the others to see his facial expression, that give him a warm feeling that he can’t describe felt for very long time. It’s been almost a week since his last boxing match in the ring, and these past few days been nothing more than workouts and training to improvement and sharpened his skills. Thanks to Gaz who was insisted that he should be the one to handle his regimen inside and outside the gym with the help of Price of course.
Double checking he have everything he needed for this early morning training session, Ghost make his way out of the locker room and letting the door slam shut behind him. To make his way to the training area, seeing Price and Farah engaging in a deep conversation with each other like two high school students in the courtyard.
The coach was wearing his iconic hat and coaching clothes that were just his causal wear, that Simon thinks he have a stack of hats in his closet somewhere. Since the man was never seem without it during the time that Ghost known him. Then again the man treat him as a son when things are going down hill. He take a seat in nearby chair and waited patiently for them to finish. It wasn’t the first time he see them deep in conversion nor will it be their last. Farah the gym’s owner wearing her business entire.
“Look Farah, I know you and Hadir are having difficulties with the financial of the gym and the youth boxing program. Along with having Alex and your brother to keeping things under control when you aren’t around, but you need to have a bit more trust in them. You can’t keep worrying about the what ifs. I’m sure that these two boys will keep things running smoothly until you get back from your holiday.” Price say trying to reassure her.
Farah let out a sigh understanding her friend was looking out for her and their business. But she couldn’t help feeling a bit unease with what she’ll about to say next.
“I know Price, it’s just that the thought of having Alex and Hadir temporarily take care of the boxing youth program during my absence terrified me. The last time I was gone, Hadir think it was a good idea for the children to have a free for all brawl in the ring resulting in receiving anger phone calls from their parents. And a temporarily suspension on the program that I honestly wish he discussed this with me.”
Price give her a nod of understand. “I’m sure Alex will keep an eye on him this time around, beside the kid haven’t disappointed you yet. And proven himself multiple times that he can handle the responsibilities of the gym on his own. Along with the whole process of opening and closing shop, you’ll be in good hands.”
“I hope so, I honestly can’t handle another anger phone calls ambush. And thank you Price, I’ll see you in a few weeks. And please make sure the equipment don't get damages.” with that the conversation ended with Farah left the room leaving Price and Ghost alone.
Both of them didn’t say anything for an awhile now until Price break the silent.
“I’m sorry you have to listen to our conversation, while you wait Si. I hope you haven’t no problem with the locker room, since Alex and Hadir remodeled them before they reveal them to Farah as a surprise. Of course their wallets aren’t so luckily. anyway they’ll be in change while Farah is out for the day. Try not to give them a hard time alright? We want a repeat like last time.”
Ghost nodded in understatement not really impress with the temporarily change in management for the day. Plus he have a feeling that Hadir is still terrific of him about the whole Halloween skeleton event last year. That resulted in the poor man passing out in front of group of children when he saw Ghost fully dressed as the grim reaper with skull mask and all. Even scared some of the children as well, that Alex, Gaz, and Price have to comfort, calm them down, and reassured them all that it was just Ghost in a costume not the actual grim reaper himself. With Roach give the kiddos some candy and Farah take her brother to a spare room to get him to regain consciousness and not make the kids extremely worry.
Roach finishes giving out the treats towards the children signing a comment along the lines of them being brave. He walk up to Ghost and excuse themselves out of earshot and slight to have a private conversation. About him turning down the costume’s horror factor down for the kids sake’s for next year. Since some might have panic attacks or other medical condition that affect their breathing. Ghost take his friend’s concern to heart and promise him that he won’t accidentally scared the children and Hadir again.
Roach is a writer for a small publishing firm in UK that not many people know about along with being Ghost’s childhood friend and emotional supportive person. when things at home weren’t going “peaceful” to put it in simple terms. He visit Simon from time to time when the boxer was training at the gym, at home, or with Price and Gaz even doing causal civilian activities with the group. There are times that the writer even seen his friend’s boxing matches to show his support and write articles about them that his writing catch the readers’ attention on paper and online.
Simon wonder how’s his friend is holding up these days. They haven’t talk since the grand opening of the young program few months back. That given them an excuse to play a little catch up and share what they been doing in their life. It was honestly one of the ways they communicate with each other without having their profession in the way. He missed their conversations, jokes, and even tales of good childhood memories that they both share with each other. That he hold dear in his heart like a secret treasure that he doesn’t want to share with anyone. His bond with Roach is something that help him climb out of the darkness and the stepping stone to be the man he is now.
The deph of his thoughts isn’t always the safe places for him to wonder alone even though the memories of his youth are something that appearances and replay in his slumber when he lease expect it. Causing him to either wake up in terrific cold sweats and teary eyed, or somehow hurt himself in someway or form that result in him not remembering how it happened. or why he was even in unknown room with zero purpose at all. One day while Roach was staying over at his place him was having one of these night terrors that result of him obtained an knife from the kitchen. With the noises of him racking the cabinets and drawers that wake the tried man from his slumber, and look at him with immediate shock and realization that put him into high gear of alarm. Trying to do everything in his power to snap Simon out of his traces which in the end resulted in a close close that the outcome will result in attempted murdered on a legal stand point.
Simon drop the knife in between them shaking from the fear and realization what almost occur and had done right in front of him. Causing the 6’8 buff giant to knee on the floor and started to mentally breakdown with his face staring down on the floor too afraid to look up that his childhood friend. Roach feeling the effect of adrenaline rushing throughout his body still did the only thing he can do in that moment. He gently and carefully slide the knife out of the way and reached between them with the heel of his shoes. Gently and slowly around his arms around his friend’s neck bring his shaken body close to him and causing his face to be burying in his chest and sleep clothes. Along with giving his friend a safe temporarily place to hid his face. Roach holding Simon close against his small body tightly and protectively trying his best to comfort him, until the two of them fell asleep where they stay letting the night slip into day.
Now that event is just a memory that the boxer wants to forget about not from the embarrassment but for feeling self hatred towards himself. For letting it happened and making Roach seeing him at his worst and breaking point, which is something he doesn’t want either his close friends and acquaintance to see, even in public. And prefer to keep his personal issues to himself and don’t want to bother anyone with them especially Price and Roach.
Ghost dig himself out of his thoughts when both him and Price arrive at the training area of the gym. Both of them haven’t spoken to each other since earlier when Farah left to attend business elsewhere. Ghost spotted Gaz inspecting the equipment one final time before leaving it alone with Alex standing beside him bit annoyed.
“Gaz, for the last time the treadmill, drum-bells, stack weights, and the sandbag are fine without any signs of any damaged or worn from usages. You honestly need to chill.”
Gaz looked up at Alex abit annoy with the man’s behavior.
“Can’t Alex, you know that, plus Ghost need to be in tip-top shape with equipment that are in great or good condition to train for his matches, along with improve in areas that are lacking in strengths or skills. We can’t have him injuring himself and others on broken equipment that can result in anger phone calls by customers and parents. That will cause the gym to loss the community support and funding of the youth program. Plus we don’t want Farah to blow an kettle now do we?” responsive Gaz while getting off the ground and dust himself off with his hands.
Alex let out a loud sigh knowing full well that Farah put her heart and soul into this gym and the youth program. Even the community's help to remodel and expand the gym over the years is something he’s proud to be an part of even tho he’s an American, a foreigner in a foreign land with the same language but different dialect and tones. He sometime wishes he wasn’t American due to the stereotypes, history, and past relationships that the rest of the world had with the United States. And he isn’t proud with his own country’s actions and dark history either. Feeling Gaz’s glares staring at him still giving him a indicator that he spent bit too much time with his thoughts.
“Fine, fine, I’ll let you inspect the darn equipment as much as you Gaz. Fucking hell man, you made valid points, and honestly I don’t want Farah to feel overwhelmed with other angry mob of parents and customers on the phone lines and in person.” Alex say rising his hands in defeat. “We already had to deal with that type of chaos during Halloween when Ghost accidentally scared the kids. And I don’t want her to deal with an injured gym member and potential lawsuit.”
“Funny for you to say that, while you two muppets were deep in your yapping, you didn’t notices Ghost and I walk in and listening to both of you auguring about gym equipment like some schoolboys. Now what go you two so work up that you can’t take this matter outside in privately that you want the whole gym to know?” Prince interrupt them before their conversation become too heated that will let to a scene. And one way ticket to Farah’s office to face her wrath of punishment and discipline.
Both Alex and Gaz look toward the coach and the boxer direction feel embarrass that both of them have to see them having an agurement about something so minor.
“Sorry sir, it won’t happened again, it’s just an old habit of mine that’s hard to kick in the bucket.” Gaz said sheepishly
“Sorry, you guys have to witness that, Gaz and my behavior isn’t appropriate in a public space like this one. Hope you accept our apology, and you have my word that this won’t ever happen again.” Alex say a shame and embarrass with his behavior.
Price give an nod of understanding and acceptation, while Ghost give them one of his rare intimidating but forgiving stares. The duo release an sigh of relief and join the other two to begin their workday. And the sounds of training equipment begin to appear marking the start of Ghost’s training routine for the day. With both Alex and Gaz are on the sidelines as spotters to make sure everything run smoothly, while Price’s coaching Ghost throughout the routine with words of encouragement and jabs. That make Simon wanting to push himself harder and give it his all for the rest of the day.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN DAY
I am writing to ask you to consider sharing a petition. I don't know how far the story has spread, but a non-binary high schooler in Oklahoma (where i live) named Nex Benedict was killed as a result of an attack at Owasso High School two weeks ago. They were attacked on school property.
The state of Oklahoma School Superintendent, Ryan Walters, who has spent his tenure focused on book bans, villainizing teachers, fighting "the woke agenda," and whatever will get him on Fox news. As a part of this he has formed partnerships with the Moms for Liberty and Libs of Tiktok person, Chaya Raichik.
All of these actions include a near constant barrage of attacks on the lgbtqia community. As an lgbtqia person myself, with kids who are also part of the community, including non-binary children, i am incredibly saddened by Nex's death, and worried about the safety of my own children in this state.
It's just a petition and i know the impact feels limited. It feels small to me, but i would like to ask you to share it in the hopes that it might bring some news coverage and open talks in this state about removing this public official for the good of the community.
I appreciate your time and attention. (Obligatory big fan, because I am.)
The petition can be found here: https://chng.it/CvHz2J8QW4
Thanks.
Happy to share it.
Happy birthday to everyone’s favorite disastrous gay dogs!
artists, this is ur reminder to start drawing references or redesign your original characters before artfight in july this year
icon by @NillaNillaCat on Toyhouse | Demiomnisexual | 22 | She/They | Female | Hobbyist Multiple Fandoms Artist | Formerly known as Moonlight-the-pegawolf-2001
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