What should you do before switching to a new games console in the coming weeks?

To say that it is an exciting time for gamers right now is an understatement. With both the new Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 ready to drop soon, all gaming fans are getting revved up. Each machine boasts more power, better graphics and better features than before – this sees them set to make a real splash. However, if you are planning to make the switch to one of these new consoles over the coming weeks, you should first think about what you need to do beforehand.

Of course, for some, this could be trying out online gambling Florida wide or enjoying fun casino games in other states while they wait. Just remember to check out the BonusSeeker site first to find the most reputable sites to game at with the best bonuses. As well as playing online games, you could pass the time waiting to enjoy your new console with music, sports, exercise or movies. While this is fine, there are actually some key tasks related to gaming and your old console to sort out.

What are they?

Enjoy the last few weeks with your current console

However long you have had your current machine, why not spend the last few weeks before you switch saying farewell in style? For some users, this could actually be quite a big thing, as they may have had their current console for many years. Even someone who purchased a PS4 when it came out in 2013, for example, will have spent seven glorious years gaming on it.

The Xbox 360 launched in 2005, and if you still game on an older machine like this, you could have been playing on it for even more years! With this in mind, take some time to go through your favorite games on it and relive some of those memories you spent years building up. This will leave you ready to move on when the new console arrives.

Clear your diary

If you are planning on picking up an Xbox Series X or PS5 (or both!), then you will naturally want to have plenty of time gaming on it. You cannot do this if you have a lot going on in your life in the weeks after you have brought it home.

A sensible thing, therefore, is to clear your diary, tell your friends that you will not be out for a while, and unplug the phone. This will mean that you get to enjoy your new console fully and in peace. Of course, if you want to arrange an online gaming session with friends on the new machine, then that is entirely acceptable!

Think about making your old console safe

Whether you plan to simply put your old console in the loft, sell it, or trade it in for the new one, you must make it safe. Modern consoles contain a lot of sensitive, personal data. You do not want to leave it on there for other people to steal. Most consoles now will make formatting the hard drive and wiping off your personal details pretty easy.

The PS4, for example, lets you delete any data stored via the Initialization option in System Settings. Once you’re in this, you just select Restore Default Settings to make it safe. If you own a different console, then a quick search online will throw up how to go about it.

Consider sorting out your storage and saves

One key thing is making sure that any old saved games make it over to your new console. You do not want to lose any saved progress that you have spent many hours, if not years, building up when you make the switch. Luckily, this is also pretty simple for most consoles now. If we stick to the PS4 as an example, it is wise to check that Online Storage is where saves go. This means that they are then easily accessible if you upgrade to a PS5.

It is also worth making sure that you have gone through what is stored on your old console if you plan to transfer the data over to your new machine. In simple terms, the more data you transfer, the longer it will take. It is worth clearing out any screenshots your console has taken over its lifespan that are not really needed.

Getting ready for your new console is key

There is currently much speculation about what to expect from the latest Xbox and PlayStation. This level of excitement means that you might be eager to get playing as soon as you buy one. Making the switch to a new machine is best done with some planning in place though. This will ensure that you are fully ready to make the move and that the whole process does not take too long.

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Knockaround and Discovery Partner on Shark-Inspired Sunglasses for Shark Week’s 30th Anniversary

$5 from every $35 pair of sunglasses sold will be donated to Oceana in their ongoing effort to protect the world’s oceans.
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SAN DIEGO, CA (June 11, 2018) – Knockaround, a San Diego-based sunglasses company, is excited to announce the release of this year’s official 2018 Shark Week sunglasses. This is Knockaround’s 4th installment of their annual Shark Week collaboration with Discovery. A portion of proceeds from this years’ release will go to Oceana, the leading international conservation organization focused on protecting and restoring the world’s oceans.
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This year also marks the 30th anniversary of Shark Week, the massively successful week-long programming block on the Discovery Channel, dedicated to the mysterious marine animals. Such a special year for the network demands an equally celebratory design for the limited-run sunglasses. Built on Knockaround’s durable and high-quality Fort Knocks frame style, the 2018 Shark Week sunglasses feature a translucent breakwater blue frame with Great White jaw graphics, silver hardware, and polarized predator red lenses. Every pair comes with a shark tooth microfiber protective pouch and Shark Week 30th anniversary commemorative packaging.
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CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THESE SHADES BEFORE THEY SELL OUT!
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“Partnering with a program as popular as Shark Week to create a unique, fun pair of shades is always a highlight of the year,” said Adam “Ace” Moyer, founder and CEO of Knockaround. “Naturally, as a company based less than a mile from the Pacific Ocean, we jump at the opportunity to help preserve the marine habitat we all share by donating to Oceana.”
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Matt Littlejohn, SVP Marketing & Communications for Oceana added “Sharks are critical for our seas and marine ecosystems but many species are in trouble and need help. We are grateful for Knockaround’s support of Oceana and our campaigns to help protect sharks and oceans around the world.”
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Starting Wednesday, June 13th, the Shark Week sunglasses will be available to purchase for $35 on Knockaround.com with $5 from every pair sold going to Oceana. To date, Knockaround has donated over $30,000 to the non-profit to help fund science-based ocean research. Tune into Discovery starting July 22nd for Shark Week 2018, featuring eight days of shark-centric specials that aim to educate about the powerful predators of the sea while clearing up misconceptions.
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ABOUT KNOCKAROUND
Knockaround is the original, affordable sunglasses company, founded in 2005 in San Diego. Centered around durable shades that are both practical and stylish, Knockaround provides high-quality sunglasses that won’t break the bank. Knockaround has grown to offer eight different frame styles in a wide range of colors as well as ongoing limited edition releases, collaborations, and an interactive, online “design your own” custom sunglasses shop. Knockaround sunglasses have been featured in well-known media outlets such as GQ, US Weekly, and The Today Show, and have been worn by several celebrities including Jessica Alba, Matthew McConaughey, Natalie Portman, Snoop Dogg, and John Legend. For more information, visit us at Knockaround.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@Knockaround).
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ABOUT OCEANA
Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one third of the world’s wild fish catch. With more than 200 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that one billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit Oceana.org to learn more.

 

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Filed Under: Style Tagged With: 30th, anniversary, discovery, knockaround, partner, shark, ...

Disney’s THE LION KING Performances Begin on Wednesday, February 14 and Play for Four Weeks Through Sunday, March 11 at Dr. Phillips Center

Buyi Zama as “Rafiki” in THE LION KINGNorth American Tour. ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Orlando, FL, January 29, 2018 – Casting has been announced for the Orlando return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King. The show’s first appearance in the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, and it’s third time to Orlando, the four-week engagement runs from February 14 through March 11.

The production features Mark Campbell as “Scar,” Gerald Ramsey as “Mufasa,” Buyi Zama as “Rafiki,” Nick Cordileone as “Timon,” Greg Jackson as “Zazu,” Ben Lipitz as “Pumbaa,” Gerald Caesar as “Simba,” Nia Holloway as “Nala,” Keith Bennett as “Banzai,” Martina Sykes as “Shenzi” and Robbie Swift as “Ed.”

The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Joziyah Jean-Felix and Ramon Reed and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Danielle W. Jalade and Gloria Manning.

Rounding out the cast are Derek Adams, Kayla Rose Aimable, Andrew Arrington, William John Austin, Eric Bean, Jr., Kolin Jerron, Thabani Buthelezi, Sasha Caicedo, Kyle Robert Carter, Thembelihle Cele, Erynn Marie Dickerson, Tony Freeman, Mukelisiwe Goba, Deidrea Halley, Jalen Harris, William James Jr., Jane King, Gregory Manning II, Christopher L. Mc Kenzie, Jr., Nhlanhla Ndlovu, Aaron Nelson, Selloane Nkhela, Phylicia Pearl, Christopher Sams, Jordan Samuels, Mpume Sikakane, Sadé Simmons, Kimber Sprawl, Kevin Tate, Jennifer Theriot, Courtney Thomas, Shacura Wade, Zola Williams and Krystal Worrell.

Coming to Orlando as part of the 2017 – 2018 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando season tickets start at $35.25 and may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Online and phone ticket purchases are subject to handling fees. For groups of 10 or more please contact Group Sales at Groups@drphillipscenter.org or calling 407.455.5550.

Ticket buyers are reminded that Dr. Phillips Center is the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Dr. Phillips Center is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 19 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly returns to Orlando to make its debut in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

Shows, dates, times, prices, and artists are subject to change.

Dashaun Young as “Simba” in THE LION KINGNorth American Tour. ©Disney. Photo by Joan Marcus.

ABOUT THE LION KING

In its 20th year, THE LION KING continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is the only show in history to generate six productions worldwide running 15 or more years.  Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway, London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo and Sapporo, Madrid, Scheveningen, Holland, and on tour across North America, for a total of eight productions running concurrently across the globe.  Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.          

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. 

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.” 

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

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About the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization operating the state-of-the-art performing arts center in downtown Orlando, Florida. With its opening in November 2014, the performing arts center launched its vision of Arts for Every Life by being a gathering place for creativity and discovery; a vibrant urban destination where artists, audiences and students come to experience, explore and learn. The two-block community destination features the 2,700-seat Walt Disney Theater, 300-seat Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, Seneff Arts Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center Florida Hospital School of the Arts, the DeVos Family Room, and other event rental spaces. Future expansion includes Steinmetz Hall, a 1,700-seat acoustical theater, along with rehearsal, classroom, office space and commercial development spaces. Dr. Phillips Center is a private non-profit collaborating with the City of Orlando, Orange County, the City of Winter Park, the State of Florida and generous donors.

FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando is presented in partnership with Broadway Across America and Florida Theatrical Association. FTA is a non-profit civic organization with a volunteer board of trustees established to ensure the continued presentation of quality touring Broadway productions and the promotion of arts education throughout the state of Florida. For more information, visit FloridaTheatrical.org .

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes LionKing.com and The Broadway Channel.  Led by 11-time Tony-winning producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Groundhog Day, Hairspray, Hello, Dolly!, Million Dollar Quartet, On Your Feet!, The Producers, School of Rock and Waitress. LionKing.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit LionKing.com and Broadway.com.

 

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Filed Under: Art/Theatre Tagged With: 11, 14, center, disneys, dr, february, ...

Theatre Review: Original Hedwig’s Final Weeks on Broadway

I’ve never been so cold. I’m standing outside a Broadway theatre on a snowy March night, and I’m from Texas. I can’t feel my face.

“Is this ridiculous?” I ask the fellow fan next to me, referring to the rose I’m holding for the show’s star.

“Nope,” she says.

She gets it. We’re Hedheads, and we’re here getting frostbite for the same reason: to see the queen. John Cameron Mitchell, the co-creator and current star of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, is due to exit the Belasco Theatre stage door any minute.

Diehard fans and critics alike are practically yelling at you to go see this show before his run ends on April 26—and with good reason. Seeing him perform is pure magic, at once vulnerable and sardonic, witty and sexy. He is so genuine and raw on stage that distinguishing new jokes from improvised quips is next to impossible in one viewing. (“You’re seeing the original cast,” referring to Mitchell’s/Hedwig’s knee brace, is my new favorite.) But there’s more to Mitchell’s Hedwig than his brilliantly moving and funny performance and Stephen Trask’s phenomenal music. There’s a reason some fans are crossing continents to see him do this.

I’ve attempted to explain the significance of the queen’s return to people who know nothing about the show: This is different than any other actor playing Hedwig because when you watch the others, you’re watching a performance; when you see Mitchell, you’re seeing Hedwig, the character, in real life. It’s as if the 2001 film was a documentary and now you’re going to a real, live Hedwig and the Angry Inch concert.

For those unfamiliar, the musical is less a traditional play and more a rock concert with monologues in between songs. An overarching theme about the search for one’s missing “other half” is beautifully woven into both the lyrics and Hedwig’s tragicomic backstory. Somewhat paradoxically, watching Mitchell play Hedwig almost undermines the show’s closing message of finding wholeness within oneself, because fans leave feeling like we’ve found our other half—right there, on stage, spitting on us and shouting in German.

The knee brace Mitchell is sporting is starkly apropos, becoming another sad-yet-humorous aspect of Hedwig’s story. Although the sight of it tugs the heartstrings, one of the best things about the brace might be the way it further blurs the line between Mitchell and Hedwig—in a way, she’s realer than she’s ever been.

Basking in the glow of his inimitable performance, I’ve never been happier to freeze my toes off.

John Cameron Mitchell can be seen through April 26th at the Belasco Theatre with Darren Criss scheduled to take over Hedwig on April 29th.

 

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Filed Under: Theatre Reviews Tagged With: broadway, final, hedwigs, original, review, theatre, ...

Discovery Channel adds Shark Savers as conservation partner for Shark Week’’s 25th Anniversary

Discovery Channel and Shark Savers, a shark conservation non-profit organization, are teaming up for the 25th Anniversary of the highly popular Shark Week, the network’s annual weeklong programming event devoted entirely to the ocean’s apex predators.

Shark Week, kicking off this year on August 12th at 9PM E/P, attracts millions of viewers each summer. And once they learn that a growing number of shark species are threatened with extinction, and that tens of millions are killed annually for the shark fin trade, many will feel compelled to both learn more and take action.

Through Discovery’s conservation page discovery.com/savethesharks and Shark Savers’ website www.sharksavers.org, people can join the fight for sharks by learning more about why they are so important to our planet, educating their community and taking a pledge against shark fin soup.

“Shark Week is how millions of people learn about sharks, and we will bring additional knowledge and action to that conversation”, said Michael Skoletsky, Executive Director of Shark Savers. “Sharks are critically important to our ocean ecosystem and yet are being killed by the tens of millions a year, mostly for their fins. Sharks are in trouble and they need all our help.”

One of this year’s new Shark Week programs features Shark Savers’ Board Chair, Wendy Benchley. How Jaws Changed the World examines the effect that the Jaws book and film, written by the late Peter Benchley, had on the world. Initially, the unexpected effect was to shape a highly negative public perception of Great White Sharks. Paradoxically, over time, Jaws also contributed to a new generation of shark scientists and conservationists and even some key individuals to devote their lives to shark conservation.

Brooke Runnette, Executive Producer of Shark Week, said, “While Shark Week’s primary purpose is to entertain, we also know that our audience loves sharks as much as we do, and that means making a commitment to protecting sharks. Shark Savers was chosen as one of our new shark conservation partners because they have the programs and campaigns to enable our audience to actively participate in the important task of shark conservation.”

Discovery Channel’s SHARK WEEK is cable’s longest-running programming event and will celebrate its 25th anniversary with all-new specials beginning Sunday, August 12 at 9pm ET/PT.
About Discovery Channel: Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.8 million U.S. homes, can be seen in 210 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology, exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people, places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please visit www.discovery.com.

About Shark Savers: Shark Savers is dedicated to saving sharks and mantas through building awareness, education, and action. Founded in 2007 by six long-time divers with a shared passion, our mission is to save the world’s dwindling shark and manta populations. Today, more than 25,000 members from 99 nations share that passion. Focusing on action and results, Shark Savers’ programs result in more protections for sharks and mantas, locally and globally. By leveraging broad professional experience and ocean expertise, Shark Savers brings this important issue to the public in many compelling forms, motivating people to stop consuming sharks and shark fin soup, working for the creation of shark sanctuaries, and empowering divers as advocates and citizen scientists for sharks. For more information: www.sharksavers.org

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