Latest news with #Gavin
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Magic: The Gathering Unveils Three New ‘Final Fantasy' Cards, Wizards of the Coast Team Breaks Down Collection (EXCLUSIVE)
Magic: the Gathering has unveiled three new cards from its upcoming 'Final Fantasy' set and Variety has the exclusive first look at the preview images from Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast. The three new cards part of the collection made in collaboration with 'Final Fantasy' game developer Square Enix include: The Strahl (an overlay of Smuggler's Copter), Luka Stadium (Strixhaven Stadium), and Tidus, Zanarkand Fayth (Thrasios, Triton Hero). The will be released with the rest of the set on June 13, which is now available for preorder. More from Variety Magic: The Gathering Unveils First Look at Two New 'Foundations' Cards (EXCLUSIVE) Marvel's Magic: The Gathering Cards Featuring Wolverine, Iron Man, Storm and More Revealed; Spider-Man Set Coming in 2025 'Magic: The Gathering' Netflix Series Taps Terry Matalas as New Showrunner 'The Strahl, a.k.a. Smuggler's Copter. During the previews, we showed you Balthier and Fran, and they care about vehicles, that's kind of their mechanic,' principal designer and set design lead for Magic's 'Final Fantasy' collection Gavin Verhey told Variety. 'And the Strahl is their ship, and we wanted to get the Strahl somewhere in the set. But it wasn't really making sense with what the main set was trying to do, we couldn't quite get it in there. But we thought, let's put it on this bonus sheet, so that way you can have Balthier and Fran and the Strahl side by side with each other, interacting. So that was kind of a fun little nod for us. Smuggler's Copter, of course, is a Magic card with a lot of pedigree. So that's pretty cool.' 'Gavin was so polite when he was like, people were trying to find a place in the main set — that was me,' principal game designer Dillon Deveney said. 'Every day I was like, 'I think we have to have this somewhere. It's so iconic to 'Final Fantasy.' People love these sky pirates in the game, they do this legendary shit. And so eventually, Gavin was like, I think I found the perfect spot on the bonus sheet and then it could be Smuggler's Copter. And honestly, it's even better at this point in time that we found that connection back to Magic. Smuggler's Copter is obviously a very famous card in Magic history, but also just the flavor of Smuggler's Copter being, in the original set, for a pair of sky pirates. I was just like beside myself. You found my dream, Gavin.' 'Thrasios is a really fun example of a card that we really collaborated with Square Enix on,' Verhey said. 'We were working out what cards we might want to use, and we sent Square Enix over an initial list of some ideas to show them. And they were really excited about Thrasios, right? I want to really emphasize, it's not just us going to them, they love Magic tons and tons. And we have weekly calls with them where they play tons of Magic, tells about what they think about Magic. And when we were over there playing with them and hanging out at the Square Enix offices doing work, after hours, we'll play a commander or play Magic together. So they love cards, too. And we mentioned Thrasios, they got really excited. So OK — we love it, they love it, let's put it in the set.' 'So this was just all encompassing passion of, 'Final Fantasy X' is my favorite game of the series, my personal favorite game,' senior game designer Daniel Holt said. 'Everybody asked, 'Is there going to be Blitzball? Is there going to be the laughing scene?' etc. But Blitzball just kept coming up over and over on 'Fantasy 10,' which, you will get some of that in the commander deck. But a lot of fans, once they learned we were doing this collaboration, were like, 'What about Strixhaven Stadium as Blitzball stadium?' People asked for this specifically, and I designed the original Strixhaven Stadium, too. So I designed this card. We got to apply it to my favorite game with this overlay. And it goes in the deck because it uses counters, so like Tidus in the deck and everything, it'll just slot right into the deck. It was just a perfect fit in every way possible.' Releasing June 13, Magic: The Gathering's 'Final Fantasy' collection will include cards based on the sixteen mainline games in the video game franchise. Per MTG's description for the collection, 'Cast powerful spells, call upon classic summons, and even visit your favorite locations on the back of a chocobo. Countless elements from the games are here for you to weave together your own story!' 'Magic has existed in Japan since 1995,' executive producer Zakeel Gordon said. 'We've had a lot of positive market signals and excitement from our Japanese community for distribution and retailers for this IP. There are a couple of special promotions that we will be doing in Japan as a celebration of this moment. So as a whole, I would say it's obviously very good for Japan, but more than anything, it's just trying to lean into the authenticity of what it represents to that market — what the history is with respect to video gaming culture in that region, and making our players globally excited.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Metro
6 hours ago
- Business
- Metro
Family business 'loses £10,000' after Meta blocks their accounts for 12 weeks
A family photography business feel like 'nobody cares' after Meta locked them out of their social media accounts for more than three months. Couple Gavin and Jenni Rolph estimate their business has lost £10,000 because their crucial Instagram account have been down since March 6. They have attempted to contact Meta three times a week but have hit a brick wall, with even legal letters going unanswered. The nightmare began on March 6 when the pair, who planned their Rolph and Co Photography business while on their honeymoon, claim they received an email that someone from Vietnam was trying to access their account. Half an hour later, they say eight of their accounts were disabled for supposedly 'breaching community guidelines'. 'I appealed straight away, but as far as I can tell it has been 12 weeks and no human has looked at it,' Gavin told Metro. The bans have stopped the pair accessing personal accounts, work account and even a Facebook page called Totally Locally Macclesfield, which supports small businesses in the area. One account survived the cull, Jenni's work Facebook account, which allows them to post on Rolph and Co Photography's Facebook page. But its their Instagram that drives people to their site the most and that access to that app remains shut off. Their customers have begun thinking their business has closed down, as a simple 'page not found' message appears when you try visiting their Instagram. Gavin added: 'We rely on Instagram a lot more. It's costing us money, people can no longer find us on there. 'For a small business their turnover's only around £100,000, losing £10,000 is a big chunk for a small business with only 2 employees. 'I feel ignored. We know we have done nothing wrong. 'It is a very personal impact from a very big company who really don't care.' The pair have been battling daily to try restore their accounts, which remained down when Metro checked on June 3. They appealed the decision immediately and have been continuing to appeal it three times a week in the last three months. The photographers, who have been running their business since March 2018, even had to pay £10 for Meta verified to talk to a real human at Meta support, but they say that hasn't helped. Instead, Gavin says they are constantly told a 'specialist team' is working on their case, but nothing has changed since. 'It really brings me down when I'm dealing with it,' Gavin said. 'You literally just click appeal. There is no chance to explain it. 'On chats I get someone pasting an automated response teling me it is with the appropriate team.' 'For the first few weeks, it was like, 'Oh, it'll be next week. It'll be next week.' 'We cannot set up new accounts because they will recognise where it is from. More Trending 'We both quit our jobs to do this. If something were to go wrong it is both of our jobs on the line.' Gavin says he has submitted requests for personal information to Meta under GDPR rules, but the tech giant have not responded within the legal 30 day limit. He and Jenni also sent a legal notice to Meta, accusing the company of 'breach of contract and gross negligence', but have not had any response. Meta did not respond to Metro's request for comment. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: I loaned my parents a few hundred quid — then they stole thousands MORE: 'SXSW London will be a love letter to the city – we ought to be here' MORE: Why so many young Brits are being 'manipulated' into smuggling drugs
The 42
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The 42
The highlights and the weirder parts of this summer's biggest sports events
The highlights and the weirder parts of this summer's biggest sports events On this week's episode, Sinéad and Gavin look ahead to the biggest events of the summer, previewing storylines and the likely winners and losers. What the hell is Fifa's Club World Cup, and why is Gianni Infantino a collectible in the official sticker album? Can Rhasidat Adeleke or anyone else on Team Ireland win a global medal at the world athletics championships? Why do we all get so inexplicably caught up in the British and Irish Lions? Can Ireland actually win a quarter-final, this time, at the women's Rugby World Cup? And what kind of absurdity will break out at the Ryder Cup? Get in touch: email gavincooney@ and sinead@
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Death Valley fans left speechless after spotting 'genius' moment in latest episode
Death Valley fans left speechless after spotting 'genius' moment in latest episode The second episode of the BBC's new murder mystery series Death Valley aired on Sunday night Death Valley: Official trailer Viewers of Death Valley were left distracted just minutes into the latest episode on Sunday (June 1). The six-part murder mystery series, which premiered last weekend, revolves around a retired actor named John Chapel (Timothy Spall). In the opening scenes of the show, John's neighbour is unexpectedly murdered, leading him to join forces with DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) to uncover the identity of the killer. Each week, this unlikely pair solve gripping murders against the backdrop of various stunning Welsh locations. In tonight's episode, Janie received a call from her mum, Yvonne, while she was out with her walking group, reports the Express. Melanie Walters first appeared as Yvonne on Sunday (June 1) night Yvonne disclosed that one of the newest members of the group, Karen, had been found dead on a Welsh mountain trail. To identify the culprit, a determined Janie persuaded John to join the group, hoping to gain his insight. However, viewers were left distracted after recognising Gavin and Stacey star Melanie Walters as Yvonne. Melanie is best known for her role as Gwen West in the popular BBC sitcom. Melanie wasn't the only Gavin and Stacey star to feature in the latest episode of Death Valley, with Dave Coaches actor Steffan Rhodri playing Janie's boss DCI Barry Clarke. At the end of the episode, several viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their excitement after spotting the Gavin and Stacey reunion. Steffan Rhodri plays DCI Barry Clarke in Death Valley One viewer wrote: "Dave coaches and Gwen? ! When is Nessa going to make an appearance?!" whilst another was equally excited, posting: "OMG Gwen and Dave Coaches!" A third said: "Not sure I can take #DeathValley seriously what with Dave coaches as a copper & now Gwen... All we need next is Ness appearing." The show also garnered positive reactions, with one person writing: "How have I never seen #DeathValley before?! It's genius!" and another enthused viewer stated: "Loving #DeathValley. Ludicrous, witty and quirky." Article continues below Death Valley is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
Daily Record
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Gardeners issued warning over popular plant that's banned from sale and are urged to 'bin it'
Garden designer expert Diarmuid Gavin has warned gardeners about the distinctive-looking weed parrot feather which must be disposed of immediately if you spot it in your garden pond. As garden ponds heat up, aquatic plants are thriving, but it's crucial to maintain a balanced mix to keep the pond in good health. Oxygenating plants like hornwort and water buttercup help purify the water by absorbing nutrients, while floating native plants like frogbit and water soldiers offer extra surface cover and nourishment for fish. Irish garden designer expert Diarmuid Gavin was sent a query from a Mirror reader this week who was concerned about a thick green plant engulfing his pond, which he suspected was a weed. Evaluating the reader's description, the plant expert advised that it looks to be a parrot feather, or Myriophyllum aquaticum, which is definitely a weed, that he is dealing with. Writing in his column for the Mirror, Gavin gave his expert advice on the situation. He wrote: "To me, it looks like parrot feather, Myriophyllum aquaticum, and it's definitely a weed. It's classed as invasive and is banned from sale. My advice is to remove the lot, bag it up and bin it. "Its role as an oxygenator needs to be replaced so I recommended the British native Myriophyllum spicatum, spiked water milfoil. This aquatic plant lives submerged in slow-flowing streams and ditches, as well as lakes and ponds. It has feather leaves but tiny reddish flowers emerge on spikes in June and July. "But plants that we should encourage are hardy geraniums, or cranesbills - among the most dependable and versatile herbaceous perennials for any garden. "Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours, their growth habits vary from neat ground-huggers to shrubby mounds several feet tall. This diversity makes them perfect for ground cover, floral borders, and even pots or containers." He added: "What's more, they're incredibly easy to grow. Many varieties thrive in partial shade, some tolerate full shade, and others flourish in full sun. They require minimal maintenance, are generally pest-resistant, and their open, delicate blooms are magnets for pollinators. "Colours range from pure white and soft pinks to deep purples and vibrant blues. " Speaking of what he grows in his own garden, television personality Diarmuid, who has presented the Chelsea Flower Show nine times, admitted: "I realised I have no fewer than seven varieties in my own garden." He continued: "At the front, I grow Geranium macrorrhizum, a creeping pink semi-evergreen that's quietly spread over the years in a most agreeable way. "Its sticky leaves release a fresh, herbal scent when rubbed – a lovely surprise. It's my go-to plant for dry, shady spots where little else will grow. Beneath the birch trees is 'Ann Folkard', easy to spot with its vivid magenta glowers and dark centres. It handles dry shade well and looks striking alongside the limey-green froth of Alchemilla mollis. "It's got a more rambling habit, weaving naturally through neighbouring perennials." Gavin continued on: "A star performer still to bloom is 'Rozanne', famed for its large, violet-blue flowers that bloom non-stop from early summer to autumn. It's equally at home in borders or containers – ideal for patio gardeners looking for long-lasting colour. "In the back garden grows Geranium palmatum, the Canary Island geranium. Despite its sun-loving roots, it's surprisingly content in partial shade. A biennial that self-seeds freely once settled, it offers lovely fern-like foliage and soft pink flower sprays. "More humble, but just as charming, is our native G. robertianum, or herb Robert. Depending on your perspective, it's either a cheerful wildflower or an unwelcome weed. "I rather enjoy its spontaneous appearances – especially at the base of my tree ferns, where the small pink blooms contrast beautifully with the dark, hairy trunks." Moving onto the next plant, he explained: "From Madeira comes the flamboyant G. maderense – perhaps the most spectacular of all. A tender biennial, it requires protection in cooler regions and can only be grown outside in mild, coastal gardens or under cover. When it flowers, it produces a show-stopping dome of pink blooms well worth the effort." The garden designer concluded: "Not forgetting 'Mrs Kendall Clark', a taller variety with elegant grey-violet flowers and foliage that turns red before winter. She's a perfect companion to roses, lavender and other herbaceous plants, thriving in sun or part shade in moist soil. "You'd think that would be enough, but geraniums are addictive. I'm already eyeing up G. phaeum 'Samobor' for a shady patch. With its dusky maroon flowers and beautifully marked foliage, there's always room for one more." Garden expert Diarmuid Gavin has listed the top things, that keen gardeners should be doing in their garden this week below. The information is all in his own words. What to do in your garden this week With hotter temperatures, keeping plants, particularly those in pots and containers, well hydrated is the main priority. It's good seed-sowing time – sow ornamental annual flowers straight into the ground and succession sow summer veg like lettuce, radish, beetroot and spring onion so you'll have an ongoing supply. Take softwood cuttings. The tender new growth of many plants will root easily, for instance fuchsia, hydrangea, lavender. Cut beneath a leaf node where there is a concentration of growth hormones, trim leaves and dip in some rooting powder and plant in pot. How's your compost heap looking? Turn it over to air it and add some moisture if it is too dry. Water peas and beans as they are starting to flower so will be particularly thirsty as they form pods. Carrot seedlings will also need thinning. Fruit in pots will be calling out for a high-potash liquid feed and those in the ground will like a sprinkle of slow release fertiliser. Protect developing fruits from birds with netting. Hot sunny days can cause overheating in the greenhour. Keep vents and windows open during the day and check plants daily for watering. Damp down on very hot days with a hose to increase humidity. Lilies need staking now. Oriental poppies look amazing – briefly – but after their spectacular flowering, cut them back and you might just get another flush of flowers. Harvest salads and radishes and continue to sow them in fortnightly batches.
