Limitless fantasy. The limitless imagination of the masters

As you know, fantasy has no boundaries. Especially if the master is a student, full of ideas, but limited financially. So a talented girl created an amazing sculpture peacock from ordinary spoons, knives and other cutlery. By the way, the total cost of these items was no more than $50.

A student at Northern Michigan University, known on social networks under the pseudonym Liddlenomnom, created an original peacock sculpture from ordinary cutlery.
As the craftswoman herself notes, the idea of ​​creating something like this has been in her head for a long time. And only as a student and having acquired some skills in working with metal, the girl was able to fulfill her dream.

To create the Liddlenomnom sculpture, it took about 400 meters of wire and a lot of cutlery. After 120 hours of effort, the total weight of the bird was 14 kilograms.

Now the girl plans to show the sculpture at the ArtPrize exhibition and then sell it. Despite the fact that the craftswoman spent only $50 on the purchase of materials, she estimates her work and efforts at $3,000.

Peacocks are very graceful and colorful birds. That is why people show increased interest in their plumage. Thus, a model costing 1.5 million dollars was presented to the Chinese city of Nianjin.

Leather became the first material that man began to process and use. Its possibilities are endless - leather was used for clothing, it was used to create tools and weapons, and it was used to cover homes. Naturally, over time, in addition to purely utilitarian purposes, the role of leather processing and for artistic purposes.

There are many methods of working with leather. From embossing and appliqué to burning and intarsia. Perhaps one of the first methods was perforation, in which holes of various shapes were made on leather products, the holes were woven into patterns. Using this technique, leather accessories can be found back in Stone Age cultures.

Since ancient times it has also been used for artistic leather processing burning and engraving using paints or hot needles. These techniques were used to decorate clothes, horse harnesses, and panels. Leather wallpaper with gilded patterns was even popular in Europe for almost 300 years during the Baroque period.

But skin is a warm, living material. It carries a huge energy charge, which is a sin not to use. That is why the past special leather treatment becomes the main element of amulets and amulets.

Modern masters do not ignore this material. When combined with natural minerals, semi-precious and ornamental stones, leather amulets can bring peace, help gain wisdom, and awaken creative impulses.

But besides the classic types skin exotic ones are increasingly being used - crocodile, ostrich, stingray, eel, etc. Some products even use whole parts of animals. For example, a kraken amulet is made from the tentacles of an octopus, which can protect the owner’s wallet from attacks, and the owner himself from evil thoughts.

What would we do without our imagination, which saves us in difficult situations? Coming up with something incredible to make your life more comfortable is the motto of a huge number of people. Some inventions are amazing.

When a person finds himself in a difficult situation, his inner potential is fully revealed. To quickly find a way out, solve a problem or prevent it, people come up with completely unexpected and even original solutions. After looking at our selection, you will understand what we are talking about.

1. This is what an ideal navigation system looks like. I was confused, so confused.

2. Everything is simple and ingenious, but now the wires do not get disconnected at the most unexpected moment.

3. If you often forget your keys when leaving home, then this idea is for you.

4. Now you don’t have to be afraid of getting bogged down in a swamp - these are just walking boots.

5. To make your shower truly invigorating and refreshing, hang a couple of eucalyptus branches in it.

6. Looks like this guy's shoes have been stolen more than once, and now he has an anti-theft mechanism.

7. If you are unlucky with birds, you can simply hang a speaker on a tree and turn on their singing.

8. Comfort for pregnant women is paramount.

9. Those who don't want to spend money on special shoes to climb poles can use this idea.

10. This is the most unusual place to see paper hand towels, but it saves on electricity.

11. No more crying over those terrible onions, and cooking will be a joy.

12. Now you don’t have to collect ribbons, candy wrappers, etc. scattered around the house every hour.

Affectionate nicknames: the boundless fantasy of a couple

From childhood we get used to the fact that mothers caress our ears, calling us all sorts of pleasant words. For our nervous system, all these “cats” and “paws” are the same as “sim-salabim and akhalay-mahalai” for opening a secret passage. Affectionate treatment always immediately puts you at ease. It is the cute and gentle nicknames that people who love us give us that help us instantly tune into a friendly mood and relax.

By the way, cinema and literature are full of examples of touching and touching nicknames. Famous phrase Faina Ranevskaya in the film “Foundling”: “ Mulya, don’t make me nervous!”, became winged. It seems that the heroine “freaked out”, and with this affectionate Mulya she smoothed out all the rough edges. Here I also remember another Soviet film - “Girl Without an Address”: “Well, whatever he wants Masik , to Kusenka Did you bring it for him? Classic literature is replete with cute nicknames from the series Darling, Dove, Darling. Vladimir Mayakovsky beloved Lilya Brik affectionately called Little Fox, Fox. A Marina Tsvetaeva her son was affectionately called Moore. Yes, there are plenty more examples. All people, without exception, put affectionate labels on their loved ones to indicate their attitude and their belonging to the object of love.

The variety of cute nicknames is limited only by the couple’s imagination. But they also have their own fashion. Some are especially popular, others clearly reflect the individuality of their owner. Here's a small rating for you.

1. The first place of honor is occupied by the animalistic theme. The leader, of course, is the cat family: Kotiki, Kitties, Kisuni and even Katsunyaki. You don’t have to think long, it’s almost always 100% hitting the sweet spot. Cats are one of the most affectionate animals, which is probably why we humans love to associate ourselves with them.

2. For those who are already quite fed up with the cat theme, bet on Zaitsev! Yes, these furry animals are not far from cats either. Bunny, Bunny, and briefly and simply - Zaya. The animal does not seem to be the most affectionate, but it is fluffy, cute and cozy.

3. Not only animals are included in the ranking of affectionate nicknames. Birds are also among the top popularity, but selectively. No Pelicans, Storks or Swifts for you. Try calling your husband: “Goose, you are mine, crystal.” He won't understand. He will be offended. Or just casually say to your wife: “Magpie, let’s eat!” You can stay without dinner. But Swallows, Sparrows, Doves, Winches, even Herons and Parrots often appear in love chatter. And those who do not really like to go through names or simply do not have extensive knowledge of orientology, use the generalized Bird.

4. However, practically any animal can be included in the list of affectionate, if used in a diminutive form. After all, the Elephant and the Baby Elephant sound and are perceived completely differently. Yes, and Toad-Toad too. For example, it is dangerous for a husband who accidentally spills sauce on himself to say: “You are a Pig!” And the cute Pig or Pig will immediately smooth out the rough edges of your comment.

5. Sometimes, in order for a slightly offensive word to turn into an affectionate one, it's enough just to hiss it. Psychologists, by the way, attribute the properties of attracting attention and favor to the letter “Ш”. Hence all these Sunshines, Babies, Babies, Lapushki and even Fools and Sillys.

6. For those who don’t particularly like to stir up cute emotions the discreetly conservative “Sweetheart”, “Native”, “Lubimaya”, “Zolotko” are suitable... Or all sorts of declensions of the names of your loved ones Sashenka, Deniska, Vanechka...

7. For couples who are in a permanent musi-pussy state, all sorts of “Lapusenki”, “Pussenki”, “Pupsiki”, “Masenki”, “Musenki”, “Shmusenki” and “Bubusenki” are ideal.

8. There are couples who have sense of humor is ok, and spouses can painlessly exchange very dubious nicknames such as “Zhopotulka”, “Puzyaka”, “Kozyavochka”, “Kazulya”. There are also “Chuchi”, “Donuts”, “Fatties”, “Gulens”, “Cranks” and even “Krakozyabry”. Partners who love each other are not at all offended by such nicknames; on the contrary, these cute “offenders” stick very quickly and sometimes hide unspoken grievances and complaints. It’s enough to just laugh it off and everything will be forgotten.

9. Edible theme is also actively discussed by lovers: “Sweet”, “Sugar”, “Pirozhenka”, “Gingerbread”, “Pie”, “Varenichek”, “Cherry” and many others. This can also include a vegetable theme: “Carrot”, “Eggplant”, etc.

What affectionate nicknames stuck with your couple? By the way, it is believed that the more inventively a couple approaches the invention of tender words, the more joint prospects await the family in the future. But an ordinary address like “Darling” is already a kind of alarm signal, which means that

Final Fantasy is today the recognized queen of the JRPG genre. Incredibly twisted plots built on drama and emotions, “living” characters with whom you empathize, magical music, gorgeous, well-thought-out worlds, worked out to the smallest detail - all these are games in the Final Fantasy series. It’s not for nothing that they are compared to fairy tales - these are not action films, these are, first of all, interesting stories with which you want to spend a lot of time, forgetting about food and sleep. And when such stories end, it’s always a little sad and you want a continuation.

Eight-bit fairy tales

Today, Final Fantasy is a veritable multimedia empire, which includes dozens of games on a variety of platforms, feature-length cartoons and animated series, as well as various related products such as literary works and soundtrack discs. However, twenty-three years ago, the prospects for Final Fantasy were not at all rosy. The creator of the game is the Japanese company Square Co. Ltd was literally on the verge of bankruptcy. Already by the very name of the project - Final Fantasy - the developers seemed to be telling gamers: “Goodbye, we are leaving the gaming business, and this toy is our last gift to you.” And ironically, it was "Final Fantasy" that was destined to become a great hit, the very game that Square Co. pulled out. Ltd from a web of debt.

By today's standards, the first project in the Final Fantasy series, which was born in Japan on the eight-bit Nintendo Famicom Disk System, looks pathetic. But in 1987 the game was a real revelation. All those main advantages with which the series wins the hearts of gamers to this day were very clearly manifested in the very first game. The creators of “Final Fantasy” chose the Dragon Quest toy from Enix as a reference point for imitation. However, Square's game was superior to the JRPG pioneer in every way. The plot is especially worth highlighting. Four heroes, so far nameless, perform feats in a certain magical kingdom-state. At first there are easy tasks, then more serious ones, and in the end you have to fight a global threat. The interesting story was complemented by turn-based battles, a beautiful fairy-tale world, as well as traditional RPG character classes.

The first game was a runaway hit, and Square Co. Ltd realized that they needed to strike while the iron was hot. In 1988, Final Fantasy II went on sale, cementing the success of the series. The characters of the main characters became more developed, and the characters themselves acquired names and personalities. It was also in this game that yellow chocobo birds first appeared, which later became an integral part of the Final Fantasy world. But the gameplay was significantly simplified - probably, some of the fans of the series were grateful for this, while others, on the contrary, greeted these simplifications with indignation. The "eight-bit" period in the history of the series ends with the game Final Fantasy III (1990). This project brought “professions” into the universe for characters that could be developed and “pumped up” as the game progressed.

Subsequently, the games of the "eight-bit" period of Final Fantasy were repeatedly re-released on various portable and home consoles.

Final Fantasy on Super Nintendo

Final Fantasy IV (1991) opened a new page in the history of the now famous game line. The game moved to the more powerful Super Nintendo Entertainment System console, and of course, the graphics and music were greatly improved at the same time. Like Final Fantasy II, the first 16-bit fantasy is distinguished by its carefully developed characters. The combat system has changed slightly, elements of real-time battles have been added to it. And in Final Fantasy IV there are a couple of pleasant surprises for our compatriots: creatures “borrowed” from Slavic mythology - the goblin and the brownie.

The experiments continued in Final Fantasy V (1992) - here the developers already focused on developing the gameplay. Five main characters, confrontation with the new Absolute Evil - the Void, as well as three large game worlds and a polished system of professions from Final Fantasy III - this is what the bet was placed on when creating a new game in the series. Despite the fact that Square baked Final Fantasy like hot cakes (a new game was released every year), it nevertheless managed to produce very high-quality projects over and over again. And although Western gamers received the project rather coolly, in Japan the toy sold almost 2.5 million copies. And in 1994, there was even an anime sequel to this game, a small animated series called Final Fantasy: Legend of Crystals.

Final Fantasy VI, which was released in 1994 on the same Super Nintendo, at that time was the crowning achievement of the series. Until now, many players consider it the best JRPG on this platform. In addition, in the Final Fantasy series, the sixth part is considered one of the most beautiful pearls of which the series can rightfully be proud. One of the main features of this game is its deep psychologism, and very serious problems that are posed to the heroes during the game. Other trump cards were, as usual, a great plot and wonderful music. It seemed that now everything was perfect, that it could not be better. However, in its next game, Square proved that the series still has room to grow.

New breakthrough - Final Fantasy on Sony PlayStation

With the onset of 1997, the series moved to the “main” platform - the Sony PlayStation console. The console had capacities that significantly exceeded the potential of the old Super Nintendo. The opportunities that opened up made the developers' heads spin. So is it any wonder that Final Fantasy VII easily outshines all the games in the illustrious series that came before it?

Square proved that three years of “silence” were not in vain for it. Spread over three CDs, the game stunned gamers with unprecedented graphical beauty and a wonderful, once again unique and original gaming universe, built at the intersection of technical and magical sciences. Many consider the game to be in the cyberpunk genre - for Final Fantasy this is very serious praise. As an experiment, it was decided to turn the colorful magical world into a dark, technological fairy tale - and as a result, Final Fantasy VII was born, perhaps the best game in the series to date. Not surprisingly, fans are still begging Square to release a remake of FFVII on modern consoles - and now the developers, according to them, are thinking very seriously about this idea.

However, we will certainly return to the affairs of today. For now, let's turn our attention to 1999 - the time Final Fantasy VIII went on sale. This game was no longer such a great hit as the previous part was, but it sold quite well. It was this project that brought the romantic line to the fore (for the first time in the series, by the way). “Planes come first, girls come later,” this has been said about previous games, but clearly not about FFVIII, where the romantic relationships of the characters seem to be the most important thing in the world.

In 2000, at the turn of the millennium, a new game is released. Final Fantasy IX closes the Sony PlayStation period in the history of the famous JRPG. The game became a kind of gift for fans of the very first Final Fantasy - the developers prepared for them a wonderful walk into the past, spread over four discs. A magical world, colorful scenery, a fascinating story about the struggle between good and evil - everything is like in the good old classics. What else does a JRPG fan need to be completely happy?

The new millennium also brought a move to a new platform. Leading the way was the PlayStation 2 with its incredible technological capabilities.

Beautiful fairy tales

Final Fantasy X (2001), created for the PlayStation 2 console, once again left fans speechless with its release - full 3D came to the game! The next revolution, according to tradition, was accompanied by a wonderful plot, presented in a very original way - we learned about the adventures of the main character through his memories. Tidus, the hero of the game, finds himself in a world alien to him, where he meets the girl Yuna. By the way, “ten” is the only numbered game in the series that has a direct continuation - we are talking about Final Fantasy X-2 (2003), in which the girl Yuna goes in search of Tidus. This time there were three girls as the main characters - actually, Yuna, Rikku and Payne. Of course, the games themselves are, as usual, very well made - the transition to a new platform was once again successful.

Final Fantasy XI, which appeared in stores in 2002, started another (how many?) local revolution. This time, Square Enix presented fans of "Final Fantasy" with an online RPG. The eleventh project in the series is focused on playing as part of a team - as one would expect from a JRPG, in which parties of heroes usually fight enemies. In addition, in this game, for the first time in the series, there was no separate screen for battles - battles with enemies took place in the same place where the heroes first encountered monsters.

Battles were organized in a similar way in Final Fantasy XII, the game that closed the PS-2 period in the history of the line. The project arrived in stores in the spring of 2006. The twelfth episode of "Final Fantasy" is notable for being one of only six games in the world to be given the highest score of 40 points by the Japanese magazine Famitsu. The battles took place in real time, and the monsters were noticeable in the locations - players could run away from them if they wanted. Other innovations were the “License System” (licenses are skills that characters need to learn in order to master new types of weapons) and the “Gambit System” (these are the combat characteristics of heroes, a kind of “autopilot” that allows teammates to fight independently, without the vigilant control of the player). them). In general, the game, of course, did not become a revolution, but it was able to introduce several interesting innovations to fans. Well, as usual, it was a very high-quality, very well-made project, otherwise why would Famitsu give Final Fantasy XII 40 points?

The future is already here

Final Fantasy XIII, which was released in Japan in 2009, is currently the last serialized game in the series to go on sale. The project was originally created for the PlayStation 3, but later it was decided to make a version for the Xbox 360. Together with the projects Final Fantasy Versus XIII and Final Fantasy Agito XIII announced by Square, this game is included in the “New History of Crystals” (Fabula Nova Crystallis). In the world of Final Fantasy XIII, there is an aerial city called Cocoon - it floats in the skies above the surface of a planet called Pulse. As usual, the excellent plot introduces us to several heroes forced to challenge almost the entire civilized world. From the same Famitsu the game received 39 points - not the highest score, of course, but also a very good result.

What's next? And then - new games from the Fabula Nova Crystallis line, as well as Final Fantasy XIV, already the second MMORPG in the world of “Final Fantasy”. The universe is still growing and developing, drawing more and more new fans into its networks, preparing the next beautiful fantasy tales. And may she live for many more years, delighting fans with magnificent, emotional stories, as well as characters with whom you want to empathize. After all, according to the laws of the Final Fantasy world, one fantasy always comes with another - that’s why this fairy tale has not ended for more than twenty years.

Alexander SNEGIREV