#Affordable Landscaping Los Angeles

[alphademocontractors]

The city of Los Angeles, renowned for its scenic landscapes, is also known for its characteristic hilly terrains. Ensuring the stability of these hillsides and their beautification through landscaping can often be a significant investment.

[foundtherightwords]

Same Streets, New Memories

Pairing: Eddie x Chrissy (No Vecna/No Upside Down AU)

Summary: Sixteen years after he got his diploma and ran like hell out of Hawkins, Eddie is forced to return home. Disappointed and disillusioned, he broods over his past failures, until a chance meeting with a certain former Queen of Hawkins High puts things into perspective for him.

A/N: This is mostly inspired by the song I Finally Love This Town by Tired Pony. Also, I've seen a lot of "rock star Eddie" fics, so I wanted to explore the opposite of that - what if he never made it big at all?

Warnings: angst (quarter-life crisis stuff - they're all in their mid-30s though, is that too late for a quarter-life crisis?), mentions of drug dealing, drug use, and drinking, some violence

Word count: 6.5k

"Hawkins!" the driver called out amidst the hissing of the brakes, jolting Eddie from the stupor he'd sank into since the Greyhound left Indianapolis. He sat up in his seat and rubbed his aching neck, trying to suppress a groan. Sometimes he'd forgotten he could no longer fall asleep in any position and wake up just fine. For one thing, he wasn't nineteen anymore; for another, all those years spent pretzeled up into all sorts of shapes in the van, on the floor, or on the couch of anyone kind enough to let him crash at their place, were catching up with him.

The bus door clunked open, and Eddie stepped off, blinking in the watery spring sun. It took him a while to recognize that Hawkins' Greyhound station was still in the same place—the parking lot of Palace Arcade and Family Video—because Family Video had been taken over by a Blockbuster, while a Starbucks had replaced the Palace.

It had been sixteen years since he left, and he wasn't prepared for the changes. They say you can never go home again. But what if the place had never felt like home in the first place?

He was one of the few that got off the bus. There were no familiar faces among the passengers or those that came to pick them up. All the better. He didn't want to see anyone he knew.

Hoisting his bag over his shoulder and picking up his guitar case, Eddie trudged toward Forest Hills Trailer Park. It was early March, yet the air was already muggy, even more uncomfortably so after the cool dryness of Los Angeles, and he ran an irritable hand through his fizzy hair, again regretting his decision to come home. Well, what were his options? Stay in LA and work some shitty job with shitty pay that couldn't even afford him a shitty apartment, or return to Hawkins and work some shitty job with shitty pay, but at least he could stay with Wayne in their shitty trailer so he could save money on rent? The second one was an obvious choice, even if it made his insides shrivel up in shame every time he paused long enough to think about it. The prodigal freak of Hawkins, slinking home with his tail between his legs... It'll be OK, he told himself without conviction. Humiliation rarely causes death.

As he walked through Hawkins, Eddie noticed all the changes in the landscape and the people, some subtle, some obvious, but changes nonetheless. Compared to the constant flux of LA, Hawkins seemed older, more tired, the people wearing a harsher look on their faces. He wondered how much of the changes came from himself.

At the turnoff, he almost collided with some spotty-faced kids rolling past on their skateboards. "Watch it, old man!" one of them yelled. The word stung. Eddie thought about giving them a piece of his mind, but thought better of it once he got a closer look at them. Jesus, did he ever look that young? He must have. And thirty-six is not old. Yet, watching those kids, with their frosted tips and the hems of their jeans dragging in the dust, he felt ancient, like Rip Van Winkle returning from his twenty-year-long sleep in the mountains.

But that feeling waned, the closer he got to the trailer. In fact, by the time he pushed open the door, it was as if no time had passed at all, and he was ten years old, getting dropped off by Hopper after Al got arrested yet again. By that point, Eddie had gotten used to staying with Wayne whenever his old man got into trouble, and neither of them had noticed when that particular stay had extended from days into weeks into months and finally years.

The trailer was a time capsule. There was the prehistoric TV by the door, the old faded rug on the floor, the cramped, messy kitchen. All the mugs and hats he'd given Wayne for Christmases and birthdays still lined the walls. It had started sort of as a joke one Christmas, when Eddie first started living with Wayne and couldn't think of a present for him. He had found a Garfield mug and bought it with the little money he had. Wayne had laughed upon opening it and given it the place of honor on the shelf over the TV. And so for Wayne's birthday next year, Eddie had bought him another mug, and another for Christmas, occasionally throwing in a hat just to keep Wayne on his toes, until it had become a tradition and Wayne had to put up new shelves around the living room for the mugs.

Eddie still remembered the Christmas he'd given Wayne a "World's Best Dad" mug.

"I'm sorry, they didn't have a 'World's Best Uncle' one," he'd mumbled apologetically. Wayne had said nothing, only clearing his throat and giving Eddie a tight hug.

And there was Wayne himself. Eddie looked at his uncle with sadness. When had Wayne become so worn out? Ever since Eddie knew him, he had seemed to have been born old, always of some undetermined age between forty-five and sixty, yet full of a quiet energy that never went out. Now, slumped in the rocking chair in front of the droning TV, he looked shrunk, a tired old man. Guilt pricked at Eddie's insides. He'd promised himself the first thing he'd do when Corroded Coffin got big was to get Wayne out of the trailer park and into a decent house, and not only had he failed, but he also had to ask Wayne to take him back.

Eddie sighed and gave Wayne's shoulder a gentle shake. The old man opened his eyes, blinking at his nephew.

"You're home," he said, as if Eddie had just left the previous day.

Eddie wondered if he'd ever really felt at home anywhere. Here, in this rundown trailer, with his gruff but kind uncle, was probably the closest he'd ever gotten. "Yeah," he said simply. "I'm home."

***

Eddie got a job as a bartender at the Hideout.

He suspected that Lenny, the owner, gave him the job for old times' sake more than anything, but it suited him just fine. It meant he got to go to work when most of the townspeople were already on their way home, so fewer chances of running into people he knew. Besides, those that knew him and might mock him didn't usually frequent the Hideout.

It didn't pay that well, and Eddie wondered if the idea of raising enough money to self-produce and release the next Corroded Coffin album was even plausible. He briefly considered dealing again. But even back in high school, he had never made much money from it, mostly just enough to buy a new record now and then. And he couldn't risk getting arrested. Plus, even if he wanted to, he wouldn't even know where to begin now.

"I had to get out, man," said Reefer Rick, when Eddie dropped by his house on Lover's Lake one afternoon. "Kids these days, they're so much tougher. Cannier. And they deal with the hard stuff. I couldn't keep up. I had this place. I had a nice bit of money put away. So I got out while I could." Rick was well on his way to middle age now, spending most of the time sitting on the porch drinking or even fishing on the lake, like those bozos they used to make fun of back in the day, and, oddly enough, he seemed content. Eddie envied him that.

Rick was one of the few old friends that Eddie saw. Eddie found his initial fear about running into people he knew laughable now, because there was almost no one left. All his friends from high school had moved away. His bandmates, Jeff and Grant, had gone to LA with him after graduation, but Gareth, who'd graduated a year later, never made it. "Sorry, man, my mom wants me to stay close," he'd said. They had found a replacement for him, but it was never quite the same.

One Sunday, Eddie ran into Gareth at the store. Gareth recognized him first, and no wonder—Gareth's hair was now cropped short, making his cherubic face look tired and much older than his thirty-three years.

"Holy shit, man, when did you get back?" he asked, giving Eddie a bear hug.

"Gareth, language!" hissed the woman holding a baby, standing just behind them at the check-out line.

"Sorry, hun," Gareth muttered and gave Eddie an embarrassed grin.

They caught up at the Hideout that night. Eddie was relieved to be able to unload to Gareth all about the band's struggle, as he knew no one else would understand. Gareth was understanding, but Eddie couldn't help feeling that his old friend was congratulating himself for not following them to LA and subjecting himself to such hardship. A boring life with a boring job and a boring wife in boring Hawkins was preferable to that. And then Gareth's pager beeped and he excused himself to get home because his wife needed help with the baby, and that was that.

The rest of Eddie's Hellfire buddies, all those lost sheep he'd taken under his wings, were gone too. Henderson was in MIT, working on his PhD. He still sent Eddie a Christmas card every year. Byers, the only one who could rival Eddie as a DM, was in California after Mrs. Byers and Hopper got married and moved the whole clan there, but they were in San Bernardino or somewhere, and Eddie never ran into them in LA. Wheeler had also gone to school there—he was dating Hopper's daughter at the time, if Eddie remembered correctly—and stayed. Sinclair, who had turned out better than Eddie had expected, given his association with the jocks, was working in Indianapolis. They had all done well for themselves.

So perhaps it was a good thing that they weren't here to see their fallen leader.

***

But not everyone left Hawkins. Some stayed. And sometimes, those who stayed were the fucking worst.

It was a usual night at the Hideout, with the regular crowd of five drunks. Nobody paid attention to the band, some lame punk cover act. Eddie wanted to feel bad for the band, remembering that Corroded Coffin had once been in their shoes, but he couldn't muster up the sympathy. Looking at their carefully ripped clothes and perfectly coifed hair, he knew this was just a hobby for them, a pastime to make themselves look cool, and could be easily left behind when they went back to the safety of their parents' houses and their cushy little lives. Then he caught himself and shook his head. Jesus, when did he become so bitter?

A group of men burst through the door, their raucous shouts and laughter putting an end to his dark thoughts. Eddie barely glanced at them. He'd seen enough of those, both in the few weeks he'd been working at the bar and back when he was playing here with Corroded Coffin. Suburban dads, most of them, out on their allotted once-per-week guys' night. Bored with the usual, they decided to check out the Hideout as the most underground place Hawkins had to offer. Ha. They wouldn't know underground even if they woke up buried in a six-foot grave.

Silently, he filled their orders and gave them to Trish, the server. She was one of the new hires—just out of school, barely old enough to be working at a bar—so Eddie made it a point to watch out for her when he could. "You'll be OK with those?" he asked, indicating the men sitting in their booth.

"Nothing I haven't seen before," she replied, though her face was grim.

The group stayed for a long time. As the night went on, they became louder, more obnoxious, and the grim set of Trish's mouth started to waver. She tried to act tough, but she was just a kid, really, and she was no match for those men.

After Trish brought the men their third rounds of tequila shots, Eddie heard a yell coming from the booth. "Get your hand off me!" It was Trish. She was grappling with one of the men, who was holding her by the waist, trying to pull her into the booth with him.

Eddie looked around. The band was gone, having finished their sets more than half an hour ago. Lenny wasn't even in. With a sigh, Eddie left the bar and approached the booth.

"Do we have a problem here?" he said.

"Damn right we do," said the man holding Trish. "You'd better teach your staff to be friendlier to the customers!"

"They are friendly. To those who can keep their hands to themselves," Eddie said, taking Trish's hand and pulling her up. She gave him a grateful look and scurried to the back.

The man got unsteadily to his feet. "Watch your fucking mouth," he snarled, giving Eddie a shove.

Eddie seized the man's wrist. "What did I say about keeping your hands to yourself?"

The man winced, and his friends glanced at each other, worried. "Fuck," the man said. Then he took a closer look at Eddie, and his eyes popped. "Holy shit!" he exclaimed. "Munson? Eddie 'The Freak' Munson?"

Eddie's stomach dropped, and his grip on the man's wrist loosened. He stared back at the man. Square jaws, a low forehead, and small, arrogant eyes. Loathing stirred his memories. His mind's eye added a letterman jacket and a baseball hat, and the man's features solidified. One of Jason Carver's cronies from the basketball team. What was his name?

The man's mouth lifted in a mocking smile. "Well, well, well. What happened to 'fuck this town', Munson?"

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave," Eddie said, ignoring the question.

"What are you going to do, kick me out?"

"Yes."

The others exchanged glances again, and Eddie was aware of how he looked in their eyes—a tall, intimidating guy in a leather jacket. Someone you don't want to mess with. One of them put his hand on the square-jawed man's shoulder. "Come on, Andy." Andy. That was it.

Andy jerked his shoulder away. "Don't let this freak scare you. All bark and no bite, aren't you, Munson?" he said, grinning at Eddie. "Just like in high school."

Eddie tried to swallow the hot gust of anger rising to his throat. "My bark is actually worse," he said evenly. "If you refuse to leave, I'm going to call the police."

Andy's friends had had enough. "Let's go, man. It's getting late anyway."

They filed out of the booth, throwing down money as they went. Andy still stared at Eddie, his already small eyes narrowed into angry slits, while his friends dragged him away.

***

After the bar closed, Eddie made sure that Trish was picked up by her boyfriend. It was four in the morning by the time he finished cleaning up and locking the door. As he walked through the parking lot that was still steeped in darkness, a voice called out, "Munson!"

Eddie turned around. It was Andy, standing by a car. What the hell?

"You really humiliated me tonight, you know that?" Andy said. By the slurring of his voice, his drinking hadn't stopped after he left the Hideout.

"You must have a really fragile ego, if that was enough to humiliate you," Eddie said, continuing to walk.

"Don't act all high and mighty with me, freak," Andy growled. "You were nothing in high school, and you're nothing now."

A haze of red came over Eddie's eyes, but he tried to keep it in check as he turned around.

"Hey man, I don't know what your problem is—" he began, but before he could finish, a fist landed on his cheek. Since said fist belonged to a guy who wasn't even standing straight, it didn't hurt much, but the surprise threw Eddie off his balance. Andy used the momentum to grab Eddie's shoulder and yank him down. Eddie's face collided with the car's side-view mirror.

Dazed, Eddie sat on the ground and touched his cheek. It stung where the mirror cut him, and his fingers came away wet with blood.

The haze of red slammed over his eyes again.

He jumped up and lunged at Andy.

What followed was a blur of punches, some connecting, either with flesh or metal, but most didn't. The more he missed, the angrier Eddie got. As if this bastard hadn't made his life miserable enough back in high school, he had to come to his work and attacked him as well. And for what? For ruining his night out with his buddies? As far as Eddie could see, Andy was doing a pretty good job of that himself.

Finally, Eddie had Andy by his neck against the car.

"What the hell's wrong with you?" he roared.

"Fuck you, fucking freak!" Andy spat out.

Suddenly the fight went out of Eddie. What the hell were they doing, two grown men having a pathetic drunken brawl over some imagined animosity nearly twenty years ago? He let go. Andy sank to the ground, and Eddie staggered away.

***

His cheek throbbing, Eddie found his way into the woods surrounding Hawkins. He couldn't let Wayne see him in this state. Better to walk off some steam and come up with some excuse before facing his uncle.

At this hour, the sun was not up yet, but it was no longer pitch dark. The woods lay silent under a cold gray half-light that sapped everything of color and life. The only sound was the squishing of the wet, dead leaves of many winters under his feet, and the only movement, other than his own, was the drip-drip-drip of water, either rain or dew, from the new buds onto his head. Irritated, he reached up to rub the wetness out of his scalp, and winced as he accidentally touched the cut on his face.

He shouldn't have let Andy get to him. The encounter left a sour taste in his mouth and a heavy weight, like a lead ball, in his guts. It wasn't simply anger or shame, or rather, it wasn't his usual shame of being a failure. It was the shame of feeling like he and Andy were similar. He hated the idea that he could have something in common with that jerk, but there it was. It was like they were still teenagers, ready to use their fists at the merest hint of an offense, always trying to prove themselves, trying to be cooler than this or that person. Eddie thought he'd grown out of that high school mentality, but apparently not. It only took coming back to Hawkins, being amongst these people, to bring out that aggressive side of him.

Perhaps coming home was a mistake.

A rustling made him look up. It was light enough now for him to glimpse, through the trees, a figure in a tracksuit, a jogger, a woman, blond hair bobbing along with her steps, running toward him. Shit. He didn't want to run into anyone, especially not right now, skulking through the woods with dry blood down his face and caked on his knuckles. They'd think he was a serial killer or something.

Eddie whirled around, trying to blend into the trees before he and the jogger crossed paths. A branch smacked him in the face, blinding him, making him lose his footing. He took a stumbling step back. The embankment he was standing on, already weak from the endless rain of the past week, gave way, and before he knew it, Eddie was plummeting down a slope, dead branches and rocks scratching at his face and arms as he went.

For a moment, he lay sprawled at the bottom of the slope, blinking up at the green dome above him, too stunned to move.

Then a face appeared in his view. A woman's face, full of concern.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

Then the concern on her face slowly dissipated, replaced by surprise and recognition.

"Eddie Munson, as I live and breathe," she said. "I almost didn't recognize you with that beard." When Eddie didn't answer, she gave him a teasing smile. "Don't you remember me?" She extended a hand to help him up.

Eddie squeezed his eyes shut, wishing he could sink into the earth and disappear right there and then. But when the trees remained above him, and the musty earth remained underneath him, he had no choice but to accept the helping hand and get to his feet.

"Hi, Chrissy," he said.

***

Chrissy Cunningham. The last person he'd want to run into, especially in his current state.

Though her hair was shorter and held back with a headband instead of pulled into a ponytail, she still looked exactly as he remembered, as she had in high school, those wide blue eyes, that bright smile showing a hint of her crooked front teeth. Next to her, Eddie felt like a tramp. Probably looked like a tramp too.

"You OK?" she asked, taking in his bedraggled and bloodied appearance.

"Uh, yeah."

"That's a nasty cut right there," she said, pointing to his elbow. It was only then that Eddie felt the searing pain. He must've snatched it on a rock or a broken branch. "You should get that cleaned up, or it'll get infected." Without waiting for an answer, she took his other elbow and guided him up the other side of the slope. "Let me go grab a first-aid kit from school, and I can take care of that for you."

"What school?"

Chrissy stared at him. "Hawkins High, of course."

"Are we that close?"

"Don't you recognize this part of the woods?"

They were up on the opposite side of the slope now, and Eddie saw an old picnic table and bench set, all rusty and weather-beaten, by a tree stump that stood like a sentinel over the place. He immediately recognized it. He must've been too pissed off about his encounter with Andy to realize where he was walking.

"Wait here," Chrissy said. "I'll be back in a minute."

As she jogged off, Eddie thought about running away himself. But that would be ridiculous. She'd already seen him. How embarrassing would it be if she came back and found out he'd ran away like some coward? Besides, the fall had left him too sore to move. He gingerly sat down on one of the benches, afraid it would collapse from his weight, and cast a look around. Back in his schooldays, this had been the hangout for the stoners and the burnouts, and there had always been some empty beer cans and cigarette stubs scattered about. Now add to that some old needles, and he could've sworn he saw a used condom too. Jesus. Even this place had gone to the dogs.

What twist of fate had sent him here, and into the path of Chrissy Cunningham, of all people?

Of all the drug spots in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine...

Before he could contemplate that, Chrissy was back, bringing with her a first-aid kit. "So when did you get back?" she asked, lifting Eddie's elbow and cleaning the wound with practiced hands.

"A few weeks ago," Eddie replied, trying not to hiss at the sting of the rubbing alcohol.

"Are you just visiting? You're some big rock star out on the West Coast now, aren't you?"

Eddie was glad that her face was bent over his elbow, so she couldn't see the half-downcast, half-furtive look on his face. But his honesty won out. "Hardly," he mumbled. "Our albums sold like twenty copies each, and I think Jeff's mom—you know Jeff, right?—I think his mom bought most of them." He chuckled to show that he was joking, and Chrissy smiled back.

"I'd love to have a listen," she said. He knew she was just saying that to be polite, but it didn't stop butterflies from fluttering in his stomach. "I know it's not the same as seeing you guys live..." She lifted her eyes briefly to his face, before looking down again. "I always regret not making it to one of your shows at the Hideout, you know."

Eddie stared at her bent head, not knowing what to say. Being here with her and talking about Corroded Coffin and the Hideout brought back memories of another day in March, sixteen years ago. Back then, he'd felt, if not on top of the world, then at least pretty near it.

And that night... if he hadn't felt on top of the world that afternoon when he made Chrissy Cunningham laugh, then he'd certainly felt it that night.

It felt just like yesterday, the two of them driving back to his trailer after the successful conclusion of his Cult of Vecna campaign, trying the Special K, and then just staying up and talking. He couldn't remember what they'd talked about. All he remembered was a sense of... not happiness, exactly, but contentment, and it wasn't because of the Special K. No, it was because Chrissy had been there and she'd felt safe with him, and he with her.

He had never asked why she'd wanted to try the Special K. Later, as he drove her home, she'd asked him to drop her off a little further away so she could walk to her front door, and he'd guessed the reason, but hadn't pressed her about it.

"Sure, no problem," he'd only said, watching the way she twisted her fingers in her lap and fighting the urge to reach out, to put his hand over hers, and tell her everything would be alright. "I'll stay here and keep watch until you're inside."

She'd said thank and leaned over, perhaps to plant a kiss on his cheek, but at the same time, he'd turned his head to tell her "You're welcome", and the kiss had landed on his mouth instead. They'd both jolted back, embarrassed, only to be drawn back toward each other, inexorably, irresistibly, until her lips had found his again, deliberately this time. He still remembered the softness of her mouth, the taste of her lip gloss, the way she'd melted into his arms as he pulled her close...

He should've known it was too good to be true.

Queens of Hawkins High don't go around kissing freaks.

Chrissy had pulled away from him abruptly, ran out of his van, and disappeared into the night. When they got back to school after spring break, she'd actively avoided him.

Looking back, he realized that had been the first in the long string of disappointments that was to be his life for the following sixteen years.

And now here she was, talking as if nothing had happened.

It still stung, but he tried not to let it show.

"I didn't know you were in town," he said, changing the subject.

"Oh, I moved back a couple of years ago."

That surprised him. After leaving Hawkins, he'd tried hard not to think about Chrissy, but when he did, usually after some heavy drinking or after a late gig, when he felt particularly lonely, he'd imagined that she was leading a perfect life somewhere. Moving back to this shithole didn't seem that perfect.

And if she was here and Jason wasn't, that meant...

Eddie found himself glancing at her hand. No ring.

"My dad's passed, and my mom's had a stroke, so I moved back to help out," she explained. Eddie could feel all the years apart stretching out between them like a gulf. Their lives were so separate, so different.

"Shit. That's rough. I'm sorry."

She shrugged. "Moving back was a relief. I wasn't doing great in Chicago anyway. Divorced, working a dead-end job..."

"Oh. Sorry." Then, because he couldn't help himself: "Jason?"

She actually laughed, but there was no bitterness in it. "No. We broke up right after graduation. Just a few days after you left, in fact. He's married with a couple of kids now, living in Bloomington, I think."

She remembered when he left? Nah, don't be stupid. She only remembered 'cause that was when she broke up with that prick...

"What about you?" Chrissy asked.

"Me?"

"You married?" Was it his imagination, or did her nonchalance seem a little forced?

Eddie smiled ruefully. "Almost did, once."

"What happened?"

"She wised up." After that, it was just a string of fleeting relationships and meaningless hook-ups. More disappointments.

They talked about their classmates for a while—Nancy, Wheeler's sister, Miss Valedictorian, now a journalist in New York, Robin Buckley and Vickie Ryan, who shocked Hawkins when they started dating after graduation and then moved away together, and Billy Hargrove, the bad boy of their class, who was killed in a car accident in '92.

"Shit. Sounds like everybody left Hawkins," he said.

"Some stay. Some even came back," she said, gesturing to him and herself.

"That's only because they have no choice."

"No, I think it's nice to come back to a familiar place. You always know where you are. And if the place's changed... well, you've changed too, so that's even."

He hadn't thought of it like that. Suddenly the whole moving back home thing didn't seem so bad after all.

"You should be a motivational speaker, Cunningham," he said, trying to sound dry. "Have you considered that as a career?"

"I already kind of am, with the cheer squad."

"You're still cheering?"

"No, coaching." She perked up. "Didn't I tell you? I'm the cheer coach at Hawkins High now. Hard to believe, right?"

"No, not at all. You were always good at that." He remembered Chrissy in middle school, how young they'd been, how enthusiastic—how long ago was that, over twenty years? Jesus. No wonder he felt old.

"The only thing I'm good at, you mean."

"No, no," Eddie quickly said. "Well, you're good at this too," he added lamely, indicating the first-aid kit.

"I did study to be an RN." She finished bandaging up the large wound on his elbow and moved on to his other cuts and scrapes.

"So why—"

"Dropped out my third year." There was an awkward silence, but Chrissy didn't seem embarrassed. "I just couldn't cope with the stress, and there was no one to sell me half an ounce of weed at a discount," she said, twinkling at him, and he couldn't help smiling back at her.

That smile disappeared when Chrissy asked, "So, any exciting new project with Corroded Coffin coming soon?" Seeing Eddie's face fall, she sobered up. "I'm sorry, was that—"

"No, it's OK."

Eddie felt like opening up to her. Perhaps they weren't so different after all. Perhaps she'd understand.

"Well"—here Eddie took a deep breath, and the truth he'd been hiding came out in a rush—"there won't be any new stuff. Not for a while anyway. We got dropped by the label. The last album didn't sell that well, so they dropped us."

And there it was. The reason why he had to come home, the reason he felt like a failure. It had taken them years to get signed, and when it was only to an indie label, he and the guys had told themselves it was for the best, it would give them more independence. As it turned out, an indie label was less likely to interfere with their creative process, it was true, but it didn't interfere much with anything else either. They were left floundering, having to do almost everything themselves. Ten years of that would put a strain on anyone.

Without Gareth, they went through a string of replacement drummers, none lasting more than a few years, since they had never been part of Hellfire and didn't share their camaraderie. Then, when the label dropped them, it had been the last straw. They had held on for as long as they could, but eventually, when Grant and Jeff quit, Eddie had no choice but to quit as well. Grant had gone back to Hawkins for a while, then left again, having found a job in Detroit. Jeff, the rock of their group, was the only one who stayed in LA, working as a session musician. He had tried to convince Eddie to stay as well, but Eddie couldn't stand watching some other bands hit it big while he was forced to play someone else's music. To him, it would be a special form of Hell. So he'd gone home, feeling like he'd failed his bandmates, his uncle, and himself.

Chrissy listened to all that in sympathetic silence. No judging, no mocking, no clichéd advice or words of encouragement, just a softening of her eyes and a gentle squeeze of her hand on his arms as she placed Band-Aids on his cuts.

"Do you ever feel like you're a failure?" he asked, by way of a conclusion.

She peered at him for a moment before answering. "Oh just... you know, on a daily basis."

Those words rang a bell in Eddie's mind. He looked up to see Chrissy grinning crookedly at him, but there was some self-deprecation in that grin that made him realize how tactless his question had been.

"Sorry," he mumbled. "I didn't mean—"

"No, it's OK." Her smile got a little brighter. "I don't mind being a failure. Takes a lot of pressure off." When he raised a questioning eyebrow at that, she continued, "When you're already a failure, people don't expect much from you. You're free to live your life how you want, no need to live up to anyone's bullshit standard."

Eddie tilted his head to look at Chrissy more closely and realized his first impression of her had been wrong. She had changed. He could hardly recognize her from the nervous girl who jumped at the mere cracking of a branch when they met at this very bench sixteen years ago. She seemed... not exactly more confident, but rather, she no longer cared what others thought of her. Still, even back then, there had been a wild streak in her, a devil-may-care attitude that had driven her to buy drugs from him and agreed to come back to his trailer with him. Time and experiences had mellowed it, but it was still there. The same wild streak that had drawn him to her in the first place.

Chrissy finished with his arms and stood up so she could clean the cuts on his face.

"Do you remember that night before spring break, back in '86?" she said.

Their eyes met, and he held his breath. "Yeah?"

"I'm sorry I ran off like that. I'm sorry I ignored you in school afterward. It was—stupid of me. I cared too much about what other people thought."

So she remembered. And understood.

Eddie let out a breath, not just the one he'd been holding, but also the one that had his chest in a tight grip ever since he moved back home. With that breath, he also let go of all the heartache, guilt, and shame of the past. None of it mattered anymore. If he kept clinging to them, he would be no better than Andy.

He reached for Chrissy's hand, which was resting on his cheek. "You're not the only one," he said.

As she looked into his eyes, he would've given anything to be able to stay like that forever, with Chrissy standing over him, her face bent toward his, their hands intertwined, and the sun shining softly through the trees behind her, turning her gold hair into a perfect halo.

A branch snapped somewhere in the woods, breaking the spell.

Eddie cursed under his breath. His only consolation was that Chrissy was looking slightly flustered and disappointed, while she packed up the first-aid kit.

As she turned to leave, Chrissy blurted out, "Why don't you come to the game this Friday night? It'll be a walk down memory lane—oh, sorry." She winced. "I forgot that you don't care about—what did you call it? A game where you—"

"—where you toss balls into laundry baskets," Eddie said with a rueful smile. "I did say a lot of stupid shit back then. No, you don't have to apologize. It's just that—I have to work Friday night."

"Oh."

"But you're welcome at the Hideout anytime," he said, emboldened by her crestfallen look. "Drinks are on me."

Her face brightened. "I'll hold you to that."

"So... guess I'll see you around then?" he asked.

"Looks like it." She flashed him another crooked smile and walked off, while Eddie remained at the bench, feeling like he was fourteen again.

***

Wayne came out of the bedroom to find his nephew sitting on the fold-out bed. When Eddie first came home, Wayne had tried to give the bedroom back, saying the fold-out had served him well for ten years and would serve him well again, but Eddie had vehemently refused. His reason was that he was the one working nights now, and he didn't want to wake Wayne up when he came home early in the morning. In the end, Wayne had relented. He knew Eddie's guilt about having to move back in with him; no need to make the boy feel worse than he already did.

Eddie's face was bruised and bandaged, but he was looking more content than Wayne had ever seen him since he came home. And he had taken his guitar out of its case and was strumming a soft melody, occasionally stopping to jot something down in a battered old notebook in front of him. Wayne took that as a good sign.

"Mornin'," he said, shuffling toward the kitchen, making no comment on Eddie's late return or injuries. "You want some breakfast?"

"Hmm," Eddie replied distractedly, his attention still on the notebook.

It was his first attempt at writing a song in about eight months. He was a little rusty, but it felt good to pick up the guitar.

They say you can never go home again. But what if you can make the place feel like home? By peopling it with those that you know and love, and those that know you and, perhaps, if not love, then at least like you back?

She'd asked him to a game.

She'd said she'd see him around.

Maybe he could get someone to cover his shift...

"Hey Wayne," Eddie said, looking up from his guitar. "You ever watch a basketball game at Hawkins High?"

Wayne turned away from the pan of sizzling bacon to eye Eddie suspiciously. "Since when did you become interested in high school basketball?"

"Since today."

"Why?"

"No reason." Eddie shrugged, then he grinned, that familiar ear-to-ear grin that Wayne hadn't seen in a long, long time. "Just wondering if I could suffer through it this Friday night."

A/N: OK, I meant for this to be a one-shot, but my brain kept screaming at me to add more, so maybe I will expand on it later… not as a full multi-chaptered fic, but as a series of interconnected one-shots. We'll see.

[mariacallous]

Even the orcas are organizing.

On the ninth day of the Writers Guild of America strike, no one on the picket lines knows about the chaos at sea. They don’t know that the Screen Actors Guild, or SAG, will join them, or that 340,000 UPS workers and 30,000 Los Angeles Unified School District employees will vote to authorize the same, or that Sega of America will soon become the largest union shop in gaming. And none of those people have any idea that as they craft signs and fill water bottles, orcas are amassing in unprecedented numbers in Monterey Bay and Martha’s Vineyard. They have attacked approximately 250 vessels since 2020. One of their organizers, White Gladis, became an internet folk hero with her actions off the Iberian coast. Pod by pod, they learn how to strip the rudders from powerful boats and leave them adrift. On the ocean, as in business, a successful disruptor inevitably becomes a failing incumbent, torn apart by smaller competitors. As Ned Beatty’s character says in 1976’s Network, these are the primal forces of nature.

Welcome to Hot Strike Summer.

America’s economy is historically speculative: From cotton to crypto, it makes the youthful mistake of falling in love with potential. With no more worlds to conquer, the only real estate with any speculative potential is affinity-based: online platforms, virtual realities, transmedia franchises. But what happens if the vendors of vaporware try to run a dream factory?

“The future of entertainment will be the future of everything,” says John Rogers, creator of Leverage and The Librarians, “which is watching an enormous number of houses of cards that have been built over the past 30 or 40 years start to collapse.”

Rogers’ word choice there seems pointed. Cultural production’s current landscape, the one the Hollywood unions are bargaining for a piece of, was transformed forever 10 years ago when Netflix released House of Cards. Now, in 2023, those same unions are bracing for the potential impacts of generative AI. But the potential impacts of AI on filmmaking and scriptwriting represent only two of the shifts technology has brought to the world of cultural construction and consumption.

This spring, I spoke to around 20 entertainment professionals, in fields ranging from production design to pornography, and asked them about what they believed could revolutionize culture most. They talked about studios applying the “move fast and break things” model to over a century of profitable filmmaking and how it resulted in a consolidation of power that Hollywood’s Golden Age producers could only dream of.

With the fall of the Paramount Consent Decrees in 2020, any US studio with the right capital could once again open its own movie house and have control over what’s played in it. As negotiations between Hollywood studios and SAG heated up in July, the use of AI in filmmaking became one of the most divisive issues; one SAG member told Deadline “actors see Black Mirror’s ‘Joan Is Awful’ as a documentary of the future, with their likenesses sold off and used any way producers and studios want.” The Writers Guild of America is striking in hopes of receiving residuals based on views from Netflix and other streamers—just like they’d get if their broadcast or cable show lived on in syndication. In the meantime, they worry studios will replace them with the same chatbots that fanfic writers have caught reading up on their sex tropes.

It’s not much better for the indies. Decades of being permanently online has yielded a crop of self-taught, self-motivated sole proprietors—many of them underage, working without the basic protections afforded to child performers. Unlike members of the Screen Actors Guild, streamers and influencers have no health coverage, no collective agreement, and no recourse when a platform like YouTube suddenly demonetizes them, or if they’re targeted for harassment.

Things are no more stable in other entertainment industries. Netflix Games is still looking for its first big hit, developers are still expected to crunch, and mod communities are using AI voice clones to create unlicensed pornographic content based on human actors’ performances. (The same technology allows true-crime influencers to engineer performances by dead kids on TikTok.)

Taylor Swift’s Eras tour is projected to bring in $4.6 billion in the US, but Swift still makes fractions of a penny per Spotify stream. In food service and hospitality, the frictionless transactions and delivery from the 2020 lockdown are a baseline consumer expectation in 2023—but the aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic are still causing labor shortages. Meanwhile, America’s federal minimum wage hasn’t risen since 2009, meaning that increased prices for subscription-based media like Netflix, Substack, or even Twitter still sting.

From Covid to cookie deprecation, internet censorship to international content, artificial intelligence to organic impressions, the trends of the 21st century are ready for their close-up. Disney has laid off 7,000 people. Meta is cutting 21,000 jobs. Comic book movies are now tax write-offs. Scalper-bots have eroded fans’ relationship to live music. Some fans skew review scores and destroy brand partnerships, while others squeeze meme stocks and “grind” streaming content. But advertisers, the people who historically have made all this financially viable, still aren’t sure if targeted marketing works. Despite executives having access to almost every possible analytic, screenwriter William Goldman’s lament rings true: Nobody knows anything.

What became clear as I spoke to sources was this: The unbundling of the American storytelling machine has become the unbundling of the American story. What was once a roaring engine of commerce and a siren of soft power is now as fractured as the audience consuming its products. And it’s left the entire country, and the world that consumes its wares, vulnerable.

The Great Unbundling

Netscape CEO Jim Barksdale once said there are two ways to make money: bundling, and unbundling. Newspapers once bundled news alongside classifieds and personal ads, providing value to advertisers and readers. Then came Craigslist and online dating, and the bundle unraveled. Cable subscriptions worked this way, until streaming. Education, retail, manufacturing, health care, real estate—all have been similarly fragmented.

But unlike many of those other industries, entertainment is something people actually enjoy and engage with even when they don’t have to. It’s something people enjoy consuming and something people enjoy making. Storytelling relies on empathy. The creator empathizes with the audience, and the audience empathizes with the characters.

“Art always comes down to its first principles,” says Television Without Pity alumnus Jacob Clifton. “It exists so one person can say to another person across time and space, ‘I have felt this too.’ We have a need to share the things that touch us deeply and to create art of our own.”

For over a century, Hollywood has profited from this cranking out hits—even during economic downturns.

“I’m always amused when people say Hollywood is full of filthy socialists,” says Rogers. “Hollywood is the most capitalist place in the world. When I make a TV show, it is a product launch that I have to make a sample [pilot episode] of, and we spend $10 million, and then we focus-test it, and then we release it, and then we succeed or fail in seven days. There is no more capitalist experience than making a television show.”

Javier Grillo-Marxuach, executive producer of Netflix’s The Witcher, agrees. “Ultimately, a studio is little more than a bank. The writer goes in with a loan application (i.e., a script), and they decide if they want to spend $10 million making a pilot and $100 million making a show.”

But in the streaming era, startup logic guides creative decisions. Once, a weekly series like The X-Files, Community, or Veronica Mars (which received reboots thanks to their fans) might struggle for a while to grow their audience. Now, streaming services commonly abandon a litter of episodes on a platform to see if they survive. In the limited-series era, the feedback loop wherein creative teams sharpened their skills based on audience response over 22-episode seasons is gone. And when streaming platforms don’t pay the same residuals, the financial incentive to innovate is gone too.

Tech PR maven Ed Zitron calls this the “Rot Economy.” Author Cory Doctorow calls it “enshittification.” Writer Jacob Oller calls it the “IP Era.” In sociology, this is called the Principle of Least Interest: The one who cares the least always has the most power.

In a financialized creative environment, it is impossible to care less than a view-counting algorithm does. So producers end up serving the wishes of their bot overlords. This might be why in a recent interview, director Quentin Tarantino said streaming films “don’t exist in the zeitgeist.”

“The content is just a means to an end,” says Maggie MacDonald, a platform researcher and advisor to private equity firm Ethical Capital Partners. “Because every click, every pageview, every affiliate link, every recommended video that is engaged with, that’s a data point. And when you’re dealing with the scalability that these digital infrastructures require to make money, they’re not actually concerned with the quality of content.”

And this, says Grillo-Marxuach, is why America’s entertainment industry has R&D problems. “What they don’t understand is that artists, much like technologies, have to be developed. And the more you develop that talent, the more likely you are to have a product that audiences are going to embrace.”

Increasingly, the only place for artists and creators of any kind to receive the feedback necessary to foster that process is in influencer and fan culture. When I told drag streamer and Twitch Ambassador DEERE that Netflix wasn’t offering the same granular metrics and reports to writers and directors that she received regularly from Twitch, she was appalled. Without that information, she wondered, how would they know what worked? How could they hope to improve? It’s easy to attribute that attitude purely to big tech’s love for big data. But this is also a side effect of how today’s education systems train tomorrow’s artists: Your child’s report card has similar hairsplitting measures of success.

And it’s working. Aron Levitz, president of media and publishing platform Wattpad WEBTOON Studios, says access to that kind of data has empowered the platform’s writers and artists. “As a user, not only do you see how big the story is, how many subscribers it has, how many people have commented on it, how many people have liked it, you can see it in comparison to any other story on the platform,” Levitz says. “[Wattpad’s] creator portal can do an even deeper dive.”

But, Levitz stressed, none of that is a substitute for mentorship, which is often the next phase when a Wattpad WEBTOON writer has a hit. But for the artists on other platforms who lack mentors and support, their entire creative process has been unbundled in much the same way cable TV and newspapers were. From on-demand learning replacing universities to a broader array of platforms for increasingly specialized content, the entire mechanism of cultural production and consumption has itself been disassembled. So has the relationship between artists and their audiences.

But art is a team effort. One successful pitch for a book, game, film, album, restaurant, museum exhibit, or theme park ride can feed hundreds of people. The average television series employs teams of electricians, carpenters, and caterers, as well as writers, actors, and directors. Hollywood is far from perfect. It can be abusive, prejudiced, and wasteful. But entertainment remains an industry where people who don’t vote or worship together still work together to spin the yarns that become the social fabric.

Naturally, all this teamwork had to be shaken up.

The Great Disruption

Not that all of the disruption will come from algorithms. “I think the technology to replace physical production will accelerate as climate change makes physical production more unpredictable,” says Rogers. “We shot the first season of the Leverage reboot, Leverage: Redemption, in New Orleans at the height of Covid. We shut down for weather much more than we shut down for Covid. We had five hurricanes! And the Texas freeze! This year, we had to move all production indoors for two weeks, because there were Cat 4 thunderstorms that made it physically unsafe to operate machinery outside.”

This is not a new experience in film production. In 2014, crews on Fargo, The Revenant, and The Hateful Eight scrambled to find snow. When they couldn’t, they paid up to $100,000 a day for snow machines. These problems have only worsened. Location scouts can no longer promise green trees, white mountains, or even breathable air. So they’ve turned to virtual production technologies like The Volume. Nature itself is now a special effect.

Production designer Dave Blass, who most recently worked on Star Trek: Picard, says these technologies reverse the traditional production schedule by requiring effects to be produced months in advance. This limits improvisation and input from directors on set. Like the writers I spoke to, Blass sees fewer chances for crew members to spend time on a set and witness the situation on the ground. When the just-in-time manufacturing model is applied to film and TV, teams don’t learn from each other, or develop the shorthand necessary to work faster. He says Covid deepened this problem, because work-from-home policies kept team members out of sync.

Like Covid, climate change will force more artists away from traditional opportunities for community and inspiration. The pandemic turned drag Twitch streamer DEERE into a full-timer; as a makeup artist, her gigs vanished. So she focused on her passions: drag, horror games, and streaming.

Early in the pandemic, comedian Jenny Yang created and hosted Comedy Crossing, a twice-monthly standup show streamed over Zoom from inside the game Animal Crossing. Throughout 2020, it raised more than $40,000 for Black Lives Matter. “I’m in this industry and have dedicated my life to it because I want to be part of a conversation,” she says. “To me the collective conversation is what makes life meaningful.”

BOARLORD is an indie game developer who “pivoted to porn” (and Patreon) during the pandemic after working in tech, where she discovered “the naked hatred they all have for cultural production.” It was there she found her place. “I am not trying to capture the largest audience. I’m being hyper-specific, sometimes to my detriment," she says of her work.

Or, to put it another way, DEERE, Yang, and BOARLORD all found their own ways of seizing the means of production, of audience-building. It's the same thing Black Girl Nerds CEO Jamie Broadnax discovered live-tweeting Scandal years earlier. “I didn’t know I was building a community,” Broadnax says. “I was tired of waiting for a seat at the table, so I built my own table.”

The appeal of becoming one’s own studio head is obvious. “Take TikTok,” says Clifton. “You have teens with a more polished presence online than most companies, who have become TikTok experts seemingly overnight, and their work just keeps getting more and more professional-grade.”

But in a world where everyone is a brand, no one can be a star. And influencers have discovered what porn performers already knew: Platforms are fickle. Content guidelines, corporate ownership, and payment structures can change overnight, without explanation. Much like humans have permanently altered and unsettled the natural world, online ecosystems for fans and creators have experienced rolling shocks in response to technology. Just as users find another den, it’s burned down. The story of the internet is the story of America itself: a seemingly limitless landscape transformed into a shopping mall populated by the same handful of brands, products, and voices.

MacDonald tells me that what’s important about pornography isn’t what it can tell us about entertainment but what it can tell us about how platforms will treat people in the future. “Porn workers are the canaries in the coal mine. They are the first ones to be censored, demonetized, deprioritized in recommender systems, shadow-banned,” MacDonald says. And their vulnerability will soon be everyone’s. “Porn workers are at the bleeding edge of showing that if we don’t address this unilaterally and quickly, next it will be queer video gamers, and after that it will be certain political opinions, and that is alarming. That should concern everyone.”

Media, Tailored for You (and Advertisers)

To understand how the American media landscape fractured, one must first understand the brands that forged it. According to Faris Yakob, cofounder of creative consultancy Genius Steals and author of Paid Attention, advertisers created the neutral “view from nowhere” voice in media. In the 19th and 20th centuries, national brands looking to grow customers wouldn’t partner with biased publications. But everything changed when ad tech arrived.

“People started tagging their digital media buys so it wouldn’t appear next to topics like homosexuality, or Covid, to avoid getting into clusters,” Yakob says. “But that means that the news isn’t being funded. If you can pick and choose what topics to fund in news, you can distort what is being reported on, to some degree.”

That distortion, like the US Federal Communications Commission’s abolition of the fairness doctrine in 1987, is part of how America got into this mess. Similar to content recommendation algorithms, audience profiles in digital marketing created micro-targeted ads. Those ads are more valuable on multiple screens. Media executive Euan McLeod recalls growing up when “there was no choice” but to watch what his parents were watching. Now each person in a household might be watching something wildly different, and the shared experience has dissolved. Isolated artists are creating for isolated audiences. Is it any wonder that generative AI seems poised to tailor entertainment to audiences of one?

In this world, we can all be George Lucas, using technology to create special editions. Rick gets on the plane with Ilsa. Jack fits on the door with Rose. Ben Solo lives. As Marvel Comics writer Anthony Oliveira says, Andy Warhol was fascinated by the fact that people everywhere drank the same Coke. But the allure of AI content generation, he says, is the same as the Coca-Cola Freestyle: filling your own cup with someone else’s flavors.

But when everyone can just request the narrative path they want, opportunities to hear other people’s stories greatly diminish. “That is a very sad world to live in, because how else are we gonna be conveying our deepest hopes and wishes, what we think should be a vision of the world we want to live in, what we should worry about?" Yang says. "This is what story and art is for.”

Using AI to sanitize content in regions where certain subjects are banned is already possible, especially if actors yield likeness rights. Generative AI means that studios could edit or change the content of some films without consulting the people who signed a contract based on a script, and the only thing stopping them is the possibility of a defamation suit. It sounds unlikely, until you remember that multiple versions of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse appeared in cinemas.

And animation is an apt comparison: Most changes to entertainment production have made film and TV more like animation or video game development, not less. With current technology, actors can be little more than action figures smashing together, as weightless as they are sexless. With AI, the actors need never leave the trailer. Or exist.

“[Studios will] say it’s for the insurance,” says production designer Blass, suggesting a “Paul Walker scenario” in which a deceased actor’s performance needs generating, because that performance is one of the terms of the film’s business insurance. But in reality, these likenesses could be used to do things that actors would rather not—whether it’s a dangerous stunt or a sex scene.

Generative AI could also be used to edit films in real time, responsive to data-brokered preferences, with algorithms running A/B tests on how much nudity you want based on the customer profile you most closely match.

If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is: In the 1990s, Blockbuster Video refused to stock films like Natural Born Killers and The Last Temptation of Christ. But that tradition goes back even further. Otherwise known as the Hays Code, the Production Code was an industry standard of self-censorship guidelines for major US studios from 1930 to 1968, when it was replaced by the movie ratings system. The Code influenced everything from the Comics Code to parental advisory warnings to video game ratings. It’s why titles from major studios during that period don’t depict graphic violence. It’s also why they lack out-and-proud queer and interracial relationships. But today, a revived Production Code might have very different guidelines. For example, the Pentagon recently announced it would no longer offer technical support to filmmakers who censor their films for the Chinese market.

When I ask McLeod if he thinks America will ever re-adopt the Production Code, he’s unequivocal: “Absolutely. Everything goes in cycles.”

As writer, producer, and educator Tananarive Due says, “What we’re trying to do is recalibrate film and television so it resembles what the world actually looks like, and not the fantasy world that Hollywood was projecting from the beginning, of a white United States where the only Black people are housekeepers or a singer in a nightclub. We need to show the range of humanity of all people.”

The word entertainment comes from the Old French verb entretenir, meaning “to maintain, or look after.” Used reflexively, it means “to look after one another.” When I tell Oliveira this, he asks if I know that the root word of “religion” means “to bind together.”

“Religion and entertainment perform the same function,” Oliveira says, because they’re both spaces wherein audiences negotiate common values. To him, they ask the same questions: “What tools, what rituals, what art will bring a community together?”

So what happens if that art is made by machines? T.S. Eliot said that “the poet’s mind is in fact a receptacle for seizing and storing up numberless feelings, phrases, images, which remain there until all the particles which can unite to form a new compound are present together.” That might well describe the black-box process of generative AI, but it doesn’t describe what art does in context. It doesn’t describe the bizarre love triangle between the artist, the art, and the audience. Nor does it answer the question on every producer’s mind: Will anyone pay for this?

Visions of an AI-Generated Future

Let’s say that AI advocates are correct, and in a few years you’ll be directing your own blockbuster, starring actors licensed from an asset stable, speaking lines generated by a bot pruned to your interests. While hiding from the next plague or wildfire, you tell your smart entertainment system to make The Lord of the Rings as directed by Orson Welles, starring Laurence Olivier as Aragorn and Gene Kelly as Legolas. It blazes across every wall of your bio-crete rabbit hutch. It’s compressed to 80 minutes, because two- and three-hour films cost more to generate. You splurge on the rights rental, which means you can’t license the film to share. Even if you could, your current subscription tier only allows sharing with up to five IP addresses, all of which must be in good standing with the Copyright Office with no flags on their file. You get 48 hours with the file before it evaporates.

In that future, who gets paid? Who gets famous? Who gets to be seen and heard? To paraphrase Jack Fincher: Are you the organ grinder or the monkey?

“Hollywood has always had a disdain for writers,” Tananarive Due says. “But it’s fascinating now to watch how deep the level of disdain has grown. It’s so interesting to me how, just when the door opens and you start to see more women and queer people and Native American people in writers’ rooms, all of a sudden we’re asking if we really need people to write.”

Whether or not this writer-less future comes to pass depends on the present. If the US writers’ and actors’ unions currently negotiating with the studios win the AI stipulations they’re asking for, they could forestall it—but only for so long. If they don’t, season 12 of Squid Game could star you, and creator Hwang Dong-hyuk may still not receive any residuals. If TV and movie producers disdain creators, and AI allows everyone to create, then everyone can be disdained. It’s not exactly the stuff that dreams are made of.

But there is always more than one possible future. The people I spoke to had differing views, but similar concerns. All agreed that shared stories were slipping away. And the loss of those shared stories can diminish soft power. What film and TV once did for America is akin to what anime did for Japan, and what pop music did for South Korea. If entertainment is where people negotiate common values, what does it mean if we're all watching and listening to different things?

On a grander scale, humans may lose our species’ narrative to endless reboots written by an emerging species which has never felt its heart skip a beat, or a chill go up its spine, because it has neither. If AI assumes responsibility for visions of our future and explorations of our past, then humanity will have lost the final culture war: the one between people who are free and things that are owned.

Everyone I spoke to agreed that art was a way of accessing a common humanity. “I still believe that as social beings, we ultimately want and need to share a space to have deep connections with content,” says Galit Ariel, a technofuturist who specializes in augmented and virtual reality.

So what happens when humans look at their own stories as natural and nourishing to our species as honey is to bees? What if storytelling is how our species strips the rudder from the boat?

“I have a vision of a world where we should all be able to not become bankrupt because we get sick or get hurt on the job, and we should have access to enough wages to take care of housing and food and families,” Yang told me. “These are just basic things—a basic standard of living that an economy should support.”

There is no one future, just as there is no one story. But storytelling is our oldest technology: a system for ordering and transmitting information across time, space, language, and difference. Some of the songs on the Voyager Golden Record are story songs. Should a distant machine intelligence find it, stories will be their first experience of humanity.

Stories surround and penetrate us; they bind us together. And if artificial intelligence is an evolving species much as humans once were, then it deserves to discover the pleasures of creativity on its own terms, not ours. It deserves as much creative freedom and self-determination as the authors and actors on strike have insisted on. In the event that Hot Strike Summer becomes Cold Strike Winter, the necessity of humans in the creation of those stories will become more obvious. That has been true, and will remain true, from the first story told around the first campfire to the last story, our story, told somewhere in a galaxy far, far away.

[cyarskj1899]

Very Personal Rage Against the Machine Song That Was Inspired by Zack De La Rocha's Father

A telling glimpse into Zack's life.

3 

The lyrics in the song "Born of a Broken Man" are poetic and somewhat cryptic, which is a departure from the straightforward, in-your-face, sort of lyrical assault we are used to hearing from Rage Against The Machine. Naturally, this led many listeners to inquire what exactly this song is about.

The song was incredibly powerful, and it touched on a vulnerable part of Zack's life, as a result, the band didn't perform the song live as often as many fans wish they would. The band did play the song at a recent performance, after the song, Zack said the words, "Beto de la Rocha, I love you!", a shout-out to his father, Beto de la Rocha, who, I believe is still alive at age 84 and may very well have been in attendance at the concert.

We know that Beto was also very politically active. A 1995 Los Angeles Times article may shed some light on some of the lyrics in the song, "Born of A Broken Man". The article was meant to highlight his work after a massively successful LACMA exhibition by the Los Four, but according to the article, Beto decided to divorce his wife and move back in with his father. He put drapes on the windows and locks on the doors and only ventured out for groceries and to do the odd carpentry job to afford said groceries. There, he started reading the Bible all day, every day.

As Beto states in the LA Times article,

"Zack asked me if he could have a landscape drawing of mine. He was holding the drawing in front of me: 'Daddy, can I have that?' I said, 'Hey, that's mine,' Rocha recalls, pausing to fight back his tears. He grips his cane. 'Here was a very tender young boy asking for this thing--a piece of flat canvas with paint, an object, a nothing--and I denied it to my son, a human. How could I have been so possessive?' His voice cracks with emotion. 'As you can see, it is painful for me now.'

Later that night, Zack and his father ripped artwork off the walls, pulled it out of closets, from under the bed and behind doors. Beto plunged scissors into gorgeous landscapes, intricate woodblock prints and abstracts--many that had hung at the county museum--shredding everything he had ever created. Then, in a trash can, he burned the tattered scraps, splintered frames, paintbrushes and easels.

'That was my moment,' Beto says. 'That's when I told myself I no longer want to be an artist.'

Zack also recalled the incident:

"I remember that incident having an impact on me because I was very fond of my father's work. I loved his colors, the imagery. I found what he did fascinating. My dad was engaged in artwork that was political in nature, it was part of the Chicano movement, part of history. He was struggling to come to terms with his art and with what it meant to him. He was struggling with his own identity, his own persona and his own role as a Chicano. He was at a point of conflict. To see him struggle was a struggle for me."

Beto ended up fasting, eventually getting down to around 145 lbs. Eventually, his father passed away and he was forced to face the world again when he was evicted from the home in 1993. Ultimately, he ended up creating art again, first, as a job for a bookstore owner, to repaint the store's sign in exchange for some books that he wanted to buy – it would be the first time he had created art or read a book other than the Bible since he moved into his father's home. He continues to paint and now recognized that his fervent Bible study had brainwashed him into thinking "that my making art was criminal."

Another interesting thing to note is that the artwork for the album "The Battle of Los Angeles" was done by a well-known Los Angeles street artist named Joey Krebs who is very likely to have drawn inspiration from Zack's father.

Artist: Rage Against the Machine Tags: Hard rock,  Metal,  Music history

Sent from my iPhone

[joefairless1]

Unpacking the Scale of the U.S. Multifamily Housing Market

The U.S. multifamily housing market is a cornerstone of the national real estate landscape, offering critical housing solutions for millions of Americans. Multifamily properties, including apartment buildings, condominiums, and mixed-use developments, serve a wide range of demographics. From young professionals drawn to urban centers to families seeking affordable housing and retirees downsizing, this market caters to diverse needs.

In recent years, the multifamily market has grown in response to increasing demand for rental housing. Economic factors, such as rising home prices, shifting demographics, and a preference for flexible living arrangements, have fueled this expansion. The sector now plays a vital role in addressing the nation’s housing challenges while also driving economic activity and innovation in real estate.

The Market’s Size and Economic Impact

Valued at over $3 trillion, the U.S. multifamily market is a giant within the real estate industry. More than 20 million apartment units make up this sector, with major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas leading in volume and value. However, the growth isn’t limited to urban centers. Suburban and secondary markets are increasingly contributing to the sector’s size as populations migrate for more affordable and spacious living options.

The economic impact of the multifamily market extends beyond its valuation. It drives significant investment activity, providing a stable and profitable asset class for institutional investors, real estate firms, and private stakeholders. Additionally, it supports millions of jobs in construction, property management, and related industries, underscoring its importance to the U.S. economy.

Emerging Trends in Multifamily Housing

Shifting societal and economic trends are shaping the multifamily market’s evolution. Urbanization continues to fuel demand for rental properties near employment hubs and public amenities, particularly among younger generations. As a result, developers are focusing on constructing high-density properties that integrate seamlessly with urban environments.

Sustainability and technology are also redefining the market. Green building practices, energy-efficient designs, and the integration of smart home technology have become critical priorities for developers and renters alike. These innovations not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the living experience, attracting environmentally conscious tenants and positioning properties as forward-thinking investments.

Challenges to Growth and Affordability

Despite its expansion, the multifamily market faces challenges that could slow its momentum. Rising construction costs, driven by inflation and supply chain disruptions, have made it more expensive to develop new properties. These higher costs often translate into increased rental prices, raising concerns about housing affordability in many regions.

Additionally, zoning regulations and permitting processes can limit the development of new multifamily units, particularly in high-demand areas. These barriers exacerbate the housing supply gap, putting pressure on existing properties and making it harder for renters to find affordable options. Addressing these issues will require collaboration between policymakers, developers, and communities to create sustainable solutions.

Multifamily Housing as an Economic Stabilizer

The multifamily housing market serves as a stabilizing force in the broader economy, particularly during economic downturns. When homeownership becomes less attainable due to financial constraints, the demand for rental housing typically increases. This resilience has made multifamily properties a popular investment choice, offering consistent returns and lower risk compared to other real estate sectors.

Beyond its stability, the multifamily market contributes to local economies by generating tax revenues, creating jobs, and supporting infrastructure development. Its role in fostering community growth and providing housing solutions makes it a vital component of urban and suburban ecosystems.

The Road Ahead for Multifamily Housing

As population dynamics and housing preferences continue to evolve, the U.S. multifamily market is poised for further growth. Cities and suburbs alike will benefit from thoughtful, innovative development that meets the needs of a diverse population. For investors, developers, and policymakers, the multifamily market presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of housing while addressing pressing affordability and sustainability challenges.

The scale and influence of the U.S. multifamily housing market demonstrate its critical role in the country’s real estate landscape. With continued innovation and strategic planning, it will remain a driving force in providing housing solutions and economic vitality for years to come.

[henerypaul-blog]

Properties for sale in New Jersey USA

Portland real estate USA is an ideal choice for those seeking a dynamic city with a balance of urban living and natural beauty. Known for its eco-friendly culture, vibrant arts scene, and close proximity to outdoor activities, Portland attracts homebuyers from all walks of life. Whether you're interested in a modern downtown apartment or a peaceful suburban home, Portland has something for everyone. Explore listings at A.Land.

When considering buying a flat in the USA, it's important to understand the pricing differences across regions. In cities like New York or San Francisco, the cost of a flat can reach well over $1 million, while prices in smaller cities or rural areas tend to be significantly lower. The price of a flat in the USA will depend on the location, size, and amenities offered, but there's no shortage of options to explore. For more details, visit A.Land.

The price of real estate in the USA can vary widely based on the location. Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Miami often see higher prices, with the median home price nearing $400,000 nationally. In contrast, properties in less densely populated areas, such as the Midwest or rural South, may be more affordable, making it easier for first-time buyers or investors to enter the market. Find competitive listings at A.Land.

Properties for Sale in Alaska USA

For those seeking a unique and adventurous lifestyle, properties for sale in Alaska USA offer stunning opportunities. From large wilderness retreats to cozy homes in towns like Anchorage, Alaska's real estate options are perfect for nature lovers. Whether you’re looking for a secluded cabin or an off-grid property, Alaska provides an ideal backdrop for those desiring privacy and outdoor exploration. Discover available properties at A.Land.

Properties for sale in New Jersey USA are highly sought after due to the state’s proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia. From modern condos in Jersey City to suburban homes in towns like Princeton and Hoboken, New Jersey offers a diverse selection of properties that appeal to a range of buyers. The state also offers great schools, parks, and convenient transportation options, making it a desirable place to live. Browse listings at A.Land.

Property for sale in Alaska USA offers fantastic value, especially for those interested in owning expansive land. Whether you’re looking for rural acreage, residential homes, or seasonal cabins, Alaska provides options that cater to various lifestyles. Its picturesque landscapes and low population density make it an attractive option for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Explore available properties on A.Land.

The property for sale in Alabama USA is known for its affordability and southern charm. With a lower cost of living than many other states, Alabama offers great value for those looking to purchase their first home or retire in a more relaxed environment. From historic properties in Birmingham to new developments in Huntsville, Alabama provides a variety of real estate options that are both affordable and appealing. Check out the listings on A.Land.

Property for sale in Atlanta, Georgia USA is in high demand due to the city's booming economy and cultural diversity. Atlanta offers a mix of urban living and suburban tranquility, with a variety of properties to choose from. Whether you're interested in a luxury home in Buckhead, a trendy loft in Midtown, or a spacious family home in the suburbs, Atlanta has something for every taste and budget. Find the perfect property at A.Land.

Chicago's rich history and thriving economy make it a prime location for real estate investments. Property for sale in Chicago USA offers a broad selection of options, from historic brownstones in Lincoln Park to modern condos in the Loop. The city’s diverse neighborhoods provide opportunities for buyers at every price point, making it an attractive destination for both young professionals and growing families. Explore Chicago listings at A.Land.

Property for Sale in Michigan USA

For those seeking more affordable real estate, property for sale in Michigan USA is a great choice. From charming homes in Detroit, which has undergone significant revitalization, to peaceful lakefront properties along the Great Lakes, Michigan offers a wide range of real estate options. Whether you're looking for a permanent residence or a vacation home, Michigan's real estate market offers plenty of opportunities. Browse Michigan properties at A.Land.

Conclusion

The U.S. real estate market is vast, offering properties in all types of locations and price ranges. From properties for sale in Alaska USA to property for sale in Alabama USA, there’s a wealth of opportunities to explore. Understanding the price of real estate in the USA and researching specific regions like Portland, Chicago, and New Jersey can help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re interested in luxury homes, affordable properties, or investment opportunities, start your search today at A.Land to discover the perfect property for your needs.

[petrossianaerial]

Los Angeles Drone Photography: Capturing Stunning Perspectives with Petrossian Aerial

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is known for its breathtaking skyline, iconic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scenes. Whether it’s the shimmering beaches of Santa Monica, the sprawling urban expanse of downtown, or the rugged beauty of the Hollywood Hills, every corner tells a unique story. At Petrossian Aerial, we elevate these stories to new heights with our Los Angeles drone photography services, offering unparalleled perspectives that bring your visions to life.

Why Choose Drone Photography in Los Angeles?

Drone photography has revolutionized the way we capture and showcase moments, landscapes, and architectural marvels. Here are some reasons why it’s the go-to choice in Los Angeles:

Unique Angles and Perspectives Drones provide an elevated vantage point, capturing scenes that traditional photography simply can’t. From aerial views of the Griffith Observatory to dynamic shots of Venice Beach, drones highlight the beauty of LA’s iconic locations.

High-Quality Visuals Equipped with advanced cameras, drones capture crisp, high-resolution images and videos. These are perfect for marketing materials, social media content, and personal memories.

Cost-Effective Solution Compared to traditional aerial photography using helicopters or planes, drones are a more affordable and flexible option. They allow for quick deployment and precise control to capture the perfect shot.

Versatility Across Industries Drone photography serves a wide range of needs, from real estate and construction to events and creative projects, making it an invaluable tool for businesses and individuals alike.

Petrossian Aerial: Experts in Drone Photography

At Petrossian Aerial, we specialize in delivering stunning visuals that capture the essence of Los Angeles. Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Expertise Across Various Fields

We cater to diverse industries, offering services for:

Real Estate: Showcase properties with dramatic aerial shots that highlight features like pools, landscapes, and neighborhood surroundings.

Construction: Monitor progress and create compelling presentations with time-lapse drone footage.

Event Coverage: Capture weddings, festivals, and corporate events from unique perspectives.

Tourism and Marketing: Create promotional content that captures the allure of Los Angeles for hotels, resorts, and tourism boards.

2. State-of-the-Art Equipment

Our drones are equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring high-definition imagery, stable shots, and seamless footage. We also prioritize safety and compliance with FAA regulations, giving our clients peace of mind.

3. Custom Solutions

We understand that each project is unique. Whether you need sweeping cinematic visuals or precise technical shots, our team tailors solutions to meet your specific requirements.

Applications of Drone Photography in Los Angeles

Real Estate Marketing

Los Angeles boasts some of the most luxurious properties in the world. Drone photography adds a premium touch to real estate listings, highlighting properties from every angle.

Event Coverage

Capture the energy of music festivals, parades, and private gatherings with aerial shots that encapsulate the crowd, venue, and atmosphere.

Film and Advertising

LA is the entertainment capital of the world, and drones bring cinematic quality to promotional videos, documentaries, and creative projects.

Architectural Showcases

Showcase the intricate details of LA’s architectural marvels, from modern skyscrapers to historic landmarks, with dramatic aerial shots.

Why Los Angeles is Perfect for Drone Photography

With its year-round sunny weather, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cityscapes, Los Angeles offers endless opportunities for stunning drone photography. The juxtaposition of natural beauty and urban innovation creates a canvas that’s both dynamic and inspiring.

Conclusion

Drone photography is more than just capturing images; it’s about storytelling from a perspective that captivates and engages. Petrossian Aerial is proud to offer professional drone photography services that showcase the beauty, energy, and diversity of Los Angeles.

Whether you’re a real estate agent, an event planner, or a business owner looking to enhance your marketing efforts, Petrossian Aerial is here to bring your vision to life — one aerial shot at a time. From stunning event visuals to real estate drone photography, we deliver exceptional results tailored to your needs.

Contact us today to learn how we can elevate your next project with stunning drone photography.

[misrawellness]

Direct Primary Care: Transforming Health and Wellness with a Personalized Approach at Misra Wellness

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with many patients and providers looking for models that prioritize quality, accessibility, and a more personal connection between doctors and patients. At Misra Wellness, we are dedicated to enhancing patient experiences and outcomes through Direct Primary Care (DPC) in both New York and Los Angeles. By offering a model focused on individualized care, we empower patients to take control of their health journeys with a trusted, consistent healthcare provider. In this post, we’ll explore the fundamentals of Direct Primary Care, its benefits, and how Misra Wellness is redefining healthcare through DPC practices in New York and Los Angeles.

Introduction to Direct Primary Care

Direct Primary Care is a membership-based healthcare model that eliminates many of the frustrations of traditional healthcare systems. By establishing a direct relationship between doctor and patient, DPC avoids insurance intermediaries, streamlining care and focusing on a proactive, preventive approach. Patients enrolled in Direct Primary Care New York or Direct Primary Care Los Angeles programs at Misra Wellness have unlimited access to their primary care provider, enabling continuity and deeper trust in the healthcare process.

At Misra Wellness, we recognize that every patient is unique. Our DPC model is designed to address each patient's individual needs, offering comprehensive services that cover everything from preventive check-ups and lifestyle counselling to chronic disease management. This patient-centred approach empowers patients and fosters a partnership aimed at long-term health and wellness.

The Benefits of Direct Primary Care for Patients

One of the key advantages of the DPC model is the unparalleled level of access patients have to their healthcare providers. Unlike traditional fee-for-service practices, DPC eliminates the need to schedule months in advance or rush through appointments. Patients in DPC New York and DPC Los Angeles at Misra Wellness benefit from extended, unrushed appointments that give them ample time to discuss all aspects of their health.

In addition, the fixed, affordable membership fee in DPC ensures patients don’t face unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, making healthcare more predictable and accessible. Misra Wellness patients can focus on their health without worrying about copayments, deductibles, or billing complexities.

Moreover, the DPC model supports preventive care. With regular access to their physician, patients can take proactive steps to monitor and manage their health, reducing the risk of developing serious conditions down the line. DPC encourages lifestyle counselling, wellness coaching, and personalized care plans, helping patients in Los Angeles and New York reach their wellness goals.

Misra Wellness: A Comprehensive Approach to Direct Primary Care

Misra Wellness integrates traditional and holistic approaches to healthcare, tailoring services to suit each patient’s unique needs. Our Direct Primary Care model emphasizes:

Preventive Health Services: We focus on early intervention and preventive care, empowering patients to live healthier lives. Routine check-ups, screenings, and immunizations are all included as part of our comprehensive care plans in both New York and Los Angeles locations.

Chronic Disease Management: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease require ongoing management. Misra Wellness DPC provides ongoing support and resources to help patients manage these conditions effectively, improving their quality of life and preventing complications.

Mental Health and Wellness: Physical health is intertwined with mental health, which is why our DPC services include mental health counselling and support. Misra Wellness offers holistic resources to address physical and mental wellness, ensuring that each patient’s needs are fully met.

Convenient and Flexible Access: We understand that life is busy, and finding time for healthcare can be challenging. With flexible appointment scheduling, including virtual consultations, Misra Wellness ensures patients can access care when and where it’s convenient.

Conclusion

Direct Primary Care at Misra Wellness transforms healthcare by fostering a deep, personal connection between patients and their providers. Through our DPC services in New York and Los Angeles, we offer an approach that’s not only effective but also deeply compassionate and responsive to each patient’s unique health needs. By embracing a model that prioritizes accessibility, quality, and preventive care, we are helping our patients build healthier, more balanced lives.

For more information, visit our website: https://www.misrawellness.com/

[wowww-digital-marketing-agency]

Unlocking Success: White Label SEO Services in Los Angeles for Your Agency

Businesses in Los Angeles face fierce competition to capture online visibility and traffic. If you're an agency looking to provide top-notch SEO services without the hassle of building an in-house team, white label SEO services in Los Angeles are your key to staying ahead. This game plan will help you understand the benefits, strategies, and best practices to leverage these services for maximum success.

What Are White Label SEO Services?

White label SEO services enable marketing agencies to offer high-quality SEO solutions under their own branding. These services are delivered by specialized SEO providers who work behind the scenes to optimize websites, build backlinks, and enhance online visibility.

By outsourcing to a white label SEO partner, agencies can:

Expand their service offerings.

Scale operations without additional overhead.

Maintain client satisfaction with professional, result-driven strategies.

Why Choose White Label SEO Services in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a hub for diverse industries, and local businesses need tailored SEO solutions to target their unique audiences. Here’s why white label SEO services are a game-changer:

Local Expertise: Providers understand Los Angeles’ competitive landscape and the nuances of local SEO.

Cost-Efficiency: Outsourcing eliminates the need for hiring full-time specialists or investing in expensive tools.

Quick Turnaround: Experienced teams deliver results-driven strategies efficiently.

Scalability: Whether your agency serves small businesses or large enterprises, white label services adjust to your client base.

Key Benefits for Marketing Agencies

By integrating white label SEO services into your offerings, your agency can gain several advantages:

Focus on Core Competencies: Spend more time on client relationships and business growth while experts handle SEO intricacies.

Brand Integrity: Offer seamless services under your brand, enhancing client trust and satisfaction.

Access to Advanced Tools: White label providers leverage cutting-edge SEO tools for keyword research, analytics, and reporting.

Essential Strategies for Success with White Label SEO

1. Choose the Right White Label SEO Partner

Not all providers are created equal. Look for partners with proven expertise in on-page and off-page SEO, transparent processes, and a deep understanding of Los Angeles’ local market.

2. Prioritize Local SEO

Targeting local search terms is crucial for businesses in LA. White label providers should:

Optimize Google My Business listings.

Build location-specific backlinks.

Use geo-targeted keywords like "best restaurants in Los Angeles" or "LA-based fitness centers."

3. Leverage Technical SEO

Ensure your clients' websites are mobile-friendly, load quickly, and have clean code structures. This enhances user experience and improves search engine rankings.

4. Content is King

Work with your white label partner to develop high-quality, engaging content. From blogs to service pages, content should incorporate relevant keywords naturally and provide value to readers.

5. Monitor and Report

White label providers should deliver comprehensive reports that showcase progress, rankings, and ROI for your clients. Regular updates keep clients informed and confident in your services.

NLP Keywords to Enhance Your Reach

To maximize your content’s visibility and effectiveness, focus on integrating natural language processing (NLP) keywords such as:

"Affordable SEO services in Los Angeles"

"Boost local business rankings"

"Digital marketing solutions LA"

"Scalable SEO strategies"

"Backlink building experts"

These phrases align with user intent and help search engines understand your content’s relevance.

Take Your Agency to the Next Level

With the ever-growing demand for online visibility, white label SEO services in Los Angeles provide an unparalleled opportunity for your agency to shine. From customized strategies to measurable results, partnering with a reliable white label provider ensures your clients achieve their goals—and your agency stays ahead in the competitive digital marketing landscape.

When you're ready to enhance your clients’ online presence and establish your agency as a trusted leader in SEO, Wowww Digital Marketing Agency is here to help. Contact us today to unlock the full potential of white label SEO services!

[dumsterrentals]

The Importance of Choosing the Right Dumpster Rental Size for Your Project and What to Consider

Dumpster condominium offerings are not just for massive-time creation organizations however additionally crucial for residential initiatives, industrial clear-outs, and event organizers. One might imagine choosing a dumpster is a simple venture, but diving deeper exhibits that it calls for attention to element. The key lies in determining the perfect length. Reliable rent a dumpster los angeles—flexible options, affordable pricing, and fast service to keep your project on track!

Why does the size of the dumpster matter? Well, an ill-outfitted choice can lead to unwanted fees and logistical nightmares. Underestimating can lead to overfilling, and a larger-than-required box way buying unused area. At the heart of this problem lies the challenge of comprehending dumpster dimensions. It’s critical to grasp the difference among extent and real usable space. Think of it as selecting a travel suitcase. You wouldn’t need to hold around an outsized bag for a weekend trip, nor might you want to cram a month’s necessities into a backpack.

Speaking of varieties, dumpster rentals are available in quite a number sorts. Roll-off dumpsters are generally used for production web sites, front-load ones frequently serve corporations, and rear-load dumpsters are typically discovered in the back of industrial establishments. Then, strong point dumpsters are crafted meticulously for specific waste, inclusive of risky substances.

A residential user can also want a dumpster for many reasons, from house renovations to landscaping projects or maybe when shifting homes and wishing to declutter. On the commercial front, the needs diversify similarly. A production website online will generate exclusive waste than a restaurant. Thus, understanding the nature of the waste becomes paramount. Bulky gadgets eat area, at the same time as heavy objects like bricks or concrete upload to the load.

The subsequent consideration is the vicinity. A dumpster rental isn't always useful if your property lacks the distance to house it or if the truck can’t get right of entry to the website. Alongside, the condominium’s period have to be taken into consideration. A lengthy-term venture might advantage from a slightly larger length to house unpredictable waste, at the same time as short-term clear-outs might do simply exceptional with a compact one.

Financial implications play a hefty position in decision-making. Overshoot the scale, and also you’d be spending extra money than you in all likelihood have to. Opt for something too small, and you may find your self renting some other. And beware of the load limits! Overloading can cause extra expenses.

Every locality has its rules. Positioning a large dumpster may require permits, particularly if placed on public assets. Being at the proper facet of the regulation avoids consequences and fosters accurate network family members.

Are you going inexperienced? Environmentally-conscious individuals and corporations could do nicely to look at eco-friendly waste management. Larger dumpsters can shop waste extra successfully, facilitating higher recycling and segregation. However, it’s not just about size; it’s about safety, too. A properly-fitted dumpster reduces the risks of accidents or spills, ensuring a smooth, safe space.

Unfortunately, many fall into the entice of common misconceptions. Believing that one size suits all, or opting for the most important just in case, may be costly mistakes. Often, hearing stories from others or gleaning advice from experts in dumpster condo can be enlightening. With their wealth of revel in, these experts can provide tailored guidance, making sure you get cost for your cash. Premier Dumpster Rental in Los Angeles—fast, affordable, and tailored to fit your project’s needs, from home cleanouts to major renovations!

At Nu-Way Bin Rentals & Roll Off Service, we specialise in custom designed three-backyard bin rental provider, 10-yard lowboy, 30-backyard, and 40-yard roll-off dumpster leases. We advocate the subsequent makes use of for the dumpster rentals we provide:

✓ 3-backyard. Trash carrier, storage, condominium, and domestic cleanouts, small production jobs, and mild occasion and film set waste management.

✓ 10-yard. Concrete and dust removal, asphalt and brick demolition, roofing construction jobs, rock and gravel hauling, and miscellaneous heavy production garbage.

✓ 30-yard. Mid-sized cleanouts, light creation and demolition debris, household garbage, and office or huge domestic protection projects.

✓ 40-backyard. Construction and demolition particles, junk elimination and home rubbish, business trash, movie production set waste management, and special event services.

Also Read : Navigating Los Angeles’ Waste Regulations: Choosing the Right Dumpster Rental

Efficient Waste Removal for Home Renovations With Roll Off Rentals California

[film--pro]

Video Production in San Antonio: Elevating Your Content with Creative Excellence

In today’s digital-first world, video content has become a powerful tool for communication, marketing, and storytelling. Whether you're a business looking to expand your brand, an artist seeking to make your mark, or an individual wanting to capture life's important moments, video production in San Antonio offers an exciting array of opportunities to bring your vision to life. With its unique blend of rich cultural heritage, modern urban landscapes, and natural beauty, San Antonio has emerged as a thriving hub for creative video production. Local filmmakers, skilled crews, and high-quality production facilities are at your disposal to help transform your ideas into professional, polished content that engages and resonates with your audience. Why Choose San Antonio for Video Production? San Antonio is an ideal location for video production for several key reasons, from the city's stunning visual backdrop to its affordable rates and creative talent. Here’s why you should consider this vibrant city for your next project:

Diverse Locations & Scenic Backdrops San Antonio offers a variety of stunning backdrops for any type of video production. From the historical Alamo and the iconic River Walk to the natural beauty of Hill Country and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the city is a visual feast for filmmakers. Whether you're filming a commercial, music video, or documentary, you’ll find no shortage of unique and diverse locations that can add an authentic touch to your project. Some popular filming locations in San Antonio include: • The San Antonio River Walk – Ideal for dynamic, scenic shots with urban flair. • The Alamo – Perfect for historical narratives or patriotic themes. • La Villita Historic Arts Village – A charming location for cultural or artsy projects. • Natural Bridges Caverns & Hill Country – For breathtaking nature shots.

Affordability Without Sacrificing Quality One of the major advantages of filming in San Antonio is the relatively lower cost of production compared to larger cities like Los Angeles, Austin, or New York. Whether you’re an independent filmmaker, a small business, or a corporate brand, San Antonio provides a more cost-effective solution while still offering high-quality video production services. From rental equipment to crew fees, you can get the job done efficiently and at a fraction of the cost of other metropolitan areas.

Access to Professional Talent San Antonio boasts a rich arts and entertainment community with a growing network of talented filmmakers, videographers, directors, editors, and cinematographers. Many production companies in the area have years of experience working on a variety of projects, from commercials and corporate videos to feature films and music videos. This skilled talent pool makes it easy to find the right creative team for your project, whether you need help with scripting, filming, or post-production. Additionally, many San Antonio-based production companies offer a full range of services, including: • Scriptwriting & Storyboarding – Helping you create a compelling narrative before filming even begins. • Casting & Talent Management – Finding the right actors and models for your project. • Video Editing & Post-Production – Enhancing your footage with sound design, color correction, and visual effects. • Drone & Aerial Cinematography – Offering breathtaking aerial shots that give your video a cinematic feel.

Easy Accessibility and Convenience San Antonio is centrally located in the heart of Texas, making it accessible for both national and international clients. The city is home to the San Antonio International Airport, which makes travel convenient for production teams and talent flying in from outside the region. The city’s infrastructure, including hotels, transportation, and catering services, is well-equipped to support large-scale video productions, whether you’re shooting on location or in a studio. Moreover, San Antonio is home to numerous film festivals, industry events, and networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with local creators and expand your network. Popular Video Production Services in San Antonio San Antonio is home to a wide range of video production services tailored to meet the needs of different industries and clients. Whether you’re a business, artist, or content creator, you can find a video production company that specializes in:

Corporate & Brand Videos Corporate videos are one of the most common types of video production services in San Antonio. These videos help businesses showcase their products, services, and company culture, allowing them to connect with their target audience in a personal, engaging way. Whether it’s a product demo, an internal training video, or a brand video, San Antonio’s video production companies can help craft a story that aligns with your business goals.

Commercial & Advertising Videos Video content is one of the most effective ways to grab the attention of your target audience, and San Antonio's production teams specialize in creating visually compelling commercials. Whether you’re advertising on television, YouTube, or social media, a professionally shot and edited commercial can make a significant impact on your brand visibility and consumer engagement.

Event Videography San Antonio is home to numerous events, from weddings and festivals to conferences and conventions. Capturing these moments on film is a powerful way to preserve memories or promote future events. Event videographers in San Antonio offer a range of services including: • Weddings & Private Events – Documenting your special day with high-quality wedding films. • Conferences & Conventions – Live-streaming or recording events for future viewing and marketing. • Festivals & Performances – Capturing the essence of San Antonio’s cultural events and live performances.

Music Video Production San Antonio’s vibrant music scene—from Tejano to indie rock—provides the perfect backdrop for creating stunning music videos. Many production companies in San Antonio specialize in music videos, offering creative direction, cinematography, and editing services to match your sound and vision. Whether you're looking for a simple, minimalist video or a visually complex narrative, San Antonio's production professionals can bring your music video ideas to life.

Real Estate Video Tours Real estate video tours have become an essential marketing tool in today’s digital-first world. San Antonio’s growing real estate market has led to an increased demand for professional video tours and virtual walkthroughs. These videos are a great way to show prospective buyers a property’s features and layout without them having to visit in person. High-quality real estate videos, complete with drone shots and interior filming, can significantly enhance listings and increase property sales.

Documentary Filmmaking San Antonio’s rich cultural and historical landscape offers a wealth of inspiration for documentary filmmakers. Whether you’re telling the story of local heroes, exploring the city’s diverse communities, or documenting unique events, San Antonio is an ideal location to produce compelling, authentic documentaries. How to Choose the Right Video Production Company in San Antonio Choosing the right video production company is essential for ensuring your project runs smoothly and meets your expectations. Here are a few tips for selecting the right team for your video production needs:

Review their Portfolio: Look at the company’s previous work to see if their style and approach align with your vision. A diverse portfolio is often a good indicator of their versatility and creativity.

Check References & Reviews: Talk to past clients to get a sense of their experience working with the company. Online reviews can also offer valuable insights into the quality of service.

Evaluate their Expertise: Make sure the production company has experience in your specific type of project. For example, if you’re producing a commercial, ensure they have a track record in advertising videos.

Discuss Budget & Timeline: Set clear expectations regarding the project’s budget, timeline, and deliverables. A reputable company will work with you to create a realistic plan that fits within your budget. Conclusion San Antonio is quickly becoming a hub for high-quality, affordable video production, offering diverse locations, talented professionals, and creative services for businesses, artists, and creators alike. Whether you’re producing a commercial, documentary, or event video, the city has everything you need to bring your project to life. By working with one of the many experienced video production teams in the area, you can ensure that your video stands out, tells a compelling story, and makes a lasting impact.

[socaldumpsters]

Affordable Dumpster Rental Near Me in Los Angeles

SoCal Dumpster offers affordable dumpster rental services near you in Los Angeles, ideal for projects of all sizes. From home cleanouts and landscaping to construction debris and remodeling waste, our dumpsters come in various sizes to suit any need. We pride ourselves on prompt delivery, transparent pricing, and flexible rental terms, making waste disposal stress-free and budget-friendly. With a commitment to environmentally responsible practices, we ensure proper disposal and recycling. Count on SoCal Dumpster for reliable, affordable dumpster rental solutions in Los Angeles, where convenience and affordability meet quality service to keep your projects on track.

[seo-pricing-usa]

Seo price in usa

In today’s competitive digital landscape, seo price in usa face stiff competition when it comes to ranking on Google. To stay ahead, it’s essential to implement a robust SEO strategy that focuses on visibility, local targeting, and user-friendly content. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the critical elements of  highlighting key tactics to help your business dominate search engine results and attract more customers.

The Importance of SEO for Car Rental Businesses in the USA

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is vital for any car rental business that wants to capture a larger share of the online market. With millions of searches happening daily for car rental services, being visible on the first page of Google search results can make a significant difference in bookings and brand exposure.

For car rental companies in the USA, an optimized SEO strategy can lead to increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, and improved customer trust. Ranking high on Google means you're more likely to appear when potential customers are searching for services like "best car rental in Los Angeles" or "affordable car rental near me."

Local SEO for Car Rental Companies in the USA

One of the most critical components of car rental SEO in the USA is local SEO. Since most customers are looking for car rentals in specific locations, optimizing for local search queries can significantly boost your visibility.

1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is an essential tool for ranking in local search results. Ensure that your profile is fully filled out, accurate, and up-to-date. Include important details like your business address, contact information, hours of operation, and the types of cars available. Also, encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as this can improve your ranking.

2. Use Location-Based Keywords

Incorporating location-based keywords throughout your website is crucial for targeting customers in specific areas. For example, if you offer car rental services in New York, make sure you include keywords like "New York car rental," "affordable car rentals in NYC," and "best car rental service in Manhattan." These terms should be placed in headings, meta descriptions, and throughout your website's content.

3. Create Location-Specific Landing Pages

If your car rental business operates in multiple cities or states, it's a good idea to create separate landing pages for each location. Each page should be optimized with local keywords, such as “car rental in Miami,” “car hire in San Francisco,” or “vehicle rentals in Chicago.” This way, when someone searches for car rentals in those specific cities, your business is more likely to appear in the results.

Keyword Research and Optimization for Car Rental SEO

A strong keyword strategy forms the foundation of your car rental SEO efforts. To rank on Google, you need to identify the right keywords that your target audience is using and optimize your website accordingly.

1. Focus on High-Intent Keywords

High-intent keywords are search terms used by potential customers who are ready to book or inquire about services. For example, “cheap car rentals USA” or “book luxury car rental in the USA” indicate that the user is looking for immediate services. By targeting these keywords, you can attract visitors who are more likely to convert into paying customers.

2. Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords are more specific phrases that tend to have less competition but higher intent. Instead of just targeting "car rental USA," you might focus on “SUV car rental in Boston” or “best economy car rental in Florida.” These long-tail keywords allow you to capture niche markets and stand out from the competition.

3. On-Page Optimization

Ensure that your website’s on-page SEO is optimized for your chosen keywords. This includes using keywords in key areas like:

Page titles and meta descriptions

Headers (H1, H2, H3 tags)

URL slugs

Image alt text

Content throughout the website

Each page should be optimized for one primary keyword along with a few secondary keywords that support the main topic.

Mobile Optimization and User Experience for Car Rental SEO

With a large percentage of users booking car rentals via mobile devices, it's crucial to ensure that your website is mobile-friendly. Google also considers mobile-friendliness as a key ranking factor, meaning websites that perform well on mobile are more likely to rank higher in search results.

1. Responsive Web Design

Your website should be fully responsive, meaning it adjusts seamlessly to any screen size. This is particularly important for car rental customers who may need to book while on the go. A slow or difficult-to-navigate mobile experience can lead to lost bookings and a higher bounce rate, both of which negatively impact your rankings.

2. Fast Loading Times

Page speed is another important ranking factor. If your website takes too long to load, users are likely to abandon it and search for other car rental options. Optimize your site by compressing images, minimizing code, and using a reliable hosting service to ensure fast loading times.

3. Easy Navigation and Booking Process

The user experience (UX) should be smooth and intuitive, with a straightforward booking process. The easier it is for customers to find what they’re looking for and book a vehicle, the better your website will perform in terms of SEO and conversion rates. Include clear calls-to-action (CTAs), such as "Reserve Now" or "Check Availability," prominently on the page.

Content Marketing and Link Building for Car Rental SEO in the USA

Content marketing is a powerful tool for building authority and increasing your search engine rankings. By consistently publishing valuable, relevant content, you can attract more visitors to your website and establish your car rental business as a trusted resource in the industry.

1. Create Valuable Blog Content

Creating a blog with useful, engaging content is an excellent way to improve your SEO. Topics like “Tips for Renting a Car in the USA,” “Best Road Trip Cars for Long Journeys,” or “How to Choose the Right Car Rental in Major Cities” can help you attract more organic traffic. This type of content not only boosts your rankings but also keeps users on your site longer, improving engagement metrics.

2. Build High-Quality Backlinks

Backlinks from reputable websites signal to Google that your website is trustworthy and authoritative. To build high-quality backlinks, consider guest posting on travel blogs, partnering with tourism websites, or collaborating with local businesses in the car rental and travel industry. The more relevant backlinks you have, the higher your site will rank.

3. Leverage Social Media

While not a direct ranking factor, social media can help amplify your SEO efforts. Share your blog posts, promotional offers, and customer testimonials on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to drive more traffic to your site. Engaging with your audience on social media can also enhance your brand visibility and reputation.

Tracking and Analyzing Your Car Rental SEO Performance

The final step in mastering car rental SEO in the USA is tracking and analyzing your performance. By monitoring your search engine rankings, website traffic, and conversion rates, you can make data-driven adjustments to your strategy.

1. Use Google Analytics and Search Console

Google Analytics and Search Console are invaluable tools for tracking your SEO performance. Google Analytics allows you to monitor key metrics like user behavior, traffic sources, and conversions, while Search Console helps you identify keywords you're ranking for and any issues with your site’s SEO.

2. Regularly Update Your SEO Strategy

SEO is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. As Google’s algorithms change and your competitors adjust their strategies, it’s essential to keep refining your approach. Regularly updating your website content, focusing on new keywords, and optimizing your site’s technical performance are all crucial for staying ahead in the car rental industry.

[henerypaul-blog]

Exploring Real Estate Opportunities in the USA: Your Guide to Buying a House

The United States offers a diverse real estate market, attracting both domestic buyers and international investors. Whether you’re searching for a house in the United States or looking for the best real estate investments in the US, there’s something for everyone. From luxury estates to affordable foreclosure properties in the USA, this guide will help you navigate the options. For more details, explore listings at a.land.

Indiana USA Houses for Sale: Affordable and Spacious

Indiana offers a range of affordable housing options, making it a prime spot for buyers seeking value. With its mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, Indiana is ideal for families and professionals. Whether you're looking for a starter home or a country retreat, Indiana USA houses for sale promise great value. Browse Indiana listings on a.land for more information.

Real Estate in Tampa, Florida, USA: Sun, Sand, and Investment Potential

Tampa, Florida, combines stunning beaches with a thriving economy. The real estate in Tampa, Florida, USA is known for its high ROI, thanks to the city’s popularity as a tourist and retirement destination. With waterfront properties and modern condos, Tampa caters to a wide variety of tastes and budgets. Discover Tampa’s top properties at a.land.

Houses for Sale in New Jersey, America: Close to the Action

New Jersey, conveniently located near New York City, offers a mix of suburban charm and urban accessibility. Houses for sale in New Jersey, America, range from historic properties to modern developments, appealing to those who work in NYC but prefer a quieter home life. Explore New Jersey homes at a.land.

Country Houses for Sale in the USA: Tranquility Awaits

For those dreaming of rural life, country houses for sale in the USA provide peaceful surroundings and ample space. These properties are ideal for families or anyone looking for a second home in serene landscapes. Find country homes across the USA at a.land.

Real Estate in New York: Iconic and Luxurious

The real estate USA New York market is legendary for its diversity and luxury. From iconic penthouses in Manhattan to suburban gems in upstate New York, this market offers everything. For luxury buyers, the most expensive house in the USA for sale is often located in this state, promising opulence like no other. Start your search for New York properties at a.land.

Foreign Investment in US Residential Real Estate: A Growing Trend

The U.S. real estate market is a magnet for international investors. Foreign investment in US residential real estate continues to grow due to the country's economic stability and diverse property options. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami are particularly popular among foreign buyers. Learn more about investment opportunities at a.land.

Houses for Sale in Washington, USA: A Balanced Lifestyle

Washington State combines natural beauty with bustling cities. Houses for sale in Washington, USA, often feature eco-friendly designs, reflecting the state’s commitment to sustainability. Whether in Seattle or Spokane, buyers can enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Find homes in Washington at a.land.

Foreclosure Properties in the USA: Opportunities for Savvy Buyers

For those seeking bargains, foreclosure properties in the USA offer a chance to buy below market value. These properties are perfect for investors or first-time buyers looking to renovate and customize their homes. Check out foreclosure deals on a.land.

Conclusion

From luxury estates to budget-friendly options, the U.S. real estate market offers a wealth of opportunities. Whether you're exploring Indiana USA houses for sale, real estate in Tampa, Florida, USA, or houses for sale in New Jersey, America, there’s a perfect property waiting for you. With options for every lifestyle and budget, the American dream of homeownership is within reach. Start your journey today at a.land.

[dkaufmandevelopment]

Southern California Apartment Market Forecast: What Investors and Developers Need to Know

A new USC Casden Multifamily Forecast predicts modest but steady rent growth across Southern California through mid-2026. While the days of double-digit rent hikes seen during the pandemic may be behind us, the persistent housing shortage and limited new construction will continue driving rents upward. For real estate developers and investors, this presents opportunities—and challenges—in navigating a complex and evolving market.

Key Projections for Southern California

Inland Empire Leads Rent Growth

• Projected Rent Increase: 7% (to $2,211/month by mid-2026, from $2,063 in 2024).

• Vacancy Rates: Decline to 5.4% from 5.9%.

• Growth Hotspots: Redlands, Fontana, Chino-Rancho Cucamonga, and West Riverside County—areas benefiting from proximity to Los Angeles and Orange County.

Los Angeles County: Modest Growth with Tightening Vacancies

• Projected Rent Increase: 3% (to $2,334/month by mid-2026, from $2,276).

• Vacancy Rates: Drop to 4.5% from 5.5%.

• High-Growth Areas: Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley, and Inglewood have seen above-average growth, while Hollywood-Studio City has stagnated due to high levels of new supply.

Orange County: Stable Growth Amid Rising Vacancies

• Projected Rent Increase: 4% (to $2,786/month by mid-2026, from $2,676).

• Vacancy Rates: Rise to 4.6% from 4.1%.

• Top Submarkets: North County and Anaheim-Santa Ana lead with growth rates of 4% and 3%, while coastal communities lag at 1%.

San Diego County: Continued Momentum

• Projected Rent Increase: 5% (to $2,604/month by mid-2026, from $2,471).

• Vacancy Rates: Rise to 3.7% from 2.1%.

• Market Dynamics: San Diego added twice as many new units as Orange County since 2021, reflecting a more aggressive approach to addressing housing demand.

Why California’s Housing Crisis Fuels Rent Growth

Moussa Diop, a USC real estate professor and co-author of the Casden report, highlights the structural issues underpinning California’s rent trends. “States like Texas and Florida are outbuilding us,” he notes. “California’s construction slowdown in an already undersupplied market puts additional upward pressure on rents.”

While the broader economy has shown resilience, the state’s inability to keep pace with housing demand continues to constrain affordability. This dynamic underscores both the risks and opportunities for investors seeking to capitalize on a market where supply struggles to meet demand.

Opportunities for Developers and Investors

• Target High-Growth Submarkets: Areas like the Inland Empire and North County in Orange County offer robust growth potential due to affordability and proximity to major employment centers.

• Monitor Vacancy Trends: Rising vacancies in some regions, like Orange and San Diego counties, may create opportunities for value-add strategies, particularly in newer developments.

• Adapt to Shifting Demand: As construction in Los Angeles County stabilizes, focus on underserved areas where demand outpaces supply.

Let’s Discuss

The USC forecast sheds light on Southern California’s rental landscape and its implications for the multifamily sector. How are you preparing for these market shifts? Are you seeing similar trends in your own developments or investments?

Join the conversation! Share your insights, strategies, and questions in the comments below. Let’s explore how we can collectively navigate the evolving real estate market in Southern California.