#Digital Display

[lavendershowcase]

Queer Hispanic Stories for Hispanic Heritage Month

Summaries and notes under cut

Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera

Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving the Bronx and headed to Portland, Oregon. She just came out to her family and isn’t sure if her mom will ever speak to her again. But Juliet has a plan, sort of, one that’s going to help her figure out this whole “Puerto Rican lesbian” thing. She’s interning with the author of her favorite book: Harlowe Brisbane, the ultimate authority on feminism, women’s bodies, and other gay-sounding stuff. Will Juliet be able to figure out her life over the course of one magical summer? Is that even possible? Or is she running away from all the problems that seem too big to handle? With more questions than answers, Juliet takes on Portland, Harlowe, and most importantly, herself.

Winner of 2017 Silver IPPY Award for best LGBTQ Fiction, selected by the ALA for the Amelia Bloomer List in 2017

The Prince and the Coyote by David Bowles, illustrated by Amanda Mijangos*

Fifteen-year old crown prince Acolmiztli wants nothing more than to see his city-state of Tetzcoco thrive. A singer, poet, and burgeoning philosophical mind, he has big plans about infrastructure projects and cultural initiatives that will bring honor to his family and help his people flourish. But the two sides of his family, the kingdoms of Mexico and Acolhuacan, have been at war his entire life – after his father risked the wrath of the Tepanec emperor to win his mother’s love. When a power struggle leaves his father dead and his mother and siblings in exile, Acolmiztli must run for his life, seeking refuge in the wilderness. After a coyote helps him find his way in the wild, he takes on a new name – Nezahualcoyotl, or “fasting coyote” (“Neza” for short). Biding his time until he can form new alliances and reconnect with his family, Neza goes undercover, and falls in love with a commoner girl, Sekalli. Can Neza survive his plotting uncles’ scheme to wipe out his line for good? Will the empire he dreams of in Tetzcoco ever come to life? And is he willing to risk the lives of those he loves in the process? This action-packed tale blends prose and poetry – including translations of surviving poems by Nezahualcoytl himself, translated from classical Nahuatl by the author. And the book is packed with queer rep: queer love stories, and a thoughtful exploration of pre-columbian understandings of gender that defy the contemporary Western gender binary.

Pura Belpré honoree, Kirkus Best of the Year, Bookpage top 10 Book of 2023

*Personally recommended by me

The House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara

It’s 1980 in New York City, and nowhere is the city’s glamour and energy better reflected than in the burgeoning Harlem ball scene, where seventeen-year-old Angel first comes into her own. Burned by her traumatic past, Angel is new to the drag world, new to ball culture, and has a yearning inside of her to help create family for those without. When she falls in love with Hector, a beautiful young man who dreams of becoming a professional dancer, the two decide to form the House of Xtravaganza, the first-ever all-Latino house in the Harlem ball circuit. But when Hector dies of AIDS-related complications, Angel must bear the responsibility of tending to their house alone. As mother of the house, Angel recruits Venus, a whip-fast trans girl who dreams of finding a rich man to take care of her; Juanito, a quiet boy who loves fabrics and design; and Daniel, a butch queen who accidentally saves Venus’s life. The Xtravaganzas must learn to navigate sex work, addiction, and persistent abuse, leaning on each other as bulwarks against a world that resists them. All are ambitious, resilient, and determined to control their own fates, even as they hurtle toward devastating consequences. 

Born Both: An Intersex Life by Hida Viloria

My name is Hida Viloria. I was raised as a girl but discovered at a young age that my body looked different. Having endured an often turbulent home life as a kid, there were many times when I felt scared and alone, especially given my attraction to girls. But unlike most people in the first world who are born intersex–meaning they have genitals, reproductive organs, hormones, and/or chromosomal patterns that do not fit standard definitions of male or female–I grew up in the body I was born with because my parents did not have my sex characteristics surgically altered at birth. It wasn’t until I was twenty-six and encountered the term intersex in a San Francisco newspaper that I finally had a name for my difference. That’s when I began to explore what it means to live in the space between genders–to be both and neither. I tried living as a feminine woman, an androgynous person, and even for a brief period of time as a man. Good friends would not recognize me, and gay men would hit on me. My gender fluidity was exciting, and in many ways freeing–but it could also be isolating. I had to know if there were other intersex people like me, but when I finally found an intersex community to connect with I was shocked, and then deeply upset, to learn that most of the people I met had been scarred, both physically and psychologically, by infant surgeries and hormone treatments meant to “correct” their bodies. Realizing that the invisibility of intersex people in society facilitated these practices, I made it my mission to bring an end to it–and became one of the first people to voluntarily come out as intersex at a national and then international level. Born Both is the story of my lifelong journey toward finding love and embracing my authentic identity in a world that insists on categorizing people into either/or, and of my decades-long fight for human rights and equality for intersex people everywhere.

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

In Her Body and Other Parties, Carmen Maria Machado blithely demolishes the arbitrary borders between psychological realism and science fiction, comedy and horror, fantasy and fabulism. While her work has earned her comparisons to Karen Russell and Kelly Link, she has a voice that is all her own. In this electric and provocative debut, Machado bends genre to shape startling narratives that map the realities of women’s lives and the violence visited upon their bodies. A wife refuses her husband’s entreaties to remove the green ribbon from around her neck. A woman recounts her sexual encounters as a plague slowly consumes humanity. A salesclerk in a mall makes a horrifying discovery within the seams of the store’s prom dresses. One woman’s surgery-induced weight loss results in an unwanted houseguest. And in the bravura novella “Especially Heinous,” Machado reimagines every episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a show we naively assumed had shown it all, generating a phantasmagoric police procedural full of doppelgängers, ghosts, and girls-with-bells-for-eyes.

Finalist for the 2017 National Book Award for Fiction, Winner of the National Book Critics Circle's 2017 John Leonard Prize, Winner of the 2017 Bard Fiction Prize, Finalist for the 2017 Kirkus Prize, Finalist for the 2017 PEN/Robert Bingham Award

[futureselfbeats]

DAY 919 - BLUBLBLUBLBLUB

IG: @futureselfbeats

[artsykittenpaws]

In a dusty workshop filled with scrap metal and old machinery, a fluffy orange tabby cat stretched out lazily on a workbench. The cat, named Rusty, had made this place his home, finding comfort amidst the clutter and chaos. The workshop's owner, an eccentric inventor, hardly seemed to mind the feline presence. In fact, he rather enjoyed the company during long nights tinkering away at his latest creations. Rusty watched intently as the inventor plugged in a curious device, its green digital display flashing to life, casting an eerie glow. With a contented purr, Rusty settled in, ready to supervise another night of technological wizardry in his cozy junkyard kingdom.

[jefkphotography]

A digital display and a clock at a bus stop.

Black and white photography.

[cyberegypt]

Cyberpunk Aesthetic + Ancient Egypt = Robotic Sphinx

[ebrahimbdseo]

Digital Marketer, SEO Expert ,

[djevilninja]

I could go on counting for hours, the things that I like; Please don't move, baby, stay right here, stay right inside. I don't mind if you turn your back on me, ‘cause I know you're still good; Even if I wanna turn on a light, in this position I don't think I could.

Ready for the World - Digital Display

[air92001]

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Retail Display Solutions for Your Business

In the competitive retail environment of today, retail display solutions are essential to drive customers in and increase sales. From classic shelving to cutting-edge digital signage, the right display strategy can be the difference between success and failure. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which retail display solutions are best for your business?

[bentbox-co]

[richmondsigncompanyca1]

The Long-Term Value of Monument Signs: Are They Worth the Investment

Monument signs are a crucial investment for institutions seeking to establish a strong presence, enhance visibility, and create a lasting impression on their audience. Whether for educational campuses, healthcare facilities, government buildings, or corporate headquarters, these signs serve as prominent landmarks that communicate authority and professionalism. While the initial cost of a monument sign may seem significant, a thorough evaluation of its long-term benefits reveals a high level of cost-effectiveness.

One of the primary advantages of monument signs is their durability. Constructed from robust materials such as stone, brick, concrete, or high-density foam, these signs are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, vandalism, and general wear and tear. Unlike temporary signage or digital screens that require frequent maintenance and replacement, a well-designed monument sign can last for decades with minimal upkeep. This longevity translates to lower long-term costs and a high return on investment.

Another factor contributing to the cost-effectiveness of monument signs is their ability to attract and guide visitors. Institutions often rely on signage to ensure seamless navigation, especially in large campuses or complex facilities. By providing clear, visually appealing, and strategically placed signage, institutions can reduce confusion, minimize the need for additional directional assistance, and improve overall visitor experience. This efficiency can lead to indirect cost savings, such as reduced staffing requirements for guiding visitors and fewer incidents of lost or frustrated guests.

Branding and marketing benefits further enhance the value of monument signs. Unlike traditional advertising methods that require continuous investment, a monument sign offers a one-time expense with long-term promotional impact. An institution’s name, logo, and mission can be prominently displayed, reinforcing brand identity and credibility. When placed in high-traffic areas, these signs effectively capture attention and establish a sense of permanence and reliability. Additionally, illuminated or digital components can be integrated into monument signs, allowing institutions to update messaging without incurring the recurring costs of traditional advertising.

Municipal zoning regulations and permit requirements can influence the overall cost of installing a monument sign, but they also contribute to its exclusivity and effectiveness. Unlike billboards and other forms of signage that may be subject to frequent changes or removal, monument signs typically receive approval as a long-term fixture. This stability ensures that institutions maintain a consistent visual presence without ongoing advertising expenses or contractual obligations.

Energy efficiency is another factor to consider when evaluating cost-effectiveness. Modern monument signs can incorporate LED lighting, solar power, or other energy-efficient technologies, reducing electricity costs and environmental impact. Institutions focused on sustainability can benefit from these eco-friendly options while maintaining visibility during nighttime hours. The integration of digital display features can also reduce the need for printed materials, further lowering operational expenses.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in a monument sign should be viewed as a strategic financial move rather than a simple expenditure. The combination of longevity, reduced maintenance costs, wayfinding efficiency, branding advantages, and energy savings makes these signs a prudent investment for institutions. By carefully designing and positioning a monument sign, institutions can maximize their return on investment and enjoy a cost-effective solution that strengthens their identity, improves visitor experience, and enhances long-term operational efficiency.

[lavendershowcase]

Pink Pony Club: LGBT books with pink covers (that was the whole criteria this month, starting chill)

Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl by Andrea Lawlor

It’s 1993 and Paul Polydoris tends bar at the only gay club in a university town thrumming with politics and partying. He studies queer theory, has a dyke best friend, makes zines, and is a flaneur with a rich dating life. But Paul’s also got a secret: he’s a shapeshifter. Oscillating wildly from Riot Grrrl to leather cub, Paul transforms his body and his gender at will as he crossed the country––a journey and adventure through the deep queer archives of struggle and pleasure.

Of note: 90s queer culture, debut novel, Lawlor received the Whiting award for this novel

Your Driver is Waiting by Priya Guns

Damani is tired. Her father just died on the job at a fast-food joint, and now she lives paycheck to paycheck in a basement, caring for her mom and driving for an app that is constantly cutting her take. The city is roiling in protests–everybody’s in solidarity with somebody–but while she keeps hearing that they’re fighting for change on behalf of people like her, she literally can’t afford to pay attention.     Then she gives a ride to Jolene (five stars, obviously). Jolene seems like she could be the perfect girlfriend–attentive, attractive, an ally–and their chemistry is off the charts. Jolene’s done the reading, she goes to every protest, and she says all the right things. So maybe Damani can look past the one thing that’s holding her back: she’s never dated anyone with money before, not to mention a white girl with money. But just as their romance intensifies and Damani finally lets her guard down, Jolene does something unforgivable, setting off an explosive chain of events.

Of note: satire, "gender-flipped Taxi Driver"

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher*

It’s been hundreds of years since King Arthur’s reign. His descendant, Arthur, a future Lord and general gadabout, has been betrothed to Gwendoline, the quick-witted, short-tempered princess of England, since birth. The only thing they can agree on is that they despise each other. They’re forced to spend the summer together at Camelot in the run up to their nuptials, and within 24 hours, Gwen has discovered Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur has gone digging for Gwen's childhood diary and found confessions about her crush on the kingdom's only lady knight, Bridget Leclair. Realizing they might make better allies than enemies, they make a reluctant pact to cover for each other, and as things heat up at the annual royal tournament, Gwen is swept off her feet by her knight and Arthur takes an interest in Gwen's royal brother.

Of note: YA, historical

*I personally recommend this book! There's interesting world building, playing with Arthurian legends. It's fun and tropey but not without genuinely emotional moments. And it's just such a good read. Bonus points for a character having an unnamed medical condition that shares symptoms with endometriosis.

Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuinston

When his mother became President, Alex Claremont-Diaz was promptly cast as the American equivalent of a young royal. Handsome, charismatic, genius―his image is pure millennial-marketing gold for the White House. There's only one problem: Alex has a beef with the actual prince, Henry, across the pond. And when the tabloids get hold of a photo involving an Alex-Henry altercation, U.S./British relations take a turn for the worse. Heads of family, state, and other handlers devise a plan for damage control: staging a truce between the two rivals. What at first begins as a fake, Instragramable friendship grows deeper, and more dangerous, than either Alex or Henry could have imagined. Soon Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret romance with a surprisingly unstuffy Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations and begs the question: Can love save the world after all? Where do we find the courage, and the power, to be the people we are meant to be? And how can we learn to let our true colors shine through?

Of note: adapted into a movie in 2023

We Were the Universe by Kimberly King Parsons

The trip was supposed to be fun. When Kit’s best friend gets dumped by his boyfriend, he begs her to ditch her family responsibilities for an idyllic weekend in the Montana mountains. They’ll soak in hot springs, then sneak a vape into a dive bar and drink too much, like old times. Instead, their getaway only reminds Kit of everything she’s lost lately: her wildness, her independence, and—most heartbreaking of all—her sister, Julie, who died a few years ago. When she returns home to the Dallas suburbs, Kit tries to settle in to her routine—long afternoons spent caring for her irrepressible daughter, going on therapist-advised dates with her concerned husband, and reluctantly taking her mother’s phone calls. But in the secret recesses of Kit’s mind, she’s reminiscing about the band she used to be in—and how they’d go out to the desert after shows and drop acid. She’s imagining an impossible threesome with her kid’s pretty gymnastics teacher and the cool playground mom. Keyed into everything that might distract from her surfacing pain, Kit spirals. As her already thin boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, she begins to wonder: Is Julie really gone?

Of note: considered "a most anticipated novel," released July 2024

[bentboxxx]

[jefkphotography]

A digital display board at a bus stop.

[geeky360]

User-Friendly Information Display Kiosks

Queue Pro's user-friendly information display kiosks are designed to enhance customer engagement and streamline service experiences. These sleek and modern kiosks provide an interactive platform for delivering essential information, way-finding assistance, and promotional content, ensuring users receive a seamless and intuitive experience.

With a focus on innovation and reliability, Queue Pro's kiosks are equipped with high-resolution touchscreens and customization software that can be tailored to meet diverse industry needs, including retail, healthcare, hospitality, and public spaces. The kiosks support multilingual interfaces, ensuring accessibility for a broader audience.

Built for durability and ease of use, Queue Pro’s kiosks feature robust hardware designed to withstand heavy usage while maintaining optimal performance. Integrated with cutting-edge technology, these kiosks support features like QR code scanning, payment options, and real-time data synchronization, making them versatile tools for improving operational efficiency.

Queue Pro prioritizes aesthetics and functionality, offering kiosks that blend effortlessly with any environment while maintaining a user-centric design. Whether it’s assisting customers with self-check-ins, providing real-time updates, or showcasing interactive advertisements, Queue Pro's information display kiosks deliver solutions that redefine convenience and engagement in the digital age.

[amikasoftwares]

If you're looking for a company that specializes in customizable indoor retail signage, Start Smart Digital Signage is an excellent option. They offer LED solutions tailored to meet the needs of retail spaces. Their signage solutions are perfect for creating engaging and visually appealing displays that enhance customer experiences.

[velement]

Looking for a stylish way to enhance privacy without compromising on natural light? Frosted windows are the perfect solution! Designed to transform sunlight into a soft, ambient glow, they create a serene and inviting atmosphere in any room.

Whether you're updating your home or workspace, frosted windows offer the perfect blend of beauty and functionality. Say goodbye to heavy curtains and blinds—these windows provide privacy while maintaining an open and airy feel. From sleek modern designs to intricate patterns, frosted glass complements every interior style, adding a touch of sophistication to bathrooms, offices, entryways, and beyond.